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JULY 2019
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Start the new boating season off right with the Ultimate 4-Stroke Outboard from Suzuki. Buy during our Spring Sales Event and get Suzuki’s 3-Year Limited Warranty plus 3 years of Extended Protection at no extra charge.There are Instant Savings on select models, and Low-Rate Financing is also available. See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer for all the details.
3 Years Limited Warranty + 3 Years Extended Protection
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To learn more, visit www.suzukimarine.com. Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 04/01/19 and 06/30/19 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. Instant Savings apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 04/01/19 and 06/30/19. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Instant Savings must be applied against the agreed-upon selling price of the outboard motor and reflected in the bill of sale. (Suzuki will, in turn, credit Dealer’s parts account.) 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 04/01/19 and 06/30/19. “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. © 2019 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
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D E G
Sunglasses
PRODUCT REVIEW
COSTA WATER WOMAN
www.costadelmar.com
Born on the water, Costa’s new WaterWoman marries performance with style and design. Designed for lady anglers with a frame that couples elegance and performance, WaterWoman features beautifully angled temples, CAM-action hinges and color-contrasting Hydrolite accents. They are available in four new frame colors – matte shadow tortoise, shiny palm tortoise, shiny wahoo and shiny blond crystal. WaterWoman features Costa’s patented color-enhancing 580 lens technology, which provides 100 percent UV protection and polarization and selectively filters light for superior contrast and definition while cutting haze and enhancing sharpness to reduce glare and eye fatigue. The new style ranges from $189 to $269 and is available with prescription sun lenses.
MAUI JIM SHALLOWS ASIAN FIT Maui Jim’s Shallows is a fresh perspective on the timeless aviator-style frames. The flattened metal frame front and enchanting array of chromatic options achieves a distinct look, while the lightweight titanium frame and MauiBrilliant lenses provides the ultimate in all-day- long comfort. MauiBrilliant is Maui Jim’s most advanced lens material that features optics nearly as clear as glass with just 1/3 of the weight. All Maui Jim lenses give superb PolarizedPlus2 protection from glare, High Energy Visible (HEV) and ultraviolet (UV) light. Their Asian Fit collection is designed specifically for people with wider face shapes.
www.mauijim.com
Native Eyewear RAGHORN www.nativeyewear.com
Starting at $109, you won’t find a better value for a quality piece of gear. RAGHORN features maximum coverage and side venting that protects and keeps you cool on the water. Color-enhancing, high-def. optics help you see deeper, and the Native polarized, impact-resistant lenses cut through glare. Quality constructed and built for adventure, the frame’s wrap hugs the face, while the nonslip CUSHINOL rubber temples and nose pads ensure all-day comfort and a secure fit. For those looking for an XL fit with the same quality, Native also introduced GRIZ this year. GRIZ shares technical features with RAGHORN, serving as its ‘bigger brother’ frame.
Unsinkable Polarized Introduces THE TITAN and THE BULKHEAD Unsinkable Polarized has created the ultimate fishing sunglasses. Once you get Unsinkables, you’ll never need to buy another pair. They feature premium polarized lenses, floating frames and a Lifetime + Loss warranty… just in case they float away. New for this season are The Bulkhead and The Titan. Both Unsinkable sunglasses offer complete protection from the elements and are designed to fit a larger face profile. They are both available with Unsinkable’s new polarized blue and green mirror lenses to protect your eyes and help you see what’s going on under the surface.
(MSRP: $159)
www.unsinkablepolarized.com
Oakley SPLIT-SHOT With frames and lenses designed specifically for watermen, Oakley has made a splash in the market for fishing sunglasses with its Split-Shots. These glasses deliver in a wide range of conditions that make them perfect for water enthusiasts. A wrap-around frame and wider lenses increase field of vision and provide full-coverage protection from the sun. Split-Shots are also designed with a hat-compatible shape and an integrated leash. Oakley’s three-point fit evenly distributes weight for all-day comfort. Finally, PRIZM lens technology enhances contrast in specific environments so you can better see what’s going on under the water. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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And there’s more! The overstuffed, oversized biscuit style back and unique seat design will cradle you in comfort. Generously filled, wide armrests provide enhanced arm support when sitting or reclining. The high and low heat settings along with the multiple massage settings, can provide a soothing relaxation you might get at a spa – just imagine getting all that in a lift chair! It even has a battery backup in case of a power outage. Shipping charge includes white glove delivery. Professionals will deliver the chair to the exact spot in your home where you want it, unpack it, inspect it, test it, position it, and even carry the packaging away! You get your choice of bonded stain and water repellent leather or plush microfiber in a variety of colors to fit any decor. Call now!
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We’ve all had nights when we just can’t lie down in bed and sleep, whether it’s from heartburn, cardiac problems, hip or back aches – it could be a variety of reasons. Those are the nights we’d give anything for a comfortable chair to sleep in, one that reclines to exactly the right degree, raises feet and legs to precisely the desired level, supports the head and shoulders properly, operates easily even in the dead of night, and sends a hopeful sleeper right off to dreamland.
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FISHING BIG WORMS FOR SUMMER BASS BRANDON LESTER
A
s far as baits go for summer fishing, you’ll see a wide variety of techniques come into play. Big crankbaits, jigs, swimbaits, spoons and all sorts of other baits will catch fish as the warm water temperatures of summer arrive. One bait I’ve always had a ton of confidence in this time of year is a big worm. It’s a very versatile bait that just gets bites in the summer months. Big plastic worms have been around a long time, and they’re often overlooked. You can use a big worm with a light bullet-shaped weight and swim it through grass in shallow water or put a heavier weight on and fish it 30 feet deep. It has a big profile that is just the right size for fish looking to make an easy meal after the spawn is done. That shallow grass bite is extremely fun and isn’t all that common these days. X Zone Lures has a new one out called the Blitz worm that’s 11 inches long and is the perfect size for big summertime bass. It has a ribbon-style tail that has great
cuit in e The e on hat of a ove
ck
stain a
ct,
action and is available in the best colors as well. I throw big worms on an MHX-NEPS90HF 7’6” heavy power rod and 17-lb. Vicious 100% fluorocarbon. That rod is perfect for maintaining the proper contact with the worm on a long cast and getting a good hook in the fish, especially big fish. A key part of my gear setup is the Mustad Big Bite worm hook. It’s a round-bend style and a 4/0 up to 6/0 is my go-to for big worm fishing. In recent years, we’ve been fishing big worms on a heavy shaky head, too. A ¼- to ½-ounce shaky head allows the worm to stand up a little straighter on the bottom. It is a great way to fish them. I always encourage people to try new baits and new techniques, but don’t pass up throwing a big worm this summer. It works – trust me.
For more Lester visit, 46514
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Center sp GULF SNAPPER SEASONS OPEN
ADCNR Photo
W
ith state control of Gulf of Mexico red snapper seasons, recreational anglers are seeing more access to one of the most popular fisheries on the planet. However, keeping track of when and where you’re allowed to fish is now harder than ever. With 2019 state summer seasons already open and rocking along, here’s a quick run-down of the regulations so you can tell whether or not you’re allowed to make red snapper fishing a part of your summer vacation.
State Seasons Florida: June 11-July 12, with a possible fall season if there is available quota. Alabama: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from June 1-July 28, plus Thursday, July 4. Mississippi: May 24-Sept. 2 (Labor Day), with a mid-season closure from July 8-28. Louisiana: Opened May 25 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until the state’s recreational quota of 743,000 pounds is met. Harvest is also allowed on the Monday of Memorial Day and the Thursday of the Fourth of July. Texas: Open year-round in state waters. State waters extend from the coastline out to the 9-mile mark for Texas and Florida’s Gulf coast. State waters in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana stretch out to three miles from the coast. The daily bag limit is two fish per person with a 16-inch minimum length, except in Texas, where there is a four fish per person daily limit with a 15-inch minimum length requirement. A state-specific license is needed for whichever state waters an angler plans to be in possession of red snapper. Each state is also collecting its own red snapper harvest data. Reporting requirements and self-reporting for each state can be conducted through the following apps. See the state websites for information on how to obtain these apps. Florida: iAngler Guld Red Snapper App Alabama: Snapper Check Mississippi: Tails n’ Scales Louisiana: Recreational Offshore Landing Permit App Texas: iSnapper App Federal Season Federally permitted for-hire vessels have 62 days to fish the Gulf of Mexico in federal waters. The federal season is June 1-Aug. 2.
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FLORIDA
TARGETING SHORELINE SNOOK
By Will Schmidt
I
t was a typical steamy morning with no wind and flat calm surf. Although I was casting toward the rising sun and could not see into the water, the large accelerating wake tipped me off to a fast-coming strike. Moments later my line was tight and chaos ensued as the large snook made for deeper water. This is a regular occurrence during the summer along the beaches of southwest Florida, and fortunately it can be enjoyed from a boat or the beach, making it accessible to all. You don’t even need to know secret spots, just get out and start looking.
Sure it’s helpful to use your fishing senses to start your search. I like to begin at a pass if possible, but these fish will spread out up and down the beaches. Beach fish tend to be found in one of two places, cruising down deeper cuts or sitting tight to the beach waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey. Because of this, when on foot, it is very important to keep your distance from the water. These laid-up fish can be in extremely shallow water sitting in that first little drop off where the waves lap up, and if you are too close they will see you long before you see them. When choosing your lures, keep in mind that the water is usually pretty clean here and you are fishing over a white sandy bottom. For that reason, lighter colors work best. Spoons can be deadly, and I’m partial to a Reflecto spoon. Bucktail jigs in white, soft swimbaits in light colors and suspending twitch baits all work well, too. You will often see schools of pilchards along the beach, so anything that emulates them is usually a good choice. For tackle, don’t over do it. This is light-tackle fishing at it’s best. A good portion of these beaches is clear from snags and hazards, so heavy gear is not needed. I opt for a G Loomis PR844 popping rod. Its light action allows me to cast anything from a small white bait to a jig. A Shimano 2500 Stradic balances out well, and when spooled with braid gives you plenty of line with stopping power, too. I opt for slightly heavier, 17-pound braid for a couple reasons. In the rare case when a snook does find that one lost crab trap, I have a little more oomph to turn the fish. More importantly, I like the slightly heavy line for knot strength and durability. Regardless of whether you’re in a boat or on foot, fishing the beaches is great. Almost anyone, from a seasoned pro to a visiting newbie, has a great chance at catching fish. Productive beaches are easily accessible and don’t take a lot of preparation or equipment. A pocket full of lures and extra leader is all you really need. Will Schmidt is a seasoned tournament angler and has been writing about fishing for more than two decades.
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CCA STAR 4,000 Anglers, $500K in Prizes and Scholarships
T
he CCA Florida STAR competition presented by Yamaha kicked off on Memorial Day weekend, engaging over 4,000 anglers in conservation. The 101-day event invites anglers of all ages and skill levels to walk away with their share of $500,000 in prizes. During the opening week, five unregistered anglers caught 2019 STAR tagged redfish and missed their choice of a brand-new truck or boat, motor and trailer package in the event’s signature iHeart Radio Tagged Redfish Division, including a GMC Sierra pickup truck, a Contender Boats 22 Sport, a Pathfinder Boats 2200 TRS, a Hewes Redfisher 16, a 21’ Carolina Skiff, or a Relentless Boats 24’ Aluminum Bay/Flats boat, all powered by Yamaha Outboards. The CCA Florida STAR competition releases an average of four tagged redfish per coastal county in the state, three counties have eight tagged fish and those are Brevard, Charlotte and Citrus counties. Each year during the competition, anglers catch the fish and call, per tag instructions. And each year, most anglers who catch these tagged fish miss out on a $40,000+ prize package because they aren’t registered, or never thought it would happen to them. Since its inception, the competition has awarded five prizes in the signature redfish division, with over 90 tagged redfish caught in those four years and nearly $900,000 in total prizes. Registration remains open throughout the competition until Labor Day. The STAR competition launched in Florida in 2015 with a focus on conservation through the use of technology and a catch-photo-release format. CCA Florida uses the social media-based event to educate the public on the importance of protecting Florida’s marine resources, and STAR’s smart phone app eliminates the requirement for anglers to harvest or capture and transport fish, while promoting the proper handling of all species. In addition, non-anglers can participate and win by collecting trash and debris. With 17 total divisions, prizes are awarded by random drawing in most divisions and include boats, cash payouts, tackle and marine electronics. As in past years, current New Tide Members (CCA members ages 6 – 17) can enjoy continued free registration in the Youth Scholarship Division, presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, which offers $100,000 in scholarships. For a full list of divisions, visit ccaflstar.com. For more information on STAR, or to register, visit ccaflstar.com.
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Jeff Miller, Citrus County ACTUAL 2018 STAR WINNER
BE THIS ANGLER. NOT THIS ONE.
AN UNREGISTERED ANGLER WHO MISSED OUT
REGISTER NOW AT
CCAFLSTAR.COM CCA Florida STAR, presented by Yamaha, is the largest family-friendly saltwater fishing competition in Florida, and it’s unlike traditional fishing tournaments.
MAY 25 - SEPTEMBER 2
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• $500,000 in Prizes Including $100,000 in Scholarships • Tagged Redfish Prizes Include a Brand New Truck or Boat, Motor and Trailer Package
55 YEA
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• 101-Days of Fishing - $40 entry for current CCA members - FREE entry for current CCA youth members after $10 membership fee - All others $75 entry fee includes one year CCA membership
• 17 Divisions | 11 Species | Inshore and Offshore
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FLORIDA
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KING AND SPANISH MACKEREL TOURNAMENT FISHING IN FRANKLIN CO. FLORIDA
By Randy Cnota
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PREMIUM POLARIZED EYEWEAR S t a r t i n g at $ 9 9 . 0 0
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f you’ve ever competed in a fishing tournament, then you understand how the thrill of the hunt fueled by a competitive drive can create levels of excitement, anticipation, joy and crushing defeat all in the same day… or the same hour, for that matter! When you bring hundreds of people together that share this passion to help find a cure for leukemia, you have what promises to be a great time! Once you throw in the drag-screaming thrill of a big king mackerel, you’ve found yourself smack in the middle of the C-quarters Marina Kingfish Shootout in Carrabelle, Fla. Anyone capable of making it Carrabelle in August should participate. It’s a great tournament, and anyone has the potential to bring home the gold. In the world of competitive fishing, it’s anybody’s game on any given day. This event has a Spanish mackerel division, giving competitors more chances to win and more species to chase. Obviously, due to their smaller size, the Spanish mackerel won’t burn the bearing out of most reels like a king can, but on light tackle these fish put up as much fight, pound-for-pound, as any of them! These toothy critters demand wire leaders and smooth drags. A 40-pound skyrocketing king will cut through mono effortlessly, and if your reel has a sticky drag, forget it; they strike with incredible speed! Live or dead bait will get them to strike, as will a variety of trolled plugs or duster rigs. When trolling, try to target different depths and vary your speed. Some days they want their targets moving fast, and on others, they want it slow or dead still. This is where one of my favorite ways to catch them comes into play. Anchor up or drift with several flat-lines out with an offering of live or dead baits such as cigar minnows, Spanish sardines or even pinfish. Enjoy a cold beverage and a snack, bask in the warm sun and take in the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico. When that peaceful moment is interrupted by the sound of a screaming drag and a bent rod, you’ll be hooked on king mackerel fishing just like me. These fish are incredible fighters, and big ones can peel off a hundred yards of line in mere seconds! C-quarters Marina will host the 16th Annual Kingfish Shootout Aug. 3-4 in Carrabelle, Fla. Inspired by the tragic loss of Lisa Crowder Jackson to leukemia, the volunteers who run this event have, to date, raised $1,000,125 for the Leukemia Research Foundation. Come support this wonderful event and enjoy all that Franklin County has to offer, I promise, you’ll want to come back. For more information on the tournament, go to www.c-quartersmarina.com. For more on vacationing in Franklin County, go to www.floridasforgottencoast.com.
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Center sp A YEAR CHASING THE ROYAL BILLFISH SLAM
Editor’s Note: IGFA’s Billfish Royal Slam requires anglers, over a lifetime, to catch nine species of billfish. The following is how Trent Glaub, of Palm Beach, Fla., completed a Billfish Royal Slam in less than a year. By Trent Glaub 1) Black marlin; Los Suenos, Costa Rica; March 20, 2018— On vacation with my wife Stacy and our daughter Marlynn (pronounced marlin), we fished with Capt. Randall aboard the Go Fish. Slow-trolling bridled tuna, I hooked into what I thought was a big jack… until we saw the dorsal fin. “Negro, negro!” yelled Capt. Randall. I battled the estimated 400-pound black marlin stand-up on 30-pound tackle and achieved my first-ever marlin release. I had no idea how lucky I was until Carey Chen told me he’s caught more than 300 blue marlin and is still in search of his first black. I set out to catch all five marlin species. I hadn’t even thought about the Royal Slam yet.
We made a 50-mile, two-hour run to the Finger Bank. When we arrived, the ocean was alive with birds and porpoise balling schools of bait. The bait was so thick we dip-netted sardines, hooked them and pitched them back out, sight fishing to striped marlin on bait balls. My wife, my daughter and I were hooked up nonstop, and we ended up returning to the marina flying 20 release flags.
6) Pacific sailfish; Casa Vieja Lodge, Guatemala; Dec. 28-30, 2018—This year, with my 40th birthday on Christmas Day, the girls and I spent the holidays in Guatemala aboard the 35’ Knowles A-FIN-ITY with Capt. Niko. 2) White marlin; West End, Grand Bahama; May 5, 2018— I was fishThe fishing was great. I quickly knocked Pacific sailfish off the list and ing the Mike Schmidt Winner’s Circle Tournament out of Old Bahama Bay went on to catch a bunch of them, taking turns with Stacy and Marlynn. with my regular tournament team on the Fragrant Harbor, captained by Joe Garbo. The white marlin took a ballyhoo trolled on 50-pound tackle. 7) Atlantic sailfish; Palm Beach, Fla.; Jan. 1, 2019— I’ve fished the Silver Phillies Hall of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt signed my release flag. Sailfish Derby with Capt. Joe Garbo for the last 13 years. This year we finally I broke off what would have been my first Atlantic blue marlin during won it by one fish aboard the 60’ Viking Fragrant Harbor. I chose to use this tournament. this special sailfish for the Royal Slam. It ate a live goggle eye on 20-pound tackle. 3) Pacific blue marlin; Kona, Hawaii; June 23, 2018— On family vacaWith just two species to go, I decided to push for the Royal Slam in less tion, we fished with Capt. Kevin Hibbard on the Divergent. I caught my than a year. first Pacific blue, an estimated 500-pounder, which we were able to tag before release. It was an intense battle even on 130-pound tackle. 8) Swordfish; Palm Beach, Fla.; Feb. 16, 2019— My buddy Connor McKWith three species down, I was still looking for my Atlantic blue mar- ee and I set out on a beautiful night in my 32’ Intrepid No Worries. At about lin. Through July, August and September, I fished the Bahamas twice, 8:20 p.m., the fish bit a dead-rigged squid and made a run to the surface Puerto Rico twice and the Dominican Republic. I was plagued by pulled as I cranked the 50W trying to stay tight. We got a look at the fish before hooks and broken lines. Out of Cap Cana in the Dominican, we raised it turned for the bottom. It was a good one, and I had too much drag on it. seven blues. I hooked five of them and went 0-5. The curse of the Atlantic It broke the harness, pinning me to the side of the boat, and I was forced blue was haunting me. to back off the drag. More than an hour later, Conner stuck the estimated 200-pound fish with a harpoon. It had a 74-inch lower-jaw-to-fork length. 4) Atlantic blue marlin; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Oct. 21, 2018— I broke my curse during the San Juan International Billfish Tournament aboard 9) Shortbill spearfish; Kona, Hawaii; March 16, 2019— I boarded The the Heavy Duty with Capt. Gabby Vazquez. Huntress, a 42’ Merrit, 35 years to the day from when Capt. Bart Miller On the final day of the four-day tournament, I boarded the 43’ Ber- caught the 1,656-pound blue marlin that is the largest ever caught in Kona tram Heavy Duty. To this point, I had lost every blue marlin I had ever and the second largest in the world. In its previous life, The Huntress was hooked. We got a fish up in the spread early after lines in. The blue ate my named Black Bart. I was on the very same boat Miller caught his record lure, and I took it to the chair. On 30-pound tackle, I finally caught my first from. Atlantic blue marlin. With Capt. Steve Epstein and Capt. Kevin Hibbard, it didn’t take long “That’s what I came to Puerto Rico for, boys!” I yelled. Afterward, the for the riggers to go off. A few minutes later, I caught my first spearfish and crew informed me it was the first blue their boat had seen all tournament. completed the Billfish Royal Slam in just under a year, 361 days! With the curse broken, Heavy Duty owner Herminio Amador released a I travelled to five countries, plus Hawaii and Puerto Rico and had a lot second blue, which was good enough to win the daily. of first-time experiences. I was fortunate to catch five of nine fish with my 5) Striped marlin; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Dec. 15, 2018—As a fami- family on the boat. We made lots of new friends, and in the end I realize ly, we went to Mexico targeting striped marlin out of Cabo with Capt. Jose it was all about the journey. Now it’s Marlynn’s turn. She’s already got the Ramon on the 31’ Bertram Rebecca of the Pisces Fleet. stripey checked off the list. 12
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BIG YELLOWFINS HERALD SECOND HIGH SEASON IN COSTA RICA By Craig Sutton
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he second high-season here in northwest Costa Rica is in full effect. Big schools of yellowfin tuna have swept into the Nosara area, and for the next three months we will be chasing them up and down the coast. May, which is a slow month, saw a record 79 trips for FishingNosara. Better still, the calendar for the rest of the summer is full of top-flight anglers. Despite the momentary lull in trips, the crews delivered the goods with multiple marlin releases backed-up with some big yellowfin tuna. Capt. William on the flagship Wanderer led the way this month with 20 trips, edging out Capt. Carlos on the battleship Discoverer by two trips. Right behind them was 2019 Ship of Fools winner, Capt. Alex on the Harvester, aka the People’s Champion, with 17 trips. In mid-May we endured a few rainstorms, but the weather has been mostly nice and perfect for fishing. In early May we welcomed a fun group of Texans for a fierce week of fishing. Merritt and Brian Wruble, Nicole and Bubba Miles, Glenn and Dahni Bloomfield posted this on social media: “We had such an amazing trip! Thank you to the staff, captains and deck hands. You all went above and beyond to make sure we had a great trip with great memories! Thank you, and we can’t wait to start planning our next trip down to Nosara!”
We also welcomed Cameron Frowick’s group of Tyler, Texas-based anglers to the blue water. Capt. William braved the mid-month rains and delivered a wide array of meat fish for these hungry folks. Meredith Frowick wrote this post: “The day was amazing! Went out in the Pacific Ocean and we all caught something. Got three yellowfin tunas and one mahi-mahi. Thank you for the fun time.” May was also a time for reunions; back in 2012 we hosted the Ganoe family, of Jacksonville, Fla., as winners of the initial FishingNosara Family Cup kayak tournament. That family trip made a huge impression because Maegan Ganoe chose Nosara as the spot to get married to her now-husband Jose Morales. No trip to Nosara is complete without a fishing mission, and the newlyweds joined the Harvester on May 17 for an incredible day of action. The headliner was a big Blue Marlin (pictured) that snagged three baits simultaneously. Mate Wilson took command of the cockpit and kept all three anglers on the same page. After the fight we safely released this monster alive and well. “Thank you Alex for putting us on this huge Blue Marlin to celebrate Dad’s birthday and wrap up our wedding week here in Nosara! It took Jose, Daniel and me over 30 minutes to reel it in! Blue Marlin off our bucket list,” wrote Maegan. Call Craig Sutton ASAP at 904-591-2161, so they can fit you into the summer schedule. Visit blog.fishingnosara.com for daily catch reports.
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TAMPA BAY FISHING REPORT CATCHING SUMMERTIME SHEEPSHEAD
BY: CAPT. WOODY GORE
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heepshead fishing in the summer can be incredibly fun and they are great to eat, especially now that snook, redfish and trout are off the menu. F i n d i n g natural sheepshead bait is not difficult. Practically any marine-dwelling crustacean or bivalve living in saltwater will work. Of course, some work better than others and can be found in the wild or purchased at your local bait shop. I am going to give you a few clues on what to use when it comes to these bait stealers. Fiddler crabs, in my opinion, are one of the top sheepshead baits. I use a lightweight Carolina rig or knocker rig in deeper water. For shallow water, I free-line them on a snelled Daiichi circle hook. A close second to fiddlers, that most folks never think about, is the mud crab. This little guy lives under oysters and rocks and requires a little effort to catch. So, yes, you have to get out of the boat and turn over some rocks and
oyster clusters. Before you head out sheepshead fishing, find some nearshore oysters or rocks and capture a few dozen or just purchase some fiddlers from your local bait store. My third favorite bait is a ¾ to 1-inch piece of fresh or frozen shrimp. Stay away from old freezer burned shrimp, because you are wasting your money. Shrimp are good sheepshead bait and are nearly as effective as fiddlers or mud crabs. Best of all they are easily acquired from your local bait supplier. So, what kind of tackle do you need to catch sheepshead? Below are some suggestions. • Spinning reel, nothing larger than 2500 – 4000 series • Medium to medium/heavy 6 to 6½ foot spinning rod • 15-pound Seaguar Smackdown braided line Summertime sheepshead are in the same places as in the winter. If you are looking for some early morning summertime action, begin your search by checking submerged rock piles, jetties and piers, as well as, tidal creeks. If you prefer some grass flats action, sheepshead can be found milling around inshore broken-
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bottom seagrass flats searching for small tidal crabs, clams and other ecosystem tidbits. The key to finding sheepshead in the summertime is looking for structures and habitats they associate with food. As with other species, the fish seem to be most active during the early morning hours. Of course, tides play a large role in their feeding habits.
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elcome back yak fans, and happy Fourth of July! I’m talking about barbecue fireworks and fishing. It doesn’t get much better than that. My story this month is about a new experience for me, guiding two fly fishermen! The first thing I realized was my usual style of paddling fairly close to the client wasn’t going to happen. If you thought lures were dangerous, try being close to a fly guy. I quickly learned the safety zone (so no new piercings). Alex and Jason had booked a B&B on Sunset Vista in Aripeka that was quite nice. Listed as “The Aripeka Shack,” it has to be the best located rental that I’ve run into. Situated on a canal to the North and the Aripeka Channel to the South, it’s on the other side of the no keep zone for trout and redfish. You’ve got to love a place where you can pull in at the end of the day in your own backyard! Alex earned major points for being a Coastal Angler Magazine reader and saying how much he enjoyed my articles--flattery will get you everywhere. We set off early and had a midmorning low, which is the tide I really like to fish. They had brought a pair of Kaku kayaks which is a hybrid style. It’s a lot like a paddle board with a stadium seat which is perfect for you fly guys. The only problem was, Jason seemed to be missing the C clamps for his seat and he went in the drink twice. But, I’ve got to give him credit, he kept the rod out of the water! Why is it that when I have a charter with my gear and they flip, all they worry about is their sunglasses. Paddling out into Indian Bay, we worked the bigger bays and out toward Cabbage Island before heading
north behind Indian Key. Trout, little snook and the assorted garbage pail slam material came to play, but the reds were being hard to get. We finally dialed them in along with close to 100 young snook back in the northern marshes. The problem was working a fly in a three to four-footwide creek with mangroves on either side. Okay, I’m not going to swear off fly fisherman because Alex and Jason were great company. But, it does seem to have certain inherent restrictions (LOL). The high point of their trip was me! Okay, probably not, but I am entertaining. Or maybe it was the people on Sunset Vista who invited us into their home and opened up a full liquor bar with pretzels no less! Thanks Dennis. Actually, it was probably the 36-inch cobia working the channel and the 20-minute battle that ensued. For the fly guys, and I want to get this right, it hit on a Cathy’s Fleeing Crab lure and it swallowed it. Sometimes I love my job! If you want to check out the Aripeka Shack, give JC a call at 904 545 7543. And did I mention, it has a hot tub and a fire pit. Till next time, Bruce. Bruce Butler of Indian Bay Outfitters is Hernando County’s premier kayak fishing guide with full and half-day charters available. Kayaks, tackle and gear provided. Just bring your lucky hat and a good attitude and be ready to see some pristine shoreline and great fishing. Bruce Butler “Stumbling Gypsy” (352) 428-5347 Bruce@IndianBayOutfitters.com www.IndianBayOutfitters.com
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CAPT. SERGIO’S CORNER RED WATERS OF TARPON KEY
BY: CAPT. SERGIO ATANES Marsha & Jim showing off another red caught on the flats.
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Marsha Petrie with a nice red caught on dead bait.
uly is a great month for catching large redfish in Tampa Bay. Although redfish are year-long residents of the Bay, the large breeders prefer the mangrove shoreline. During the winter, they move into the Gulf of Mexico and are often caught while grouper fishing. My clients were ready to battle some big fish today, so I decided to go for the big reds hanging around Tarpon Key. We met around 6 a.m. and stopped for our first cup of coffee at Panera’s. From there, we headed to Port 32 Tampa (the old Tampa Harbour Marina) where I call my home port. We told stories about the big ones we had lost in the past and the ones we were going to catch today. A short trip to catch bait at my secret spot and, from there, it was off to Tarpon Key--one of my favorite spots for large redfish this time of year. Once we reached the no motor zone, I lowered the Great White trolling motor and, with one touch, 112 pounds of thrust came to life propelling my 25 ft. Pathfinder bay boat in the direction of Tarpon Key. Many islands and keys in Tampa Bay are protected areas and one must use either a trolling motor or a push pole. We slowly worked our way to the southwest point of the key. Here we anchored and waited for the school to appear. Patience is important, since the school can appear in a moment’s notice. We were prepared for action. Two rods with live pinfish suspended just below the surface of the water using one of my favorite floats Cajun Thunder, and two other rods with greenbacks free lined just beyond our floats. The sun’s rays were slowly breaking into the crystal-clear water and you could see movements of small pinfish darting in and out of the grass and mullet starting to jump. I could tell by my client’s look he was ready for action, and so was I. Just beyond our reach we could see a small wake as if a small boat had buzzed by. We both looked at each other and without a word prepared for an attack. The reds were coming. My client drew first blood and, within a split second, mine was next. Three hook ups and no one around to see it. We had them all to ourselves for over two hours. We battled reds, winning some fights and losing others. Large schools of reds will congregate around mangrove islands. Some schools are so large they form a red wave as they push through the shallow waters of the flats. My two favorite baits for these large bruisers are 3 to 5-inch pinfish or dollar size pass crabs. Casting distance is a must and medium tackle works best. I prefer to use 15-pound test Fins Windtamer braided line, which gives great line capacity on a medium reel such as an Okuma Helios SX30 spinning reel and 7-foot Okuma Ricky Red medium action rod. The combination is a perfect match for catching large reds and snook on the flats and mangroves. Reds in shallow waters will spook easily and the stealth system works best. This means keeping a safe distance from the school and being quiet. Remember, sound travels seven times faster through water and the slightest noise can break up schooling fish. I prefer to fish the start of an outgoing tide for reds because, as the tide drops, they are forced into the cuts and potholes around the mangrove islands creating a private casting pond for my clients. Get there early ahead of the tide change. I have sat and waited for an hour for fish to move in and it
has been well worth it. While other boats are trying to follow the fish, let the fish come to you. Never cast into a school of fish. Always cast ahead of them and let them come toward your bait. On days with strong currents, I will use a float and let the current drift my bait towards the fish. My clients had a day they will never forget. My clients can’t wait until next year when they plan on coming back to add more pictures in their scrap book. Good fishing and tight lines. Captain Sergio Atanes is host of Florida West Coast Fishing Report on Facebook and YouTube. He is also host to Aventuras De Pesca USA on national TV and Radio. Capt. Sergio Atanes can be reached at (813) 973-7132 or www.reelfishy.com
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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A MULLET FISHERMAN BY: PAUL PRESSON
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oday’s commute to work is like any other. Brandon is deep in thought. He is the second generation of what is now going on four. His older brother F.D. taught him, just as his uncle Roland taught his older brother. Spray from a wave brings him back to the task at hand. Brandon is a mullet fisherman and is on his way to work. He is already aware of the winds, water temperature, moon phase, barometric pressure, water clarity and where he will be fishing
today. Off in the distance, he sees his brother already working hard. They talk for a minute, compare notes and Brandon is on his way. His boat is not pretty--he put it together piecemeal made for one function, mullet fishing, and “she” is close to perfect. As he reaches his destination, he takes inventory of everything needed for a successful day. He has several nets he will be throwing throughout the day-some heavier, some with a wider diameter, all made for different water environments. These nets are handmade, and Brandon has no doubt the nets he made will do the job. A bleach bottle, cut specifically to scoop water out when the load is heavy and the boat is taking on
water, is at the ready. One of the large coolers is full of ice and the second cooler is empty, but not for long. Brandon dons his slickers. Next, he chooses the net he will use, based on the fact that he will be working sandy bottom today. His bounty for the day will be black mullet. He has his restricted species license and is “good to go.” The engine sputters to a stop. It is time to get into stealth mode. He is already wearing gray. Through past experience, he knows that colorful shirts make for unsuccessful days. He dons his slickers and uses the trolling motor to take him closer to the action. Before he picks his exact location, Brandon watches the mullet. Different jumps mean different things and schooling patterns are clues for a better catch. He is dialed in for the day. Throw after throw of the net he is getting mullet, but not the mother load he wants. When the tide is just right, the cooler begins to fill. Soaking wet under his rubber slicker, he throws the net time after time. Brandon is not only a mullet fisherman--he is a business owner. He knows the exact poundage of mullet he needs for a prosperous week. He is acutely aware of his daily fuel usage, mechanical expenditures, and the approximate amount of days adverse weather will affect the business. Throughout the trip, Brandon has been collecting the fish off of the deck to brine. He does this by mixing ice and saltwater. This will ensure the fish get to the distributors in great shape. Most of Brandon’s catch is shipped to Georgia sold as fresh mullet and fish spread. The next time you see a mullet fisherman skirting the mangroves and throwing the net, tip your cap to them. He or she represent why Florida
is so special. They are part of a hardworking, harvesting the land and sea backdrop that this state was built on. In loving memory of Travis Richards A special thank you to: Brandon Richards Paul Presson, outdoor writer and published cartoonist. He has fished the coastlines of Tampa Bay for 28 years, land based, wade, kayak and by flats boat. If he is not writing, he is out on the water!
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6 TAMPA | JULY 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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Tarpon Springs Anclote River
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM | JULY 2019 | TAMPA 7
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SOUTH SHORE TAMPA BAY REPORT BY: CAPT. CHRISTOPHER TAYLOR
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his time of year, there is lots of sun exposure, fun on the water and predictable afternoon showers. For the avid fisherman, tarpon fishing is the fourth thing that comes to mind. From searching for crabs and squirrel fish to tying long leaders onto heavy lead sinkers, the experience is addictive. Even though tarpon is a catch and release only species, it is extremely popular. These fish by now are well within their spawning patterns and eating everything in sight. Tarpon have a great reputation for their
performance abilities when being hooked into. Most favored of these abilities are the powerful runs and acrobatic jumps displayed by the fish at the end of the line. Some anglers go to great lengths just to hopefully hook into one. Other more experienced anglers do very well. Depending on who you talk to, the ins and outs of fishing for tarpon can get complex. However, some of the most popular methods used are very simple to learn and perform. Locating tarpon right now is as easy as it gets. Beaches, passes and flats adjacent to land are all productive. On rising and falling tides, tarpon will be found on and around points, holes and the occasional sandbar. On the beaches, if possible, you want to target the areas closer to passes. This does not mean that the areas away from passes don’t hold tarpon, it just means your chances are better the closer you are. Passes hold many tarpon this time of year, especially due to their spawn that starts in May and ends in late Summer.
For the flats anglers who possess a talent for skimming through inches of water to cast at one fish, and those who enjoy spending their paychecks snagging mangrove roots and branches, juvenile tarpon are a hit. When fishing for juvenile tarpon, I recommend freelining live or cut scaled sardines within the target area or “strike-zone” using 30-pound fluorocarbon leader and a 3/0 hook. The addition of a few split-shot may be necessary to keep baits in the specific location during stronger tides. The phrase “match the hatch” is a tried and true method used to select the proper bait for fishing any given area. The waters of Tampa Bay are now filled with squirrel fish, also known as “sand perch”. These little palm size bait stealers are candy for tarpon, especially when their numbers are high in “tarpon territory.” I predict the Tarpon fishing to remain stellar through the next few months, leading into the second season of the year. Captain Christopher Taylor Florida Reels Fishing Charters www.floridareelsfishingcharters.com (813) 220-6135
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8 TAMPA | JULY 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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LOTS OF HOT AIR BLOWING AROUND? NO, IT’S NOT ELECTION TIME—IT’S HURRICANE SEASON BY: MISTY WELLS
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efore we get serious, let’s start with my favorite hurricane joke, “How do Hurricanes see? With one eye.” Now that we got that out of the way, let’s talk about some more serious issues like high winds, mass flooding, evacuation routes and your “go bag.” Look, no one wants to talk about hurricanes, but it is better to prepare for the worst and look forward to the best. I met with my buddies at Florida Insurance Center and went over a few easy steps to get you and your family ready, safe, covered and prepared for hurricane season. In order to qualify as a hurricane, there must be sustained winds of at least 74 miles per hour and the scale of destruction is based on 1 through 5--number 5 being the worst. Most hurricanes that hit the US start in the Caribbean or the Atlantic, because a hurricane needs the warm weather of the tropics to feed its energy and grow strong. I put together a list of simple things to do to help you get ready, be prepared and stay safe. First, I need you to go online and research your evacuation route and plan a safe meeting place for your family and a travel destination. Second, you need a “go bag” containing clothes, batteries, flash-light, first aid kit, water, dry snacks, weather radio, waterproof bag for documents, duct tape, lighters, tarp, meds, basic electronics, pet food and cash. If you don’t have shutters, buy plywood now, cut and measure it for your home’s windows and have the tools on hand now to put it up. We all know that, when the alert happens, everyone runs to the store and, by then, it is too late. If you can afford it, buy a generator
and some filled gas cans. Last year, we did not have power at our house for over 10 days. Prepare for your family pets. Have their food, meds, tagged collar, leash, vet documents and kennel ready. Last, you really need to contact someone you trust to review your Insurance for your home, auto and boat to make sure you really are covered. I just finished reviewing my coverage with my new folks at Florida Insurance Center, and they found some major holes in my coverage--better now than later. If you want, they will review your policy for free--customer or not. I asked FIC to help me put together a “go bag” give away that includes a gas card to help get ya’ll get off your butts and get ready for season. Want to win it? All you have to do is go to “Let’s Take it Outside” or “Coastal Angler Magazine Tampa Bay” Facebook page and like it, and, add your evacuation route so I know you looked at it. We will be giving this awesome bag worth $300 away in July. Be ready, be safe and be prepared. Misty Wells Host of “Let’s Take It Outside” Fox Sports 2020 TV Show, Tampa Bay Times Outdoors video series, Outdoor Pro, Writer & Adventure Guide. Founder of “A Reel Future” a non-profit organization devoted to knowledge, conservation & the passion of fishing to foster kids. www.mistywells.com
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM | JULY 2019 | TAMPA 9
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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
Profish Reload by Viking Kayaks
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he Profish Reload by Viking Kayaks is purpose built to fish. When it comes to accessories, everything you can imagine from fish bags and tackle pods to chill pods are available. The design of the Profish Reload bow provides superior levels of lift allowing it to perform well in both offshore and inshore conditions. At 14’8” and 68 pounds, this kayak is sleek and fast. The Profish Reload comes standard with the rudder pre-installed, recessed handles, rod holders, plenty
of dry storage and much more. There are so many options to choose from, you need to check one out. Check one out at Jack’s Kayaks 1764 Missouri Ave. N. largo, FL. 33770. 727-452-4684
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1764 MISSOURI AVE N, LARGO FL 33770 Ask for Tony, Shane, Marcus, Alex, or “The Boss” Jack. 10 TAMPA | JULY 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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HERNANDO COUNTY
MY THEORY BY: CAPT. JOEL GANT
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eing a charter captain on the water and fishing with clients as much as I do, I’ve come up with a lot of theories of my own. I know you’re thinking “Oh no, not another one of Fishdaddy’s theories.” This theory is only for released fish. How many times have you fought a fish pulling drag and fighting all the way to and into the boat with what seems like endless energy? Now here is where my theory starts. Once you safely remove the hook, take a few pictures (this is the when I
believe the fish really starts getting embarrassed. Ever see a fish smile for a pic? Just sayin’) and release the fish, watch how the fish will usually swim off very, very slowly and sometimes just settle to the bottom sulking. I have read that this is from lactic acid build up in the fish from the fight, but I believe we hurt their feelings. Is it possible that fish do get their feelings hurt? I believe so-pay attention next time and let me know what you think. Scallop season is July 1st - September 24th from Hernando County north. Scallop season in Pasco County is July 19th - 28th. Regulations are two gallons whole bay scallops in shell or one pint of bay scallop meat per person. Maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell, or 1/2-gallon bay scallop meat per vessel. A saltwater license is required (unless on a chartered boat) and always have a diver down flag up only when swimmers are in the water. Scalloping is fun for the whole family, like an Easter egg hunt in the water. If you want more information on scalloping, please give
me a call and I can give you more information on them or take you out for a great day you won’t forget. The one we’ve all been waiting for--Gag grouper opened on June 1st and ends on December 31st in state and federal waters. The bag limit is two per person. Gags can be caught in our waters as shallow as 10 feet. A couple of techniques I use are trolling plugs or bottom dropping--either live or dead baits. Make sure you have stout equipment. Gags fight hard and will try to run for structure. You will need this to keep them from rocking you up. Red snapper is opened for recreational fishing from June 11th - July12th. For hire charters are open until Aug 1st. The size limit is 16 inches and two per person. We are finding them in the deeper water--60 to 90 feet. In this photo is a nice snapper caught on one of my recent charter trips. Get out there on the water and make some memories with friends and family! Capt. Joel Gant operates Fishdaddy Charters out of Hernando Beach. Coast guard licensed, insured and Federal permitted. He knows the local waters like the back of his hand, and works both inshore and offshore trips. Check him out on facebook or you can reach him at (352) 279-1615. Visit his website, www.fishdaddycharter.com
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM | JULY 2019 | TAMPA 11
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SKINNY WATER REPORT BY: DERICK BURGOS
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t’s been a little rough out there as far as wind is concerned. Blowing mostly from the East, this gave us the opportunity to plan our launches in protected areas keeping us out of the wind. Although the wind can find you from time to time, this is a great technique to paddle the bay. The snook bite has been the hottest with many being caught from the mangrove shoreline to the grassy flats. Most of these fish were caught using topwater “walk the dog” style plugs worked slowly along shallow flats near deep channels. The snook have been hungry, so be ready for those aggressive strikes! Trout have been a little tougher to find (of any of size) as they seemed scattered throughout the flats in a little deeper water (the four to six-foot range) and even deeper on the hotter days. I like tossing a ¼-ounce jig with a dark colored soft
plastic. Top water is best early when the water is one to three feet deep and cool. Most areas near the Gandy Bridge are well known for this. The redfish bite had been slow at best, but things changed as soon as the Summer rains started. Winds make it harder to see them and keeps the water chopped up, which makes them move around quite a bit. When this happens, fish the outgoing tides near the mangroves or shallow flats. As the tide recedes, the reds will begin to show signs they’re there. That’s when you attack! I like a softer presentation like a jerk style soft plastic rigged weedless and tossed every so lightly in their zone. Tarpon of all sizes are running strong and all over the Bay by now. From back country to the bridges, finding them should be no problem. Getting them to eat is another story. My number
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(813) 602-8824 • www.purefloridawatersports.com 12 TAMPA | JULY 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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ASK QUESTIONS WHEN HIRING CHARTER CAPTAINS BY: CAPT. WOODY GORE
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should be proud to produce his or her information, and here are the top six items you should be interested in seeing. 1. United States Coast Guard Captain’s License. Current licenses look like a passport and must be originals and not a copy. 2. Copy of their current liability and personal injury insurance. 3. Copy of their Drug Consortium Certificate showing they participate in the drug and alcohol testing program. 4. State fishing license to cover up to four or up to ten anglers. 5. First Aid Certificate valid within the last three years. 6. Has on board United States Coast Guard approved type 1 life preservers with reflective tape--one for each passenger, including those under 90 pounds and children. Something to consider when interviewing prospective captains. In recent years, part-time captains have flooded the market and while some may be nearly as competent as their full-time counterparts, the fact remains that captains operating a daily fishing business are considerably more experienced and profusely better informed than those running part-time and weekends. It is also important to remember what fulltime professionals bring to the world of fishing and boating-number one being safety. Professional captains are excellent seamen with years of experience. They have the knowledge and experience to provide safe passage in all situations and weather conditions. Another value experienced professionals bring to the table is an affirmative social approach to their fulltime fishing business. • 250 Wet Slips • 100 Dry Slips So, if you need a little • Marina Web Cam • Launching Ramp fishing refresher or • Floating Transient Dock want to introduce the • Monthly & Daily Rentals family to this world • Marine Supplies • Free Internet Access of fishing, why not • Free Public Pump-Out • Fishing Tackle extend an invitation • Floating Fuel Dock - Gas & Diesel to your spouse and • Charter Boat Center • Ice, Beer, Snacks children. • Live & Frozen Bait • Prop Recondition Then again, if you • Monitoring VHF CH 16 FM only want to teach the kids to fish, it is vital you select a 727-893-1071 • www.mygulfport.us/marina patient and child4630 29th. Ave. S. Gulfport, FL. 33711 friendly captain. Making the right
hen hiring a charter captain, you are about to make a serious investment in not only money, but in your safety and the safety of your family, friends and possibly business associates. So, before you pull the trigger and make that decision, be sure you investigate prospective captains. There are literally thousands of part-time charter captains operating throughout Florida to generate supplemental income for their primary jobs. However, only a handful of true full-time professionals operate true fishing businesses as their sole means of income. Both part-time and a few full-time have tried to circumvent the law and operate without the proper credentials. It is for this reason the United States Coast Guard is making a concerted effort to identify and stop them. Do not be anxious when interviewing a prospective captain. Ask to see their charter credentials and information. Any professional
choice in a captain can make or break the experience. The children will come away feeling satisfied and successful, or never wanting to go fishing again. Overall, finding a reputable captain is not difficult. Just pull up the internet and you will find plenty of charter captains. Captains specialize in all facets and species of fish from freshwater to saltwater, inshore to offshore and they are waiting to share their fishing world with you. A word of caution when price shopping for a charter captain. With all the available captains, I would be remiss without a word of caution when hiring a discount charter captain. Discount captains often will offer cutrates to get your business. Why cut their rates? It is simply because they could be improperly licensed or credentialed, thereby allowing them to charter at price-cutting rates. So, when price shopping, remember there are reasons a competitive captain is willing to negotiate and devalue their charter business. Although it may seem that a discount of $50 to $100 may be to your advantage, you must remember, cut-rate captains must still recover their business operating expenses. This can result in substandard or poor service somewhere in the charter. Does the old adage “you get what you pay for” ring a bell? With over 45 years in the business world, it has been my experience that a good customer will always remember quality customer service much longer than they remember the price. During my business career, I have pushed to surpass and live by the principles of excellent customer service. Primarily because I believe every discrepancy should be flexible, nothing is written in concrete and everything is negotiated to a related and a mutual agreement. “Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” Captain Woody Gore is the area’s top outdoor fishing guide. Guiding and fishing the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, and Sarasota areas for over fifty years; he offers world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories. Single or multi-boat charters are available. WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM wgore@ix.netcom.com 813-477-3814
14 TAMPA | JULY 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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BASS PRO SHOPS DONATES 55,000 FISHING RODS AND REELS TO KEEP OUR YOUTH FISHING
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ass Pro Shops and Cabela’s are proud of their mission to inspire everyone to love, enjoy and conserve the great outdoors. And, they showed that pride on June 6th during their National Donation Day to kick off their annual Gone Fishing Event. This local event that’s held at Bass Pro Shops, located at 10501 Palm River Road, was part of the company’s nationwide event in which over 55,000 fishing rods and reels were donated to non-profit youth groups in each store’s local community. This year, over 500 rods and reels were donated to two organizations— the Tampa Bay Junior Bass Club, and the Scouts of America Timucua District of the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council. The equipment is part of a customer tradein program held
during the Spring Fishing Classic in February, and much of the equipment is new, or gently-used, high-quality rods and reels. Ronnie Cheeks, Bass Pro Shops General Manager, spoke enthusiastically about the event’s focus. “The Gone Fishing Event and the National Donation Day are so important to our company and to our founder, Johnny Morris. We want to challenge kids and families to put down the phones and video games, pick up a fishing pole, and enjoy making some memories together in the great outdoors.”
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PERMIT AND BIG SNOOK ARE TWO OF MY JULY FAVORITES BY: CAPT. MIKE ANDERSON
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ermit and big snook rank right at the top my list of favorite fish to catch in July! Permit can be caught in all Florida waters as well as the Bahamas and Caribbean. Here on Florida’s west coast, I target nearshore and offshore wrecks and reefs with the occasional opportunity to catch them around the passes in May, June and July on the full and new moon tide phases as they search for crabs flushing on the outgoing tides. Stalking them on the flats is mostly a Florida Keys thing, but is very exciting and something to add to your bucket list. Permit as large as 40 to 50 pounds are possible with fish in the 15 to 25-pound range much more common. Small live crabs are by far the best bait. Never head offshore without at least a couple of crabs in the well. Dead pieces of crabs will also work from time to time and they have been known to, at times, take a live shrimp. Small hooks on light leader work best. I use my 30-pound class Bull Bay spinning rod (medium action fast tip) and team it up with a Quantum Smoke 50 spinning reel with 30-pound Spiderwire Ultracast Invisabraid and a 25 or 30-pound fluorocarbon leader. The offshore water in the summer can be very clean, so dropping down to even a 20-pound fluorocarbon leader can help at times. Getting the fish away from the wrecks and structure, after hook up, can be the hardest part. They are amazingly strong and great fighters. The beach is where I target my big snook, as this is the time of year they go there to spawn. Big snook in the 40-inch class are
getting harder to catch these days on Florida’s west coast, as last years red tide put a hurting on them. However, July on the beach is probably your best bet. Live freelined pilchards, threadfin herring or pinfish will all work well as do dead baits such as ladyfish and mullet fished on the bottom due to the high water temps. Normally, the water in July is very clean. Try to use as light a leader as you can get away with (25 to 30-pound fluorocarbon leader is my normal go to). You want a rod with some back bone, as really big snook will battle you and their sand paper like mouth will wear through your leader. Getting them to the boat as quickly as you can is a must. Remember that this is spawning season. So, get a quick pic and then put them back into the water. Target the passes and areas of good moving water for best results. Adding permit and big snook to your summer catch list will create memories that will last a lifetime! Catch Capt. Michael Anderson every Saturday morning on News CH8 at 6:30am for the Reel Animals Fishing Show and Saturdays for Reel Animals Saturday on 970WFLA from 6:00am to 8:00am and Sunday mornings on AM620 for the TA Mahoney Co. Reel Animals Radio Show from 7am to 9am. Or, to book a trip call 1-866-Gamefish.
16 TAMPA | JULY 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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RECIPE OF THE MONTH SALMON WITH BROCCOLI & HOLLANDAISE SAUCE BY: MICHELLE ATKINS
Ingredients: • Salmon filet • Broccoli heads • 1stick of butter • 1 lemon • 4 egg yolks
Directions: Bring water to a boil. Place broccoli in water and leave until bright green. Remove from heat and let sit. To make the sauce, separate the yolks from the whites. Set whites aside. Whip the yolks. Melt
one stick of butter in microwave or on the stove. Squeeze juice of one lemon in whipped yolks. Using a double boiler, set heat on stove at medium. Place yolks in double boiler. I mix my eggs in mine. Take butter and slowly add to egg yolks while stirring. The mixture will thicken and blend. If it should become too thick just add a tablespoon of water. Do not let egg cook. Remove from heat and let sit. To cook the salmon, put heat to medium-high. Place salmon, skin-side up, in the skillet. Cook until golden brown (about four minutes). Turn salmon over and heat until it feels firm to the touch (about three minutes or more if you want the skin crisp). I like it this way. Spoon your sauce over the fish and broccoli. Garnish with fresh dill for color and taste. If you are following a Keto or Atkins type diet, this fits the bill. If not you can add rice or potatoes. Enjoy.
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PASCO COUNTY BY: CAPT. BOBBY CARROLL
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t’s no secret that this time of year the snook are on the beaches! The trick to getting these fish to eat is going to be influenced more by tidal movement than the time of day. They are feeding during the stronger of the daily tides and when they start to eat, you’ll be catching them nonstop! This is when everyone wants to catch their “personal best.” You can use any of your favorite live baits this time of year. Snook aren’t picky at all--they just want something to eat! For your stronger tidal movement, rig your bait on a small knocker rig to keep it down in one place. For slower tidal movement, you can freeline it. Use 15 to 20-pound braid paired up with 40-pound fluorocarbon leader and a 3/0 to 4/0 hook. Even though these fish are in the open, you’ll still want to use a quality leader to prevent you from losing your trophy. I really like using a brand called Team Fishline. It seems to be a very abrasion resistant leader along with being affordable for every angler. As far as the artificial side of things goes for these fish, use either a Flair Hawk jig made by GSJ, or a jerkbait rigged on a 1/4 jig and bounce it off the bottom. Those two artificial baits should do the trick. Especially at early morning
or in the dark. Redfish are schooled up in great numbers this time of year. The trick to catching them is to get on them at the lower tides. With the waters being 90-plus degrees, these fish like shade just like we do. Find your flats with seagrass and bars at the lower tides and, as the tide rises, you’ll want to have your high tide spot chummed up. That scent in the water will keep those fish drawn out and prevent them from going deep into the mangroves. Grouper season opened June 1st, and it has been a great bite for the offshore guys. We have gotten reports of a boat’s limit being caught within an hour of the trip. Find your bottom that has good ledges and big peaks. For bait, drop down pinfish, grunt or sardines. Remember, the bigger the tide the better the bite. It’s just like inshore fishing. Cobia have been hanging around, but not in the same numbers as the spring. I like setting up around any structure and dropping out chum bags. You’ll have to get through some sharks, but with some patience the cobia should swim right into the chum slick and make for an easy target. Any cut bait works for them as they tend to be on the lazier side when they are looking for a meal. Don’t forget that snook, redfish and trout are all closed until at least May 2020. So, practice your catch and release so we can have a great fishery in our future! To book a charter with Captain Bobby Carroll and the Florida Fishing Experience please call (727) 271-3257
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM | JULY 2019 | TAMPA 19
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ST. PETE REPORT BY: CAPT. ANTHONY CORCELLA
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his Month We Are Writing About Something New-Barramundi Fishing in Florida. No, you don’t need to travel to Australia to battle these hard fighting fish. Florida angler Jay Shinn recently fished The Pit at Osceola Outback Adventures in Central Florida. He is the first angler to land a Barramundi on the Pocket Change colored Get’Em shad by High Water Fishing Lures. What is a barramundi you might ask? Well, according to Osceola Outback Adventures, they are native to Australia. These exotic super fish possess all the best qualities of our native sportfish. Weighing up to a hundred pounds, they strike with the tenacity of a largemouth bass, fight with the power of a snook and soar through the air like tarpon. That sounds like the perfect apex predator and the perfect target for some epic light tackle battles. The barramundi will hit all lures and live baits presented to them. The hits can be bone jarringly hard as these ferocious fish try to rip the rod from your grasp. Osceola Outback Adventures is located in Central Florida just 45 minutes from the Orlando airport, Disney and other attractions. Osceola Outback
Adventures is the only licensed barramundi fishing operation in North America. In fact, they are the only location in the northern and western hemispheres of the world where anglers can fish for barramundi. Their property is a working catch and release fish farm and they are stocked so that no angler goes home until they’re tired of catching them! In fact, most anglers will catch more fish here than on any other trip in their life. That sounds like a dream trip to all of us here on the Pocket Change team. Check out their web page and make sure to follow Pocket Change on Facebook to see our results from fishing the Pit and all of our local trips for snook, redfish, snapper, grouper, tarpon and more. Tight lines and no break offs. What makes our charter service unique is that we cater to disabled veterans and wheel chair bound clients! Our boat is able to accommodate wheelchairs and is ADA compliant. IF YOU’RE A DISABLED VETERAN YOUR TRIP IS FREE!!! This is our way we give back to our veterans. Capt. Anthony Corcella Pocket Change Inshore Fishing Charter 727-432-6446 www.fishtampacharters.com Check us out on Facebook
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HOW MANY
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By Rene J. Hesse • Photo by Nick Carter
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ou know the visual image of fly casting. The line flows back and forth with beautiful loops in a cadence that flows like a willow in a breeze. It is an image that draws people into the sport, and I really enjoy watching it applied correctly. Needless false casting, however, can create all kinds of issues. What is the right amount of false casts? It depends. The short answer to the question is to use the minimum necessary to make the cast work. So, if you can make one back cast and then send the fly to the target, that is the best you could do. But that’s not always easy. A fixed distance cast with a generally short retrieve over and over lends itself to that type cast, as in working a bank with a bass bug every few feet or working a trout run over and over. However, if you are changing distances or changing directions, generally you will need to make a few false casts to pull it off. The general thought process is that three false casts will be enough to cover a change of distance, zeroing in on a target, changing direction or drying a fly. The pick up and back cast starts the series. Slipping line for a change-of-distance cast is done on the false casts. Sizing up the target and loop for the target-shot is done while false casting. Repositioning the rod on the back cast for the change of direction happens when we false cast. The delivery cast should be set up by the pick up and the first false cast. The importance of the false cast can’t be stressed enough, so just picking up the line and waving it in the air without specific thought behind the purpose is not a good idea. The more the line is waving in the air, the more things can go wrong. Giving some thought to the next sequence of casts before you start will really help your casting.
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THE LONGEST FISH EVER IN MINNESOTA
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wo Minneapolis anglers can now claim the longest fish ever caught on record in Minnesota. Darren Troseth and John Kimble pulled a huge, 78-inch-long lake sturgeon through a hole in the ice on the St. Croix River this winter. MDNR recently certified it as a new catch-and-release state record. Estimated to weigh about 120 pounds, the more than 6-foot-long monster is not only the longest lake sturgeon caught on record, it’s the longest fish - period. MDNR’s Shannon Fisher said the fish could be about 100 years old, which is not unusual for this long-lived and slow-growing species. It is, however, unusual for a sturgeon of this size to come from Minnesota waters, where the species had nearly vanished by the early 1900s. For decades, lake sturgeon have been protected in Minnesota and many other states. A rebounding population allowed the Minnesota to open the species for catch-and-release fishing in 2013. The IGFA world record lake sturgeon weighed 168 pounds. It was caught from Ontario, Canada’s Georgian Bay in 1982. A larger fish, which is recognized by Wisconsin as the largest lake sturgeon ever caught in the U.S., was caught out of the state’s Wolf River in 2012. That fish was 87.5 inches long and weighed 240 pounds. It was estimated to be 125 years old.
LAKE ERIE WALLEYE ACTION EXPECTED TO BE OUTSTANDING
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ased on recent trends, fisheries managers are predicting a record year for walleye anglers on Lake Erie. If you’ve ever wanted to get in on the action, now is the time to go. According to the Ohio DNR, the summer months typically provide the best walleye fishing of the year, and this summer could surpass last summer’s record success for anglers. In 2018, walleye were harvested at the highest rates recorded in nearly 40 years. More than 40 percent of walleye trips produced a limit for anglers. On average, anglers caught and kept a walleye for every 75 minutes of fishing. “Walleye anglers can expect fishing that rivals a boom that began in 2006 and lasted several years following the exceptional 2003 hatch,” said Scott Hale, administrator of fisheries management for the Division of Wildlife. “The recent procession of good hatches points to an outstanding decade that has just begun.” Four excellent walleye hatches between 2014-2018 point to a bright fishing season for Lake Erie, the “Walleye Capital of the World.” The 2019 walleye population is estimated to be 45 million fish ages 2 and older, with a projection exceeding 120 million fish for 2020.
Photo courtesy of OakleyOriginals/flickr
“If you have ever thought about going out fishing on Lake Erie, now is the time,” said Capt. Paul Pacholski, president of the Lake Erie Charter Boat Association. “With the recent walleye hatches we have had the past few years, fishing has been incredible.” Walleye anglers are mostly catching abundant 4- to 5-year-old fish that average 19 to 21 inches and are as large as 26 inches. Anglers should release sub-legal fish with as little handling as possible so they can contribute to the fishery in the future. The daily walleye limit is six fish with a 15-inch minimum length limit. Updated Lake Erie fishing reports are available at wildohio.gov or by calling 888-HOOKFISH (888466-5347). For more information, visit wildohio.gov.
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Florida Angler Achieves 50-Fish Milestone Allision Stattner’s big wahoo was the 50th species caught on her Saltwater Fish Life List.
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llison Stattner is an accomplished angler. She has a pending 130.2-pound tarpon world record on fly and is featured in the new book “Fifty Women Who Fish.” Recently, she added another accomplishment to her list by becoming the first—and only—angler to join FWC’s 50-Fish Club. The milestone recognizes an astounding number of fish species Stattner has checked off in her Saltwater Fish Life List.
“Reaching the 50-Fish Club was definitely a fun challenge!” said Stattner. “I had to take into account seasonality, location within Florida, varied baits and, most importantly, log a lot of time on the water. Some of my catches were from the beach, pier, kayak and offshore headboats. Thank you to FWC and the sponsors of the Catch a Florida Memory program for recognizing angler accomplishments and encouraging me to be a better angler!” Stattner rounded out her Life List achievement with a whopping 42-inch wahoo as her 50th fish. She chose to memorialize the catch in a replica mount she’ll receive as a prize from Mount This! Fish Company. While her enthusiasm for spending time on the water is clear, she is equally passionate about teaching younger generations how to fish, including her own daughter who is a Life List 10-Fish Club member. Want to get in on the action? You can win a replica fish mount from Mount This! Fish Company when you submit catches by July 31 and are the first angler to qualify for the Reefs and Rubble Grand Slam (gag, gray triggerfish and black sea bass all caught in 24 hours) or the angler whose Reel Big Fish most exceeds its qualifying length. Plus, Catch a Florida Memory is teaming up with events like the Pensacola Fishing Rodeo and Lake Worth Lagoon Fishing Challenge to give you even more to chances to win. Grab your friends and family for some fishing fun, make some memories and win a few prizes while you’re at it. Catch a Florida Memory challenges anglers to target a diverse range of species in Florida, reducing pressure on the most commonly sought-after catches. Successful anglers receive a prize pack including a T-shirt, certificate and tumbler, and the prizes get hotter from there. Participate today by visiting CatchaFloridaMemory. com. Anglers do not have to harvest their fish to be eligible for prizes and are encouraged to use proper fish handling techniques. For information, visit CatchaFloridaMemory.com, email AnglerRecogntion@MyFWC.com or call (850) 487-0554.
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By Capt. Tim Barefoot
don’t want to sound like I disapprove of harvesting fish, but we should all do our best to use fish as a sustainable form of entertainment and food. De-hookers and barbless or circle hooks minimize the time trauma for fish at boatside. I catch quite a few fish I want to release as healthy as possible due to size, creel limits and seasons, as well as fish that are heavy with roe. There are many ways to accomplish the release without ever touching the fish at all. A quality de-hooker with a T handle provides full control of the fish and hook when using barbless circle hooks. With quite a few species, dozens of fish are caught per trip, and being able to take care of the smaller fish helps those fish survive to sexual maturity. Hopefully they’ll have at least one successful spawn, which ensures the future fishery. There are other species like speckled trout that are effortless to release with a barbless jig hook. You can simply give trout slack line at the boat, and they will release themselves. Or just grab the jig head and barely push backward, allowing the trout to swim away without ever being touched. Too may times, I’ve seen young or uninformed anglers struggle with fish at boatside. It’s even worse when a fish intended for release is hooked deep with a barbed jig or J hook. I try to be courteous and inform the angler on how to use the de-hooker and/or barbless hooks in the future. Another way to reduce the possibility of deep hooking is to use more soft plastic baits. I’ve found that Gulp! baits work great with circle hooks, as well. Because they are impregnated with scent, fish tend to keep Gulp! baits in their mouths much longer than standard soft plastics. I’ve found that using Pro Cure Shrimp flavor on my soft plastic shrimp jigs has a similar effect. All fish have great senses of smell and taste, and a bag of soft plastic baits typically smells or tastes like… plastic. This is the reason Pro Cure Shrimp is a no-brainer. Everything in the water eats a shrimp. I typically keep a shrimp tied on the jig rod, and a shrimp on the cork rod. Speaking of smell and taste, if you smoke, consider how the smell of cigarettes on you hands affects the smell of the soft plastics you use. In closing, I’d like to encourage all the parents and role models out there to set a good example of how to properly release fish and how to use all the tools available to release fish as healthy as possible. Make your own videos to inform friends about how to accomplish this, or share some of my videos. To see my videos, go to www.barefootcatsandtackle.com. For a look at the South Chatham Tackle Dehooker, see https//m.youtube.com/watch?v=99MFTHkdTVw&t=98s.
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BOAT REVIEW Yamaha 19-foot 190 FSH
SPECIFICATIONS 2019 190 FSH Series
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Single 1.8L High Output Yamaha marine engine (190 FSH Series) Displacement: 1812cc
DEAD RISE: 18o FUEL CAPACITY: 40 gallons, regular unleaded
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Yamaha Goes Big With Their New 19-foot Center Console When Yamaha Boats entered the center console category in 2015 with their first gen 19-foot 190 FSH, skeptics questioned if Yamaha could compete in the segment in the same way the “Rev Your Heart” brand dominates the 19-foot, 21-foot, and 24-foot bowrider category. Just three years later, Yamaha clapped back by winning Boating Magazine’s coveted Boat of the Year honor with their 21-foot 210 FSH. For 2019, Yamaha upped the ante with a complete refresh of the 190 FSH Series. Yamaha’s 19’ center console boats return with an all-new deck and hull design that is 3 inches longer and 2 inches wider than previous year models. With the added space, Yamaha engineers increased storage capacity and improved overall functionality. From bow to stern, there is not another 19’ center console boat as spacious or more comfortable. Under the waterline, the longer, wider hull is designed for added comfort too, favoring characteristics that reduce bow rise when accelerating and hull packing when operating in choppy water conditions. Another significant improvement included on all Yamaha boats for 2019 is a new V-shaped reverse bucket that enhances handling when in reverse, a redesigned Articulating Keel that reduces drag, and a new compliment of corrosion resistance measures to protect the jet pump and surrounding driveline parts. The new V-Bucket works by diverting water thrust laterally (not down) to take advantage of the benefits of side thrust. The redesigned Articulating Keel is thinner and with tighter tolerances to reduce drag while maintaining all its low-speed handling benefits. And to increase corrosion resistance to the jet pump and surrounding driveline parts, a three-step process that combines Alumite, a ceramic coating, and expoxy paint has been added. Most Usable Deck Layout Ever in a 19’ Center Console Starting at the bow, the storage compartments are larger and open wider than
before. To help keep tackle and other essentials organized, Plano storage trays are integrated into the new portside mini-pod storage compartment, and on the starboard side, the mini pod opens into a huge storage area. These padded mini pods also serve as convenient ingress and egress points. The bow platform is wider than previous models, and the bow platform hatch is wider too, providing better access and more light for stowing or retrieving gear. The bench seat and front of the center console lifts up to reveal an extra deep, large storage area that can also serve as a changing room or head compartment, thanks to the curtain enclosure included on Deluxe and Sport models. The entryway to this compartment is redesigned to make ingress and egress easier. This compartment can also store equipment and recreational items and offers convenient access to the backside of the helm for easy service and installation of aftermarket marine electronics. On the sides of the center console are six vertical rod holders, three on each side. Four additional rod holders are located under the gunnels on the port and starboard sides. With the addition of four flush-mount rod holders on the deck, there are 14 rod holders across the boat. The Sport version adds four more rocket launchers on the T-top. The helm is thoughtfully designed with a simple-to-remove windshield for low profile storage, a stainless steel sports steering wheel, easy access to all boat control switches, a locking glove box and an open area to flush mount electronics such as a fishfinder, GPS unit, and other marine electronics. Also included is Yamaha’s 4.3” touchscreen Connext control system featuring a brand-new user interface in 2019, and conveniently-placed rocker switches for Yamaha’s No Wake Mode and Cruise Assist, along with bilge, horn and other vital functions.
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FISH & FISHING
SINKER SENSE
MARK SOSIN
P
resentation holds the key to catching fish. That cardinal rule proves just as valid for critters that hunker down on the sea floor as it does for more glamorous denizens in the upper level of the water column. If a bait isn’t in the zone where the fish happen to be or if it doesn’t behave in a natural and realistic manner, it will be ignored. Sinkers are a vital aspect of fishing success. Their mission goes well beyond the task of simply dragging a bait to the bottom or some midpoint in the water column. View them as part of the total presentation package. That includes such factors as sink rate, whether it anchors a bait or allows it to drift, and as an aid in casting. If you’re going to troll, sinkers help to adjust the depth at which each bait or lure is moving through the water. With very few exceptions, select the lightest sinker that will carry your offering to the bottom or the desired depth. Don’t assume that if 1 ounce does the job, 2 ounces are better. Not only do heavier weights keep the bait or lure from looking like a tempting morsel, they make the hook-up process more difficult. Remember that when an unsuspecting fish inhales an offering, it must drag the sinker along before the hook will embed in its jaw. Line diameter plays a major role in determining the weight of the sinker you will need. Generally, the finer the diameter of the line you are using, the less weight you need to achieve the same results in a given situation. As an example, the bottom bouncer who insists on using 30-pound test line needs a heavier sinker than someone using 20-pound test. Sinker shape helps to determine sink rate. The fastest, freefalling sinkers have the weight concentrated at the bottom, tend to be very compact and are streamlined. It’s important to note, however, that fast-falling sinkers have a tendency to cause the
hook and tag end of the leader to wrap around the standing part during the drop. In most situations, it proves more effective if the sinker will drift across the bottom rather than anchor the rig in one place. If you’re trolling, sinker choice should include enough weight to keep the bait or lure at the preferred depth. No assortment of sinkers is complete without split shots, bullet weights, pinch-ons, and twist-ons. These can be added very easily to make minor adjustments to the weight of the primary sinker. Sinkers come in many different shapes, and each shape has a specific purpose. It’s important to choose a shape designed to do the job you expect. The right sinker for the task at hand will increase your catch rate significantly, and that’s the easiest way to turn an average day on the water into a memorable one.
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he much -anticipated red snapper season in the south Atlantic waters of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida opens in July. Based on Photo courtesy of Miss Judy Charters, landings from www.missjudycharters.com last year’s six-day season, the limited opening has been cut to just five days for 2019. Anglers will be sure to have plenty of company on the reefs, as everyone scrambles to get in on their share of the action. The bag limit is one red snapper per person, per day, and captains and crews of for-hire vessels may retain the recreational bag limit. There is no minimum or maximum size limit. Harvest will be allowed on the following days: • July 12, 13 and 14 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) – The recreational season opens at 12:01 a.m., local time, on July 12 and closes at 12:01 a.m., local time, on July 15. • July 19 and 20 (Friday and Saturday) – The recreational season opens again at 12:01 a.m., local time, on July 19 and closes at 12:01 a.m., local time, on July 21.
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EXPERIENCE THE
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s responsible anglers, we want to do everything we can to return bycatch safely. Anyone who’s fished bottoms deeper than 30 feet has probably experienced the “floating fish syndrome.” This is caused by barotrauma, an expansion of the fish’s air bladder as they are brought up from depth. Signs of barotrauma include eyes popping, stomach extending out of the mouth, intestines extending out of the anus and bloating. These fish will not be able to descend upon release and are subject to predation. Thanks to a NOAA grant, the South Carolina Wildlife Federation has partnered with the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council to develop an interactive online tutorial detailing fish-handling and release techniques
that give fish the best chance of survival. In 2018, anglers fishing waters of the Atlantic from North Carolina to Florida released more than 2 million red snapper. Even a 5 percent increase in survivorship would save 100,000 red snapper a year. All those surviving fish would remain in the stock. The South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council includes bycatch mortality as part of their population estimates that determine seasons and catch limits. Best fishing practices detailed in the tutorial are a great way of reducing mortality, which means there will be more fish in the water for future fishing opportunities. Take the online tutorial and enhance your future fishing opportunities at: https://safmc. net/bestpracticestutorial/story_ html5.html. Complete the tutorial (about 20 minutes) and sign the pledge to be eligible for a free SeaQualizer descending device of you fish the South Atlantic.
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usage tips, transmission bursts and battery power. It lets you know it’s working and that assistance will arrive soon. With military durability, this lifesaving little gadget will be there if you need it. And it’s simple to use, even under duress. With one hand, flip up the antenna and press the red button to activate. Anywhere in the world, a powerful signal and a multiple-satellite system alerts responders to your location within 350 feet, in five minutes or less, 95 percent of the time. An ultra-bright strobe as well as an infra-red strobe, for night vision, will guide rescuers the rest of the way. At about 5 inches long and weighing just 5 ounces, the ResQLink View is unobtrusive. It clips snugly to a backpack or lifejacket. ResQLink View provides ultimate peace of mind, and it could save your life.
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Dexter’s white handle fillet knives are in more fishermen’s hands than any other brand. The white handle SOFGRIP is ergonomically perfect, slip-free and gives you complete control when filleting your catch. SOFGRIP knives feature DEXSTEEL blades, which are highcarbon, high alloy and stain free. These blades are ultra-sharp out of the package, maintain their edge, re-sharpen easily and have just right flexibility to glide over bones. Dexter SOFGRIP knives come in a variety of different sizes, shapes
and flex so you can find the perfect knife to clean your fish. Dexter also manufactures other lines of knives featuring different type handles, from the Traditional wood to the UR-Cut custom moldable handle. All Dexter knives have been made in the U.S.A. for 201 years. You can find Dexter knives at your local or online retailer and can be viewed at dexteroutdoors.com. Follow Dexter Outdoors on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Dexteroutdoors.com
MONSTER BROWN CAUGHT ON WHITE RIVER
Y
ou don’t see a brown trout like this one every day. This massive and battle-scarred bruiser was caught and released by Paden Flippen on Arkansas’ White River below Bull Shoals Dam on June 14. The 36.7-pound monster was a fitting present for the angler, who celebrated his 24th birthday that day. The White River is well known for producing gigantic trout. This system of hatchery-supported tailwaters has the food sources and habitat for rainbow, brown, brook and even cutthroat trout to reach almost unbelievable sizes. Flippin guides for Cotter Trout Dock and said he and other guides had been tracking this big brown for more than a year. If he had decided to keep it for certification, Flippen’s big trout would have fallen just shy of the state record, which is held by a 40-pound, 4-ounce beast that was caught from the Little Red River back in 1992. That fish, caught by Rip Collins, was the world record up until 2013, when an angler in New Zealand caught a 42-pound, 1-ounce brown trout.
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FLY FISHING
DEXTER WHITE HANDLE FILLET KNIFE
FLY FISHING
FE
few inches until it can deliver the fly ever so softly. Always carry extra spools of leader material to meet this problem. Once again, your leader length is often determined by the fishing conditions. If the wind is howling and you are having a difficult time rolling over your fly, shorten the leader. If conditions are glass-slick, the fish will be spooky. You will need a much longer cast, so lengthen your leader and reduce the size and weight of your fly.
THE BASIC SALTWATER LEADER: THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT The leader is the connection between fisherman and fish. If tied incorrectly, not only will it be difficult to cast, it will also be responsible for losing saltwater gamefish. I prefer a 9-foot leader when fishing saltwater, although there are occasions when a 10-foot leader is needed. A good leader can turn over the large, heavy flies used in saltwater fly fishing. I will often start my day with a longer leader, and reduce its length depending on the demands of weather conditions and efficiency in properly delivering the fly. The leader is a simple equation: 4x3x2. I have found this the preferred method to construct a solid saltwater leader: • 4 feet of 40-pound stiff mono; • 3 feet of 30-pound mono, and • 2 feet of 20-pound mono. This system works well with lighter tippets as well. If I need to add a lighter tippet, I shorten the heavy 40-pound butt section to keep the overall leader length 9 feet, adding the light tippet to the 20-pound test on the fly end of the leader. How the fly lands on the water is important. You want the fly to land as softly as a whisper. If, however, your leader is too long, a heavy fly will hit the water as loudly as a thrown rock. The noise will alert every fish in the vicinity. I usually solve this problem by shortening the leader and cutting off a
There are times when a shorter leader is needed. The short leader makes it easier to cast a heavy fly into the wind. I will often shorten leaders to fewer than 7 feet when dealing with very strong winds. It’s good to remember that shallow-water fish are less spooky under windy conditions. Therefore, they will often swim within close range of the angler without being spooked. I believe the wind and the distortion it creates on the water’s surface acts as a barrier to the world above the surface, making the fish feel more secure. I’ve witnessed this on many occasions when tarpon, redfish and permit swim within a rod’s length of me while the wind was blowing 20 knots.
photo by Nick Carter
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*93238169 * 93238169
LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 11/3/19*
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 11/3/19*
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 11/3/19*
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 11/3/19*
SUPER COUPON
HEAVY DUTY FOLDABLE ALUMINUM SPORTS CHAIR NOW
$1 9
200 LUMENS LED SUPER BRIGHT FLIP LIGHT • Wireless, tool-free and easy installation
99
Customer Rating ng
4
$ 49
SAVE $ 2999 50%
COMPARE TO
COLEMAN
$
39
99
MODEL: 2000020293
Customer Rating
ITEM 62314/63066/66383 shown
$2
4
MODEL: SW-SWITCH-12/24
Customer Rating AVAIL. IN SM,
SAVE $ 421
99
COMPARE TO
MECHANIC'S GLOVES
• Weighs 83.65 lbs. • 21" L x 10-1/8" H
SUPER COUPON
MED, LG, XL, XXL
NOW
PROMIER $ 99
12,000 LB. TRUCK/SUV WINCH
9
COMPARE TO
WARN $ 99
SAVE 40%
720
MODEL: 96820
ITEM 64189/64723/63922 shown
Customer Rating
$
399
99
ITEM 64045/64046/63770 shown
5
$ 99 NOW
$299
99
COMPARE TO
VALEO $ 99
14
MODEL: 25521
NOW
$499
SAVE 66%
ITEM 62434, 62426, 62433, 62432, 62429, 64178, 64179, 62428 shown
*93238373 * 93238373
*93239479 * 93239479
*93239523 * 93239523
*93239589 * 93239589
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 11/3/19*
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 11/3/19*
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 11/3/19*
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 11/3/19*
At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM I JULY 2019 advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within I the NATIONAL past 90 days. Prices advertised25 by others
*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 11/3/19.
hft_coastalangler_0719_M-REG163329.indd 1
may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.
6/3/19 11:49 AM
CAT TRAILER Headquarters
Some description here
Some description here
World’s Original Manufacturer of Aluminum Immersible Boat Trailers.
Now Offering Catamaran Trailers. 772-562-5114 www.floatonparts.com 26
NATIONAL
I
JULY 2019
I
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
Return Of A
LEGEND!
Inshore, Offshore, Fish More!
SeaCatBoats.com
.
228-206-4042
ICAST BOOTH #3934