SIGHT FISHING SUCCESS TARGETING SNOOK
navigating peace of mind
THE IMPORTANCE OF BOAT INSURANCE
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Unpredictable waters
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Damage and injury
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Theft and vandalism
Unfortunately, boat theft and vandalism are realities that boat owners face. Boat insurance has comprehensive and collision coverage that can protect you against events outside of your control, including theft and vandalism.
Incurred medical payments
Accidents on the water may lead to injuries for you or your passengers. Boat insurance offers a range of optional medical payments coverage limits, helping to cover medical expenses if you are in an accident or someone is hurt on your boat, regardless of fault.
Peace of mind for fnancing
If you fnanced the purchase of your boat, most lenders require insurance coverage to protect their investment. Having boat insurance not only fulflls these requirements but also gives you peace of mind knowing that your fnancial interests are safeguarded.
Navigational fexibility
Some water municipalities and marinas may require proof of insurance for docking or accessing certain areas. Boat insurance allows you the fexibility to explore different destinations without worrying about entry restrictions.
Emergency towing and assistance
Progressive boat insurance can include optional Sign & Glide® On-Water Towing coverage. If your boat is disabled or breaks down on the water, Sign & Glide® pays for on-water towing, jump starts, soft un-groundings, and fuel delivery.
Wreckage removal
If your boat sinks, Progressive boat insurance will cover the cost of removing your boat from the water (if removal is legally required).
Investing in boat insurance is not just about protecting a valuable asset; it’s about safeguarding the memories, experiences, and joy that come with your on-water adventures. Don’t let unforeseen circumstances disrupt your journey—navigate with confdence, knowing that Progressive boat insurance has you covered. Ensure a smooth and worry-free voyage, because when it comes to your boat, peace of mind is the ultimate luxury.
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SIGHT FISHING FOR SUCCESS
The rewards of a catch made while sight fshing go well beyond the satisfaction of landing the fsh. Take every opportunity to observe fsh in their natural habitat. To maximize success, an angler should take in as much information while on the water as possible.
By Capt. John Luck
Regardless of your target species, tackle of choice, or home waters, actually seeing the fsh is not only highly enjoyable but one of the best learning experiences an angler can have. It leads to a detailed understanding of fsh behavior.
Te sight fshing angler gets to see fsh react to everything around them, from the lure, bait, or fy presented to them, to the actual structure of the waterbody they live in. Recognizing their cues of interest or disinterest becomes applicable for species in both fresh and saltwater. Obviously remaining as quiet as possible, making sure that you have a good vantage point and during daylight hours having a good pair of sunglasses are all vital to your success. My personal favorite is the Bajio Tech Angler Collection due to their ultra clear polarized lens.
Sight fshing enables an angler to have more control over the outcome and allows you to adjust your bait and techniques to ensure a strike.
Sight fshing isn’t just about catching fsh; it’s about understanding their behavior, engaging with the process, and enjoying the thrill of spotting your target underwater. So next time you’re out on the water, keep your eyes peeled—you might just discover a whole new dimension to your angling.
I hope you fnd this article informative! If you have any other requests or questions, feel free to ask. Tight lines.
Contact Capt. John Luck at luckydogman@msn.com.
South Pacifc Topwater Fight Club
It seems the farther south you go, the tougher the fsh get. Tis holds true in the South Pacifc. If you’re looking to go head-to-head and toe-to-fn with some of the toughest fsh out there, Fiji is a great bet.
Tese fsh are aggressive, fast and strong, and with a fortress built of line-cutting sharp edges, the fsh start with the advantage. Tis is a great place to target giant trevally (GT). Although it is still far away, Fiji is a great alternative to the Seychelles, and it is a destination that ofers amenities for anglers as well as their non-fshing companions. I fshed out of Savusavu, a large remote island that requires an additional hour-long fight on a small plane from the international airport on the main Island. Te remoteness means less fshing pressure, but the island still ofers luxury accommodations. As fshy as Fiji is, it doesn’t get much fshing tourism. It’s a diving and resort destination that happens to ofer amazing fshing. Summers feature a great yellowfn tuna and GT bite, and winters hold marlin and wahoo. I was there during a transitional phase into winter (seasons are reversed there), and there were plenty of resident fsh to target including GT, which is what I was afer. Immersion Fiji is the most experienced guide on the island, and Michael can handle anything from topwater for GT to massive yellowfn and even spearfshing or a cool waterfall getaway.
Te GTs are unquestionably an apex predator and the top quarry. Tese are very aggressive, strong and smart fsh that you need to be battle ready for. My weapon consisted of heavy spinning gear with 100-lb. braid, 150-lb. leader and 350-lb. terminal tackle. When a GT explodes on a 7-inch popper, there is no question that it’s game on. It’s like a bowling ball being dropped from a third-foor window, followed by hooking your line to a semi truck. With drags set at 20 pounds, the fght is as much on the fsh as it is on you. Any less drag would result in countless breakofs in the reef. Te fght will tax your strength, and be prepared for some heartbreaks. Tere is no doubt that topwater fshing for these guys exceeds the hype.
Another fsh that will blast your popper is a Pacifc Spanish mackerel, also known to the locals as walu. Similar looking to our kingfsh, this is one of Fiji’s most prized table fare. It’s much whiter, fakier meat than our mackerel and is a staple in Fiji’s national dish Kokoda (pronounced ko-con-da), which is a ceviche with fresh coconut cream. Tey ofen blow a plug completely out of the water, and they also hit deep trolling plugs, which makes for a nice break
By Will Schmidt
from casting. Long strong runs and crazy aerial attacks make this another great fsh to come across as you search for GTs.
You can also downsize to a foating stick bait for additional topwater action. Smaller, yet aggressive and strong fsh like red bass, bluefn trevally, emperor fsh and other reef dwellers provide plenty of exciting action on the surface.
If giant trevally are on your hit list, Fiji is an amazing destination that fully delivers. Te locals could not be more inviting and friendly, the water is unbelievably clear, and the islands are as peaceful as they are beautiful. It’s truly a trip of a lifetime.
Will Schmidt is a seasoned tournament angler who has been writing about fshing for three decades. For information about fshing Fiji, contact Immersionfji.com.
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TARGETING FALL SNOOK
THATCH MAGUIRE, EDITOR AT LARGE
Snook are a great inshore/near shore species to target. Teir predator style bite and their world class fght make them truly worthy of the gamefsh title, but catching a snook or targeting snook can be challenging. While there are countless fsheries that hold snook, narrowing down the best area is not an easy call. Given that snook season opens on Florida’s east coast September 1st here are a few tips that will pay of in planning a successful snook fshing trip; one that nearly ensures your success.
First and foremost, where are you most likely to catch snook? Tat’s not a trick question. It’s the frst question you should answer before planning your snook fshing expedition. My snook fshing eforts have led me to believe that the Jupiter Inlet on Florida’s East Coast is the most reliable estuary for easily accessible snook for beginners. My catch ratio over the many years that I have fshed the Jupiter Fla. Inlet suggests that the primary species in and around this pristine inlet is snook. Day in day out, if you catch a fsh in the Jupiter Inlet it will more than likely be a snook.
Te next important question for a successful trip is what to use as a bait or lure? For the most predictable success I strongly recommend live bait. Te bigger the better. Pilchards are my number one live bait, but croakers and pinfsh work well too. Keeping your live bait lively
and healthy is a chapter in itself. Changing your water regularly and adding aeration are key essentials to prolonging your bait’s life. Tere’s nothing worse than getting on top of the bite and discovering your bait is dead. We’ve all done it, but don’t let it happen to you.
Next on the check list is tackle. You’ll want to scrap the light tackle approach for Jupiter Inlet snook. Medium to heavy or you’ll invariably lose the big ones. I recommend a 20-pound braid with at least a 40-pound leader. Circle hooks are a good consideration if you’re experienced in using them. Nothing less than a #4. You better have a heavy-duty landing net too because some of these monsters just won’t ft into some of the more modest nets. Te next important question is the easiest to answer. Where in the Jupiter Inlet do I fsh for snook with predictable results? Answer- just about anywhere! Obviously, docks are a great hiding place for snook, and night fshing will normally produce the best results around docks with lights or shadow lines. Flip a big pilchard under a dock light in Jupiter Inlet and watch what happens. You’re about to be tested because you’ve got to horse them away from the pilings or you’ll be kicking yourself for days. Tis is where the braid comes in handy. It’ll allow you to win that battle more ofen than not. But everybody loses that battle from time to time. Seawalls are also a good source for targeting snook. Tey’re cruising the seawalls constantly so just be patient and let your live bait do all the work.
You can use live shrimp if that’s all you can get, but your species catch will not be predominantly snook. You’ll catch a fair amount of junk fsh in Jupiter with live shrimp. I personally don’t want to confuse the efort with all that inferior action, and you don’t have to travel to Jupiter for that catch.
A NEW NAME FOR BASS? ‘FLORIDA’ BASS
Largemouth bass in Florida will now have a new name. Tis new designation may also afect bass in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina as well. Tey are now designated as Florida bass. We’re sure our buddies in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina are going to love that, but a recent study by researchers at Yale University using genetic analysis determined that Florida bass are their own distinct species. Te scientifc name for Florida bass is Micropterus Salmiodes while the scientifc name for largemouth bass will now be Microperus Nigrians.
Anglers have long suspected that bass in Florida grow faster and bigger and now the genetic research confrms that theory. How this new designation will afect the bass tournament circuit and regulations remains to be seen.
According to Michelle Kerr,
Repower Center
spokesperson for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, “Genetics research gave us a clearer picture of what many anglers and biologists have long suspected: Florida bass are truly unique. Recognized now as a distinct species from the largemouth bass, this new classifcation not only celebrates Florida bass as a symbol of our state’s freshwater legacy but will also orts in conservation and management.”
Given that Florida hatcheries have long been a premium source for stocking and restocking bass estuaries throughout the world, the new designation could have ramifcations beyond the Carolinas and Georgia. Regardless of what the future for bass nomenclatures holds in store, our hats go of to the astute researchers at Yale University for providing proof of what many anglers have suspected for years.
For more information on Florida bass visit myfwc.com/fshing/freshwater/black-bass/forida-bass/
By Emily Hanzlik
events, which is a video of my coworkers and I fshing the local waters. Within the videos are lessons about rigs or lures that best ft the area. Tese videos are the backbone of our online program, which guides new anglers through learning to fsh.
TEACHING THE NEXT GENERATION OF ANGLERS
This summer, I’ve had the opportunity to work on my passion for educating young anglers. Tere is a growing need to bring youth involvement to the sport, and here are some of the ways I’ve been able to target young anglers recently.
I am lucky to work with the International Game Fish Association (IGFA). Most people know this organization for keeping track of record fsh, but they also teach families to fsh. IGFA provides Passports Kits, which are all-in-one teaching boxes with everything needed to put on a fshing clinic. Tese kits are sent all over the world, where individuals teach kids and families the basics.
Within the past few years, IGFA has partnered with the National Park Service to host fshing events. My coworkers and I travel to national parks to help them begin their teaching journey.
We show them how to use the tools in the Passport Kit and help them run an education event. We average about 50 people at these events, and usually half of them are kids. First, families attend a basics-of-fshing clinic, and then everyone fshes!
My favorite thing from these clinics is how excited the kids are about learning to cast. I stand in front of them and tell them to aim at me like they are throwing a ball. Some kids are nervous, at frst, but the fear goes away when they realize it is easy. It’s an amazing feeling knowing you helped change someone’s perspective.
In addition to working with IGFA, I also run my own charter, Emily Hanzlik Outdoors. My focus is to give kids a one-on-one experience learning to fsh. Everything is from land at a local marina where I grew up fshing. I give kids tons of hands-on experiences and teach them about the surrounding environment. I recently completed a trip with three young girls who had fshed before but didn’t know the true beauty of it. I had some mini fsh tanks set up that allowed them to view the tropical fsh they caught. Te youngest girl would catch her fsh and immediately run it over to view it in the tank. Each time she would pull out a book I had given them and try to identify the species. She would sit there for a few minutes admiring the fsh before releasing them. I can positively say all three girls learned to appreciate the beauty of the fshery we have in south Florida.
Take a kid fshing. It might be something they never forget!
Tere is also an online component to these
Emily Rose Hanzlik has caught more than 60 IGFA world records in various categories. Find her on social media @emilyhanzlikoutdoors.
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FWC IMPLEMENTS RED SNAPPER LOTTERY
Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC) is giving anglers the opportunity to directly provide data and improve the management of red snapper in the South Atlantic ocean.
With an exempted fshing permit, you can fsh for red snapper and keep them outside of the 1-day federal season. But here’s the catch, only a limited number of anglers can get one.
Te FWC recognizes that a 24-hour Atlantic Red Snapper season is disappointing. Tat’s why they want to recruit recreational anglers to collect better data on snapper fshery. Up to 200 people will be selected by lottery every 3 months for the opportunity.
FWC Federal Fisheries Section Leader CJ Sweetman said about 1,600 exempted fshing permits will be issued to anglers this year. Locally, 800 of those permits will be awarded to the “Hot Spot Fleet” which stretches from the Florida Georgia Line south to Cape Canaveral.
“ Te most recent federal stock assessment for Atlantic red snapper classifed as undergoing overfshing. But the stock assessment also showed that there’s near record abundance of red snapper, which is kind of what everyone sees on the water,” Sweetman said.
EFPs allow harvest for certain fsh and wildlife prohibited under current federal regulation, like red snapper
Having this permit, will allow anglers to give better data to FWC so that FWC can take that to the council and hopefully get it to open back up a longer season.
Te three EFP projects are happening simultaneously over the next 12 months from August 2024 through July 2025. Tey will be broken up into four, three-month quarters.
• Quarter 1: August 2024 to October 2024
• Quarter 2: November 2024 to January 2025
• Quarter 3: February 2025 to April 2025
• Quarter 4: May 2025 to July 2025
Each quarter’s application period will open the month before.
To apply for an EFP, log in or create an account with Go Outdoors Florida and select the project you want to collaborate with the FWC on. In Northeast Florida, you’ll want to select the “Hot Spot Fleet.”
You don’t have to own a boat to apply for an exempted fshing permit.
By Ben Martin, Editor in Chief
HOLLYWOOD FISHES
Passionate anglers are in all elements of our society. Te angling community is inclusive of all socioeconomic strata and political preferences. It’s non-racially biased, non-gender specifc or restrictive, and passionate anglers are found within all professions.
I recently had the opportunity to interview one of Hollywood’s up-andcoming young talents, Alex Neustaedter. You may remember him from his roles in American Rust, Colony, Ithaca, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and a slew of others, but what surprised me during our interview is all he wanted to talk about was fshing.
From the memory of his frst fsh, a sun perch caught from Lake of the Ozarks, to his ofshore kingfsh in South Florida, to his current fy fshing endeavors Out West, I found myself thinking, “He’s one of us.”
Tat commonality within the sport of fshing is so rare in today’s era of divisiveness and exclusionary mentality that I feel compelled to salute us, anglers of all walks of life sharing the joys of something we can all agree on. Fishing is a great sport, and anglers make up a great community.
For more information on Alex Neustaedter and his cinematic career, visit https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2614237.
TAMPA BAY FISHING REPORT
Not much has changed for me since last month regarding the best areas to fish and the species being caught. The most exciting addition that I’ve mixed into my charters of late, has been blacktip sharks. Now, when I target blacktips, I just put out one shark rig for them. The notable reason is that I’m usually fishing in an area that’s loaded with seatrout,
BY: WADE OSBORNE
The Fishing Remains the Same
weakfish, Spanish mackerel, ladyfish and the occasional jack crevalle. So, I have my clients catching other species while we wait for a shark bite. Besides, hooking up with two blacktips over five feet long and battling them while going in different directions isn’t easy to navigate.
The first thing I do upon arrival at my shark spot is to start chumming. I like cutting up my own fresh chum and broadcasting it down-current of my boat. I also toss in a few live bait chummers every now and then. This really gets the action going. Then, I have everyone cast out a nose hooked, free-lined bait on a 2/0 long shank hook and wait for a strike. The long shank hook helps prevent cutoffs from the mackerel.
I like to plan ahead by keeping some ladyfish and jack crevalle from previous charters to freeze for future shark bait. As everyone is fishing for other species, I cast out a chunk of shark bait using a six-foot steel leader, 6500 series Penn reel on an eight-foot G-Loomis rod, place it in a rod holder and wait for a bite.
When a shark takes the bait, I have everyone reel up, and I pursue the hooked shark with my boat. Once I have the shark boatside, I get pictures while it’s still in the water, and I remove the hook with a long de-hooker.
For all you snook lovers out there, snook are open to harvest September 1 through November 30, but I wouldn’t get too excited. I’ve learned over the years that the snook fishing is much better towards the end of September once the water starts to cool down. Not only that, the redfish activity also picks up.
Continued on page 17
LIVE BAIT
Shrimp
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Fiddler Crabs (seasonal)
Pilchards (seasonal)
Frozen Bait
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BY: CAPT. ANTHONY CORCELLA
Let's Talk Tanic Water
Over the past few years around this time, we have been fishing the back waters in Saint Petersburg. With all the rain water we’ve had, the water is dark and the salinity is low. With that said, we have found out that the stinkier the bait, the more strikes we get. We like using herring, cut pinfish and frozen finger mullet. The fish find it faster than when we are throwing live bait like shrimp and white bait.
Like I have always said, throw those baits up in the mangroves. The further back in the mangroves, the better off you are. The fish do not want to come out and move around in that dark water, because of predators. Predators, for example, would be sharks and dolphin.
Remember, grouper season is 15 days t his year. The Tampa Bay waters hold s ome amazing grouper. Some of the best ways to catch them are fishing the rock piles around the Skyway Bridge and trolling the shipping channel.
Sometimes, we jig-fish for them by using Hookup Baits. They are one heck of a lure. They can be bought online at www.hookupbaits.com. When fishing on the bottom for grouper, use a nice size pinfish or squirrel fish with a 6/0 circle hook and an 80-pound fluorocarbon leader.
— 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 of giving back to our veterans.
— Capt. Anthony Corcella, Pocket Change Inshore Fishing Charter 727-432-6446 www.pocketchangefishingcharters.com
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By: Capt. Wes Tallyn
If you live along the coast of Florida, or fish offshore, you probably have encountered Magnificent Frigatebirds in flight or feeding on baitfish schools. With a wingspan of over seven feet, it’s hard to mistake them from any other bird species. They are one of only a few seabirds that sip freshwater on the move by skimming the water off of ponds or puddles.
In Tierra Verde, located in Pinellas County, there is a very rare oasis for the birds. There are two freshwater ponds that present a reliable stop for the birds to get a drink! This is one of the very few places in the United States that you can reliably observe Magnificent Frigatebirds drinking freshwater.
The large birds circle around the sky above the ponds waiting for the right air currents to swoop down. Large numbers of the birds can be observed doing
this during the Summer months and sometimes other parts of the year. The roadside has a couple of spots where you can see through a break in the shoreline vegetation to watch them skim the water.
So, next time you’re over that way or on your way to Fort DeSoto Park, see if you can witness this rare experience for yourself!
— Captain Wes Tallyn was raised in Florida and is a fisherman, birder, avid outdoorsman, photographer, and environmental scientist. Wes has a focus on conservation and education in the community and is the owner of Snook Jam Outdoors. You can find him on Instagram @snookjam or call 727-410-5853.
CAPT. SERGIO’S CORNER Gearing Up for the Fall
September is an exciting time for me, as fishing starts to kick in. If all goes well, the weather starts giving us a break with some cooler mornings and fewer thunderstorms. It’s the perfect time to start fishing again. One thing I do every year in September is I go through all my fishing gear--that includes tackle, rods, reels, lures, soft baits and fishing line to make sure they are ready for the Fall.
Here are a few tips.
Give your reels a good cleaning by loosening the drags and lubricating the gears. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, there are several good tackle dealers in the Tampa Bay area who can service your reels at a reasonable price.
Check your line guides on the rods for any scratches or nicks. Use cotton swabs, or borrow a pair of panty hose from your wife when she’s not looking and cut it into small strips. It will last a long time so, don’t worry, she won’t miss a
pair of panty hose. Now, run the cotton swab or piece of panty hose through the guide. If the panty hose clings or the cotton sticks to the guide, replace the guide or risk losing a fish later. A slight scratch or cut on the guide will cut your line under pressure from a pulling fish.
At the end of the day, never put your hook on the guide, as this can and will scratch the guide. Instead, take an electrical nylon tie with a screw hole built in and place it just above the top grip on the rod. This allows a place for the hook to sit. Many new rods now come with a hook holder, but many of us have older rods. This method will make your guides last longer and lose fewer fish.
Most anglers take too much tackle on a fishing trip. There are many new small soft sided tackle boxes that can handle all your needs. I suggest you leave most of your tackle at home and replenish your tackle box, as needed. In addition, a small waterproof plastic divided tray with a watertight seal lid works great for hooks and small sinkers to keep on the console of the boat and use, as needed.
Braided fishing line should be replaced at least once a year. Here is a suggestion. Always fill your spool full of line. Do not add backing on your first fill. Every few months, reverse your line on the spool adding some monofilament line to the bottom of the spool. This brings your line back up to your starting point. Try it and save money. It also keeps your casting distance up.
September will bring lower water temperatures and an increase in fish activity. Look for snook cruising the mangrove shorelines. Flounder will hit jigs tipped with shrimp and bounced on the bottom around sand patches in the grass flats. Mackerel action steps up a notch and redfish will move further out into the flats during high tides.
BY: CAPT. SERGIO ATANES
Hot spots:
• *Big Island is on the northwest side of the Howard Frankland Bridge. Although the charts show one foot of depth, the area was dredged out in the 60’s and now ranges from 8 to 10-foot depths.
• *The Getaway Restaurant channel is on the southwest side of the Gandy Bridge. This channel is deep and always warmer, due to the outflow of the power plant. There is great fishing for trout, sheepshead and it is a great place to take the kids for ladyfish and jacks.
• *The VFW channel is on the northeast side of the Port of Tampa. Be careful, as the area outside of the entrance holds a lot of rocks. This is a great spot for sheepshead, redfish and trout all the through Fall and Winter months.
• *Weedon Island holds many secret spots still left to be found. It’s the Gem of upper Tampa Bay with mud holes, grass flats, oyster beds and creeks. Learn this area well and you will be rewarded.
• *The Gandy Bridge is often overlooked. Take some time and find the areas of the bridge that have rubble from the early construction days. There you will find the big redfish, trout and mangrove snapper.
Good fishing and tight lines.
— Capt. Sergio Atanes is host of Florida West Coast Fishing Report on Facebook and YouTube. He also hosts Fishing Adventures Florida TV show airing on YouTube, Waypoint TV, Carbon TV, Outdoor Action, and Angling TV. Owner of Reelfishy.com Charter business covering the west coast of Florida with over 135 captains on staff. For information contact Capt. Sergio at (813) 973-7132 email: atanes@msn.com.
Shark Encounters: The New Reality for Anglers
For many anglers, the thrill of catching a prized fish is often accompanied by the lurking fear of losing it to a shark. Recent trends suggest that shark encounters are becoming more frequent and aggressive, raising concerns among both seasoned fishermen and novices alike. Wader Dave, well-known in the angling community, shares his insights on this growing issue and offers practical solutions for those who brave the waters.
As Wader Dave put it, “It feels like sharks have become worse in terms of numbers and aggression. They seem to be everywhere.” From his offshore adventures to his wade fishing escapades in shallow waters, Dave has seen firsthand the rise in shark encounters. During a trip in South Florida, while fishing in just six feet of clear water, the presence of large sharks became immediately apparent as soon as snook were hooked. “You had to reel in your catch as fast as possible to avoid losing it to these aggressive sharks,” he recalls.
The increase in shark activity isn’t just a local phenomenon. Anglers across the globe are reporting similar experiences, raising concerns about safety and the future of the sport. The ever-present risk of a shark encounter, particularly for those wading in shallow waters, has become a hot topic among fishing enthusiasts.
Practical Tips for Wade Fishing
Dave, with over 40 years of wade fishing experience, offers invaluable advice for staying safe and making the most of your time in the water:
1. Avoid Peak Shark Hours and Conditions: “If you’re wade fishing at night or in murky waters, you’re more likely to encounter sharks,” Dave advises. Many shark species are nocturnal feeders and are more active in low-visibility conditions. Stick to clear, daytime fishing to minimize risks.
2. Stay Clear of Bait Schools: While large concentrations of baitfish are prime fishing spots, they also attract sharks. “Sharks are drawn to the same areas as the fish we’re targeting,” Dave explains. Keep an eye on your surroundings and be cautious when fishing near bait schools.
3. Remain Calm and Observant: If you see a shark, the worst thing you can do is panic. “You’re not going to outrun a shark, so stay calm and avoid splashing,” Dave says. Slowly and steadily make your way back to shore, keeping an eye on the shark’s movements.
4. Protect Against Stingrays: While sharks get most of the attention, stingrays are a more frequent concern for wade fishers. “Shuffle your feet as you walk to avoid stepping on a stingray,” Dave advises. This simple techContinued on page 22
Photo courtesy of Greene
Construction
BY: CAPT. GEORGE HASTICK
A FISH WITH AN ATTITUDE!
You have to love this equal opportunity bait destroyer. Snook are one of the fastest ambush attackers in the Tampa Bay area. They are like a guided missile just waiting for bait to come into their sight. Whether it’s a live bait or artificial, they will hit with such a ferocious strike that you will see the water explode and hear their jaws snap shut when they chase a bait to the top of the water. Now, if you are in deeper water, you might not see or hear the strike but, if you are a seasoned snook angler, there is no mistaking that tell tale thump a snook does when he hits your bait. Once they grab your bait, they may (or may not) swim slowly at first; but, once you set that hook, you will be latched onto a speeding rocket. They are capable of speeds up to 24 miles per hour with explosive bursts of speed. They are no bonefish that can hit up to 40 miles per hour, but they are usually not too far away from structure, and they are heading for it to break you off. This is where your skill, some luck and your adrenaline all kick in at the same time. Those first few seconds can make or break you, if you let them get the jump on you. The goal in those first few seconds is to put the heat to the fish and get them away from any nearby structures.
If you are pulling them out from under the mangroves, keep the rod low and to the side while pulling them out. This will keep the line angle lower so as not to catch on to the low hanging limbs, but will also deter them from jumping as much as possible.
They are great at throwing a hook or breaking your leader with their sharp gill plates when they come to the top of the water to jump or give a good gill rattling head shake out of the water. The same things that we hate that they do is, also, the adrenalin rush that keeps us coming back for more! So, get out there and try your hand a catching some line-siders!
Tight lines, Capt. George Hastick
— Capt. George Hastick of “Fish Hunter Fishing Charters” in St. Petersburg, Fl. is the co-host of Florida West Coast Fishing Report and co-hosts Fishing Adventures Florida which is on five streaming channels and You Tube. He has been fishing the waters of the Tampa Bay area for over 40 years and guiding over 20 years.
Gag Grouper Season
These numbers--177, 608, 48 and 15--are the numbers that matter. 177 days spent waiting this year for NOAA to announce the 2024 gag grouper season for the Gulf of Mexico by recreational and charter for hire sectors. 608 days between the 2022 gag season's close until the 2024 season's opening. 48 days open to harvest gag out of that 608-day period between 2022 and 2024. Yep, that's right, a meager 48 out of 608 days. And finally, 15 days for the 2024 gag season. I could finish this article with all the reasons why this brief season is so wrong but, instead, I’ll focus on how to make the most of these 15 days.
Starting with a plus for this season, amberjack will be in play. In addition to gag opening September 1, amberjack also opens on that same day. Given the high-water temps in September, most of us on the Gulf Coast will have to run long to find a good gag bite. This is the same depth best to find those legal-size jacks lurking. These are the two formidable species to land and fill the fish box.
Targeting either of these species requires the proper tackle, if you want to be successful. For gag groupers, we get very serious with our gear. Stout rods and 6/0 reels are spooled with, only the best, 80-pound Ande Mono. Depending on depth and size of our baits, we will go with three to four feet of 100 to 150-pound Ande fluorocarbon leader. With success usually being decided in under the first 20 seconds of the fight, all our combos
BY: CAPT. T J SHEA
get respooled just before they open in preparation. Once a gag feels that hook set, they will pull with all their might to get back inside their home and slamming the door shut behind them. We lock down the drag system and reel like crazy to keep them out. Once off the bottom, you can ease up a little on the drag given all the strain your tackle was under to start the fight.
On the spearing side, you shouldn't have to go far to get your legal limit. We have seen them just about everywhere this Summer, and I am not talking about barely legal fish. There are plenty of meaty 30+ inch fish in less than 50 feet. Outside of commercial fishing, there has been so little pressure spearing on gags that they have become almost as inquisitive as their red grouper cousins. This curiosity should set you up to get close enough to get off a quality shot. However, unlike a red, just because you have put a shaft in one does not mean you're going to be dining on a fresh grouper dinner. Gags fight to the end and have spun off or swam off with many a shaft. Don't underestimate their strength or speed if you're free shafting. Whichever method you enjoy the most, we only have 15 days to fill our fish boxes and bellies. Hopefully mother nature allows us to make the most of them.
— Capt. TJ Shea. Owner/Operator 2 Shea Fishing and Diving Charters. TJ has been exploring above and below the Gulf of Mexico since he was 8 years old. Contact us at 813-385-2169 and at info@fishanddivetampa.com
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Many times, you can catch snook and redfish in the same location.
Tampa Bay is a huge estuary with many creeks and rivers dumping freshwater runoff into the Bay. Portions of the upper Bay regions have had so much freshwater runoff from all of the recent daily thunderstorms that the fishing ranks from unpredictable to horrible. Towards the end of September, that should change. Other than fishing around the Howard Frankland bridge occasionally for some black drum, I’ve mainly been staying southward.
Meanwhile, I’ll be treating most of this month like the last--not much is going to change. My main focus has been and will remain mangrove snapper. This has been a banner year. Even though their spawning season just ended, there’s no better time to catch your five fish per person limit. They are still stacked up around most structures throughout Tampa Bay, are very aggressive and ready to eat.
I’d have to say, the other species that’s been the easiest to catch has been seatrout. Seatrout are turning up everywhere, even out in the middle of the Bay on some of my Spanish mackerel spots. I imagine that this is due to the fact that there is bait everywhere. The Bay is loaded with probably the most bait that I’ve ever seen. There have been at least two, maybe three, hatches of scaled sardines this summer. As an added bonus, threadfin herring are everywhere, too.
I’m still encountering some cobia, but fewer and smaller ones than what were being caught last month. By now, most of the larger ones have been harvested. During the Fall, Tampa Bay should get another influx of cobia, as they migrate from the panhandle South for the Winter.
I’ll close with a Spanish mackerel update. There was roughly a month when my clients didn’t catch many mackerel; but, since bait is so plentiful now, they are abundant, large and in charge!
Some people have the misconception that Spanish mackerel aren’t good table fare. Not so! It’s important to ice them down immediately. Once you’re at the cleaning table, remove the skin by filleting them and make sure to remove the bloodline that runs down the center of the fillet on both sides. Do not freeze Spanish mackerel, unless you smoke them first. They will turn to mush once thawed. It’s best to eat them within a couple of days, but if you keep them refrigerated, they will stay fresh for about a week. Battered and fried mackerel taste pretty good; however, I prefer mine blackened. Afishionado, “Always an Adventure.”
—Tampa Bay fishing guide Wade Osborne of “Afishionado Guide Services” has been plying the waters of Tampa Bay as a professional full-time captain, since 1997. Osborne offers inshore fishing charters on light tackle spin, fly or plug. He also offers eco-tours with an emphasis on photography. For more info., visit Afishionado.com or find Afishionado Guide Services on Facebook and Instagram. Email: wade@ afishionado.com Call/Text 813-286-3474
Ahoy Mates!
It’s The Tampa Bay Boat Show
Chart your course the Florida State Fairgrounds on September 27, 28, 29.
Enjoy walking around millions of dollars of inventory on hand from Tampa Bay’s leading boat dealers. The Tampa Bay Boat Show is a grand event showcasing area boat dealers/manufacturers, the latest in boating and fishing supplies.
Tampa Bay’s Largest Boating Sales Event!
The Tampa Bay Boat show offers a great way to see and compare all available makes and models in one location. Pontoons, Cruisers, Center Consoles, Jet Skis, exhibits and more. Plus, you don’t want to miss the Florida Fishing School Seminars Series each day. Take part in a series of presentations by the area’s top fishing guides and local experts…great tips, secrets, and fun! Learn how to catch the big one!
There is something for Boaters of all ages waiting for you. After you have found your dreamboat explore the many exhibits of the clothing, sunglasses, boating and docking accessories and so much more.
The event is open to the public, and admission is free so bring the family and make a day of it. You could be on the water before the weekend is over.
HOURS: Friday – Sunday 10am-5pm FREE ADMISSION
Florida State Fairgrounds 4800 US-301, Tampa, FL 33610
Old Salt 31st Annual
of the TournamentBeach & Festival
November 7-9, 2024
Looking to get into Tournament Fishing? Well, The King of the Beach is one of the best tournaments to start with. Ask anyone that fishes it. It is also a great tournament to fish if you are seasoned angler and tournament fisher.
There are 3 main reasons to fish the King …
• LEVEL PLAYING FIELD: The Old Salts have made the competition one of the most fair to ALL levels of fisherman. They implement a 30 mile boundary to ensure any size boat can compete. They also offer extra places to single engine vessels. There are also no intimidating check outs or shotgun starts.
• OVER 60 PLACES TO WIN: The tournament has 6 divisions: Overall, Single Engine, Spanish Mackerel, Traveling Angler, Ladies and Youth. Each division has cash and/or prizes with approximately $300,000 up for grabs. Our single engine division 1st place prize is a new 200hp Suzuki complete with the repower package valued at over $19,826.
• LOW ENTRY FEES: You can enter the tournament for as little as $300 which is almost half the cost of most Kingfish tournaments. So the risk is smaller and at the same time the rewards are bigger.
This fall we are celebrating our 31st Annual and we are keeping it exciting with a more ways to win . New this year: An Owen & Sons Aluminum Slide On Trailer with 10,000lb capacity valued at $10,200 for the fish weighed in closest to 20.24lbs. This prize can be won by any team in any division. Last Spring a kid from our youth division won it!
The event is so much more than just fishing. It is a 3 day festival with all types of marine related art & craft vendors, a food festival with local flavor, Friday night is Community Night with fireworks, local food and live music. “Combining a community food festival and live music into our tournament seamed natural to us. Fishing is part of our community, so we welcome all to join us,” says Old Salt President Tom Verdensky.
The event will be held at the Madeira Beach Recreation Complex at 200 Rex Place, Madeira Beach. Make sure you visit our website for the latest updates on the tournament from hot fishing spots to places to stay with boat slips.
THE OLD SALT FISHING FOUNDATION HOSTS THIS SEMI-ANNUAL EVENT TO BENEFIT SEVERAL LOCAL CHARITIES
This spring we will be presenting checks to: P.A.R.C., Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation and our very own Youth Summer Camp Programs.
To find out more information or to register for the tournament, go to www.OldSaltFishing.org, email amy@OldSaltFishing.org or call 727-216-6601.
nique can prevent painful stingray injuries.
5. Consider Shark Deterrents: Dave has recently started using Shark Bands, a product designed to repel sharks using electromagnetic fields. While he remains cautious, Dave has found them helpful, particularly in deterring stingrays. “I’ve noticed stingrays taking off as soon as they hit that three to six-foot range around me,” he notes.
Wade Real-World Experiences
Despite the risks, Dave’s extensive experience has taught him how to navigate shark-infested waters effectively. “I’ve had sharks close enough that I’ve poked them with my rod tip, and they’ve just turned around and gone the other way,” he shares. His calm demeanor and methodical approach are key to his success.
For Dave, the rewards of wade fishing far outweigh the risks. The intimate connection with nature, the thrill of the catch, and the tranquility of being immersed in the water make it a beloved pastime. “There’s nothing quite like it,” he says.
— This article was created from Episode #599 – Getting Rid of Sharks http://www.youtube.com/@fishingstrong
Dave Ulgenalp, aka Wader Dave, has more than 40 years of experience wade fishing the flats, beaches and bays of Florida’s central gulf coast and has been teaching wade fishermen where, when and how to catch fish since 2001. He is a catch and release angler and guide that specializes in using artificial lures in pursuit of sea trout, redfish, snook, pompano and flounder. https://www.wadersguide.com/
The Salt Strong Fishing Club is an inspiration for in-shore saltwater anglers seeking not just to enhance their fishing success but also to foster a sense of unity and advocacy within the fishing community. Salt Strong Chapters are located from Texas to Florida to the Carolinas and offer Club Members the opportunity to meet Local Anglers, Learn from Informative Speakers, Participate in Conservation Activities, and Win Awesome Giveaways. Go to SaltStrong.com and Salt Strong Alliance.com to learn more.
Offshore Surprise THE MANGO OF A LIFETIME
By: Joshua Broer
When my great friend and high school classmate, Captain Trever Meyer, asked me to join him on an offshore trip this past July, I was all over it. As a mostly flats, bay and nearshore guy, I never pass up an opportunity to fish deep blue water. The mission was to put a few American Red Snapper (ARS) in the box, so we left the dock in Tarpon Springs (my and the captain’s alma mater and hometown – GO SPONGERS!) at first light. After a quick stop at the pinfish traps set out the night before, we were now armed with frisky live bait and a whole mess of stinky frozen stuff. It had been a few years since I last ran offshore with my ol’ buddy so the anticipation of getting thumped in 100 feet of water brought a smile to my face. Personally, there’s nothing quite like wrestling up a monster from the depths, not knowing what you’ve got until you see the color of the fish and ID it. It was a typical July scorcher, but the thought of watching that bait disappear into the unknown, not knowing what giant might be down there, outweighed the brutal heat. With calm seas, a big boat, a seasoned captain and crew – I couldn’t be happier.
On our first drop, we got into the fish as expected, but were pulling up a variety of shorts. To boot, we had found a pile of red grouper which were out of season, so we moved on to a deeper spot. It didn’t take long for one angler to get bit and muscle up a beautiful keeper ARS - and then another! We also put a handful of delicious lane snapper on ice, but the ARS bite shut down. There was very little tidal movement, which would be the case throughout the day. Though this particular spot didn’t yield the quantity of ARS we were hoping for, we did hook into some of the biggest “fire truck” red grouper I had ever seen. These big fish will test both your will and your tackle. With a closed season, however, we took a couple of quick pics and back to the sea they went.
But, we weren’t done just yet. This special spot had a surprise waiting
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for me that I could only dream of. I had a fat pinfish soaking on the bottom when my rod suddenly loaded up. Surely, I had a monster ARS. This fish was a workout, even on stout tackle. After a good fight, we saw color, and to my and the captain’s surprise, I had reeled up the biggest grey snapper (aka: mangrove or mango snapper) I had ever caught. This thing was a pig. Too excited to measure or weigh the fish, we snapped a few pics and on the ice it went. Only minutes later, a different angler reeled up another mangrove snapper that was almost as big. We hit mango gold!
The trip didn’t produce the number of ARS we had hoped for, but we still managed to put three big fish in the box; but, it didn’t matter. By the time we pulled anchor at the last drop, we had caught a few more quality mangos to add to the haul. This story could have been called “saved by mangos”, but it was truly the skill and local knowledge of the captain that made this an unforgettable trip. That’s the virtue of a great skipper…. In the face of adversity, they always come through. The blue water is such a vast and mysterious place, and the beauty of deep-sea fishing is that every drop holds the hope that you might catch the fish of a lifetime, which is exactly what I did. I have the photos, but a replica may be in the works. It took me 51 years to catch my personal best mango, but it was worth the wait!
— Joshua Broer, a Tarpon Springs native, is the Facility Manager for the College of Arts & Sciences at USF. His specialties include flats and bass fishing, fly fishing, and sea kayaking. Reach him at joshua.broer@gmail.com.
Boats
Pasco Scallop Season CUT SHORT!
By: Capt. Don Stansell
The 2024 Pasco County scallop season promised to be a glorious time, that time of year when adults get to enjoy their own Easter egg hunt of sorts. There are lots of tasty morsels hiding among the sea grass blades just waiting to be plucked from the sea floor. Family and friends enjoying time on the water during the summer heat.
So much for that! A surprise Pasco scallop season shut down rocked all those involved. On July 24, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced “temporary” halt to the season, due to the detection of saxitoxin and a critter called Pyrodinium bahamense. There are 13 possible days left, as I write this article, and we are all still wondering if we may get any days scalloping before the season closes. Pre-season scouting revealed lots of scallops this year in Pasco waters.
With the extended season from July 10 to August 18, anyone who is interested should have the opportunity. Many look forward to the economic boost from tourists and locals. Charter captains and boat rental operations especially look forward to this time of year for the added income.
Many of you may recall just a few years ago southern Pasco waters experienced some patchy bouts of red tide that left a tide line of dead fish almost the entire length of the backside of Anclote Key. That put a major damper on the scallop season, as well. The red tide organism, Karenia brevis, produces brevatoxin. This latest organism interfering with our scallop season is Pyrodinium bahamense. It is in the same algae group as Karenia and are known as dinoflagellates, but produces a different neurotoxin called saxitoxin. Saxitoxin is most known for causing paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) and can be potentially a serious human health hazard. Filter feeders such as scallops, clams and oysters can bioaccumulate saxitoxin as they ingest Pyrodinium organisms. Blooms of Pyrodinium bahamense are naturally occurring every year in many areas around Florida. Pyrodinium has the ability of bioluminescence and many of the nighttime kayak tours on the Indian River lagoon explore the blue glowing presence of Pyrodinium. FWC routinely monitors for Pyrodinium due to the public health risk.
Like red tide, this toxin producing dinoflagellate thrives in a high nitrogen environment. As the human population grows, increased nutrient input from sanitary systems, fertilizer and runoff can spur increased growth from a whole host of algae, including those that can produce toxins. Some of the saxitoxin positive samples came from the mouth of the Anclote River area, according to reports.
On a scallop conservation note, over the past couple of years, there has been development and promotion of a scallop sorter. Groups like Fl Sea Grant, UF/IFAS and FWC have developed this tool as a way to promote sustainable harvest practices in the scallop population. The basic idea being that if a scallop is small enough to pass through the opening, it should be released to ensure for more growth and reproduction. While not mandatory, all scallopers should try to take part so we all can continue to enjoy an annual scallop season. Pasco County, recently named the Sports Coast, has tourism centers that are distributing the scallop sorters free of charge. I personally had some difficulty locating them initially. Hopefully, the sorters will spread to local bait shops and retailers for free distribution.
Let’s all cross our fingers and hope that the 2024 Pasco Scallop season gets reinstated before the close of the season.
Tight Lines, Capt. Don
— Capt. Don Stansell is a local marine biologist who is an avid outdoorsman, fisherman and conservationist. He enjoys educating people on our coastal and marine environments. His passion for the water and outdoors grew from being raised on the bayous of Slidell, LA and in the Chesapeake Bay area of Annapolis, MD. He has been in sunny Florida for just over 20 years and really enjoys the outdoors year around.
Pyrodinium bahamense
By Wayne Johnson
past it before putting lines in the water.
Before I leave the boat ramp, I like to walk the dock, checking the direction of the tide and taking a good look for gamefsh or baitfsh. Either one indicates there is likely good fshing nearby and what hatch I may need to match.
DON’T PASS UP
FORGOTTEN FISH
How ofen do you load up your gear, tow your boat to the ramp, launch it and then go 100 yards or less, drop anchor and fsh?
Probably never.
I’m beginning to think nobody ever does. If you’re like me, you’re anxious to hit the throttle and head of to some distant location. You didn’t put all that horsepower on the back of your boat to idle 100 yards, but maybe you should.
I have frequently seen nice snook at the dock while launching my boat and then fail to see another fsh that good all day. It got me thinking that there has to be areas so close that boaters pass right by them, yet they are not accessible to shore anglers. Tese areas are also just up or down current from the docks where people clean fsh.
What if I just move a short distance from the boat ramp or across the canal? Tere must be some forgotten fsh that anglers blow right past every day. I started doing just that, and it usually turns out very well. What looks like heavily used areas are
not necessarily areas with heavy fshing pressure, and ofen they turn out to be quite productive. If they aren’t productive, it doesn’t matter. I didn’t burn much time or gas to try them.
Here on the west coast of Florida, south of Fort Myers, Lover’s Key is a great example of forgotten fsh. Afer launching, pretty much every boat heads straight for Estero Bay, to the passes or out into the Gulf of Mexico. Meanwhile, just a few yards in the other direction, I’ve seen redfsh, trout and snapper, and I put a friend on his personal-best snook. Tis spot is so close to the boat launch that even kayakers push
On a recent trip, I picked up a friend at his own dock, just of the Imperial River. We spotted a few fsh right there, and the fshing was so good that we never lef his canal the whole day. We caught four species within a quarter mile of his dock.
Typically, late in the day, when I’m headed back with a few lefover shrimp, I’ll stop just outside the pass and swap the smallest shrimp for ladyfsh. Or I’ll stop and throw a few more casts at some promising shoreline. It’s surprising how ofen I get a few good bites and a little excitement to end the day.
So, before heading out to your dream spot, or on the way back, try the nearby spots. You might just catch fsh everyone else forgot to fsh for.
Got a great fshing story?
Write it up and send with a few photos to editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com. We might just share it with the world.
WHEN HARD BOTTOM ISN’T ENOUGH
As the sun rises, the anticipation of a day on the water flls the air. Rods, tackle, and bait are loaded onto the boat, and the thrill of catching fsh beckons. But where should we go? Before we rush of, let’s explore our options.
If we’re going to be fshing close to the shoreline a few quick considerations will make for a more productive trip. Fish tend to congregate near structures that ofer both food and protection. Docks, wrecks, rip rap, pilings, and artifcial reefs create ideal habitats. However, these popular spots ofen sufer from overfshing, becoming less productive over time.
When the usual spots disappoint, consider rocky expanses known as “hard bottoms.” Tese rugged underwater landscapes provide excellent fshing opportunities. Even spear gun-toting divers appreciate their allure.
Beyond the basics, geographical opportunities present themselves throughout the Gulf of Mexico where vast and diverse bottoms ofers more than meets the eye. Natural formations, shaped by tectonic movements or volcanic activity, play a crucial role. Concentrations of fshable populations can be sparse, akin to desert patches in the
ocean. But structure in these areas remains key.
Te Desoto Canyon and “ Te Nipple” in the Gulf’s Desoto Canyon were formed by tectonic slip faults that plunge to uncommon depths. “ Te Nipple” is an intriguing part of this underwater landscape
near Destin, Fla. and remains a hotspot. Some speculate that its deep waters may also contribute to the area’s shark activity. Shipwrecks are silent havens. Shipwrecks, scattered across varying depths, serve as thriving habitats. Te skeletal remains of old vessels attract big game fsh like amberjacks and Goliath groupers. Tese submerged relics hold secrets and promise exciting encounters. Monoliths are underwater treasures. Tese underwater hills are jagged, solitary, and teeming with life. Monolithic structures encourage nutrient-rich currents to rise from the depths, attracting baitfsh. Predators patrol these underwater oases, seeking smaller prey. Don’t overlook them. Your sonar may reveal hidden fshing gems. Te Middle Grounds are a prime example: Located 100 miles NNW, the Middle Grounds exemplify monolithic fshing grounds. Here, the ocean’s secrets unfold, and every sounder blip could lead to a memorable catch.
In the vast expanse of saltwater, understanding these geological nuances can transform a fshing trip into an unforgettable adventure. So, load up your gear, set sail, and explore the mysteries beyond the shoreline!
Capt. Russ Walker is a USCG Masters licensed fshing guide and owner of Tide Walker Charters out of Cape Coral, FL. www.tidewalkercharters.com (239) 994-7818
Capt. Russ Walker
Geological features that infuence fshing in Gulf of Mexico’s Desoto Canyon.
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SKUZE SHOES: BOATING SHOES THAT DELIVER
As a life-long fsherman, I have tried and worn just about every type of boating shoe in the market. From fip-fops to sneakers and most of all, the big-name brands of deck shoes. Recently I attended ICAST in Orlando, the fshing industry’s annual convention where all things for fshing are on display for all attendees to view, and I found a company who claimed to have the best deck shoes ever made. I was surprised when the owner, Ted Alfen asked me to sit down and try a pair on. Wow, I am glad I did. Afer a brief walk around his booth and near the isle way, I decided to purchase them and give them a try.
Tese deck shoes are by far the most comfortable and lightest boat shoes I have ever worn. Te tremendous support of the removable inner sole is unlike most others in today’s market. Tey are also available in wide widths for those big fat feet like mine. Tey have fast drying, breathable mesh material and non-marking white soles with special slip resistant tread. Te materials used to create these are anti-microbial and made to be odor resistant, mostly due to their quick drying design. Tey have many styles, colors and designs to meet most anglers’ needs, so do yourself a favor and try a pair. Te Del Marina deck shoe from Skuze Shoes is top shelf! Visit Skuze Shoes in Pompano Beach, Fla. or check out their website at www.SkuzeShoes.com or email them at info@SkuzeShoes.com and tell them you read about their great shoes in Coastal Angler Magazine. Use promo code Angler 20 and get a 20% discount.
LESSINGER WINS COSTA’S CAPTAINS FOR CLEAN WATER 2024 STEWARD OF THE YEAR AWARD
The fght to protect Florida’s waters rests on the shoulders of the guides, anglers and business owners willing to join the frontlines and use their voice for change.
For the last six years, Captains For Clean Water has partnered with their fellow water warriors at Costa to acknowledge outstanding individuals that serve as stewards for clean water and make an impact in their community.
Tis year’s winner, Capt. Ozzie Lessinger, is a guide, conservationist, and true steward of our environment.
From educating his clients, to hosting fundraisers, to standing up for our waters in Tallahassee, Ozzie always goes above and beyond to spread awareness and make an impact in the fght.
“I can tell you that in my mind, I never feel like I do enough. As a guide and a steward of our water and our water quality issues, it’s so important— whether you’re one of the corporate partners, whether you’re a fsherman, or whether you’re a guide—to please just educate about Captains,” says Lessinger. “Stay informed, and let people know what it’s all about. It really just takes a few minutes to wear the hat and let people know.”
Tank you to Ozzie for all his eforts in spreading awareness of the mission to improve our fshing environments, and for continuing to stand at the frontlines in this fght for clean water!
And a big thank you to the other nominees for their inspiring impact in the efort to restore and protect Florida’s waters! Capt. Lessinger was nominated alongside fellow captains Cody Rubner of Stuart, Fla. and Brandon Cyr of Islamorada, Fla. Tey are both outstanding individuals that also serve as true stewards of clean water and make an undeniable impact in the fght to restore a national treasure.
For more information on how you can help support the ongoing eforts of Captains For Clean Water visit captainsforcleanwater.org.
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THE ORIGINAL SCENTED LURE
By Tracy Patterson
LADY ANGLER LANDS NEW WORLD RECORD BASS
Maguire’s frst work is a compelling, fast read. His style is like a mix of Hemingway with a sardonic blend of Hunter S. Thompson. I couldn’t put it down...
Ben Martin Editor in Chief Coastal Angler Magazine “ ”
Confessions of a Fishaholic, by Thatch Maguire, is a hilarious and irreverent look at one man’s quest to catch fish in spite of life’s annoying interferences. You’ll travel with this awkward adventurer as he risks home and health to pursue his passion for fishing...regardless of the consequences. Anglers of all expertise levels will immediately identify with why his addiction is incurable. This book defines the blurred line between passion and obsession.
Tournament angler Lee Ann Powell recently set a new IGFA world record with a 10 lb. 3 oz. bass caught on 10 lb. test. She was fshing (for fun) with her friend and charter captain Dalton Smith on O.H. Ivie Lake in Texas when they noticed a school of fsh on their livescope. Powell was using a Damiki jig with a 3 inch Fluke dipped in Spike It Chartreuse Cajun Dip N Glo. According Powell, “Once the big bass took the lure the exhausting fght to bring the monster bass to within netting distance required me to constantly adjust and reset the drag with my record catch going deep each time it neared the boat.”
Afer fnally netting it, Powell says they put the fsh in the live well and headed out to fnd a set of certifed scales to weigh it. Te requirements for registering a potential world’s record fsh are stringent and Powell says she almost missed her window/timeline for submitting her catch for authentication by the IGFA.
About the IGFA: Te International Gamefsh Association is a non-pro organization committed to the conservation of gamefsh and the promotion of ethical angling practices through science, education, record keeping and recognition of outstanding accomplishments in the feld of angling.
We salute the IGFA’s decision in January 2014 to create a separate category for female anglers, opening up thousands of categories for new World’s Record opportunities.
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LIFE IS BETTER IN A C-HAWK.
CHOOSING THE CORRECT FISHING LINE
When it comes to spooling up your reels, the options are endless. For some this can be a bit overwhelming. Hopefully in this article I can help you understand what diferent kinds of lines are used for and what line strength is the best choice for you.
Te three main types of lines are monoflament, fuorocarbon and braided lines. Each has its pros and cons in diferent situations. Monoflament line foats, fuorocarbon sinks and most braided lines also foat.
I rarely use monoflament for bass fshing, but it does have its perks for a scenario or two. When throwing big heavy glide baits, I ofen spool my reels with a very strong 25- to 30-lb. monoflament, as it is very strong and much less prone to breaking on the cast when I am casting a large bait. I also ofen use mono for is a short leader when throwing a topwater bait with treble hooks. I attach about a foot of mono leader to the end of my braid, and it is less visible while also foating to keep a topwater working naturally.
Something to note about monoflament is it’s very stretchy, making it hard to drive the hook of many diferent lures into the mouth of a fsh, especially if you’re using straight mono and have a lot of line out. Te more mono you have out equals more stretch.
I use a lot of fuorocarbon in my arsenal
TYLER WOOLCOTT
of bass-fshing set ups. Tis line has virtually no stretch, it is more abrasion resistant than most other lines, and it is also a clearer line than anything else, making it harder for fsh to see. Unless I am fshing around extremely heavy cover, where braided line is needed to pull the fsh out, pretty much every reel
I use has fuorocarbon on it. I use anywhere from 10- to 20-lb. fuoro, depending on water clarity, types of cover, and the type of lure I am fshing. Braid also serves me well in many diferent applications. Having virtually no stretch, being very strong and extremely thin compared to other lines of the same strength, and outcasting every other line made are just a few perks of braid. Te downside of braid is it’s basically tiny thin rope, meaning if you are around clear water fsh can probably see it attached to your lure. In some cases, you will need a leader attached to the end of your braid.
Every single spinning reel I own is spooled with braid, which helps them cast better and operate much smoother than if they were spooled with the other kinds of lines. Typically, I’ll use 10lb. braid and attach a few feet of a fuorocarbon leader in a size of my choice to the end to keep it stealthy. I have 30- to 50-lb. braid on all my topwater treble hook baitcaster rods to make extremely long casts. When fshing around heavy grass and vegetation, I also use braid, typically in 50- to 65-lb. test. Tis strong line allows you to get the fsh out of the mess and into the boat. With your lure being in the grass, you can get away with using a thick braid, as the fsh won’t see your line around the vegetation.
Hopefully this helps you understand the diferent lines better and helps you put a few more fsh in the boat.
Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcottfshing.com.
September In The Florida Keys:
All To Yourself Paradise
September’s fshery in the Florida Keys can be unpredictable as we transition into autumn at the end of the month. Cooler northern waters will begin to push fsh back into their southern migration, while we maintain our usual summer species.
It’s always a sweeter deal running ofshore when the mahi are still around, giving more opportunities to diversify the fsh box. Tey will begin to phase out throughout the next several weeks, making this month the last month of the year to reliably target them.
Swordfsh and blackfn tuna are also excellent fuel-burn justifcations this month. With fewer boats on the water, the trafc at the Marathon humps will be less chaotic for targeting tuna.
Te reef fshing is always a good option. Te snappers are snapping year-round and seasonal harvest for black and red grouper are still open.
Tis is a great opportunity to dive for lobster as well, as the water will still be warm, but the excitement over opening season has died down. Te beginning of lobster season can turn our waters into an absolute zoo. It’s unnerving to even
By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon
suggest going out during that time and throwing yourself in the mix of that mayhem. Tat hype seems to gravitate mostly towards the mini season in July and the few weeks in August.
Each year when the kids are back in school, the Florida Keys takes a massive hit on tourism. We will experience the slowest time of the year over the next few months.
Although this may be a difcult time for working locals, it’s something to be enjoyed by our visitors. Te prices of accommodations will be as low as they get, restaurants will have ample seating, service will be quick, and best of all, no trafc!
Te furry of summer boaters trailering their rigs down from all over the country will have stopped, making both road and water trafc much more pleasant. Te fshery will experience less pressure, creating a mecca of hungry fsh, for those who are able to get out there.
Being in the middle of hurricane season likely
However, it’s a great time to make an impromptu trip, knowing you won’t have a problem fnding cheaper accommodations and availability for fshing charters.
Hurricane season may seem daunting, but there is more than enough notice ahead of any major storm. Locals are always diligently watching the weather for the frst sign of any potential disturbance and will be able to help you make decisions when booking last minute trips.
While September maybe be our slow season for tourism, that does not apply to our fshery. Come take advantage of having paradise all to yourself.
Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Sweet E’Nuf Charters based out of Marathon, Florida Keys. www.captainquinlyn.com; IG: @captainquinlyn
A Time of Porpoise
Amemorable
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There’s no denying their signature shape as they leap from the water. If you don’t see anything else extraordinary the rest of day, you can take solace knowing you’ve witnessed one of nature’s most playful and human-like creatures in their natural habitat.
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STRIPER ANGLER SNAGS RECORD PADDLEFISH
An angler trolling for striped bass hauled in a 127-pound, 6-ounce Arkansas state record paddlefsh on June 15. Te monster fsh came from Beaver Lake in northwest Arkansas, and it crushed the existing record of 118 pounds.
Mike Schleeper inked his name in the record books while trolling brooder minnows, which are large shiners, about 30 feet deep near a point on the 28,000-acre lake. His friend and fshing buddy Tom Mayberry was there to help during the 45-minute fght.
“I’ve been fshing for stripers up here for about 13 years, and I’ve had the chance to catch some stripers over 30 pounds, but this was diferent,” Schleeper said. “It didn’t strip line and stop in surges like big stripers do, he just sort of pulled the rod down and kept going. I couldn’t turn him, so we had to follow him with the trolling motor for about the frst 20 minutes.”
Once Schleeper did manage to sway the fsh in his direction, the fght continued for nearly another half-hour.
“It was a 45-minute fght altogether,” Schleeper said. “I’d thought maybe it was a really big striper, but then we could fnally see it a little bit. It looked like a giant catfsh at frst, but as we got it closer to the boat we realized what it was.”
Te giant paddlefsh had been hooked in one of its pectoral fns incidentally while the anglers were trolling. Snagged fsh ofen don’t count toward state records in many states, but paddlefsh are accepted because these fsh do not bite lures—they eat plankton—and catches on rod-and-reel are almost exclusively the result of snags.
When Schleeper and Mayberry fnally got the fsh to the side of the boat, they ran into a snag of their own.
“Our net wasn’t big enough for the fsh,” Schleeper said. “Tom wrestled with that fsh for a while trying to fgure out a way to get it in the boat. At one point I told him to just cut the line because it wasn’t worth it. Tom was adamant that we needed to get that fsh in and report it.”
Schleeper agreed with Mayberry and they fnally worked a rope through the fsh’s mouth to hoist it aboard.
“As soon as the fsh fell to the bottom of the boat, the hook popped free,”
Schleeper said. “We got really lucky.”
Paddlefsh are the oldest surviving animal species in North America according to fossil records. In fact, paddlefsh predate some dinosaurs (300 million years). Females may spawn only once every 4 to 7 years.
A recent regulation passed by the AGFC allows a limited, permit-based snagging season for paddlefsh in the White River portion of Beaver Lake from the Twin Bridges Access to the Lake Sequoyah Dam April 15-June 15.
Te world-record paddlefsh weighed 164 pounds, 13 ounces. It was caught by Chad Williams at Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks in March.
For more giant fsh, go to coastalanglermag.com.
