FREE
TAMPA BAY EDITION
Boats And Motors Edition Celebrating Our
Local
Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events
PHOTO COURTESY OF LEONARD BRYANT PHOTOGRAPHY VOLUME 23 • ISSUE 280
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM
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O P P O R T U N I T I E S
A V A I L A B L E
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THE LIGHTEST PENN REEL EVER MADE The Lightest PENN Reel Ever Made. The all new Conflict II matches an extremely light weight design with PENN’s legendary durability. Featuring our RR30 body, CNC Gear Technology and HT-100 Drag system, the Conflict II is the ultimate inshore reel.
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Living the life of a FAMILY MAN and a FISHERMAN BUILT FOR THAT
210 FSH ® SERIES Go where no other boat has gone before. With powerful twin TR-1® Yamaha Marine Engines, ample storage and comfortable bow seating, the all-new 210 FSH provides the shallow-water capability to get to those hard-to-reach fishing spots and the versatility to enjoy watersports with your family.
210 FSH®
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YA M A H A B OAT S . C O M
©2018 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. Follow instructional materials and obey all laws. Drive responsibly, wearing protective apparel. Always drive within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvers, and respect others around you. Don’t drink COASTALANGLERMAG.COM and drive. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT YAMAHABOATS.COM CALL 1.800.88.YAMAHA. • THEANGLERMAG.COM JUNEOR 2018 NATIONAL 3
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Ten Years Old (Young)
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FLORIDA
BIG BEND : Mike McNamara • (850) 510-7919 • captmike@coastalanglermagazine.com BREVARD : Chris Milner • (321) 631-1001 • cmilner@coastalanglermagazine.com FLORIDA KEYS : Cliff Lumpkin • (305) 849-9093 • cliff@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT LAUDERDALE : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT MYERS : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER ORLANDO : Phillip & Giselle Wolf • (407) 790-9515 • phillip@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER MIAMI : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com LAKELAND & SUMTER : Mary Brasher • (352) 598-4219 • maryf@coastalanglermagazine.com NAPLES : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com NC FLORIDA/NATURE COAST : Cary & Lynn Crutchfield • (352) 372-4237 • crutch@coastalanglermagazine.com NE FLORIDA : Danny Patrick • (904) 742-4696 • danny@coastalanglermagazine.com PANAMA CITY/FORGOTTEN COAST : Randy Cnota • (229) 834-7880 • randyc@coastalanglermagazine.com PALM BEACH COUNTY : Barbara Ryan • (561) 373-8040 • barbara@coastalanglermagazine.com SARASOTA : Phil Prevoir • (239) 257-4684 • pprevoir@coastalanglermagazine.com TAMPA BAY : Chuck Atkins • (239) 464-5153 • chuck@coastalanglermagazine.com TREASURE COAST : Misti & Gary Guertin • (772) 285-6850 • treasurecoast@coastalanglermagazine.com
flahama@coastalanglermagazine.com
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ATLANTA : Bob & Brenda Rice • (706) 614-8231 • bobr@theanglermagazine.com CHARLESTON : Sam Buckareff • (843) 607-8629 • sam@coastalanglermagazine.com CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT : Doug Simmons • (704) 361-6189 • simmons@theanglermagazine.com
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COLUMBIA/MIDLANDS : John Lux • (803) 807-6885 • jlux@theanglermagazine.com MYRTLE BEACH : Mike Masiero • (732) 674-3019 • mmasiero@coastalanglermagazine.com TIDEWATER/OUTER BANKS : John Tiger • (757) 707-9654 • john.tiger@coastalanglermagazine.com
Laura Tiger • (757) 707-9655 • laura@coastalanglermagazine.com
WESTERN NC : Debra & Joe Woody • (828) 775-9663 • woody@theanglermagazine.com WILMINGTON/MOREHEAD : Kenny Ritter • (910) 550-9094 • kenny@coastalanglermagazine.com
NORTHEAST BOSTON : George Regan • (617) 488-2842 • boston@coastalanglermagazine.com LONG ISLAND : Lisa & Michael Danforth • (203) 321-7635 • lisad@coastalanglermagazine.com CONNECTICUT/RHODE ISLAND : Lisa & Michael Danforth • (203) 321-7635 lisad@coastalanglermagazine.com
GULF COAST MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST : Adam Nelson • (228) 627-5903 • anelson@coastalanglermagazine.com
Toby Nelson • (228) 623-1761 • tnelson@coastalanglermagazine.com
BEN MARTIN EDITOR IN CHIEF
Dear Reader, Ten years ago, a new publishing concept was born. At that time, the idea that a magazine could somehow become a franchise offering was so unique that at first it was difficult to explain. How could a fishing magazine have more than one edition each month? How could someone without years of publishing experience and substantial capital successfully launch a new magazine? Not just a magazine, but a fishing magazine, and not just a fishing magazine, but a free fishing magazine? Free? What? Ten years ago, we began developing the concept of a franchise publishing system that would allow outdoor enthusiasts the rare opportunity to publish a localized fishing magazine as a professionals. Today there are over 30 editions of Coastal Angler and its interior freshwater component The Angler Magazine throughout the continental U.S., Costa Rica and the Virgin Islands. Every month all over the country local co-publishers work with professional guides and charter captains to share their knowledge of what’s biting where, when, and how with you, our reader! It’s reliable intel that anyone who loves to fish would benefit from reading. And guess what? There’s a lot of people who like to fish. The purpose that this fishing magazine serves cannot be denied, and that’s why there are over 30 separate editions of this magazine being published every month. It is our pleasure, our honor, to present this fishing magazine to you at no cost each month. We actually earn a living by helping to spread the word about fishing. What a great concept. Just like you, we love fishing, boating and the outdoors. In fact, we’re absolutely wild about it. It’s all we want to do. It’s truly amazing how much we all love fishing. Love it. We do, you do, millions of people do! That’s why ten years ago we knew one fishing magazine was not enough. We are proud to be celebrating our 10 year anniversary this month. Our sincerest thank you goes out to all of our co-publishing partners, the guides and charter captains who write for the magazine, the businesses who support the magazine and make it possible for us to continue providing it for free and most importantly to you, our reader. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to produce this FREE fishing magazine each month. For more information on Coastal Angler and The Angler Magazine franchise opportunities, visit http://franchise.coastalanglermag.com/ or call 888-800-9794.
ALABAMA/PENSACOLA : Paul Caruso • (239) 980-7738 • paul@coastalanglermagazine.com
GREAT LAKES WEST MICHIGAN : Phil Belsito • (616) 957-1714 • phil@theanglermagazine.com
INTERNATIONAL PUERTO RICO/VIRGIN ISLANDS : Ace Bassue • (407) 285-9453 • ace@coastalanglermagazine.com COSTA RICA : Mike Erickson • (561) 262-2242 • mike@coastalanglermagazine.com © 2018. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Disclaimer: Coastal Angler Magazine / The Angler Magazine will not be held liable for injuries incurred while partaking in activities described herein, or for claims made against products or services provided by advertisers. SAFETY
Franchise.CoastalAnglerMag.com
1-888-800-9794 Franchise opportunities available worldwide.
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WHO CARES ABOUT INSANELY CLEAR SONAR? DOESN’T EVERYONE?
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NO 26
The best fishing stories start with you getting away.
PINE ISLAND SOUND, FL
Islandology is our way of life. It’s trying a new, secluded spot and finding no matter what you catch – you’re hooked. Plan your trip at FortMyers-Sanibel.com
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POWERFUL FOUR STROKE
OUR MOST
POWER AND SPEED
WHEN & WHERE YOU NEED IT
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BFT250, 225, and 200 bring a large displacement 3.5 liter V6. This narrow V6 design offers great torque and top end performance, as well as magnificent fuel econemy.
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Boat Accessories Product Reviews INTERLUX MICRON WA ANTIFOULING PAINT
DEXTER VORTEX TRAILER HUBS
Micron WA (Water-Activated) is the latest addition to the AkzoNobel’s Interlux industry leading Micron Technology product range. It is a showcase antifouling paint that offers longlasting, multi-seasonal protection in a waterbased formulation. Micron WA combines powerful antifouling performance while reducing impact on the environment, leaving a smooth, clean hull. It is easy to apply with low odor that makes application and clean up easy. This paint is ideal for cruise, power and sailboats and suitable for all waters. Using a novel paint technology called Water Activated Matrix, Micron WA delivers a crisp, vibrant color and uniform appearance to provide a striking, attractive finish, while at the same time efficiently delivering powerful antifouling performance. More information is available at: https://interlux.com/en/us/boat-paint/antifouling/micron-wa
The Vortex lubrication system for marine trailers is designed with towing in mind. Vortex on your trailer axles mean years of service without the hassle of replacing the grease. A great feature that comes with the Vortex is the 100,000-mile or 5-year limited warranty. And, if you are a trailer owner that likes to work on the trailer in the off-season, the Vortex threaded cap screw on/off cap makes it easier than ever to check the bearings. You never have to use a hammer to remove or install the cap. We fill the Vortex hub with Lucas Oil Products Marine Grease, a superior bearing grease that has high heat qualities and is water resistant… even in saltwater! Vortex is available from select OEM trailer manufacturers pre-installed on your new trailer with disc brakes or idler hubs. Vortex hubs can be purchased from marine dealers and marine parts suppliers to replace the old hubs on your trailer. Vortex replacement hub kits are available pre-greased, pre-assembled in clear clamshell packaging, perfect for taking with you in your truck or boat as a spare hub. Depend on quality Dexter Vortex hubs for your trailering experiences.
WWW.INTERLUX.COM
WWW.DEXTERAXLE.COM
ELECTRIC TRAILER DOLLY
SEASTAR SOLUTIONS JACKPLATES
If you own a boat, you know the stress of ParkIt360 Force 10K backing your trailered pride and joy into a tight space. With this in mind, we took it upon ourselves to take Parkit360’s Force 10K electric trailer dolly for a test spin. Right off the bat, we were impressed. Assembly was easy, and by connecting the trailer’s power harness to the Force, we were able to control the trailer’s brakes with the Smart Brake Control System, which provides control and safety on a steep grade. Also, the Bosch-designed electric motor supplied more than enough power to maneuver with little to no effort on the part of the user. The heavy-duty 4”-wide tires maintained traction on concrete as well as gravel and even in wet grass when loaded. The Force dolly proved its functionality regardless of terrain, and that could come in super handy for those parking boats, campers or anything else with a trailer ball where the concrete ends. But the most striking feature of the Force electric trailer dolly was how easy it made maneuvering the boat. With precise and easy-to-use controls, all the stress was taken out of navigating tight corners and turns in forward and reverse. We put the boat into spots we wouldn’t even attempt using a truck. Built of quality materials, powder-coated and compact enough to fit in the trunk of an SUV, Parkit360’s electric trailer dollies are a great tool for anyone who pulls a trailer.
WWW.PARKIT360.CA
With its Gen II Standard and Xtreme jackplates, SeaStar Solutions brings to market improved jackplates that handle up to 300 and 400 hp outboards, respectively, and are easier to install and adjust and stand up better to the marine environment. To handle heavier loads, advanced composite bushings allow for smoother movement of the hydraulic rams when the jackplate is raised or lowered, making SeaStar a superior performing jackplate at all speeds and loads. Both the Seastar Standard and Xtreme are available with 4”, 6”, 8”, 10” and 12” setbacks. Redesigned engine brackets allow mounting of shallow-water anchors on both models without the use of adapter plates. Redesigned engine brackets also improve access to the mounting bolts. Side access has been introduced to make it easier to get a wrench on engine mounting bolts while clearance to access transom mounting bolts has also been opened up, making it easier for one person to install the plate. Installing a SeaStar Jackplate with SeaStar’s ProTap system allows for precise, standardized height adjustment. Key to the ProTap system is the SmartStick sensor, which can easily be installed along the side of the plate. While adding strength and improving access, the new design uses less material for weight reduction of 15 percent over the originals. Thicker MilSpec anodizing of the aluminum frame and lift and effective sacrificial anode mounting points provide improved protection against corrosion.
WWW.SEASTARSOLUTIONS.COM
EAGLE ONE Your boat will get you around on the water, and you can count on the Eagle One to get you around on land. The Eagle One is a sleek, compact vehicle that is packed with features and versatile for all kinds of use. It’s small profile makes storage easy. It is offered with a top or without a top, and also features many other customizable options to suit your own preferences and needs. It’s perfect for cruising the neighborhood, work on the farm, getting around at the docks or riding down to the beach. With seating for two, The Eagle One operates on 36 volts with a top speed of 15 mph. It weighs 672 pounds and has a load capacity of 672 pounds. It measures just 78”x41”x41.5”, so it can be parked out of the way when it’s not in use.
WWW.EAGLEPRODUCTS.US/EAGLE-ONE 12
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ACCESSORIZE YOUR BOAT FOR THE SUMMER SEASON
FILET TABLE
TUMBLER HOLDER
TRIDENT 3-ROD CLUSTER
AVAILABLE IN 2 SIZES
NO DRILLING REQUIRED
AVAILABLE IN STRAIGHT OR OFFSET
AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL MARINE DEALER / RETAILER
800.653.8568 | TACOMARINE.COM
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SeaChaser 27 HFC Specs: LOA: 27’ Beam: 9’6”
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here’s no Weight: 5,300 lbs. need to Max Capacity: 12 people compromise when you can have Fuel Capacity: 181 Gal. the best of both worlds. That’s the Max HP: 500 idea behind the Sea Deadrise: 20 degrees Chaser HFC Series, built by Carolina Skiff. With all the features required by hardcore anglers, the four HFC models are serious fishing boats when it’s time to fish. When it’s time to take the family out on the water, these boats convert easily to offer the comforts and amenities that make them excellent cruising boats as well. It’s all in the name. HFC stands for Hybrid Fish & Cruise. These boats were built from the ground up and designed specifically for the serious angler who is also devoted to family. Anyone who’s ever fished from a Carolina Skiff knows the company has designing fishing boats down pat. Over more than 30 years, they have earned a reputation for building the most durable, versatile, stable and economical boats on the planet. For this reason, there are legions of anglers who wouldn’t own anything but a Carolina Skiff. The Sea Chaser HFC is no exception. With the 20, 22 and 24 HFC, Sea Chaser offers great center consoles for fishing and cruising inshore and nearshore. The latest in the line, launched last year, is the 27 HFC. It has the size and range for blue water, while maintaining the features that make it a comfortable family cruiser suitable for long days on the water. The 27 HFC melds functionality, comfort, style and performance seamlessly. Patented box-beam construction produces a solid, durable wood-free hull with foam flotation that exceeds U.S. Coast Guard requirements. With 100-percent composite construction, it meets stringent durability and dependability standards demanded by Carolina Skiff, and the high-performance step-hull gets the boat up on plane quickly for a smooth, dry ride.
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For an added feeling of safety, it features a 9.6-foot beam with a length overall of 27 feet and a respectable gunwale height. A fuel capacity of 181 gallons feeds up to 500 horses, which is more than enough to get you offshore where the fish are. This boat is loaded with standard features that will keep both your fishing buddies and your kiddos happy. They include: onboard windlass anchor system; wrap-around bow seating with 400-quart insulated storage; two built-in bow cabinets with tackle center and storage drawers; bow-floor 200-quart fish box; under-gunnel retractable wash down hose; molded fiberglass leaning post with 40-gallon baitwell and two tackle centers; rear 30-gallon baitwell; rear sink with stainless steel faucet; rear starboard cabinet with tackle trays and knife holders; freshwater tank with shower spray wand; step-in console with electric flushing head; molded hard top with LED lighting; speakers and electronics box; AM/FM radio with Bluetooth and USB connection; underwater LED lighting; courtesy LED lighting package; electric trim tabs; port side entry door; two rear foldaway bench seats; 12 flush-mounted gunwale stainless steel rod holders; swim platform with step ladder; and a whole lot more. It’s easy to see the 27 HFC was designed with both comfort and fishing functionality in mind. Like all the fine boats in the HFC line, it is the answer for the hardcore angler who doesn’t want to sacrifice on all the other fun stuff one can do out on the water. Check out the SeaChaser HFC series and all of Carolina Skiff ’s other offerings at www.carolinaskiff.com.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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You could get a discount when you combine your auto and boat policies.
geico.com | 1-800-865-4846 | Local Office
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Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. Multi-Policy Discount available to auto insureds that have purchased a boat policy through the GEICO Marine Insurance Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2018 GEICO
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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
Check Out June’s Cover Shot
“Good Call”
Good Call Sport Fishing team members Ryan Hullihan, Mark Wodlinger, Matt Alligood and Dave Kairalla with release flags flying. Photo by Leonard Bryant Photography.
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FREE Boats And Motors Edition Celebrating Our
epending on which edition of Local Coastal Angler or The Angler you’re holding, the cover photo might be of the Bahama 41’ Good Call. Good Call Sport Fishing is a professional-class sailfishing team that also fishes for tuna, kingfish, dolphin and wahoo in tournaments off Florida and the Bahamas. Since forming in 2011, the team has competed in six to eight tournaments a year and has risen as one of the top teams on the circuit. This season has been a successful for Good Call. They opened in November at the Old Bahama Bay Wahoo Cup in West End, Bahamas. In January the team competed in the Silver Sailfish Derby, winning the top billfish tagging award and placing 9th overall. The Buccaneer Cup Sailfish Tournament followed in West Palm Beach, where they placed 7th. In February, they fished The Sailfish Challenge, the second leg of Bluewater Movement’s Quest for the Crest, and finished 8th. In May they were back in West End for the Winners Circle Charities Tournament. As one might deduce from Good Call’s quad Mercury Verano 350s, the team is sponsored on the Mercury Pro Staff. Fishing reels are sponsored by Daiwa; rods and gaffs are by Chance Rods. Sunglasses are sponsored by Smith Optics. Clothing and apparel are sponsored by Bluefin USA and Gill Fishing. Follow the team at teamgoodcall on Instagram, Good Call Sport Fishing on Facebook and Good Call Sportfishing on Youtube. Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events
PHOTO COURTESY OF LEONARD BRYANT PHOTOGRAPHY VOLUME 23 • ISSUE 280
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Gillz Performance Fishing Shirts With their Coolcore
Technology, Gillz has developed a chemicalfree, lightweight, cooling and sun protective shirt that is the No. 1 choice of tournament pros, guides and avid anglers all over the planet. Coolcore is 30 percent cooler than the competition. Gillz was able to achieve this remarkable feature through research and design of a patented fabric that wicks sweat and moisture away from the body in every direction to keep you dry and comfortable regardless of the conditions. While most cooling fabrics achieve this using any number of nasty chemicals, Gillz has been able to do it chemical-free through their Coolcore Technology. Gillz shirts cool better, last much longer and offer protection from the sun’s harmful rays (UPF). After extensive testing, the following observations were made: • The fabric is very durable both to extreme abrasion and many washings. • Coolcore is more comfortable in hot conditions and prolongs and positively enhances athletic performance. This is most notable when worn by endurance athletes during high aerobic activities. This is by far the most comfortable shirt our testers have ever worn in the heat.
www.gillz-gear.com
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TOW & STOW ®
THE LAST HITCH YOU’LL EVER NEED
• Rotate the Ball
• Adjust the Height
• Stow the Hitch
TowingAdventure.com 18
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Mag Bay Yachts Building On A Legacy Of Fine Boats
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arrett Howarth, of Mag Bay Yachts, may be the only boatbuilder in the industry who can say one of his employees has changed his diapers. His parents, Mike and Patricia Howarth, have always been boatbuilders. Along with their partner Henry Mohrschladt, they created the venerable Cabo Yachts. Barrett grew up on the production floor. His childhood was spent in the shop, learning to build boats from the best in the business. Barrett was conflicted when Cabo was sold to Brunswick Corporation in 2006. “It was pretty tough on me and my dad,” he said, “because that’s what we did… build boats.” Through the heart of the Great Recession, when there weren’t many buyers for high-end yachts, Barrett worked in his garage, building and refurbishing smaller boats. Despite protest from his father, who knew how tough the business could be, Barrett continued pursuing his passion.
“At some point, I guess Dad decided, ‘If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em,’” Barrett said. In June of 2014, Barrett and Mike set out to build what became the first Mag Bay Yacht. Working with hull designs by Michael Peters, one of the most respected designers in the industry, they started work to produce a high-quality 33’ center console that is the embodiment of elegance and function. It took almost a year to get everything the way they wanted it before the first Mag Bay hit the water in 2015. Since then, a lot of travel, hard work, attention to detail and customer support have brought recognition to Mag Bay Yachts for what it is. The Mag Bay 33’ is a high-end, expensive center console, and customers expect and receive the best. Early success allowed Mag Bay to reassemble much of the experienced crew from Cabo, who they consider family. One of those employees changed Barrett’s diapers nearly 30 years ago. They are the same employees who presented Mike with a plaque that hangs in the shop and reads: “I will always build the very best boat—at a profit if I can, at a loss if I must—but I will always build the best.” Barrett said that’s the philosophy for every Mag Bay that leaves the shop. “We’ve always tried to build the highest quality boat on the water,” he said. “We’ve always prided ourselves on using the absolute best products. If there’s not anything out there that’s up to par, we’ll make it. Being a family boatbuilder, it’s not about numbers for us. It’s about building the absolute best boat.” In the near future, the family at Mag Bay Yachts has plans to go back to its Cabo roots in designing a new 42’ inboard express. It’ll be exciting to see what they produce. For more information on Mag Bay Yachts, see their website at www. magbayyachts.com.
For more on MagBay Yachts, go to
THEANGLER.CO
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QUIK-CHANGE II ™ Our Innovative, Interchangeable Fixed Blade Cutlery System 9” FILLET 7” FILLET 5” FILLET 3” SERRATED
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s there anything more exhilarating than scrambling to recover line that’s buzzing off your reel and then landing a well-deserved bonefish? Believe it or not, there is: landing that bonefish and finding it has been tagged. Not only are you having the time of your life, you’re contributing to Bonefish & Tarpon Trust’s (BTT) ongoing bonefish research. Take it from renowned angler Meredith McCord, who recently caught a tagged bonefish off of South Andros while fishing with the Eleven Experience. Many are familiar with the term “tagging” due to projects like the Tarpon Acoustic Tagging Project, but BTT and collaborating scientists employ more than one type of “tag” when studying saltwa-
ter flats species. Research involving acoustic telemetry helps identify movement patterns and spawning sites, in addition to regional population and habitat connections that inform flats conservation. These acoustic tags do not, however, track health indicators like growth rate and sexual maturity—those data are found using something called tag-recapture. This particular type of tag resembles a small post with a diameter similar to that of a toothpick. Each individual tag is marked with a unique serial number and is inserted just below the dorsal fin. Scientists record the tag’s serial number and measurements specific to the individual fish—weight, fork and tail length, gender and any other observations about its condition. In keeping with best handling practices, researchers release the fish in hopes of another encounter. That hope was fulfilled when McCord caught a tagged bonefish in the Bahamas. She was able to record its serial number and length measurements before releasing it again. According to Dr. Aaron Adams, BTT’s director of science & conservation, and Bahamas Initiative manager Justin Lewis, bonefish spawn during full and new moons from October through April. The bonefish McCord recaptured was first tagged at a pre-spawning aggregation site in January 2015. Its recapture, over three years later, occurred 34 miles from the initial tagging location, which is not uncommon, since bonefish typically remain in or near their home ranges except when they leave the flats to spawn in deeper water. BTT thanks McCord and all anglers, guides, researchers and partnering organizations for their participation in research. Their enthusiasm, not only in tag-recapture studies but in all BTT research projects, is vital to the pursuit of specific and science-driven conservation outcomes for our saltwater flats fisheries.
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NATIONAL
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5/17/18 1:37 PM
Boats: They/You Have Arrived B ack in the mid-1980s, Scout Boats founder and CEO Steve Potts was a plant manager with boat builder American Sail. He had been in the industry since the age of 14, and he knew that one day he would be building his own boats. Scout is a true American success story. Working side-jobs, weekends and nights, Potts managed to save up $50,000 and launched his company in South Carolina. The first boat he built was a modest 14-foot fishing boat. It was a simple, functional skiff-like craft. What set it apart was extreme attention to detail and craftsmanship. Dealers and boaters noticed the fine fit-and-finish, even on a little fishing boat. It became very popular across the Carolinas and beyond. With those first boats, built in garages and barns, Potts began constructing the reputation that followed Scout Boats as it became one of the world’s most successful boatbuilders. From humble beginnings, Scout Boats has grown immensely and now offers a full line up of finely crafted and innovative inshore, bay and luxury offshore boats. Throughout the company, a culture of integrity ensures quality products and outstanding customer service. Take, for example, Scout’s flagship, the 420 LXF. It is a 42-foot luxury center console that is truly a landmark for the marine industry. No stone was left unturned in the design and development of this beauty. Its EpoxyInfused hull using Carbon/E-Glass provides improved superior structural stability, strength and a Class A finish for unsurpassed performance. There are countless unique features never before seen on a model like 420 LXF. With quad outboards and up to 1,675 max hp, it is a fishing machine laid out with the luxury of a yacht. That’s the idea behind Scout’s entire line, to build fishing boats with meticulous commitment to craftsmanship and design that allows them to be extremely functional fishing platforms that are low-maintenance, durable and as comfortable and beautiful as they can possibly be.
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Later this year, Scout Boats plans to launch a new flagship, the 530 LXF.
Scout Boat’s flagship, the 420 LXF is a landmark luxury center console.
The commitment to excellence paid off as the world climbed out from under the Great Recession of 2008. While the boating industry was reeling due to the economic instability of its customers, Scout Boats launched 18 new high-end models. The company saw multiple years of 25 percent annual growth. With today’s economy chugging away and growing, the customer base for world-class boats is stronger than ever. That’s good for Scout, and it’s good for you—the angler who is finally in a position to purchase that dream boat. A decade ago, taking on boat payments was a frightening thought. Now that things have stabilized, buying a boat is a worthwhile investment in your quality of life. And when it comes to producing quality on the water, Scout Boats has the market cornered, whether it’s a 17-foot bay boat or a 42-foot center console. To see all of Scout Boats’ finely crafted vessels, go to www.scoutboats.com. For more about Scout Boats’, go to
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FLORIDA
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JUNE 2018
FLORIDA
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Registration open until September 3, 2018
May 26 - Sept 3, 2018 | 101 days of fishing
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CA Florida STAR, the state’s largest family friendly saltwater fishing competition, began May 26, but there’s still time to get in on the action… and the prizes. Anyone who registers and goes fishing between now and Sept. 3 has a chance to win some awesome prize packages. This 101-day fishing event, presented by Yamaha, is conducted by Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Florida. With more than $500,000 in prizes, the event runs until Labor Day. Registered anglers who catch qualifying fish will be eligible for prizes that include a brand new truck or boat, motor and trailer packages to all-terrain vehicles, marine electronics, scholarships and more. Unlike traditional fishing tournaments, STAR focuses on conservation and uses the social media-based event to educate the public on the importance of protecting Florida’s marine resources. The format allows anglers to fish on their own schedule all summer long. A “catch, photo and release” competition, STAR’s smartphone app eliminates the requirement to harvest or capture and transport fish. New details for the 2018 event include: • Kids - Continued free registration for current New Tide Members (CCA members) ages 6 – 17. • Guides - Guides are eligible to compete in their own division for Tagged Redfish and Tagged Dolphin. • Prizes in the Tagged Redfish Division include a Contender 22 Sport, a GMC Sierra, a Pathfinder 2200TRS, a Hewes Redfisher 16, a Carolina Skiff 21 Ultra and Cottonmouth Aluminum Bay/Flats boat, all powered by Yamaha. Prizes for the first two youth anglers in this division include two Carolina Skiff 16JVX CC boats, powered with Yamaha 40 HP motors and trailers. New divisions include: • Tagged Dolphin Division (mahi mahi) - a minimum of 20 tagged dolphin will be released in the state’s waters, with the first registered angler who catches one eligible to win $10,000 in cash or scholarship. • Non-tagged Redfish Division presented by Atlas Jack Plates even non-tagged redfish are eligible for prizes. • Grouper Division - special prizes for black, gag, red and scamp grouper. • Tarpon Division presented by Humminbird - one winner of a $10,000 prize package will be determined by a random drawing of all catch photos entered in the drawing. Eligibility requirements include proper handling and resuscitation of the catch. Other STAR divisions include: • Youth Scholarship Division presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors - offering over $100,000 in scholarships from Realtree Fishing, Reel Legends Apparel, Southeastern Environmental Solutions, Talk of the Town Restaurant Group and Pasco County Office of Tourism Development. • Power Pole Conservation and Costa Kick Plastic Trash Division - assisting with data collection for potential use in stock and habitat assessment and helping with debris collection. • Lionfish Division - helping with the removal of this invasive species. • Open, Ladies, Fly, Kayak and Professional Guides divisions – targeting various species. Most division winners are determined by a random drawing, a format that encourages participants of all ages to protect and conserve Florida’s fisheries. Register early for an opportunity to win in the weekly Freebie Friday Engel Cooler Drawing! Entry fees are reasonable at $75 for non-CCA members and include a one-year membership. Entry is $40 for current CCA members. For more information on STAR or to register, visit the organization’s Facebook page or ccaflstar.com.
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5/17/18 11:47 AM
By Danny Moody
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Avery Moody releases a late-season sailfish off Jupiter.
here is nothing like the sight of a sailfish taking flight after a perfect hookset. The sound of the screaming reel is pure exhilaration on deck. For me, that feeling is exponentially greater when I experience it while watching my 16-year-old daughter, Avery Moody, skillfully drop back on that fish and reel tight on the snelled circle hook. On a recent spring day, I was reminded what it means to be a proud father of a young lady in love with fishing and our beautiful Florida lifestyle. She set her alarm for 4:30 a.m. Avery likes to catch fish with her own goggle eyes, and by 6 a.m. the baitwell had two dozen. The ocean was beautiful that morning, with a rolling ground swell from the north and light breeze. We pointed the bow east and ran. Dolphin was on her mind, but she knew the shallow bite was slow. At 28 miles out, we found our target water temp and were rewarded with a pair of ’phins for the dinner table. Putting those two fish in the boat made her day. As a dad, I was indifferent about the dolphin. My reward was knowing I had hours of uninterrupted, oneon-one time with my oldest daughter. Boys, lures, school, knots, church youth group, water temp, friends, and trying to figure out what that rattle is on the T-Top… it was all discussed.
About 3 p.m., we were back nearshore setting up a drift 4 miles out of Jupiter Inlet on the ledge. The bridled baits were lively, and we knew something would find them. Avery took a break from monitoring her Shimano Baitrunner to tie a big popper on her plugging rod and cast to small bonita (little tunny) that were crashing surface baits. Mid-knot, she hears her Baitrunner starting to sing. I advise, “Hey Avery, you have a bite, better setup.” She replies, “Hang on dad, let me finish tying this lure.” What I thought was procrastination was her intentional delay. We fish live bait on snelled circle hooks, and she knows to wait before engaging the reel. She finally picked up the rod, pointed straight at the outgoing line and reeled tight. A lit sailfish went airborne. She fired off some quick commands to me for line clearing, and the chase ensued. This past season, I have gone from yelling instructions at her to her yelling instructions at me! After a spectacular fight, the fish was brought boat-side, and Avery revived the sail for release. It was a flood of emotions for each of us after such a perfect day on the water. Avery is a fifth-generation Floridian who lives on the same Loxahatchee River property her great, great grandmother purchased in the 1920s. Avery and her 14-year-old sister Emily are homeschooled by my wife Carrie. When she is not offshore, Avery is fishing the river. Dock light snook fishing on light spin and fly are her favorites. She loves the south Florida environment, promoting conservation, and outwardly living what it means to be a Florida Girl.
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By CAM Staff
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ith more than 30 years in the diesel engine business, Florida Detroit Diesel-Allison is Florida’s largest Volvo Penta Power Center. Do you need a re-power for a tired engine or need more horsepower? Maybe it’s time for that service appointment? Their professionals take care of complete marine repower service, from start to finish anywhere in the state of Florida—plus, parts and service support for all Volvo Penta marine products. These services are available through an extensive marine dealer network as well as from FDDA Orlando, Jacksonville and Fort Pierce locations. Volvo Penta Marine Power for pleasure craft and commercial marine markets are available in engine horsepower ranging from 13 – 1,200 HP; 13 – 900 HP for inboard solutions, and 350-1,200 HP with Volvo IPS, the leading pod system for joystick docking. Authorized warranty service and sales means your marine dealer’s service department can rely on quality OEM replacement parts and a reputable go-to company for your Volvo Penta marine diesel engine servicing needs. Besides carrying thousands of genuine OEM parts in stock, Florida Detroit Diesel Allison has a fleet of mobile service vans with factory trained and accredited technicians dispatched anywhere to fix your engine. They offer daily service throughout Florida for both parts and service with emergency service on call 24/7/365! Today, boaters are looking for exceptional fuel economy, lowered operating expenses, cleaner operation, and smooth, quiet operation for crew comfort. The Volvo Penta Sterndrive Engine is a fully matched package where everything: helm station, engine, drive and propellers are developed together and perfectly matched. Volvo Penta Sterndrive Engines provide low fuel consumption, sporty performance, low emissions, high comfort, excellent low-speed maneuverability, and offered with optional joystick docking and Powertrim Assist. For more information about Florida Detroit Diesel-Allison, go to www.fdda.com, FDDA has nine locations in Florida to support your Volvo.
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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
Thinking about dock lighting? Using your dock at night? Increasing safety, security and protection? Increasing the value of your property? Finishing your dock with a look of distinction? Enhancing your family’s outdoor activities, enjoyment and pleasure? Solutions with choices and options are available in our Sunshine State. MacCap Lighting, a subsidiary of McBride Electric Company, manufactures outdoor lighting products and accessories, in Jupiter, Fla. Their signature and multi-purpose Mac-Cap Light Kits are designed to be installed on top of a piling, railing, boat lift, fish cleaning station or other flat surface. The Mac Posts are built to be surface mounted, cantilevered or buried directly in the ground. Mac Posts are available with lights, water, hose holders and electric. The 316L Stainless Steel Hose Holder is a one-time purchase. It has a bead blast satin finish that is FDA approved for the medical and food industries, is available in standard and XL sizes and can be powder coated. Mac-Cap’s No. 1 goal is customer satisfaction. Building products customers want and need with safety is the No. 1 priority. Building lighting to meet the standards of the National Electrical Code is their mission. Mac-Cap quality products are designed and built to be code compliant, safe and withstand the harshest of environments. All products can be repaired (not discarded), eliminating obsolescence, and will provide functional, practical and economical solutions that will last for years to come. Give Penny and Gary McBride a call at 561-723-0934 to discuss your next project. You will be happy you did.
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5/17/18 11:47 AM
THE ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING A NEW BOAT
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OWNER’S EDGE ADVANTAGE SUZUKI REPOWER THE ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING A NEW BOAT With the Mastry RePower Centers Owner’s Edge the benefits extend long past just buying a motor. When you purchase a new Suzuki outboard from an authorized Marstry RePower Center you qualify to become a member of the Mastry Suzuki Owner’s Edge. You receive an identification card that provides you with important information about your Suzuki outboard motor as well as a passport to additional benefits during ownership. Members enjoy the following benefits and there will be more to come: · • Detailed Engine Maintenance Schedule - Owner’s Edge members receive a detailed Suzuki factory engine maintenance schedule that spans the life of your motor which includes outlines of the special member pricing. • Suzuki Repower Trade Allowance Program - A trade allowance program that provides members a trade allowance based on age and hours of your Suzuki outboard. • Special Pricing - Including special pricing on Reverso Pumps Automatic Flushing System.
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CANGL_FL1-FL24.indd Owners Edge Ad CA.indd 9 1
JUNE 2018
FLORIDA
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5/17/18 10:12 11:47 AM AM 5/13/18
TAKE A KID
CORY GURMAN
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very year, Florida opens a recreational season to harvest these tasty mollusks from Port St. Joe on the north end of Florida’s Big Bend to Tarpon Springs on the south end. Scalloping with friends and family can be one of the most rewarding and enjoyable activities on the water. A mask, snorkel, some fins, a mesh bag and a dive flag are the basic things you need. Scallops tend to congregate in shallow grass flats and sandy areas in anywhere from 3 to 10 feet of water. Bring your own boat, rent one from the many marinas in the area or hire a charter captain and you’ll be well on your way. As you head out into the gulf, finding their location can be as easy as locating the fleet of boats that has already found some. Or, slowly drag a spotter behind the boat until you locate them. They don’t bite, so just dive down, pick them up and toss them into your mesh bag. If you can hold your breath long enough, you’ll likely pick up two or three at a time. Keep in mind, the limit for scallops is two gallons per person or 10 gallons per boat, whichever is less. These grass flats are also prime real estate for speckled trout. A jig tipped with a Gulp swimming mullet will definitely do the job for these feisty fish. As you get closer to houses and recreational docks, you’ll notice people staked out on their jon boats, cleaning scallops. It can be a pain for someone who isn’t used to cleaning scallops, so I highly recommend you pay the professionals to get it over with. On the way back in, it’s hard not to think about all the differ-
ent ways you can cook them up for dinner. They are delicious fried, sautéed in butter, over pasta, in a salad or whatever else you can think up. I have so many great memories from scalloping with my dad and friends over the years, and I look forward to making new ones each season. I hope you all will get out there and experience this incredible fishery and make some memories of your own. Cory Gurman is a freshman at Ponte Vedra High School in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Besides reveling in the great outdoors, Cory enjoys spending time with his three golden retrievers and rooting for the Atlanta Braves. Follow him on Instagram @fishhunter1119.
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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
By Patrick Sebile • Photo courtesy of SportFishingLanzarote.com
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s anglers, we all had a first encounter with fishing that drove us to pursue the sport. I started as a child fishing ponds near my mother’s house. But the day a neighbor invited me on a saltwater party boat pushed my love of the sport to another level. Some like saltwater because there are larger fish that fight harder. But that isn’t what initially turned me on to fishing in the ocean. What I discovered on that first trip was the mystery. There were so many species to catch, and the open water left me with a feeling that anything was possible. The surprise of a rare, and maybe unknown fish, was possible each time I dropped a line. Some things you learn in childhood follow you forever.
I was 12 years old, but I remember that day on the party boat well. My neighbor and I were packed in with 20 other anglers. Everyone had rods, reels and tackle of varying size and strength. My own outfit included two fiberglass rods. Even my strongest pike rod was lighter than anything else on the boat. When my neighbor opened his tackle box, I saw 3- to 8-ounce sinkers that seemed huge to me. I remember thinking it was overkill. Once the multi-hook rig was baited, I dropped my line in the water. Almost immediately, the current swept it into the lines of five or six anglers fishing next to me. Another two messes like this drove home the understanding that a ½-ounce weight was not enough. I switched to a 4-ounce pyramid, which bent my stoutest rod significantly. Finally, pieces of clam were on the bottom waiting for a bite. When I set the hook that first time, the fight felt unusual. It was because I had three hooks and there was a fish on each one. The largest weighed less than a pound, but it was still incredible to a 12-yearold boy. As the morning passed, I landed fish after fish, all of them new to me. Goggle eyes, big sardines, flounder, cuttlefish, gurnard… I caught 14 species that day. When I got home that evening, I wrote down each of the species I caught and decided to keep track of it for the rest of my life. Today, that number stands at 776 different species. That early discovery of saltwater fishing drove me to travel the world in search of new species to catch in both fresh and saltwater. The pursuit has been a cornerstone of my life. My friend Roy Leyva wrote: “Some do it for its glory and the recognition. I do it for the love and the passion. It’s a lifestyle, not an addiction or a quest. But the person I’ve become is who I was born to be. Fishing is life and life is fishing. You have to embody it to understand its power. It does not tire me, nor does it take from my time on this earth. Instead it lets me live life to the fullest.” I couldn’t have said it better.
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s a linguist at the University of Florida for more than 30 years and an author of several English grammar books, I have long been interested in syntax (what is the plural of fish?), vocabulary (what is the origin of the word shark?), place names (what is the origin of Pompano Beach?), and anything dealing with our language. I’ve been wondering lately about the phrase “tuna fish.” Why do we say “tuna fish,” but not “bass fish” or “shark fish?” Isn’t “fish” redundant after “tuna?” Actually, no, because there is actually another tuna unrelated to fish: the prickly pear cactus. With other fishy words we also add “fish,” e.g. codfish, swordfish, lionfish, etc. That makes sense since “cod” and “sword” and “lion” can refer to items other than fish. Using “fish” after such nouns can help a non-native speaker of English who might not know what a tuna or cod is. Also, it turns out that “tuna” can refer to non-fishy items, e.g. a cactus fruit. California has a place called La Tuna Canyon, not for ocean fish that might have swum there a million years ago, but for the prickly pear cactus found there. The word “tuna” in Spanish can mean “prickly pear.” “Tuna,” then, all by itself refers to the fish in the sea: We went fishing for tuna off the coast. “Tuna fish,” on the other hand, refers to the ingredients in the can: “I’ll have a tuna fish sandwich for lunch.” Somehow saying, “I’ll have a tuna sandwich for lunch” conjures up two pieces of bread around a large albacore. Finally, one of the most famous producers of packaged tuna fish, Chicken of the Sea, explains its name by saying that, in the past, fishermen called white albacore tuna “chicken of the sea” because of its white color and its mild flavor, which reminded them of chicken. Using the word “tuna” with “albacore” might be redundant
since the albacore is a kind of tuna and is sometimes called “longfin tuna.” Back to the nickname of tuna as “chicken of the sea.” I know that some claim that unusual meats like alligator or crocodile or rattlesnake taste like chicken, but I don’t think
tuna fish tastes like chicken at all. Singer Jessica Simpson once ate a can of Chicken of the Sea tuna on her TV show while asking: “Is this chicken, what I have, or is this fish? I know it’s tuna, but it says Chicken [of] the Sea.” So the phrase “tuna fish” makes sense when we realize that “tuna” refers to the fish in the sea and “tuna fish” refers to the stuff in a can. Enjoy your lunch now that this issue is cleared up. Kevin McCarthy, the awardwinning author of “South Florida Waterways” (2013 available at amazon.com), can be reached at ceyhankevin@ gmail.com.
For more from Kevin McCarthy, go to
GOBOATBOUND.COM
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5/17/18 1:59 PM
TAMPA BAY FISHING REPORT BY: CAPT. WOODY GORE
J
une is a great month to catch fish, but you might want to plan early mornings or late evenings to avoid paying the price that comes with summertime fishing. These are simple things called heat exhaustion and sunburn. Since everything will be eating this month, it’s easy to lose track of time forgetting to use sunblock or take precautions to avoid the rigors of summertime fishing. So, plan your trips now taking advantage of our great summertime fishing. Snook (Season Closed May 1, 2018): Snook fishing in the summer is almost a given. Practically every angler is looking to catch them and given the amount of fishing pressure, especially during weekends, it is a wonder they bite at all. Practically any mangrove shoreline holds snook provided there is bait and structure. Terrific ambush feeders, snook love lying in wait along shady mangrove root systems. Rocky shores and adjacent sand
bars are also good places to investigate. Early morning flats produce well using topwater lures, but remember live greenbacks and cut bait also produce. Redfish: June produces some good redfish days around the grass flats and mangroves. Heavy pushes and mullet schools are key factors in finding moving or feeding redfish. Finding redfish means covering plenty of water, but once located they do not venture too far if there is food present. Keep in mind as long as there is food, there are fish. Live greenbacks and dollar-size pinfish are good choices. Do not forget the old standby live shrimp and cut bait. Spotted Sea Trout: Trout fishing remains strong through the summer. Search out deep grass flats looking for grass beds with plenty of clean moving water and broken bottom or potholes. Tampa Bay offers good fishing areas using live shrimp and greenbacks free lined or under
popping corks. The many brokenbottom flats with potholes are producing larger fish and an occasional flounder. We’re also catching plenty of silver trout some topping the scale at a pound and a half to two pounds. These are great eating and awesome fun for the kids to catch. Cobia: Markers and sandy flats are good places for Cobia. They frequent markers especially those holding bait and cruise the flats usually following large rays and manatees. Mackerel, Bluefish, Jacks, and Ladyfish; These fish offer diversity during the summer and continue to be strong on moving tides. Fishing around structure or fish attractors are good starting places. Just look for schooling threadfins and you’ll find the fish Tarpon: Tarpon fishing really comes alive in June. They are everywhere and they are hungry, from the beach to the bay, these fish offer the catch of a lifetime. Large greenbacks, threadfins, and
crabs, found abundantly in the bay, are excellent choices for bait. Tarpon fishing around the Tampa area is good through the summer from the beaches all the way to the causeway. Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing – 813-477-3814 The area’s top outdoor fishing guide, Captain Woody Gore has guided and fished the Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton and Sarasota areas for over fifty years; his charters offer world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories. Single or Multi-boat Group Charters are all the same. With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced professional guides and captains, I can arrange and coordinate any outing or tournament. Just tell me what you need and it’s done. For more information please visit my website at: www.captainwoodygore. com, or email me at fishing@ captainwoodygore.com or give me a call at 813-477-3814.
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TALES FROM THE TUPPERWARE NAVY BY: BRUCE BUTLER
In Memoriam, Fishing with Aidy, Remembering a Friend
A
idy The Englishman, he’s called, is a commercial fisherman from Northern England and has been coming to Hernando County for the last five years. Why, you may ask? The climate? The beaches? No. What this commercial fisherman comes to do is fish--and I thought I was a fanatic! Tall, tattooed, topknotted and a killer goatee, Aidy had become a fixture at Hernando Beach Bait & Tackle for a few weeks out of every year. I hadn’t seen Aidy for a while, but when I went to a get-together at the Pasco-Hernando Fishing Forum at Trader Bay Seafood, there he was. We swapped some fish stories and such, and I asked him how he’d been. That’s when he told me of the Doctor’s report and a grim prognosis. But, Aidy being Aidy, the talk quietly went back to fishing. I was surprised to hear that, though he’s fished with several flats guys I know, he’s never brought in more than a single fish on the trips he went on. My mission was clear; I had charters on Saturday and Monday, but I told him Sunday was all his. We hit the water early and, though the cancer had caused the removal of his right bicep muscle, his comment was “shouldn’t be a problem. I hardly miss it at all.” My thought ran to could I be that tough? So, at a little after seven, watching the sun rise across the bay, we worked our way back to one
of my favorite spots. With Aidy at one end of a three-foot wide creek and me at the other, he proceeded to catch reds, trout, and sheepies while I, to my consternation hooked an out of the slot red. Aidy’s were short and mine was large, and never had I wished that the roles were reversed. From there, we paddled out to the front trout hole and met up with my good friend and fishing buddy Lew Lowrey, and proceeded to put Aidy on to more trout than he has ever caught before. So Aidy came out with his first limit of trout, and we went looking for reds. We worked all my favorite spots and, though we kicked up a few, my mission to hook him into a big red wasn’t working like I planned. Well, that’s why they call it “fishing.” We worked the area ‘til 4:00 and Aidy, God bless him, was still ready to keep going; but, I had a charter the next day and had to get the gear ready, and my butt (which by the way I don’t have one) was killing me after nine hours on the water. So, I set up the next Saturday to go again. But, due to commitments, Aidy could not make it. When we talked that Sunday Aidy, as usual, was full of confidence and I was happy to hear that on our trip, he had had the most fun in the five years he’d been visiting. His goal is to try to make it back in January, and I’ll get my chance to put him on that big red. Aidy, this one’s for you. Aidy returned the next year but, due to deteriorating health issues, he had to go back to England, He sent me an Email hoping to return soon and, as always, on a positive note; but, it was not to be. Aidy lost his final battle after a good fight, never complaining except for how it messed up his fishing. If there is a God in heaven please let Aidy nail that big red. RIP my friend. 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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THE NIGHT STALKER BY: PAUL PRESSON
T
hese are the anglers that trade in their sunscreen for bug spray. A group that does what they love on the midnight shift. They trade their circadian rhythm for their fishing solitude. The sounds of the night amplify, small waves sound like tidal swells. Breath in the salt air and look up to see that shooting star. At this hour, you are the owner of that bridge you are fishing under, that beach you are patrolling. There aren’t many visual clues, but that popping sound echoing under “your” bridge is a telltale sign the snook are there and waiting. Wading ankle deep on the beach, you dare not go further out, no telling what creatures lurk in the night. You hear something and off in the distance you see the water dancing, it must be that tarpon you have been trying to catch for nights,
just taunting you. When that line pulls, you can guess what is on, you have fished there before, but you don’t know for sure. You reach to turn on your headlamp, use the red light as not to give up your location to other “stalkers”. It is a monster, your line screams. The only way to determine the run is by watching the line on your reel. After a 20-minute battle, you have prevailed. This is the fish you have been waiting for, because, you are “The Night Stalker”!
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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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4 TAMPA | JUNE 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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DEVELOP A NIGHT FISHING PLAN BY: CAPT. WOODY GORE
T
o escape the sweltering summer heat, anglers often prowl the coolness of night looking for quite fishing spots. Early evening and night fishing is attractive to many because of the quietness and it can be loads of fishing fun. If you think this is something you’re interested in, then hook up the boat and hit the water for something a little different. Night fishing often presents the opportunity to catch some nice fish, while enjoying some peaceful comfortable time on the water. Like most wildlife, fish become increasingly nocturnal, especially during the summer. This means those trophy size beauties that lay dormant on deep structure during the day, might be prowling the shallows after the sun goes down. Our bay, canals, rivers and creeks are saturated with docks, and many with lights. Well guess what? Structure and dock light does attract bait fish therefore why not take advantage of this “fish in a barrel” scenario and use it to your advantage. So, if you’re planning on fishing at night; hopefully you don’t go unprepared. Plan your trip and learn the area you intend to fish. Put together a fishing plan by identifying the important things you should know before it gets dark; shallow areas, and unlighted obstructions. Since nighttime is normally the soundless part of the day, you must be quiet. Fish staging around docks tend acclimate themselves to the noiselessness. But remember, any loud or sudden
sound can send them darting for cover. Veteran anglers drift with the current, pole or use a trolling motor (on low) to approach a safe casting distance, making certain they never crowd their target. As you approach your target, study the water & current, the layout, and lighted areas looking for shadows. Look carefully and you’ll often see the fish dashing in and out feeding on passing baits. Here’s where patience pays off; wait and watch because it gives you time to identify their feeding pattern. This can make or break a spot. Proper bait and lure presentation is vital. When using artificial’s, present them from the same direction as the current. Active currents bring food to waiting fish, so it makes sense that your lure should come from the same direction. Cast your lure up current into the shadows, twitching it through the light line into the light. Beat the heat during the summer and try a little night fishing. Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing – 813-477-3814 The area’s top outdoor fishing guide, Captain Woody Gore has guided and fished the Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton and Sarasota areas for over fifty years; his charters offer world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories. For more information please visit my website at: www. captainwoodygore.com, or email me at fishing@captainwoodygore.com or give me a call at 813-477-3814.
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SOUTH SHORE TAMPA BAY FISHING CAMP FOR KIDS AND ADULTS
BY: CAPT. JOEL BRANDENBURG
D
uring this time of year, we have summer camp. We take up to 24 kids per week for several weeks during the summer. We focus on F.U.N. (Fishing, Understanding and Nurturing). We get the kids out on a boat with a licensed and insured Coast Guard certified Captain six hours a day for five days, Monday through Friday. This is a great way for kids to get hands on learning and experience and have a blast fishing! One of our main goals at Ana Banana Kids Fishing Camp is to keep our campers busy. If a kid dosen’t get a bite in 15 minutes or more, they get impatient and start losing interest. This time of year, Mother Nature helps us keep the kids busy. We like to target a multi species list of fish. Our record is 23 species of fish in a single camp week. We’ll catch snook, snapper, Spanish mackerel, sea bass, sea trout, shark, sheepshead, black drum, flounder, kingfish, tarpon, redfish, ladyfish, grunts, catfish, jacks, cobia, triple tail, bluefish, blue runners and many others. For example, we may anchor at the Sky Way Bridge and have two campers flowing out cut thread fins in our chum line for tarpon, shark and cobia. At the same time, on the port side of the boat, we’ll have a couple kids bottom fishing with live shrimp for snapper, grouper, sea bass, grunts and sheepshead. On the starboard side of the boat, we’ll have a couple kids casting free lined green backs towards the bridge to hook tarpon, Spanish mackerel, or kingfish. We’ll rotate the kids around to each station so they all get a chance to target different fish using different techniques at a single anchorage. The captain and first mate stay busy
too, tying hooks/leader, baiting hooks, chumming, landing and taking fish off the hooks and answering questions, a lot of questions, while all the time teaching, having fun, understanding, and nurturing. We also teach water safety, rules of the sea, boating/fishing ethics, conservation, and preservation of our natural resources, how to read GPS, bottom finders and many other lessons. Ana Banana Fishing Company performed a fishing clinic at the Ruskin Elks Lodge for a local fishing club last year. Most of the audience were retired seniors who love to fish and have the time and money to do it. One of the subjects we presented to the group was information on our kid’s summer fishing camp. After discussing our camp information, a senior fellow in the back of the room raised his hand and asked, “would you consider an adult kid’s fishing camp?” I thought about it for a second and said yes. By the end of the clinic this fellow recruited five club members to team up with him to book a week-long adult kids fishing camp with us. We had the six club members at the camp for a week and put them through the same schedule and agenda as the kid’s camp. The adults loved the experience and caught a lot of fish. Several in the group have boats and live on the water-- they were there to learn more about fishing in the bay and where to go. We loved our adult kids, one neat thing was, that these adults got a chance to be kids again for a week. We’ve done several adult groups since then and it’s always a 100% success. Be safe and ethical, see ya’ll out there! For a charter with Captain Joel Brandenburg of Ana Banana Fishing Company visit www.anabananafishing.com or call 813-267-4401 or visit him in person at Hooks at Little Harbor Resort. For info on our kids fishing summer camp visit www.anabananakidsfishingcamp.com
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8 TAMPA | JUNE 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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2018 OLD SALT SPRING KING OF THE BEACH WRAP-UP
G
ood Day, Captain. The 25th Anniversary Old Salt Spring King of the Beach Kingfish Tournament is in the books. 687 Teams competed for over $250,000 in cash and prizes, a guaranteed $60,000 cash payout for 1st place in the Overall Division and 2 RICH TWT’s. Teams traveled from across Florida, the Southeast U.S., west to Texas, north to New England and even from as far away as Germany to compete in and experience the KING. The day of the tournament the wind, which had been northerly for several days, and the seas conspired to knock the teams around pretty good while they were chasing Kings. It was a rocky day on the water. Add to that, dredging operations in Johns Pass presented an oddly lit obstacle course for anglers transiting the channel in the early morning hours. When it was all said and done, and with over 200 fish weighed, Team War Chant led by Captain Chad Knoerr took first in the Overall and, because they entered both TWT’s, walked with $103,877.
We don’t know if that is the most ever paid out for one King Mackerel but we do know it is the most ever paid out by Old Salt in the 25 years we have been running this tournament. Google it. Let us know what you find. And… while we paid out loads of money and prizes to the adults in 8 different divisions and categories it was, as always, the youth anglers who stole the show. The kids put on a real show. Every youngster that weighed a fish in the tournament was presented a new rod and reel combo plus a sweet tackle bag to boot. Old Salt puts on tournaments for anglers. The tournaments also serve as a fundraising vehicle for the many charities we partner with and the family & youth programs Old Salt delivers throughout the year. You saw us present over $25,000 to charity partners at the Captains meeting on Thursday night. Thanks to your team, Old Salt will be able to, once again, continue funding these worthy enterprises. Thank you. Interesting factoid: Four of the top five prize winning teams (Top 3 in Overall + winners in Spanish and Single engine) had never placed in a King of the Beach tournament previously. Winnings across the board were garnered equally by both local and traveling anglers. The love was truly spread. Thank you, again for fishing the KING. The 25th Anniversary 2018 Fall King of the Beach Kingfish Tournament is scheduled for November 8, 9 & 10, 2018. We look forward to seeing you there and wish you tight lines in the interim.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM | JUNE 2018 | TAMPA 9
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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
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FLATS TO NEARSHORE REPORT BY: CAPT. GARY BURCH
T
he fishing was off the chart the first week of May and has not stopped yet. The water cleaned up and settled into its normal temperature range above 80 degrees. Also, the weather became stable and very seasonal. Just what the fish and the fishermen were looking for. Local inshore waters of Clearwater Harbor and St. Joseph Sound will continue to shine as June arrives. All of our local species will be tearing up the waters from the beaches to the back waters. Tarpon: Get out early, I mean early, way before first light. Look for the tarpon to be along the beaches, rolling and moving with the tides. Popular locations to start are Clearwater Pass bridge in the shadow lines and along north Clearwater beach all the way to north Honeymoon Island. Idle along the beach from 100 yards to 1/4 mile out. Best baits will be large live white baits, silver dollar size crabs and cut bait, for example, half a lady fish on the bottom. Snook: Look for snook to be in their spawning locations, in passes, along the swash channels near the passes and out on the beaches. I will be using medium white baits and grunts to catch these linesiders. Cast these free lined baits out and let them drift into the strike zone. A float can be used around rocks and jetties to keep the baits from hanging up.
Redfish: The big schools have scattered and taken up residence all around the mangrove and oyster bar areas. It may take some time locating them, but keep looking and remember, they can move daily. When you find the reds, a little bit of chumming with cut up white bait should help with the bite. Toss out small to medium white baits or live large shrimp on a float and give it some time. If nothing happens, move on. Trout: They will be found in the passes and around grassy areas inside the passes where there is moving water. Small to medium white baits and small pinfish will be the ticket. Set up on a grass flat and cast out a couple of live baits. If they are home, have fun. If this is not enough to keep you happy, try along the beaches for mackerel, king fish, cobia, sharks, jacks and lady fish. Everything is chewing so get out there and get yourself some. Inshore flats fishing and the extreme Florida sunshine can offer some unforgiving conditions to fisherman. Excessive sun exposure, especially on the water, can cause severe sun burn and damage your skin. Wearing proper clothing is mandatory when exposed to these circumstances. Let’s start with the sun’s rays. We see the light spectrum ROYGBIV (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet). However, before red is infrared and after violet is ultraviolet. The ultraviolet UV rays are the most damaging to skin.
We also know that dark colors are hot when worn in the sun. Dark colors absorb the radiant light energy and convert it into heat. White on the other hand, is significantly cooler in the sun. It possesses mostly reflective properties and offers little UV protection. So, remember, if you are fishing in the hot Florida sun, check your shirt labels and make sure they are UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) of 50+. This will block out 98% of UVA and UVB wave lengths from reaching your skin. “I HUNT FISH” apparel fishing shirts were created to meet the needs of flats fishermen by providing both comfort and protection. Soft, cool and comfortable 100% cotton, UPF 50+ and available in light neutral colors. A must have fishing shirt. I have several and love them. If you are currently planning a fishing trip under the hot sun, consider your apparel from head to toe. Thanks to Gabe of www.IHUNTFISH.net for shirt info. Capt. Gary Burch owns and operates All Catch Charters and specializes in live baits and artificials. He guides inshore, flats and backcountry from Clearwater to Tarpon Springs. To reach Capt. Gary for a charter, please call 727 458-6335 or visit his website: www.allcatchcharters.com
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WHO WANTS TO TICKLE SOME LOBSTERS & GATHER SOME SCALLOPS? BY: MISTY WELLS
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here are many amazing things about Florida and two of them are lobster and scallop season. Now is the time to start planning
for July. Everything about mini season is big. The two-day mini season in Florida this year is July 25th & 26th; regular season is not far behind starting August 6th through the 31st of March. The great thing about catching “Bug Fever” is you really don’t need a lot of expensive equipment to get started. The beginner can get started with a mask, snorkel, tickle stick, gloves and lobster net; throw in a sense of adventure and you are ready to make some dinner plans. Regardless of whether you are a beginner or an expert, one of the most important things is location and knowing how to find the sometimes-elusive bugs. One of the great things about Florida Spiny Lobster is that they are nocturnal, so that does make them easier to catch. Popular lobster hang outs are ledges, holes, and just about any type of structure the lobster can hide. A lot of seasoned “pros” have their secret spots and many of these gems can be found in shallow water. I have limited out of lobster in three feet of water in Key West. A tell-tale sign to look for is their antennas sticking out. They use these extremely sensitive appendages to detect danger and, if touched, will then start to go deeper into their hiding places. Once you locate a set of antennas, take your tickle stick and place it behind the lobster to gently urge them out and slowly walk them into your net. Once they are in your net, grab the excess material to quickly close the net or they will do the “boot scootin boogie” and be gone. Tickling lobsters may sound
like a lot of work. You may want something a little more relaxed and easy--no problem scallop season is just around the corner and starts July 1st through September 24th on the West Coast of Florida. Scalloping is easy, and you just need a snorkel, mask, mesh bag and some flippers to get started. You will be swimming in about four to six feet of water on average, and be looking along the bottom through the sea grass and sandy edges for the salt water treat. Scallops are not very fast, and it really is just as easy as seeing them and then picking them up and putting them in your bag. Bag limits are simple as well; each scalloper gets two gallons per person (in the shell), and there is a 10-gallon boat limit per day; so, all you need is a 5-gallon bucket to measure your catch and keep it legal. My favorite place to go stay and play on the West Coast for scalloping is the Plantation on Crystal River. You can bring your own boat, book a charter, or if you are a Freedom Boat Club member, just make a reservation--it’s easy.
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FRESHWATER FISHING REPORT
LAKE ALFRED, AUBURNDALE, WINTER HAVEN AREAS BY: RON SCHELFO
H
ead on out to Polk County if you’re looking for some great fishing! You’ll find 554 beautiful lakes packed full of bass, shell crackers, and bluegills just waiting for you. Many of our Polk County lakes offer fine fishing piers, so you don’t have to have a boat to enjoy them. Call or stop in for a current update on our area “hot spots”. I’ll be happy to point you in the right direction. At this time, we are seeing lots of big bluegill and shell crackers with good limits being reported. Baits of choice continue to be live red worms and crickets. On the South Winter Haven Chain, fishing the canals or drop offs are producing the best results. Best reporting lakes are currently Lakes Shipp and Howard in Winter Haven and Lakes Alfred, Haines, and Rochelle in Lake Alfred. We are in prime bass fishing season here in Central Florida. This time of year, our anglers report using top water baits like Heddon ChugNSpooks or Poppin Images for best results. Booyah Frogs are also sure winners. Working the frogs along the shore line is recommended. We are seeing many bass in the 7 to 8-pound range using any of those
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baits. Pick any lake, use your favorite bait and enjoy some great fishing. Remember to always “catch and release” fish over 16” unless you’re cookin’ them up. We have to work together to protect and preserve our lakes and fish population. The enclosed photo shows 1st place winners, Sean Morgan and Cody Oshman, displaying their winning catch (Total 11 pounds 8.75 ounces) caught on Eagle Lake at Ron’s Tackle Box Weekly Bass Tournament, held Thursday, May 10th. The 20th season of Ron’s Tackle Box Weekly Bass Tournaments is in full swing! Weekly registration is $30.00 per boat for a one or two man team. The tournaments run from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM each Thursday through the end of October. Prizes are awarded for BIG BASS and 1st, 2nd, 3rd place categories. The location each week is not revealed until Thursday mornings and is announced in “The Ledger” and on our FaceBook page. Of course, you may always call Ron at (863) 956-4990 for tournament information and fishing reports. Our tournaments are all around great fun-- come out and join us! Ron Schelfo, Owner RON’S TACKLE BOX, LLC 380 S. Lake Shore Way Lake Alfred, FL 33850 (863) 956-4990 www.ronstacklebox.com “Catch” my Weekly Fishing Report every Saturday (6-8 AM) on 970 WFLA Check us out on Facebook and like our page.
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www.facebook.com/mitchsbaitandtackle 14 TAMPA | JUNE 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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CCA FLORIDA STAR TOURNAMENT CRANKS UP FOR YEAR FOUR BY: CAPT. MIKE ANDERSON
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CA Florida has launched the 4th year of its widely successful CCA Florida STAR Tournament! It started on Saturday, May 26th, but don’t panic--it runs through September 3rd at sunset. That’s 101 days of fishing, and this year’s statewide event gives anglers even more chances to win incredible prizes both inshore and offshore. The format is designed to be family-friendly and otherwise allinclusive to all aspects of Florida’s recreational community. STAR has a very reasonable $75 entry fee for anglers ages 18 and up, which includes a CCA membership. Existing CCA members (which you should all be) pay only $40 to enter and kids ages six to 17 are free. In 2018, with the help of the FWC, the CCA released over 150 tagged redfish all over the state of Florida and, catching one could win you a new truck or a boat, motor and trailer package in the tagged redfish division. In addition to the tagged redfish division, the format includes an open division, a ladies division, a kayak division, a fly division, a tarpon division, guides division and even a trash division where you can win prizes for just picking up trash on our waterways! Seventeen divisions in all with both inshore and offshore opportunities to win! The conservation division will ultimately help FWC marine biologists better manage our fisheries through meaningful and correct catch data. The tournament also features a youth division which includes up to $100,000 in scholarship awards for New Tide members. In this, its 4th year, tournament boundaries will include the state of Florida waters, extending from the Florida/ Alabama border all the way south to the waters of Everglades National Park and around up to the Florida/ Georgia line. Let’s make 2018 the year we all get involved and truly make a difference in our fishery. CCA is the perfect voice for us, but
they need our support and the Star Tournament serves as a great way to do that! About five years ago, I made the decision to become a CCA Life Member. I wanted to be sure that my kids and grandkids would enjoy the same fishing rights that I have enjoyed. These rights are in serious jeopardy, and CCA fights these political battles for us every day that we need fought to keep our fishing rights alive. I hope each and every one of you joins CCA and signs up to fish the CCA STAR tournament. You have a chance to win a share of $500,000 worth of prizes doing what you’re all going to be doing anyway--fishing! And trust me when I tell you, you don’t want to be the person that catches a tagged redfish that would give you the keys to a brand new GMC truck or Contender, Pathfinder, Hewes, Carolina Skiff or Cotton Mouth boat powered by a powerful Yamaha motor sitting on a brand new beautiful trailer, only you forgot to sign up! Happens every year! Make 2018 the year you and your family chose to get involved and make a difference in our fishery. For more info on how to sign up go to www.CCAFLSTAR. com. Good luck, and see you on the water! Catch Captain Michael Anderson every Saturday morning on Ch32 WMOR-TV at 6:30 a.m. for the Reel Animals Fishing Show and Saturdays for Reel Animals Saturday on 970WFLA from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. You can also catch him Sunday mornings on AM620 for the TA Mahoney Co. Reel Animals Radio Show from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. To book a trip call 1-866-Gamefish.
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM | JUNE 2018 | TAMPA 15
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SHORELINE REPORT JOHN’S PASS, FLORIDA
BY: PAUL PRESSON These legends are the reason for the naming of John’s Pass. It is hard to believe that an area right in the heart of beach tourism could be a productive John Sasser using a Penn Fierce Angelo Rivero using an 8-foot fishing spot. The 9-foot moderate action rod, Penn Shimano Teramar rod, Van Staal swift moving water Fierce 5000 reel, 30-pound Power VSB100 reel with 30-pound Ohero at depths up to 14 feet make for a great Pro, 60-pound fluoro leader, and braid attached to 80-pound Eagle entry and exit for GSJ Flair Hawk Claw mono using a uni to uni fish into Boca Ciega knot. The lure was a 1-ounce GSJ Bay. John’s Pass Park butterscotch body/white tail. in Madeira Beach provides access to a sandy area under the bridge and the rocky area ohn’s Pass is located between Treasure Island and Madeira Beach, Florida. The pass was created by closer to the mouth. There are also two small a hurricane in 1848. Today, the legends of John jetties on either side of the pass. The grounds Levique still vary. Some say he came to purchase have limited paid parking and offer a pavilion and land, some that he was a turtle farmer, and some restrooms. Parking can also be accessed on the say he was a pirate, it all makes for great folklore. other side of the road at John’s Pass village. Free-lining live bait or throwing lures can be He and his companion Joseph Silva discovered John’s Pass on a return trip from New Orleans. very effective at the pass. Trout and snook are There are myths that John Levique buried treasure plentiful if fished for at the right time. The area at the exact location of the newly formed pass. is very rocky, make sure to use heavy leader line
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to avoid breaking off on the rocks and bridge structures. John’s Pass can be more than difficult to fish on weekends, during the daytime hours, the crowds and boat traffic can be overwhelming. If deep sea fishing is your thing, you are at the right place, Hubbard’s Marina can accommodate all of your offshore fishing needs. Boats, kayaks, party vessels, and nature trips, are also available along the boardwalk. After a long day of fishing, the John’s Pass village boasts many different eating establishments. Some of these restaurants will even cook up your catch of the day. If you are spending some quality time at the beach, make sure to take advantage of the angling possibilities at John’s Pass. 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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HERNANDO COUNTY OPEN SEASON
BY: CAPT. JOEL GANT
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une is here and that means there are two species we can target and keep. Red snapper and gag grouper season are both open this month. The regulation can be a little confusing, so I highly recommend checking them at “myfwc.com”. Let’s start with the gag grouper. Still two per person, 24 inches minimum size limit and opens on June 1st. until December 31st. There are a few different ways to catch them. The most popular
is bottom fishing. Anchor on your spot and drop a live or cut bait to the bottom. I use 60-pound mono with a 7/0 hook on a Shimano Torium reel. Another way to catch them is trolling. Pick the right depth for the lure your using and troll an area you believe should hold fish. This is also a great way to find new structure. FWC announced a 40day recreational red snapper season. This will be from June 11th. to July 20th. Charter boats fishing in Federal waters (past nine miles), must have a Federal reef permit. The regulation is two per person and 16 inches minimum size. One of the best ways to catch them is with live bait like shrimp or small pinfish. I like a spinning reel with 20 to 30-pound braid, a 2-foot section of 20-pound leader with a 3/0 to 4/0 hook and enough weight to get the bait down. Don’t use too heavy of weight because most strikes will come on the fall. Watch your line as it goes down, if you see it stop or move faster, start reeling.
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Another fish showing up in numbers are the “ brown bombers”, cobia. Cobia are very curious, and very often they will just show up. For this reason, I always have a pitch bait with a bucktail jig or some other bait to throw quickly. Most of the time they are not shy about what they eat. Keep the bait moving and if they won’t take your bait, try a different one. Free lining a live bait or a dead bait will also work. Chumming will bring them in. A quick reminder, scallop season opens on July 1st. I know you diehard scallopers already have this etched on your calendar. This picture is Jim with a nice red snapper caught and released on a recent trip. Get out there on the water and make some memories with friends and family! I’m always looking for reports and pictures. You can email me or stop by my website and become a “FISHHEAD”. Capt. Joel Gant operates Fishdaddy Charters out of Hernando Beach, he knows the local waters like the back of his hand, and works both inshore and offshore trips. Check him out on face book or you can reach him at (352) 279-1615. Visit his website, www.fishdaddycharter.com
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM | JUNE 2018 | TAMPA 17
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SUMMER SNOOK BY: CAPT. ANTHONY CORCELLA
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he big 40. No, not the start of middle age, it’s the magical number of the 40-inch snook club! And now is the best chance to become a member as the giant snook transition into spawning mode on the big summer tides. The first step to catching that trophy snook is knowing where they are located. Any pass from Pass a Grill to Johns Pass will be stacked. The beaches will all hold big snook and the local bridges will be loaded too. Flats with defined edges and access to deeper water will also produce big fish. The key is good tidal movement. The best bites will be focused around the big tides with the full and new moons. The second step to catching that 40-inch monster is know what they will eat--luckily right now it’s almost anything. Live bait is king, but lures will produce plenty of giants. The big snook in the passes and the beach will hit a live grunt or pinfish with wild abandon. The bigger the bait, the better. The same snook will also hit
jigs such as a red Flair Hawk and subsurface p l u g s mimicking baitfish. Early mornings, sunset, and night fishing is best. The big snook on the flat edges and bay bridges will attack white baits, smaller grunts and pinfish. Soft body jigs, top water plugs and sub-surface lures will all take fish on the flats, with jigs and swimbaits working well at the bridges. The third step to joining the elusive 40-inch club is correct tackle and gear. Put away the trout gear. This is warm water fishing and long fights on light gear stress these big fish and can lead to death. 4000 size spinning reels loaded with 15 to 20-pound braid on a 7-foot 6-inch 17 to 20-pound class rod are a solid choice. Casting reels loaded with the same line class are a great option for working the bridges with lures. 40 to 60-pound fluorocarbon leader and a 4/0 hook are standard for live bait. Lure fishermen can get by with 30-pound fluorocarbon but run the risk of heartbreak if the lure gets swallowed and chaffed off by a ravenous pre-spawn snook.
For those wanting to find fish for the cooler, the redfish and trout bite remains strong until the water really heats up. Look for them on grass flats, ones with potholes are ideal, in three feet of water. Reds are starting to school up and the trout are feeding strong post-spawn. Live baits like whitebait, small pinfish, grunts and shrimp free-lined or under a bobber will produce plenty of fish. This is prime time to work a top water plug for the lure crowd. Jigs and subsurface will work great in the deeper holes and cuts. Be ready for a big snook or cobia to crash the party too. The fishing is heating up with the weather. Your trophy is waiting! 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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18 TAMPA | JUNE 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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ST. PETE REPORT TIME FOR TRIPLETAIL
BY: CAPT. CHRISTOPHER TAYLOR
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ummer is here and the tripletail bite is on fire. During the month of June, heat can be an issue. Try to fish in the early morning and evening hours. Fishing during the evening hours may be difficult to do when predictable afternoon storms roll in. So, make sure to keep a lookout for lightning and wind. These fish are highly active on the right tidal movement and many can be caught. Tripletail have a great reputation for their performance abilities when being hooked into. From lots of drag pull and jumps, to breakoffs and pulled hooks. Many anglers go to great lengths just to catch one. Locating tripletail right now is not very hard. They can be found along beaches, passes, and in the open water. On rising and falling tides, tripletail will be found on and around vertical structure, floating objects, and floating on the surface of the water. Passes hold many tripletail this time of year, especially due to their spawning migration that starts in May and ends in late summer. The popular areas for tripletail located along the Gulf beaches are St. Joseph Sound, Clearwater Beach, the Intercoastal waters around Johns Pass, St. Pete Beach, and many others. They can also be found inside Tampa Bay. The most popular methods used to catch tripletail are very simple to learn and use. I recommend free-lining live
or cut scaled sardines, or live shrimp within the target area or “strike-zone” using 30-pound fluorocarbon leader and a 3/0 hook. The addition of a cork, or 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 Pinellas County waterways right now are filled with scaled sardines. These leaf size bait-fish are great for catching tripletail, especially when there are many swimming about. Scaled sardines can be caught by throwing a cast net or you can buy them at select bait and tackle stores. I recommend catching enough to use for bait as well as a few extra to throw as chum. You will be able to find these baitfish at the channel markers and shallow to deep transition areas nearest boat channels. I use a 10-foot 3/8 mesh Humpback cast net to gather my bait. I can usually catch enough bait for a trip in one or two casts due to the ease of opening in the net design. If you’re interested in catching tripletail, there is no other time like now to target them. Captain Christopher Taylor Florida Reels Fishing Charters www.floridareelsfishingcharters.com (813) 220-6135
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PASCO COUNTY REDFISH, TROUT, SNOOK
BY: CAPT. BOBBY CARROLL
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he bite has continued to impress! The redfish have been all over the flats and in huge numbers. If you’re looking to try and catch your first redfish, now is the time to do it. They are eating any kind of bait you put in front of their nose. For a first light bait, I like throwing a select shrimp free-lined or a whitebait under the mangroves or around the oyster bars. As it gets later in the day, try using cut bait and pitching it as close as possible to the mangroves. This is necessary, as the fish get lazier due to the heat. As far as artificials go, topwater first thing in the morning has been
the bait of choice. At low tide, work the open flats and look for potholes. On the high tide, hug it along the banks and have your drag tighter than normal. The trout have moved to deeper pockets looking for the cooler water. But, once you find the hole with them in it, you should have no problem catching your limit. Their preference of bait this time of year is a 3 to 4-inch whitebait. If you’re targeting strictly trout, drop your leader size down to 20-pound to better your chances on the bite. When it comes to artificials and trout, any 3 to 4-inch paddle tail rigged on a 1/8 to ¼ ounce jig will do the trick. Snook have moved to their spawning areas. They are packing on the pounds and eating like crazy due to this time of year. We like using a 7-foot 6-inch medium/heavy action rod paired with a 4000 to 5000 series reel. Lace it up with 15-pound braid and a 40-pound leader and you’re good to go. They are grouped in big numbers, so catching them won’t be too hard. But, while targeting these big snook this time of year, please handle them with care. It’s very important to get them back in the water as soon as you can so they can go back and create the future!
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20 TAMPA | JUNE 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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power catamaran line. The Aquila 36 is the fourth model to be developed by Aquila Power Catamarans now known for building pure-bred power catamarans and setting the new standard in quality and innovation. Uncompromising design briefs, coupled with advanced industry experience, engineering and manufacturing by world class builders, make up the Aquila line. While only launched since February 2017, the Aquila 36 has proven her ingenuity by winning the Christofle Yacht Style Award (Best MultiHull Motor Yacht Under 15m) and Multihull of the Year (Power Multihulls) from Multihulls World in 2018. Find out more about Aquila 36 Fishing and Diving Version at AquilaBoats.com.
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22 TAMPA | JUNE 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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CAPT. SERGIO’S CORNER TAMPA BAY AS I KNEW IT (PART II)
BY: CAPT. SERGIO ATANES
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rowing up in Tampa Bay in the 50’s and 60’s had so much to offer when it came to fishing. When we were not going to Boca Grande for the weekends, (May’s article) we spent a lot of time exploring for new spots and there were plenty of places to find. In the 50s and 60s the mindset was to fish offshore and very little attention was given to the inshore areas. While many of our friends concentrated on grouper and snapper, my family preferred to fish the inshore waters of Tampa Bay. One of the things that we learned from fishing the area was that we could catch almost all the species that were available in the Gulf of Mexico, except for snapper and amberjack. Taking into consideration that in the 50s and 60s we didn’t have the high-speed fishing boats that we have today, it took a lot longer to get to the grouper spots. Although grouper could be caught within sight of land and in shallow waters, the advantage of fishing Tampa Bay was the abundance of species of fish that was available within 10 minutes of the shoreline and easily reachable in a small vessel. I remember well the boat my uncle had, which was an old wooden 16-foot hull with a 9.9 Wizard (had no neutral started in forward gear) outboard motor. Although not as seaworthy as modern boats of today, it did the job for us. The 22nd Street Bridge offered a lot, including redfish, Speckled trout and sheepshead from the bridge, down the shoreline leading to the old Seabreeze restaurant. The restaurant had a boat ramp next door, so it made it convenient to fish the area. The Hillsborough River produced some nice quantities of snook and tarpon. I can remember catching tarpon from the Columbus Drive Bridge shoreline and large snook under the Hillsborough Avenue Bridge at night, something I wouldn’t do today. The Platt Street Bridge was one of the best fishing spots for large snook and Speckled trout in the winter. TECO had a power plant next to the bridge on the river. The hot water runoff attracted the big fish during cold spells. Old Tampa Bay area also had much to offer. Above Courtney Campbell Causeway was the Lopez hole area of a big dredge hole that held large trout all winter long (over the years silt has filled it in). The last little bridge on the Clearwater side of the Courtney Campbell Causeway was a hotspot for Speckled trout and redfish for waders during the winter months. Where the Howard Franklin 4th Street exit is today, there used to be an old crabbers shack, and next to it, a deep dredge hole that held large trout all winter long. To this day, it is still considered a hotspot for fishing. Although the hole is not as deep as it used to be, trout can still be found during the winter months when high pressure systems move in and the tides drop below normal levels. Big Island sits in the same area and to this day holds its fair share of snook and redfish all year long. Gandy Bridge was the main fishing bridge for the Tampa natives, and I remember catching large Speckled trout, Black drum, and redfish at night. We would hang a Coleman lantern close to the water attracting shrimp and with it, plenty of fish. When we were not fishing Boca Grande, Gandy Bridge was our second choice from shore. Boaters would fish the bar (a shallow water strip that extends south between the center span and the St. Pete side of the bridge). The bar was well known for the Speckled trout and cobia action and still to this day a hot spot, although not fished much by this generation of anglers. Yes, Weedon Island did exist in the 50s and 60s, although very few anglers fished the area. You must remember that snook was considered a soap fish, and not a very edible species. Redfish was also considered trash fish in that era. Trout was the mainstay of Tampa Bay. Port Tampa was also a well know spot in the 50s and 60s. Grouper could be caught off the rocks, along with common guests such as Seabass, big Key West grunts, large redfish, and even tarpon. Anglers could average at least one Goliath grouper a month in the channel leading into Port Tampa. I remember fishing from that little 16-foot
wooden boat using 3/8 anchor line with a large hook, an old sash window weight and putting on one large mullet for bait. We then tied the anchor line to the stern of the boat and fished for redfish and grouper while we waited for the Goliath to bite. Tampa Bay has over 26 wrecks that are listed on the old charts, and some of these wrecks were exposed along the shoreline. These wrecks produced large quantities of redfish, snook, sheepshead, Speckled trout and Mangrove snapper. Over the years these shallow water wrecks have been covered with silt and sand from the storms, but the deep-water wrecks are still there. I fish them for Gag grouper, Mangrove snapper and grunts during summer months. These wrecks are also home during the winter months for big sheepshead, flounder and Speckled trout. Next month I will cover the south end of Tampa Bay with some stories and information most residents and even the locals don’t know about. Captain Sergio Atanes is a native resident of Tampa and has been fishing the water of Tampa Bay and Boca Grande for over 45 years. He is the owner and operator of S & I Charters which is one of the largest charter booking services in the West Coast of Florida with 55 professional captains on staff. Capt. Sergio Atanes can be reached at (813) 973-7132 or www.reelfishy.com
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eam Cool Runnings secured the overall win and a $25,000 first-place cash prize at Marathon’s 12th annual Bull and Cow Dolphin Tournament that ended May 6 in the middle Florida Keys. Islamorada, Fla. residents Jack Redberg, Max Dixson, Paul Ross, KC Spaulding and Will Kaufman, each aged between 18 and 21—and whose fathers are second- and third-generation Keys fishing captains—tallied a 65-pound combined weight of a bull and cow dolphin fish for the win. The team earned an additional prize for the largest bull overall, a fish that weighed 58.6 pounds, and a prize for the largest combined weight of three fish, 78.8 pounds. Team Executive Decision’s 53-pound bull and cow total earned them the tournament’s overall second place and a cash prize of $3,000. In third place was team All In, with anglers from Ocala, Fla.: Sam Milazzo, Chris Wear, John Paglia Jr., Anthony Paglia, Jill Paglia and John Paglia III. Their 45-pound bull and cow total earned them a $1,000 cash payout. Cash prizes of $1,000 each also were awarded to team Reel Big Dog II for the tournament’s largest wahoo (21 pounds), team Discovery for the largest blackfin tuna (19 pounds) and team Up Grade for a 9.4-pound tripletail. According to organizers, a field of 129 boats with nearly 650 anglers—the tournament’s largest attendance to date— participated in the popular Middle Keys challenge that raises money for local charities and athletic scholarships. The event was headquartered at the Faro Blanco Resort in Marathon.
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WEST COAST FLORIDA
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By Chris Beardsley
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FISH & FISHING
y first saltwater rod and reel was a budget Okuma Metallix, complete with a 7-foot medium-action rod and a Metallix MT 40 spinning reel. It was a vacation purchase meant to get me by while sitting on the beach in Florida. After nearly 20 years, it’s been dropped, dunked and dragged through the sand. It’s caught bull reds, puppy drum, whiting, trout and quite a few sharks up to 40 inches. Annual maintenance kept it squeak, sand and salt free, but… oh that drag. The best words to describe it are jerky, sticky and unpredictable. While fighting fish, I often had to dial it way back because it would refuse to release except only under maximum pressure. I cleaned the felt washers, removing all dirt, grease, etc. and reassembled it with virtually no improvement.
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The Approach
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MARK SOSIN
any of us overlook the obvious. Our focus tends to lock on to the task of choosing the right bait or lure rather than positioning the boat as quietly and effectively as possible so an offering can be put in front of the fish without spooking them. In many situations, how you handle the boat plays a major role in whether you will catch fish or send them diving for cover. The most basic rule starts with an understanding of where the fish are going to be. Ease the boat into a position where you can get a bait in front of the fish or reach the area with an artificial. Fish are going to face into the flow of water or swim on an angle across the flow. They expect the moving water to carry their food to them. That means you have to put the boat where your offering approaches the fish naturally. If you are fishing shallow flats, know that the fish will move up the flat with incoming water and start dropping back as the tide turns. Recognize that during periods of the new and full moon, they will go higher on the flat because the water is deeper. If you can see sharks cruising on a flat, use them as the perfect reference point. They are in the area where the fish will be and that’s where you want to start fishing. Careless boat handling can eliminate good fishing in a hurry. The primary example occurs with schools of breaking fish. Frequently, wheeling and diving birds signal the event and can be seen from a distance. Boats race for the scene at full throttle, and not many skippers exhibit enough sense to
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I learned to live with it, but it was soon relegated to the back of the closet. Why bother keeping it? Just throw it away, right? I considered that, but if you’re like me you want to drive it until the wheels fall off. Fix it until it can’t be fixed. Since the drag was the offending component, I started there. Theoretically, the drag on a spinning reel is really very simple. It’s very much like the clutch or brakes on a car; apply pressure to discs of various materials and let friction do the rest. As the pressure increases, friction also increases generating and generates heat. Like all reels, over time the wear and tear from pressure and heat cause the drag material (i.e. felt, leather, etc.) to become less effective and very much a liability. Eventually the felt is virtually useless, leaving only metal-on-metal braking. Replacing your drag washers with something more reliable and stable is a great way to breathe new life into an old or cheap reel. I knew that replacing old felt washers with new felt wasn’t an option, but what then? After a bit of research, carbon fiber seemed the clear leader. For me it wasn’t about increased drag pressure, which is a primary reason to switch to carbon replacements. Instead, I was looking for smooth, controlled drag that released evenly. You can purchase ready-made washers from companies such as Smoooth Drag or purchase a sheet of carbon fiber and make your own. Regardless, don’t forget to replace the small, often neglected drag washer located between the main gear and shaft carrier base plate. When you remove the spool, it will be the small washer sitting on top of the gear. New carbon washers were installed in the old Metallix last year, and it’s now better than new. It’s smooth and releases evenly. No more tense moments as I dial it back. Since then I’ve replaced the washers on another favorite with excellent results. Regardless of whether you decide to make your own or order a set, replacing your tired, worn washer stack will be a significant improvement and just might breathe new life into an old favorite.
slow down before they reach the school. A better approach is to hang on the outside fringes of the school and position the boat so that you can present baits or lures to the forward end of the school. Usually, a fish in a school will not chase an offering if it is retrieved counter to the direction of the school. Instead, you want your presentation to land in the school and move forward out of the school at a 45-degree angle. If you are bottom fishing or bouncing a jig, it is usually better to drift rather than anchor in one spot. The key lies in having the boat drift from shallow to deep so that you have a better chance of landing a fish if the bottom has obstructions. Keep in mind that feeding fish are usually on the front side of a reef, wreck or other obstacle. It is equally important to be aware of engine noise, the splashing of a wake, and sounds in the boat that transmit through the hull. Whenever possible, approach the area you want to fish at relatively slow speed. If you can avoid it, don’t run the boat over where you want to fish. When you’re drifting and want to get back up current, make a wide sweep instead of running back over the area you just fished. And, if you are trolling, work from shallow to deep or deep to shallow at a 45-degree angle until you find which direction produces fish. Every move you make with your boat should be carefully calculated. Handle the boat professionally, and you will catch more fish.
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By Randy Cnota
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his month you’re likely to experience the most topwater bass action you’ll see all year. Fish have recovered from the rigors of the spawn, their metabolisms are speeding up with the increase in water temps, and they want to eat! Let’s face it, there’s nothing more exciting than seeing a lure get smashed on the surface by a big bass. With the shape and size of their mouth, bass are engineered to be topwater predators. They can easily engulf large prey from the surface by flaring their gills and instantly flushing gallons of water through them in violent strikes. They are vicious predators that are willing to eat a large meal, so when presented with what appears to be a small baitfish injured on the surface… it’s chow time! The Bagley Spintail 05 and Bang-O-Lure are floating jerkbaits with a prop at the tail. The Bang-O-lure is made of balsa, a very light, soft wood with incredible buoyancy perfect for imitating baitfish. Bagley’s been making these balsa lures since 1960, and they flat-out catch fish. The plastic Spintail has proven itself to me over the past few years to be just as effective at fooling fish. I like to fish these lures on a rod less than 7 feet long to increase Airline_Ad_CoastalAngler_8-1-14_Layout 1 8/1/14this 1:14 PMinto Page 1 pockets of casting accuracy, because I often throw lure small
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open water among wood and grass. Pockets like this are often used by bass as ambush spots. They lie in the shade on the edges, so when your lure lands in the pocket, let it settle for several seconds. Don’t be surprised if you get a strike before moving it. If a fish doesn’t blast the bait off the cast, move it with a short, sharp jerk to make it dive, wiggle and slosh the water without moving a long distance. This maximizes your lure’s time in the open water of the pocket and increases the odds of a strike. I prefer to use 15-pound-test monofilament, but braided line can be a good bet depending on the type of cover. Keep in mind you will be hanging the lure and the bass up in the cover, but you’d be amazed by the size of fish you can haul out of cover with 15-pound mono. To scour vast expanses of grass and pads for bass, buzzing frogs and buzzbaits will be hard to beat. I like the Gambler Cane Toad and the Zoom Horny Toad, which provide me completely different actions. The Cane Toad produces a louder gurgling sound while the Horny Toad gives a more subtle buzzing action. Rig these on stout rods with heavy wire hooks and 50-pound braid, minimum. I don’t work these baits slowly unless the fish tell me to. Fully recovered postspawn bass strike with extreme speed and precision when they see a feeding opportunity, so burn it with a high-speed reel… and hold on! Capt. Randy “C-note” Cnota is co-publisher of the Panama City/ Forgotten Coast edition of Coastal Angler and owner of C-note Charters in Panama City, Fla. Check him out at cnotcharters.com.
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ince 1994, when Composite Research was founded as Sundance—its first boat brand—it has been a company devoted to building top-quality boats, and fishing boats have always been their specialty. Having come a long way from the high-performance skiffs and center consoles they developed as Sundance, this Blackshear, Ga. company now offers fishing boats perfectly suited for almost any angler. From three brands, Sea Born, Sundance and Spyder, Composite Research now boasts an impressive lineup of bay boats, flats boats, skiffs, center consoles and larger offshore boats. All of them are built with the same pride as the originals, using the best in materials and craftsmanship to produce dependable, durable, safe and affordable boats that are well designed for fishing. All composite materials and high-quality components go into every boat Composite Research builds. Their extreme-pressure injection process into steel stringer molds creates a high-density foam that is rigid, strong and durable. With quality hardware, stainless-steel rails and two-tone gel coats, their boats are pretty, but they are also built to last. Each boat receives a stringent inspection before leaving the shop. Composite Research is secure enough in their processes and products to offer 10-year transferable warranties. The latest in the Sea Born line takes the brand solidly into the offshore arena. From sport fishing to island hopping, the all-new, 2018 Sea Born SX281 Offshore is yacht certified. It is Sea Born’s largest, most luxurious model ever. Measuring 27’ 9”, the SX281 is ready for bluewater with plenty of freeboard along with dozens of standard features for fishing, friends and family alike. In the bow, there’s a large lounge area with removable cushions
and seat backs with insulated storage below for all the gear you could ever want. They’ve added in a removable dinette table, which turns the forward lounge into a sea-side meeting space or sun deck. Also included is a large, in-console head with sink and counter top, glass-style console face, multi-function Simrad, padded footrest, lower console storage and more. From the helm, and unique to the SX281, they’ve added plush, heavy-duty, two-stage, captain’s chairs, which can be used as a leaning post or traditional seat. The boat also features a side door along with a rear-of-console rigging and bait tackle center, a large livewell and ample aft seating. Big, beautiful, and ready for life on the water, the SX281 Offshore is sure to become a timeless classic. It is a very impressive new offering from a company born of a love for fishing and the water. As a marine manufacturer focused on fishing boats, one of Composite Research’s core philosophies is conservation. “We are dependent on healthy lakes, rivers, and seas to ensure not only the survival of our business but of marine wildlife and ultimately our entire planet,” reads a statement on their website. “As such, Composite Research donates product and services to many charitable and non-profit organizations and is a long-time sponsor of Bimini’s Shark Lab. As a company, we are always seeking additional measures to ensure the safety of our customers, employees, and environment through responsible manufacturing practices.”
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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Garmin inReach Mini Measuring just 4”x2” and weighing just 3.5 ounces, Garmin’s brand new inReach Mini is a powerful, yet compact, satellite communicator that offers two-way messaging and 24/7 SOS function when combined with subscription to access the Iridium satellite network. Small enough to fit in your pocket, the inReach Mini eliminates the need for cell tower coverage. It works anywhere when using the Iridium satellite network. The inReach Mini can be used on its own or paired with a compatible device. The Earthmate app pairs with the inReach Mini via Bluetooth to a compatible smartphone for access to maps, aerial imagery, and charts. The Earthmate app also allows inReach features to be accessed through the paired mobile device, so a user can reach anyone in their contact list. The inReach Mini also works with Garmin’s fenix smartwatch to send and receive messages from a watch. Every inReach device gives users access to a cloud-based website to plan trips with waypoints and routes and to create preset messages and quick texts. In the website, users can sync and manage device settings, update firmware, link social media accounts and store unlimited tracking data. To receive weather forecasts, the optional service provides detailed weather updates directly to the inReach Mini. Small but mighty, the inReach Mini is impact resistant and water-rated to IPX7, so it’s built tough to withstand extreme conditions. The inReach Mini includes an internal, rechargeable lithium battery for up to 50 hours of use at the default 10-minute tracking mode and up to 20 days at the 30-minute interval extended tracking mode.
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North Carolina angler Dan Bowman with a big dorado and his two favorite fishing buddies, Chloe and Sophie.
s always, it’s tropical, warm and beautiful down here in Costa Rica. The only change here is that the fishing has been white-hot. On the Pacific Coast, we mark our fishing seasons by the presence of two distinct feeder fish populations: dorado from November to June and yellowfin tuna from April to October. The months of April and May are a magical time when both Dorado and yellowfin are abundant. As much as we love coming home with full filet bags of multiple species, the real benefit is that the billfish are in town and they are feeding like hungry hogs. FishingNosara Hall of Famer Chuck Darner invited radio host Roger Walker for a fun week of action in late April. After lighting it up on the Harvester on the April 23, they moved up to the Wanderer the next day for a productive day offshore. Walker got it started with a 45-plus-pound dorado, and then hooked up a nice sailfish heavier than 100 pounds. Then Capt. William pursued a big school of porpoises that were feeding on yellowfin tuna. These dolphin schools are better measured in acres than numbers, and when they are packed in this thick, there is obviously something tasty just beneath the surface. Walker got in on the action with a beefy 50-plus-pound yellowfin, clearly the best fish of the day. Near the end of the day, they
hooked up another big sailfish, which put on an aerial display on the way to a safe release. Other boats on the FishingNosara team accumulated eight marlin releases during the month of April, including a two-release day for anglers Craig Sutton and Marino Lora on April 22. We are just beginning to see multiple marlin release days and expect things to ramp up as we approach the summer months. Speaking of summer, this is a great time to pack up the kids and get them down to Costa Rica for some sportfishing. As much fun as it is to spend three months playing video games and screwing around on the Internet, let the words of North Carolina angler Dan Bowman change your mind. “Best fishing trip EVER,” he wrote, “and I got to enjoy it with Chloe and Sophie, my 4- and 5-year-old daughters! We fought through a slow morning with a huge cubera snapping off on the reef to landing three sailfish in the early afternoon (the first two being a double hookup which was super exciting) to be followed up with a monster dorado on the way home. My girls had the best time ever, as did I! Memories to last a lifetime. Thank you and your crew for being so accommodating! Can’t wait to come back and go out again!” It’s a great feeling to see youngsters get their first taste of blue water action; it means that our sport has a bright future.
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What Everyone’s Saying About U.S. Power Squadrons —America’s Boating Club
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hether you are a first-time boater taking a class to learn the basics or a long-time liveaboard looking for a community of likeminded souls, you’ll find a place in the United States Power Squadrons – America’s Boating Club. The joy of boating is shared by everyone involved in the country’s largest nonprofit boating organization. America’s Boating Club has built its membership up to over 27,000 by offering classes For Boaters, By Boaters with the understanding that people join the organization for the education, but stay for the friends. Nothing captures this feeling better than the words of the members themselves. Here’s what a few have to say: “My husband, Matt, spent a lot of time in squadron classes and doing homework; I thought he was just hanging out with his buddies. While vacationing in the Florida Keys, we chartered a boat to go cruising and snorkeling, but I was a little scared. How do we know how to get to the reef? How do we get back? How deep is this water? How do we know where we are? My husband answered all of my questions, and I felt safe and comfortable knowing that he knew what he was doing. I still think he enjoys hanging out with his class buddies, but I’m glad he took the courses and I can’t wait until our next boating adventure!” – Debbie Murphy
“My boys, ages 11 and 12 at the time, and my wife became enamored with boating after a vacation at New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesaukee in 1964, and we ended up buying an 18-foot lapstrake wooden boat with a 95-horsepower motor. I signed up to take courses from New Jersey’s Saddle River Power Squadron. I knew nothing about boating, and I had heard that United States Power Squadrons – America’s Boating Club was the way to learn. Over the years, the squadron and the boat became a way of life. Thank you for 37 great boating years.” – Arnold Bucksbaum “As a child of two long-time members, I regularly participated in boating safety instruction as well as rescues and other safety-related activities during the boating season. I first learned to read and write by keeping the log while cruising the Chesapeake Bay with my family. I learned to tie knots, make the vessel fast to the pier, and even lower and raise the anchor while still a preteen. I have been active in United States Power Squadrons – America’s Boating Club since I became a squadron apprentice at 13. I taught my first class, Marine Electronics, at 14. Through the years, I’ve taught the Boating course, Piloting, Advanced Piloting, Weather, Engine Maintenance, Marine Electronics and Coastal Navigation.” – Dwight Bues “My wife and I lived on our 42-foot Tayana Cutter for four years, sailing over 20,000 miles. We give our squadron all the credit for giving us all the tools to live our dream.” — Charles and Marianne Schuler See what everyone is talking about, visit www.americasboatingclub.org to find your local squadron and make experiences to last a lifetime.
Join in the Fun!
United States Power Squadrons is America’s Boating Club Learn boating skills. Engage with boating friends. Connect with the boating community.
Learn more at www.americasboatingclub.org
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FRESHWATER FWC photo by Rebekah Nelson
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he Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission called it the “grandaddy of all catfish” on its Facebook page. It’s an apt description for a blue cat that outweighs the existing Florida state record by more than 50 pounds. Running his trotlines on the Panhandle’s Choctawhatchee River in April, Joel Singletary must have known he was in for a workout when he pulled up on the 120-pound behemoth. According to the post, the adrenaline rush that comes with hooking such a huge fish was responsible for Singletary’s ability to haul the big blue into the boat. Because it was caught on a trotline and not on a rod and reel, the fish does not qualify for an official state record to replace the standing 69.5-pounder caught by William Stewart on May 30, 2015. That fish also came from the Choctawhatchee, which speaks to the fishery’s ability to pump out enormous catfish. The IGFA all-tackle world record blue catfish weighed 143 pounds. It was caught by Richard Nicholas Anderson in June of 2011 from Buggs Island (Kerr) Lake, Virginia.
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5/17/18 1:37 PM
Gulf States Announce Red Snapper Seasons By CAM Staff
Photo courtesy of Larry McGuire/Show Me The Fish Charters
W
ith federal approval of Exempted Fishing Permits (EFPs) for red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico, the five Gulf states will manage red snapper seasons in state and federal waters for the 2018-2019 seasons. The bag-limit in federal waters remains 2 fish per person per day, with a 16-inch minimum length. Every state except Texas has the same limit for its state waters. Federally permitted for-hire vessels have their own June 1-July 22 season. State permitted for-hire vessels will generally follow the state seasons, but they will only be allowed to harvest red snapper from state waters. Here’s a quick look at what each state has come up with to manage Gulf red snapper fisheries for 2018. FLORIDA The sunshine state has announced a 40-day recreational red snapper season in state and federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico to run June 11-July 20. This season is for private recreational vessels. For-hire operations without a federal reef fish permit must have a State Gulf Reef Fish Charter on their license, which can be obtained from a tax collectors office free of charge. All Gulf reef fish anglers are required to sign up for the Gulf Reef Fish Survey. Sign up at the Gulf Reef Fish Survey page at myfwc.com. ALABAMA The recreational season in Alabama for private recreational vessels is slated for 47 days in state and federal waters. Red snapper harvest will be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from June 1-Sept. 2, plus July 2-5 and Sept. 3. Alabama’s season length could change based on when the 985,000-pound recreational quota is met. The catch will be closely tracked through the state’s mandatory Snapper Check App. LOUISIANA In Louisiana, the recreational red snapper season for private recreational vessels opened May 25 in state and federal waters. The season will remain open until the recreational quota of 743,000 pounds is met, according to estimates from the LA Creel program. The state might consider amending the season to weekends only if necessary. A free Recreational Offshore Landing Permit is required for all offshore anglers. It is available through www.wlf.louisiana.gov/rolp. All anglers will be subject to LA Creel dockside surveys and associated online and phone surveys. These surveys are voluntary, but participation is strongly urged. MISSISSIPPI Recreational red snapper season opened May 25 in state and federal waters off Mississippi. The season is projected to run through Sept. 3, Labor Day, with a possible season closure from July 9-22. The reason for the potential closure is to remain within Mississippi’s 137,949-pound quota, which will be divided between the recreational and for-hire sectors. The recreational quota is 135,149 pounds. The state for-hire quota is 2,800 pounds. Recreational catches will be monitored through the mandatory Tails N’ Scales reporting program, accessible through the app, as well online at tailsnscales.org or through the call center at 1-844677-6277. TEXAS Texas recently projected an 82-day recreational red snapper season in federal waters starting June 1. Harvest of red snapper in state waters is expected to remain open year-round. Texas has its own 4 fish per day, 15-inch minimum bag limit for state waters. Once Texas’ allotted poundage is reached, the season will be closed. Download the iSnapper app to report red snapper landings. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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BOAT REVIEW CraigCat E2 Elite
Since 1990, the patented CraigCat horizontal catamaran has radically redefined the image of recreational boating. Completey unique in form and function, this state-of-the-art craft offers all the responsiveness, stability and sporty handling associated with a larger boat at a fraction of the price. It is the world’s finest compact watercraft. Quick, roomy and exceptionally wellbuilt, the CraigCat delivers a rare blend of performance and genuine comfort that appeals to both the novice and seasoned boater alike. You’re going to love what the CraigCat does! With many options, it’s possible to trick out your CraigCat just how you want it. Here’s a quick look at some of the standard equipment offered on the E2 Elite, the king of the CraigCat fleet. It comes with: JBL Audio stereo with two HD speakers that pump your tunes out loud and clear; full-width storage compartment for your gear; convertible Bimini top, two polished stainless steel beverage holders; LED interior deck lighting and anchor light; super bright ion halogen docking lights; navigational lights; Four-rod fishing rod holder; electric key start with full remote control; twin side-by-side bucket seats; and more. It’s easy to see how this cool little boat offers all the comforts of a larger, more expensive vessel. Everything on the CraigCat is top quality and built for the marine environment, with stainless steel hardware and brackets of marine-grade aluminum. On freshwater or salt, it’s a machine build for fishing and fun. For more information, call 1-833-CRAIGCAT or visit craigcat.com.
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The Sea Eagle® FishSkiff™ 16 inflatable boat can be motored long distances to fishing spots other anglers only dream about. Fold up & carry in your car, SUV, camper or on a small plane. Features 2 swivel seats with rod-holders, 2 built-in 40” fish rulers & 2 Scotty mounts & 3 separate air chambers for safety. 5 Boat packages available starting at $1799.* *NY & WA residents add sales tax.
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There’s a lot going inside a 4-Stroke engine. Keep it protected with ECSTAR Suzuki Genuine Oil. Available in Gallons or Quarts at a Suzuki Marine Dealer Near You.
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ECSTAR. the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket when on the water and read your owner’s manual. © 2018 Suzuki Motor of Ameria, Inc.
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FLY FISHING
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altwater fly fishing can take you to places off the beaten path. Whether you’re inclined to travel far or stick closer to home, traveling with a fly rod packed in your luggage can be a great adventure. Here are some of my favorites. Keys Tarpon I love the Florida Keys! There are few things that get me more stoked than the thought of sight fishing a fly to a cruising tarpon in shallow water over a white sand flat! The fishing areas in the Keys are endless. If I were to pick one spot that gives the angler the best opportunity to hook a tarpon of a lifetime on the fly, it would be Bahia Honda. From April through June, you have shots at tarpon of all sizes, fishing over white sand flats just a few hundred feet off the shore. If you’re lucky enough and your timing is right, you might experience the legendary palolo worm hatch. There is nothing more exhilarating in saltwater fly fishing than having the opportunity to target tarpon during this annual springtime event in the Keys. The sight of very large tarpon lazily slurping these tiny red worms off the surface will give any angler buck fever! Texas Coast (South Padre Island) If you’re looking for a great fly-fishing/camping adventure, then South Padre Island on the Texas Gulf coast is about as good as it gets! The dune-lined beach runs more than 30 miles east of the coastal town of South Padre. You’ll find great camping among the sand dunes and excellent fly fishing for redfish, jacks and sharks. Also, if the wind lays down and you get a day of glassy water conditions, there is a good chance of hooking a few rolling tarpon from the beach!
Baja’s East Cape is a far-out adventure where West Coast saltwater fly fishing got its start more than 50 years ago. Baja is rugged and wild, where the blazing hot, cactus-filled desert meets the deep blue waters of the Sea of Cortez. Los Cabos is your starting point. Drive north along the beaches to Los Barrilles, also known as the East Cape, and you find some the best roosterfish fly fishing in the world. This area is a sight fisherman’s dream, where roosterfish run along the beach in ultra-shallow clear water, looking for sardines and mullet to eat. The best approach for the fly angler is to stake out in a bait-filled area and wait for the roosters to swim within casting range. Be aware! Roosterfish are one of the toughest game fish to catch on the fly, but once you entice the pes gallo to take the fly you’ll return year after year to pursue these great and unique gamefish. So, get out and go! Venture off the beaten path and explore waters close to home or far way. But make sure you pack your fly rod!
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N • THU
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dawn. The weather was unusually cold and foggy for a late August morning. The thermometer showed zero degrees Fahrenheit. Long-range forecasts predicted pleasant temperatures, but Vicki and I were glad to have prepared for the worst clothing-wise. The cold front suppressed the bite, but with help from Gino’s friend, Bruce Iwasa, we managed to land enough brookies for a shore lunch on one of the lake’s breathtaking islands. The setting was perfect on this uninhabited wilderness island. We sat on tree stumps, drank wine and watched as salad, trout, potatoes and dessert were prepared around a campfire. The fish were caught on light tackle using Muddler Minnow flies tied on jig heads. The unspoiled, wilderness scenery was more than we expected. We returned that night to Thunder Bay to enjoy filet mignon, red wine and a good night’s rest, so to be ready for another early morning departure, this time on the Nipigon River tailwater in search of Chinook salmon. The temperature was only 3 degrees warmer at 7 a.m. when we launched just below Alexander’s Dam on the Nipigon tailwater. Chinook are a species of Pacific salmon. Obviously they are not native to the drainage. They were introduced as a sport fish decades ago and have become one of the river’s most popular species. A thick early morning fog initially restricted us to trolling a small area with Rapala Countdown 11 lures on St. Croix Legend Tournament rods with small Shimano reels loaded with Stren MagnaThin 6-pound line. Two hours later, we were able to navigate downstream, where we tried our hand at fly fishing. Vicki hooked a nice brookie on spinning gear, while Gino and I struck out with fly rods. Around midday, the temperature had warmed and Gino suggested we go back up river to try trolling Rapalas at the dam. It worked! Vicki and I hooked and landed a 12-pound and 5-pound salmon, respectively. They were a blast to battle on light line. Having ended the day on a very high note, we headed back to Gino and Jennifer’s luxury cabin that has a view of Lake Superior to die for. The evening was enjoyed eating scratch-made pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven and meeting family members. The day-3 plan to fish Superior was scrapped because of rain and high winds. We enjoyed the balance of our trip eating gourmet foods such as salt-crusted salmon, Italian pastas, homemade sausages, salads, desserts and lots of beverages with new Canadian fishing friends. The scenery around Thunder Bay is enough to make it a worthwhile trip. The potential for world-class freshwater fishing on an unbelievable amount of diversified waters around the town is limitless. Check out Capt. Terry Fisher and Fish Face Charters in Cape Coral, Fla. at www.fishfacecharters.com.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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2018
BUCKET D
By Capt. Terry Fisher
ne of the benefits of being a charter captain in southwest Florida is the people you meet. Almost always, my first mate Vicki and I have fishing in common with the folks we take out on the water; sometimes the connection runs deeper. That’s how we became friends with Gino Mascarin and Jennifer Wintermans, of Thunder Bay, Canada. Like Vicki and I, both are avid anglers, and over the years we discovered we have many other things in common, including travel, fine foods and fine wines. On their last visit, Gino and Jennifer insisted we travel to their neck of the woods to fish for world record brook trout on Lake Nipigon and Chinook salmon on the Nipigon River. I had never fished Canada, so I decided to give it a try, especially since our hosts are people who know how to catch fish and also appreciate some of the other fine things life has to offer. We departed for Thunder Bay, by way of Toronto, in late August for four days of pampering, which was to include three days of fishing, gourmet cooking and wine tasting. Thunder Bay is a town that sits on the banks of Lake Superior just across the border from Minnesota on the Canadian side of the lake. It is in a relatively sparsely populated western corner of the Ontario province, where a web of lakes and waterways offers an unbelievable amount of good fishing. Over three days, we were to fish for different species at three different venues: brook trout on Lake Nipigon, Chinook salmon on the Nipigon River tailwater and walleye on Lake Superior. Lake Nipigon is renowned for producing large brook trout, including the world-record 14.5-pounder caught by Dr. JW Cook in 1915. Although it is dwarfed by nearby Lake Superior, Nipigon is a pretty big lake at 1,872 square miles of surface area. It feeds the Nipigon River, which is Lake Superior’s largest tributary. Over the months preceding the trip, Gino and Jennifer had shared photos of their catches, and our excitement was running high. We launched Gino’s 19-foot Lund Pro V Tournament Series before
B A Y, C A
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UNDER THE SEA
GET A GRIP
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ne of the most dangerous risks to divers is being struck by boat propellers while at the surface. I have personally experienced more close calls with boats than any other hazard, and I’ve witnessed the results of some horrific accidents. There are dive flag laws in place to protect divers. However, accidents occur more from lack of awareness, not due to anyone breaking laws on purpose. In any case, it’s worth reminding both boaters and divers of the rules. The laws are similar from state to state with a few variations. As an example, Florida law requires divers and snorkelers to display a “diver down” flag when in the water to caution nearby boaters. The flag is a red square with a diagonal white stripe with a wire stiffener to keep the flag extended and visible. If on a dive boat, one must ensure that
the flag is visible from the boat’s highest point from all directions, and it must measure at least 20 by 24 inches. It must also be removed when divers are not in the water. If the dive excursion is from shore and not using a boat, a flag must be towed by the diver, and the flag must measure at least 12 by 12 inches. Boaters must stay at least 300 feet away from dive flags in open waters and 100 feet away in rivers, inlets and navigation channels. Boaters who must approach a diver-down flag must slow to the minimum speed. Likewise, divers must take care to stay within the same distances to the flag.
Tips for Divers:
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their flags. 4. Monitor channel 18 (or whatever is used locally) for dive advisories or to communicate with dive boats. If you make these tips a part of your float plan, you will minimize the potential for accidents. We all cherish our time on the ocean and want to come home with happy memories! Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer of “The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo” in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.
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TIPS FROM A PRO
WHY ELECTRONICS ARE SO IMPORTANT BRANDON LESTER
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lectronics are a very important tool in locating and catching bass, just remember to use them to look for everything underwater, not just big schools of fish. When I launch on a new lake my GPS mapping is everything.
I’ll just run full screen S i d eV i s i o n . The newest revolution from Raymarine is the RealVision 3D. It paints a 3D image of what’s under the boat and is amazing for providing an underwater
I run Navionics Platinum in my Raymarine Axiom Pro units and it works great. Your map card should show great detail and well-defined contour lines. This helps you find new spots when you get on a pattern by simply looking at your map for similar places. Tracks are important, also. I run tracks all the time on my map so I can tell where I’ve been and where I haven’t. I change the color of the tracks each day when fishing multiple-day tournaments to keep track of when I was there, as well. I run three 12-inch Axiom Pros, two units at the console and one at the bow. The reason for two units at the console is so I can have one unit strictly for mapping. I like a full 12inch screen so I can easily see contour changes and such. So many times I’ve been running down the lake and seen a place that looked good on the map and pulled over and caught fish. The second unit at the console is mostly used for SideVision, DownVision and RealVision 3D. I run a split screen most of the time, but if conditions call for it, I run full screen SideVision and/or CHIRP sonar depending on bottom composition. For instance, if I’m scanning a huge flat looking for isolated cover like stumps or brushpiles,
perspective. Keep in mind any time you’re scanning to pay attention to everything you see. We all want to find that mother lode of fish, but more times than not that’s not how you find great fishing spots. Keep your eyes peeled for baitfish, grass, brushpiles, rock piles, roadbeds and anything unusual. The best places are not always obvious. My settings for my bow unit are pretty simple. I run a split-screen 90 percent of the time, with mapping on one side and CHIRP sonar on the other. Mapping is important for following contours and lining up on waypoints. CHIRP shows everything that’s going on under my boat. I find myself constantly looking at this unit because it tells so much about how fish are acting. If I see a lot of fish suspended up high, I might try a jerkbait instead of a jig, or vise-versa. I recommend the Axiom Pro because they’re easy to use, super-fast and have a touchscreen as well as a keypad with a scroll knob, which is nice for zooming in and out on the map while running.
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any anglers think of fall as “striper season,” but there are instances throughout the spring and summer when your odds of catching a truly big cow are actually better. “That’s exactly the case with the striper fishery out of Barnegat Inlet, New Jersey,” said Capt. Dave DeGennaro of the Waretown charter vessel Hi Flier (www.hiflier.com). “We have a 13-mile stretch of ocean between the inlet and Lavallette that gives up a ton of 30- to 50-pound bass this time of year. It’s reliable trophy action and a lot different than you might imagine.” Indeed, it is. Stripers here generally set up in 50- to 65-foot depths paralleling Long Beach Island State Park. Rather than stalk baitfish schools, the big fish spread out. In response, sharp skippers troll to cover more water. “The bottom here is mundane; no real structure, no drop-offs,” said DeGennaro. “It lacks character in terms of bass cover so we use bunker spoons to target these cows. Every ten minutes, we’ll mark a big fish on our electronics, but that single scratch often translates into a vicious strike. ” No one seems sure why the linesiders favor this bland stretch, but no one is complaining, either. Captains that can troll big spoons effectively rarely get shut out and most work up two to five trophy fish per half-day trip. Some days, the action is considerably better. “I put out a pair of Tony Maja E-Z Out-Rodders and 8-foot rods with soft tips,” explained DeGennaro, who pursues these fish aboard a World Cat 25CC catamaran with twin 150 Suzuki Four Stroke engines. “With the rods at a 90-degree angle to the water, there’s not much upward pressure on the spoons, so they’ll run deep without a drail. My favorite offering is #4 Tony Maja (www.tonymajaproducts.com) in white or chartreuse split (half chartreuse, half green). It has a great slow-roll action stripers can’t resist. It comes with an 8-ounce keel weight you can swap out for 12 ounces to help keep the spoon riding down near the bottom.” DeGennaro uses 80-pound-test, high-visibility Dacron for backing, 300 feet of 40-pound Monel wire, and 30 feet of 60-pound test High Seas Quattro monofilament. He attaches the spoon with a Rosco #56, 150-pound Duo-Lock Snap. Don’t use a snap swivel, he cautions, it hurts the spoon’s action. Catches during this big bass bonanza are best on moving water, so concentrate your efforts when the current pushes hardest. Trolling speed varies between 2.5 knots and 3.5 knots. Your spoons are working right when the rod tips are pumping hardest. “These are big, beautiful fish,” said DeGennaro, “but keep in mind they are breeders. It’s okay to toss some of the big girls back.” Barnegat Inlet is easily accessible via Barnegat Bay, from Beach Haven from the south or Manasquan to the north. Holiday Harbor Marina (www.holidayharbormarinanj.com) and Long Key Marina (www.longkeymarina.com) in Waretown are full service operations that accommodate transients. For lodging, check out the Holiday Inn in Manahawkin, N.J.
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