Coastal Angler Magazine | June 2024 | Tampa Bay Edition

the importance of boat insurance

Do you love boating? Then you know how fun and relaxing it can be on the open water. But you also know that things can go wrong sometimes, like storms, accidents, theft, or injuries. That’s why boat insurance is so important. Here are some reasons why.

• Boat insurance can help you pay for damage to your boat, or to other boats or docks, up to specifed limits.

• If you borrowed money to buy your boat, your lender may require insurance. And if you want to explore different places, some marinas or waterways may ask you to show proof of insurance.

Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. and af fliates Coverages subject to policy terms and conditions.

• Boat insurance can also come in handy if you need an on-water tow, jump start, or fuel delivery with optional Sign & Glide® coverage. And if your boat sinks, boat insurance can pay for the cost of removing it from the water (if removal is legally required).

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PUBLISH YOUR OWN FISHING MAGAZINE

Swordfshing is great any time of the year, but during summer you can justify the fuel burn to get where they live. It’s nearly impossible to run that far ofshore in June and not come across diving birds indicative of mahi or tuna. With minimal efort, this can be a nice score to put something in the box if you don’t have luck with the swords. It is normal to get skunked while swordfshing, and I don’t recommend going if you can’t accept that possibility. Te best way to go into it is to be fully prepared for both a fsh of a lifetime or to just chill with friends. Make no mistake, when you do land one of these beasts, it’s some of the most exciting fshing you can experience, and it’s worth the skunk risk.

Although you don’t have to run as far, the same consolation prize applies to heading out for tilefsh, snowy and yellowedge grouper, queen snapper, barrelfsh and rosies. Mahi fshing to, from and during deep-dropping rounds out a trip nicely.

Be prepared for mahi when heading ofshore in summer. Keep at least four rods designated for working a school and more for trolling. J hooks are a must for these head-shaking, sky-rocketing, fippy-fappy, squirm-fsh, but just about any line and bait will do. Tese tasty little dummies aren’t picky and would strike a banana peel if you jigged it right. Tat said, the speed of the bait is a variable you might have to adapt to. Teir toddler mentality kicks in when you try to take a bait away from them, encouraging them to strike something they just turned their nose up at. If you get hit when reeling in your bait, open your bail and give them a chance to eat.

If you get excited about fsh with pointy faces, be prepared for a marlin encounter this time of year. I keep rigged ballyhoo in a trolling spread and a pitch rod set up. Marlin aren’t overly common here, but when you see one, you want to be prepared for more than to simply wave and think, “that was neat.”

SBy Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

SUMMERTIME’S BACK, BABY!

ummer in the Keys, albeit hotter than the devil’s you-know-where, is one of the best times to be on the water. With more calm days, open seasons for most species, and mahi peppering ofshore waters, this is the time of year to boogie out and hunt for whatever tickles your fancy.

the

and

of our

Marlin enjoy a mahi snack as much as we do and will pop up unexpectedly while mahi fshing. If you have a large live bait, toss that sucker out. If not, a mahi from the box will do in a pinch. Give her time to eat, hang on and enjoy the ride.

Mahi season is already of to a great start for both size and numbers. Come on down and fll your coolers!

Capt. Quinlyn Haddon; Sweet e’nuf charters, marathon, Florida Keys; @captainquinlyn; captainquinlyn.com; (504) 920-6342.

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FISH THE GREATER JACKSONVILLE KINGFISH TOURNEY JULY 13-20!

The “Grandaddy of all Kingfsh Tournaments” will get the First Coast buzzing July 13-20, as the 44th annual Greater Jacksonville Kingfsh Tournament presented by VyStar Credit Union hosts a full week of tournaments with more than $500,000 in cash and prizes.

Te competition kicks of July 13 with the Kingfsh Kick Of Beach Tournament, in which competitors are limited to state waters within 3 miles of shore. Tis event evens the odds for the smaller boats to haul in the largest kingfsh of the day and collect the $50,000 cash prize.

Fishing for the General Tournament begins Friday morning, July 19. Tis cornerstone event pays out to 20 places for both large fsh and aggregate. First place for largest fsh of the tournament will be awarded a Contender 28T with twin 200 Yamaha outboards, an Ameritrail Trailer and a custom T-top and leaning post by Custom Marine. Tis boat package is valued at more than $225,000.

Junior anglers have a shot at a 16foot boat with a 15 hp Yamaha, and the Junior Ofshore Tournament pays out to 25 places. Te Ladies Division pays out to 10 places.

cold beverages, hot food and vendors. Awards Day on Saturday, July 20 is all about celebration, with Kids Zone activities, rafes and seminars.

For inshore anglers, the popular Redfsh Tournament fshes on Saturday, July 20 with payouts of more than $12,000.

Jacksonville Marine Charities is the operating arm of the event, and it supports non-profts throughout the state. Recently, Child Cancer Fund, the Down Syndrome Association and the Child Guidance Center have beneftted from the organization, which also supports other local charity fshing events like Te Premier Trout, Flounder Pounder, Wounded Heroes on the Water and others.

For complete details, visit king fshtournament.com.

All the boats and fsh coming to the docks at Jim King Park and Boat Ramp at Sisters Creek Park in Jacksonville creates a festival atmosphere. Te

Trout are Eating Your Nymph More than You Realize

Alarge trout rising to a high-riding dry fy is one of life’s true pleasures. It’s pretty darn easy to see. Te fy is bouncing happily along the surface, and with a splash it’s gone.

On the other hand, that same fat rainbow trout sucking in a nymph 6 feet down in a dark run may not be as obvious. When you’re nymphing, speed is of the essence. In a second, that fsh will expel the fy. Tere are a bunch of diferent strike indicators designed to help you see the sometimes-faint signal of a hit. Some work well, some break, some slide, and some just suck.

I love yarn indicators for their sensitivity and the plastic air-flled bobbers for ease of use. Both styles rigged up the leader about twice the depth of the water you’re fshing help you detect the strike. Any hesitation, dive or shif in direction of your indicator might be a hit.

I tell clients, if they think a fsh might even be breathing on the fy to set the hook! You get a heck of a lot more strikes than you think you do when nymph fshing. Any slack between your indicator and fy allows a fsh eat and spit your nymph out, and sometimes go completely undetected.

At close range, high-stick or Czech-nymphing techniques work great. No indicator is needed, as diferent colored lines or coiled-line indicators that straighten when a fsh takes are the deal. A lot of the time, the trout is felt when it takes the fy, or you will see the line suddenly stop. Tis method is deadly in experienced hands.

Another method of strike indication is the use of a big dry fy as the

indicator. Usually, a piece of fuorocarbon tippet is tied to the hook and a nymph or two hang underneath. Tis is a good when the fsh might spook if a plastic bobber crashes on their heads. A buggy looking dry fy is a lot less scary.

Another cool way to catch trout on subsurface fies is to watch them eat it. I call this ninja fshing! You’ll need the sun at your back or directly overhead. Start by locating a particular fsh, and then tie on a brightly colored fy that stands out and is easy to see. Cast upstream of the fsh, and let it drif down to the fsh. Sometimes a fy bounced right into their face will get a refex strike. Tis is a good way to learn how fsh react to fies and how currents afect your ofering. If you are in a pool with several fsh, you might be amazed at how many fsh take a swipe at it. You will then realize how many strikes you’ve been missing.

David Hulsey is a North Georgia-based guide and fy fshing instructor. Call him at (770) 639-4001 and visit Hulsey Fly Fishing at hulsey fy fshing.com.

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As an authorized service and repower center for many brands including Yamaha, Volvo, Suzuki, Mercury, Evinrude and Cox Diesel, your needs will be covered. With a huge inventory of parts, they’ll likely have what you’re looking for. Advanced has also catalogued an inventory of over 5,000 used parts in case what you are looking for is no longer available or you can’t fnd it anywhere else.

Advanced ofers services such as routine maintenance, custom electronics, trolling motor and power-pole installation. Tey don’t stop there. Rewiring your boat, gauge and switch panel replacements, steering, canvas and Sea-Deck are also in their arsenal. Almost anything you can think of, they can handle including cutting custom dash panels with their computerized CNC router.

Ready for the latest in engine technology? Advanced Marine has an inventory of over 100 Yamaha and Mercury engines ready to bolt onto the back of your boat, and fnancing is available. Refresh your dashboard with the latest gauge and NMEA integration technology. Just give their repower specialist Harrison a call for an estimate, and you never know when the

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If you use your boat for work, such as a fshing guide, boat rental or marine construction company, exclusive additional discounts are available from Advanced, and they will get you back on the water FAST! Contact Advanced Marine today!!!

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By A. deGruchy

SCHOOLING PERMIT ON THE WRECKS

Permit schools have been sighted in the Florida Keys over the past couple of months, and June marks the fnal stretch of their journey. Tese elusive permit are wrapping up their ‘spring break’ routine and are heading to some of our ofshore wrecks to spawn.

Tis time of year can be great for permit, because they school up and provide ample opportunity for hook-ups. Pursuing a permit takes strategy and stamina, since these fsh are known for putting up a serious battle. Any angler who is interested in trying to land one of these

prized sportfsh needs to know what they are signing up for.

When fshing for permit on ofshore wrecks in Islamorada, we usually target schools around wreck sites like the Eagle in June. Tese wrecks are typically on the ocean side in deeper waters, ranging from about 30 to 100 feet deep.

For tackle, we typically use 6500 combos with fuorocarbon leaders and circle hooks. Spotting and sight-casting to permit is usually the goto method. Tis means looking for glimpses of fashing silver just below the surface. Permit love

crabs, and they have great eyesight. fcial crabs like the Savage Gear 3D Crab are very realistic, and they are ective and cost-friendly. However, it’s tough to beat a live blue crab for permit bait. Hook them through the shell to keep them lively. Let the crab swim freely to drif into the school of permit and prepare for action. ght, fne-tuning the drag is crucial with permit because overpowering them won’t do the trick. You want the drag set just right, enough to make progress when reeling in, but allowing the permit to run… and it will run.

Permit are one of the most sought-afer sportfsh in the Keys because they’re notorious for their incredible strength. Anyone who’s ever hooked one can tell you that they’re strong enough to make even the toughest angler break a sweat. Once you do land your frst permit, it is a moment you’ll never forget.

While they are a ton of fun, permit aren’t known as a particularly desirable food fsh. Catch and release is the way to go because they play a crucial role in our ecosystem, and releasing them safely helps ensure we’ll have permit to play with in the future. Land them as quickly as you can. Handle them gently for a quick release to minimize stress and ensure the fshery thrives.

Many times while permit fshing, we encounter exciting bycatch like other jack species, grouper and snapper. It’s all about the thrill of the catch in these beautiful waters of the Florida Keys.

To book a permit charter, visit www.beansportfshing.com.

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A 9-Year-Old’s First For-Real Fishing Trip

Remember the frst time you went fshing for real? For many of us, the earliest trips elicit memories of a blue plastic container of red wigglers, a red-and-white plastic bobber and the ripe muddy fsh smell of an active bluegill bed. But that’s not what I’m talking about. I’m talking about the frst time you went fshing for real.

Maybe it was the year you were fnally allowed on the annual charter trip? Or perhaps it was the long-planned bass fshing weekend with Grandpa? Whatever it was, the person who took you decided you were ready to grow beyond the pushbutton-reel stage of fshing. It was on that trip when you became one of the crew instead of the kid who stayed home with mom.

Remember gathering your gear in anticipation? Remember waking up throughout the night and checking the clock to make sure you didn’t sleep through the alarm?

Jackson Willer, 9, of Melbourne, Fla., recently experienced his frst for-real fshing trip. Really, Jackson has fshed most of his life. His frst fsh was a jack crevalle caught with his Pop-Pop, Chris Willer, and his Mimi, Joann Willer, when he was 3 years old. But the Willer men are saltwater people, and when Jackson’s older cousin Ryan Willer, 21, told him to be ready early the next morning because they were going fshing, it was something new and exciting… his frst trip as one of the boys.

In the morning, before Ryan and Jackson lef for Sebastian Inlet, Pop-Pop pulled a special surprise from the back of his truck. He handed the 9-year-old a Penn 450SS mounted on an Ugly Stik. With freshwater wash downs and occasional cleaning, these vintage reels spin smoothly for decades. Chris (aka Pop-Pop) had been fshing this one since he bought it in the 1980s.

“I’m going to take care of it for as long as I possibly can,” said Jackson

on receiving the gif. “It feels really special. He was the one that taught me how to use a shing rod and all that stuf.”

So…armed with the rod and reel and a tank of live shrimp, Jackson and Ryan fshing for “I thought, there he goes. He’s running with the pack now. He doesn’t need us anymore,” said Joann (aka Mimi).

It wasn’t exactly a jam-up day on the water, but that’s fshing, and Jackson had fun.

“First I caught a redfsh, and then I caught a snook,” Jackson said. “It was pretty fun trying to reel it in and everything. It was hard and it was fun.” Jackson also said he doesn’t know when the next trip is, but he’s excited.

And that’s the whole point. Even if it’s just another day on the water for you, remember that the kid you’re taking was likely lying awake last night seeing visions of monster fsh and epic drag-peeling battles.

If you’ve got a great fshing story to tell, email us at editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com.

BY: WADE OSBORNE

The Mighty Jack is Back

Tampa Bay used to be loaded with jack crevalle but, for the past decade, their numbers had dwindled to the point that I might catch one every couple of weeks. Well, by what I’ve been seeing lately, the jack is back!

For the past six months, I’ve encountered three different school sizes of jack crevalle on a regular basis. One with fish ranging 8 to10 inches, another school measuring roughly 16 to18 inches and, the largest school of all, a whopping 28 to 30 inches. The two smaller school sizes go mostly unnoticed, unless you happen to be chumming for other species with live bait. Not so with the larger school of jacks; you can see them devouring bait fish as they cruise across the grass flats a hundred yards away.

Should you be fishing and witness a school of these mammoth jacks heading your way, start broadcasting more live bait chum. As soon as they see the freebees, some will erupt on the bait, giving you time to cast towards them. Prior to making a cast, grab a rod slightly stiffer than you normally use on the flats (if available) because, pound for pound, large jacks are some of the hardest fighting fish in the Tampa Bay.

Want to pick a bigger fight?

Tarpon are literally everywhere throughout Tampa Bay. They’re around every bridge from the Skyway to the Courtney Campbell, at every port and in every main deep-water channel.

There are many methods for catching tarpon, but my favorite is sight casting live pass crabs or live bait to schools of

Continued on page 21

LIVE BAIT Shrimp Pinfish

Fiddler Crabs (seasonal)

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It’s that time of year, if you’re looking to catch a big fish. The sharks are absolutely going nuts in Tampa Bay. These toothy critters are feeding on just about anything they can get their mouth around. If you’re looking to hook into black tip hammerheads, it seems like cut ladyfish and stingrays are your ticket. Just be ready to use a big heavy rod to catch these sharks. You will definitely need a big size reel that can hold some serious yards of line. It just so happens, a couple of weeks ago, we ended up catching a Mako shark in the Tampa Bay area in six feet of water near St. Petersburg pier. This is an unforgettable catch and fight with lots of tail walking across the water and line peeling off the reel.

My angler, Tom, was so surprised to hook into a fish this big. The Mako came in over 7 feet long and probably weighing over 200 pounds. We caught him on 40-pound braid using an 80-pound fluorocarbon leader with a 6/0 Mustad offset hook. Thirty minutes before we caught the shark, we caught a nice cobia. We also caught some nice trout that day.

— 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 Check us out on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok

The Small Florida FALCONS

By: Capt. Wes Tallyn

There are two common Falcons in Florida that are oftentimes confused, because of their similar size and colors: the American Kestrel and the Merlin.

American Kestrels are between 9 and 12 inches tall. Vertical lines along the sides of the face are a great initial identification marking to look for in the field. They also have bluer on the top of the head than a Merlin. Kestrels have a diet of primarily insects. They will often be seen on power lines, light poles, dead branches and other structures above open grass areas. The Kestrels will watch the ground from above and quickly swoop down on prey. Kestrels use tree cavities for their nesting sites. Typically, they will find a hole that was created by woodpeckers and claim it for their own. If you see a bird hovering briefly over a field, it’s likely a Kestrel! Kestrels are quite common in Florida during the Winter months, but are few and far between during the hot summer months in Southwest Florida. Merlins are more migratory than Kestrels. The Merlin usually has a less striking appearance with more drab colored feathers. Merlins are slightly larger, standing between 10 and 14 inches tall. The best field mark to look for is a heavily streaked chest with vertical stripes. Merlins have a diet that primarily consists of small birds. During migration, they follow their prey South in the Fall, and then head North again following the flocks. Learning the behavior of the birds will help you to identity the birds, as well. Merlins are usually found in more wooded areas where they look for small song birds in the heavy brush and marshes. If you see a small Falcon chasing a bird, it’s most likely a Merlin. Look for them to start showing up here and the west coast of Florida again in September at your local park or fields near you!

— 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

Summertime Family Fun Fishing

There is nothing better than spending some quality time fishing with the kids or grandkids. June is just the right time of year to get the family hooked (no pun intended) on fishing.

Summer weather brings many species closer to the shore and makes it a perfect time to fish many of the fishing piers along Tampa Bay on the Gulf shoreline. Two piers often overlooked right here in our own backyard is Ballast Point Park Pier and Picnic Island Park Pier, which is a public pier free to everyone. Ballast Point Pier is one of the few that has its own artificial reef built on each side of it. It’s like having your own private feeding station attracting many different species, including grouper.

There are always the regulars like catfish, trout, flounder, redfish, snook and sheepshead that call the pier their home.

Sheepshead are a great fighting fish for their size and make a great table fare. They just take a little long to clean, due to their thick skin and scales. Sheepshead are known for their bait-stealing abilities, but are favorites of kids to catch. Shrimp and fiddler crabs are

BY: CAPT. SERGIO ATANES

and they can be purchased at most bait shops. Or, better yet, get the kids to catch them on low tide along the mangrove shoreline and turn the trip into an adventure. I find the kids enjoy catching them as much as they do fishing with them. It gives the kids a sense of pride for catching their own bait.

Fishing with fiddler crabs is easy. Just use a small jig head, and run a hook through the outside tip of the shell. The jig acts as the weight, but make sure you buy the jigs with the smaller hook size. Some are sold for trout fishing, and the hook will be far too large to work on sheepshead.

Summer weather brings larger trout, mackerel, cobia, redfish and some snook looking to feed on the schools of live bait that like to call the piers their summer home. I find it best to use a cork, suspend the bait just off the bottom, and let the current take the bait away from the pier rather than casting. This way, you can cover a larger area until you find where the fish are stationed. Piers with artificial reefs offer the advantage of attracting groupers, mangrove snapper and flounder and tend to hold more fish year-round.

Spanish mackerel are probably the most fun for kids to catch, since they seem to hook themselves and take off like a rocket when hooked. It’s an experience a kid will never forget and one of the species that move in close to the docks to feed on the schools of sardines around the pilings. Smoked Spanish mackerel makes one of the best fish spreads around. Served on a saltine cracker with a shot of Tabasco sauce, it makes a super summertime snack.

— 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.

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25 Tue 4:40 2.5 3:19 3.2 9:57 1.5 10:52 -0.1 6:34 8:32

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Photo courtesy

Sea Worthy

RECIPES

Flounder with Pesto, Asparagus Tips and Pasta

You may use any fish you like--just cook according to thickness. I’m using ¼-inch fillets of flounder. I cooked them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for five minutes.

Ingredients: Pesto, I buy it from the store ready-made if you want to do it from scratch here is the recipe*

• * 2 cups fresh basil leaves packed

• * 1/2 cup grated romano or parmesan-reggiano cheese

• * 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

• * 1/3 cup pine nuts (can sub walnuts)

• * 3 large garlic cloves

• * 1/8 teaspoon each of salt and pepper

• * Mix all the above in a food processor.

Instructions:

• Flounder fillets

• Pasta

• Asparagus tips

• Lemon

Boil two pots of water--one for the asparagus tips and another for the pasta. Preheat oven to 350. When water has boiled for asparagus, put the tips in and remove from heat. Asparagus are bright green when they are done. It should be about eight minutes. Add pasta to the other pot. Place pesto on top of the fish and place in the center of the oven for five minutes (if fish is thicker gauge your time accordingly). Drain pasta, mix pasta and asparagus. Remove fish, place on top of pasta, garnish with lemon and your dish is done. The whole meal takes less than 30 minutes. Enjoy!

Enjoy The Present

In this country, we are conditioned to constantly run at a million miles an hour; juggle five different balls while balancing a melon on our head. If we’re not, then we are falling behind. I am just as guilty of this as the next person. Without that drive, I most likely would not be where I am today. What I have come to question is at what cost do these accomplishments come? What is the mental toll to run this race? Where does it stop? Or, if it can’t stop for some of us, where can sacred spaces which bring peace and living for the present be found?

Two cherished friends of mine knew exactly where that place was. They found it each time we left the dock, leaving their busyness behind. The minute they steered the boat West for the day, you could just see the joy in their eyes. You could see peace. The ocean was their happy place and disruptions were not invited. For so long, I was very envious of the shift each of them made. I needed to produce. I needed to spear the big fish or fill up the fish box. I needed perfect conditions for my time to be worth the trip; ideal visibility, cooperating weather and happy clients. It was difficult for me to appreciate how lucky I was to be present in those moments.

Sadly, I have lost these friends to their demons, as their love of the ocean and its spoils couldn’t reach their pain. I hold on to the memories made over many years on and in the water. Being human, all we can do is learn from our mistakes and the mistakes of others to hopefully make better choices. Every day, I am fortunate enough to step on a boat, to rock with the wind and the waves. I will not forget where I am and, more importantly, why I am here.

I now see the lessons they were trying to teach me all along. Take in the present, find joy just being surrounded by the big, blue sea. I hope to impress upon each of my crew and our clients this very mindset shared by my dear friends. A day on the water should be a day away from all your cares, all your worries; even when the fishing isn’t as good as you had hoped; even when the visibility isn’t as clear as you anticipated. And, above all, when things don’t go according to plan, remember the big picture. My hope is that you too can pause your race and embrace the present, as well.

The Beat of a Different Drum

In the Tampa Bay area this time of year, tarpon take center stage with redfish a close second in terms of popularity, but one of the fish that gets forgotten is the black drum.

The black drum is in the sciaenidae family of fish, along with the red drum and speckled trout. What they have in common is the ability to drum to call their mate.

Some people may frown upon the black drum but, in actuality, the smaller drum (puppy drum) are good table fair and the larger ones are great tackle testers. Black drum have to be 14 to 24 inches to keep in the Tampa Bay area. Around 4 to 7-pound black drum are actually good to eat with very white flaky meat but, once they start getting larger, their meat gets tough and not so good. This is where the sport of catching and releasing large black drum becomes fun. Typically, 20 to 50-pound drum are caught in Tampa Bay with some fish even larger. These fish can reach over 100 pounds and can travel in small to very large

schools of fish. They can be caught all year around the docks, bridge pilings, oyster mounds, flats and sand bar edges.

Some of the most exciting black drum fishing happens at the beginning of the year between January and March, depending on the water temperature, where large schools of black drum enter Tampa Bay for spawning. This is when you will see schools of them going around in circles and drumming. They will also run the edges of the flats or sand bars. A good spinning rod setup that can handle 20 to 50-pound fish is what will be needed. Live large shrimp will work, but a ¼ to 3/8-ounce jig head with a Saltwater Assassin shrimp or Lit’l P & V in brown glass minnow or new penny colors with some Pro-Cure shrimp bait gel to add scent will also work. This pattern at the mouth of the Bay just inside the Skyway bridge and I-275 leading up to it will not last long. Towards March, they will usually start to migrate up into Tampa Bay following the sand bars along the edges of the grass flats all the way to the major bridges like Gandy, Howard Franklin and the Courtney Campbell Bridge. They will stay at the bridges throughout the Summer until Fall when the water temperatures start to drop, and then the large quantities of breeder black drum will reverse this process and mi-

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grate back out of the Bay. When fishing the bridges, you will have to up your tackle due to the bridge structure and the size of the black drum. A very heavy spinning rod with 30 to 50-pound braid and a 60 to 80-pound 4 to 5-footlong leader with a 5/0 to 6/0 hook will work. Also, a conventional 50-pound set up with 50-pound mono, a 4-ounce lead with 4 to 5-foot 60 to 80-pound leader and a 5/0 to 6/0 hook will work. My favorite bait for bridge fishing is a half of a blue crab. They will also hit lures, eat small bait fish or cut bait along with shrimp, but the blue crab really gets the nod. They like to hang out near the pilings, so make sure you get your bait close to the piling when fishing. Many times, they will show up on your fish finder, so keep your eyes peeled when looking for an area to try.

Good luck and catch a big one!!

— 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.

Citrus, Hernando, Hillsboro, Pasco,

and

Full Mobile Marine Service

Ahoy Mates!

It’s The Tampa Bay Boat Show

Chart your course the Florida State Fairgrounds on June 21, 22, 23

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

THE THRILLING CHASE FOR SILVER KINGS:

Tarpon Fishing on Florida’s Coast

The warm breezes and vibrant sunsets of St. Petersburg set the stage for an extraordinary adventure in pursuit of one of the most elusive giants of the sea: the tarpon. Captain Tyler Kapela, has a calm, patient and fun-loving demeanor who is also passionate, knowledgeable and a master of his craft.

In a recent dialogue, Joe Simonds, Co-Founder of Salt Strong Fishing Club, and Captain Tyler Kapela of Hit and Run Charters, in St. Petersburg, Florida, guide us through the thrilling world of tarpon fishing—a seasonal pursuit that captivates the hearts of anglers each year!

Captain Tyler’s journey with tarpon fishing begins with an understanding of the fish’s remarkable life cycle. Known for their epic migrations, tarpons start their life as tiny plankton hundreds of miles offshore, gradually making their way into coastal estuaries. These “silver kings” thrive even in low-oxygen environments, such as golf course ponds, and can breathe air, allowing them to inhabit waters few other fish can survive.

Migrating to open beaches and other main migration routes in May and June, the tarpon challenge intensifies. Captain Tyler Kapela shared several detailed strategies for targeting tarpon effectively:

Focus on Structure like bridges, which are ideal for finding early-season tarpon. Structures tend to hold baitfish, making them attractive spots for tarpon.

Use Technology like side imaging sonar, to locate tarpon, especially when they are not visibly rolling on the surface. This technology helps in identifying the tarpon’s position and movement beneath the water, which is crucial for effective bait placement.

Strategically Placing Bait to ensure it is the first thing the tarpon sees, without spooking the fish involves understanding the fish’s direction and behavior, particularly around structures like bridges and in open waters.

Captain Tyler Kapela is clearly committed to the conservation of tarpon and advocates for educating other anglers on best practices for tarpon fishing. He believes in sharing knowledge about sustainable fishing techniques, which can lead to better outcomes for the tarpon population and emphasizes several important practices aimed at protecting the health and survival of these magnificent, majestic fish after capture:

Handling Sharks: To protect tarpon from shark attacks once they are on the line, loosen the drag or move the tarpon quickly away from areas where sharks are active. This reduces stress on the tarpon and increases their chances of survival after release.

Proper Fight Management and Appropriate Use of Tackle: Captain Tyler emphasizes managing the duration of the fight appropriately so that the tarpon are not overly exhausted by using gear that is strong enough to handle tarpon efficiently and reducing the time it takes to bring them in. This lessens the physiological stress on the fish and helps maintain their strength, improving post-release survival. The use of appropriate tackle not

only improves the angling experience but also enhances the survival rate of tarpon after release. Tyler chooses hooks and lines that minimize damage to tarpon, such as circle hooks that are more likely to hook the fish in the mouth, reducing internal injuries.

Proper Catch and Release Techniques are critical and he stresses the need to handle tarpon as little as possible, and when handling is necessary, to support the tarpon horizontally rather than hanging them vertically, which can damage their internal organs.

Captain Tyler Kapela is specific about the types of bait he prefers to use for targeting tarpon, and he tailors his bait selection based on the fishing environment and the behavior of the tarpon. Here’s a breakdown of the bait choices he discussed for different approaches:

Crabs and Threadfins Around Structures: When fishing around bridges and deeper structures, Tyler often uses crabs and threadfins. He finds these baits effective in attracting tarpon, which are drawn to these areas for the abundant food supply. During the peak migratory months of May and June, Tyler particularly highlights the effectiveness of using pass crabs. He notes that these crabs are naturally flushed out by the tides, and tarpon are accustomed to feeding on them. Catching and using pass crabs during this time can be highly effective, as it mimics the tarpon’s natural food source.

Live Baits in Open Waters: For beach fishing and targeting tarpon in open waters, Tyler prefers using live baits like pinfish, threadfins, and sometimes even smaller crabs. He emphasizes the importance of the bait being lively and well-presented, which makes it more attractive and triggers the predatory instincts of tarpon.

Tailored Bait Based on Tarpon Behavior: Tyler also discusses adjusting his bait choice based on the behavior of the tarpon on any given day. For example, if the fish are finicky or the water conditions are clear, he might choose smaller crabs or even artificial baits to match the hatch or to be less intrusive.

Tyler’s choices in bait reflect a deep understanding of the tarpon’s dietary preferences and how these preferences can be influenced by environmental conditions and the tarpon’s migratory patterns. By carefully selecting and presenting these baits, he maximizes his chances of successfully hooking these elusive giants during their most active seasons.

This article was created from Episode #304 – Tarpon Tactics with Captain Tyler Kapela http://www.youtube.com/@fishingstrong

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 Fun Tournaments, and Win Awesome Giveaways. Go to SaltStrong.com and Salt Strong Alliance.com to Learn More.

By Tobin Strickland, CAM Special Correspondent

Consistently Catch RedfishConsistently

Catching a redfish shallow in the summer months is a magical experience. If you’ve caught your first redfish on the flats or in the marsh, you know what I mean, especially if you caught it on a surface lure. There is just nothing better than that aggressive…almost mean, water-frothing, hole in the water attack caused by a redfish striking your lure. Then you begin to hunt for them, because you know they are fun and feed aggressively. But sometimes they all but disappear or seem so spread out that it’s hardly worth the effort. What if I told you that redfish are predictable? In fact, they are more consistent than other inshore species day in and day out.

From the time a tiny little redfish larva gets washed back into the back of an estuarine marsh pond, its sense of tide height and current begins to develop daily. Currents that would be almost imperceptible to us are magnified to the young redfish, which uses the edges of these currents to feed on tiny forage, juvenile shrimp and baitfish. They quickly learn that they can use the current to move into an area as the tide rises, moving with ease and a relative lack of energy use. They also learn how structure such as marsh grass, sea grass and even oysters change the velocity at which water moves and makes prey susceptible to attack. They become keenly aware of where and when these currents begin and end through the day. They don’t understand why they happen and don’t need to, nor do they make conscious decisions about them, they just learn where they happen and what time, just as we know what time to avoid a certain intersection. Even with wind-driven current, they begin to learn daily patterns of when water moves because of the wind. They instinctively know when to move to each location based on the direction and speed of wave patterns and the current they have learned to sense. By the time a redfish reaches the lower end of the slot, he has become a master at using currents to locate feeding areas to survive.

This is what the new redfish angler takes so long to learn. At first redfish will occur to anglers as a random straggler across a marsh or flat. As we advance after what could be years of on-the-water experience, we finally learn what the tiny redfish learned his first year in the marsh pond. It’s at this time we begin to look in specific areas that we’ve learned over time harbor just the perfect current, structure and forage to hold the most redfish. Experienced anglers catch more redfish more consistently because they only spend time and energy in the right current and structure and understand how tide height affects that as well.

daisy chaining fish. The thrill of the thump as it picks up your bait, and the sound of the drag screaming as line rips off the spool, is second to none. For tackle, I’m still using my 27-year-old, eight-foot medium mod-fast, G-Loomis, Surf Series rod. I have it paired with a Penn Spinfisher 6500 reel loaded with 200 yards of 50-pound braided line and the appropriate amount of backing. For terminal tackle, I use six feet of 60-pound fluorocarbon leader with a 6/0 hook. Since I’m mentioning hard fighting fish, I’ve got to throw cobia in the mix. Many times, when anchored and tarpon fishing, cobia will approach your boat, especially if you’re chumming while fishing. The same can be said if you’re anchored and cut bait chumming for mangrove snapper or other species. Cobia have a knack for showing up unexpectedly. The key to successfully catching one is being ready with the right tackle.

Tarpon tackle works fine for cobia, it’s a little overkill, but at least you shouldn’t lose any fish. For the unexpected encounter, I always keep a fake eel rigged on one of my rods. If I’m chumming and a cobia comes up in my slick, I will have someone cast a fake eel past it at an angle and work it back in front of it. While they’re doing that, I’ll hook up a live bait and have someone toss the live bait out in front of it, if it doesn’t take the eel.

Once you get a hookup, slow down and enjoy the ride. Cobia make long runs and do a lot of zig zagging in an attempt to escape. It takes quite a while to wear cobia down before bringing them into the boat, so be patient.

Cobia’s minimum size for harvest is 33 inches to the fork, so be absolutely sure it’s big enough before you stick it with a gaff. Once it’s brought on board, I always put it straight in my fish box and close the lid. If you don’t have that capacity on your boat, place it on the deck and step back. Large cobia can do significant damage while thrashing around until it expires.

There are many hot spots to target cobia around Tampa Bay. Start by checking out the channel marker buoys, range markers or bridge pilings. Any of the bay’s deep water grass flats are also ideal. If you’re on the flats, pay particular attention if you see any manatees or large stingrays. Cobia love company. You will often see them swimming in pairs or groups. I’ve seen as many as 10 in one group. It’s a sight to be seen!

Should you get lucky enough to boat two cobia, you’re done! There is a strict two fish per vessel limit on the Gulf Coast.

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 has been featured on numerous TV and radio shows and writes for multiple publications. 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

INSHORE SALTWATER FORECAST

BY: CAPT BRENNON KIRBY

Summertime

June is a great time to be on the water. It is also a very busy time to be on the water.

School is out for summer, and everyone wants to be at the beach! Here’s a few safety tips for the summer. Boaters, have all your gear loaded and ready before you get to the boat ramp. Make sure you have the appropriate amount of life vests for all passengers. Visit FWC website for safety information. If you are new to boating, I recommend a boaters safety course or hire a captain to show you the ropes. Most of the issues that I see are at the boat ramp. Depending on the tides, there can be a lot of current and if you add a heavy wind to that you can easily get turned around. Give us a shout and we’ll make sure you know how to operate your vessel.

Now on to fishing! Snook will be at the beaches and passes, pinfish, grunts, or white bait is my go-to. Free line with 20 to 30 pound fluorocarbon leader and a 2/0 or 3/0 hook depending on bait size. Another great way is under a popping cork. This enables you to drift your bait at the right depth by adjusting your leader length. Search mangrove shorelines for redfish. I like to use live shrimp all year long for redfish. Although they will eat pinfish and white bait as well.

For all the waders and beachgoers, make sure you’re doing the stingray shuffle. And finally- don’t forget your hats, polarized sunglasses, and lots of sunscreen!

Now that the water is warming up the large schools of sheepshead have moved out, and the snapper have taken their place. A lot of times the same rocks and structure that you find sheepshead on in the winter hold snapper in the summer. If you’re throwing artificial, top water in the morning and evening. Twitch baits, jerk, baits, paddle tails, midday. For all the waders and beachgoers, make sure you’re doing the stingray shuffle. And finally- don’t forget your hats, polarized sunglasses, and lots of sunscreen!

— Kirby’s Katch, Captain Brennon Kirby Kirby’s Katch.com, 863-409-0540

Apollo Beach

Apollo Beach Bait & Tackle

Land’s End Marina

West Marine

Belleair Bluffs

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Brandon Bass Pro

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Clearwater

Blue Shark Bait Shop

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Hooters Rest

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Mac’s Sports

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Nature’s Patch

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Rick Daddys Eatin Fresh

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Ward’s Seafood

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Wet Line Bait & Tackle

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Bait House Tackle & Tavern

Clearwater Aquarium

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Crabb’s Bar & Grill

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Gulfview Motel

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Pier House 60 Marina Hotel

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Angler 360 Bait

Barracuda Bob’s Surf & Sports

Best Western-Yacht Harbor Inn

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Pick up a copy of Coastal Angler Magazine every month at these local businesses!

Hubbard’s Marina

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BRAG BOARD

Michael Sullivan caught this 20 lb. blackin tuna on a free lined greenback while grouper fishing 50 miles off of St. Pete.

Anatoli Georgiev hooked this nice 38-inch cobia in Dunedin. He said it was always a dream of his to catch one...

Adria Gutierrez got this barracuda offshore on a free line using a live tomtate. She said this ”stinky guy‟ ripped drag and was a fun couple- minute fight bringing him in.

Kayak fishing on the Hillsborough River, Cali Williams shows off his Bucket List Catch...his first landed tarpon! The 39-inch beauty took a 4-inch D.O.A. gold shrimp.

SEND US YOUR CATCH PHOTOS!

For a chance to be featured on the Brag Board, upload your high-quality photos (at least 1MB) along with all of the catch details at:

2024 CCA FLORIDA STAR: WINNING IS EASIER THAN EVER!

CCA Florida STAR presented by Yamaha launched into year-10 on Memorial Day weekend! For 100 days, this unique fshing competition will award more than $500,000 in prizes and scholarships.

CCA Florida, the state’s leading marine fsheries conservation, habitat restoration, education and advocacy organization, holds the annual event to create awareness for conservation and support the protection and enhancement of Florida’s marine habitat.

Tis year, participating in STAR is easier than ever. Te competition has eight divisions including Tagged Redfsh Division, Tagged Dolphin Division, an Inshore and Ofshore Division, Native Watercraf Kayak Division, Realtree Youth Scholarship Division, Power Pole Conservation Division and Costa Kick Plastic Trash Division, and there are more than $500,000 in prizes and scholarships available!

“We are excited to kick of Florida’s largest family friendly saltwater

fshing competition for the tenth year,” STAR Director Leiza Fitzgerald said. “Tis year, it is easier than ever to participate in STAR because we have simplifed the competition to give anglers and non-anglers the chance to win big. Since 2015, we have given away more than $4 million in prizes, including $900,000 in college scholarships, and we can’t wait to do it again!”

STAR’s signature Tagged Redfsh Division presented by TH Marine ofers fve adult winners the choice of a Contender Boats 22 Sport, Dek Kat Boats 27 Flatz Kat, Spyder Boats FX19, Micro Draf Ski package that includes a Sea-Doo Fish Pro Trophy and a CanAm Defender. Each boat is powered by Yamaha and equipped with an Infnity trailer. For the frst two youth anglers, prizes include a tiller boat powered by Yamaha, a trailer, a Minn Kota trolling motor and Humminbird electronics.

In total, there are more than 160 prize-winning tagged red of Florida’s coastal counties. Citrus and Charlotte counties, STAR’s 2024 Destination Counties, ofer the best shot at a prize-winning received twice as many tagged reds as the other counties.

Te STAR competition also focuses on conservation with its CatchPhoto-Release format and smartphone app. STAR’s Trash Division has set the bar for other fshing tournaments to implement conservation-friendly alternatives.

All STAR entries must be photographed with the o Florida Measuring Device, which is available free of charge at locations throughout the state, including all Florida West Marine stores.

Te CCA Florida STAR competition presented by Yamaha has a division for everyone. Now with only eight divisions, plus ALL saltwater species included in the event and most winners determined by random drawing, anglers of all ages and skill levels can fsh from anywhere in Florida’s saltwater and have greater opportunities to win.

Registration is $40 for current CCA Florida members or $80 for nonmembers, which includes CCA Florida membership. Kids ages 6-17 can register for free with their current ($10) CCA Florida youth membership.

To register, visit ccafstar.com today!

888-POUND BLUEFIN CAUGHT OFF DESTIN!

In case you haven’t seen it yet, this enormous 888-pound bluefn tuna caught in late April out of Destin just might be the largest bluefn ever caught of Florida. It was brought to the docks at Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House on Destin Harbor, and although the fsh won’t qualify as a state record because landing it was a team efort, no one in Destin really seems to care. It’s a catch worth celebrating.

According to Te Destin Log, Capt. George Gill was piloting the Flat Dangerous on its frst Gulf of Mexico trip on Wednesday, April 24. About 68 miles out of Destin, the new 80-foot Viking encountered a massive school of surfacefeeding bluefns while the crew was fshing for bait.

With just four baits onboard, some small yellowfn, skipjack and blackfn, the captain gave chase, and the crew tossed baits into the school of bluefns. Tey lost three big fsh in short order, but the fsh of a lifetime for boatowner Warren Williamson, of Alabama, came tight on the fourth and fnal bait.

Te fsh died about an hour into the fght, and it was a team efort to haul it to the surface over the next four hours with 100-pound main line, 150-pound braid and 400-pound leader.

Te fsh measured 110 inches in length and weighed 888 pounds. Tat’s a heck of a fsh to break in a new boat!

Te existing state record, caught by Rick Whitley out of Destin in 2017, weighed 826.5 pounds. Another would-be new record was caught in 2022, also out of Destin by a team of anglers sharing time on the rod. Tat fsh weighed 832 pounds. Te Gulf of Mexico bluefn tuna record stands at 1,152 pounds. Tat fsh, caught of Louisiana in 2003, is the largest fsh caught by rod and reel in state history.

PHOTOS BY ANNE HINZE

CCW Petitions Big Sugar Over Everglades Restoration

Captains For Clean Water (CCW), a non-proft organized by fshing guides, is petitioning Big Sugar to drop its lawsuit seeking access to irrigation water from the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir.

Te EEA reservoir, which is currently under construction, is the centerpiece of Everglades restoration projects designed to provide relief from devastating Lake Okeechobee discharges and restore the fow of freshwater south, as nature intended, through the Everglades to Florida Bay.

Big Sugar, made up of sugar producers United States Sugar Corporation, Okeelanta Corporation (Florida Crystals) and Te Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida, claims farming interests in South Florida were promised water access by the federal government. Last year a federal judge threw out the case brought by Big Sugar, and this recent lawsuit is in the appeals process, with no projected timeline.

Explanation of the CCW petition reads: “If Big Sugar wins, they could push to use the EAA Reservoir as their personal taxpayer-funded water supply, upending years of restoration progress and sealing the fate of Florida’s future to include more damaging discharges, more toxic algae blooms, and more economic and environmental peril. It could also set a dangerous precedent, forcing Everglades Restoration projects to prioritize Big Sugar’s interests and replace their historical water supply over benefts to South Florida’s waters— regardless of how and when Sugar lost water supply since December 2000.”

To see more or to sign the petition, go to captainsforcleanwater.org. YOU THINK IT, WE INK IT! SCREEN PRINTING | EMBROIDERY STICKERS | BANNERS | SIGNS DECALS | WRAPS | LASER ENGRAVING DIRECT-TO-GARMENT PRINTING

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HIT-AND-RUN GROUPER

Tim Barefoot

I’ve long been a proponent of chumming up a place on the bottom with squid and then feeding grouper a big live bait.

However, afer the last few trips, I’m starting to rethink this tactic because of the number of sharks we’ve been catching.

I’ve never seen as many sharks as we are seeing right now. Te bottom is covered with them, and the top layer of the water column is full of them. Tis past trip, we put out fve Spanish mackerel on light lines hoping for a wahoo bite. We caught fve sharks almost instantly. One of these bites was the biggest tiger shark I’ve ever seen. It was at least 12 feet long and 2 feet wide across the head. Te rest of them were standard 6- to 9-footers; it takes a toll on you to get them to the boat for dehooking.

apart to create a lot of smell down on the bottom. Ten I drop live pinfsh or small snappers to the grouper drawn in by the “chum.”

Lately, I’ve resorted to dropping big, pretty live baits frst to see if we can get a few grouper bites before the taxman arrives, and it’s become a matter of WHEN rather than IF he shows up. It’s “hit-and-run” fshing. We pull up on a nice mark with pinfsh and grunts already rigged on the jig. I hit the spot lock on the Rhodan and drop in for a few good bites. When the sharks show up, we just move up or down the ledge. Lather, rinse and repeat as ofen as needed. Granted, we haven’t boated as many of the smaller snappers or seabass for the cooler, but we’ve caught some beautiful grouper with this “hitand-run” style of bottom banging. Te wahoo are diferent story. We quit putting the light line out due to the instant shark bite. I’ve got to fgure something out for that. From now until the end of October or the frst of November, wahoo will be everywhere and nowhere at the same time. Tey will come inside the edge of the Gulf Stream following big stacks of bait. As usual, some king mackerel fsherman will catch a 100-pounder on a live menhaden in less than 100 feet of water while chasing a tournamentgrade kingfsh.

Between all the American red snappers—which we aren’t allowed to keep—and all the sharks, we’ve been run of of several square miles of bottom lately. Tankfully, we’ve found some of the grouper we’re looking for, but I’m seriously rethinking the “chumming” part of the tactics I usually employ. Normally, I begin on a spot by dropping whole squid on jigs, which the smaller fsh pick

I said all that to say this: We’re going to take more pinfsh and less squid to catch “hit-and-run” grouper. Someone please educate me on a bait that will not catch a red snapper!

For more info on the jigs and bait, check out Tim Barefoot’s YouTube channel and website, barefootcatsandtackle.com.

C-HAWK MITZI SKIFF: & Two Brands, One Philosophy

In the boating world, brand loyalty is earned. Over years, boater experiences with vessels— good and bad, on and of the water—are what build the reputations of boats. It might, or might not, come as a surprise that two brands that have garnered sterling reputations in the industry for functionality and dependability are manufactured by the same builder.

C-Hawk and Mitzi Skif are both built in the U.S.A. with the same philosophy that simplicity leads to vessels that are easier and more afordable to operate and maintain. A simple, well-designed and well-built boat, comes with less hassle, leaving more time to spend on the water. Especially among anglers, this philosophy has built large followings for both brands among people who are more interested in fshing and boating than they are in pampering their pretty boats.

“We build a keep-it-simple-stupid boat. If you want something you can sof scrub at the end of the day and put it away, you’re my guy,” said Brad Grubbs, the owner and manufacturer of C-Hawk and Mitzi Skif. “We set out to make boats that are afordable to operate and afordable to own, and the philosophy has worked.”

Mitzi Skiff

Although Mitzi Skif originated in the 1990s for a singular purpose, the same philosophy for simplicity applies. Fly fshing the fats drove Tom Mitzlaf to design a skif with quiet maneuverability, extremely shallow draf and a clean deck layout to make him a better fsherman. It was simple by necessity, and it revolutionized the industry.

Tree decades later, Mitzi’s line of 15’, 16’and 17’ skifs achieves those purposes exceptionally well, and they have led the way with innovations that make them the fats boats other boat builders imitate. A Mitzi does everything the pricier skifs do, yet they are afordable enough for any angler to own and operate.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fx it,” Grubbs quipped. Mitzi builds skifs for anglers more interested in fshing than in spending a lot of money.

Te 15’ remains a purpose-built fats boat for one or two anglers to sneak up on wary fsh in super-skinny water. Te 17’ models are more multi-purpose. Tey can fsh three anglers, and while they are primarily a fats boat, they perform admirably as bay boats with a modifed V-hull and an 11-degree deadrise at transom to reduce hull slap. Rolled gunnels knock down spray for an exceptionally dry ride.

Tey are solid and durable for long years of heavy use, and from hideaway pushpole holders to fush-mount hardware, Mitzi delivers clean and stable casting decks designed specifcally for hard-core anglers. www.mitziskifs.com

C-Hawk Boats

C-Hawk has been around since the mid1970s and ofers lines of bombproof 16’ to 29’ center consoles and 22’ to 29’ sport cabins that were originally developed for commercial applications. C-Hawks remain widely used commercially, and many recreational

boaters also see the value in a vessel that’s built to take a beating.

“Really, we just took a commercial-duty boat and put a little lipstick on it,” Grubbs said. “ Te boat is as tough as it ever was. It’s been the same boat for nearly 50 years.”

At their core, C-Hawks are hardcore workhorses, and the center console models have become popular with charter captains because they are built to withstand hard use for years of trouble-free boating. Grubbs pointed to C-Hawk’s 25 CC as a great example of what the brand has become. It’s an extremely stable fshing platform that drafs just 12 inches, and with a 300 horsepower max it’ll take you anywhere you need to go from skinny water to light ofshore duty. What’s more, it’s infnitely customizable from the factory.

“We can mix and match consoles, fsh boxes, full transoms, cut transoms, bare hulls… you name it,” Grubbs said. “ Tere are some recreational guys adding towers and sight fshing for cobia, and such. Everything we do is built around keep it simple, keep it efcient, keep it easy to maintain, keep it cost efective to own and operate. Tey are all unique… no cookie cutter trailer queens here. Te 25 is a great example of what C-Hawk is.” www.chawkboats.net

Every month, I provide tips to help make you a better angler. Tis month’s tip is one of the most important. With so many tackle and gear options on the market these days, staying organized on the water is difcult. Here are a few things I do that make me a more efcient angler because I know exactly where to go when looking for the right tool for the job.

Storage options vary depending on the type of fshing you do. I’m going to stick to bass fshing, but don’t be afraid to alter these tips to your style of fshing.

When storing baits, hooks, line and gear, your No. 1 enemy is moisture. Keeping your tools dry should be a priority because it keeps hooks sharp and everything else rust-free. I store almost everything in waterproof boxes or bags. Tese storage options might be a little more expensive up-front, but when compared to losing a whole box of lures or hooks to rust, your investment will pay for itself many times over.Another good trick I’ve learned is to use DampRid moisture absorbers. Here in Florida, where humidity is high and temperatures fuctuate, condensation builds up in boat compartments. Te best thing to do is to take your tackle out of the boat and move it inside, but this is not an option if you fsh a lot and have a lot of gear. DampRid containers help keep everything safe and dry by absorbing moisture from the air in your boat’s storage compartments.

Now let’s talk about organization. If you’re a bass angler, you have a ton of sof plastics in diferent styles and colors as well as packs of hooks, jigs and weights to fsh them. I use plastic Sterlite containers with latches to store my bags of sof plastics. You can buy them at Walmart. I organize my baits by the type of sof plastic they are, and I label each container. On the water, this makes it easy grab the style of bait I’m looking for. Also, before I leave the house, labels make it easy to load what I think I’ll need for the day and remove what I don’t.

On the hook side of organization, one mistake people make when organizing hooks is to take them out of the original packaging to place them in compartment boxes. Tis is a huge mistake. Hook packs are clearly labeled by size and style, which allows you to quickly identify them on the water. Also, hook packs are designed to keep hooks sharp, untangled and dry. You can store your hooks in a box, but you should leave them in their original packaging.

Hopefully, these tips help you be more efcient on the water and save you some money by protecting your investments.

Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcottfshing.com.

TYLER WOOLCOTT

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