@CAMTAMagazine SEPTEMBER 2022 PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPT. JIMMY NELSON WWW.LIVINTHEDREAMTV.COM / IG: @CAPTJIMMYNELSON VOLUME 3 • ISSUEFRANCHISE2 OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE FREAKYFISH Monster Florida SNOOK DROPSHOTFORBASS WATCH VIDEO
a band of anglers is a way of life.
Members of ‘A Band Of Anglers’ (ABOA) are passionate anglers and good people. We aren’t all world record holders or tournament pros. But we are all passionate about fishing. Members of ABOA are employees. We are investors. We are friends. We are brothers and sisters. We are anglers who love and protect the sport of fishing and the beautiful waters in which our fish swim and thrive. We have that weird gene that makes us wake up on a late winter morning thinking about fishing. We smile when we set the hook on a solid fish and feel our rod bend. And we LOVE to fish the patent-pending lures designed and made by Patrick Sebile and his friends.
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WATCH VIDEO WATCH VIDEO WATCH VIDEO TWICER 9” GREEN MACKEREL SPOOLTEK SPOOLTEK CRUSHERFLYING 150 WHITE GHOST OCEAN BORN SANDYLL PRO 7” BLUE BACK HYPERPLASTICS BLACKTWITCHERSHINER ENGAGE WATCH VIDEO WATCH if you are an angler, promoter, dealer or local guide and want to be part of the band,
Thursday also saw the “C- Student” out of Southside Place, TX, weigh a 71.5-pound white marlin good for first place and a temporary grasp of $2,800,000 for angler Keeley Megarity from Houston, TX. The “C- Student” wasn’t as lucky as the “Cabana” because on the final day at 6:20 PM, the “Billfisher” out of Ocean City, MD pulled up to the scale and Jeremy Duffie from Bethesda, MD turned the leaderboard upside down by weighing a 77.5-pound white marlin moving him into first place. The “Billfisher” was across the board with all the added entry skill levels and reclaimed the title for the largest price ever paid for catching a fish: a staggering $4,536,000. Duffie’s fish took almost $2,000,000 from the “C- Student” leaving them with a still respectable $197,000 for their 2nd place white.
WORLD RECORD PAYOUT
There was a lot of money shared in the tuna divisions lead by 247.5-pound bigeye taken by Jason Hersh from Maple Glen, PA. Hersh was fishing aboard the “Southern C’s” out of Ocean City, MD, and received a check for $1,278,197. The “Big Stick” also out of OC, MD took 2nd place tuna with Anderson Bowen from Suwanee, GA weighing a 246.5-pound bigeye good for $152,405.00. Because they were in more of the added skill levels, the 242.5-pound bigeye taken off the “Komotose” out of Manteo, NC netted $437,918 to Richard Hawse from Pasadena, MD. The wahoo division saw approximately $74,000 split among the “Jenny Poo” out of Palm Beach, FL which took $24,566.00 for a 71-pounder caught by Chris Thompson from Mount Airy, MD. $23,566 was awarded to Hans Mulford from Seaford, DE fishing on the “Water Marlin” out of Seaford, DE for their 54-pounder. Third place wahoo was a 51-pounder taken by Patrick Brown from Miami, FL aboard the “Irish Twin” winning $22,566 for his effort. The ”Irene” out of Stuart, FL took first place in the dolphin division with a huge 59.5-pound fish caught by Frank Sinito Jr from Cleveland, OH who earned $31,297. It was the 29-pounder taken aboard the “10-4 Joker” out of Chincoteague, VA that earned the biggest dolphin payday. Because they were also in the small boat heavy dolphin added entry, Vernon Merritt Jr. also from Chincoteague, VA netted $104,447 for his efforts. The 28-pound dolphin caught off the “JEB” out of Ocean City, MD earned $28,297 for Lutherville, MD native Vince Piccinini. The most prestigious categories in the WMO are unseen. They are for the boats and anglers that release the most billfish during the event.
FOR A $INGLE FISH
F or the second year in a row, the last white marlin weighed netted a world record purse. In 2021, “Sushi” out of Ocean City, MD took the top white marlin at the last minute, and at the time collected (a then world record payout) of $3,200,000 for catching a fish. That record payout lasted just 10 months when angler Matthew Brown fishing aboard the “Mercenaria” in the 2022 Big Rock tournament out of Morehead City, NC weighed a 572.6-pound blue marlin and won $3,489,813. During this year’s White Marlin Open (as they would say in fishing parlance), the billfishing was lousy. In 2016, 1445 billfish were caught, while the 2019 event saw a total of 1,504 billfish taken. But this year, the marlin were AWOL for most boats. A total of just 155 whites were caught with 151 released while 58 of the 59 blue marlin caught were released. And no marlin was even weighed until Thursday.Onday four, the “Cabana,” out of Fenwick Island, DE, arrived at the scales with a 511-pound blue marlin. The blue was taken by Bill Britt from Sandy Spring, MD, to take first place as the only qualifier in that division. That fish held on until the end and Britt was awarded $1,208,420 for his efforts.
2022 WMO TOP ANGLERS 1. Bill Haugland on the “Lights Out” 490 pts. 2. Kelly Weber on the “Max Bet” 420 pts. 3. Victor Roof on the “Miss Maxine” ....... 420 pts. 4. Noah McVicker on the “Billfisher” 350 pts. 5. Rusty Reddish on the “Bar South” 350 pts. 2022 WMO TOP FEMALE ANGLERS 1. Kelly Weber on the “Max Bet” .............. 420 pts. 2. Virginia Rodriguez on the “Par Five” ... 315 pts. 2022 WMO TOP BOATS 1. “Billfisher” 708 pts 2. “Mama C” 700 pts 3. “Lights Out” ............................................... 490 pts 4. “Hydrosphere” .......................................... 490 pts. 5. “Catch 23” 455 pts.
ere we go again. The hubbub over federal management of red snapper seems never ending. Most recently, Southeastern legislators penned a letter asking NOAA to suspend consideration of area closures in the South Atlantic. Meanwhile, legislators from states on the Gulf of Mexico are pushing back against new proposed federal regulations. Both groups contend the federal government is not using “the best available science” in management decisions.
It’s worth noting that last year’s data from a similar study, the Gulf of Mexico Great Red Snapper Count, indicated there were up to three times as many red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico as the numbers federal managers were using to make management decisions.
The proposal would also increase the overall red snapper overfishing limit from 15.5 million pounds to 25.6 million, while increasing the acceptable biological catch from 15.1 million to 15.4 million. That might sound pretty good for anglers; however, legislators pointed out that this would reduce allowable catch from 97 percent to 60 percent of the sustainable limit.
On that note, Gulf legislators are not pleased with how “more accurate” state data is being calibrated into the “fundamentally flawed” MRIP data that federal managers have used to set regulations for years. The “data calibration framework” included within proposed rule changes would result in reductions of the state annual catch limit for some states and increases for others. State annual catch limits would increase for Florida and Louisiana by 100,000 and 50,000 pounds, respectively.
Texas’ limit would remain the same, while Alabama and Mississippi’s limits would decrease by 586,000 and 95,000 pounds, respectively.
RED BATTLESSNAPPERCONTINUE VIDEO
“By requiring the states to calibrate their more accurate—and NMFS certified—catch data to an outdated and fundamentally flawed MRIP, NMFS has failed to find an effective solution and is not making decisions based on the best available science while refusing to appropriately integrate the new data,” reads a letter from legislators.
WATCH
“Now, on top of a short red snapper season, it is our understanding that there are discussions about broad area or season closures of all bottom fishing to stop red snapper encounters altogether,” reads the letter. “This decision would be crippling economically for our states that rely heavily on our coastalLegislatorseconomy.”have called on NOAA to hold off on area closure consideration until data from the ongoing South Atlantic Great Red Snapper Count can be considered. Results of this study, which began in 2021, are expected by 2025.
For more information on the continued political wrangling over red snapper, see coastalanglermag.com.
The South Atlantic fishery seems to be in a situation similar to what the Gulf fishery faced a few years ago. Following years of ridiculously short red snapper seasons to rebuild the stock, anglers on the water report red snapper so thick that it’s the only species they can catch. These fish must be released, despite the high likelihood they will succumb to pressure-related injuries. Ultimately these discards count against fishermen.
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8 SEPTEMBER 2022 THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE 8:17p.m.Beenoutonthelakeforhours. theofficialbatteryof“OneMoreCast...” Visitlithiumbatterypower.comcallusat727-233-9831It’s 8:17 p.m. Been out on the lake for hours. But there are more fish in the water. And my LBP batteries are still going strong. Maybe One More Cast . . . the official battery of “One More Cast...” Visit lithiumbatterypower.com Or call us at 727-233-9831 PHOTO BY JOHN P RUGGERI
During the mullet run, large schools of redfish follow migrating mullet. The easiest way to target these fish is to drop a live mullet below the main school of mullet. If you’re specifically targeting bull reds, you’ll want to give it a go at night. Drifting large chunks of ladyfish on an outgoing current will almost always produce a large fish. Occasionally, you will come across large schools of redfish feeding on the surface at the mouth of the inlet on an outgoing tide. When this occurs, use topwater plugs, swimbaits and large jigs. In the backcountry around the mangroves, gold spoons, live shrimp and small crabs work best. The IGFA world record redfish weighed in at 94 lbs. 2 oz. It was caught off the North Carolina Outer Banks in 1984.
By Emily Rose Hanzlik
It’s callVisitOr
Red drum, more commonly known as redfish, are a familiar species to most saltwater anglers. With beautiful copper-colored scales fading into a white belly, their distinctive mark is an eye spot at the base of the tail. Catching a red with multiple black spots is a true honor for many inshore and nearshore anglers. This eye spot is not merely a decoration, it also serves as a defense mechanism to confuse predators into thinking a redfish’s tail is its head. Reds can be found on the coasts of Mexico all the way to Cape Cod, Mass. Their habitats can vary widely due to redfish being euryhaline, which means they tolerate a wide range of salinity. Redfish are typically a nearshore species, meaning they can be found in estuaries, bays, mudflats, oyster beds and off of beaches. Young redfish prefer estuaries, where there is an abundance of prey as well as protection from larger predators. Once they reach about three years old, they tend to move off of the beaches into coastal areas. Once redfish reach maturity, at three or four years, they begin spawning. Their spawning season usually takes place from mid-August to mid-November; however, this may vary due to temperatures and other factors. Redfish usually congregate to spawn near or inside tidal inlets or fast-flowing water to ensure as many eggs as possible are fertilized.
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n September, with the famed mullet run in full swing, big bull redfish will be following schools of mullet and feeding heavily. It’s one of the best times of year to hook up with a bull red, and my favorite place to target them is in the Sebastian Inlet.
WATCH VIDEO
INLETSINREDSBULLTHE
Males produce a drumming sound to attract females by contracting their muscles to vibrate tºheir swim bladders. Females produce one-half to two million eggs per season. Most eggs do not make it to the safety of bay areas.
Emily Rose Hanzlik holds 51 IGFA world records in various categories. She hails from West Palm Beach, where she has a part time Bowfin Guide Service as well as fishing classes for Jr. Anglers. Find her on Social Media @emilyhanzlikoutdoors.
5) ENJOY NATURE’S ARTWORK Get a comfy chair and point the pontoon boat to the west. Sunsets on the water just can’t be beat. Be sure to have the camera ready to capture and share the orange hues of a gorgeous sunset. These are five favorite pontoon boat adventures from the experts at StyleCraft Boats. Be creative and enjoy pontoon life to its fullest. Start your adventure at stylecraftboats.com.
STYLECRAFT BOATS DELIVERS YOUR TOP-FIVE PONTOON BOAT ADVENTURES
1) FEEL THE WIND Top of the list is simply cruising. StyleCraft Boats Outfitter ZX23 features proprietary fiberglass pontoon hulls. The design, based on racing pontoons, is flat on the bottom giving an ultra-smooth ride. These pontoons are also energy efficient resulting in less horsepower need and enhanced gas savings. So, cruise away and enjoy long rides with the wind dashing by.
2) EXPERIENCE THE TUG OF A FISH
There are plenty of exciting activities to enjoy on a pontoon boat. Here are five of our favorites.
3) RIDE THE WAKES AND TAKE A DIP Tubers love to hang on the rope tied to the back of a pontoon boat. Action fast enough for every tuber is afforded, and the long sweeping turns give quite a ride over the wakes. A pontoon boat also makes a great swimming platform. Just don’t park it too shallow, as diving and jumping off the deck is so appealing.
4) SET UP CAMP Don’t head back to the marina at sunset. Motor up to an island with a sandy beach and set up camp for the night. It’s easy to pitch a tent with sleeping bags and air mattresses, set up a grill for a steak dinner hidden away in the ice chest and then build a campfire to roast s’mores or tell stories. Watching the stars is a whole lot more fun on an island. Even the pontoon boat can be arranged for camping right on the deck. Let the gentle lapping of waves lure you to sleep.
Everyone loves to fish. Whenever you’re on the water, some type of fishing should be on the agenda. A pontoon boat is designed to be comfortable and safe for angling. They offer plenty of room to move around and cast on an extremely stable platform. There is no better way to take kids fishing. They can be close to the action, yet protected from falling in the water by the boat railing. All the electronics you need can be easily mounted on a pontoon boat. Add a trolling motor, some rod holders and maybe a bait tank, and you’ve got a fishing machine for the family as well as for more serious excursions.
Tim WATCH VIDEO
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Barefoot THE CHANGE WILL BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER
Everything offshore will start to notice when water temps drop a little at the end of the month, and even more obvious will be shorter daylight hours. All the fish we pursue will start thinking about one of three things: spawning, gorging to fatten up for winter or migrating back south. I’m most concerned with the grouper/snapper complex and the wahoo, so this puts my fishing in overdrive for the next few months. Groupers and snappers will be hot as a firecracker until after Christmas. Wahoo fishing will be at the peak by then as well. Another species I like to stay tuned into are the beeliners (vermillion snapper). When you stay in touch with these guys, you pretty much stay in touch with everything, because everything out there loves to eat a beeliner. The full moon is going to be on Saturday, Sept. 10. This will be a good time to spend the night at the break and have the livewell full to fish just before dawn. Beeliners will chew hard during this full moon, and the bite will shut down as soon as the moon disappears on the western horizon. If you can keep the bright lights going all night, the squid and the biggest, fattest beeliners will be readily available for the taking. When you have these two things gathered up in mass, you definitely have the wahoo and grouper there also. This is a good reason to keep the light line out with a fresh squid or a Boston mackerel just past where the light disappears into the dark water. The only problem is the kings are there too. You may like to catch kings, and I apologize for that last sentence, but if I catch a king, it’s accidental. A lot of folks don’t even consider fishing at night, and certainly not fishing the light line at night, but it can be extremely effective for wahoo and kings. The first wahoo I ever caught from an anchored boat was at night, and it was a heck of an experience. We saw the fish swim under the lights, and I quickly put out a live beeliner. The beeliner swam away from the boat, and just as he got to the dark water, we saw the bite. I was instantly addicted to this style of bottom fishing and light lining versus just trolling for wahoo, tuna and dolphin. Dolphin will not eat at night, normally, but the night bite for tuna can be good. The stack of beeliners is the main thing I’m looking for as a good starting point for a place to fish. Gags and scamps will definitely go with the food (beeliners) until the beginning or middle of October. Then the gags will leave the beeliners to migrate inshore in search of cigs and sardines and to spawn. For more information, see www.barefootcatsandtackle.com.
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F or those of us who fish, the arrival of Fall isn’t about golden leaves or dewy meadows. It’s about the sea spray misting your cheeks as the boat carries you to your next fishing spot, which is most likely focused on sight fishing this time of year. In the waters around Florida, some of the best Fall fishing is sight fishing.Beforewarned, however. Mother Nature can be fickle in the Fall. The sun can be beating down on you one minute, and a rainy cold front blowing through the next.Make sure you’re prepared with GILLZ GEAR. If you’re “in the zone” sight fishing with your eye on the target, the last thing you want to worry about is losing your concentration while adjusting to a sudden 15-knot breeze. The GILLZ Pro Series UV Hoodie has you covered. Featuring GILLZTECTM proprietary fabric, this versatile longsleeve t-shirt offers UPF 50+ sun protection and 360-degree venting. Meanwhile the hood and built-in GILLZMASK help shield you from any offshore winds that whip up this time of year. Ultracomfortable features like no-seam underarm gussets and extended drop-back hems make this sea-going workhorse the ultimate fishing shirt for any season. Practical and innovative, the GILLZ Waterman Packable Jacket is another go-to for the Fall. This convenient and highly effective outer layer features comfort-stretch fabric and maximum waterproof protection. Best of all, it packs into its own pocket when not in use. After a productive day on the water, you can’t be blamed for celebrating at your nearby seafood festival or boat show. With a GILLZ Pro Series SS Woven button-down, you can go from boat to boat show with ease. In addition to serious UV protection and maximum cooling technology, the trendy designs will have you looking as good as you feel … wherever you go. MORE AT GILLZ-GEAR.COM
LEARN
FALL FISHING IS OUTTA-SIGHT, ESPECIALLY WHEN SIGHT FISHING
By Nick Carter CATCH GIANT SNOOK BEFORE TRANSITIONTHE
giant snook should be on every angler’s bucket list. They’re big, they’re strong and they’re aggressive. Southern Florida boasts the most prolific snook fisheries in the world, and Capt. Patrick Smith, of Swamp to Sea Guide Service, operates in the heart of one of the best. Swamp to Sea fishes throughout Palm Beach County up to Stuart, Fla. At times, the snook fishing can be so good that the prospect is almost mundane for Capt. Smith.
“If I’ve got clients who want to catch the snook of a lifetime, we’ll go out to the inlet and let them catch one or two. Then we’ll go do something else,” he said. “It’s cool to check a big snook off the list, but light tackle is more fun.”
Capt. Smith’s nonchalance about catching snook 35 to 43 inches long and up to 25 pounds is an attitude geared toward conservation of a species he loves. When big females congregate in the inlets to spawn around the full moons of summer, they are easy targets for anglers armed with big live baits like perch and croakers.“They’re not smart fish. If they’re turned on, they’re going to eat. If they’re not, it may be five hours before they do,” he said. “But there’s going to be 30 to 40 minutes on the tide when those snook are eating. There’s not a lot of thought that goes into it. If one is interested, they all are.”
Throughout the summer, snook are catch-and-release-only to protect spawning fish. On the Atlantic side, snook harvest opens Sept. 1, with a 28- to 32-inch slot limit. Capt. Smith said the spawning pattern lasts well into September most years, but the big females are over the slot and must be released, anyway. He is more concerned with A
Smith fishes 10,000 size reels on 50- to 100-lb. rods. He runs 80-lb. braid to a 60-lb. fluorocarbon leader and locks down the drag. The weakest link is an 8/0 thin wire circle hook, which is easier on the fish but must be changed out frequently.Heavy gear combats a big snook’s propensity for bulldogging into structure. It also shortens the length of the fight to lessen the likelihood of fish succumbing to exhaustion or sharks.
Smith said these large spawners can be 25 years and older. He urged anglers to handle them carefully for release and never to hold them vertically by their mouths. If you’re looking for a snook to eat, there’s plenty of opportunity for that
also. Between the moons some of the snook spread out to the bridges, docks and deep holes.
The smaller, slot-sized males become more interested in feeding. Also, the mullet run will kick in toward the end of September. When mullet schools show up, everything from the fish to the anglers switch over to chasing bait.
Contact Capt. Patrick Smith through his www.swamptosea.com.website:
the beatings these fish take all summer long. His solution is to limit the number of fish he targets and to gear up heavy.
THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2022 19 TROUBLE-FREE TOWING Dexter’s complete line of surge actuators are highly-engineered and easy to use. Tow with confidence, knowing your trailer brakes will be smooth and powerful. Backed by the industry’s leading 5-year warranty and available in capacities from 6,600-20,000 lbs., Dexter is the right fit for your boat trailer. www.dexteraxle.com All Dexter actuators are proudly assembled in the USA
20 SEPTEMBER 2022 THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE W
The first key element is the rod. When it comes to casting for distance, you want a fast-action rod. This is true if you are a surf angler, a boat angler targeting fast-moving tuna, or an inshore angler targeting shallowwater reds and trout that are easy to spook. The more flexible your rod is, the less momentum it will impart to the lure. Make sure your blank is stiff. Rod blanks come with a lure weight range. Most of the time the optimal lure weight for casting distance is between 1/2 and 2/3 of the weight the rod is rated for. So, for a 2to 6-ounce rod rating, the best weight for long casts is typically 3 to 4 ounces. A rod rated for 3/8 to 1 ½ ounces usually casts farthest with a 3/4 to 1 ounce lure. Choose a rod that matches the lures you’ll be throwing. The rod handle is also a big deal when it comes to distance. For a spinning rod, you want the length of a forearm, plus a fist, between the reel seat and the butt of the rod. Length gives you leverage, but you don’t want it to be too long. For surfcasting rods, about 1 ½ times the length of your forearm seems best. High-quality guides also make a big difference in how far you can cast. Typically, you’re going to have to spend more for quality guides, but consider it an investment that results in consistently longer casts. Proper guide placement makes a difference, as well.
On some rods, the first guide is too close to the reel and/or the legs holding the rod to the blank are too short. This creates an angle at which the line hits the guide and adds drag to the line and lure. This simple detail can reduce casting distance as much as 10 percent. If you find a rod you really like, but the first guide is not seated properly, consider moving the guide.On the reel side, I prefer a slightly conic spool that dumps and winds line evenly. That is pretty much all you need from a reel dedicated to long distance.Forline, stick to braid for its smaller diameter. I prefer braid with a smooth finish without coating. When distance is what matters most, do not hesitate to drop to 25 to 50 percent lighter line than what you would normally use. For example, 40-lb. braid is common when surf fishing for striped bass. If you need longer casts to reach the fish, it is worth dropping to 30- or even 20-lb. test. If you’re using a heavy lure, tie in a shock head 50 to 100 percent stronger to absorb the impact of the cast. Legendary angler Patrick Sebile is a world record holder and an award-winning designer of innovative lures and fishing gear.Check out his creations at abandofanglers.com.
LURES PATRICK SEBILE ROD, REEL AND LINE FOR DISTANCE
e’ve talked a lot in this column over the last few months about lures that help achieve longdistance casts. Now, I’d like to cover the rest of the equipment that will help you cast farther and reach more fish.
BATTERY36VLITHIUMDAKOTATHEWITHDIFFERENCELITHIUMTHEDISCOVER63AH Used by Bass Master Elite fisherman Brock Mosley and two time back to back Bass Master Classic Champion Hank Cherry, Dakota Lithium is the choice of champions and trusted by professional tournament anglers for those long days on the water. The Dakota Lithium 36V 63Ah battery will allow you to fish longer with twice the power, half the weight, and four times the lifespan than your old sealed lead acid or AGM batteries –providing exceptional lifetime value. All backed by the Dakota lithium legendary 11 year warranty. Join the Lithium Revolution now! Use the code coastalangler for 10% off on your next purchase at dakotalithium.com
Outdoor Adventures
Plantation on Crystal River’s Adventure Center & Dive Shop provides guests with a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity to swim and interact with threatened West Indian Manatees in the waters of Crystal River and Kings Bay. Snorkelers will find many of the gentle creatures in the crystal- clear spring waters migrate during cooler winter months with some that stay year-round. The manatees can also be easily observed from any part of the Plantation’s expansive sea wall and gazebo point.
SCALLOPING There is no better place to go scalloping on Florida’s Gulf Coast than Plantation on Crystal River. Taking place in shallow waters, scalloping is a fun family activity that only requires a snorkel, net and a pair of fins; no previous experience is needed. Scalloping does require a special permit, but licensed group tours and charters are available for those without a license. Scalloping season is typically July 1 to September 24.
BOATING
MANATEE TOURS
GOLF Guests can tee off on the resort’s traditional Florida-style 18-hole cham pionship course. Surrounded by native plants and oaks, the championship course challenges guests with a number of difficult fairways and waterways, including the course’s signature No. 11 hole. The 9-hole Executive Golf Course is a great place for beginners and experienced players to sharpen their golf skills. The Original Golf SchoolTM at Plantation on Crystal River accommo dates players of all levels, with experienced professionals offering on-course instruction, with no more that four students per professional instructor.
RESORT ACTIVITIES
Countless on-property amenities also provide entertainment to guests at Plantation on Crystal River. Highlights include a scenic, lagoon-style swimming pool overlooking the river, sand volleyball court, horseshoes, shuffleboard, oversized outdoor chess and checkers and a regulation cro quet court. Nearby attractions include Three Sister Springs State Park, Crys tal River Archaeological State Park, Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park, Coastal Heritage Museum, Weeki Wachee and the Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins State Park.
With more than 25,000 accessible acres of waterways, including Crys tal River and Kings Bay, Plantation on Crystal River is a boater’s paradise. In addition to scenic river tours from Plantation Adventure Center & Dive Shop, kayaks, jon boats and pontoon boats can be rented by guests who want to explore on their own.
PlantationOnCrystalRiver.comReservations(800)632-6262Hotel(352)795-4211
S ituated riverfront and surrounded by the natural springs of King’s Bay, Plantation on Crystal River is an ideal setting for travelers of all ages and interests to enjoy endless outdoor activities. From boating and fishing to scalloping and wildlife encounters, visitors from around the globe travel to Florida’s Nature Coast to enjoy the organic assets of this dynamic destination. And before or after these unique activities, guests can enjoy the full-service restaurant, lobby bar and tiki bar conveniently located on property. For international travel ers, transportation is convenient with nearby international airports, including Tampa International Airport only 70 miles away, and Orlando International airport just 90 miles away. To follow is just a sampling of the abundance of available outdoor pursuits.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT PLANTATIONONCRYSTALRIVER.COM
FISHING With Central Florida fishing at its finest, Plantation on Crystal River is located alongside the Crystal River inlets and Kings Bay, just a short dis tance from local lakes and the Gulf of Mexico. Whether by land or by sea, fishermen can cast a line for bass, grouper, snook, flounder, redfish and oth er popular sport fish. At the end of a successful day of fishing, Plantation’s chefs will be happy to prepare the fresh catch for the guest’s dining pleasure.
ReservationsPlantationOnCrystalRiver.com(800)632-6262|Hotel(352)795-4211 Family Adventures Begin Here! YouWishingWereFishing?
Loud and Proud: When it comes to fishing artificials, anything that resembles a mullet is likely to get slammed around actively feeding fish. The hard part is getting marauding fish to notice your lure among thousands of real mullet. This is the time to make a commotion. Early in the mornings, loud topwater plugs that pop, walk-the-dog and throw a lot of water around will get noticed. When the topwater bite slows, it’s time to break out sub-surface plugs, spoons or paddletails on jigheads. Cast around the edges of the bait pods, because gamefish often target baitfish that stray from the pod.
THE MULLET
Bait is Everywhere: Live bait is king when it comes to getting bit. A single good throw of the cast net should provide all the bait you need once you find a good school of mullet. Many anglers prefer fishing 5- to 8-inch mullet, because they’re small enough to cast and they’ll draw strikes from fish of all sizes. However, if big tarpon are pounding a bait school, some anglers swear a foot-long mullet catches bigger fish. Either way, freelined mullet are tough to beat. Gamefish look for isolated and injured baits on the outside of the school. Your mullet, hooked just behind the anal fin, will look like the perfect meal as it struggles to stay near the surface. For more on the mullet run, visit coastalanglermag.com.
Find the Bait: Giant schools of bait pull all of the gamefish out of their summer patterns. Tarpon, redfish, snook, jacks, flounder, sharks, Spanish mackerel, bluefish and more transition from whatever they were doing and begin tailing and herding mullet pods. The predatory fish move with their food source. As an angler, you’re wasting your time if you’re not on top of the action.From a boat or from the beach, keep moving until you see fishy looking water. It’s unmistakable when you witness mullet fleeing from leaping jacks and tarpon, but the action can sometimes be harder to spot. Wear your polarized shades, keep the sun at your back and look for diving birds and the ripples of nervous water. There will be gamefish wherever there are huge schools of bait. Also, stay current with mullet activity in your area by sharing information with other anglers and being a regular at the local bait shops. Check the Pinch Points: Seawalls, rocky shorelines, jetties and any other structure that juts from the shore will consolidate and channel schools of mullet as they move down the coast. These are perfect feeding areas for gamefish because they provide ambush points as well structure to herd mullet against.
D
epending on where you fish on Florida’s east coast, the mullet schools have either already arrived or they are on the way. Each fall, mullet flood down the coast in an enormous migration to their spawning grounds off south Florida. Along the way, they are assaulted by everything that eats fish. It’s a special time to be an angler. Here are some of the basics of fishing the mullet run to help you get in on the action.
24 SEPTEMBER 2022 THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE
THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2022 25 ARE COMING!
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The Xtreme Power Assist is engineered to bring the smooth, easy control of electric power-assisted steering to a wide range of popular boats, including pontoons, boats and consoles.
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THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2022 27
H ydraulic-electric and all electric steering advancements over recent years have taken steering ease and performance to new levels for a variety of high-end center consoles, power catamarans and other high-performance fishing boats.
DOMETIC MARINE XPA STEERING DELIVERS POWER STEERING PERFORMANCE FOR CABLE STEERED BOATS
Boaters can learn more about new Dometic Marine XPA steering by visiting www.dometic.com
Dometic Xtreme Power Assist Steering is an affordable, easy-to-install solution that brings reduced steering effort and a more enjoyable driving experience to mechanically steered boats with single outboard power from 90 to 200 horsepower. It integrates with any existing SeaStar rack or rotary cable steering system, so there is no need to install new steering to take advantage of this breakthrough. It also works with either standard or tilt helms.
Xtreme Power Assist easily mounts to all major outboard brands and integrates with the boat’s mechanical steering. It reduces steering effort to levels similar to Dometic’s Electronic Power Steering, with quick response to the wheel and consistent steering effort from Starboard to Port. Once this system is installed, the mechanical steering cable now only turns the power assist unit, while the electric steering actuator actually turns the engine load. This system differs vastly from competitive “electric helm” systems on upgrade that will enhance the driving experience and customer satisfaction for a new and large segment of the boating market. It has been thoughtfully designed as a plug-and-play installation to serve both the OEM and aftermarket sales channels.
But what about the throngs of inshore center consoles, flats skiffs, bay boats, pontoons, deck boats and other popular vessels traditionally driven with mechanical cable steering systems? It’s for these types of boats that Dometic Marine recently launched Xtreme Power Assist (XPA) Steering, engineered to bring the smooth, easy control of electric powerassisted steering to a new class of vessel.
“This new product fills a very important gap in our family of marine steering products and the boating industry as a whole,” said Eric Fetchko, President of Dometic Marine. “We’re excited to be bringing all the benefits of power steering within reach of more boaters. The fact that Electric Cable Power Assist can be easily integrated with existing steering systems makes it even more of a win-win for boaters and the industry,” added Fetchko.
eports of large aggregations of fish in the Gulf of Mexico led divers to discover deep holes opening down into the seafloor. These submerged sinkholes and springs, more commonly called blue holes, attract a diversity of marine life in an otherwise ocean desert. A group of scientists and technical divers collaborate to better understand these ecological oases in the sea. The experts begin by exploring Amberjack Hole – a sinkhole located 20 miles off the coast of Sarasota, Florida, that opens at 115 feet below the surface and extends down to over 350 feet. Do these blue holes connect to mainland Florida? What organisms are found at the bottom of the hole? What effects do these holes have on the surrounding Gulf of Mexico? Join scientists as they search for answers and explore these never before studied environments.
Oases In The Sea BlueFlorida'sHoles:
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spooled with 10- to15-pound Berkley Fireline is ideal. But snapper see better than we do, so a 15-pound Berkley 100% Fluorocarbon leader is a Livemust.bait such as shrimp and greenbacks are good, but we like to fish artificials. Our favorite for summer mangrove snappers is the Berkley PowerBait Pro Shad. Shaped like a baitfish, the Pro Shad is built with a highenergy action design and looks real. We use both the 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch versions. Our favorite color for overcast days is called bleak, which is somewhat translucent caramel color with blue reflective specs. On clear days we switch to chartreuse ice. These baits fool the mangrove snappers, and groupers, every time. Of course, water clarity has a huge impact on color selection and the length and size of the leader.We thread these little swimmers on a ¼-ounce short shank jighead. After the bait is dropped to the bottom around structure we erratically hop the Pro Shad back to the boat in short pops using the rod tip for the action. There’s no mistake when the fish strikes. The sharp bite starts the fun. But here are two words of caution: sunburn and Bandaids. Apply plenty of sunscreen and keep fingers out of the mangrove snapper’s mouth.
Depending on where you fish, late September might bring the first cooling trends of the year, but generally this month can simply be described as hot. The fishing can also be hot. All along the Atlantic coast and into the Gulf, one sure bet most times of year is fast-action for gray snappers. Also known as mangrove snappers, these fish are plentiful and easy to catch. Even a big mangrove snapper is going to weigh less than 10 pounds, so a limit is going to provide a table full of great eating. Most of the time these fish are found from canals to grass beds, but in the heat we look for structure such as channel markers, range markers, rocky ledges and bridge pilings. We even know a few sunken boats that are outstanding for producing grays. But we’re keeping those locations under hat.
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CHARTERSFISHTHEMESHOWOFCOURTESYPHOTO VIDEO
GRAY SNAPPER WHEN CONDITIONS ARE TOUGH
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Regulations made simple Use the Fishbrain app to check up-to-date fishing regulations for any species, accurate based on your GPS location. Checking regulations - and exploring fishing maps - has never been easier! Download for free! Photo: RippinLipz1
Understand Fishing Regulations Like Never Before
Every angler motoring across Florida’s coastal waters is actually gliding over a web of invisible lines, criss-crossing the blues and greens of the sea. These invisible lines divide different regulation zones, and are critically important for anglers to understand. For example, moving only a small distance might mean a shift from state to federal waters, and regulations might change between these neighboring areas. We’re used to flipping through pages of paper regs, practically needing a lawyer by our side to explain the exact location boundaries and regulations for different fish species… but not Theanymore!Fishbrain app now provides all the fishing regulations Florida anglers need to know, right in the palm of your hand. With a quick tap of your screen, you can bring up the regulations for individual species and boundaries separating different units, or zones. Your Fishbrain map accurately determines which body of water you are on and where on it you are located, so you can know where you are in relation to any boundary. This allows for zero confusion in trying to determine which unit you are in, and which species you can legally target or keep. To quickly and easily access these regulations, all you need to do is open the map in the Fishbrain app and tap the “Regulations” icon in the bottom right of your screen. You can then select the specific species - including both freshwater and saltwater fish - you are targeting, or others you may inadvertently catch. Immediately you are informed whether a species is in season or not. If you tap on a species, you will see even more data - including slot sizes, bag limits, special gear regulations and more. Regulations are updated directly from state agency websites as soon as they change. This provides the fastest solution you could want for getting the up-to-date regulations you Fishbrainneed. has been a trusted resource for more than 500,000 anglers in Florida who have used the app to find fishing spots, choose the right tackle, and interact with other anglers. Now we are happy and proud to provide regulation information to our community of anglers as well. You can download the Fishbrain app for free on the App Store, Google Play Store, or by visiting fishbrain.com Fish smart. Fish confident. Fish with Fishbrain. Visit FISHBRAIN.COM to learn more.
So, how do you get started in fly fishing?First off, find a friend or mentor. My father was my mentor, and we spent countless hours on the water fishing. But we also got involved with our local fly fishing club. There we met all sorts of likeminded fly fishermen who would freely share their fishing information with us.
LEARN TO FLY FISH ANYWHERE
Next, you’ll need some tackle. Buying your first fly rod outfit can be an overwhelming experience. I suggest keeping this process as simple as possible. All you’ll need is a basic fly rod and reel combo with a floating line, 9-foot tapered leader and a selection of flies specific to the type of fish you’ll be targeting. So, for instance, if you’re going to be targeting trout or panfish, a 5-weight rod and reel matched with a 5-weight forward floating line would be ideal. This tackle combo would be perfect for catching trout and bluegill yet still have enough power to land a mid-sized largemouth bass. For the leader system and flies, I suggest a 9-foot tapered 4x leader, a good selection of dry flies, steamers, poppers and nymphs. Where to go fly fishing? The possibilities are endless. The local pond? Lake? River? Drainage ditch? Yep! Fly fishing is not limited to rivers and backcountry lakes. There is a good chance fly fishing is available to you wherever you live. Go exploring.
FISHINGFLY
If you want to get into fly fishing, you don’t need to live in Montana or Colorado. I was born and raised in southern California, and I learned to fly fish at an early age. For me, it was a matter of having the desire to learn how to fly fish rather than being limited by my geological location. I was also lucky to have a father who loved to fly fish and would take me to our local lakes and ponds around San Diego County to cast popping bugs to bass and bluegill after school or on weekends. I don’t recall my father actually teaching me how to cast. However, I remember observing him making gracefully long casts with his Fenwick fiberglass rod along tree lined shorelines to place his bass bug in tight pockets between the tree stumps. I think more than anything, I learned through observation.
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Second, learn how to cast. Take advantage of the local fly fishing club or fly shop, and get some fly casting instruction. Both the club and fly shop will be able to give you quality casting instruction and help you build a solid fly casting foundation.
I’ve found some of the best fly fishing in the strangest bodies of water: sight fishing to bass on a golf course pond in the middle of the desert, stalking carp in a flood control canal smack dab in the heart of Los Angeles and even casting poppers to bluegill in New York City’s Central park! These places all have great fly fishing and are great places to polish your fly fishing skills! Learning to fly fish is simple. Find the waters close to home, partner up with some likeminded fishermen, learn to cast and start fishing. There is no better way to learn how to fly fish than spending time on the water: Any water.
Bob Popovics' Hollow Fleye Variation
Bob Popovics’ Hollow fleye served as the base for this pattern, the only real difference being the fish mask head. When ying a hollowstyle fly, there are a couple of key components that are crucial design elements. First is the sparse use of bucktail. Less really is more with these patterns, and getting the right amount of materials on the hook can be trickier than it looks. The other key aspect of this fly is the reverse tie. The bucktail is tied in theopposite of how it is finished and then folded back over itself to achieve a large profile without adding bulk. The fundamental technique for reverse tying bucktail is building up a cone of thread in front of the folded bucktail but not actually wrapping over the bucktail. It sounds complex, but just Youtube “Hollow Fleye.” You’ll thank me later.
B
THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2022 35 BOB POPOVICS’ HOLLOW FLEYE VARIATION By Bob Popovics HOOK Gamakatsu SPL11-3L3H 3/0 THREAD 210 Denier Ultra Thread Fluorescent Pink TAIL Grizzly Hackle BODY White Bucktail FLASH Pearl Light-Brite / Ice Wing Fiber HEAD Fish-Mask #8.5 EYES 3/8 O val Pupil Chartreuse/Red
ob Popovics has created some amazing fly patterns, Surf Candy, Bob’sBanger and the Hollow Fleye, to name a few. Not only are these flies great at catching saltwater fish, they also excel at fooling landlocked striper.
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FLY OF THE MONTH
36 SEPTEMBER 2022 THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE You raise the flags of the fish just caught to show you weren’t skunked. Once onshore you can take it a step further showing your fellow anglers your catch of the day wearing “slippahs” from Scott Hawaii. FORFAMILYscotthawaii.comRUNINHAWAII90YEARS Hanapa‘a - Marlin Hanapa‘a - Ahi
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Video fishing has changed crappie fishing forever, but is that good? Some believe that it takes away the skills normally honed over years of learning where and how to catch fish. Professional crappie angler Kevin McCarley believes it is good for the sport and bases his answer on young and older anglers he has taken out fishing. It’s a scenario that’s playing out on the front deck of boats everywhere. Two anglers are sitting or standing side by side fishing while watching the fish finder to cast and catch crappie. Native North Alabama professional crappie angler Kevin McCarley recalls fishing with his grandmother and sculling around for crappie on Decatur Flats at Wheeler Lake catching limits of crappie each time out. Now McCarley drives his big Ranger fiberglass boat with 3 fish finders including one with Garmin LiveScope that shows the fish, prey and structure live on forward facing sonar to catch his limit of crappie. “Live forward facing sonar has changed the game on Wheeler Lake,” McCarley continued, “I have been fishing here all my life spider rigging, but now I only one pole year round for crappie while watching the fish finder.” McCarley noted young and old anglers love video fishing. For the younger anglers it’s just like a video game. The older anglers use past fishing knowledge combined with live sonar to see how and where the crappie are to catch more and bigger“Mycrappie.onepole setup for video fishing is a 12 foot B’n’M Pole Brush Cutter rod paired with the 100 series reel or a B’n’M Poles 6 foot spinning rod,” McCarley continued, “For a lure, I use a 1/8-ounce round ball head Eye Hole Jig rigged with a 1 ½-inch Charlie Brewer Slider Grub or his signature series K-MACBasicallyBogy-Fry.”McCarley is pitching or casting the shorter rod with the jig past the crappie and reeling it back above the crappie while watching LiveScope. Having live sonar allows him to see what his lure and crappie are doing and how deep they are. This allows him to keep the jig in the strike zone to get bites. When the crappie are in thick brush or wanting dead-stick presentation he uses the longer rod.He uses a dual fish finder setup on the bow of his boat. The top one has LiveScope and mapping on the bottom fish finder.“Ifish year round on Wheeler Lake,” McCarley continued, “In the springtime and wintertime I fish the flats around Decatur and move closer to the dam area with deeper water and ledges in the Rogersville area in the summertime.”Fishingwith live sonar is addicting noted McCarley. “You get to watch the crappie under the water reacting and biting the lure. No matter what age you are that thump on the end of your line will keep you coming back and wanting to catch another fish,” said McCarley.
Young and Old Love Video Fishing
CATCH FEEDINGBASSUPINFALL By Capt. Jake Davis
Capt. Jake Davis is a USCGlicensed professional fishing guide on Lake Guntersville, Tims Ford Lake and Nickajack Lake. www.midsouthbassguide.comVisitorcall/email615-613-2382,msbassguide@comcast.net.
T he leaves will turn as the air gets crisp, and bass are about to start feeding for the lean winter months ahead. Fall fishing can be very similar to spring fishing, with a couple of twists. Under normal circumstances, bass will almost always use the same migration routes they used in the spring. If you think about that for a moment, it will give you some real insight on where to begin your search for fall transition bass on your home lake.Start your search in creeks and pockets in the upper region of the lake where there is a lot of cover and where fresh water runs into the creek. In most cases, patterns will be closer to where the river comes in verses areas nearer the dam. The larger the body of water, the truer this fact becomes. I prefer creeks with plenty of cover such as lay downs, stump rows, chunk rock, sunken brush around boat docks, and when possible, grass and other aquatic weeds. The ideal creek would be one where this structure is close to the dominant channel. The other factor to be on the watch for is schools of shad or other baitfish. The fall transition means only one thing to bass; it’s time to eat and get fat for the winter, and the primary source of food in most reservoirs is shad.Around rip-rap, bridges or points in the fall, it’s crankbaits and spinnerbaits. My favorite cranks for covering deep water are Rapala DT-20 and DT-16s. Color selection really depends upon water clarity and sunlight penetration. As for spinnerbaits, a Punisher or Strike King ½-ounce double willowleaf in a white or chartreuse works great along grass or lay downs. When employing any crankbaits, it is imperative to have the proper rod and reel set up. For crankbaits, I use Duckett White Ice Cranking Rod, 7-foot, 11-inch medium heavy action with a 5.4-1 LEW’s reel. For spinnerbaits, I use 6-foot, 9-inch or 7-foot medium heavy action Micro Magic PRO armed with a 6.4-1 LEW’s reel. Both set ups use 8- to 12-pound test Vicious Ultimate or Pro Elite fluorocarbon.Ifthebite slows, a football head jig is the go-to setup. I prefer a ½-ounce Tightline football head matched to a Missile Baits Twin Turbo Tail or D-Bomb when they want a bulked-up profile. Another excellent tactic is a Texas rigged plastic such as the 8.75inch Tomahawk Worm or creature bait like the D-Bomb. Both of these plastics will move lots of water during a slow presentation. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of staying in the creeks and on the baitfish during the fall transition period. Either loading the boat or having very few strikes always hinges on the presence of shad in the areas you are fishing.
Experience Home of world class fishing on the beautiful Watauga Lake, rugged Doe River and designated trophy trout stream, Watauga River PLAN YOUR TRIP TOURCARTERCOUNTY.COMAT Watauga River Watauga Lake Doe River
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44 SEPTEMBER 2022 THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE SUMMER IS MEANT FOR THE OUTDOORS. The weather has finally heated up, and it is time to get outside with K2 Coolers. Our products are geared toward the person who is looking to enjoy the outdoors with gear that does not slow them down. Whether you are out enjoying a hot day on the water, or watching your kids sporting event, K2 Coolers has a product that will keep your beverages and snacks cold all day long. K2 Coolers has products that fit every adventure’s needs. Check out our website at https://www.k2-coolers.com/ to save money on your next cooler purchase and to take advantage of our free shipping
Simms keeps records of his catches, and he estimated Scenic City catches about 5,000 catfish a year. While one white catfish in 5,000 caught is hardly good odds, it’s a lot better than one in a million. This one stretch of river is producing more of these strange fish than anywhere else we’ve heard of.
On June 28, 15-year-old Edwards Tarumianz caught a gorgeous, almost pure white blue catfish on the Tennessee River near downtown Chattanooga, Tenn. It was the latest in a string of such fish to come from one small stretch of river. While catching a white catfish has been likened to winning the lottery, it seems the odds are much higher on the Tennessee River below Chickamauga Dam.
Contact Scenic City Fishing Charters via www.sceniccityfishing.com.
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The Tennessee River’s WHITE BLUE CATS
White catfish are rare anomalies that never fail to set social media abuzz each time an angler catches one. In most instances, biologists attribute the looks of these beautiful pinkish-white fish to leucism, a genetic trait that results in reduced pigmentation and the pale, sometimes patchy coloration they display.
“It’s become pretty clear to us that we’ve got a little recessive gene floating around in the river right here in the Chattanooga vicinity,” said Richard Simms, owner of Scenic City Fishing Charters. “I actually saw another one just a week or so ago. A guy, just a regular fisherman, caught a piebald. So, yeah, we’ve got a recessive gene floatingScenicaround.”Cityhas three captains who specialize in guiding anglers to catfish. They’ve encountered four of these white catfish since 2018.
If you love outdoor sports—boating, hunting, fishing—and the natural world, or if you just like to observe wildlife, build birdhouses, maintain a bird feeder or are just curious about the critters in your backyard, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is here to help enrich your outdoor experience. Visit us at www.tn.gov/twra/
• Fish are often swimming near the shore in the spring and fall. If you’re fishing from the shore in the heat of summer, do it in the evening or early morning—or even after dark.
• Fish near-unique features such as docks, logs, trees, rocks, or rocky areas; aquatic vegetation; or places where creeks enter the water.
• When fishing in moving water, look at the surface for boils and breaks—this means there is some underwater structure blocking the current, which could be the perfect hiding place for fish.
Fishing from the shore can be restful and rewarding—and anyone can do it. All you need is a little intel about how to find a spot where the fish might be biting. Here are a few tips for successful shore fishing from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency:
Find Your Own Fishing Hole
• Begin fishing (casting) close and parallel to the bank, then work your way outward (fan casting) toward deeper water.
Whether it’s bass, crappie, walleye, or catfish, whether for sport, food, or just fun, you can find world-class lake fishing only hours away from any spot in the Tennessee Valley. From more than 11,000 miles of shoreline or while floating on more than 700,000 acres of water, residents and visitors will quickly learn why this area is considered one of the best fishing destinations in the U.S. and, some would say, the world.
• If you don’t get any bites, try switching baits. If this doesn’t work, move to another hole.
• Wear polarized sunglasses so you’ll be able to see fish as well as submerged objects more clearly. (Your eyes will also be protected from the tackle.)
Forty-nine reservoirs stretch across the Tennessee Valley like a string of pearls. And for those who love to fish, those lakes are just as valuable.
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48 SEPTEMBER 2022 THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE
TYLER WOOLCOTT DROP SHOT FOR FINICKY FISH
There are a few different styles of baits you can use on the drop shot, depending on what your fish are feeding on. This is what I usually base my bait and color choices off of. I usually throw a small finesse worm like the 13 Fishing Joy Stick Ultra Thin or a baitfish-style bait like the 13 Fishing Vertigo minnow. Both baits are small in size and can really pick up some bites when the fishing is tough. Bait color is important, but I like to keep things fairly simple. I typically throw a green pumpkin or a black-and-blue worm style bait. For the baitfish-style lure, I stick with whites or natural baitfish colors. Remember, you are trying to be as finesse as possible to trick a bass that’s not hungry into biting, so something simple and natural will excel. This technique has worked wonders for me all across the country. From down South in Florida all the way up to New York, bass eat this rig up everywhere. Next time you’re on the lake and the bite is tough, downsize your presentation and drag a drop shot around. It will pick up a few more bites. Drop Shot Gear: Picking the right setup for a drop shot doesn’t have to be too difficult. I like a rod around 7 foot with a medium or a medium heavy action like the 13 Fishing Omen Black 7’1M. Pair up a 3,000 sized reel with some 10-lb. Seaguar Smackdown braid and a 10lb. fluorocarbon leader. Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website www.tylerwoolcottfishing.com.at
The water can be a little warm this time of year, and it makes bass finicky. When the bite gets tough, a drop shot flat out gets bit. It catches fish everywhere I go, and every angler should have the technique in theirTherearsenal.are a few reasons a drop shot can out-perform other techniques this time of year. The first of these is because of how versatile you can be with it. I have thrown a drop shot around rock, wood, grass and even in completely open water. Smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass will all pick up a drop-shot rig, so it’s a great option regardless of what part of the country you fish or what species you target. Another factor that makes this technique excel when other things aren’t working is it’s effective on heavily pressured and sluggish fish. Sometimes getting these fish to bite calls for light line and a smaller profile bait. The drop-shot rig consists of a fluorocarbon leader leading to a hook of your choosing then, below the hook, about 12 inches of line tied to a drop shot weight on the end. This creates a rig that keeps your bait up off the bottom and drives finicky bass crazy.
THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2022 49
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This is not someone’s escaped goldfish; it’s a bright orange smallmouth bass. Angler Josh Chrenko caught the rare genetic anomaly this summer from the Muskegon River in Michigan. Biologists explained that the fish’s odd coloration is due to a rare genetic condition called xanthochromism, which—like albinism or leucism—is usually caused by a recessive gene.
ANGLER CATCHES RARE BRIGHT ORANGE SMALLIE
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Xanthochromistic fish are orange because the red pigmentation in their skin is replaced “Until I caught this guy, I didn’t even know [xanthic bass] existed,” Chrenko wrote in a Facebook post. “For someone that lives and breathes fishing for smallmouth, this is one I’ll remember my entire life… I can only imagine that this little guy had to overcome crazy odds to survive the first couple of years of his life from predation. Being neon-orange would make for a tough life as a small freshwater fish.” Chrenko released his orange smallie after taking a few photos. For more weird fish, coastalanglermag.com.visit
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ou don’t need an invitation to have fun in Upcountry South Carolina: Come kayak crys-tal blue lakes, hike to rushing waterfalls, dig into local cuisine, attend family oriented events and breathe fresh mountain air. But when you hold a South Carolina fishing license, it feels like an official ticket to enjoy the great outdoors.Fish bite year-round in the lakes, rivers and streams of Upcountry South Carolina, which is located in the state’s northwest corner in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Devils Fork State Park in Salem is a great place to access Lake Jocassee, which holds state records for rainbow trout, brown trout, redeye bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass and yellow perch. Or try your luck at Lake Hartwell, at Lake Hartwell State Park in Fair Play and Sadlers Creek State Park in Anderson, three-time host of the Bassmaster Classic. The Chattooga River boasts healthy wild trout populations and is also regularly stocked by Oconee County’s Walhalla State Fish Hatchery. The Whitewater River above Lower White-water Falls is another great option for wild trout. Lake Keowee, at Keowee-Toxaway State Park in Pickens County, swims with largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, crappie, bluegill, yel-low perch, catfish, brown and rainbow trout. Pick up everything you need—including advice— at local fly shops or book a guided fish-ing trip. Sam Jones, of Jocassee Charters, puts anglers on trophy trout. Buster Green’s Guide Ser-vice reels in stripers, hybrids and bass on Hartwell and Keowee. Chattooga River Fly Shop leads fly fishing trips on the Chattooga and Chauga rivers.Even if you don’t fish, you can still get on the water. Jocassee Lake Tours offers tours of the lake and of Jocassee Gorges, which National Geographic called a “destination of a Lifetime.” Some amazing spots can only be reached by boat. Several tours are offered, so you can learn from a naturalist while riding on a pontoon or paddle a kayak through coves and underPreferwaterfalls.tocaptain your own boat? There are several rental companies, including Tri-County Boat Rental, on Keowee, Jocassee, Hartwell and other lakes. If you’d rather be under the water, Jocassee is a world-renowned freshwater diving desti-nation that boasts visibility of more than 50 feet at depth. Lake Jocassee Dive Shop offers lessons and guided trips to see “The Wall,” where a section of mountain was blasted to build the dam, or a 40-foot swim-through wooden sailboat. From fishing to boating, hiking to camping, biking to bird watching and more, the Up-country’s state parks are a great place to play. Dip into the swimming hole at Oconee State Park. Hike to the tops of Pinnacle and Table Rock mountains at Table Rock State Park. Explore the 13,000-acre Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area at Caesars Head State Park. Or create your own adventure at any of the Upcountry’s 13 state parks. Visit UpcountrySC.com to learn more.
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BUZZARDSBAY, massachusett s • ttesuhcassam,YABSDRAZZUB s • BUCKET LIST 2022Of Buzzards MassachusettsBay,
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By Capt. John Curry
Hump Heads
n New England, on the south coast of Massachusetts, cool Atlantic waters swirl into Buzzards Bay in the southern shadow of Cape Cod. Each spring there is an alien-like invasion in these waters, of creatures that put fear in the eyes of any baitfish, lobster, crab or just about anything else that crosses their path. The males of the species are vibrantly decorated with blue streaks and large hump-shaped heads and broad shoulders protected by serrated gill plates and spines that will do damage to the unsuspecting angler. They look a little like the creature in the film Predator. I’m talking about black sea bass, of course. Buzzards Bay, just a few miles from Providence, Rhode Island and Boston, hosts one of the world’s largest concentrations of spawning black sea bass each May and June. Anglers should make plans now to experience one of the best fisheries in the northeast. Each year as our waters reach 50 to 55 degrees, large schools of fish move into the predominantly shallow bay from deepwater haunts
Most anglers use traditional bottombouncing methods of tipping a 3-ounce jig with a piece of squid or clam, but as a lighttackle guide I have a different strategy. Black sea bass love to eat crustaceans of any kind, especially young lobsters and mantis shrimp. During the spring run, I use a light spinning outfit with 15- to 20-pound braided line and 5 feet of 20-pound fluorocarbon leader. I rig a 3/8-ounce, 4/0 corkscrew weighted hook with a 6-inch soft plastic sand eel. Both are manufactured by the Hogy Lure Company.Thisset up creates an offering that
off the coast. Anglers also migrate in full force from all over the country to experience this annual bonanza. I’ve had clients drive from as far as Tampa, Fla. to fish for them. The reason is simple: black sea bass are excellent eating and have liberal bag limits with a minimum size of 16 inches and four fish per person per day.
does sink slower, but once near the bottom can resemble any baitfish or more importantly the aforementioned mantis shrimp. In my opinion, it is the No. 1 forage species sought after by these spawning fish.
While black sea bass are aggressive predators, they tend to bite rather lightly, often eating the bait as it slowly sinks to the bottom. I always tell my clients to set the hook if they think a fish is even breathing on their bait. I like to set up a drift over any contour break with a moving tide. This is a deadly method. I find that most of our fish caught with this method are much bigger than those caught using the heavier jig and cut bait combo. Often we set our own boat minimum of 20-inch fish and males only and still limit out. The fight of a big sea bass on light tackle spinning is also wicked good fun with violent headshakes and drags screaming. Although black sea bass are considered overfished by federal authorities across much of their range along the Atlantic coast, stocks are in good shape here. The season varies each year, but generally runs late spring through summer. June is always brings the peak bite. Mark your calendar for next year to catch the bite while it’s red hot for blue-backed, hump-headed black sea bass on Buzzards Bay, Mass. Contact Capt. John Curry via email at Jtcurry77@gmail.com or visit his website at www.capefishing.net.
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The thing most first-time Sea Cat passengers do is to hold on to a railing and brace for a pounding that never occurs. You can see it in the tense position of their feet, legs and arms as they hold on to the rail. It’s a fairly standard mono-hull position. They are accustomed to the pounding. They’re prepared for it, anticipating it... but on the Sea Cat it never occurs. Never.
It’s actually pretty funny to see the look on a Sea Cat passenger’s face when they finally realize there’s no need to brace. That’s also when a smile spreads across their face. They’ve settled the debate.
The debate over which hull design is preferable (mono-hull vs. dual-hull) has been battered around for decades. Most cat-hull owners are very familiar with mono-hulls. My suspicion is that many mono-hull enthusiasts may not necessarily be familiar with the attributes of a dual-hull vessel.
Forrest Munden and Charlie Henderson are very familiar with dual-hulls. They’re the people behind Sea Cat, one of the smoothestrunning, most fuel efficient and versatile boats on the water. This boat thrives in a 3- to 5-foot chop. Sea Cat owners share the experience of often being the only boats on the water during choppy bad weather days. Dual-hull boats, and Sea Cat in particular, do not pound… ever! Remove pounding from your boating experience, and you’ll see how much more enjoyable your time on the water becomes. You’ll also be out there running comfortably when conditions are too rough for most boats. Before you allow your position on the monohull vs. dual hull debate to be etched in stone, I strongly recommend you take a ride, preferably on a rough day, in the legendary Sea Cat. I predict you’ll be instantly convinced of its benefits.
Mono-Hull Vs. “Cat” Dual-Hull Performance
By Thatch Maguire
Lake Erie tributaries, to big rig fishing for catfish in the Muskingum River to catching sauger in the Ohio River and saugeye at Buckeye Lake. Ohio is a great place to fish and make memories, so, take a kid fishin, who knows, maybe he or she will grow up and be the Co-
Who knew a simple thing like fishing could have such an impact on our lives? I am over 60 years old and still remember my first fish. My Dad took me to Charles Mills Reservoir near Mansfield when I was very young. I actually lassoed a catfish and drug it in sideways, (which made it seem very large and heavy). The fish wasn’t hooked very well, but I was, and I have been fishin ever since. Later my Mom would let me go to a farm pond down the road by myself when I was eight years old. There I caught a huge two and half pound bass and ran back home with it. My Mom, (bless her heart), cleaned it and cooked it for me. Who knew such seemingly little events would end up being some of my fondest memories? Thanks Mom and SomeDad. of my family’s best trips and funniest experiences were associated with fishing. From having my son Mitch hook my hat and throw it in the lake, to people falling in the water, there was always fun times associated. The fishing was just a good excuse for getting outside, away from electronics and the world. On one trip I took the family to Rose Lake in Hocking Hills State Park. My then three year old son Jared fell in and was completely submerged. He was okay, my wife didn’t think it was funny but the rest of us sure got a good Onelaugh.of my favorite trips was when we took the whole family to the AEP Lakes in Southeastern Ohio. We hiked two miles to a lake just full of bass. My wife fell in on that trip. She didn’t find that funny either, but I was chuckling when she wasn’t looking. Half of us got lost on the way back to the car, but it was a great trip! I sincerely encourage you to take a kid fishing as often as you can, and Ohio is a great place to do that in. There is such a diversity of species and method’s for catching them: from charter fishing at Lake Erie to fly fishing for trout in the Mad River and steelhead in the
62 SEPTEMBER 2022 THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM JUNE 2022 OHIO 1 Welcome to The Ohio Edition of The Angler Magazine!
Photo by Mitch Philpott Play & Stay Shores & Islands Ohio is more than just a place, it’s a feeling. Discover something new with each adventure. Whether you’re a first timer or a seasoned regular, experiences here stay in your heart for a lifetime. Find your Lake Erie Love at SHORESandISLANDS.com.
THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2022 63
NO LONGER
WATCH
By John Hageman
TRADITIONALTHEYELLOWPERCHSEASONLAUNCH
John Hageman now writes approximately 125 articles per year after retiring from the Ohio Sea Grant/Stone LaboratoryThe Ohio State University’s Lake Erie biology station at Put- In-Bay. VIDEO
Ever since I fished with my grandfather in his wooden 16-foot Lyman, yellow perch fishing has been a favorite family ritual. Emerald shiners were always plentiful then and there were no bag limits on perch. Labor Day was the traditional weekend that local anglers began fishing for this delectable star of numerous Lake Erie fish fries. Even after daily perch limits were first set at 50 and then down to the current 30 in the Western Basin (ODNR Management Unit 1), September and October was the best time of year to stock the freezer while the weather allowed. The good news is that perch continue to maintain aboveaverage hatches in the Western Basin. The bad news is that in the past several years, perch have switched their primary feeding attention to invertebrates, such as insect larvae and zooplankton, making them tougher to catch most of the Emeraldyear.shiners, once freely available for the taking without much effort by commercial “minnow dippers,” have become harder to supply. Bait shops must now import southern pond-raised Golden shiners to meet the fall demand for minnows. The invasive spiny water flea is prey item #1 during most of the summer and fall now. Whenever perch can find them, they often ignore shiner minnows offered as bait. The Labor Day tradition is no more. Now, the best times of the year to catch perch are when spiny water flea densities drop. This occurs in the summer when water temperatures peak in mid-July to mid-August and again after it drops in the late fall. The perch fishing situation is even worse in the West/Central Basin from Huron to Fairport, (Management Unit 2). Due to poor young-of-the-year survival, populations have crashed, and catches have fizzled. The daily limit is only 10 perch, and most anglers can only dream of catching that many. Those that are caught are normally very large by perch standards, often over 12-inches long, leading to 3⁄4-pound average weights. Early spring is now the best time of the year there when they come ashore to spawn. In Ohio’s East/ Central Basin (Management Unit 3), especially near Ashtabula and Conneaut, there was an era of perch fishing that was formerly outstanding. Not only limit catches, but fish averaging 1⁄2 pound each could be boxed if anglers had the willpower to release fish that they would cherish in the Western Basin. During one trip, we used a 10 1⁄2-inch minimum and still went home with our 90-fish 3-man limit. Unfortunately, fewer fish and a similar change in prey selection ended the bonanza there several years ago. Anglers can sometimes find tightly packed pockets of perch in the late spring and late fall, but not the sprawling schools that once covered dozens of acres all summer.Lakewide, yellow perch can still be caught— but on their terms. The take home message these days is that whenever there is news about perch currently being caught, drop everything, and go ASAP or be prepared to miss the best bite of the season. Walleyes can wait!
Piedmont Marina offers boat rental, docking, fuel, boating and fishing supplies.
Piedmont Lake. Located both in Belmont and Harrison Counties near the village of Piedmont along SR 22. Piedmont is a 2270-acre lake. Secluded bays make for great bass and muskellunge fishing, (a state record was caught here!). It also has catfish, bluegill, crappie, perch and saugeye. There is a 10-horsepower limit and two public launch ramps.
Seneca Lake. A 3,500 acre lake stocked with catfish, white bass, striped bass, largemouth, bluegill, crappie, perch and walleye. It has a full-service marina that provides boat and motor sales, service, rental, boating supplies, bait, tackle, and licenses.
Atwood Lake. Located in nearby Tuscarawas and Carroll Counties off St. Rt. 212, is a 25horsepower lake which offers 1540 acres of water surface. It has two public launch ramps and two marinas featuring boat rentals, docking, fuel, boat sales and service. It stocks northern pike, catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, perch and saugeye.
Tappan Lake. Located along SR 250 northwest of Cadiz. Tappan Lake is a 2,350 acre lake with two public launch ramps and is home to an abundance of channel and flathead catfish, white bass, crappie, bluegill, and saugeye. It has a 399-horsepower limit and there’s a marina with boat rentals.
Muskingum Watershed: Ohio Lakes, Camping, and Water Conservation
Clendening Lake. Known for having the largest undeveloped shoreline in Ohio, Clendening Lake is described as one of the best fishing lakes in the region by local anglers. Clendening Lake features 1800 acres of water surface with three public launch ramps. Anglers will find largemouth and smallmouth bass, saugeye, channel and flathead catfish, crappie, and bullheads. Clendening Lake Marina offers docking, boat rentals, fuel, boating and fishing supplies, and concessions. The lake has a 10-horsepower limit.
Leesville Lake. A 1000 acre lake located between New Philadelphia and Carrollton off Rt. 22 in Carroll county. It has a great reputation for Muskie fishing, as well as northern pike, catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, perch and saugeye. It has two public launch ramps, a 10-horsepower limit and two marinas.
MINDDON’TFISHALITTLERAIN By Capt. Kyle Johnson
U nfortunately for many of us, fishing is one of those activities that seems to get put on the back burner. Anything from having kids to a new career can make time spent on the water seem a little more short than sweet. After what has seemed like a decade, which in reality was only about seven days, you finally have that free time to get out and catch some fish. The problem is it’s raining; so now what? Now, I’m not saying to go fishing when the weather radar is lit up like a Christmas tree with reds and yellows, but don’t let a little rain ruin your fishing trip. Dr. Mike Anderson is one of the most die-hard fishermen along the Mississippi coast. When it comes to fishing in the rain, he knows a thing or two. “I’m a lot more cautious if the storms are coming from the north,” said Mike. “If you’re out at the islands (barrier islands) or the Louisiana marsh and the storms are coming right toward you (from the north), you can’t go around them. You have to run right into them, and that’s why I don’t go out if there is any red or yellow on the radar coming from the north.”
One last tip is to try and stay as dry as possible. I carry a lightweight rain suit that keeps me dry without overheating. If you are not accustomed to doing things in the rain, being as comfortable as possible will help. Hopefully next time you won’t let a little rain keep you from getting out there and catching some fish!
Mike claims that: “Impending changes in pressure stimulate feeding frenzies, especially in speckled trout.” I couldn’t agree with him more. We agree that seatrout know when a storm is coming, and they want to feed before it happens. It’s important to try and find clean water when looking for trout before, during or after a rainstorm. Some things he looks for are grass beds, oyster reefs, or anything else that helps to filter out the water, but clean water is not all that he is lookingMikefor.also tries to find that interface where dirty water and clean water meet. “When you can see a line of dirty water coming out of a drain, I will purposely go there and fish right on the edge where the dirty water meets the clean,” he said. He believes speckled trout use the dirty water as a camouflage, and they flash out into the clean water attacking bait. He also said, “It can’t be all dirty water, because then there isn’t enough oxygen and there will be too much sediment in the water. There has to be both clean and dirty water for this to work.” His favorite lures to use in this circumstance are suspending MirrOlures like the 7m, MirrOdine and 51m.
Capt. Kyle Johnson operates Coastal Waters Outfitters on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Contact him through his website at www.fishcoastalwaters.com.
WATCH VIDEO
motors,
To more about Suzuki Marine’s full 4-stroke outboard call (813) www.suzukimarine.com.
“This new website is making waves for Suzuki Marine on every level,” said George “Gus” Blakely, Suzuki Marine Executive Vice President. “It has a look that fits with Suzuki’s image across the globe, yet it does an excellent job of representing the bold, aggressive company that Suzuki Marine is today. We’re confident that visitors will appreciate the clean look and intuitive way that our information is organized and presented,” added Blakely.
array of
Easier Navigation, New Information for Boaters
Suzuki Marine USA, LLC has launched a new website designed to provide boaters with easier navigation, an informative and enjoyable online experience, and all the details they could ever need to research Suzuki Marine’s industry-leading line up of four-stroke outboard motors from 2.5 to 350 horsepower. Now any boaters who visit suzukimarine.com will immediately notice a new look that is both familiar and fresh at the same time. This is intentional, as Suzuki Marine worked closely with advertising agency Markham Yard, LLC to develop a site that carried Suzuki’s global look forward, while simultaneously creating a unique identity befitting Suzuki Marine. The result is a presentation that remains true to Suzuki’s global brand, yet solidifies a strong, forward-looking image for Suzuki MarineVisitingUSA.boaters and potential boaters will also notice improved site-wide navigation to go with the new look. The new layout includes interface “tabs” that allow for more information to be viewed at one time. This is key for boaters wanting to “deep-dive” into the features, details, applications, and specifications across Suzuki’s range of “Ultimate Outboard Motors.” The new navigation platform features a hot-clickable “breadcrumb” path that will always show the user what page they are viewing while, providing an easy means of navigating backwards.
SUZUKI MARINE USA LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE on Global Suzuki Look While Delivering
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Other new and updated features of the website include improvements to important categories such as the Dealer Locator, FAQs and Suzuki News. A range of new sections have been added to the site, designed to keep boaters and the industry up-to-date on happenings at today’s Suzuki Marine. These include Hooked Up (coming soon), delivering angling-related information; Events, detailing upcoming boat shows other marine activities; CLEAN OCEAN PROJECT, highlighting Suzuki Marine’s ongoing initiatives and grass-roots events to protect and improve the marine environment; and a new Contact Us tab designed to help dealers and customers connect with helpful Suzuki Marine personnel. The website also does a great job of highlighting Suzuki’s recently announced status as Exclusive Outboard Motor Sponsor of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers—something that is sure to generate news and excitement over the 2022 season and beyond.
FRYINGPANRIVER By Kirk Webb Get An Education On Colorado’s
Picture this. You’re knee deep in the Fryingpan, anxious to catch some fish. You’ve already made the commitment that you’re not going to be doing any nymphing today. You sit down on the bank and observe Mother Nature at her finest. Fish are rising in good numbers on the shady side of the far bank. You feel confident while tying on a size 12 Green Drake Sparkledun trailed by a size 16 CDC Thorax PMD on 6X fluorocarbon tippet. You know the drill here. These fish are tough, but seem to be rising with reckless abandon. This shouldn’t be too hard, you say to yourself. You make your approach from upstream and get to within 40 feet of the pod of risers being careful not to spook them. You cast 10 feet ahead of the lead rising fish, which seems to be the largest amongst this hardened street gang. Your flies land on target, your drift is drag free, but no result. Not even so much as a half-hearted look. You go through your bag of tricks and try surface emergers, sunken spinners, floating nymphs, ants, 8X tippet, reach casts, downstream drifts and nothing produces. The fish continue to rise, but to Welcomewhat? to the wonderful world of the infamous Fryingpan Serratella. They occur in fishable numbers in very select waters including the Fryingpan, Yellowstone and Henry’s Fork. The serratellas of the Fryingpan, however, are an adaptation that is unique to only the Fryingpan.Many are enamored by the infamous, flightless serratella of the Fryingpan River, and many more have been beaten down by this hatch. This hatch is truly a spectacle to behold. It’s hard to fish, but extremely rewarding when you get it right. It’s just one of the enigmatic quirks that make the Fryingpan a world-class destination for fly anglers who feel the need to test their skills.
T he Fryingpan River in Basalt, Colo. is legendary for complex mayfly hatches and discriminating, large trout—up to 10 pounds or more—that test the skills of the world’s best anglers and fly tiers. Getting an education here is commonly referred to as going to “Fly Fishing Jesuit School,” according to local fishing legend, Roy Palm. Virtually every fly angler has, wants to, or will, get an education here; very few get diplomas. It’s a classic, small, Western tailwater that is sheer Nirvana for dry fly fishers the world over with celebrated hatches of green drakes, pale morning duns, blue wing olives and midges among others.The 14-mile stretch of river below Ruedi Reservoir houses every conceivable water type, long sexy glides, deep pools, roily pocket water and everything in between. The small size of the river provides anglers with easy, intimate wading opportunities and a bounty of public water. Brown and rainbow trout compromise the majority of the anglers’ catch, though both brook trout and Colorado River cutthroat trout are also present, providing the opportunity to catch a ColoradoHavinggrand-slam.fishedthe Fryingpan River for more than 20 years, I’ve come to appreciate the lesser known, or even unknown, hatches along the river including March browns, brown drakes, aphids and the enigmatic Serratella mayfly to name a few.
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BLUEFIN SPAWN STUDIED OFF NORTHEASTERN U.S. WATCH VIDEO
For as much as we do know about the ocean and the species we love to pursue as anglers, it’s amazing the things still left to be discovered.
A 2016 paper established the Slope Sea as a third spawning ground for the species, and this most recent research suggests the Slope Sea is a good place to be a larval bluefin.Researchers used plankton nets to collect larvae in the Slope Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. They compared larval growth in the two regions by studying larval otoliths, which are small bones found in the heads of tuna. Researchers also conducted larval transport simulations to estimate the movement of larvae floating in ocean currents forward and backward in time to evaluate the origin of the larvae. What they found was evidence that Slope Sea tuna larvae grow at a similar rate as those in the Gulf of Mexico. The paper notes that an additional spawning site likely offers resilience for the species in the face of harvest as well as climate change. For more information, read the research at cdnsciencepub.com.
Science to this point had identified two populations of Atlantic bluefins. One returns to the Gulf of Mexico to spawn and another spawns in the Mediterranean Sea.
A scientific paper recently published in the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences presents evidence that the Slope Sea off the northeastern coast of the United States is a major spawning ground for Atlantic bluefin tuna. The Slope Sea is an area of the Atlantic bounded to the north and west by the northeast United States Continental Shelf and to the south by the Gulf Stream.
SLOB SNOOK ON THE FLY
F lorida angler John Kelly seems to have figured out how to catch big snook with a fly rod. According to the International Game Fish Association, Kelly caught this beautiful 88-centimeter (almost 35inch) snook with a crab pattern on the Indian River Lagoon on July 28. Snook longer than 40 inches are caught pretty regularly from Florida waters, so this one isn’t a true monster. However, IGFA said it could potentially set the all-tackle length fly world record for the species, replacing Kelly’s own record for an 86-centimeter snook he caught in earlyOnJune.topof that, Kelly submitted another application for a 91-centimeter snook he landed in early August. These potential records are currently pending and under review by IGFA. Records or not, it’s probably safe to say that Kelly has something figured out about targeting slob snook with fly tackle. For more information, go to igfa.org. VIDEO
WATCH
season and is only going to get better. Trolling smaller chicken dolphins. If lures are your thing I prefer Yozuri Crystal Minnows and honestly color doesn’t matter. Pitch around the weed lines or patches and look deeper down for the bigger Mahi. As for Tuna with all the chumming going on, I like to send down a vertical jig on 60#-80# test at least 100’ below the boat. Working your jig through the water column is a good way to fire up any kind of fish that may be lurking around in the shadows. If you have a large diamond jig I’d put some heavy wire in front of it for a chance at a wahoo. Triple Tail are amazing fish on light tackle and I recommend 15#-20# fluorocarbon and #2 Owner hook. Live If bottom fishing is your go to joy Vermillion snappers, Groupers, and Rock salmon is my target. For Vermillion snappers I like using a 2-3 hook chicken rig mixed with cut squid and Boston mackerel. Let your weight sit right on the bottom and wait for those 2-3 light bites. Rock salmon and Groupers like to hide out in the rocks and caves, so a slip lead is what I like to use. Heavier leader line for Groupers and larger baits close to the bottom. Feel the bite and start cranking. The first 20’-30’ are the most When it comes to offshore fishing don’t give up. There’s a lot of trial and error. Figure out what works best for you and as always keep your lines out and keep them tight.
THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2022 75 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM september 2021 pensacola 3 The Wahoo bite has already been crazy this
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