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EDITOR IN CHIEF : Ben Martin • camads@coastalanglermagazine.com VICE PRESIDENT : Tracy Patterson • tracy@coastalanglermagazine.com ART DIRECTOR : Rebecca Snowden • graphics@coastalanglermagazine.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR : Nick Carter • editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com WEBMASTER : Dmitriy Pislyagin • webmaster@coastalanglermagazine.com

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Come Join our Team! The edition of the magazine that you are reading is put together by our local franchisee co-publisher. Your co-publisher’s contact information is shown in the directory adjacent to this article. We currently publish editions of this magazine each month throughout the Continental United States. Our plan is to continue growing and to continue adding locations. If you love the outdoors and have ever considered owning your own business, you owe it to yourself to take a look at our franchise opportunities. Our franchise publishing model will enable you to make money doing what you love, being involved in the outdoor/marine industry. You don’t need to have prior publishing experience. We train you on how to do that. What you do need is a love of the outdoors and a somewhat adventurous spirit. Opening a new business is exciting and, yes, it requires hard work and commitment. But, once you bring this magazine to your community you will find it to be very rewarding and you will have created one of the best jobs and career opportunities that any angler could ever imagine. If you’re like us, owning your own fishing magazine may be an opportunity for you to be involved in an industry that you’re passionate about. Imagine never dreading to go to work but rather being excited about sharing the message of your magazine. Our ideal strategic growth would have franchise opportunities in the following locations, however, we have found that nearly any area that has an avid fishing community can be a good location for it’s own fishing magazine.

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Hauling Mutton And Grouper

Off The Marathon Bottom By CAM Staff

Darcie Arahill’s biggest mutton snapper to date came from 200 feet of water off Marathon in the Florida Keys.

ottom fishing is about hard-pulling fish and filling the cooler with some delicious table fare. With grouper season in full swing, there may be no better way to get your daily workout than floating over a reef or wreck. And you’d be hard pressed to find a better place to do it than off of Marathon in the Florida Keys. Darcie Arahill, host of the YouTube channel Darcizzle Offshore, spent a day with Capt. Dave Schugar and the crew with Sweet E’Nuf Charters out of Marathon and absolutely loaded the coolers with mutton snapper, amberjack, blackfin tuna and yellowtail snapper. It was the kind of trip that bottom fishing is supposed to be. Capt. Dave spent the early part of the day hopping from wreck to wreck and patch reef to patch reef, briefly prospecting each one with baits before moving on in search of hungry fish. He eventually found them over structure in about 200 feet of water. “You gotta keep moving to find those bites,” said Darcie, understanding the searching it takes to find productive bottom. But after setting up a drift on this spot, the whole boat knew they were on the fish. The action started quickly and it was fast, with multiple double and triple hookups. They caught some fish vertical jigging, but Darcie’s largest mutton snapper ever—a beautiful 13.6-pounder—was battled off the bottom after it ate a live pinfish. The live-bait rig consisted of a pinfish hooked through the lips with a circle hook, which was tied into 25 feet of leader and a three-way swivel. A 10-oz. teardrop sinker was deployed off the other arm of the swivel to get the bait down to the bottom. The group hauled several muttons up from the depths, and they also caught amberjack, jack crevalle, bonita and blackfin tuna off the same spot. Capt. Dave took the opportunity to give a quick demonstration on how to properly bleed a blackfin to deliver better tasting fillets to the table. Instead of cutting the fish’s throat, use your hands to tear the gills beneath the gill plate.

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“You don’t want to cut the heart,” he said. “You want to cut the gills so all the blood can drip out… The heart’s still pumping, but it breaks the circuit so all the blood will pump right out.” With the fish boxes filling up, Capt. Dave decided it was a good time to head for shallower water to pursue grouper and yellowtail snapper. They ended the run in about 100 feet of water over the sunken center swing span of the original Seven Mile Bridge. In the 1980s, 4,500 tons of concrete and steel from the bridge were sunk as a part of Florida’s artificial reef program. Constructed in 1912, the Over-Sea Railroad bridge connected the Florida Keys to the mainland and to each other for the first time. Now pieces of the railroad make great fish habitat. With a couple heavy-duty grouper rigs deployed with big live grunts, Darcie went to work on the yellowtail. Yellowtail fishing with light tackle offers fast action and delicious fish. It’s a lot of fun and a perfect style of fishing for families, Darcie said. With chum out, it’s as easy as flipping out a piece of cut bait on a lightweight spinning rod and allowing it to drift with the chum until a fish picks up the bait. As the boxes continued to fill, this time with yellowtail, there was a vicious takedown on one of the grouper rods. A grueling struggle to haul the fish up was rewarded with a big 25-pound black grouper. It was the exclamation point on the end of a fine day on the water. Check out Darcie’s YouTube channel Darcizzle Offshore at www.youtube.com/user/DarcizzleOffshore.

To see more Mutton fishing with Darcizzle, go to

CRYSTALSALTWATERS.COM

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The History Of Rapala

t all began with a hungry Finnish guy and a carving knife. It was the 1930s when a simple fisherman made an observation of simple genius: Big fish eat little fish, especially little fish that are wounded. So began one of the greatest fishing stories ever told. As Lauri Rapala fished the waters of Finland’s Lake Paijanne, he quietly rowed and watched. And what he saw was how hungry predator fish would dart into a school of minnows and attack the one that swam with a slightly off-center wobble. Lauri realized that if he could craft a lure that mimicked the movements of a wounded minnow, he could catch more fish, earn more money, and not spend time constantly baiting lines. So Lauri set to work. He whittled, carved and shaved. Eventually a lure took shape. Using a shoemaker’s knife and some sandpaper, he created his first successful lure from cork in 1936. Tinfoil from chocolate bars formed the lure’s outer surface. Melted photographic negatives were the protective coating. It perfectly imitated the action of a wounded minnow. Legend has it that Lauri sometimes caught 600 pounds of fish a day with that new lure. And as word of his abundant catches spread, the lure’s reputation grew. The rest, as they say, is history. That first lure was the forefather to the lure that has helped more fishermen experience the thrill of more big fish than any other: the legendary Original Floating Rapala. As fishermen around the world began to catch more and bigger fish with Rapala’s lure, it became clear that what triggered them was the lure’s tantalizing

wiggle and wobble. Even though fish throughout the world are different, predators and baitfish always acted true to form. Big fish hammer wounded little fish. That’s why Lauri tested each lure to make sure it swam true to the unique “wounded-minnow action.” It wasn’t the fastest way to make a fishing lure. But it was the only way to make a Rapala. To this day, Rapala lures are hand-tuned and tank-tested to swim perfectly right out of the box. It’s an action as distinct to a Rapala as a fingerprint is to a person. With every unforgettable trip of a lifetime, every successful Saturday afternoon with a kid at the local fishing hole, the Rapala legend grew. A deep-seated trust formed between anglers and Rapala. Weekenders became hardcore. Dads became heroes. More and more fishermen began reaching for Rapala. For millions, success could be measured by the growing number of trophy fish caught on Rapala lures. To this day, no other lure holds more world records. And because we the designers at Rapala are fishermen first, they know not only what fishermen need, but what they can’t live without. When the Shad Rap exploded onto the scene, its ability to catch fish spread like wildfire. Tackle shops sold out across the country. Resort owners and mom-and-pop bait shops rented out Shad Raps by the day, and even by the hour. Yes, it was that good. Twenty years later, it’s still one of fishing’s most successful lures. Likewise, the moment Rapala introduced Fish ’n Fillet knives, they enhanced the fishing experience for millions. The tapered design and unique flexibility of the Fish ’n Fillet made filleting easier, which is why they’re still the number one fillet knives in the world. And so a foundation was laid. The successes of the Original Floater, Shad Rap, and Fish ’n Fillet were followed by other Rapala products that found their way into tackle boxes and history books. They are lures like the Magnum, the Rattlin’ Rapala, the Fat Rap, the CountDown, the Husky Jerk and the Tail Dancer. There’s a reason so many fishermen around the world put their faith in Rapala. It’s a confidence that stretches through 140 countries and is validated each year by the 20 million Rapala lures sold. Simply put, Rapala products make better fishermen. Nothing is rushed to market; everything is carefully crafted from years of experience. It is a legacy of unwavering quality that can be seen in every lure, every fillet knife, every tool, and every cast of our premium monofilament line. It is a legacy that continues with new Rapala offerings, new actions, new sizes, new colors, new finishes, new tools, new accessories and new ways of catching more fish. The sweet smell of success lingers long after the scent of fish slime fades. Tens of millions of walleye, trout, bass, wahoo, snook and tarpon later, Rapala continues to stand the test of time. Because through it all, one simple truth has endured. That which is irresistible to fish will always be irresistible to the fisherman.

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ne of the most prolific inshore species available to anglers on any coast, spotted seatrout come in two varieties: eaters and gators. Eater trout—those measuring in the 15-inch range—are extremely popular, due to their affinity to gather in big schools and chase down lures. Gator trout, however, are a whole different ballgame. Targeting big trout requires a different approach. Most resources suggest moderate-sized artificial lures, like imitation shrimp, for seatrout of any size. Yet, on numerous occasions, I’ve had big gators run down and attempt to swallow smaller trout while I’ve reeled them in. As seatrout grow larger, their diets shift from small crustaceans to almost exclusively fish—the bigger the better. Live baits are my preference for targeting big fish. Mullet are a favorite, as are pinfish and croakers. With big baits in the livewell, it’s time to find gator water. While it’s common to find schools of smaller trout in deeper channels adjacent to shallow flats, trophy trout spend more time around subtle depressions and breaks. If you’re catching large numbers of eaters, a change of areas is usually required to find gators. Most of my fishing is done in super-skinny water in heavily pressured areas with tough fish. Fishing these small, shallow areas requires stealth and patience. For big trout, I move into an area as quietly as possible, put the Talon down, and wait.

As things settle down, it’s important to assess the area. Flooded oyster bars or current-swept mangroves are always worth a shot, but don’t overlook inconspicuous spots. If an area is relatively shallow, with one washout or depression that’s just a foot deeper than everything else, that spot can be key, especially at low tide. Before the first cast is made, it’s important to select proper tackle. Line and hook size should be greater than what’s considered routine. With a mainline of 20-pound braid, I attach a long leader of 25-pound test fluorocarbon. It’s my only hope against razor-sharp oyster bars. I tie on a 5/0 to 7/0 VMC circle hook that’s super strong. A small float helps keep track of a hard-swimming mullet. It’s important to lob baits delicately toward the target. However, once a fish is hooked, any delicacy is tossed aside, as big inshore fish don’t play nice. Here, the proper rod becomes key to the equation. I like St. Croix’s Mojo Inshore rods for gator trout hunting. These rods are workhorses, covered in a double layer of finishing cure and backed by a five-year warranty. But durability doesn’t come at the sacrifice of quality. Mojo Inshore models are built from SCII graphite and contain hardcore components. Longer models aid in casting, hooksets and moving big fish away from cover; the 7’6” medium-heavy is perfect. Once your trophy trout is boat-side, be sure to handle it carefully. Summertime water temperatures leave these fish compromised after a fight. Giant spotted trout are rare and always females; to release them in a healthy state ensures a future for us all.

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Beautiful Log Home Erected in One Day!

ounds incredible, doesn’t it? When we first heard that statement from Chip Smith, Owner of Blue Ridge Log Cabins, I smiled and said, “We would like to see that.” Chip’s confident smile back and his reply, “Great. Let’s get you scheduled to observe a cabin construction first hand.” The following article documents the amazing process developed by Blue Ridge Log Cabins and verifies construction of a 5,000 square foot log cabin in one day! This awesome engineering feat can be viewed in a time-lapse video by visiting www.blueridgelogcabins.com. Take a look; it’s quite impressive. Celebrating 25 years as an innovator in their industry, Blue Ridge Log Cabins have been featured on “Extreme Makeover,” HGTV’s “Amazing Log Homes” and were recognized as America’s Favorite Log Homes 2017 in a survey conducted by Log Cabin Hub. Editor’s Note: the logs used by Blue Ridge Log Cabins are engineered in their state of the art, 110,000 square foot, temperature-controlled production facility in South Carolina and are kiln-

dried and precisley constructed in their facility. Every log fits perfectly before it arrives to your job site. In their system, your log home has already been constructed at their facility before it arrives to be assembled. Nothing is left to chance, no guesswork, no hassles. It truly is an amazing process to watch. Their process is a truly personalized experience. They have a wide variety of floor plans to choose from in their Estate, Classic and Cabin Collections. Or bring your own ideas to them and let Blue Ridge Log Cabins customize a home for you. Then choose your style and decor so that your home truly is unique to you. All plans are reviewed and approved by a licensed third-party engineer to make certain all local building codes are met. The Blue Ridge Log Cabins team will visit your land to ensure there are no unexpected surprises as construction commences. Should you need help in finding the perfect property, they can assist with that, as well. Once you finalize your plan and design your home, Blue Ridge Log Cabins’ team of experts begin building your home inside their facility. While your foundation is going in on your property, they’re building your dream home including electrical, plumbing, windows and doors as well as installing appliances, fixtures, cabinetry and more. Once your home is delivered to your property and onsite construction begins, your dream cabin will be up before the day is over. If you enjoy the beauty and ambiance of wood and the mystique of log home living you owe it to yourself to see how easily and economically a Blue Ridge Log Cabin can come together. We were impressed and have no doubt that you will be too. For more information, please visit www.blueridgelogcabins.net or call toll free 888-340-9782.

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By Capt. Michael Okruhlik • Photo courtesy of Controlled Descent Lures

he Texas summer surf can spoil a newcomer in a heartbeat and is what the seasoned surf angler awaits each year. Vacation days are set aside well in advance and excuses to come in late to work are ready and often recycled. Spoil a newcomer, addiction, you might ask, what is so special about the surf? My fastest limit, 10 trout from the upper Texas coast, came on 12 consecutive casts. One was a dud, a lost fish, and 10 were solid trout, 19.5 to 24 inches. After I caught my limit, I continued to catch and release solid trout up to 5 ½ pounds. If that doesn’t spoil you, nothing will. Days like this are not uncommon when the conditions are right. The key to a successful morning in the surf is to remember you don’t plan a trip when you want, you go when the surf calls you. Green incoming tides rising with the sun paired with a calm surf are my favored conditions. May and June routinely provide the best odds of landing the larger trout with Independence Day marking the arrival of masses of school-size fish. I like to start my day before the sun’s rays illuminate the horizon. Standing on the sand, tossing topwaters or suspending baits parallel and as close to the sand as I can effectively work the lure. I have caught many trout pushing 7 pounds along with large flounder and snook using this approach. It is amazing the size of fish that will feed in mere inches of breaking water. As the blanket of darkness no longer conceals my presence, I will begin to gradually angle my casts towards the open Gulf. I will broaden my search area and structure type until I find where the fish are feeding, never overlooking the shallow water where I began my day. As the sun climbs, the trout will typically find comfort in the guts, chasing mullet, shrimp, shad and other baitfish. When this occurs, I still vary my cast from parallel to offshore, covering the deep guts and not overlooking the structure, which is the bar. As you would do while fishing the bay, don’t overlook the drop off. Casting along it can produce great catches. White water and waves crashing is an often-overlooked hot spot. I seldom see surf fishermen casting into the whitewash, which can be a huge mistake. The turbulence disorients the baitfish which are easy meals for the thick-bodied, strong-swimming surf trout. I can remember one day in particular when most, if not all, of my trout were caught in the white water on top of the bar. A solid trout inhaled my slow-sinking lure as it tossed and turned in the froth. After that, I made repeated casts into the turbid water to end a successful day that up until that point had been quite slow. Let me check the forecast, is it calm yet? Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

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6/19/17 5:01 PM

DAVID MANEY, FOWLER’S SUNGLASSES

aving been actively involved in the sunglasses industry for over 20 years and having sold over 25,000 pairs of sunglasses last year, I’m often asked, “What is the most important thing to consider when choosing a pair of sunglasses?” My answer is always, “the way they fit your face; comfort is the most important consideration.” I’m surprised at the number of people who choose their sunglasses based on brand. For anglers, and I am one, the next consideration can be offshore or inshore. The blue mirror lens models hold the best lens clarity for offshore while the green mirror/amber lenses produce the clearest lens visibility for the inshore angler. I’ve been a big fan of Revo’s Blue Crawlers for my offshore sunglasses, and I switch to my ambers as my go-to inshore glasses. Another big consideration for some is OSHA-approved eyewear. The correct approval body is ANSI approved. This ANSI validation of the sunglasses is the only accepted approval by OSHA’s requirements, however, few brands actually possess the ANSI approval. If OSHA requirements are important for your choice of sunglasses, make sure you’re seeing the ANSI approval in writing and not simply relying on your representative’s assurance. Finally, if you’re a prescription eyewear user, ensuring that the lens you receive when you request your prescription sunglasses from your favorite brand is not always apples to apples. Make sure that the exact same lens technology

is available for your prescription sunglasses as their nonprescription lenses. Otherwise, you could own an expensive pair of non-angler-friendly sunglasses. Believe me, it happens all the time. There are many new entries in the sunglasses field these days. Lens technology advancements continue to improve the quality of the angler’s viewpoint. If you’re in the market for a new pair of sunglasses, I recommend you do a little research before you make your purchase. Don’t just go buy XYZ sunglasses. Find the pair, regardless of brand, that’s best for you. If Fowler’s can be of any assistance in helping you make that decision, please feel free to call or email us. We’re happy to help ensure that you’re completely satisfied with your next sunglasses purchase. David Maney is considered to be one of the most published experts in the general field of sunglasses. He has appeared in Southern Living Magazine, USA Today and U.S. World Report and even appeared on Oprah. Fowler’s has been in business for 118 years and has sold over 250,000 pairs of sunglasses. For more information on Fowler’s and David Maney, visit www.fowlerssunglasses.com or call 888-340-9021.

6 Reasons Why Fowler’s Sells More Sunglasses than Anyone Else in the U.S. Over 250,000 Pairs Sold #1. Price #2. Selection #3. Price #4. Selection #5. Price #6. Selection

Since 1955

Toll Free

888-340-9021

www.FowlersSunglasses.com

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6/19/17 5:01 PM

SUNGLASSES NATIVE EYEWEAR SIGHTCASTER Native Eyewear’s Sightcaster is all about giving you the right tool for the pursuit of a good catch. Color enhanced, high-definition optics cut through glare on the water allowing you to see deeper and farther. Native’s premium polarized lens technology also blocks up to four times more infrared and protects against harmful UV rays, helping your eyes stay fresh even after a long day on the water. The full-wrap, X-Large frame comes with nonslip grip material along the temples and nose pads to ensure all-day comfort with a lightweight and secure fit.

WWW.NATIVEEYEWEAR.COM COSTA REMORA

Costa Del Mar was born on the water and is committed to protecting it. This summer, Costa will celebrate its tradition of conservation by launching its OCEARCH Limited Edition collection. Costa is a primary supporter of OCEARCH, a research organization that generates critical scientific data on keystone marine species like great white and tiger sharks. Its vessel, the M/V OCEARCH, is an at-sea laboratory that puts science on the side of sharks to help protect our oceans worldwide. One of the models in this OCEARCH Limited Edition collection is the Remora, a brand new frame that features all of Costa’s signature performance technologies. This particular pair features a brand new lens as well! The Gray Silver Mirror lens is great for all-day wear. It is a polycarbonate lens with silver mirror on a gray base. The frame color is called Tiger Shark, and reflects the patterns of its namesake. Think of it as the popular tortoise shell in a more shark and ocean-inspired colorway! MSRP: $169. These glasses also come with a limited edition cleaning cloth and C-MASK. For more on OCEARCH, go to www.ocearch.org.

WWW.COSTADELMAR.COM RIO RAY SEASIDE Rio Ray Optics is the best new brand and most comfortable polarized sunglasses on the market. Designed for the outdoor lifestyle, all Rio Ray sunglasses come with 100 percent optically correct polarized CR39 lenses, indestructible TR90 frames, optical spring hinges for maximum comfort and a hassle-free lifetime warranty. All Rio Ray hard-coated polarized lenses are made of the highest quality CR39 and contain nine layers of protection with 100 percent UV protection. A hydrophobic coating on the front repels water, sunscreen and dirt, which makes cleaning and maintenance easy. A vibrant flash mirror provides additional glare reduction and a superior scratch resistant coating prevents lens damage. The backside anti-reflective coating eliminates bounce-back glare. Rio Ray MaxFlex frame technology makes these the most comfortable sunglasses on the market utilizing lightweight TR90 nylon, which maintains the frame shape and offers incredible durability. Our frames were designed to be 100 percent prescription ready, and each pair comes with a full array of accessories including a hard and soft case, cleaning cloth and retainer. There are over 40 styles to choose from, an average MSRP of only $149.99, and new styles are on the way for each season. Replacement lenses are available for only $24.99. Rio Ray is always looking for high-quality retailers to partner with, and they have the best retailer friendly program in the sunglass industry. For dealer inquires, call 800-498-2104 or email jarrod@ riorayoptics.com.

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S RE VIEW2017 REVO GUIDE S AND GUIDE II Back in 1985, Revo became a global performance eyewear brand known as the leader in polarized lens technology. Their glasses were first created utilizing lens technology developed by NASA as solar protection for satellites. Today, Revo continues to build on its rich tradition of technology and innovation by offering the clearest and most advanced high-contrast polarized sunglass available. With two new frames, the Guide II and the Guide S, Revo seeks to fill the needs of those seeking the best in performance sunglasses. Both frames feature HighContrast Polarized Serilium lenses that are lightweight, shatterproof and formulated of polycarbonate. Revo’s 8-base lens technology offers a more curved fit relative to your face, and elastometric nosepads provide a more secure fit for active wearers. Sleek and modern, the Guide II adds an element of comfort to the all-activity, allcondition mentality. What carries on in the Guide lineage, however, is the confidence to exceed expectations and reach the objective. The Guide S blends all-terrain functionality with a sleek fit. They are equipped with fast-flow vents and Motion-Fit technology for optimal comfort in any condition or environment.

WWW.REVO.COM

SKELETON OPTICS RENEGADE

FLYING FISHERMAN MORAY

New for 2018, take hold and be bold with Flying Fisherman’s Moray sunglasses, a sporty frame equipped to take your fishing game to the next level. Built with durability and comfort in mind for anglers who work hard and play even harder, the medium fit, semi-rimless wrap-around frame provides generous lens coverage, helping shield the sun from all angles. Non-slip, co-injected temples and adjustable, rubberized nosepiece give this frame solid performance and comfort for all-day wear. The Flying Fisherman Polarized, AcuTint lens coloring system eliminates glare and enhances color contrast, without distorting natural colors. The enhanced visual sharpness and comfort adds to fishing productivity, and maximizes the outdoors experience for anglers and watersports enthusiasts who need to see below the water’s surface to spot fish and structure. Morays are available in matte black frames with copper-red mirror, smoke, or smoke blue-mirror lenses, matte grey frames with smoke blue-mirror lenses, and matte white frames with smoke-blue mirror AcuTint lenses. MSRP is $24.95 - $29.95, and the Moray will be in stores this September. Call 305-852-8989 or visit the website for more information or to receive a free catalog.

WWW.FLYINGFISHERMAN.COM

POPTICALS POPSTAR

Skeleton Optics high-performance eyewear delivers superb craftsmanship, trend-forward innovation and advanced technology for outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. From the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean, Skeleton Optics sunglasses are designed to empower ordinary people to do extraordinary things, inspiring them to live the “No Boundaries” lifestyle. The new Skeleton Optics Renegade frames not only embrace that belief but take it to the next level. Adding to their already popular Original Collection, Skeleton Optics took the wraparound feature of the best-selling Scout model, and extended the frame width while working closely with the Zeiss Optical team to increase the lens height and create the all new Renegade sunglasses. Rugged and durable, yet sleek and stylish, Renegade sunglasses are perfect for a day on the water, on the trail, in the car, at the beach or in town. Renegades feature polarized polycarbonate lenses by Zeiss with 100 percent UV protection and advanced TRI-PEL/RI-PEL coating to enhance colors and promote clear vision in any outdoor environment. Lenses also include a premium hard coating for scratch and impact resistance. Grilamid TR-90 frames were designed and manufactured in Italy for lasting durability, comfort and protection. The in-line nosepiece is anti-slip and moisture wicking. Specifications: • Base Curve of 8 • DBL: 18mm • Temple Length: 115mm • Lens Size A/B: A65xB40 For information, call 888-564-9025.

WWW.SKELETON-SUNGLASSES.COM

Sunglasses are a necessity, but they’re also a burden. There is an ever-present possibility to lose or damage this expensive piece equipment. And you can forget about storing a conventional pair in a case in your pocket. They’re just too bulky. That’s where Popticals steps in. This revolutionary new line of portable, pop-out sunglasses has a patented design that makes storage safe and convenient. Popticals’ FL2 Micro-Rail System allows the sunglasses to easily fold down to be stored in a small hardshell case. You won’t even notice this compact design in your pocket, and the unit can be clipped to anything with an included carabiner. These glasses are high-performance, as well. The NYDEF Nylon Lenses manufactured by Carl Zeiss Vision are clearer and 16 percent lighter in weight than polycarbonate lenses. They offer complete UV protection, filtering out 100 percent of harmful UVA and UVB rays, while hydrophobic and oleophobic technology repels water, oil, sweat and dust. The Swiss Grilamid TR 90 frames provide long-lasting durability and resistance to extreme temperatures while remaining lightweight and comfortable for extended use. Popticals are engineered in the U.S.A and handcrafted in Italy. See the Popticals website for a wide range of styles designed for any outdoor pursuit.

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NATIONAL

6/19/17 5:01 PM

FLY FISHING

TARPON TIME: THE TWO HANDED STRIP

t’s tarpon time! Many of you will be headed to tarpon waters this summer looking to hook one of ocean’s greatest gamefish on the fly. When you go, consider altering your fly retrieval technique from the standard one-hand strip to the two-handed stip. If you do, you might be surprised at how effective a two-hand strip can be at catching this great gamefish. There are some saltwater fish that react to a fly that is stripped as fast as possible. Tuna, barracuda, roosterfish, amberjack and yellowtail are all good examples. These guys prefer a fly that moves like an Indianapolis racecar. If the fly isn’t imitating a fleeing baitfish, and suddenly stops, this group of gamers will turn and swim away. The two-handed strip is also a wonderful technique for feeding a well-presented fly to a tarpon. But there is a difference. The twohanded strip is slightly different for tarpon than it is for offshore and nearshore species. Where offshore fish like tuna want the fly to burn through the water without pause, a tarpon often wants to see the fly move through the water at a slower pace while still keeping the fly’s continual motion. An advantage of the two hand strip technique is the angler has total control of the fly’s pace through the water, making it possible for the angler to speed up or slow down the fly depending on the reaction of the tarpon to the fly. For example, if a tarpon reacts aggressively toward the fly, the angler might speed up the retrieve to initiate a strike. If the tarpon’s reaction is less aggressive, almost passive, the angler can manipulate the fly’s speed and try to turn on the tarpon’s “light switch” to instigate a strike. Another advantage to using the two-hand retrieve is that the rod is placed under the arm rather than in the hands, making it almost impossible to lift the rod tip on a strike. This combats the urge of freshwater converts to set the hook by lifting the rod, a big no-no

in tarpon fishing. With the rod under and arm, the only way to hook the fish is with a solid stripstrike. For a successful twohanded strip do the following: • After the fly has been cast, place the rod under the arm (right or left). • Point the rod tip down, keeping the tip on the water at all times. • Begin the strip by pulling the fly line with your hand at the first stripping guide. Repeat this with the other hand. • There should be a continual motion, changing hands with each strip. • Vary the speed of the fly as you strip it through the water. • Strip the fly all the way to the boat and repeat. If you feel a strike, give your line a solid strip-strike. Use the two-handed strip, and I guarantee you will never go back to the one-hand strip again. Good luck on the tarpon grounds this season!

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SOUTHEAST

By Nick Carter

orth Carolina’s Oconaluftee River has a multiple personality disorder. Its headwaters fall from an elevation of more than 5,000 feet via a little creek called Beech Flats Prong high in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Beech Flats gains flow from multiple tributaries and becomes the Oconaluftee in a more than 8-mile run through the national park. With the influx of Bradley Fork at Smokemont Campground, the “Luftee” is one of the larger flows in the GSMNP. Above Bradley Fork, the river is small and steep and home to small and beautiful wild trout. Below Bradley Fork, it is one of the most easily accessible and overlooked opportunities in the park. Downstream of Smokemont, a buddy and I once stood on the elevated bank and watched a pod of a half dozen 10- to 12-inch rainbows in a flat blue pool feeding calmly on caddis. That was enough to get us excited. I dropped in downstream of them and began a slow approach, gently moving into casting range to avoid spook-

ing fish in glass-slick water. I was stripping line to cast when my buddy, who was still spotting from above, began pointing and making strange muffled sounds. I didn’t find out until later that I had kicked up a very large brown trout, which moved to the head of the pool and then disappeared. It had scattered the smaller fish in the process. It taught me that it pays off to be patient and watch the water before making a move in the Oconaluftee. U.S. 441 is hard on its banks, making for extremely easy roadside access, yet big fish live there. They are smart due to the fishing pressure they receive, which is pretty limited considering how easy it is to get there. The ’Luftee flies under the radar for a couple reasons. A lot of anglers drive right up the river in search of more secluded destinations. And, the Oconaluftee within the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ Qualla Boundary draws attention away from the Oconaluftee on the national park. The river takes on its next personality when it is joined by Raven Fork and enters Cherokee lands. By this point it is a big river. Cherokee maintains some of the highest fish densities in the east through extremely heavy stockings of rainbow, brook and brown trout. The fishing pressure can be enormous. Still, fishing can be good, and it’s a great place to introduce a youngster to trout fishing. Flyfisher’s Guide To North Carolina & Georgia is 218 pages of extensively researched information on the area’s best trout fishing. It includes more than 40 full-color maps, driving directions, GPS coordinates to access points and tips and tactics. It is available on Amazon, and signed copies are available by contacting the author at nsc8957@gmail.com.

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SOUTHEAST

6/19/17 2:38 PM

Get The Blues By CAM Staff • Photo courtesy of Hightower Marina/Facebook udging by the size of this bruiser’s belly, it’s not too hard to imagine it eating a lot of McDonalds. The story of this Texas largemouth has been making the rounds on the Internet lately. At 10.802 pounds and 24.5 inches in length, it is certainly an awesome fish. It’s a new record for 3,138-acre Lake Bardwell, just south of Dallas near the town of Ennis, Texas. But the reason this fish went viral has to do with the bait. Mathew McNellis and his girlfriend caught the bass in May on a McDonald’s Chicken McNugget. They were jugging for catfish, which is a technique that involves setting out numerous floating plastic jugs with lines, hooks and baits suspended beneath them. They weren’t having much luck, and that’s why McNellis’ girlfriend suggested they try the nugget, according to KDFW Fox 4 News. After boating the fish, the couple took it to Highview Marina, where it was weighed, photographed and declared the new record by the marina. The fish was then released. It bested the previous Lake Bardwell record of 10.44 pounds. The previous record, held by Artee Lewis since February 2006, was caught on a more conventional bait… a minnow.

By Carlos Hidalgo

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“Everyday, everyday, everyday, everyday I have the blues” — B. B. King

’m pretty sure B. B. King was not a fly fisherman. Had he been, I’d like to think that, like his guitar Lucille, his fly rods would have been named after women. His delicate 3-weight, small stream rod might have been called Celeste. His 12-weight tarpon stick… Beulah, or maybe Gertrude. I hope you don’t have the blues. But if you are a trout angler, I do hope you have some blue flies in your boxes. You will be hard pressed to see any blue trout flies in the bins of your local fly shop or in many fly pattern books. This is understandable, since so many trout anglers are strict “match the hatch” believers and trout do not feed on any blue prey items. Despite this, blue flies are very effective. Here are a few you should consider. John Barr ties a blue version of his very effective Copper John nymph. Just replace blue copper wire for regular copper wire in the fly’s abdomen. A few years ago, Atlanta guide Dave Johnson requested that his friend Scott Abernathy design a blue nymph for his clients. Abernathy said the fly, which became known as the Blue Assassin, is based on the Rainbow Warrior nymph but with a really bright touch of blue. He speculated that its effectiveness might be because blue is the most visible color in deep water, as scientific studies have shown. This nymph is an extremely hot fly for Georgia trout. Pennsylvania angler Charles Meck included two blue dry flies and one blue egg in his book, “Fishing Tandem Flies.” Meck wrote that he began tying blue flies because of studies that showed that blue and purple flies “are the last to disappear as the fly sinks deeper in the water column.” The Blueberry is an egg pattern Meck ties with a brass bead and white or cream Glo Bug yarn, which is dyed with Rit evening blue dye. Meck swears by his two dry flies, the Patriot and the White-Winged Bluebird. Although uncommon, blue is a very effective color for trout attractor flies. Give them a try.

Blue Assassin – Scott Abernathy

(available at The Fish Hawk in Atlanta, Ga.) Hook – Tiemco 2457, size 14 -20 Thread – blue Bead – silver (tungsten or brass) Tail – light gray Antron (originally, Scott used pheasant tail fibers) Abdomen – pearl Lateral Scale Thorax – hot purple SLF dubbing

White-Winged Bluebird – Charles Meck

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Hook – dry fly, size 12 – 14 Thread – 6/0 medium blue Tail – blue hackle fibers (Meck uses white hackle dyed Rit evening blue) Body – smolt-blue Krystal Flash, with red thread mid-rib Hackle – blue Wings – white calf tail -To tie the Patriot, substitute brown for the tail and hackle, everything else stays the same.

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6/19/17 2:38 PM

Keep An Eye

On The Hook By Patrick Sebile

ccidents happen while fishing. A treble hook impaling your hand while you’re trying to remove the lure from a thrashing ladyfish is one common example. If you fish long enough, you are bound to be hooked at one time or another. With limbs or digits, getting hooked is a relatively minor incident. A hook in the eyeball is a life-changing event. I have had several close encounters when lures came way too close to my face. It has convinced me to be cautious. It has taught me to hold the rod at an angle so the lure won’t fly back at me if it suddenly pops free from a fish’s mouth or a snag. But while I can control my own actions, I can’t predict the actions of others in the boat. Several potentially dangerous moments remain fresh in my

memory, and they keep me aware of what is going on around me. It also reminds me to wear glasses for more than just the reduction of glare. One of these chilling experiences happened a few months ago when my good friend Alessandro came from Italy to visit me in Florida. We went out early to a spot where snook and small tarpon had been biting topwater baits before the sun rose. I coached him to retrieve his Sebile Splasher with the rod tip close to the surface, and to set the hook sideways to keep the lure from flying at us on a missed hook set. It’s easy to coach, but when a tarpon rolls on your bait, the blood boils and coaching flies out the window. Alessandro reared back with a tremendous hook set, and that Splasher with its two big treble hooks flew straight at me, just a few inches from my eyes. On another occasion, I was trolling inlets on the west coast of Africa. Because of the area we were fishing, the lures were close to the boat. We were pulling a big shad crankbait just 20 feet behind the boat. I spotted a drifting branch and knew the big crankbait was about to snag it. I told my client not to set the hook when the tip bent, but he grabbed that rod and gave it a powerful jerk. That 5-inch-long lure flew at my head with so much force that four of the six treble hooks embedded deeply into my hand. I was lucky I had time to get my hand in front of my face. It was bad, but at least they didn’t get my eyes. We were 10 hours from the nearest hospital. These anecdotes are examples of why I always wear glasses on the water. Good reinforced, impact-resistant polarized glasses—such as the Rhinolens line from Flying Fisherman—shield your eyes from hooks as well as the sun. Even in super low-light conditions, I wear bright yellow polycarbonate shades made for shooters. We only have two eyes, and I will not trust the protection of mine to cheap glasses. Safety first, my friends… in fishing and loving! Patrick Sebile is the owner and lure designer of Sebile Innovative Fishing (www.sebile.com).

Hot Action On The Savannah Snapper Banks

apt. Judy Helmey with Miss. Judy Charters out of Savannah reports great bottom fishing on the Savannah Snapper banks. “We are catching vermilion, white grunt, black sea bass, triggerfish, cobia, grouper, genuine red snapper, an assortment of pogies, mahi mahi, king mackerel, and I could go on,” she said. “The bottom line when it comes to fishing, whether it is on the bottom or on the troll, is you really never know what you might catch!” The best baits when bottom fishing have been cut baits, either squid or fish. When trolling, Capt. Judy suggested ballyhoo rigged on Sea Witches in an assortment of colors. When drifting or on the slow troll, Capt. Judy said assorted color Dusters King Rigs rigged with light wire and small hooks are the ticket. For light-tackle rigs, live and fresh dead cigar minnows or Spanish sardines will get bit. Miss. Judy Charters can be contacted at 912-897-4921 or by emailing Capt. Judy at fishjudy2@aol.com. See their website at missjudycharters.com.

By Paul Lebowitz

hen it comes to fishing accessories, nothing is as indispensable as a tackle-management system that fits in the storage well behind the seat on most any kayak. Back in the day, these were usually crafted out of venerable milk crates, with sections of PVC tubing zip-tied into each corner for use as rod holders. Some kayak anglers continue to use them, but increasingly, they have been supplanted by purpose-designed accessories that come fully featured. Here are a few things to look for if you’re in the market for a kayak tackle-management system. First, ask yourself how many rod holders it has. Most have three at a minimum, with the ability to add extras. The best crates come predrilled to accept them for nearly tool-free installation. Rod retention shock cords are a nice bonus. The ability to accept additional accessories such as tackle bins, camera booms and cup holders is another plus. Many crates are designed to be tied-down using the shock cords that come outfitted on most kayaks. Non-stretch webbing tie-downs are a more secure option. A cover, whether integrated or an accessory, is another good feature. While not every kayak angler will need the option, the ability to easily disassemble and pack the crate flat is a nice touch. It can come in handy for kayak anglers who travel by jet to distant fishing spots. There are great crates out there–go get one.

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TIPS FROM A PRO

MID-SUMMER BASS FISHING

BRANDON LESTER

grew up fishing lakes well-known for large schools of bass spending the summer months offshore. When we get to mid-summer and the water temperature starts hitting 80 degrees, it is safe bet that fish are going to be on offshore structure like ledges, humps and drop offs. I start looking on main-lake areas, on the lower half of the lake from the dam, where most good summer ledges are on the lakes I fish. Using the mapping on my Raymarine electronics, I search for places that top out from 12 to 20 feet and drop down to anywhere from 50 to 60 feet. Bass will start heading out there when the water gets to 70 degrees and at 80 they will definitely be out there. They spawn with a water temperature of 62 to 64, so as the water warms they will be headed that way. When the water is 80 degrees, the fish in the lake that move (some stay shallow all year) will be out there. The biggest deal is finding the depth range of the fish. When they first get out to offshore structure, they like 12 to 17 feet. As they stay longer— it could be weeks or a month—they will then move deeper, from 18 to 25 feet, maybe even as deep as 30 feet. To find the depth range of the fish, I will graph and look for the bait and then the fish. Usually I can see the fish on my Raymarine units, but I will often fish around a big school of bait in case the bass are hiding right under the thick bait. If I don’t see bait or bass, I won’t make a cast. Electronics are too good these days to fish places just because there were fish there at one point in the past. Gear To Use Offshore I always start with a moving bait, such as a deep-diving crankbait, to see if I can get the fish fired up. The biggest ones in the school will bite a crankbait. I like a Strike King 6XD and 8XD fished on a MHX CB907 cranking rod that I built myself with supplies

from Mud Hole. I always put new Mustad hooks on the baits. #2 KVD Triple Grip trebles are my preference. For line I use 10- to 12-lb. Vicious Fluorocarbon for the 6XD and 15- to 17-lb. on the 8XD. I like a slower 5:4:1 gear ratio reel to help them dive to their deepest depths. When those fish start grouping up out on the ledges, you can really have a lot of fun. Hundred-fish days are possible on the Tennessee River lakes, and I get excited just thinking about it. When that water temp gets close to 80, it is time to get out deep and get healthy in a hurry come tournament day.

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6/19/17 4:02 PM

The Angler Magazine Southwest GA & East AL

Publisher: Bob Rice Contributing Writers: Dr. Andrew Cox O’Neill Williams Nick Carter David Randall Cefus McRae Renae Randall Henry Cowen

Jake Davis Noey Vineyard Keith Hudson Paul Tyre Mark Smith Jim Farmer Sam Williams David Hare Casey Crawley

Matt Henry Gary Turner Rene Hesse Wayne Wooten Steve McCorkle

Graphic Designer: Meri Mock

merimockdesigns@yahoo.com

A Free Publication The Angler Magazine is Published Monthly and Distributed Across the Southeast.

By B & B Publishers P.O. Box 766 Madison, GA 30650 bobr@theanglermagazine.com

706-614-8231 www.coastalanglermag.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Cover Photo by Nick Carter JULY 2017

SOUTHWEST GA EAST AL 1

Fishing Across America

I recently made what has become an annual trout fishing trip to the Green River. Rather than taking air transportation with its hassle of airports and crowded flights, I like to drive via automobile. Traveling through seventeen states in making the round trip from Georgia to Utah, several days driving time is required. In my travels, I have always been one to look over highway bridges that cross over on-route waterways. On this particular trip, I crossed over many waters within the continental United States. The United States is a vast country with varied landscapes, terrain and climate. Varied waters are found to include brooks, springs, streams, farm ponds, rivers and both natural and man-made lakes of multiple sizes. My thoughts are that it would be nice to sample these various waters and the fish species inhabiting them. My son accompanied me on this trip and shared in the driving duties. To pass time in the automobile, as we traveled through a state or observed a particular body of water, I would look up fishing opportunities and descriptions for the state’s waterways. There is much information via the internet describing fish species to target, fishing techniques, water access and optimum time of the year for fishing bodies of water within each state. Over the course of my travel to Utah, I

2 SOUTHWEST GA EAST AL

JULY 2017

was particularly impressed with Lake Barkley, Kentucky Lake, and the Land between the Lakes region of Tennessee and Kentucky. These are large lakes with good fishing for a variety of warm water species. On several occasions, I crossed over the Missouri River as we traveled through Missouri and Nebraska. This waterway ranges from a large river surrounded by high limestone bluffs to a flat urban waterway. In Nebraska and Wyoming, we viewed various portions of the Platte River. This river has fish species ranging from high caliber trout fishing in Wyoming to warm water fishing throughout Nebraska. As I spent a week in Utah fishing, I was able to travel to a variety of waters within this state. Even an arid state such as Utah has varied waterways ranging from muddy to clear streams and rivers as well as large lakes suitable for angling and other water sports. It is interesting to see small to large streams and rivers traversing through a desert landscape. Each state through which we traveled had multiple fishing opportunities. These included the rugged, flowing mountain streams, and alpine lakes of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, the large reservoirs of Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, and the lakes and rivers of Mississippi and Alabama. Even New Mexico has beautiful flowing streams with desert views interspersed among snowcapped mountains.

by Andrew A. Cox

This trip through a large swath of south, middle, and western United States impressed me with the fact that fishing opportunities exist virtually everywhere in the United States. There is obviously more water than one can visit and fish in a human lifetime within this great country. Though I like to sample new waters and catch fish species that I have never or rarely caught, this trip made me realize that I do not have enough years left to sample fishing opportunities available in even the seventeen states that I traveled. Good fishing and be safe. Dr. Andrew Cox is a contributing writer to outdoor publications. He is a member of the Georgia Outdoor Writer’s Association. Dr. Cox financially supports his fishing habits as Professor Emeritus at Troy University, Phenix City, Alabama. He may be contacted at andrewtrout@aol.com.

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Try Some Small Waters This Summer Most beginning fishermen experienced their first encounter with the sport on a small body of water, either a pond or small lake. How to fish these small bodies of water may be confusing, especially if the newcomer is accustomed to watching pros on the outdoor shows that race up and down large reservoirs in $60,000 bass boats. Likewise, one of the mistakes we as seasoned anglers make is not utilizing these small bodies of water to stay in tune or practice new techniques. The landscape is loaded with tens of thousands of small lakes making them very accessible fishing waters to the majority of fishermen. Most are great places to fish because you don’t need big boats or tons of tackle. Also, most of these small lakes will have fishing piers or areas which are accessible to bank fishermen. Many seasoned bass anglers often overlook small lakes with the idea that there is no challenge or trophy fish to be caught. Nothing could be further from the truth. In most of the South, there are many small lakes which actually fish much better than their large counterparts. This is mainly due to lack of angler pressure, the diversity of topography, structure and vegetation in the lake. There may be smaller ponds, depressions, ditches, fence lines, old roads and any number of other structures that became flooded when the small lake was built. All these areas are potential fish holding structures. A large variety of aquatic weeds and shoreline vegetation can exist on small lakes as well, thus, making these smaller lakes the perfect place for anglers to practice and hone their skills for major careers such as for BASS Elite Angler Brandon Lester from Fayetteville TN. Brandon says “growing up in Middle Tennessee, I cut my teeth on small bodies of water. Lakes like Tims Ford, Woods, and Normandy are the types of lakes that helped me lay the groundwork for a successful fishing career. I think the real advantage to small

by Capt Jake Davis

waters fishing is that it teaches you to break down a body of water more quickly. By that, I mean you learn to break down what section of the lake offers what types of structure, or maybe what part of the lake offers the biggest fish. It also teaches you that certain parts of the lakes are better during the spring, and likewise, some are better in the fall and winter”. He goes on to say “I find myself going back to my roots often out on tour when I'm faced with a vast body of water. I like to pick a big creek or a big tributary and break it down just like I learned to do with our lakes. Once I have established a pattern in that area then I can try to look for other areas like it and it helps to eliminate a lot of water”. When approaching a new lake, it helps to first talk to someone who has fished the body of water. If it is a public lake, agency personnel are often available with information about the hot places to fish and in some cases, there is a local fishing guide that will take you out. If no information is available, I will approach small lakes the same way I do a major lake such as Kentucky Lake, by fishing in areas similar to those that have produced in other lakes. You can rest assured that visible cover in small bodies of water will hold fish. Start around rocks, logs, stumps, brush piles and weed cover. Then, hang on for the excitement that is sure to come.

Capt Jake Davis is a full time, year round professional guide on Lake Guntersville and Tim’s Ford, Mid South Bass Guide, www.midsouthbassguide.com or cell (615) 613-2382.

Golf Carts

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JULY 2017

SOUTHWEST GA EAST AL 3

Local Lakes & Forecasts West Point Lake

Forecast by Capt. Keith Hudson Keith Hudson Guide Service hudsonsprobass@gmail.com

678.283.8855 matt@sinclairmarina.com

706-884-1483 or 706-882-1743 Lake is full pool, clear with the water temperature low to mid 80’s. Bass: Slow - It's a typical summertime pattern; some largemouth are starting to show up on deeper brush piles and road beds as the water warms. Try deep diving crankbaits or Texas rigged Ol Monster worms. Best fishing is around brushpiles in these areas. Topwater baits such as Pop R's, Zara Spooks and buzzbaits can still be effective for shallow fish, especially around bream beds. Some spotted bass are being caught by casting Spot Remover heads loaded with Shaky Tail worms or just dragging a Carolina-rigged Zoom finesse worm or mini lizard around sloping gravel banks. Also try a small Texas rigged worm or a pig-n-jig around blow down trees. Try fishing around the bridges and bridge pilings with small crankbaits and shaky head rigs, especially during periods of water generation. Linesides: Fair - Spawned out hybrids and stripes are down lake now in good numbers. Expect the downline bite on live bait to continue to be at least OK throughout the summer. Some fish are starting surface schooling on the main lake and can be caught on Rooster Tails, topwaters, pop-n-cork rigs and Storm Swim Shad lures. Trolling with crankbaits is also fairly effective and can help keep you cool on a hot day! Crappie: FAIR – Spawned-out fish will typically move out and hold on deeper brush and structure or under docks. Try dropshotting minnows or shooting docks near deep water for the best results. Night fishing is usually pretty good all summer. Try under the bridges with lights. Bream: Good - Don't forget about our bream and shellcracker. Finding an active bed can take a little effort, but when you do, you can have a ball! Bedding usually takes place on the full moon cycles in the summer. Look for shallow cover in the backs of pockets. Sandy flats and stump beds tend to draw the fish like a magnet. Use live pink worms, crickets and small jigs for the best results. Catfish: Good - Lots of channel cats are being caught by the few anglers that target them. Live and cut baits (and worms of course) fished on bottom will catch cats all over the lake, as long as fairly deep water is nearby. Jug fishing is also fun and productive. To target flatheads, go to a larger bait like a 4-5 inch bream or large shiner and fish the same areas. Be sure to increase the size of your rigs as fish in the 20-30 pound range are fairly common.

4 SOUTHWEST GA EAST AL

JULY 2017

Lake Sinclair

Forecast by Matt Henry Sinclair Marine Guide Service www.sinclairmarina.com

Lake Sinclair is down.72 feet with the water clear and the temp. in the 70’s. Bass fishing is good. There are a lot of bass back in shallow water feeding. Topwater baits and spinnerbaits have been especially good during the last few days. Popping baits like Pop Rs and Chug Bugs and prop baits like a Torpedo and a Devil Horse are working. Start the morning in more clear water till the bite slows and then move to stained water and give it a try. The topwater bite has lasted all day during a couple days recently. Try the Strike King Redeye Shad Bait gold black back 0.25 ounce. Spinnerbaits have done well on mornings with wind and a choppy surface. Lowrance Structure and Down Scan technology unlocks the areas where the fish live. If the bite slows or stops, try using a lightweight Texas rig in the same areas around any cover present. Rip rap along the roadway bridges are holding fish that are hitting crankbaits, spinnerbaits, Texas rigs and jig head and worm rigs. Docks and boathouses are still holding bass that are mostly hitting Texas rigged worms. Fish the summer humps, points and ledges. Large crankbaits like Norman DD22, Poe’s 400 and Fat Free Shads are good choices when the fish are real active, especially during power generation. Carolina rigs and Texas rigs are the other primary choices for these deep fish.

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Lake Jackson

Lake Eufaula/Walter F. George Forecast by Capt. Sam Williams, Hawkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guide Service 334-687-6266 hawk184@earthlink.net

Forecast by Brian Lee leebrian16@yahoo.com

Water temp: 78-83 degrees, water level: full pool, water clarity: stained/clear. The morning bite will last as long as the bait is up shallow. Topwater will produce a lot of fish early, so cover as much water as you can. As it gets hot, the bite slows down. This time of the day I like to find isolated brush piles and pick them apart with a jig. Color depends on the water clarity. A Texas rig, shaky head and Carolina rig will work as well on the brush piles. The afternoon bite is slow. Flip docks on the shady sides. A weightless trick worm will catch a few as you can skip a good ways under docks. July is a tough month on bass fishing due to the heat. If you want to fill the boat, come early and leave before the sun gets high and bright. A recent tournament on Jackson produced two 18 pound plus sacks with big fish being over 8 pounds. I won this event with 18.49. Till next month, tight lines.

Full Black Moon July 9th

Water temp: low 80's, water level: 190.28 msl, clarity: clear to very light stain. With the river over full pool, the fish remain scattered to some degree. The deeper water under all the pads and grass cover are holding good bass. Frogs, spinnerbaits and buzzbaits are good choices as well as Pop-Rs and twitch baits on top. Jigs and Texas rigged soft plastics are really good around the cover. Punching this cover is producing some good sized bass. Big Bite YoDaddys are great on a Texas rig or jig. The deeper fish around trash piles and ledge structure are hitting big plastics on Texas rigs and heavy jigs. The bluegills are on the flats now and the war mouth are staged along the heavy grass and pad cover. Crappie are starting to get around the deeper cover now. Jigging will get a good cooler full. Catfish are always fun and willing to eat. Creeks are a good place to put out some jugs baited with cut bait. The days are warming up, so keep plenty of water and sunscreen. Watch out for the afternoon storms. Evening fishing is always great as the day cools off and the fish become active again. God Bless & Good Fishn'

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JULY 2017

SOUTHWEST GA EAST AL 5

Lake Martin

Lake Harding

Forecast by Steve “Colonel” McCorkle stevemccorkle61@yahoo.com This year has been a much different year as far as weather goes. Our winter

was mostly warm, spring was cooler than normal and our summer is looking to be mild with high humidity and lots of rain. The water temps are cool for this time of year, especially upriver. With the lower temperatures the fishing has been very good. The biggest impact I believe we will have with the weather this year is that it may slow the lake turnover which will possibly affect fish from going deep later this summer. As for now, the fish are still relatively shallow, staying in water from 2 to 15 feet. The best time to fish is early in the morning and in the evening. Bass can still be caught shallow, and most bass I have caught or seen caught have been on a Texas rig worm, trick worm or a swimbait. Largemouth and spots can be caught in the main lake around docks and along shallow points. On the river portion, the best bite is around grass beds and along the bank with structure. Shoal bass can be caught around the shoals on the north end of the lake. Bass are also biting well at night and can be caught around docks with lights. Just be aware that many homeowners will cut off their lights sometimes if they see people fishing them, so do not get upset with the homeowner. They do this because some fishermen or fisherwomen do not respect their property and have caused damage to docks and lights. The lights are very expensive, so who could blame them. The crappie are still biting, but most crappie are being caught in water 10 feet or deeper. Crappie can be caught using minnows mostly around submerged structure around deeper water docks and around bridge pylons. Crappie are biting under the bridges at night. Striped bass can still be caught this time of year, and I recommend fishing the shoals upriver for stripers or fishing in the morning or afternoon along shallow rocky points. The water temps at the shoals are still in the upper 60’s. The best baits are swimbaits, Rat-L-Traps, or spinners such as Red Fish Magic. I have seen some monster stripers in water as shallow as 2 to 4 feet busting on shad. It is almost like they are schooling like they do in early spring. Sunfish are really biting right now. I was always taught that when you have a full moon in the summer and the mayflies are out, it was time to go fish the back of pockets where the bream beds are located. It is not hard to catch a cooler full of hand size bream or shellcrackers. Now is the time to take someone who is learning to fish or is younger and may not have truly caught on to fishing. Bream can be caught with crickets, red wiggler worms or with small artificial spinners or minnow baits like the 1/16 ounce Renosky Keystone Jig Minnow. Another fun way to catch sunfish is with a fly rod and small popper or foam fly. This can produce a lot of fish and can be very fun. Catfish are biting now too. Fish the bottom around structure or on ledges and use bait such as chicken livers, stink baits or other live worms. Good luck fishing.

Forecast by Capt. David Hare Alex City Guide Service 256.401.3089 davidbhare@yahoo.com Surface temp: 85 degrees, lake level: 490.58, clarity: clear to very clear. Happy 4th of July! Here on Lake Martin, July will be the busiest month on the lake, especially during the holidays. In saying this, please be extra careful while out on the water. July is a great time to carry the little ones out for a lot of fishing action. Bream fishing will be at its peak this month, and you are talking about action that’s really fun with ultra-lite tackle and a bucket of crickets. To find these fun fighting fish, look in shallow sandy areas and back of pockets with lots of debris floating in the back. Once you locate these fish, it will be crazy bites with crickets, and you will be a fishing hero in your youngster’s eyes! This is also a good time to get your light-weight fly rod out and some popping bugs and hit the water at daylight. You should fill your limit fast with nice size bass and giant bream. Over the years the northern end of the lake and all up in the north part of the river toward Erwin Shoals has been a favorite of ours for this type of fishing. Stripers will continue to move in and stay in deeper cooler areas of the lake. For best results during the day, try trolling spoons along with big jigs. For best results at night, fish deep water pier lights with crankbaits and light line. Don't forget to work these lights with topwater lures also. If you are fortunate enough to have live shad, then you need to fish my favorite way which is fishing these baits real deep near the thermal line and be very patient. Remember, check your bait often because the deeper you fish, the quicker the bait will die, and you always want fresh lively bait for trophy stripers. Try the dam and Goat Island area as it has produced some giants over the last several summer night trips. Catfishing with noodles and jugs should produce well in the Pleasure Point area at night. Until next time, be safe and catch one for me!

Lake Oconee

Forecast by Mark Smith Reeltime Guide Service (404) 803-0741 reeltime@bellsouth.net

Lake Oconee is full with the lake clear on the south end and stained to muddy up the lake with the water temperature 82 degrees. Striper fishing is good. Use your Lowrance to locate the schools of fish in the mouths of the coves and on the humps on the south end of the lake. Live bait (shad) has been the best over the past week. You can also pick up some fish on the pipeline with a spoon when Georgia Power is pulling water. The umbrella rig bite is just starting. It will pick up as we move into July. Crappie fishing is very good. The fish are moving into the timber on an early summer pattern. Long lining jigs over timber from 8 to 15 feet deep have been the best producers over the past week. Match your color to the color of the water. Make sure you stop by Sugar Creek Marina and pick up your spoons and all your tackle needs. You can also book your crappie and striper trips as well as on-the-water Lowrance classes with Reel Time Guide Service at 404-803-0741 or reeltime@bellsouth.net 6 SOUTHWEST GA EAST AL

JULY 2017

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PANAMA CITY TIDES - JULY 2017

Lake Seminole

DATE

Forecast by Guide Paul Tyre paultyrefishing@yahoo.com 850-264-7534

HIGH

Water temp.: 84 degrees, lake level: 6 inches below full pool, clarity: stained. Bass fishing on Lake Seminole has been better than normal for this time of year. The bass are moving into their summertime areas under the pads and to the main lake outer grass lines. The topwater bite has been productive using baits like buzzbaits and frogs in these areas. A Strike King Pro Model buzzbait in white and chartreuse is my favorite to use on the Flint River arm of the lake. Hollow body frogs have been producing around the pad fields on the Chattahoochee arm. I've been using a Strike King KVD Sexy Frog in copper and I really like this frog because it has a stout hook that will pull the big ones through the pads. Also, it comes with a rattle that gives extra sound and action. The Spring Creek arm of the lake is remaining clear, even with all the rain we have been getting and the bass have been being taken on jerkbaits like a Strike King KVD Deep Jerkbait in Clearwater Minnow fished over the edges of the deep grass. As of this writing, the bream and shellcracker have still been bedding, and the campers at Bass Island Campground at Wingate's Lunker Lodge have been catching them by the coolers full. Bream are being caught on crickets while the shellcracker are biting on worms. Miss Jane has both stocked at the Wingate's Lunker Lodge store and is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

LOW

1 Sat 7:24 1.0 9:02 0.7 2 Sun 7:02 1.2 5:42 0.5 3 Mon 7:08 1.3 5:44 0.2 4 Tue 7:28 1.4 6:11 0.0 5 Wed 7:57 1.5 6:45 -0.1 6 Thu 8:30 1.6 7:23 -0.2 7 Fri 9:06 1.7 8:01 -0.3 8 Sat 9:43 1.7 8:37 -0.3 9 Sun 10:19 1.7 9:10 -0.3 10 Mon 10:55 1.7 9:38 -0.3 11 Tue 11:29 1.6 10:02 -0.2 12 Wed 12:04 1.5 10:21 -0.0 13 Thu 12:40 1.4 10:33 0.2 14 Fri 1:17 1.1 10:33 0.5 15 Sat 8:17 0.9 1:43 0.9 10:25 1.4 10:11 0.7 16 Sun 6:19 1.0 8:42 0.9 17 Mon 6:05 1.2 3:47 0.5 18 Tue 6:22 1.4 4:37 0.1 19 Wed 6:57 1.6 5:32 -0.2 20 Thu 7:43 1.8 6:30 -0.4 21 Fri 8:35 1.9 7:26 -0.6 22 Sat 9:29 1.9 8:18 -0.6 23 Sun 10:22 1.9 9:05 -0.5 24 Mon 11:12 1.8 9:43 -0.2 25 Tue 11:59 1.6 10:08 0.1 26 Wed 12:41 1.4 10:15 0.4 27 Thu 1:18 1.1 9:58 0.7 28 Fri 6:44 0.9 1:40 0.9 9:04 1.3 9:10 0.9 29 Sat 5:13 1.0 7:26 0.9 30 Sun 5:08 1.2 4:05 0.7 31 Mon 5:27 1.3 4:25 0.5

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JULY 2017

SOUTHWEST GA EAST AL 7

Think Like a Fish

In the real estate world, it’s all about location, location and location. Folks want to put down their roots in an area that is convenient to shopping, grocery stores, good schools, social activities and their workplace. And, they want to live in a climate that suits their particular taste. When you think about it, the same is true for our piscatorial friends in both fresh and saltwater. Although they may not be pushing a squeaky-wheeled cart down a grocery aisle, they will find a home where there’s ample forage, and their schools teach more about the benefits of “safety-in-numbers” than quantum physics. Picking the most suitable location to make a homestead is as important to fish as it is to us twolegged critters. If you keep that in mind as you make your selection on where to fish, and in many cases, how to fish, you’ll find your days will become more productive. With perhaps the exception of the top predators, most fish base their location selection on the Big Three; Food, Comfort and Safety. Identify where all three of those factors converge and you’ve got a very fishy spot. Game fish have to eat, and they have to eat often, whether it’s a rainbow trout dining on tiny nymphs or billfish that will eat a 25 pound tuna in one bite. A yellowfin tuna has to eat nearly its own weight in food every day, because it spends its entire life roaming the ocean currents, and that uses up a lot of energy. On the other hand, large trout will find a spot in a slip-stream behind a rock waiting for a tasty tidbit to float by. They simply tilt their pectoral fins and the current lifts them up, just like airplane wings to grab a tiny midge and then glide back down to their rock again. That’s not a lot of energy expended for the protein they just gulped. So your first task is to find the kitchen. Sometimes it’s pretty obvious when you see baitfish being corralled on the surface. 8 SOUTHWEST GA EAST AL

Sometimes it takes a little more thought and knowledge to locate the dining area. There are seasonal patterns that occur and if you do a little research, or ask around at the local tackle stores, you can get some very valuable information. The next component is Comfort. Fish will move both horizontally and vertically to find a location that is comfortable. Just like us, they have to breathe. So they will congregate in place in the water column that has the right amount of dissolved oxygen. Ever notice how reservoir-based stripers will move to deeper water in the summertime? Sure, the water is warmer at the surface than it is 50 feet down, but that warm water doesn’t hold as much oxygen as the cooler water does down deep. Fish are cold-blooded, and the actual temperature of the water may have less to do with preferred locations than the oxygen content. Look at how many fish hang around a natural spring upwelling or at a seamount, compared to a placid, sunbaked flat. Remember the old adage about water temperature: “68 and the fishin’s great!” Most of us have experienced the impact weather can have on the fishing, and changes in the barometric pressure, especially quick changes that occur with rapidly moving fronts, can make a dramatic difference in the bite. As the front approaches, the bite can really fire up. When the front arrives, the fish may get lock-jaw for a couple days. I believe the change in pressure (which transfers into the water) can make fish either lethargic or frisky. And the third piece of the puzzle is Safety. Why isn’t Safety the number one factor? Well if you are starving to death, or can’t breathe, being in a safe place doesn’t really matter, does it? Safety can come in the form of a good hiding place like a rock outcropping, vertical structure such as pilings or ledges, or it can be exhibited by large numbers like we see in schooling baitfish.The ability to blend into the

JULY 2017

by By Capt. Cefus McRae, Nuts & Bolts of Fishing Series

environment or use camouflage is another trait that provides safety from being eaten by something larger. Similarly, predator fish use those same techniques for finding food. Flounder will change their color pattern to match the shelly bottom as they quietly wait on an unsuspecting meal to swim overhead. Speckled trout have unique color patterns on their back that makes them virtually invisible in the grass flats, concealing them from overhead predators like ospreys. And coincidentally, shell banks are great places to fish for flounder, and grass flats are prime locations for catching speckled trout. Starting to see a pattern? An inland lake, coastal waters, even a mountain trout stream will usually have places that provide at least two out of the three factors. During certain times of the year, you’ll find a spot that has all three. That would be considered the gold

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mine. To find these spots, modern technology has provided us anglers with an assortment of tools. Simrad DownScan will show ledges and drop-offs, structure, creek channels, bottom composition, typical spots that hold game fish. Services like Sirius/XM Marine Weather interfaces with your chart plotter to show contemporary weather systems, sea surface temperature, wave period, and wind speed/ direction, all of which can be contributing factors to the bite, as well as letting you know when it’s time to head for the barn. So, do a little homework and check out the real estate below the surface before you make your first cast. Find a location that has the Big Three... Food, Comfort and Safety, and you’ll be well on your way to closing the sale on some fine fishing.

Kim’s Kitchen

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by Kim Nunery Pounders Seafood Market

Cornmeal

Crusted Catfish

• 1 cup Flour • 1 tblsp Lemon Juice • 1 Egg, slightly beaten • 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour • 1 tsp Cajun Seasoning (optional) • 1/4 cup Yellow Cornmeal • 1/2 tsp garlic Powder • 1/2 tsp salt • 4 catfish fillets • 3 tsp vegetable oil

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Pat fish dry with paper towels. Place 1 cup flour in shallow bowl, set aside. Combine the lemon juice and slightly beaten egg in another shallow bowl, set aside. In larger bowl mix the 1/2 cup flour and 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder and salt. Dip the catfish in the first bowl of flour, then the egg wash, then the cornmeal mixture. Let rest for 10-20 minutes. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Fry fillets, two at a time for 5-6 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Add a squeeze of lemon if desired. Makes 4 servings.

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Solunar Table July 2017

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JULY 2017

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Let's Talk Gear

By O’Neill Williams

Let’s talk fishing! No, let’s don’t. Let’s talk about our gear. Think about it. The gear we use for our fishing, hunting, camping, outdoor cooking, etc. is varied, high quality, sturdy, long lasting, priced reasonably and useful. Think too about where we have to shop: Bass Pro Shops, Cabelas, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Dicks, Gander Mountain and so many others. Great isn’t it. Everything you could possibly need for that next adventure is at your fingertips. Not all that many years ago, trying to get quality gear was a hassle; small little shops with little to choose from. Sometimes you had to order special items and wait and wait, kind of like the scene in “Oh Brother Where Are Thou” when it always took two weeks at the little store to get everything. Take game cameras for instance. I use a Plotwatcher. I placed it on the edge of a food plot recently. It took over 5,000 photos that pictured for me ALL the activity in that plot 24 hours a day; where the deer and turkey entered and left the plot and how long they stayed there. It wasn’t just up close where movement triggered the shot, no; it was upwards of 100 yards away, the spots where some hunters who use triggering cameras call a ‘dead zone’. If it had been one of those old cameras, I would have missed 60% of what and when the visits occurred and what the animals were. The net effect was that I scouted that food plot for two weeks and actually was there only about 10 minutes, and I have a record of it. Now, about rod and reels. Remember those old ABU 5000C free spools? Strong, sturdy, long lasting, however, you couldn’t adjust very well the reel to the weight of the lure and size of the line. You had to have a talented and practiced thumb. Now? Affordable reels of many brands that are as smooth as silk, cast like bullets, have reliable drags and braking systems and are small enough to hold comfortably. Rods? Oh, my goodness, you could feel a mosquito light on the end of a 6½ foot rod. Feel a strike? With a little practice, you feel it just before it happens. Line? Braid, fluorocarbon? Enough said. Sunglasses? They are comfortable, clear, optically correct and polarized. If you don’t lose them, they will last you forever, and it’s personal now; they make some with little ‘cheaters’ along the bottom of the lens that allows an old guy like me to see up close. I could go on and one but won’t. You get the drift. Sometimes, I think we should take a look around and see what a free economy and capitalism can produce. Finally, over 20 years ago, you didn’t have a big mouth guy on radio urging you to enjoy the outdoors with your family live on WSB on Saturday mornings. Now you do.

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Brag Board Buddy Danford & Tony Adams with a big mess of Eufaula crappie

Allie Lewis with her very first catfish

Tyler Gingrich from Panama ht City with a nice bass caug on Lake Seminole

! R * E N IN

Monica Faulk with a big Eufaula slab

J P Downing from Tuscaloosa with a nice bass fis hing Eufaula with Capt Sam W illiams with his fly rod John Rice travelled south for some snook action

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14-year-old Steven Holloway with a big 8.7 lb bass, Compliments of The Anchor Holds Bait Shop in Cordele

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*This month’s winner will receive an Angler Magazine cap

First Confirmed Snakehead Caught in Mississippi Lake

USFWS Photo

he scourge is spreading. In early June, a bowfisherman arrowed Mississippi’s first confirmed northern snakehead from an oxbow lake of the Mississippi River. The fish was caught from Lake Whittington in west-central Mississippi’s Bolivar County near the Arkansas border. Bow fishermen Brad Baugh and Bubba Steadman, of Cleveland, Miss., shot the fish on June 5. They kept the fish, photographed it, and immediately contacted the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP). “Snakeheads have been present in the White River Basin in Arkansas since 2008 and have been steadily expanding their range towards the Mississippi River,” said MDWFP Delta fisheries biologist Nathan Aycock. “The Mississippi River provides these fish with access to connected oxbows like Lake Whittington as well as the Yazoo and Big Black Rivers.” Northern snakeheads are native to China, Russia and Korea. Established populations have been found in Arkansas, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia, where their impacts to native fish populations remain unknown. Northern snakeheads are typically found in shallow, backwater areas and can breathe air, which allows them to survive for extended periods of time out of the water. Northern snakeheads appear similar to the Southeast’s native Bowfin, also known as grinnel or mud bass. MDWFP and other state wildlife agencies encourage anyone who thinks they have caught a snakehead to keep the fish, photograph it, and contact wildlife officials.

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n appropriate Florida fish for July, when we celebrate our independence on the fourth, is the flagfish, also called the American flagfish, a small fish that is usually found only in Florida. It takes its name from the male fish’s resemblance to the American flag: a large black or blue dot and red-and-white stripes on its body that resemble a flag. The Latin name (“Jordanella floridae”) honors an important zoologist, C. Basil Jordan, who ran a fish research program for the U.S. Fish Commission and for the Smithsonian Institution in the late 1880s. He was also the U.S. Commissioner for Fish and Fisheries, as well as the author of many publications and scientific reports. The fish, which fish stores sell for aquaria, takes its other common name, “pupfish,” from the seemingly playful mating habits of the male fish, habits that look like puppies at play. The fish were originally found in Florida drainage ponds, as well as the Ochlocknee and St. Johns Rivers. They seem to prefer slow-moving water with a lot of vegetation and are usually found in swamps and marshes. A sharp-eyed observer may see them even in brackish waters, for example in estuaries where river water mixes with

seawater. The small fish, which may grow to only 2 1/2 inches in length, are actually in the Guinness Book of World Records as the fish with the fewest eggs. The fish usually produce only about twenty eggs over a span of several days, although the female fish have been known to lay many more eggs in aquaria, where the fish are very productive at eating algae in the aquaria. In the wild, flagfish feed on crustaceans, insects, plants and worms. The males do their part in taking care of the eggs, which the female has laid over algal-covered rocks. The eggs will adhere to the rocks because of a sticky thread that connects the eggs to the rocks. The male adults will guard the newly laid eggs and fan them with their fins in order to keep them clean and aerated. The life span of the fish is two to three

USA Fields First-Ever Ladies’ Team For Match Fishing World Championships

atch fishing… chances are it’s a style of competitive fishing you’ve never heard of. While match fishing is hugely popular throughout Europe, its seemingly bizarre tactics leave even experienced American anglers scratching their heads. But don’t confuse something unfamiliar with a sport that’s simple or unsophisticated. To the contrary, a quick search of the Internet will reveal a world of highly evolved angling complexity. Match fishing competitions find participants confined to small areas, or pegs, along a bank, with the goal of catching the heaviest combined weight of fish during a prescribed time period. Equipment and tactics vary depending on the venue and available species. Top competitors catch six fish or more per minute over a three-hour period—all the while managing

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years, but – with care – they can live for five years. This column usually deals with much larger fish, the kinds that can be found in our oceans and rivers, but it seemed appropriate on this Independence Day to honor the American flagfish. Kevin McCarthy, the award-winning author of “South Florida Waterways” (2013 - available at amazon.com for $7), can be reached at ceyhankevin@gmail.com.

For more on Kevin McCarthy, go to

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delicate tackle, adjusting presentations and continually metering precise quantities of ground bait into the water to attract fish and keep them feeding. Competitors often employ tiny size 16-20 hooks to target fish less than four-inches long, but must be ready to battle larger fish like carp on the same gear. Six accomplished female anglers will represent the United States at the 24th Annual Ladies’ Match Fishing World Championships in Szolnok, Hungary on Aug. 26 and 27. The first-ever ladies team was assembled by the United States Angling Confederation. The team consists of Barb Carey, Hannah Stonehouse Hudson and Kristen Monroe, all of Wisconsin, Elise De Villiers and Penelope Smit, of Florida, and Shelly Holland, of Minnesota. De Villiers and Smit are veteran match anglers, while Carey, Holland, Hudson and Monroe will be competing for the first time in Hungary. “We don’t expect miracles,” said Team Coach, Attila Agh, a lifelong match angler from Hungary who moved to the United States 17 years ago and has since become a U.S. citizen. “Our competition has been fishing in this way for their entire lives. But I am very encouraged by the spirit our ladies are showing, their angling ability and their competitive nature. They are learning the necessary skills that are new to them and progressing quickly.” Agh warned the competition not to count the Americans out, and the team agrees. De Villiers, who started her match-fishing career in the U.S. nearly 20 years ago, coached and fished on South Africa’s ladies team in the FIPSed World Championships in 2012 and 2013. “I’m very excited that the U.S.A. will have a team competing in Hungary this summer,” she said. “I’m enjoying getting to know these other wonderful ladies and helping to prepare them however I can. I’m extremely proud to be representing Team USA.” In addition to maintaining a rigorous training schedule, the USA Ladies’ Match Fishing Team is raising money to offset significant costs leading up to the competition. Individuals and businesses interested in helping financially are invited to make tax-deductible donations of any amount at www.gofundme.com/team-usa-ladies-match-fishing. Visit www.teamusafishing.org for more information, or join the conversation on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TeamUSALadiesMatchFishing/.

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Coastal Angler Magazine Looks at Expansion Into the Coastal Georgia Area by CAM Staff

ith franchise locations currently in Atlanta, Northwest Georgia, and Northeast Georgia, Coastal Angler Magazine seeks to complete its Georgia statewide coverage by opening a Georgia Coastal franchise location. Ideal candidates for this franchise will have a passion for the outdoors, a strong work ethic and a minimum of two years sales or business ownership experience. Current franchisees enjoy the ability to control their own time and, to a great extent, their own incomes while being actively involved in the fishing and hunting industry as the publisher of the local edition of the magazine. With 40 locations throughout the U.S., you can be assured that the training and support available through Coastal Angler Magazine’s franchise operations can enable individuals with no prior publishing experience to successfully launch their local editions of the magazine. According to Editor In Chief Ben Martin, “With 40 locations and over 9 years experience in developing this unique franchising publishing model, our training and systems have created a nearly turn-

key business opportunity for the outdoor enthusiast.” If you or someone you know is interested in owning your own business and being involved in the outdoor industry, contact Coastal Angler Magazine’s Corporate Office for more details on the Georgia Coastal or other available franchise opportunities.

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By Julie Richardson

he first time I heard the term ‘shallow-water blackout’ my family had already been freediving and spearfishing for 24 years. My 19-year-old son Robert had taken a course and began describing this phenomenon of how a freediver could blackout while breath-hold diving. I waved my hand dismissively. “That happens to people who don’t know what they are doing,” I said. “We’re experienced.” Three months later, I got schooled in just how wrong I was. April 19, 2008 dawned with beautiful calm seas and clear skies—a spearfisherman’s dream. It was Robert’s 20th birthday, and he wanted to celebrate it by diving with his 16-year-old brother, David, and three other friends: Carson, 20; Nicky, 16; and Richard, 15, who were not experienced freedivers. The boys left early in the morning to freedive together, and we planned to join them in the afternoon with friends and family who were coming out with us on our larger boat. After a successful dive of 50 feet, the boys decided to do a deeper dive. They put the anchor out in 92 feet of water, and Robert headed down first with David behind him. At the bottom, they both grabbed some sand before heading back up. Robert was 15 feet from the surface when he looked down at his brother and saw David motionless 30 feet below him. Robert swam down and grabbed his unconscious brother around the chest before heading for the surface. That’s the last thing Robert remembers. Their friends on the boat suddenly noticed my sons’ bodies drifting face down in the current some 30 yards away. Carson dived off the boat and swam out to them with Nicky right behind him. They turned the boys over. My sons’ faces were blue with swollen purple lips and open staring eyes. The color of their eyes had faded. They were not breathing and were bleeding from the mouth. Their three traumatized friends— engulfed in a nightmare—worked together to bring them onboard and start CPR. And then I got the call. “Hello?” “There’s been an accident.” “Which one?” I asked as fear enveloped me. “Both.” I clung to the table. My heart felt like it was going to explode. I took deep breaths trying to ease the pain in my chest, but it didn’t work. I started praying, with Carson’s girlfriend, that my sons would be spared. My husband Walter and I met the helicopter at the hospital. The boys’ arterial blood gases (oxygen levels) were so low—32 and 54 per-

cent—the ER doctor did not believe the report and had it verbally repeated five times. The pulmonologist told us our sons’ lungs presented as drowning victims. Yet, after three days in ICU, Robert and David were sent home to finish healing. It was a miracle. Soon after the accident, concerned freedive experts contacted me and encouraged me to use my story to make a difference. I felt a strong desire to respond, and so two months after the accident, I founded DiveWise to further freedive safety education. Tracking fatality reports is vital in understanding how accidents happen and how we can prevent them. Divers Alert Network (DAN) maintains an online Breath-hold Incident Database, so divers can report fatal and non-fatal blackout events easily and anonymously. This can be accessed at DiveWise.org. Through much effort and single-minded dedication, Terry Maas has given a gift to freedivers everywhere with his ingenious device, the Freediver Recovery Vest (FRV). This unit is designed, through the diver’s preset depth and time setting, to deliver a blackout victim to the surface face up. You can read more about it at oceanicss.com. My sons now wear the FRV when they freedive and spearfish. There are other ways freedivers can mitigate the risk in this sport: 1. Dive with an evenly matched partner and conform to the level of the least capable diver. 2. Weight yourself correctly by being positively buoyant at the surface after a full exhalation. 3. Do not hyperventilate to excess. 4. Dive one up/one down maintaining constant visual contact. 5. When conditions allow, each diver should have a dive flag; if a boat is involved a dive flag should be conspicuously displayed. 6. Maintain close, direct supervision of a freediver for no less than 30 seconds after they surface, even if they have signaled “OK.” 7. Make your minimum surface interval twice the duration of your dive time. 8. Do not take every dive to its limit; maintain a reserve. 9. Review, practice, and discuss how to recognize and handle blackouts and near blackouts. Never before has more effort from more groups created a greater combined potential for saving lives in the sport of freediving and spearfishing. We are hopeful this will correspond to a lower fatality rate. DiveWise isn’t my organization. It’s yours. We are here to serve the freedive community. Please help by donating online at our website DiveWise.org, a 501 c(3) nonprofit organization, or by offering your suggestions on how we can better help the freedive community. We offer a big “thank you” to the organizations and individuals who have given generously these past nine years in support of our work. We couldn’t have done it without you. Julie Richardson lives in Miami, Fla. with her husband and their three sons. She and her family are avid boaters and spearfishers. In 2010, Julie won the National Award from the Coast Guard funded National Water Safety Congress for her work in promoting water safety. To learn more visit DiveWise.org.

To learn more on Freediving blackouts, go to

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NATIONAL

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FRESHWATER $1200 IN-HOUSE REBATE OR FREE BOAT COVER By Frank Geremski t The St. Lawrence produced a tie for the state record smallmouth last August when Patrick Hildenbrand caught this 8-lb., 4-oz. fish that was just 21.5 inches long.

he St. Lawrence is a majestic river that combines a world-famous historic seaway with breathtaking scenery. Countless islands speckle the St. Lawrence, coining the area’s moniker as the 1000 Islands Region. The area’s beauty must be witnessed first-hand to be truly appreciated. Most important for anglers, this deep-water channel that connects the Great Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean creates countless fishing opportunities. The 1000 Islands Region of Upstate New York offers world-class fishing for huge and plentiful northern pike and tasty walleye, and for as long as anyone can remember it’s been the musky capital of North America. But it’s the St. Lawrence’s bass fishing that will take center stage this summer, with the Bassmaster Elite Series coming to the 1000 Islands Region for the third time in five years. This fishery has always offered tremendous bass fishing, with countless shoals and sunken ships that create textbook structure for smallmouth bass, and myriad bays and weedy backwaters that offer phenomenal largemouth opportunities. A full day of bent rods on 2- and 3-pound smallmouth has always been the norm. In the last decade, an invasive baitfish species, the goby, has populated this and other Great Lakes. Their spread has been like steroids for the smallmouth population. The goby’s desired habitat aligns perfectly with the smallie’s dinner table. Evidence of this is the pot-bellied New York record 8-lb., 4-oz. smallmouth landed last August. This trophy smallmouth fishing has lured the highest level of tournament bass fishing to small, yet quaint Waddington, N.Y. from July 20-23. Bassmaster recently polled its professionals and found that the St. Lawrence ranks among their favorite destinations. Five fish bags over 20 pounds are expected. The Angler Magazine field expert and Bassmaster Justin Walts predicts about 75 percent of the professionals will target smallmouths. In smallmouth waters, pros often ensure a five-fish bag of 2- to 3-pound smallies before seeking out bigger largemouth. On the St. Lawrence, the dynamic changes because of the possibility of scoring huge smallmouth. Walts, who fishes the St. Lawrence often, favors drop-shotting deeper shoals in 25 to 50 feet of water with watermelon, shad or perch colored V-tailed shad or casting crankbaits and swimbaits on shoals 25 feet or shallower. Flipping weeds or tossing frogs in back bays is the ticket to score largemouth. Spectator participation is also a factor for the Elite Series return to Waddington. In 2015, the town hosted over 30,000 fishing fans, breaking an Elite Series record. Waddington hosts a four-day event to entertain and feed visitors, with music and fireworks provided by local sponsors. Waddington is easily reached via a picturesque drive from Syracuse, or via airports in Massena, Ogdensburg, or Watertown, N.Y. Visit www.waddingtonpartyinthepark.com for more details. For more on fishing St. Lawrence County, visit www.fishcap.com to receive a free St. Lawrence County Anglers Guide and information on other tremendous fisheries, specifically Black Lake which is loaded with bass, crappie and pike. 20

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FRESHWATER A Pro’s Guide To Okeechobee Bream By Steve Daniel, The Voice of Okeechobee

ake Okeechobee is known as one of the best bass lakes in the world, but it is also a fantastic bream fishery. Every spring Okeechobee is invaded by thousands of anglers loaded down with cases of live crickets. I prefer to use artificials. For this reason, I look for them in open water instead of around heavy grass. Okeechobee bream spawn in big groups. When you find them, you can catch your limit quickly, and they’re easy to spot on the edges of the grass when the sun gets up. The only lure I use is a modified black Beetle Spin. I take a 1/32-ounce Beetle Spin and replace the arm and blade with an Arkie Jig Spinner, which is a slightly larger blade that makes the lure easier to cast and feel. I also replace the head with one that weighs 1/16 of an ounce. It is important to use a heavier jig that has the same size hook that comes with the original lure. That way you can use the black plastic grub that comes with the Beetle Spin. Cast this lure around the beds, and you won’t have any trouble filling your livewell. The limit on Okeechobee is 50 per day.

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UNDER THE SEA 24

SPEARFISHING – WHERE TO BEGIN?

club members are there because they are sociable and willing to help others. They remember starting out and are often willing to take you out and give advice. Just remember to return the favor by being a good buddy; help pay for the gas, bring snacks and water to share, and help clean the boat. That will hopefully get you invited back. Learning from others who already do it is probably the most valuable step you can take. If you are lucky, you will share many great experiences, have a new AJ Hally and Sheri Daye with dinner. set of lifelong friends, and maybe even find a mentor or two.

ummer is here! What better time to learn to spearfish? Many people have gotten into it because they were already “divers” and wanted to try another activity while underwater—as happened to me. A few fishermen, who weren’t yet divers, have asked me where to begin if they wanted to learn. My first piece of advice to anyone is to be sure you are comfortable underwater, whether scuba diving or freediving. One must be so comfortable underwater that it becomes second nature. If scuba diving, achieving proper buoyancy should happen without even thinking about it. If freediving, it’s best to have many dives under your belt before picking up a speargun. Fortunately, there are many dive agencies and dive shops that offer scuba certification and freediving instruction. Beyond that, I recommend at least one year’s worth of experience diving under different conditions before attempting to spearfish. It is a very good sign if you are so calm and collected in the water that fish which are normally “spooky” will let you swim near them instead of running from your presence (such as mutton snappers and black groupers). This is the sign of an experienced diver and will help you to properly hunt fish. When ready to begin, it’s important to have the right equipment— and I’m not just talking about a speargun. Get advice from a reputable dive shop that specializes in spearfishing. They will guide you toward the right wetsuit, mask, knife, gloves and speargun. Dive shops are familiar with local conditions and will give good advice. If you have a spearfishing club in the area, by all means, join! Many

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Here are a few more tips: 1. Always remember that safety comes first. Don’t do anything that is risky or beyond your comfort zone. 2. Learn what size and species to target in order to maintain quality and selectivity. Keep it honorable and ethical. Consider setting even higher standards than the law allows. 3. Spend more time observing in the beginning. Watch the more experienced hunters; you can learn a lot just by watching them. 4. Consider starting with a polespear instead of a speargun in order to refine your stalking skills, as this requires that you get closer. This is especially good for young divers. 5. Enjoy the experience, keep it fun and consider being a mentor to someone else as you improve. Sheri 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.

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6/19/17 5:01 PM

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t’s summertime, and shallow-water fishing for reds is kicking off this month. It will last through mid October on the Atlantic Coast, and to mid February along the Gulf Coast. Before you “see” your first tailing redfish, you really feel like everyone is just making this up. You see nothing during an eight hour shallow-water expedition, and others come back speaking of tails “… like a used car lot, flags everywhere,” as Capt. Chuck Uzzle of Orange, Texas would say.

But why aren’t you seeing this? There are several factors involved in seeing tailing redfish, redfish swimming in shallow water; they are not easy to see. If you are fishing shallow seagrass, marsh or even flooded spartina marsh in areas where redfish roam and you’re doing it during a season when shrimp are abundant in those areas, then there are tailing redfish there. Let’s take a look at what you should be looking for with your eyes. Both Capt. Steve Soule of Galveston, Texas and Chuck McKinney of Portland, Texas say you should be looking for the horizontal line of the redfish’s back. Everything in the marsh and on seagrass flats tends to be either vertical or irregular shaped. Grass is vertical, potholes are irregular, even oyster reef edges are irregular. See a redfish cruising the flats, and the first thing you will notice is the horizontal line of it’s back. A good pair of Costa 580g lenses is what you want for this. The only difference between a cruiser and a tailer is that the tailer is probably nose down into the mud and a little bit of his tail is sticking out of the water. You’ll probably only see a little dark triangle at the end of the horizontal line of the redfish’s back. You typically won’t see the big blue tail and black dot rising out of the water waving at you like a little red flag back and forth. So begin to look for the horizontal line, the small triangle, and the glow of coppery orange. This should help you to see what’s been in front of you all along. Let’s talk about something else here that’s also a problem for most people. These environments are very grassy, and throwing an open-throated jig head during summer low tides is asking for trouble. Might as well go ahead and throw the lunch salad on a hook, because that’s all that fish is going to see. You have to throw something weedless that you can cast accurately, no matter the wind, something that can get the fish’s attention with action or accuracy, and sinks naturally so they can’t pass up such an easy meal. The troutsupport.com lure solves many of the frustrations sight casters have to put up with. Both reds and speckled trout love it. It casts far and accurately, walks the dog, wobbles like a big slow spoon, but is buoyant enough to sink slowly right in the fish’s face. Tobin created TroutSupport.com to help anglers develop their abilities by learning what to look for on the water.

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Choosing Colors

For Your Trolling Lures By Darrell Primrose, Ballyhood Lures

“M

atch the hatch” is an old adage fishermen have used for ages. It comes from freshwater fly fishing, in which anglers seek to match, with an artificial fly, the insect life hatching off the water to fool feeding trout. The same concept applies across the fishing world. Offshore, this can mean taking the time to examine the stomach contents of the first fish you catch to see what it was feeding on. Cut that fish open and check the length and size of the current forage as well as its color. Then use that information to choose your lures accordingly. I get to talk to anglers worldwide on a daily basis. I ask them all, “What colors are most prevalent?” What I’ve learned from them goes into our Ballyhood trolling lures, and the best color combinations change from location to location. On the West Coast, where anchovies, sardines, mackerel and squid

are the most prolific forage species, the most popular trolling lure colors are used in our Mexican flag, which is green/yellow/red/white. Black/ purple is another color scheme proven to produce in a trolling spread. Squid turn purple, and that could be a reason it is such a successful color. Zuchini is also a very popular color used on the West Coast. It’s a green/ orange/yellow lure. Now, taking a look at the northeast—in the Atlantic off New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey—they catch more tuna than most places in the world. Their top must-use colors are solid green, green/yellow and black/purple. In Florida, the Bahamas and the Virgin Islands, the No. 1 color is light blue. Colors known as Bally Blue and Flying Fish Blue are quite productive. I’ll assume you caught the baitfish reference in those color names. Pink/white and black/red also see a lot of time in the water, but anglers in these southern waters very rarely use anything green. Their water is very clear, which I think has something to do with it. In the Northeast, as on the West Coast of the U.S., the water is fairly dark. When you start to get farther south in the Pacific around Cabo San Lucas and down to Cancun, the colors used tend to lean toward the same choices as those used in Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. The southern Pacific has the same type of clear water as they enjoy off south Florida. I can tell you the most overlooked color on the southern West Coast is pink or pink/white, at the same time pink/white is the No. 1 color for albacore off Oregon and Washington. Another guideline to color choices is to use dark colors on dark days and bright colors on bright days. Now some of this information has to do with matching the hatch, some of it is based on water clarity, but all off it is gathered from onthe-water experience and reflects what produces fish the best. Color is an absolutely critical factor in choosing which lures to include in a spread. For information on Ballyhood Top Gun Lures see www.ballyhood. com or call 714-545-0196.

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The Skimmer Kayak Motor Kit

addle fatigue getting to you? Want to motorize your kayak or canoe? There’s no need to pay $2,000 for a motorized kayak. Watercraft Technologies’ The Skimmer is a simple system for motorizing your kayak or canoe, and it costs less than $400. It ble motor that mounts snap it on when you

is a lightweight, portaeasily to your stern. Just need it. Fishing has never been easier, safer and more convenient. Go farther and save your energy for fishing! Increase your range! Catch more fish! The Skimmer weighs only 6 pounds. It’s 12v battery operated. There are easy controls for steering and motor lift. It’s environmentally safe, with no pollution, oil or gas spills. The Skimmer is made for saltwater, but does great in brackish or fresh water. It is able to propel a craft 2-4 knots and lasts two to five hours per charge. Imagine running your kayak at that speed and that long with zero effort! This propulsion system is great for people who want to get on the water and not worry about paddling hard into a swift current or strong wind. It is also great for those with shoulder, back or elbow issues. This kayak trolling motor kit carries a one-year, full parts replacement policy. See The Skimmer in action and order online at www.kayaktrollingmotor.com or order by phone at 631-848-3119.

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Feds Extend Gulf Red Snapper Season

TSUNAMI SHIELD SPINNING REELS Saltwater can be a double-edged sword! It’s in our blood and it’s what fuels our passion to keep searching for that next trophy. But, it is also the great enemy of fishing tackle. The unique Tsunami SHIELD series of saltwaterproof spinning reels feature up to 13 internal seals in key, strategic locations to shield critical components from harmful saltwater intrusion. The internal seals, super smooth and strong CF3 carbon fiber drag system and five sealed stainless steel bearings are wrapped in a hybrid machined aluminum body combining protection, precision and toughness. The heavy-duty rotor brake controlled bail system and precision machined aluminum, braid-ready spool assure the best control of super braids cast after long cast. The 3000 and 4000 SHIELD models contain 11 strategically located internal seals for years of reliable use with minimal maintenance. The 5000 and 6000 Shield reels contain 13 various internal seals at all of the locations where salt water could reasonably be expected to penetrate the reel for even greater protection in these larger reels. Hybrid all metal construction includes precision machined aircraft aluminum and tempered aluminum precision stampings and heavy duty protective anodizing to keep these reels operating up to factory specifications year after year. The combination of these top-notch designs and precisely mated components are what make the Tsunami SHIELD spinning reels an all-new contender for your favorite reel for years to come! MAP: 3000/4000: $99.99; 5000/6000: $109.99

n mid June, the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) announced that private recreational anglers would be allowed an additional 39 days to harvest red snapper in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This allowance, the result of negotiations between the five Gulf states and the DOC, comes on the heels of the shortest recreational red snapper season in history. Private recreational anglers were originally allowed just three days of snapper fishing in federal waters June 1-3. This newly re-opened season consists of three-day weekends, Fridays through Sundays, June 16 through Sept. 4 (Labor Day). The extension, however, comes with a tradeoff. State controlled waters extend out to 9 miles, and federally controlled waters are from 9 miles out to 200 miles. In exchange for the additional opportunities in federal waters, state waters will be closed to red snapper harvest for private recreational anglers Mondays through Thursdays this summer. Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas have indicated there might be additional fishing days in state waters this fall depending on the harvest estimates from the summer season. This extension does not make any changes to the quota or season length for the federally permitted for-hire component of the recreational fishery or the commercial individual fishing quota program and the 2017 commercial quota.

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT INTERLUX INTERPROTECT HS InterProtect HS is a versatile, costeffective, two-part epoxy that meets the most restrictive V.O.C. regulations and helps reduce solvent emissions into the environment. It can be used above and below the waterline as a primer for all substrates. The high solids formula requires fewer coats to reach the desired dry film thickness. An underwater barrier system applied either by roller/brush or airless spray can be achieved in just 7 mils Dry Film Thickness (DFT). InterProtect HS uses Micro-Plate® Technology, which substantially reduces water migration through the epoxy to the hull surface and provides protection from corrosion for all metals. It can also be used as part of a gelcoat blister repair or prevention system and as an alternative no-sand primer on new, or never-been-painted fiberglass boats. For more information, go to www.yachtpaint.com.

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The Gator Den is a brand new, 12 room motel located at Angler’s Resort, on the Withlacoochee River, Dunnellon, FL. We have a Bait & Tackle Shop, Pontoon and Jon Boat Rentals, Airboat Tours and the Blue Gator Tiki Bar Restaurant, all on premise making this a fisherman’s getaway. 12189 S Williams St Dunnellon, FL 34432 | www.AnglersResort.us Motel: 352-489-2397 Restaurant: 352-465-1635 Boat Rentals: 352-489-2397

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT TECNIQ BOAT SPREADER LIGHTS Some of the best fishing happens after the sun goes down. For illumination assistance and safety on board at night, TecNiq offers its new P10 and P11 LED Boat Spreader Lights. Available with all white or white/red LEDs, they deliver up to 1,450 lumens with remarkably lower power draws. Offered in recessed and surface-mounted versions, they’re perfect for a tuna tower or T-top. Boat Spreader Lights feature anodized and white powder coated aluminum bodies and impact-resistant polycarbonate flood projection lenses for exceptional durability. Both TecNiq models are available with four highperformance white LEDs, or two white and two night-vision friendly red. They’re completely waterproof and sealed to IP68 standards. TecNiq’s recess mounted P10 Boat Spreader Light installs flush for an integrated appearance. The four white LED model produces 1,300 lumens, or 700 lumens white and 160 red in the combo version. Both draw a maximum 1.2 amps at 12V DC or 0.6 amps with 24V DC. It measures 4.8” L x 1.73” W x 1.26” D. It retails for $145. The P11 surface mounted Boat Spreader Light installs anywhere with its included stainless steel hardware. It produces 1,450 lumens white, or 825 white and 160 red in the combo version. Its maximum draw is 1.6 amps at 12V DC or 0.8 amps with 24V DC. It measures 4.8” L x 1.6” W x 2” D. It retails for $154. Contact TecNiq, 8850 M, Richland, MI 49083. 269-629-4440. sales@ tecniqinc.com; www.tecniqinc.com.

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What Makes A Great Pair of

Fishing Sunglasses?

ishing is about being in the right place, at the right time, with the right gear. One bit of gear nearly every angler uses yet may take for granted are sunglasses. But when it comes to fishing sunglasses, what separates a good pair from a great pair? First, fishing sunglasses should always be polarized. Polarization eliminates glare reflecting off of the water, to better show what’s happening under the surface. Not all polarization is equal. Some polarized sunglasses block only 20 to 30 percent of glare. Maui Jim Sunglasses feature patented PolarizedPlus2 technology, eliminating 99.9 percent of glare using high-efficiency, proprietary polarizing film. Maui Jim’s lens materials also stand out. Their SuperThin Glass is 20 percent lighter than standard glass and is saltwater resistant so they won’t peel after too much time at sea. Add it all up, and Maui Jim Sunglasses offer anglers unmatched color, clarity and detail. It’s also important to have the correct lens color to match conditions. Days with varying conditions, from overcast to sunny, are best suited for more versatile lens colors, such as Maui Jim’s HCL Bronze, Maui HT or MauiRose. For days when the sun is on blast, a darker lens color like Maui Jim’s Neutral Grey is your best bet. Another obvious reason any angler should wear quality sunglasses is eye protection. Maui Jim’s block 100 percent of harmful UV rays from the eyes and surrounding areas, and are the only premium sunglasses to have the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation. Finally, because accidents happen, a stout warranty never hurts. Maui Jim’s two-year warranty and unparalleled customer service can ease fears of the occasional mishap. So, before your next fishing adventure, be sure to pack a quality pair of sunglasses like Maui Jims. The difference will be crystal clear!

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REPOWER FINANCE

Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards (OAC).*

For details and the name of your nearest participating Suzuki Marine dealer, visit www.suzukimarine.com Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 300 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 7/01/17 and 9/30/17 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Cash Rebates apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 7/01/17 and 9/30/17. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Customer and participating Dealer must fill out the appropriate rebate form at time of sale. Customer will have the choice to either apply the cash rebate against the original dealer invoice (Suzuki will credit Dealer parts account) or have a check sent directly to the customer. There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 7/01/17 and 9/30/17. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2017 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

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