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Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events

PHOTO COURTESY OF ZERO LIMIT ADVENTURES GUIDE MATTHEW DEROSA VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 264

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Heads Of Cold Steel Winter Steelheading In Upstate New York

By Frank Geremski -The Angler Magazine of Upstate NY publisher

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inter steelhead fishing can be chilling, but once you hook into a 10-pound, lightning-fast bolt of silver, your blood will be boiling. The speed and explosion are what lures steelheaders to expose themselves to harsh Great Lakes winters. And there’s more. On Upstate New York’s Salmon River, there are plenty of beautiful, large, lake-run brown trout mixed in. Plus, today’s lightweight protective clothing provides comfort between strikes.

The Salmon River in Oswego County, N.Y. (www.visitoswegocounty.com) offers consistent steelhead fishing during the late fall, winter and spring. In fact, the river has runs of trout and salmon from Lake Ontario all year long.

With many quality tributaries along its length and a hatchery, this highquality wilderness river once was home to a legendary Atlantic salmon run.

Rebounding populations of Atlantics still exist due to restoration projects, but Pacific salmon dominate the scene in late summer and fall. Huge chinook salmon, some heavier than 30 pounds, and coho salmon run up 14 miles of prime spawning and fishing waters each fall. A good number of steelhead (rainbow trout) follow the salmon to feed on the eggs dropped during this legendary fall salmon run. The steelhead feed aggressively during the salmon run, and they remain in this beautiful blue-ribbon river all winter, providing more than six months of explosive action. Winter thaws and early spring rains invite the remaining Lake Ontario steelhead to spawn and join their riverwintering kin. It’s a truly dynamic trophy trout experience.

The Salmon River holds big fish. Ten-pound steelhead are commonplace.

Fish in the teens are a definite possibility, and persistent steelheaders get chances every year on specimens in the 20-pound range. When salmon first enter the Salmon River in September and October, steelhead and lake-run brown trout mix in with pacific salmon making their spawning run. Both trout species feed on salmon eggs, and just when the salmon die off, the brown trout begin to spawn. Their eggs supplement the steelheads’ diet. Large numbers of giant trout and steelhead winter in the river, with additional fish running up from Lake Ontario all winter and early spring.

When they first enter the river, these brightly colored bullets aggressively strike offerings like egg sacks, bright Estaz flies or beads that imitate eggs.

Midriver matriculation brings them past the village of Pulaski, where there are about 10 miles of mostly public fishing access to deep holes, runs, rapids and every kind of trout water. Several high-quality tributaries flow in along the way and provide excellent spawning grounds up to what’s considered the upper section of the river. Natural reproduction does occur, and New York state operates a large hatchery on the upper end of the Salmon River.

Since the Salmon River is a tailwater, this upper section is fishable all winter and never ices up. With egg availability diminishing, the winter steelhead diet evolves to more nymphs and stoneflies. Fly fishing is effective yet challenging.

This section of river is ideal for fighting and landing large fish, with catch and release encouraged. Many trophy steelhead in the teens are photographed for replica mounts, and brown trout in the 5- to 10-pound range are caught regularly, with fish in the teens a possibility.

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The Salmon River has a reputation for tight quarters during the peak of the salmon run.

Crowds diminish during winter steelhead season.

Weekdays bring even less competition. Two very select permit-only resort properties are located on the two best sections of river offering managed access and exclusive riverside lodging.

On the upper river, The Tailwater Lodge in Altmar, N.Y. has private southside access to Schoolhouse Pool and the runs and holes above and below. This is the prime wintering spot for a large percentage of steelhead and the best access for ice-free angling.

The Tailwater is an Orvis-endorsed lodge, which includes an on-site fly shop, “The Woodshed.” Zero Limit Adventures Guide Service, also Orvis endorsed, has a collaborative relationship with Tailwater Lodge and provides outstanding guidance to this section and the entire Salmon River. They’ll get you dialed into current river conditions and what the fish are feeding on. The Tailwater Lodge’s opulent accommodations coupled with their location on the river and exclusive access make it the Mecca for Salmon River steelheading.

This large section of river provides various speeds of current and holding water with ice-free conditions all winter. Tactics for hooking these giants include fly fishing, spinning, float fishing and center-pin techniques. The Angler Magazine highly recommends booking an experienced licensed guide on your first day to instruct you on equipment, fly or bait selection and technique. Allow Tailwater Lodge (www.tailwaterlodge.com) and Zero Limit Adventures (www. zerolimitadventures.com) ease the entry into this elite pursuit.

Douglaston Salmon Run (DSR) manages more than 2 1/2 miles of exclusive access in the lower end of the Salmon River where steelhead first enter from Lake Ontario. Early steelhead action can be fast and furious. Winter access is dependent on weather conditions, as the middle and lower sections of the Salmon River get slushy or iced over during mid-winter cold speels. DSR (www. douglastonsalmonrun.com) publishes an accurate and honest daily report that functions as a great information source for river conditions and fish movement.

The highly challenging adventure of hooking and battling your first 10-pound-plus Great Lakes steelhead will certainly not be your last. This divine experience will put you in a league of sportsmen who are the only ones to understand this trophy steelhead quest. It’s a feeling like the adrenaline rush of your first buck or sailfish. This heart-pounding adventure on a beautiful river will provide a memory that can be yours forever.

To check out the “Men of Steel” video, go to

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12/15/16 3:09 PM

Live the Legend.

Don’t miss the legendary Salmon Run on New York State’s famous Salmon and Oswego Rivers. Enjoy the best steelhead fly fishing in the Eastern U.S.

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Editor’s Note: Each month, Coastal Angler Magazine and The Angler Magazine staff search our vast coverage area for photos that will grace our covers.

With well over a million readers in diverse coastal and inland markets, our magazines strive for broad national appeal as well as local-level intelligence to put anglers on fish. The cover is different depending on which edition you, the reader, are holding. The following is a little information about this month’s covers.

COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE Houma, Louisiana

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The big black drum on the cover of Coastal Angler’s January editions was caught by Banging The Drums Of Jacki Shae, whose south Florida upbringing Houma, La. taught her a love of fishing from an early age.

Winter Chrome In On a recent ladies-only fishing trip to the Upstate N.Y. marshes around Houma, Louisiana, Jacki learned a newfound respect for black drum.

Local This often overlooked cousin to the everpopular red drum might not be much on looks, but it puts up a heck of a fight and grows even larger than the big bull reds prized by so many anglers. Rumor has it the fish on the cover was caught with one of those kids’ Barbie rods spooled with 30-pound test.

With tutelage from their guide Brittney Novalsky, the ladies also did battle with some of the big redfish Louisiana is famous for.

Four young women staying on a houseboat and hauling big fish from the Louisiana mud… what more could anyone ask for from a fishing expedition?

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The covers of this month’s editions of The Angler feature a beautiful chrome steelhead Winter Chrome In caught by Zero Limit Adventures Guide Rob Upstate N.Y. Reynolds. The photo was taken by Zero Limit Banging The Drums Of Adventures Guide Matthew DeRosa.

The fish was caught on the Salmon River in Oswego County, New York. To learn more Local about this fantastic fishery view this month’s article “Heads of Cold Steel” by The Angler Magazine Upstate New York publisher Frank Geremski. Zero Limit’s diverse team of guides offer tailored trips of a lifetime and expertly fish many tributaries of central and western New York. They can be reached by e-mail via mderosa@zerolimitadventures.com by phone at 585-766-2421, or view their website at www.zerolimitadventures.com.

Zero Limit has a collaborative relationship with the opulent Tailwater Lodge www.TailwaterLodge.com in Oswego County. Tailwater Lodge offers exclusive access and wonderful accommodations on the banks of the Salmon River, home of legendary trophy salmon, steelhead and brown trout runs from Lake Ontario. Call Tailwater Lodge for availability and reservations at 315-298-3434. To learn more about Lake Ontario, the Salmon River and Oswego County fishing go to www. visitoswegocounty.com or call 1-800-248-4FUN. Houma, La.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF ZERO LIMIT ADVENTURES GUIDE MATTHEW DEROSA VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 264

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LADIES DRUM UP ACTION IN THE LOUISIANA MARSH

By Jacki Shea

I

find myself staying in the strangest places when I go on fishing adventures. But as long as it involves fishing, sleeping on a couch or on the ground really doesn’t matter.

On this particular trip, my friends and I found ourselves in a small houseboat on a river in the Louisiana marshes west of New Orleans. It was tiny, there was only one bathroom (picture four girls trying to use one bathroom), and the bed sheets smelled like a man after a long day of fishing. You might be wondering what brought us to such a place, and I will give you two very good reasons: redfish and black drum.

Enormous specimens of these two drum species come into the marsh each fall and winter, 20 to 30 pounds to be more specific.

If you plan on making the trip to Louisiana to do some inshore fishing, it is not necessary to stay on a houseboat; however, I highly recommend it. When

you wake up each morning, you are on the water ready to fish with your boat tied up next to you.

Of the drum family, redfish seem to be the most popular inshore species. Redfish are always a great fight, especially the big bulls. But many anglers seem to overlook black drum, which are sometimes referred to as a “mud donkeys.”

It is not an attractive fish, nor is it great for eating; therefore, it is not commonly targeted. This fish does, however, grow the largest of the drum species, and it fights with the same action and power as a bull red. Now that I’ve caught a few, I believe black drum can look very pretty once the Louisiana sun hits those scales just right.

Redfish and black drum are thick in the Louisiana marshes all year, but the season for the monsters runs from September to January, when big fish move from offshore into the marsh following migrating baitfish. When the baitfish show up inshore, the big fish won’t be far behind.

For bait you can use live or artificial depending on whether you are trying to sight fish or just toss a line out and wait.

On our trip, we used a standard knocker rig, with an egg sinker and a hook, and sank split live blue crabs and shrimp to the bottom and waited.

The fishing is quite simple when you know where the fish are, although a guide is recommended for those unfamiliar with the waters because it’s easy to get lost in the marsh. Keep an eye out for cold fronts. The cold fronts clean up the water and bring the fish closer to the surface, which makes for perfect sight fishing. The fish also enjoy the cooler inshore water, so they will be more abundant and active.

Check out Jacki’s YouTube channel Jacki Shea Fishing for videos of her fishing adventures. Her guide for the Louisiana trip was Brittney Novalsky who can be contacted through www.fishingadventureswithbrittney.com.

For more fishing with Jacki Shea, go to

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By Tom Karrow Researcher Tom Karrow assessing fishery health in Abaco with a Bahamian angling guide from the Delphi Club.

Photo by Andrew O’Neill

W

hen I first started fly fishing in the 80s, the sport was not nearly as popular as it is today. Shops carrying fly tackle were sparse, people with knowledge of the sport were few and far between and getting lessons was nearly impossible. When I think back to those days, recalling the number of flies I lost in trees, the frequent tangles I developed and the shear lack of fish I caught, it is a wonder that I kept with it. Indeed, if it were not for the fly tying component of the sport, I might well have thrown in the towel. I love fly tying; being able to create something to fool fish with is a marvelous achievement.

In contrast to my early fly fishing days, today there is a seeming abundance of information on the sport, from equipment, to angling destinations; everyone seems to have some insights. On top of this has been the advent of the Internet, a treasure trove of information and misinformation. The fact of the matter is, fly fishing is not nearly as complicated as it may seem. It is simply a form of fishing that allows for lightweight or nearly weightless “lures” to be used, which without the added weight in the line could not be presented to a fish. In some cases, fly fishing is a far superior method for fooling fish and in others, deep waters for example, far more challenging.

When it comes to heavily pressured or sensitive fish, especially those inhabiting shallow inshore waters, I would argue fly fishing can often out-produce other techniques. Being able to imperceptibly drop a fly in front of fish when they are used to loud splashes from heavy lures or live baits can often result in fooled fish.

Fly fishing is sometimes called an art, perhaps because of the apparent delicateness of the cast, the manner in which the line travels out over the water, or because many incorrectly, consider it hard. So let me correct this fallacy. Fly fishing is not hard, it does not need to be complicated and it can be very easily learned.

If you really want to learn to fly fish, I would suggest a trip to the Bahamas. The weather is beautiful, the waters are stunning, and the people, culture and food are marvelous. The chance of catching fish is very high, as the guides are great instructors and a week’s worth of fly fishing immersion would provide incredible advancement in understanding and skill level.

Throughout my travels in the Bahamas, I have met many wonderful guides and visited many top-notch facilities. To highlight one Bahamian guide or lodge is simply impossible. However, when it comes to learning the sport, be honest. When booking a trip to a lodge, perhaps directly or through a travel company like Yellow Dog Fly Fishing or Frontiers International, tell them what you want. Tell them you are a beginner.

Tell them you want to learn. Through this strategy, those in the know will put you with facilities and personnel best suited to an instructional 12

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Great equipment meets great Bahamian culture.

Photo by Tom Karrow

environment. You want a location that offers everything, lodging and food of course but also equipment, casting lessons, fly tying lessons, safety instruction along with patient and professional guides.

One common thread that has become apparent through my research in the Bahamas is the respect that Bahamians have for travelers, specifically bonefish anglers. Bahamians openly welcome tourists, recognizing the importance that bonefishing has on local Family Island communities. Bonefishing on some Bahamian islands provides employment for up to 80 percent of the local population. With that level of economic importance, industry professionalism is critical along with healthy fisheries. In the Bahamas you will find both a high degree of angling knowledge and amazing fisheries. The Bahamas are certainly an excellent place to consider taking a trip and a phenomenal place to learn to fly fish. What I find most attractive about the Bahamas is the shear diversity available. With more than 700 islands, there is something for everyone. And for anglers, old and new, there are always new opportunities to learn from.

Tom Karrow is a sustainable tourism scholar from the University of Waterloo. His research focuses on the Bahamian bonefishing industry, centered on the guides and their knowledge, stories and experiences.

For more on his research see: http://tomkarrow.wixsite.com/bahamasguide-tek, and follow Coastal Angler Magazine for updates and more.

Tom Karrow can be reached at tkarrow@uwaterloo.ca or tomkarrow@ gmail.com.

For more Bonefishing in the Bahamas, go to

CAMFISHING.CO

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Elite Series™ Bassmaster Lester Pro Brandon t the rods tha builds all of he Elite he uses on t ment Trail. a n r u o T s ie r Se

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no weight reduction had gone into the components above the handle. The guides were large and weighty. As a result, the rod was annoyingly front-heavy, even when I mounted two of the spinning reels I had tabbed for the task. Lost balance led to lost feel and sense of control over my bait. It took an oversized reel to bring anything resembling “balance” to this rod, and the resultant combo was still cumbersome.

“It’s hard to get a rod perfectly balanced without knowing the reel a guy plans to put on it,” said Russ Lane, a Bassmaster Elite Series angler known for his talent for tackle tinkering.

Lane wraps many of his rods with Winn Superior Rod Wrap (www.winngrips.com) to give them the same advantages of hand control and comfort that he gets with the Denali Attax rods and other rods in his arsenal already fitted with Winn grips. But at times there’s a secondary benefit to the wrap.

“Sometimes adding the Winn rod wrap can add just enough weight to balance a rod,” noted Lane.

He faced a formidable “weight-forward” balance challenge with the flipping/pitching rod he uses to punch matted vegetation with soft plastic lures and 1.5-ounce tungsten

By Mike Pehanich weights. “I needed to add more weight to the handle,” Lane recalled.

As usual, he covered the cork mid-grip of this 7-foot, 6-inch Denali Lithium Flipping Stick (Xtra Heavy) with the ightness” has been the dominant thrust of rod evolution for years.

Lightweight guides, skeletal reel seats, split grips… these and other polymer overwrap. Before he added the wrap to the butt grip, however, he developments have served rod builders in their ongoing quest to added Storm SuspenStrips—adhesive-backed rectangles of soft lead that he reduce rod weight and, in turn, diminish fatigue and enhance angler comfort generally uses to add weight to his jerkbaits—to the tapered butt grip.

“You can get the balance perfect by adding just enough lead tape over the and feel on the water.

Oddly enough, radical downsizing of rod components sometimes produces butt grip before adding Winn overwrap on top of it,” explained Lane. “Balance the opposite of its intended effect if rod balance is significantly compromised makes a big difference when you are flipping those heavy tungsten weights in along the way or when heavier-than-usual lures or terminal tackle enter the heavy cover all day long.” picture.

Several seasons ago, a rod manufacturer asked me to road test a new midFor a word from Lester on the benefits of Winn Grips, go to priced spinning rod the company was planning to bring to market. The design team had taken the split grip concept to an extreme, virtually eliminating the mid (rear) grip altogether and adding a very airy foam to the butt grip. However,

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12/15/16 3:10 PM

s

T

Shown above: Chad Roberson, President of H2O Sports congratulates Danny Amador on his new boat.

hat’s a real mouthful of salutations, but the winner of Coastal Angler and The Angler Magazine’s Boat Giveaway contest is certainly deserving of all three. Danny Amador was drawn as the winner of the 15’10” Cape Craft boat with 75 hp Honda engine and a Coyote trailer. A massive fire at H20 Sports Manufacturing delayed much of their manufacturing, and Danny Amador had to wait until Dec. 9 to pick up his brand new Cape Craft vessel.

That’s where the story gets really interesting. Dec. 9 is Danny’s birthday. Yep, and as all December birthday people know it’s always “Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas.”

Coastal Angler Magazine would like to salute Danny Amador for his patience in receiving his boat. Unforeseen circumstances can sometimes alter even the best of transactions. Danny Amador’s patience and H20’s commitment to fulfilling the contest award represented the best of our industry. In addition to Danny’s boat, motor and trailer, Chad Roberson, H20 Sports Manufacturing’s President, insisted on

throwing in a free bimini top and invited Danny Amador to pick his favorite custom color for the boat. Good things are worth waiting for.

Special thanks to Top Notch Marine in Fort H2O Staff and Danny Amador shown at H2O Sports headquarters.

Pierce, Fla. for their assistance in titling this boat to our Florida winner. Once again to Danny Amador: “Congratulations, Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas!”

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UNDER THE SEA

Center s LIONFISH: CAN’T BEAT ’EM? EAT ’EM! SHERI DAYE

A

lthough beautiful to look at, the invasive lionfish poses a severe threat to Atlantic and Gulf waters.

They are known for having spines that can sting if not handled properly, but the meat is perfectly safe and delicious to eat. In other words, they are venomous but not poisonous.

Lionfish is becoming increasingly common on restaurant menus and is even available at Whole Foods grocery stores. Connoisseurs often compare the quality to hogfish – a fine, delicate white meat.

The scientific community concluded that home aquarists are to blame.

Much like the python in the Everglades, it only took a few released invasive individuals to begin the breeding cycle. Since they are a new and strange looking species, native fish are not consuming lionfish. Yet lionfish are consuming juvenile native species at an alarming rate. Adding to the problem, they also breed at an amazing rate. Females reach sexual maturity at six months and release up to 30,000 eggs every five days. They now cover the east coast of the U.S., the entire Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic side of Central and South America, and can be found between 2 and 1,000 feet deep.

The most effective way of hunting them, by far, is spearfishing. Since they have no natural predators, they are not wary which makes them easy to spear. Just handle the spines with care and you will be rewarded with a delicious meal while helping the environment!

Lionfish hunting tips: 1. First, you must find them! Unfortunately, they are everywhere—look on reefs, wrecks, sometimes out in the open and often in ledges and holes.

2. Handle them carefully and do not to let the fins puncture your skin. If stung on the hand, remove any rings right away. The best treatment is heat, which breaks down the venom. Heat packs or hot water collected from the boat exhaust can be used.

3. Use the specially designed pole spears (such as Neritic) and use lionfish containers (such as the Zookeeper), which are puncture-proof.

These specialty items can be found on the LionfishHunting.com website or your local dive shop.

4. Once back on the boat/shore, place lionfish into cooler and continue to handle with care. The protein-based venom is broken down by heat but preserved by cold.

5.

Lionfish can be filleted just like any other fish. See LionfishHunting.com for a good set of instructions with photos on how to fillet.

6. Lionfish can be prepared like any other white-meat fish. Many recipes can be found online. For an impressive presentation, they can even be cooked whole as cooking neutralizes the venom.

P. S. The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo, which takes place April 2017 in Ft. Lauderdale, will have a Lionfish Pavilion featuring several exhibitors along with a cook-off event where several chefs will be showing off their best recipes and giving samples. Happy Hunting!

Sheri Daye is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer of “The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo” in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.

For more Sheri Daye, go to

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SOUTHEAST dad as a kid and has fished almost every day for the past 33 years! Dave will be at the boat show all weekend.

Meet Mermaid Kelly Mermaid Kelly is a Professional Mermaid who swam all the way from Florida. She will have a meet and greet and photo op all weekend.

She loves to swim and she loves visiting humans on the land.

Coastal Fishing Expo The Coastal Fishing Expo will be held all weekend, hosted by Coastal Angler Magazine. Come meet the fishing experts as they teach tips of the trade.

T

he Charleston Boat Show is an annual tradition in the Lowcountry.

Now celebrating 37 years, the show has expanded with more outdoor space. There will be more than 80 boat brands and hundreds of boats on sale at “show only” pricing beginning Friday, Jan. 27 through Sunday, Jan. 29 at the Charleston Area Convention Center Complex.

Meet Wicked Tuna’s Capt. Dave Carraro Capt. Dave Carraro is the captain of FV-Tuna.com on NatGeo’s smash hit show Wicked Tuna. Dave holds a U.S.C.G 100-ton Master License and has an invaluable 32 years of experience with Gloucester Fishing Charters. He began fishing with his

Live Music Outside As part of the boat show celebration, there will be live music outside including Return Of The Mack Duo featuring Chris Dodson and Markie Morantz; Classic Rock, Blues, R & B with Ronnie Johnson and Dale Baker and Saluda Shoals, a musical collaboration between singer/songwriter Henri Gates and vocalist Cassie Verhaeghe.

Please visit www.TheCharlestonBoatShow.com for all the details.

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GEORGIA

By Nick Carter

T

he tragic death of a dedicated husband and father just before Thanksgiving in Georgia should serve as a reminder to all outdoorsmen that lanterns, space heaters and campfires, when improperly handled, can be just as dangerous as a loaded rifle propped against the wall with the safety off.

Brandon Carter, 36, of Oconee County, Ga., was killed Nov. 20 when an electric space heater ignited a fire in the small wooden cabin he was sleeping in at his rural Georgia hunting camp. Carter’s father-in-law Steven Momberg was badly burned

attempting to rescue the man, who was trapped inside the cabin by flames that blocked the only door.

It was a nightmarish scenario that could have taken place at so many makeshift hunt camps that spring up on timberlands across the Southeast. While gun safety is at the forefront of most hunters’ minds, fire safety tends to be an afterthought, even with all the highly flammable fuels and paraphernalia necessary to the camp experience.

The tragedy occurred around midnight after the two men had retired to separate buildings. Carter’s cabin and Momberg’s trailer shared a long, covered front porch. They were nestled among more than a dozen other stick-built wooden cabins and campers of BigEye Hunting Club.

The blaze began in Carter’s cabin and spread rapidly in high wind. Momberg woke to the sound of ammunition popping and intense heat. With propane canisters exploding around him, he tried in vain to rescue his daughter’s husband.

When a 4-wheeler parked near the door erupted in flames, Momberg was thrown into the yard. He then ran to a nearby house where the residents called 911.

By the time responders cut a firebreak, the blaze had consumed five structures, two trucks, the 4-wheeler, three golf carts and everything in and around the buildings. The two men were the only hunters in camp that night.

The tragedy highlights the importance of multiple points of egress, whether it’s a second door, a trap door in the floor or windows unblocked by bars or AC units. Basic fire safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are inexpensive peace of mind. And just being cognizant of things like not overloading electrical outlets, not burning lanterns and gas heaters indoors, extinguishing campfires, clearing flammable debris from around structures and how fuel is stored can make camps safer.

On the Sunday morning before Thanksgiving, Carter’s newly widowed wife Tammi woke her two children—Chase, 10, and Bayli, 9—to tell them they would never see their father again.

“It helps me to think there’s something we can do to help, something good that can come of this,” she said, “even if it’s just to let other daddies know so this doesn’t happen to their families.”

A GoFundMe account has been set up for the Carter children to ease the longterm financial burden they will surely feel with the loss of their father, the family’s primary breadwinner. Donations would be appreciated at https://www.gofundme. com/trust-for-brandon-carters-children.

To donate and/or learn more, go to

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ith the sport of fishing g r o w i n g and more anglers on the water, there seems to be more information available. All of this information, paired with the quick access to it using smart phones and social media avenues, can make us a lot more productive on the water. Becoming a better angler is great, but it could all be in vain unless we do our best to protect the resources we so greatly love.

Knowing how to safely handle and release fish is just as important as being able to catch fish.

Below are a few tips that will help any angler become a better steward of the water.

Tip 1: Minimize the time taken to fight the fish. There are scenarios that require lighter line or tippet. More often than not, this leads to fish being broken off, but if not, this can be the cause of undue stress on the fish. In general, the lighter the line or tippet, the longer it takes to land the fish. Just like humans, fish build up lactic acid during a fight. If not revived properly, this can lead to an injured or dead fish. Using the heaviest pound test possible for your particular situation can minimize the time it takes to land a fish and can have a huge impact on the health of the fish when released Tip 2: Always handle fish with a wet hand.

Virtually all species of fish are covered with a protective mucus membrane. This membrane does quite a few things for the fish. It allows the fish to move through the water with less drag, but more importantly, it protects the fish from diseases, fungi and parasites. Handling a fish with a dry hand removes this protective barrier, and the fish becomes highly susceptible to waterborne diseases and parasites. Wetting your hands before handling the fish will help prevent the removal of the membrane. With 2

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this in mind, a net with a rubber bag can be a great tool for the job. Using a net to cradle fish while removing the hook will greatly reduce the possibility of injury to the fish. We will still need to use wet hands to handle the fish, but minimizing contact can be crucial.

Tip 3: Properly reviving the fish before it is released is the next step in safely handling fish. Regardless of species, all fish need to be revived until able to swim away under their own power. The best way to do this is to place the fish in the water facing into the current and firmly, but not squeezing, hold the fish by the base of the tail until it can swim away on its own. Letting go after a good kick of the tail under the assumption that the fish is ready can lead to the demise of the fish. If the water is cold, you need to be ready to keep your hands submerged until the fish is ready. I wear wool gloves most of the winter when fishing. I take the gloves off to handle the fish and replace them once the fish is released. This is also the reason I like a jacket with good water-tight cuffs.

Tip 4: Correctly holding fish, especially large fish, can be especially important. Never squeeze a fish. If the fish seems unruly, try turning the fish upside down. This will disrupt their equilibrium and give you a moment to handle the fish without struggle. When it comes to handling trout, you never want to “lip” the fish. This practice may be acceptable for bass, but even bass can be injured this way.

Cradling trout and other fish with two hands is the best method. A great way to hold fish is one hand firmly gripping the base of the tail and the other hand supporting the fish from underneath toward the head. Be sure to keep your fingers out

of the gills. Handling a fish by the gills can cause serious injury and will usually lead to a delayed mortality.

Tip 5: Hold the fish close to the water.

This way, if the fish struggles, it will only fall a minimal distance. Dropping a fish even a short distance to the water can cause serious injury and possibly death. Keeping the fish in the water until the moment of the photo is also critical. It is a good idea to walk through the operation of a camera with the other anglers in your party. This way, if there is any question about how to operate the device, it is taken care of beforehand.

Tip 6: Know when to leave the hook embedded. At some point every angler will be faced with this decision: do I cut the line or try to remove the hook? Generally, if you are asking this question, the line should be cut.

If the hook is embedded too deep or around the gill area, it’s generally best to cut the line.

In most cases, fish have a greater chance of survival expelling the hook on their own as opposed to the angler digging around and trying to remove it.

Tip 7: De-barb your hooks. There are benefits to de-barbing fish hooks. One of the most important is it’s easier to remove from the fish. Yes, if we de-barb the hook, it is easier for the fish to throw the hook. It requires more line management and skill to keep the fish connected. Another benefit to de-barbing is that in the event you foul hook yourself or another angler, it is easier to remove.

These are just a few tips to handling fish safely. Hopefully you find them helpful and I can assure you that the fish will appreciate your knowledge.

For more fish handling tips, go to

COASTALANGLERFISHING.COM

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12/15/16 11:43 AM

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t’s 6:30 a.m., and my photographer and I are following a black Ford F-150 from Georgetown to Rolle Town in Exuma, Bahamas. The sun is slowly making its journey upwards, and the landscape seems to be glowing because of it.

We make our way to a little dock below a hill, park our rental car and board the boat. Off we go dashing across the still water in the dim early morning. The sun and its bright orange rays are barely above the horizon.

Exuma is an interesting place to bonefish. Known more for the swimming pigs and its dozens of beautiful cays, the island has become a popular hub for tourists in search of authentic Bahamian island life.

Boasting top resorts like Sandals Emerald Bay, February Point and Grand Isles, Exuma is not short on gorgeous properties overlooking its turquoise and electric blue waters.

My guide, Reno Rolle, explains that Exuma has never been known as the fishing capital of The Bahamas; that title is held by Andros, Eleuthera, Bimini or Abaco. But Rolle said his clientele includes people from Germany, Paris, the Unites States and lately, Canada. And Rolle, who has been fishing for 20 years, does everything he can to make his clients lifelong patrons.

“I’ve got a guy from Germany who has been fishing with me for six years,” he said. “For one, I feel that as long as people get comfortable fishing with you as a guide they continue to building that relationship and it becomes naturally like that’s your friend. When we look at bonefishing, sometimes it just draws the outer world into these islands.”

There are eight full-time professional bonefish guides on Exuma.

Exuma is centrally located in the island chain of The Bahamas. A 35-minute flight from New Providence, Exuma is also an hour from Miami. Flights include Air Canada, American Eagle and Delta Airlines.

The Tropic of Cancer runs through a beach in Exuma, aptly named the Tropic of Cancer Beach. There is lots to do on the island.

The swimming pigs tour, a journey through most of northern Exuma, takes guests from Barraterre on Great Exuma to Compass Cay in the north. Four C’s Adventures is a recommended guide service that can accommodate large groups.

Visitors not only get to meet the pigs on pig beach, they get to explore Thunderball Grotto, an underwater cavern filled with marine life, which served as a pivotal scene in the 1965 James Bond film Thunderball. Within a few miles of that is a sunken drug plane. Then there is a beach filled with endangered iguanas, a property once owned by actor Nicholas Cage and of course Compass Cay and its equally

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famous nurse sharks.

These are experiences that can only be found on Exuma.

Thousands of sailors anchor in Georgetown each year during the summer season, many are on their way south in an epic exploration of the Caribbean. Exuma’s harbors are well protected and exciting.

Chat N Chill, a restaurant and bar found on Stocking Island, overlooks that harbor. On a dull day, you’ll find about 20 people on the island feeding stingrays and eating fresh tropical conch salad and enjoying a Kalik – beer of The Bahamas.

Rolle, my guide, grew up on Exuma. The son of a taxi driver, Rolle began instructing me in the ways of the fly rod during our trip.

“It’s the only way to bonefish,” he told me.

While we circled around the back of Rolle Town searching for the gray ghost in the marshes, I learned just how complex using the fly rod can be. Rolle caught one bonefish that day, I caught zilch. Needless to say, I did not master the fly rod.

As we returned from our trip, the tide became increasingly low and suddenly several sandbars appeared above the water’s surface.

Exuma is truly one of the most exciting and unpredictable islands in the Bahamian archipelago.

For more Bonefishing in the Exumas, go to

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Coastal Georgia Fishing Forecast It’s hard to believe another year has flown (fished) by. I guess time really does fly when you’re having fun (fish)! Despite not one, but two hurricanes this year, Mother Nature has been pretty good to us in 2016, as far as the fishing. Last year’s winter fished very well for sheepshead both inshore and nearshore. The spring was almost non-existent, as the weather warmed rapidly spurring a nice spring bull red run and a very good whiting bite while it lasted. Slot sized redfish have been everywhere just about all year. Which speaks volumes for our redfish population. The fall yielded probably one of the best years for bull reds we’ve had in a long time.

While the tarpon were thick when they showed, the Silver Kings would pull a vanishing act at times and then return. A lot of the tarpon fluctuation can be attributed to the movement of the pogies (menhaden) which also migrated back and forth from the rivers, to the beaches to as far as 3 miles offshore. While many anglers had their concern that raising the minimum length for speckled trout to 14” may be problematic, the trout bite for the last 2 months of 2016 has been very good for keepers.

By Capt Tim Cutting

line our waterways. Docks, bulkheads, jetties, fallen timber, wrecks, rock piles, channel markers, bridge abutments, and even deeper submerged oyster mounds are all great places to look.

In most cases fishing vertical as close to the structure as possible is your best bet. Customary tackle is a basic fish finder rig with enough weight to keep your presentation vertical (straight up-and-down). A relatively short leader (4”-8”) of 15-30 lb. fluorocarbon is what I like to use. I have used different hooks, but I have settled on the mosquito style hooks in #1, 1/0 or 2/0. These hooks work well for all species and are usually made with laser sharp black carbon steel.

Most savvy sheepshead anglers use fiddler crabs, but clams, oysters, and small live or dead shrimp will work as well. A few anglers have employed small adjustable floats to detect the bite better, but the tide usually needs to be fairly slow for this technique to be effective.

Going forward, many anglers often shy away from the cold weather, but in actuality, this is one of the best months for trout, redfish, and sheepshead. The tides will be tricky (big) from the 10th thru the 15th, but the rest of January 2017 looks very good. I especially like the 6th thru the 11th and the 21st thru the 27th, for prime time fishing this month. With a little planning, January can be one of the better months of the year.

Redfish seem to love midday low tides this time of year, often wallowing around in mere inches of water. One of the exceptions, and because both species love crabs, they will often be in the same spots as sheepshead. Before I approach a likely sheepshead spot, I will often pitch scented plastics, or live shrimp on light jig heads, from a distance, to see if a few reds are home. Redfish don’t seem to be as comfortable as close to the boat as sheepshead. Most of our winter redfish will be shallow as mentioned before.

Protected creeks, mudflats, docks, and fallen trees will all hold redfish during the winter. Midday low tides will work in your favor.

Sheepshead will be found at just about any man made structure that

While I love fishing for sheepshead and redfish, speckled trout hold a

special place in my heart, as they will respond to virtually everything in your box from live to artificial.

Naturally everything eats shrimp, but mud minnows and small finger mullet will not go refused either. I can be rather hard headed when it comes to floats, but I have had to do some rethinking when fishing the constant current our waters offer. Float rigs and popping corks are deadly. Learn to use both. On nicer warmer days trout can often be found at high water right next to the grass, especially areas with a high concentration of shell.

Trout can often be lazy, so work areas thoroughly. Creek mouths, points, and even submerged sandbars and humps will hold trout. Many of our best days have been floating shrimp right down the middle of smaller creeks, taking advantage of depth changes created by shell, sandbars, or just “humps”. If I have my druthers during January, I like to fish deep creeks with artificials. A trolling motor definitely helps, but is not mandatory. For me the key is to work the baits with the current, covering as many depths as possible from 4 -20 ft. I have faith in a Mirrolure 52 MR and just about any plastic pinned to a 1/8 ounce jig head.

If you think you are working the bait to slow, go slower! Happy New Year and good fishing for everyone in 2017!

-Capt. Tim Cutting Coastal Georgia Inshore Charters St Simons Island, Georgia 912-230-1814 www.fishthegeorgiacoast.com

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offshore • inshore

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light tackle • fly

Capt. Tim Cutting 912.230.1814

340 Northview Dr. | Jesup, Georgia 31546

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email: satilla@bellsouth.net satillamarine.com

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Dead Bai t Char ters inshore - offshore fishing guides

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Tide Chart

Correction Table Harriets Bluff Dover Bluff Turtle River Jekyll Harbor Marina Hampton River Marina St Simons Pier Golden Isles Marina Two Way Fish Camp St Marys Entrance

2hr 09min 1hr 10min 1hr 10min 25min 40min 25min 50min 2hr 15min

ST. Simons Bar Date Day 2017/01/01 Sun 2017/01/02 Mon 2017/01/03 Tue 2017/01/04 Wed 2017/01/05 Thu 2017/01/06 Fri 2017/01/07 Sat 2017/01/08 Sun 2017/01/09 Mon 2017/01/10 Tue 2017/01/11 Wed 2017/01/12 Thu 2017/01/13 Fri 2017/01/14 Sat 2017/01/15 Sun 2017/01/16 Mon 2017/01/17 Tue 2017/01/18 Wed 2017/01/19 Thu 2017/01/20 Fri 2017/01/21 Sat 2017/01/22 Sun 2017/01/23 Mon 2017/01/24 Tue 2017/01/25 Wed 2017/01/26 Thu 2017/01/27 Fri 2017/01/28 Sat 2017/01/29 Sun 2017/01/30 2017/01/31

Mon Tue

Time 03:48 AM 04:29 AM 05:15 AM 06:09 AM 12:48 AM 01:48 AM 02:52 AM 03:59 AM 05:04 AM 12:00 AM 12:57 AM 01:52 AM 02:43 AM 03:32 AM 04:19 AM 05:05 AM 05:54 AM 12:30 AM 01:18 AM 02:08 AM 03:01 AM 03:55 AM 04:48 AM 05:37 AM 12:01 AM 12:47 AM 01:31 AM 02:13 AM 02:53 AM 03:34 AM 04:17 AM

Hgt Time Hgt Time Hgt Time -0.4 L 09:54 AM 6.73 H 04:30 PM -0.29 L 10:15 PM -0.31 L 10:37 AM 6.63 H 05:11 PM -0.27 L 11:02 PM -0.17 L 11:25 AM 6.51 H 05:58 PM -0.25 L 11:53 PM -0.01 L 12:17 PM 6.36 H 06:51 PM -0.25 L 6.21 H 07:12 AM 0.13 L 01:14 PM 6.2 H 07:51 PM 6.37 H 08:24 AM 0.14 L 02:16 PM 6.06 H 08:54 PM 6.58 H 09:36 AM 0.01 L 03:23 PM 6.01 H 09:57 PM 6.86 H 10:44 AM -0.25 L 04:31 PM 6.08 H 10:59 PM 7.2 H 11:48 AM -0.57 L 05:35 PM 6.27 H -1.25 L 06:05 AM 7.53 H 12:48 PM -0.91 L 06:34 PM -1.5 L 07:01 AM 7.77 H 01:43 PM -1.18 L 07:29 PM -1.66 L 07:53 AM 7.86 H 02:34 PM -1.32 L 08:21 PM -1.67 L 08:44 AM 7.77 H 03:22 PM -1.31 L 09:12 PM -1.5 L 09:33 AM 7.53 H 04:07 PM -1.15 L 10:02 PM -1.16 L 10:22 AM 7.18 H 04:51 PM -0.87 L 10:52 PM -0.73 L 11:10 AM 6.77 H 05:34 PM -0.53 L 11:41 PM -0.26 L 11:57 AM 6.35 H 06:19 PM -0.2 L 5.91 H 06:45 AM 0.17 L 12:44 PM 5.96 H 07:05 PM 5.75 H 07:40 AM 0.48 L 01:32 PM 5.62 H 07:53 PM 5.65 H 08:37 AM 0.65 L 02:23 PM 5.38 H 08:43 PM 5.63 H 09:33 AM 0.68 L 03:16 PM 5.24 H 09:34 PM 5.7 H 10:26 AM 0.59 L 04:11 PM 5.22 H 10:24 PM 5.86 H 11:16 AM 0.43 L 05:04 PM 5.32 H 11:13 PM 6.08 H 12:04 PM 0.2 L 05:52 PM 5.5 H -0.16 L 06:22 AM 6.32 H 12:50 PM -0.05 L 06:36 PM -0.39 L 07:03 AM 6.55 H 01:33 PM -0.31 L 07:17 PM -0.61 L 07:41 AM 6.73 H 02:13 PM -0.53 L 07:55 PM -0.78 L 08:18 AM 6.85 H 02:52 PM -0.7 L 08:33 PM -0.88 L 08:56 AM 6.89 H 03:30 PM -0.81 L 09:12 PM

Hgt 5.95 H 6.0 H 6.09 H -0.32 L -0.47 L -0.7 L -0.97 L 6.49 H 6.66 H 6.72 H 6.67 H 6.52 H 6.32 H 6.11 H 0.07 L 0.25 L 0.33 L 0.31 L 0.21 L 0.05 L 5.69 H 5.89 H 6.05 H 6.19 H 6.31 H

-0.9 L -0.81 L

6.41 H 6.48 H

09:36 AM 10:20 AM

6.86 H 04:09 PM -0.85 L 09:55 PM 6.75 H 04:50 PM -0.82 L 10:42 PM

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revised by Dominic Guadagnoli & William Hughes February 2010

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ABIDE THE TIDE Here on the Southeast Georgia Coast, the tide is not only everything, it’s the biggest thing. Literally. We have the biggest tide swings on the East Coast, besides a few spots off the Coast of Maine. For fisherman, this can be a hard nut to crack. Without going into a whole lot of science, as a rule, the tide changes every 6 hours.

The amount of water moving during these six hour periods is a key factor. Generally, an average tide will move about 6 ½ feet of water from low to high, and high to low. I say generally, because as we approach different moon phases, the amount of water pushed in, and the amount of water pulled out changes. Remember, these amounts of water only have 6 hours to fill, and 6 hours to empty. (Low to high, high to low, etc.) Depending on the amount of water being pushed in or out, the current will either be stronger or weaker. The weaker flow, or amplitude, is usually not a problem. On the other hand, when larger volumes of water are moved, the current runs swifter, and the water becomes very turbid, or just plain dirty, as mud and sediment are picked up by these stronger flows. Fish hate this! As a rule the periods around the full and new moons pull harder, and conversely, the periods furthest away from the full and new moons pull slower. Fortunately, or unfortunately not all moon phases during the year follow an exact pattern, so predicting clean or dirty water can be tricky. I like to refer to a tide chart that shows the tide stage (or height, or lack of) at both low and high. I use saltwatertides.com. This site will let

you look at tides for the whole year and years to come.

The low is always based on 0.0, and the high is actual tide height, depending on where in the tidal system you may be located. To make things simple, as a rule, I shy away from tides that move more than a total of 7.9 feet. For example, if low tide at the St Simons Sound is predicted at a height of 0.5 and the high tide is predicted to be 6.7, I have a total movement, or flow of 6.2. This falls well below 7.9, and means clean fishable water. If low tide height is listed at -1.1 (notice the negative indicating lower than avg., avg. low being 0.0) and the high is listed at 7.6, the water will move 8.6 feet during that period, well above the 7.9, causing dirty water. I know the best time to go fishing is when you can, but for those with a little luxury to plan a fishing trip, picking tides that have clean water will definitely contribute to a successful fishing here in the Golden Isles.

Capt. Tim Cutting Fishthegeorgiacoast.com Capt. Tim Cutting Coastal Georgia Inshore Charters St Simons Island, Georgia 912-230-1814 www.fishthegeorgiacoast.com

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Southeast GA Lakes and Ponds Crappie fishing is an awesome way to ring in the New Year! Lake Mayers near Baxley has been producing good catches of smaller fish (7 to 10 inches) for those who spider-rigged Specktacular Jigs and minnows. If you have not read my article in the December Georgia Outdoor News, e-mail me and I’ll shoot you a copy of the Lake Mayers crappie fishing article. Local ponds produced slabs up to 2 pounds last month, and quite a few more should fill creels during warm spells this month. My approach is simple. On cold days, spider-rig or long-line troll with curlytailed grubs (my favorite is an Assassin 2-inch Curly Shad). When you find fish, cast to the school and then continue with trolling. During a warm afternoon, make sure to pitch the curly-tails or Specktacular Jigs under a float to shoreline cover and docks to see if fish moved up. Expect to catch a good mess of fish in an afternoon. Of course, dragging minnows around a pond will also produce a good mess of slabs.

This month the chain pickerel (jackfish) should get fired up in the Okefenokee, as they are in a feeding, pre-spawn mode. Jackfish-colored Dura-Spins will fool them if there is not too much floating vegetation to fish an in-line spinner. Fish the lure fast and expect bone-jarring strikes. Flier fishing is another high point during winter, and timing of your trip is key.

You will want to look for a few warm days in a row and then fish the day before a cold front rolls through for the hottest bite. Fliers, like crappie, can sense the

upcoming bad weather and feed up ahead of it. Just like crappie, they can also turn off like a light switch once a strong cold front passes and the bluebird skies set in. This is also the time of year when some big (over 10 inches) females will be mixed in your catch.

During winter I prefer to fish an Okefenokee Swamp Sally fly suspended underneath a small balsa float.

Set the hook as soon as the float twitches, as fliers will usually inhale it and sit there instead of turning and pulling the float down. Bowfin (mudfish) fishing slows (the 100-fish days are gone for a few months) but will still be good (20 fish days are realistic) during warm spells. When water temperatures are in the upper 50’s or 60’s, they will inhale a Dura-Spin in-line spinner. When the water is colder, cut up a flier or fish worms on the bottom. Plastic worms will also fool their share of feisty bowfin. Catfishing on the Fargo side will be excellent again this winter. My Catfish Catcher jigheads baited with a piece of shrimp and tight-lined behind the boat work great for the tasty bullheads there.

Capt. Bert Deener Capt. Bert’s Lures 912-287-1604 bertdeener@yahoo.com

8 SOUTHEAST & COASTAL GEORGIA | JANUARY 2017 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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Coastal Cookin’ with Mrs. Susan Cold weather calls for big, steaming bowls of hot soup! This is a good one- it’ll warm you up on a cold winter night!

White Bean and Sausage Soup Ingredients:

Directions: Saute the sliced smoked sausage in your soup pot over medium/high heat until nice and browned.

Set aside Add oil to the pot, and cook the chopped onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and saute for one minute. Add green chile peppers, cumin, oregano, cayenne or chipotle, 4 cans of Great Northern beans and 1 cup of chicken broth. Give it a stir and let it simmer while you put one can of great northern beans in your blender and liquefy it. Add this to the pot along with your smoked sausage. Add more broth if needed. Simmer for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend, then serve.

Enjoy!

10% Off

Meal Purchase Joe’s Japanese Hibachi served nightly 1200 Glynn Avenue Brunswick, GA

January 2017

1 pound or so of smoked sausage, sliced thin 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cans chopped green chile peppers 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons dried oregano 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or chipotle powder (use less if you don’t like it hot!)

5 cans Great Northern Beans, undrained 1 ½ cups chicken broth (approximately)

Marshside Grill Brunswick Only *Does not include Alcoholic Beverages

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Altamaha/Satilla Rivers Happy New Year to each of you! I hope that you were able to ring in the New Year with a fishing trip to the Satilla or Altamaha rivers! At the time of writing this, both the Satilla and Altamaha rivers are fishable but starting to get low again. Bass, crappie, and catfish (on the tidal portions of the rivers) will be the best bets this month.

On the Satilla, the bite was good last month for those wading or walking the bank during the extremely low water. Crappie fishing was the best bite, but some redbreasts and bream were still chasing Satilla Spin spinnerbaits and Beetlespins during warm spells (the water temperature topped 65 degrees at times!). Crawfish was the best color from the reports I received. For crappie, anglers did best fishing the deep holes in the main river. The water was too low to boat most of early December, so anglers fished primarily from the bank with minnows or jigs. Catfishing in the White Oak Creek and Woodbine areas was great last month and should remain excellent until the water dips into the 40’s (if it does). You can just drop a shrimp to the bottom anywhere and will likely catch a catfish, but the most productive setup is usually to fish the mouth of a rice ditch or creek on the outgoing tide. The whiskerfish will move out of the canal on the outgoing tide and sit at the mouth (where you will be waiting with a shrimp cocktail for them!). I typically put a spread of my Catfish Catcher jigheads out the back of the boat and put the rods in the rod holder. The jigheads will keep the line tight so you can easily see which rods are getting bites. The Gamakatsu circle hook sets itself, so all you have to do is reel the fish in. Adjust the size of your jighead based on the speed of the current. If you don’t have a couple dozen nice white catfish at the end of the day, you have had a slow bite.

until mid-December. Bass fishing in the tributaries and the upper Altamaha was awesome when the fish were concentrated in deep holes and the water was extremely clear. That all came to a halt with the half-foot of rain over much of the basin last month. If the rains don’t persist, the water should be clear and down again by the time you read this. If you ease a johnboat around cautiously, you can catch some nice fish in low, clear water. This month, you will want to slow down and methodically work jigs or worms around cover or go for a reflex bite with spinnerbaits or crankbaits.

The catfish bite in the Darien area will get cranked up again this month. Fresh shad from a commercial shad fisherman is the coveted bait, but worms, shrimp, and chicken livers will also produce. Big chunks of cut bait are the way to go for trophy channels and blue catfish. The crappie bite in oxbow lakes and trashpiles in the main river should be good this month if the water is not too high and muddy.

Both minnows and jigs produce slabs this time of year. My most productive presentations have been Specktacular Jigs (made with chenille bodies and tinsel tails) or tube lures fished under floats and Assassin 2-inch Curly Shads fished on a plain jighead. Cast and retrieve the curly-tailed lures, and drift around open water or pitch to cover with the other jigs. Tidal bassing can also be productive this time of year. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits fished in the mouths of cuts on an outgoing tide is a great presentation.

To monitor all the Georgia river levels, visit the USGS website http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ga/nwis/rt.

Capt. Bert Deener Capt. Bert’s Lures 912-287-1604 bertdeener@yahoo.com

Just like the Satilla, the Altamaha was very low this fall

CAPT. BERT’S Specktacular Jig Catches Slab Crappie

Sickle Hook Holds Slabs Durable

Available at Southeast GA Bait and Tackle Stores For a Complete Catalog of Hand-Crafted Lures Call (912) 287-1604 email BertDeener@yahoo.com 10 SOUTHEAST & COASTAL GEORGIA | JANUARY 2017 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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southeast georgia angling

Isaiah Bittle (left) fished with his father John in a tributary to the Altamaha River

send photos to: tony@theanglermagazine.com

Ed Zmarzly of Waycross caught these beauties (the 7-pounder on the left is his personal best!) from the St Simons Pier.

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12/15/2016 2:50:28 PM

GE

O

ne of the slowest ways to learn is learning from your own mistakes… but some of them will be priceless over time and hopefully you’ll laugh at yourself along the way.

Just last weekend, a buddy and I hit the bay on a quick afternoon wade fishing trip and we excitedly launched the boat on a super low tide.

Fail number one! Even if you are in a hurry, check the tidal forecast.

We almost didn’t make it out of the little bayou. It didn’t stop there; we ran to our fishing area only to look at each other and say, “I thought you put my rods in the boat”…. “no, I thought you did”—Fail number 2! We both began to laugh. We always have plenty rods in the boat, and we still had just enough to get the job done, check out our big trout spot and to catch this redfish.

There are faster ways to learn than just spending time on the water.

You can spend years and not make much real advance guessing where to be and what to use. Hire teaching guides, go with better fishermen, read quality magazine articles, and watch quality instructional videos. Make sure you get good positive referrals to make sure you get the most out of your time and it will be something that will benefit you years to come.

Laugh at yourself often.

Tobin created the TroutSupport.com DVDs and has supported thousand’s of anglers in taking their game to the next level.

W

By Ed Killer

hen you have empty pockets, the thought of someone pressing a wad of cash firmly into your sweaty palm can be intoxicating.

Want also can do that to a country and its leadership.

It nearly happened to the Bahamas. For the discount price of $2.1 billion, China wanted to buy fishing, timber and farming rights for the next 10 years from the Bahamas.

Reports from the Bahamian capital of Nassau suggest the proposed deal is dead in the water. For now, future fishing and diving trips to the islands will continue to be fruitful and productive.

Following two weeks of outcry from Bahamian citizens, environmental groups, tourism officials, fishing organizations, recreational anglers and even the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, it appeared in late November the deal was a no-go. Bahamian Prime Minister Perry Christie said any such deal would have been “rejected outright.”

This is a classic case of Bahamian officials trying to monetize what limited natural resources the country has. Once the arrangement became public, however, it was realized how lopsided and short-sighted it was. The deal would have far-reaching ramifications ecologically, economically and internationally.

Let’s start with the ecological. Chinese corporations are in the business of feeding a nation of more than 1 billion consumers. To them, the Bahamas must look like a gold mine. Thousands of square miles of tropical reefs are inhabited by creatures great and small, all of which taste good dipped in soy sauce. More than anything, what Chinese interests were paying for was exemption from regulation and enforcement. The cash-strapped Bahamian government already struggles to enforce laws against illegal fishing, human trafficking and drug smuggling. Can anyone envision the Royal Defence Force boarding a factory fishing ship hailing from Shanghai to bust it for undersized lobsters?

CANGL_FIL1-FIL4.indd 3

Additionally, according to the Marine Conservation Institute, these fishing businesses often use indiscriminate and destructive harvesting equipment and methods. They kill non-targeted species and marine habitat. Entire schools of migrating yellowfin and bluefin tuna would be at risk. Dolphin, wahoo, snapper and grouper also would be taken in great quantities. And does anyone think for a second that Chinese ships would obey the Exclusive Economic Zone of U.S. Federal waters?

The second part of this foolish concept is the economic damage wrought to the Bahamas—and Southeast Florida. The Bahamas chief form of income is tourism. Year-round sunshine and beautiful beaches are the main draw, but right behind those two are recreational fishing, boating and diving. According to an economic study by the World Travel and Tourism Council, tourism represented 43.6 percent of the nation’s GDP in 2014.

Some 98,000 jobs in the Bahamas are based on tourism.

The deal would impact the Treasure Coast marine economy, too.

Thousands of boaters use marinas in the three-county area as well as Palm Beach to provision for trips to the Bahamas. They spend money here getting ready to go there. No fish in the Bahamas would mean a sharp decrease in our boat traffic.

Yet, earlier this year, Bahamian minister of agriculture and marine resources V. Alfred Gray authorized ambassador to China Paul Andy Gomez to pursue a deal he initially called a “progressive initiative.” Gray, Gomez and others were willing to mortgage a 10-year projected $38 billion in tourist revenue in exchange for $2.1 billion in fishing rights.

For now, it seems Bahamian officials have reached a conclusion that is best for their country’s future. But there will be more offers to come. Not all of them will be brought to light before they are agreed upon.

Ed Killer is the outdoors columnist for Treasure Coast Newspapers and TCPalm.com, and this column reflects his opinion. Friend him on Facebook at Ed Killer, follow him on Twitter @tcpalmekiller, email him at ed.killer@tcpalm.com or call him at 772-221-4201.

For more about the Chinese and Bahamian relationship, go to

COASTALANGLERSALTWATER.COM

12/15/16 2:16 PM

U.S. Angler Steve LEssard Crowned

Hobie Fishing Worlds Champion

A

fter three days of fish and fun, 11 North American World Championship Team members recently returned to their respective states from Lafourche Parish, La. There they represented the United States and Canada in the sixth-annual Hobie Fishing World Championship, presented by Rhino-Rack and hosted by Hobie Cat Company.

Anglers either qualified through regional tournaments or were invited to attend the crowning event held December 8-10. Competitors from 17 countries fished for the chance to be crowned this year’s Hobie Fishing World Champion.

After three days of challenging windy conditions, Steve Lessard deservedly claimed the top prize, becoming the first two-time Hobie Fishing World Champion. Just as soon as handshakes, camaraderie and celebrations were over, the other competitors started planning how the crown could be theirs at the seventh Hobie Fishing World Championship.

“The first major cold front of year hit on day one,” Lessard said. “Honestly,

it helped me because I knew fishing conditions would change drastically. I knew it was going to be a physical as well as mental challenge. It’s easy to get discouraged with muddy water and high winds, but I was able to settle in and catch a few fish on the worst day. Day two went better and put me in first place.”

Richard Somerton, representing Australia, took home a hard-fought second place. U.S. angler Matthew Vann rounded out the podium with his third place finish.

Competitors fished for trout, flounder and redfish from identically rigged Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14s, provided by Hobie Cat and outfitted with Lowrance electronics, Power-Pole MICRO Anchors, Yak-Attack accessories, Ram Mounts and equipment including Daiwa, Lurefans, Hobie Polarized and AFTCO gear.

Bassmaster Elite pro Michael Iaconelli surprised the 49 international competitors when he showed up at the welcome dinner to cheer them on. “Unlike the competitions that I’m involved in, kayak fishing takes more strategy because it is much different and more difficult pedaling to the fish than racing over in a motorized boat,” said Ike. Competitors got a double surprise when he returned to congratulate Steve on his win and participate in the camaraderie that is an integral part of the Hobie Worlds.

In the bayous of southern Louisiana, Lafourche Parish is the gateway to Cajun country and the Gulf of Mexico, offering a distinctly Louisiana “bayou” way of life and memorable experience for competitors. And then there is the fishing. According to Hobie’s Keeton Eoff, this could easily be the kayak fishing capital of the world.

“We are very proud that Hobie Fishing Worlds chose to host their international tournament in Leeville this year. One of the best assets of Lafourche Parish is the world-class fishing, and Hobie anglers have been able to experience what makes our area so exceptional. The visibility of this tournament on a national and international level allows potential visitors to see the recreational value of our destination and why they should experience it firsthand,” said Timothy Bush, executive director of the Bayou Lafourche Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

For more about Hobie Fishing Worlds, go to

OFFSHOREANGLER.CO

By Jeff Anderson

I

n a significant step forward for the outdoor recreation industry and the sportfishing community, President Obama recently signed into law the Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act of 2016.

This legislation requires the Department of Commerce to assess and analyze the contributions of the outdoor recreation industry, including recreational fishing, to the United States economy. The legislation will help to ensure sportfishing industry jobs and recreational fishing’s economic impact are accounted for as part of the gross domestic product (GDP).

The passage of the Outdoor REC Act was needed to make sure that the outdoor economy—and it’s estimated six million jobs and $646 billion in economic activity—receives official government recognition for years to come.

“The Outdoor REC Act will also ensure that the outdoor industry’s economic statistics will be measured in the same comprehensive way as other business sectors, such as the automotive and apparel industries,” said American Sportfishing Association (ASA) Government Affairs Vice President Scott Gudes. “This is important because industry economic impact estimates also include data that show the non-direct impact that the activity has on the economy. For example, it would also include sportfishing’s contributions to travel and tourism, not just the purchase of tackle.”

ASA is an active part of a team representing a wide-range of outdoor industries that will work with the Department of Commerce to shape how outdoor recreation is defined and ensure our reach and impact are recognized.

In post-campaign remarks, President-elect Trump has voiced his support for maintaining fishing and hunting on our nation’s public lands.

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ishing the colder months of winter certainly has advantages. Most noticeable is the lack of crowds. This translates to more parking, less boat traffic and fewer people fishing in your favorite spots.

Here’s how to dress for kayak fishing in the frigid conditions. Pay attention; for safety’s sake, it’s critical to dress properly and choose a stable kayak such as a Hobie Mirage Outback.

Base layer: It’s important to have quality base layers that will wick water away from your skin instead of holding it in. Avoid cotton. Instead, go for wool or synthetics such as polyester. When layering over base layers, look for a zip-up fleece and fleece pants.

Immersion layer: The best protection you can get is a drysuit. A suit made with a highly breathable material, such as Gore-Tex, will cost quite a bit more. If you’re going to spend a lot of time in the suit, it is well worth it.

Waders: An inexpensive but adequate option for all but total immersion is a pair of breathable waders paired with a breathable dry top.

Be sure to wear a wading belt as an extra safety measure.

Gloves and footwear: For gloves, go for wools or synthetic materials, like fleece, so when they inevitability get wet, they won’t feel as cold on your skin. Look for a fleece lining and slit fingers that bend back for easy knot tying. For footwear, I like to wear thick wool socks under my dry suit, with booties on top. Wading boots are also nice and warm.

12/15/16 2:16 PM

HOW TO CATCH BIG BASS IN

THE WINTER

By Austin Neary

I

n mid November, the Southeast was beginning to see a few mild cold fronts, but it was warm for this time of year. Water temperatures were well above what they usually are headed into December. So depending on where you are, this article might be one of those things to stick in your back pocket for a little while. You’ll thank me later!

As of right now, the fish know what they are supposed to be doing, but the weather is not allowing them to do it. Stay around the bait! Your topwater lures are still going to be playing a big role as well as spinnerbaits and swimbaits. If the fishing becomes difficult, which it will because of transitional fish and uncooperative weather, pick up a confidence finesse lure or small compact jig and put some fish in the boat!

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Q: What should I be looking for right now?

A: Backwater areas, in hopes of running into some cruising largemouth.

After running the shallows, look for shoals, points and pockets that offer deep-water access. Cover water with a buzzing frog of some sort, a rattlebait, shallow crankbait and a spinnerbait. When out on the points and shoals, I’d be throwing jerkbaits, soft swimbaits, flukes and trying to imitate baitfish fleeing in order to ignite a school of feeding bass!

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Q: Now, how do you catch big bass in the winter?

A: As it gets colder and the winter patterns start, fish will hold in two different areas, deep ditches and steep banks. They want to hold in the most stable water in the lake that also offers adequate opportunities for feeding.

Steep banks allow easy access to the top of the water column without traveling great distances. Ditches are great ambush points when schools of shad swim over them.

There is a common misconception that bass don’t eat in the winter. That is not true! As long as they are living, they are burning calories. It’s about efficiency, and these fish want to position themselves where they can get the most food for the least amount of energy spent! Slow lethargic lures are a must in the winter.

Top 10 Winter Lures: 1. 1/2 oz. 8up Football Jig with Yamamoto twin tail grub trailer Where: Ditches & steep banks 2. 3/16 oz. Shakey Head with Zoom Finesse Worm Where: Ditches & steep banks 3. 1/4 oz. Casey Ashley Underspin with Keitech Fat Swing Impact 3.3 Where: Ditches 4. Megabass Vision110+1 Jerkbait in Tennessee Shad Where: Steep banks, deep points 5. Huddleston 68 ROF 12 in Rainbow Trout or Perch Where: Ditches & steep banks 6. Crippled Herring Jigging Spoon Where: Ditches and suspended fish 7. Jenko Double J Pod Alabama Rig with Keitech Where: Creek channels, ditches and steep banks 8. Zman NED Rig Where: Ditches & steep banks 9. 6th Sense Crush 500 Deep Diving Crankbait Where: Ditches, creek channels & steep banks 10. Lake Erie Rig Tube + Finesse Worm Where: Steep banks, ditches, creek channels

Austin Neary is president of Dream Catcher Guides LLC. Contact him at 443-534-4900.

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CONNER’S NUTTER BUTTER Most fishermen will tell you they have a favorite color when it comes to specific fly patterns or lures.

As a general rule, especially with streamers, it’s a good idea to have a range of colors to cycle through until you find what the fish are keyed in on. The Nutter Butter is a great pattern that falls toward the natural color palette, featuring mostly tans and browns and natural material like coyote fur.

Something I have noticed is these subtle colors can draw a strike when brighter colors will not, making streamers like the Nutter Butter a staple for any streamer fisher’s box. In addition to color, the action and profile of the Nutter Butter are perfectly suited to drawing strikes from predatory fish. This fly really dances underwater.

Rear Hook Hook: Gamakatsu B10S Size 2 Tail: Tan Extra Select Craft Fur Body: Tan Ice Dub Hackle: Polar Chenille Olive Copper UV Collar: Coyote Fur in a dubbing loop Front Hook Articulation: Senyo’s Intruder Wire and 2 6mm beads Hook: Gamakatsu B10S Size 1/0 Rattle: Hareline Plastic Rattle Medium Tail: Tan Craft Fur Body: Tan Ice Dub Hackle: Polar Chenille Olive Copper UV Collar: Coyote Fur in a dubbing loop Head: Brown Laser Dub Over Tan Eyes: 8mm CCG Eyes Tempt Head: CCG Flex

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NOW THAT’S WHAT YOU CALL BYCATCH!

100-Pound Cat on 8-Pound Test

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alifornia angler Noy Vilanysane must have been more than a little surprised when he hooked into a 102.9-pound blue catfish while fishing a bass tournament on San Diego’s Lower Otay Lake in late October.

According to the website SDFish.com, Vilanysane was fishing a 4-inch paddletail swimbait on a spinning rod with 8-pound test line when he caught what turned out to be a new lake record blue catfish. On such light tackle, it took the angler more than an hour to land the huge fish. He took it to the docks, had it weighed on the tournament scales and released it before finishing the tournament.

The previous lake record blue from Lower Otay weighed 98.45 pounds. That record had stood since 2007. The California state record blue catfish weighed 113.4 pounds. It was caught at San Vicente Reservoir north of San Diego in 2008. The world record blue catfish was caught in 2011 at Kerr Lake in Virginia. It weighed 143 pounds.

So, while Vilanysane might not have broken a state or world record, and the big catfish did not help him win any cash in the tournament, there are very few anglers in the world who can claim to have caught a fish heavier than 100 pounds on 8-pound tackle.

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TIPS FROM A PRO

FRESHWATER WINTERTIME CRAPPIE FISHING

BRANDON LESTER

E

very year as my bass tournament season comes to an end, I start thinking about crappie fishing. I like to take a break and let the competitive flames refuel a bit. When the calendar strikes November and water temperatures dip into the 50s in Tennessee, I take several days to go crappie fishing. These fish make really good table fare, they are also very fun to catch, especially the big ones like you find in winter.

I am well aware of how good crappie fishing is in spring. But for the way I fish for them around home, fall and winter are when you can really fill the livewell.

It works the same way when fishing laydowns. I look for laydowns on vertical banks that have a good-sized trunk. If they have a big trunk, I know there is a good-sized treetop out in the water. If they are there, I will see them on my SideVision.

Once you find fish, cast exactly where they are or just beyond them, not 3 feet to the left or right. If you miss a crappie’s strike zone by 6 inches, you’ve missed it by a mile. Make the cast, count your bait down to the desired depth and reel just fast enough to maintain that depth.

No jigging, nothing fancy, just a

Crappie stack up in large schools this time of year, at it’s not hard to catch them if you know what to look for.

Crappie always hang around cover of some type. The two key pieces of structure on my home water are boat docks and laydowns. There are a few docks that seem to always hold fish, but I like to hunt for them with my Raymarine electronics. I turn on SideVision mode and start searching. Crappie will be in big schools, and I might go down a line of 50 docks with only one dock holding the mother lode.

To see how big they are and to make sure they are crappie, I will put an Aqua Vu camera down there and check them out.

Most of the docks I fish are floating, and the magical depth is normally at least 20 feet of water under the dock. The crappie will normally be suspended under these docks anywhere from 8 to 15 feet down, depending on the water clarity.

slow reel.

My favorite jig head is a 1/32-ounce ball-shaped jig head with a good sharp Mustad hook, but I will go up to a 1/16-ounce if the wind is blowing or I’m fishing deeper than normal. Any soft plastic minnow imitation in the 2-inch range with a straight tail will work. Stay away from twist-tail grubs for this method because they cause your bait to rise too much. I use a S721 MHX rod built with supplies from Mud Hole Custom Tackle, including a Winn grip. It is 6-foot-long, super-sensitive and has the perfect action for controlling small baits. I team it with a 1000-size spinning reel and 4-pound Vicious Panfish line in fluorescent green. The green line helps me detect light strikes.

These tips will help you all the way up until crappie start moving shallow to spawn. These fish are fat and healthy this time of year. So get out and have some fun this winter.

Get more tips from Lester at

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Surprising Winter is the Best Planting Time

I am often asked when is the best time to plant fruiting plants. My answer is usually the same; the best time is 20 years ago or today. The second best time to plant is during the winter months. Plants are dormant, and can be easily shipped and planted with no stress on the plant because there is not a lot of maintenance once the plant or tree has been planted. Simply dig a good hole, water thoroughly

at planting, and take the rest of the winter off. Even though there are no signs of growth above ground, the root systems will have time to get adjusted to their new location and begin to initiate new root growth.

There are plenty of advantages of growing your own edibles. First of all, you know what has been done over the course of the growing season from a chemical stand point.

Second, the fruit just taste

better coming out of your home orchard versus buying fruit from the grocers that have little to no flavors. Thirdly, it is good for your soul and you will feel more connected to the environment and nature.

Whether it is an apple tree, muscadine vine or a blueberry bush; now is the time to plant. Let’s Grow Together.

Greg Ison, Ison’s Nursery and Vineyards, 800733-0324, www.isons.com

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N

estled in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, Jackson County is home to the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail and its centerpiece, the Tuckasegee River, which dissects the county as it flows north to Fontana Lake. The “Tuck,” as it is known to the locals, is a beautiful tailwater trout fishery used for the 2011 USA Fly Fishing Championships, in which the Gold Medal was won by Team USA member Logan Egan.

The most popular time to fish the Tuck is during the delayed harvest (DH) fishing season from Oct. 1 to the first Friday in June each year. During this time frame, the Tuck is a catchand-release fishery with artificial-lure, single-hook restrictions. This stretch of specially regulated water runs about 5.5 miles outside the small towns of Dillsboro, Sylva and Cullowhee. The boundaries of the DH are marked by signage on the banks.

These regulations appeal to fly fishers and spin fishers alike. You will not only see anglers stripping streamers, drifting nymphs, and casting dries, but you will see a fair number of spinner fishermen taking good numbers of brook, rainbow and brown trout.

Jackson County receives an annual stocking of 92,800 trout, the most in the state of North Carolina. In October and November 2016, the Tuck DH section was stocked with 19,600 trout.

Rainbow and brook trout made up about 80 percent of this number, and the other 20 percent were brown trout.

Normally, trout reach 12 inches in length before making it into the Tuck, but anglers should expect to see, and potentially land, some trophy-sized trout on any drift or presentation.

Many anglers wade the river, and drift boats are also popular. Stream flow is controlled by Duke Energy, which posts three days of release schedules on their website, www.duke-energy. com under the Nantahala link. Duke Energy has also provided boat ramps on Old Cullowhee Road and North River Road that many drifters use while floating the Tuck. South River Road is a popular area for anglers and guides due to the number of pull-offs that parallel the river and make accessing the river easy. Access to the Tuckasegee is great compared to some other rivers in the area, but there is some posted private property. Be sure to avoid it.

The Tuck is also part of the North Carolina Mountain Heritage Trout Waters program, which allows anglers to fish with a special three-day license that costs only $5. Many anglers opt to purchase a regular fishing license with a trout stamp since the fee is fair and it gives access to almost all the state’s trout waters. A non-resident can purchase a 10-day fishing license and trout stamp for $33 or an annual fishing license and trout stamp for $51.

The Tuck DH runs very close to downtown Sylva, yet its beauty catches most first-time anglers off guard.

In fall, the red, yellow and orange leaves dancing on the trees highlight the contours of the surrounding mountains. A bald eagle might closely judge your fishing skills, watching for its opportunity to show you how it’s done.

Winter brings cleansing and the occasional snowfall, in which many local anglers find solitude chasing trout on tiny midges. Winter fishing pressure is minimal, which makes it a great time to land a large trout if you’re willing to test your mental toughness wading in cold water.

Spring comes to life with budding trees and insects hatching, signaling the coming summer. Anglers spend late evenings on the Tuck sight casting to rising trout honed in on larger dry flies and emerger patterns. Spring evenings can be very peaceful, since most anglers have broken down their rods by 6 p.m. and are headed to the local brewery or one of the many unique restaurants or food trailers in downtown Sylva or Dillsboro. There is a list of local restaurants and breweries at www.mountainlovers.com, or just ask local fly shop employees for their recommendation.

In 2016, the North Carolina General Assembly proclaimed Jackson County the Official Trout Capital of North Carolina. Jackson County is home to 4,600 miles of trout streams with a good mixture of hatchery supported streams and wild streams.

Check out www.NCTroutcapital.com for more information.

Jackson County was also the first to have an officially designated Fly Fishing Trail, which highlights 15 different streams and rivers for any angler to test their skills. Many have taken the challenge of catching and releasing trout or smallmouth bass in each location. There is a map that gives detailed information about each stream, directions, and the type of fish anglers can expect to catch.

More information is available at www. flyfishingtrail.com.

If you are looking for a fishery with plenty of trout and the opportunity to catch a 25-incher, the Tuck is for you. It is relatively close to Atlanta, Knoxville, Charleston and Charlotte. The Tuck is just an hour west of Asheville, N.C., and it is at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Blue Ridge Parkway. This makes for a nice and easy weekend retreat, or it can be a popular destination for longer stays due to accessibility and other local attractions. Come and experience North Carolina trout fishing at its best!

Shannon Messer owns Appalachian Flies and manages and guides at Blackrock Outdoors Orvis Authorized Fly Shop at 570 West Main Street, Sylva NC 28779. Contact him at 828-6314453 or appalachianflies@gmail.com.

North Carolina’s Tuckasegee River, A Southern Gem

By Shannon Messer

For more fishin’ on the North Carolina Tuckasegee River, go to

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FISH & FISHING

A DIFFERENT APPROACH MARK SOSIN

I

t’s commonplace today, but more than a halfcentury ago few anglers even thought about it.

The late Dr. Webster Robinson wanted to catch either a sailfish or striped marlin on a fly rod while casting from a boat that was out of gear so that the fly was not being trolled. Working with his skipper, Capt. Lefty Reagan, these angling legends fathered the concept of teasing a fish.

They reasoned that if they could raise a billfish on a hookless bait, capture its total attention by keeping the tasty morsel just out of reach, work the fish within casting range and substitute a different offering at the last minute, the mission would be successful. I knew both men well and listened intently as Web Robinson described the process to me in detail. He even gave me a copy of the fly he used.

Teasing ranks as an extremely effective technique for countless species in a variety of situations. Working on sailfish or marlin on the offshore grounds is just one phase. Sometimes known as bait-andswitch, it’s nothing more than using a live bait, dead bait or a certain artificial to excite a fish enough so it will eat the lure or bait you want it to devour on the tackle of your choice.

Very light tackle enthusiasts often tease their quarry into striking so that the line doesn’t break on the initial contact. I’ve teased countless species from sharks, albacore and tuna to striped bass, redfish, barracuda, amberjack, snook and many more.

Let me share a couple examples to show you how effective teasing can be. Using a spinning outfit, I rigged a plastic worm exactly the same way as I would for largemouth bass. Pacific sailfish normally don’t include plastic worms as part of their diet. We teased one with a bonito belly and, once the boat was out of gear, I cast the worm. My partner yanked the teaser out of the water and the fish inhaled a plastic worm faster than you can read this.

I met a man who showed me beautiful flies for offshore species.

When I told him I could catch a sailfish on a cigar just as easily as with one of his flies, he laughed at me. We were shooting a television show in Panama, and late in the day Capt. Karl Anderson asked if I had a cigar. He rigged it with a leader and hook, attached it to a flyrod and waited for a sailfish to show in the trolled teasers. We stopped the boat, Karl yanked the teaser away from the fish, and I cast the cigar. Within seconds, the sailfish crashed the cigar, went airborne, and all you could see was tobacco showering through the air. As Karl put it, that’s no longer theory.

Teasing fish opens a broad new dimension to the sport. As an angler, it allows you to hook fish on all types of tackle using any bait or lure you choose including cigars and plastic worms. Try it and you’ll become hooked on the technique just as I am.

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FLY FISHING

CASTING FOR REDFISH: BEYOND THE DOUBLE HAUL

I

t is well-known that the double haul and the back cast are essential for fly fishing for redfish. Here are three more casts I believe are very important when targeting winter reds with a fly.

Fly Repositioning Cast This cast is wonderful when you need to recast a fly to a redfish that refused it or when you missed your target. It works best when 20 or more feet of line are outside the tip-top. It is essential to the success of this cast to not rush picking the fly line up off the water.

The key is to load for the back cast by beginning with the rod tip close to the water and slowly lifting the line off the water. Then wait to feel the rod load on the back cast. Once you feel the rod load, make a forward cast, allowing the fly to hit the mark. I’ve witnessed far too many fishermen rush to recast, and in doing so, miss their target on the second cast.

The Quick-Cast For The Short Game When sight casting, you will need to execute some short, quick accurate casts. The short cast is one of the most difficult casts to make because a fly rod made for short casting has yet to be built.

When red fishing, unless I know I’ll be making long casts, I keep roughly 40 feet of fly line stripped into a line management basket (a bucket if fishing from a skiff) and 20 feet of line outside the fly rod’s tip-top. The first 15 feet of the belly section of the line will easily load the fly rod with minimal false casting. Place the fly between the index finger and thumb of the hand not holding the rod. If a redfish is spotted at close range, make a back cast while at the same time releasing the fly from your hand and cast to the redfish.

Master The Cross-Wind Cast The wind blows where redfish live. The most difficult winds to a fly flinger are the cross-wind and the following-wind. Both are guaranteed to give the angler fits.

The best cast for these challenging situations is the Belgian cast, a very quick cast that when executed correctly presents the fly under challenging conditions. The key is to make an extended side-armed back cast, followed by a high extended-arm overhead cast that will provide the angler distance when working in a big wind. A word of caution: The side cast may produce the painful problem of a fly imbedded in the angler if the wind is blowing toward the casting arm.

Put It To The Test When targeting winter redfish, the fly angler will be presented with many different casting situations depending on weather conditions. It’s important to understand and execute each of the casting techniques discussed. Once mastered, a trophy redfish is only a cast away!

Conway Bowman caught this 41.65-pound IGFA fly-caught world record redfish out of Hopedale, La.

For More Fly Fishing with Bowman, go to

CAMFLYFISHING.COM

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FISHING AND DIVING

The Maldives

By Capt. Terry Fisher

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t had been 20 years since I had boarded a followed by fishing. The Maldivian government live-a-board to fish and dive. My friend, Capt. is famous for it’s eco-friendly approach and Wayne Hasson, president of Aggressor and serious application to fish conservation. The Dancer Fleets, invited me to accompany him to government’s prohibition of net and long-line the Maldives for a world-class fishing and diving fishing for commercial purposes has sustained the expedition. Over the years, Wayne and I have abundance of fisheries. Commercial fishermen use fished and dived many exotic locations, including line and pole, preventing by-catch of species other waters of the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Pacific than their main target, which is tuna. Sport fishing, and Atlantic. This was my first visit to the Indian therefore, has thrived. Among the game fish found Ocean. are giant trevally, barracuda, wahoo, dorado, A three-leg flight from Miami through New yellowfin tuna, sailfish and marlin. Bonefish and York and Dubai landed us in Male, the small, permit inhabit the flats. bustling capital of the Maldives. Upon arrival, There are many charter fishing operations Wayne and I quickly cleared customs and were in the Maldives. I had numerous opportunities to assisted by a friendly and helpful crew of the be transported to beautiful sand beaches in the mother ship. We were transported aboard a ‘Dhoni’ middle of the Indian Ocean to fish for bonefish, (dinghy) by water, to lush accommodations aboard giant trevally, jack crevalle and other species. the Maldives Aggressor. This live-a-board vessel While sailing to new dive sites, we used a ‘Dohni’ boasts a full-service galley, huge salon, 10 guest to troll and catch tuna, sailfish, wahoo and dorado. state rooms and decks for relaxing, sunbathing, At night aboard the Maldives Aggressor, we dining under the stars or just getting away for bottom fished for grouper and snapper. some private time. This luxury yacht offered all Trolling, spinning, fly-fishing gear, including of the comforts and amenities of a five-star, land- lures and fly presentations are basically the same as based property with toilets, lavatory and shower we use in the states. Diving various locations and facilities to satisfy the most demanding guests. seeing up close the numerous species that I would This voyage, Dive with the Owners Week, fish for was an added and educational bonus. provided me the benefit of being surrounded Perfect water clarity offered a vast array of marine by a number of crew, divers and fishermen, life at every dive destination. representing more than 10 different countries.

The Maldives is a nation of islands. It is also For information on this trip of a lifetime, visit the “Honeymoon Capital” of Europe and parts www.maldivesfishing.com or www.aggressorfleet. of Asia. Temperatures range from 77 to 86. There com. Contact Capt. Terry Fisher of Cape Coral, are 26 atolls with 1,190 islands. One island boasts Florida’s Fish Face Charters at fishfacecharters@ a rainforest. Only 209 of the islands are inhabited yahoo.com. with a total population For more fishing in the Maldives, go to of only 400,000.

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ll tournament anglers want to win. The questions are: How bad do you want that win? How much are you willing to sacrifice? How much are you willing to put on the line chasing the big win?

The answers aren’t cut-and-dry or crystal clear. Most tournament anglers I know are perfectly content competing at the club and local level for beer money. But don’t underestimate the will of those guys either. I recently competed in a Deerpoint Team Trail event with Travis Poole in which a win would have been a few hundred dollars for us to split.

It was low threat, low entry fee and big fun. You’d think that given the conditions that day, any sane man would’ve stayed at home. Approximately 4 inches of rain fell that day, the wind blew and lightning popped around our heads all day. Still, most guys that entered the event that morning brought their catch to the scales in the pouring rain hoping to claim the prize. The weather didn’t seem to dampen their desires one bit. They wanted it bad enough, at least they did that day.

For the professional angler, the weather is just one of many elements they must fight to stay in the game. Family, sponsorship obligations, mechanical problems and financial burdens are just a few of the non-fishing issues that require an angler to do a gut-check nearly every day. All these things must be tended to before the angler can even set out to find fish for a coming event, and he’s usually a one-man crew. Some of the top touring anglers have support networks taking on some of this for them, but rest assured, they didn’t get there with them. Stories from many of the top pros sound the same, tales about sleeping in the cab of their trucks for weeks on end, dining on peanut butter day after day, selling possessions off to fund the next event, and practicing in horrible weather because they only have two days to figure out unknown waters.

If there was one thing I could define that separates the successful tournament angler from the others, it’s this: he wanted more.

The guy in this picture is my friend Johnny Nguyen. He is a great example of what I just described. I can’t tell you how bad he wants it, but I can tell you he possesses at least one critical element for fishing success: the undeniable, unflappable, hard-core love for the sport. No tournament here, just him out fishing on a day he probably shouldn’t have been. But there he is, doing what he loves. Some get it, others never will.

Randy Cnota is the co-publisher of Coastal Angler/The Angler Magazine’s Panama City/Forgotten Coast edition.

For More fishing with Randy ‘C-Note’ Cnota, go to

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hose of us who live life outdoors know it’s not always sunny. It can get downright ugly, and many times the best bite of the year is on the leading edge of a nasty front. With good foul weather gear, wind and rain should never stand between anglers and feeding fish.

Pelagic Gear, a company founded on and devoted to the ocean lifestyle, has developed a line of gear that guarantees anglers will stay happy and dry, no matter what Mother Nature sends rolling in.

Pelagic’s Dri-Flex Lightweight Jacket is perfect to throw in the bag for those dewy mornings or windy evenings when there’s a slight chill. Pelagic’s DRI-FLEX fabric provides the comfort of a lightweight jacket while protecting you from the elements with water repellant technology.

When it’s time to take protection from the elements up a notch, anglers shouldn’t get caught on the water without

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Pelagic’s Hurricane Jacket. For more than a decade, this 100-percent waterproof outerwear has been the choice of hardcore captains around the world. It was designed specifically for the harsh conditions of the marine environment with technical features that cater to the needs of anglers. With welded zipper technology, reflective hex-safety patches and a moisture-wicking liner, the Hurricane Jacket keeps anglers dry and shielded in bad weather.

And then there are those times when you need protection all over. Pelagic’s Stormbreaker Foul Weather Jacket and Bib are a full barrier to the elements. The suit is made of a lightweight PVC that is 100-percent waterproof, yet comfortable to wear.

Again, it was designed specifically for anglers, with a loose cut for optimal maneuverability and plenty of ventilation. This is also the perfect rain barrier for the traveling angler. It is lightweight and packs easily, so an angler never has to leave the docks without the full protection from harsh conditions.

Good foul weather gear is essential to every angler. When it comes to selecting protection from the elements, it makes sense to choose gear designed specifically for fishing. Any outerwear will do if the mission is a stroll through the park. Pelagic Gear’s line protects anglers and keeps them fishing in the kind of brutal conditions only found on open water.

To learn more about the Pelagic Lifestyle, go to

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FITEC CAST NETS Fitec International has been providing the very best cast nets available to anglers for over 50 years. They are the world’s largest manufacturer of cast nets and their products are in stock or online with all major retailers and distributors where cast nets are sold.

The superior quality in their handmade nets gives anglers the fun and performance they deserve while out on the water. Hold a Fitec net next to a competitor and you will see there is no comparison. Fitec’s Super Spreader and Ultra Spreader cast nets are simply the best!

Fitec offers four distinct categories to ensure you are able to get the net you need. The patented EZ throw cast net is designed with a disc feature that is perfect for the novice. The RS, or Recreational Series, is designed for shallow waters or for the person who wants a lighter net.

The SS, or Sport Series, nets are designed with a 1-pound per radius foot weight system and are the No. 1 selling cast net in the country. Finally, the GS, or Guide Series, nets are designed for the serious angler, built with the highest quality standards and the fastest sink rate.

Fitec values your business. They go to work every day with you, their customer, in mind. Their mission is to “bring innovative quality products to customers, with drive and passion every day.”

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Seeking to become the leading and most comprehensive manufacturer of all things diving and fishing, Hammerhead Spearguns has made another addition to its lineup of gear. They are proud to announce the launch of the Dentex NT, a utility glove so durable yet flexible it’s almost like having a second skin on the hands.

The Dentex NT comes with an ANSI Cut Level 5 and Puncture Level 3 and is woven from Hammerhead’s signature red Dentex fabric, but now it has a Sandy Nitrile coating on the palm and fingers, giving it increased resistance to heat and chemicals, plus additional grip. The Dentex NT is also known to be extremely pliant, molding seamlessly into your hands, so no clumsy mitten-hands here. You can even pick up a penny while wearing them!

The wide range of things you can do with the Dentex NT gloves is staggering. You can use them not just when you fish or handle tricky, spiny sea critters but also when doing repairs or squaring off with hazardous materials. Welding a piece of metal to fix your boat? Piece of cake! Filleting tuna? Sure thing! Changing lines and hooks? Say goodbye to line abrasions and getting pricked, stabbed, or poked on your fingers. Sharp tools and hot objects no longer pose a threat to your valuable hands.

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT ERGODOCK OFFERS IMPROVED RESILIENCE, AESTHETICS AND SAFETY

While many docks along the Florida coastline buckled to the force of Hurricane Matthew this fall, widespread reports from boaters and anglers indicated that docks utilizing ErgoDock technologies held up considerably better. With the damage and debris left in Matthew’s wake, the resilience of ErgoDock proved significant—not only because of its strength, but because of expected durability against future hurricanes that routinely batter the coast.

The ErgoDock difference is its inherent structural augmentation. ErgoDock is designed to provide a matrix that evolves the dock into a single structural component instead of a succession of individual parts like most marine docks are constructed.

Independent tests report that ErgoDock significantly outperforms all other dock options in comfort, safety and customization. ErgoDock’s unique texture, for example, enhances safety with a far more slip resistant material than wood or composite decking. The ErgoDock surface also is designed to allow more “give,” increasing comfort and safety by easing stress on ErgoDock owners’ feet, back and joints while also mitigating any potential injury from a fall.

ErgoDock prevents deterioration, therefore reducing the need for maintenance. Its products adhere with an impervious membrane to seal all decking materials and are self-draining, to prevent UV or water degradation of existing decking or concrete surfaces.

“Our purpose was to create a material that far outperforms all other dock options when it comes to safety, comfort, customization and longevity,” said Kent Weisenberg, founder and CEO of ErgoDock LLC. “There is nothing like it on the market.

ErgoDock is a multi patent-pending marine surfacing system that is revolutionizing the dock design and repair industries.”

Weisenberg, the sole named inventor on 28 U.S. and foreign patents, added, “We passionately pursue improving the world’s infrastructure with green technology. ErgoDock surfaces are made of sustainable materials that fight the depletion of our environment.”

ErgoDock products can be used in various stages of a dock’s life whether for preservation, safety, aesthetics or for any combination of the three. Still want that traditional wood dock look?

ErgoDock offers ErgoWood Decking, which is select-treated wood that is pre-dried and then encased in ErgoDock’s patented SafeTread material and prevents deterioration from sun and water while increasing a dock’s life by as much as 10 years over current decking materials.

“Add it all up, and ErgoDock products represent a major leap forward in dock design and repair,” Weisenberg said. “We want people to know that there is another option out there–one that comes with ergonomic elegance and represents a resilient, safe and viable option that contractors will want to offer their customers.”

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT XTRATUF CAMO-LINED LEGACY BOOT Designed to keep fishermen sure-footed on the water, XTRATUF’s Camo-Lined Legacy Boot is the ideal boot for fishing in the elements. An interior camo lining and XTRATUF logo that are visible when the boot is rolled down adds a pop of color to XTRATUF’s classic performance boot.

Not your typical rubber boot, the Legacy is triple-dipped to create a seamless coating of rubber that further strengthens an already watertight material, thus sealing the boots and making them impervious to fish oils and chemicals. The soft, pliable and lightweight neoprene latex rubber gives the Legacy boots unparalleled comfort and flexibility. The hand-laye r e d construction allows for flex and strength at critical stress points on the boot. A signature chevron outsole design and unique rubber compound provides maximum surface contact for ultimate traction and stability in even the most severe fishing and work conditions. These 100 percent waterproof boots will keep the warmth in and the cold out when the temperature drops.

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