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Palm Beach International Boat Show March 26-29
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MARCH 2020
THE STRONGEST SPINFISHER YET!!! The 6th generation Spinfisher is now stronger and more water resistant than ever. With machined CNC gearing and an IPX5 water resistant rating, the newest Spinfisher is ready for anything.
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Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. Annual premium for a basic liability policy not available all states. Prices vary based on how you buy.
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The easiest way to find bait when you’re ready to go fishing is by using the new Baitfinder App available for free download on both Apple and Android devices. Bait shops are the best possible resource for local information from what’s biting, and on what bait, to ensure you have the right equipment and knowledge before you head out to target a specific species of fish. Everything about Baitfinder is designed for anglers, by anglers, allowing all bait shops in your area to advertise their bait availability in real-time. There’s no more last-minute anxiety about locating bait or driving all over to locate the bait you’re looking for. Anglers can reserve their bait of choice prior to getting to their favorite bait shop to pick it up and it’s all easily done on the app! Let your friends know of this free app and encourage all your local bait shops to enroll at: WWW.BAITFINDER.COM
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OUTDOOR APPAREL REVIEW Gillz 2020 Tournament Series Shirt
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illz has re-invented the original vented fishing shirt, and if you liked the original, you’ll love the new 2020 Tournament Series Shirt. They took the best features from the original and added a few sweet twists. First, the side vents were re-engineered to pull cooling air more efficiently through and around your body, keeping you cooler than ever. On top of that, it’s made from the proprietary and innovative GillzTec fabric. This interlocking fabric is engineered to quickly distribute moisture 360 degrees across the garment for better cooling. Since the moisture spreads throughout the garment, it dries and evaporates much faster, keeping you cool and comfortable and essentially eliminates any sweat spots that would normally appear. In fact, it’s 30 percent cooler than competitors! Lightweight and providing UPF 50+ protection, the shirt blocks 98 percent of UVA/UVB rays. Plus, it’s chemical free and looks pretty awesome. Gillz. The coolest gear on the planet.
Pelagic Blue Water Fishing Short
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esigned at sea, the Blue Water Fishing Short is your offshore hombre for all things fish. It has four-way stretch for maneuverability, a TightLines internal drawcord for a custom fit, and water repellency with stain guard for the inevitable elements. Made with REPREVE recycled fibers, this is the gateway short to your bluewater addiction.
Features: • 21” Outseam • 4-Way Stretch Fabric • REPREVE Recycled Fibers • Tightlines Adjustable Waistband • Water Repellency & Stain Guard • Side Zip Cargo Pocket W/ Reinforced Tool Pocket • Mesh Lined Back Zip Pockets
pelagicgear.com
Gillz-gear.com
Reel Angler Saltwater Arm Sleeves
Frogg Toggs Pilot Pro Jacket in Realtree Fishing
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he Frogg Toggs Realtree Pilot PRO Jacket in the Realtree Fishing pattern is designed to handle whatever Mother Nature throws at you. Internal zips hold the Co-Pilot liner, while the full-front zip closure with splash-proof YKK zippers and internal storm flap keep you dry and warm. A fitted, three-way adjustable and removable hood with full-face closure protects your head and face with the help of the integrated fleece-lined, high-rise collar. An internal storm flap and two-way splash-proof front closure keeps water at bay. The jacket features an internal, zippered storage pocket and chest storage pockets, as well as zippered, oversized, fleece-lined handwarmer pockets.
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nglers need protection from the sun more than just about anyone. With Real Angler Saltwater Arm Sleeves from Solar Sleeves, you can protect your arms from the sun’s damaging rays and look cool doing it. With UPF factor of 40+, these sleeves offer excellent solar protection. They are made of super-comfortable stretch fabric that resists slipping for all day comfort on the water. If that wasn’t enough, you can represent your passion while protecting yourself. The vivid sublimation print is sure to be an eye catcher. Go fishing or spend the day on the boat in style with Reel Angler Arm Sleeves in Saltwater print. Retail stores shop online at capsmith.com.
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Secrets of a Billionaire Revealed “Price is what you pay; value is what you get. Whether we’re talking about socks or stocks, I like buying quality merchandise when it is marked down.” — wisdom from the most successful investor of all time
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e’re going to let you in on a secret. Billionaires have billions because they know value is not increased by an inflated price. They avoid big name markups, and aren’t swayed by flashy advertising. When you look on their wrist you’ll find a classic timepiece, not a cry for attention–– because they know true value comes from keeping more money in their pocket. We agree with this thinking wholeheartedly. And, so do our two-and-a-half million clients. It’s time you got in on the secret too. The Jet-Setter Chronograph can go up against the best chronographs in the market, deliver more accuracy and style than the “luxury” brands, and all for far, far less. $1,150 is what the Jet-Setter Chronograph would cost you with nothing more than a different name on the face. With over two million timepieces sold (and counting), we know a thing or two about creating watches people love. The Jet-Setter Chronograph gives you what you need to master time and keeps the superfluous stuff out of the equation. A classic in the looks department and a stainless steel power tool of construction, this is all the watch you need. And, then some. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Experience the Jet-Setter Chronograph for 30 days. If you’re not convinced you got excellence for less, send it back for a refund of the item price. Time is running out. Now CLIENTS LOVE that the secret’s out, we STAUER WATCHES… can’t guarantee this $39 chronograph will stick around long. Don’t overpay to be “The quality of their underwhelmed. Put a precision watches is equal to many chronograph on your wrist for that can go for ten times just $39 and laugh all the way the price or more.” to the bank. Call today! — Jeff from McKinney, TX
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Hook, Line & Sea Eagle Inflatable Sea Eagle FishSkiff™ 16
The super sleek, super stable inflatable FishSkiff™ 16 holds 1-3 anglers and all their gear. It’s low profile with nearly zero draft make landing fish & shallow water fishing easier and quicker. With a 6hp motor, it can reach 17 mph. Catch fish all day with 1 tank of gas. Add a bow mounted trolling motor for stealthy maneuverability. On shore just deflate & fold it up. Packs small to fit in a car trunk, SUV or RV and stores in a closet.
* 16’ long x 54” wide * Weighs just 99 lbs. (hull only) * Holds up to 3 people or 1765 lbs of people & gear * Inflates & sets up in 17 minutes
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They’re Here!
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ach year, millions of collectors and silver stackers around the world secure freshly struck American Eagle Silver Dollars. They are perhaps the most widely collected silver bullion coins in the world, and right now, you can be among the first to secure coins from the U.S. Mint’s brand-new 2020 mintage!
2019 Was a Great Year for Silver. What Will 2020 Hold?
In 2019, silver prices saw a significant increase. Between Sept 2018 and Sept 2019, silver values increased by 25%! No one can say for sure what the future holds, but these freshly struck, 99.9% pure U.S. Silver Dollars are finally available — meaning the time to buy is NOW! $20
Brand-New U.S. Silver Dollars
Each hefty U.S. Silver Dollar contains one Troy ounce of U.S. silver, struck in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition by the United States Mint. The 100-year-old design features a walking Lady Liberty draped in a U.S. flag on one side and a majestic U.S. Eagle and shield on the other. These coins are as beautiful as they are desirable — and when silver prices rise, so does demand for these silver coins!
Final Year of Original Design
After 34 years of the Silver Eagle, the U.S. Mint has announced it will change the reverse design for 2021. That makes the 2020 Silver Eagle the last-year of the original design—something collectors crave!
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Silver Trend Chart: Prices based on monthly averages. ©2020, AMS
Timing is Everything
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2020 American Eagle Silver Dollar BU 1-4 Coins - $22.25 each + s/h 5-9 Coins - $22.10 each + s/h 10-19 Coins - $21.95 each + FREE SHIPPING 20+ Coins - $21.85 each + FREE SHIPPING
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GovMint.com • 14101 Southcross Dr. W., Suite 175, Dept. AEB296-04 • Burnsville, MN 55337 GovMint.com® is a retail distributor of coin and currency issues and is not affiliated with the U.S. government. The collectible coin market is unregulated, highly speculative and involves risk. GovMint.com reserves the right to decline to consummate any sale, within its discretion, including due to pricing errors. Prices, facts, figures and populations deemed accurate as of the date of publication but may change significantly over time. All purchases are expressly conditioned upon your acceptance of GovMint.com’s Terms and Conditions (www.govmint.com/terms-conditions or call 1-800-721-0320); to decline, • THEANGLERMAG.COM I MARCH 2020 I NATIONAL return your purchase pursuant to GovMint.com’s Return Policy. © 2020COASTALANGLERMAG.COM GovMint.com. All rights reserved.
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3 6 0 - D E G R E E AC C E S S TO AN OCE AN OF POSSIBILITIES The engineless design of the FSH Series gives owners a spacious stern area, as well as 360-degree uninterrupted access to the water. With enhanced saltwater corrosion protection and a host of fishing and family-friendly features, Yamaha’s 2020 FSH Series is the best way to experience everything the coast has to offer. YA M A H A B OAT S . C O M
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©2020 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. Follow instructional materials and obey all laws. Drive responsibly, wearing protective apparel. Always drive within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvers, and respect others around you. Don’t drink and drive. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR WEBSITE COASTALANGLERMAG.COM AT YAMAHABOATS.COM OR CALL 1.800.88.YAMAHA. NATIONAL MARCH 2020 • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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he International Game Fish Association (IGFA) tracks record fish catches around the globe, and they have been busy. Since December, they have approved 65 new entries, including line class, fly-caught and youth records for different species. More than 30 of those records are all-tackle records, which means they are the largest individuals ever documented with IGFA. Here’s a quick look at some highlights: Tan’s Nile Perch Christopher Tan of Malaysia caught and released an incredible 146-centimeter (4.8-foot) Nile perch to set the IGFA All-Tackle Length World Record. In early August, Tan was casting a Halco Laser Pro 190 in Murchison Falls, Uganda. Pitman’s Golden Trevally Aussie angler Sahra Pitman caught a beautiful 12.25-kilogram (27-pound, 1-ounce) golden trevally to set the new IGFA Women’s 6-kg (12-lb.) Line Class World Record while fishing in Shark Bay, Western Australia. The record fish hit a McCarthy soft plastic and put up a 20-minute fight. It is currently the largest Line Class record of any received for golden trevally. Weeks’ Green Humphead Parrotfish Mark Weeks set the bar high with the first green humphead parrotfish submitted for an IGFA All-Tackle World Record, with a massive 46.35-kilogram (102-pound, 3-ounce) fish he caught and released while fly fishing the flats of Providence, Seychelles. The record parrotfish sucked up a crab pattern and took off across the flat.
Christopher Tan with the nearly 5-foot Nile perch he caught in Uganda.
Allum’s Rainbow Trout Emily Allum caught and released an impressive 13.30-kilogram (29-pound, 5-ounce) rainbow trout to set the new IGFA Women’s 4-kg (8-lb.) Line Class World Record. Allum was casting a Glo Bug in the Tekapo Canal, New Zealand, and fought the record trout for 10-minutes prior to weighing and releasing it. Schmid’s Arctic Char James Schmid recently set the new IGFA All-Tackle Length World Record for Arctic char with a gorgeous 93-centimeter (nearly 17-inch) fish. The char ate a Vibrax Blue Fox spinner in the Red Belly Lake, Victoria Island, Canada. After an 8-minute fight, James took the required measurement and released the fish.
(Left) Mark Weeks’ Seychelles parrotfish weighed more than 100 pounds. (Right) Emily Allum’s New Zealand rainbow is a new line-class record.
The U.S. Coast Guard recently approved the use of Serious Signal’s flagship electronic visual distress signal device as a nighttime distress signal. The C-1002 is the industry’s first and only two-color distress light approved for carriage, which completely and legally replaces the need to carry marine pyrotechnic flares. The C-1002 also includes features that enhance its functionality to the level of an alert and notification system. “We’re thrilled that the C-1002 Electronic LED Flare passed the extremely challenging laboratory testing required by the Coast Guard,” said Anthony Covelli, Sirius Signal CEO. “It’s the brightest multi-LED handheld SOS device on the planet—one that required sophisticated engineering and many new innovative solutions to overcome daunting challenges.” The C-1002 flashes the SOS distress signal—three short flashes, three long flashes, three short flashes, using a two-color plus infrared SOS flash pattern (red/ orange and cyan) that has been found more effective against shoreline background light clutter, according to studies conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard R&D Center. The C-1002 is also Bluetooth-enabled with advanced mobile app connectivity, providing an additional layer of protection and communication for recreational boaters— and its infrared signal will be recognized by SAR aircraft from miles overhead. “Based on our review… we acknowledge that the subject device, as tested, meets the performance criteria as specified in the policy letter and may be carried to meet regulatory requirements as a nighttime distress signal per 33 CFR 175.130,” noted the letter Sirius Signal received from the Coast Guard. In time for the 2020 boating season, the C-1002 will be available for purchase on the Sirius Signal website and Amazon.com, as well as at premier marine distributors.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. In the state of CA, program provided through Boat Association Insurance Services, license #0H87086. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. Š 2019 GEICO
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THE ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING A NEW BOAT
Suzuki Repower Centers are stationed around the southeast to help with your Suzuki service and repower needs.
Performance Bulletin Available
Lou’s Marine, Inc. Gulf Breeze
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Save The Date! Palm Beach International Boat Show March 26-29 Superyacht Show Palm Beach Dubuts March 26-28
The 35th annual Palm Beach International Boat Show (PBIBS) pulls into port March 26 - 29, featuring hundreds of boats from around the world, ranging from 8-foot inflatables to super yachts nearly 300 feet long. As one of the top five boat shows in the country, owned by the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, Inc. (MIAPBC) and produced by Informa Markets, PBIBS will feature more than $1.2 billion worth of yachts and accessories while offering fun and educational activities, including free youth fishing clinics presented by Hook the Future and IGFA School of Sportfishing seminars. Attendees will also enjoy live music and refreshments at the show’s famous floating cocktail lounges. Guests are invited to come by boat and tie up to free docks located south of the in-water displays. The show’s Windward VIP Experience includes admission to the show and VIP lounge featuring a premium open bar, sumptuous lunch, late afternoon tapas, pop-up events as well as concierge service in an indoor and outdoor exclusive setting in the heart of the show. Overlooking beautiful Flagler Drive at the Lakeside Pavilion, the Windward VIP is sponsored by Bradford Marine and Compass real estate. New to the show this year is Superyacht Show Palm Beach, which will host 10 to 12 superyachts, ranging in size from 180 to 300 feet long. The invitation-only event will be held at the Flagler Museum in the town of Palm Beach and is expected to attract highly qualified buyers from across the U.S. and around the globe. Superyacht Show Palm Beach will offer an exclusive display of the Show’s most luxurious superyachts, while featuring a mix of entertainment, luxury experiences, Superyacht seminars, and private evening events. Invited guests will be treated to valet parking, private tenders and limousine service to and from the airport. Superyacht Show Palm Beach will take place on March 26-28.
General Admission: • Adults (16 & over): $28 • Adult 2-Day Ticket: $52 • Children (ages 6 -15): $18 • Children (6 and under): FREE Windward VIP Experience: For an enhanced boat show experience, guests can purchase tickets to the Windward VIP Club. Each ticket includes show entry, access to the Windward VIP Club, a private luxury VIP Lounge, featuring an airconditioned indoor space, complimentary chef-drive cuisine, premium beverages and daily special events. Ticket price is $150. Superyacht Show Palm Beach After two years of planning and permitting, approval was granted by the Palm Beach Town Council to install temporary docks in the deep waters of the Intracoastal Waterway behind the Flagler Museum to host the new superyacht destination. This exclusive event is invite-only and will bring together builders of the world’s most luxurious superyachts and highly qualified clientele from around the world from March 26-28.
For additional information, including parking details, please visit the website www.pbboatshow.com. 2
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By John Lidington
t’s no secret that I love diving the Blue Heron Bridge (BHB). When it comes to photo subjects, I crave critters. While I’ve been to many locales seeking specific subjects—dolphins, whale sharks, longsnout butterfly fish, etc.—if I had to choose a single spot for all my diving it would be the BHB. At the beginning of any dive there, I usually have some specific subjects in mind. Yet even when the targeted critters elude me, I’ve never had to end a dive without some equally, or even more interesting images. To boost the number of those special encounters that keep me so happy, I practice “stop, look, wait” (SLW). The idea of SLW is to plan
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a shorter route of travel, with long stops along the way to allow the local inhabitants to become accustomed to my presence. At the start of the dive, I swim out toward the snorkel trail, looking for an interesting stretch of bottom. Finding a likely spot, I check the area where I will alight for any sensitive marine life and then “settle in.” “Settling in” doesn’t mean lying on the bottom. To remain stationary and motionless in the current, I do have to touch the bottom. But it’s with a three-point stance. I keep my fins at right angles to my legs so only their two tips touch the bottom. The third point of contact is a muck stick in my left hand. Using those three contact points, I can keep my body several inches above the bottom. Then I wait. If I’m lucky, after a minute or two, the nearby critters relax and interesting things happen. On my last BHB dive, I was able to watch a spotfin jawfish rearrange the shells paving the entrance to his hole. During the previous dive, while photographing a pair of hermit crabs investigating a discarded glass jar, I looked up to see a longarm octopus stretched up in its tripod stance checking me out. I also stop when I find something that will make a dramatic background. Then the wait is for something interesting to swim by in that frame. Recently, I found a spot where a starfish had climbed one of the pilings. It took almost 10 minutes, but ultimately I got the shot I envisioned—a sergeant major backed by a vertical star. Just about every SLW dive produces something very special. For optimal results, let Pura Vida Divers hook you up with a guide for the first dive. Guides are in the water almost every day, and they are well acquainted with the secret spots at Blue Heron Bridge where you find the most interesting creatures. Once you’re acquainted with the site, add a muck stick to your dive kit, head to the bridge, get in the water—and wait. You’ll be surprised at what turns up!
Contact Pura Vida Divers through their website at www.puravidadivers.com.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
DO THE MATH!
SUZUKI REPOWER OWNER’S EDGE
TRADE ALLOWANCE PROGRAM
The Suzuki Repower Trade Allowance Program is exclusive for members of Owner’s Edge. Members receive a trade allowance based on the age and hours of their original engine toward a new Suzuki outboard as detailed below.
THE ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING A NEW BOAT UP TO AGE*
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TRADE IN ALLOWANCE OF THE ORIGINAL SUZUKI ENGINE PURCHASE PRICE
LESS THAN HOURS*
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500 HOURS
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85 % 78 % 70 % 63 % 55
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t just 19 years old, Capt. KC Spaulding, of charter boat Caribsea, became the youngest captain ever to win the Florida Keys Gold Cup Fishing Championship Series. Fishing with anglers Kenny Spaulding, Lee Gahagen, Phillip Bryan and Sam Milazzo, all of Islamorada, Fla, and Kevin Taylor from Port Orange, Fla., the team released a total of 23 sailfish and hoisted the perpetual Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish trophy when the series concluded at the Islamorada Fishing Club Captain’s Cup Sailfish Tournament Jan. 30.
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The team started out strong with a win in the 56th Annual Islamorada Sailfish Tournament, releasing 19 sailfish. The team would release another three sails during the Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament Jan. 24 and 26, followed by one release to conclude the trifecta at the Islamorada Fishing Club Captain’s Cup Tournament. The combined total of 23 releases crowned the Caribsea Grand Champions with Caribee Boat Sales—and Yamaha Outboards—sponsored gold cups along with trophies for the captain and mate. The team took home a check for $13,000. Second place went to Capt. JC Cleare aboard the Remix. Anglers John and Ben Dorton of Weston, Fla., along with Nick Carullo, George Corzo, Sarah Melia and Madison Wright, from Miami, Fla., and Doug Meintkiewicz of Islamorada, Fla., released a total of 19 fish. The team released 12 fish in the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament, five in the Cheeca Presidential and two in the Islamorada Fishing Club Tournament. The team’s 19 releases on-time sealed second place for trophies and a check for $7,200. Contagious took home third-place honors. Contagious Capt. Brian Cone led the team to 16 sailfish releases in the first leg of the series. Anglers Mark Mitchell and Kenneth Padgett, from Charlotte, N.C., photographer Tim Rahn, from Islamorada, Fla., along with Travis Bennett and Capt. Brian’s son Andy Cone, from Tavernier, Fla., had one more release at the Cheeca Presidential Tournament and two releases in the Islamorada Fishing Club Tournament for 19 total releases. The team received trophies and a check for $4,800. It was a close battle for the High Point Angler Championship Ring, sponsored by Tackle Center of Islamorada. Local artist and Capt. Sam Milazzo aboard the Caribsea started on top with eight releases in the first tournament, and although the field was nipping at his heels, his two releases in the Cheeca and one in the Islamorada Fishing Club tournaments gave him 11 total to join the elite crowd of championship ring winners. In total, 168 sailfish were released by 73 anglers participating in this season’s event. The Florida Keys Gold Cup Championship Series is a fundraiser for the Islamorada Charter Boat Association. The Series would like to thank major sponsors, Caribee Boat Sales, Yamaha Outboards, Tackle Center of Islamorada and Mangrove Mike’s Cafe. The hosts of the events included Whale Harbor Restaurants and Marina, Cheeca Lodge and Spa and the Islamorada Fishing Club. For more information, visit www.islamoradasailfishtournament.com.
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SAVINGS ON DECK
AT YOUR LOCAL GEICO OFFICE. GILBERT SUAREZ 305-914-9220 13631 Biscayne Blvd North Miami geico.com/northmiami Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2019. © 2019 GEICO 19_216446
Springtime is the official start of the fishing season. Many of us will stick to our tested and trued methods for targeting a variety of both fresh and saltwater species. Whether you’re a diehard spin-caster or a master of the plug rod, I always encourage anglers to learn a new fishing technique to add to their arsenal. Learning the basic skills of fly fishing will open up more fishing opportunities to put more fish in the net! Getting started: Choose the Correct Saltwater Outfit Getting started in saltwater fly fishing can seem like and overwhelming task, but it is really uncomplicated. It’s most important to purchase the right rod and reel for the type of fly fishing you’ll be doing. The East Coast striper fly fisherman will require a different outfit than the West Coast surf perch fisherman, and the guy interested in catching redfish in the Louisiana marsh will have a different rig than the angler casting to bonito off a jetty in Southern California.
Here are my suggestions The Rod: Choose a 7- or 8-weight rod. This rod is the perfect starter rod for the beginning saltwater fly fisherman. It’s heavy enough to punch a fly into a stiff wind, yet light enough to cast all day. The Reel: A good direct-drive reel that can hold a minimum 200 yards of 30-pound Dacron backing will work well in most saltwater fly fishing situations. Currently, fly reels designed for saltwater fishing are more than adequate in handling fish up to 50 pounds. To save you the price of an extra reel, buy an extra spool for your reel to hold your shooting head. Fly Lines: This is where it can get complicated, but fear not, it really is not that involved. Here is what you’ll need: 1) A basic weight-forward floating line matched to the weight of your fly rod. The WF floating line is a great all-around fly line for sight casting in shallow water. Don’t get confused by all the marketing of “Saltwater Taper,” “Bonefish Taper,” and “Redfish Taper;” all are lines suitable for the expert, but not for the beginner. 2) A weighted shooting head line combines the weighted front taper and an intermediate running line and is great for sub-surface fishing or fishing riptides from the beach. When fish are feeding below the surface, the shooting head will keep your fly in the hit zone longer. I would choose a 250 to 300 grain. The grain weight equals the sink rate of the fly line, so a 250 to 300 grain line will sink between 5 and 8 inches per second. This is plenty of sink rate to get you down to subsurface feeding fish. A basic, solid rod reel and line combo will ensure you get the most enjoyment out of saltwater fly fishing and prepare you for the next step.
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ake a deep breath, and then think about how different your life would be if you couldn’t. Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe. Travis Suit’s daughter Piper was diagnosed with “CF” when she was four. When Travis learned that saltwater could help alleviate the symptoms of CF, he immersed Piper in saltwater activities, and became inspired to create an ocean-based event that could raise awareness and funds to help CF patients everywhere. Thus was born the Crossing For Cystic Fibrosis (formerly known as the Crossing For A Cure), an 80-mile self-propelled journey from the Bahamas to Florida. Travis made his first Crossing in 2013 with three stalwart friends on standup paddleboards who came to be known as “Piper’s Angels.” Since then, their ranks have grown to include hundreds of inspired paddlers, dedicated volunteers and generous sponsors. The Crossing For CF is the top paddle fundraising event in the world, and has grown into one of the largest boating events in the Bahamas. Travis sees this amazing endeavor as a valuable life lesson for everyone involved. “When you fear your struggles, they consume you, but when you confront your challenges, you overcome them. The Crossing For Cystic Fibrosis provides a great opportunity to show that—no matter what obstacles we face in life—we can always choose to persevere.” Registration is open for the 2020 Crossing, which will take place on June 20, and anyone can become part of the Crossing. You can paddle, captain a support vessel, volunteer at the landing or sponsor a paddler, a team, or the Foundation in any amount. Check it out, learn how the foundation has grown into one of the most impactful grassroots organizations for cystic fibrosis in the country. A whole lotta LOVE awaits you.
(Above) Piper and Scott Henley, President of Bahama on the podium. (Below) Travis Suit and Piper share triumph on Father’s Day weekend.
www.crossingforc ysticfibrosis.com www.pipersangels.org
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Large selection of lures, cast nets & other items.
ishing line and other tackle cause problems when they enter the aquatic environment untethered to your reel. Monofilament is not biodegradable and lasts up to 600 years, depending on environmental conditions. It is very difficult for birds and animals to see, and this can lead to them becoming entangled, resulting in injuries. Monofilament can also entangle habitats, causing damage to coral reefs and posing a threat to scuba divers. Help prevent these issues by properly disposing of used line through the FWC’s Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program. MRRP is a statewide project dedicated to reducing damage caused by monofilament and fluorocarbon line through a network of volunteers, recycling bins and drop-off locations. Place used monofilament or fluorocarbon in one of the PVC MRRP bins found at many boat ramps and piers. Many tackle shops also act as line recycling drop off locations. Collected line is cleaned by volunteers and shipped to the Berkley Pure Fishing company in Iowa for recycling. To discard non-monofilament line, such as braid or wire, cut the line into 12-inch or smaller pieces and place into a covered trash receptacle, where it will not blow away.
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over them. Make sure you don’t get the boot size too small—regular waders with attached boots are very uncomfortable if they are too tight—wear socks and get a larger boot. Gear: I recommend a good spinning reel with a 9- or 10-foot rod for longer casts. I use 6- to 10-pound braid most of the time with a 2-foot leader of 25-pound fluorocarbon. Take extra leaders and lures in case your line breaks. Lures: What most people think of as search baits are great for wading. They allow you to make lots of casts and cover a wide area of water quickly. My favorite lure is 1/8-ounce jig with a soft-plastic tail. I usually use D.O.A. jigs with a chartreuse head rigged with a pearl white paddletail. It swims but is not erratic. It’s easy for fish to locate by sight and vibration. The jig covers both shallow and deep water and can be skipped under piers and mangroves. It’s more versatile and has a better hook-up to release ratio since there’s a single hook. The other search lures I use are shallow-running crankbaits (Yo-zuri, pearl white), topwater lures (Skitterwalk/Zara Spook or chug plugs), and spoons (Johnson, saltwater silver or gold). Wind and tide: Wind is always a consideration. Too much wind makes it too hard to fish; not enough wind makes fish hard to catch. It’s easier to fish with the wind at your back because you can cast farther. To get the right wind, select either the east side (near Ocean) or the west side of the lagoon. If it’s too windy, fish around one of the Stuart bridges which almost completely block the wind. Locations: I wade the Southern Indian River Lagoon from Sebastian to Jupiter. Most of my wading is between Fort Pierce and Stuart. Here are my favorite spots: West Side—Walton Rd. (intersection with Indian River Rd.) and Walton Scrub also Midway Rd. and Old Fort Park in Fort Pierce, both Stuart Bridges. East Side—Bear Point then Blind Creek (Ft. Pierce), North and South Herman’s Bay (St. Lucie) and both Stuart Bridges.
By Richard Matteson
I
n my years of fishing the Indian River Lagoon, some of my best fishing has been wading. There’s nothing like being in water with the fish. When you’re fishing piers or mangroves you have an advantage wading that you don’t have in a boat. Wading is not expensive. There are lots of places to access the lagoon, and all of them have fish. Waders: Because of changing water quality, you need a pair of chest waders for the lagoon. Waders protect you from underwater obstructions as well as cold or dirty water. Neoprene is too hot for Florida most of the year. I prefer vinyl waders. They are inexpensive, and if it’s cold you can wear jogging pants under them. Waders come with boots atRichard Matteson is staff writer for the Stuart Rod and Reel Club. For tached or soft shoe, which require you to wear regular rubber boots information, call 336-414-3440.
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COASTAL ANGLER TREASURE COAST EDITION Serving outdoors enthusiasts in Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties.
Snook Challenge Benefits Cancer Victim By Ed Killer for CAM
T
he opening weekend of snook season on Florida’s Atlantic Coast coincided with the arrival of a strong cold front. Rain, wind and a temperature drop were in the forecast for the Treasure Coast Snook Challenge. Apparently, all 56 anglers in the field could not have cared less. After all, the snook were already wet, right? The fishing was a little tough for some anglers, but some nice fish were caught. Scores in the catch, photo, release format tournament were logged on iAngler. The tournament also featured raffles and a silent auction. All proceeds were donated to the family of Kyle Vericella, a Fort Pierce 19-year-old who has been battling glioblastoma, a rare brain cancer, since he was diagnosed in Dec. 2018. The event raised thousands for the family. Kyle himself was astonished at the
TOURNAMENT RESULTS Most Points: 1,270 for Baylor Bullock (1st place); 525 for Brandon Ramos (2nd place) and 450 for Kevin Scharbach (3rd place) Biggest Snook: 40 inches for Daniel Durante Most Releases: 7 for Holt Hamilton (1st place); 7 for James Bariteau (2nd place) and 4 for Chris Woolley (3rd place) Junior Angler: 4 releases for Preston Clay Mystery Fish: Bluefish for R.J. Ferraro
outpouring of well-wishers. “A lot more people came to this than what I thought would,” a humbled Vericella said. “I was kind of suspect about it beforehand. I felt like it was either going to be a lot of people or no one would come.” Preston Clay, 16, of Fort Pierce, secured the win in the Junior Angler Division by catching and releasing four snook. It was his first tournament, his proud dad said. Clay caught two fish casting around the docks in the Indian River Lagoon in the rain. The other two fish that helped him win were caught at the Gordy Road Spillway on the west side of the Florida Turnpike, where Ten Mile Creek becomes the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. Holt Hamilton of Stuart and his wife fished in the South Fork of the St. Lucie River. It paid off. Hamilton had seven snook, including four consecutive catches along the mangroves just north of the Veterans Memorial Bridge in Palm City. He picked up three more at night fishing the shadow lines around the Veterans Memorial Bridge with Vudu swim baits. “I caught everything on the same lure, despite throwing everything we had at some point,” Hamilton said. The tournament featured an all artificial lure format. Baylor Bullock, 20, of Palm City, was named the top angler with the highest point total. He fished almost exclusively with First Light Jigs, gaining extra point values for his fish. Tom Lewis of Fort Pierce, owner of First Light Jigs and the annual Snook Challenge organizer, employed Vericella as a jig tier shortly before he was diagnosed. The win was sentimental for Bullock, who is a friend of Vericella’s. “Me and Kyle have been really
good friends for many years now,” said Bullock, who racked up 1,270 points while catching seven snook. “Last year, when we found out he had the brain tumor, it broke me and it broke his family. It was bad. But his treatment is going really well. It’s great to see such a nice turnout for this.” Lewis was thankful for the goodwill shown to the Vericellas. “He’s a wonderful young man,” Lewis said. “I’m glad we could help in some small way.”
Tom Lewis of First Light Jigs, left, congratulates Baylor Bullock of Palm City, for winning the high point total in the Treasure Coast Snook Challenge in February. PHOTO CREDIT: Ed Killer.
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Florida Fish and Wildlife
FWC
news updates
SAWFISH: WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU
ACCIDENTALLY HOOK ONE By Jasmin Graham
W
hen I started graduate school at Florida State University, I had never seen a sawfish in the wild, but I was excited to be part of the recovery of a species I had been so awestruck by in aquariums. The smalltooth sawfish, the only sawfish found in Florida, has been protected in Florida since 1992 and became federally listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 2003. Little was known about the species
when it became listed but since that time, scientists have learned a lot about its biology and ecology. As sawfish recovery efforts continue, we expect there to be more sawfish sightings, especially in Florida. This includes anglers who may accidentally catch one on hook-and-line while fishing for other species.
and fishing. Further, the species may be encountered by waterfront homeowners and beach goers in the southern half of the state where juvenile sawfish rely on shallow, nearshore environments as nursery habitats. When fishing, targeting sawfish is prohibited under the ESA, though incidental captures do occur while fishing for other species. Knowing how to properly handle SAWFISH ENCOUNTERS Sawfish can be encountered a hooked sawfish is imperative as when participating in a number of sawfish can be potentially hazardous activities including boating, diving to you. One of the first things that
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PHOTO CREDIT: MyFWC.com.
stood out to me while conducting permitted research was the speed at which a sawfish can swing its rostrum (commonly referred to as the saw). For creatures that glide along the bottom so slowly and gracefully, they sure can make quick movements when they want to. It’s best to keep a safe distance between you and the saw. If you happen to catch a sawfish while fishing, do not pull it out of the water and do not try to handle it. Refrain from using ropes or
TREASURE COAST
restraining the animal in any way, and never remove the saw. It is important that you untangle it if necessary and release the sawfish as quickly as possible by cutting the line as close to the hook as you can. Proper release techniques ensure a high postrelease survival of sawfish. Scientific studies show us that following these guidelines will limit the amount of stress a sawfish experiences as a result of capture. Note that a recent change in shark fishing rules requires use of circle hooks, which results in better hook sets, minimizes gut hooking, and also maximizes post-release survival. In addition to capture on hookand-line, sawfish can easily become entangled in lost fishing gear or nets. If you observe an injured or entangled sawfish, be sure to report it immediately but do not approach the sawfish. Seeing a sawfish up close can be an exciting experience but you must remember that it is an endangered species with strict protections. If you are diving and see a sawfish, observe at a distance. Do not approach or harass them. This is illegal and this guidance is for your safety as well as theirs.
An important component of any sawfish encounter is sharing that information with scientists. Your encounter reports help managers track the population status of this species. If you encounter a sawfish while diving, fishing or boating, please report the encounter. Take a quick photo if possible (with the sawfish still in the water and from a safe distance), estimate its length including the saw and note the location of the encounter. The more details you can give scientists, the better we can understand how sawfish are using Florida waters and the better we can understand the recovery of the population. Submit reports at SawfishRecovery.org, email sawfish@MyFWC.com or phone at 1-844-4SAWFISH.
SAWFISH BACKGROUND
declined for a variety of reasons. The primary reason for decline is that they were frequently caught accidentally in commercial fisheries that used gill nets and trawls. Additional contributing factors include recreational fisheries and habitat loss. As industrialization and urbanization changed coastlines, the mangroves that most sawfishes used as nursery habitat also became less accessible. For a species that grows slowly and has a low reproductive rate, the combination of these threats proved to be too much.
COASTAL ANGLER PUBLISHERS GARY & MISTI GUERTIN SALES GARY GUERTIN EDITOR/DIGITAL CONTENT MISTI GUERTIN GRAPHIC DESIGN LAURA KELLY CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jayson Arman Capt. Gus Brugger Capt. Rocky Carbia Capt. Charlie Conner Capt. Scott Fawcett Capt. Cole Hazelief Capt. Randy Lang Capt. Danny Markowski Capt. Michael Mauri Capt. Giles Murphy Brian Nelli Jim Oppenborn Capt. Nate Shellen Cammie Ward Capt. Joe Ward Steve Wood
ENGAGING IN SAWFISH RECOVERY
During my thesis research, which focuses on tracking the movements of large juvenile and adult smalltooth sawfish, each tagging encounter is a surreal experience. The first sawfish I saw was an adult, and what struck me the most was just how big it was. I also remember being enamored by its mouth. Like all other rays, its mouth is on the underside of its body. The mouth looks like a shy smile and I found it almost humorous how different the top of the sawfish was compared to the bottom. After
Sawfishes, of which there are five species in the world, are named for their long, toothed “saw” or rostrum, which they use for hunting prey and defense. In the U.S., the smalltooth sawfish was once found regularly from North Carolina to Texas but its range is now mostly limited to Florida waters. In general, sawfish populations SEE SAWFISH ............................. PAGE 14
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MARCH 2020
TREASURE COAST 3
FISHING FORECASTS
MARTIN COUNTY OFFSHORE
Capt. Scott Fawcett
Off the Chain Fishing Charters (772) 285-1055 fishscottyf@bellsouth.net offthechainfishing.com
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arch? Usually, by now I can’t wait for spring to get here, but being we’ve had three cold days all winter…. For a brief time, I thought we were on track to what I would consider normal. The water temperature dipped into the high 60s and I knew that it was going to continue to chill and we were in for a banner year. A meteorologist, I’m not. The water is back to the mid70s already and although there were some excellent days in February, the season was hardly what we were hoping for. Fortunately for us, last year spring and summer both showcased exceptional sail, king and sword fishing. Decent mahi and tuna action and its normal, great bottom, reef and nearshore fishing.
ABOVE, LEFT: A nice swordfish for team Deep Clothing Apparel while Capt. Scott Fawcett was running their boat. A bite on every drop that day! ABOVE, RIGHT: Jimmy #2 with a nice cobia we caught aboard Off The Chain while fishing in memory of our great friend Jimmy Z. RIP. PHOTO CREDITS: Capt. Scott Fawcett.
This spring I’m so excited to utilize the new 87-inch Minn Kota aboard the Contender. With “spot lock”, “heading hold”, “auto pilot” and full integration with my HumminBird sonar, the opportunities are endless and the effort is minimal. Most of my fishing this month will either be along our two reefs (6 Mile in 65 feet, or 8 Mile in 135) or 20 miles out looking for weed lines, float and making drops for swordfish. The Loran Tower reef in 60 to 70 feet is a great place to troll or drift, live or dead baits for pelagics
and then drop small live baits, pieces of squid or cut bait on a two hook chicken rig when you mark stuff along the bottom. With the scarcity of mahi, a run and gun approach might pay off big compared to trolling around all day, but don’t be surprised if some of the things you find aren’t holding. For your best shot at action buy some bait from Capt Mike or Capt. Bryan at Stuart Live Bait in the mouth of Manatee Pocket, head out to 135-to-150 feet and set them out either from a kite or from
the outriggers and work your way north. If you see a weed line or an edge focus near that. On smaller baits, lighter leader and smaller hooks go a long way. Fishing a bait down works extremely effectively also. You can fish it on a lead, or I prefer using a Cannon downrigger so when a fish is on, there is no extra weight slinging around which often pulls hooks. Whatever it is you decide to do this March, I hope you enjoy your time on the water and I hope your next trip is Off The Chain!
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MARTIN COUNTY INSHORE NEARSHORE
Capt. Giles Murphy Stuart Angler Bait & Tackle (772) 288–1219 Fishing Charters (772) 475 - 4857 www.stuartangler.com giles@stuartangler.com
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s we approach the spring, the fishing turns on big time as bait shows up in the river and outside the inlet. Small and medium pilchards can be found in “rain drop” schools early morning before light in the shallows near the causeways and on the Sailfish Flats. When cast-netting
these baits, a stealth approach is very important. No trolling motor allowed. First, spot the bait and set up a drift to get within casting distance of undisturbed bait school. If you do it right, it only takes one throw of the net for a full day supply of pilchards. The early spring pompano bite is lots of fun inshore along the Sailfish Flats. Simply look for deeper potholes and cast a weighted shrimp. For lures, try the D.O.A. 2¾-inch shrimp. For fly, a white or pink clouser. Some other spots to try are the 4-to-5foot-deep flats off the Marriot Resort with zero bottom visibility and the unmarked channels close the “Stuart Sandbar” and edges of the channels inside the St. Lucie Inlet. The cobia are here and slowly making their way closer to the coast. Its time to start chumming up sharks at the “Sandpile” and pitch diving
MARTIN COUNTY DEEP SEA
Capt. Rocky Carbia
Safari I Deep Sea Fishing Pirates Cove Resort and Marina 4307 SE Bayview St. Port Salerno Reservations: (772) 334-4411 Safari-1.com
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March will be cobia time. Another nice cobe caught by Bryan Lorik aboard the Safari 1. PHOTO CREDITS: Safari 1.
ike surfers on dawn patrol, cobia will ride the wind-swept waves of March to our reef ’s doorstep. These days have the potential to be one of the better time periods of the year for catching cobia. Schools of migrating cobia have been known to travel through our local offshore waters and visit the reef system from depths of 40-to-180 feet of water. Martin County’s artificial reefs (especially snags found among the Ernst and Donaldson reef site zones) in 50-to-65 feet of water have especially become favorite haunts for hungry “cobes” and will be found
baits out to swing them under the sharks where the cobia hang out. Snook season is open and the keepers are back in the St. Lucie River along the bridges, seawalls, docks, and spillways. We mostly pitch D.O.A. jigs, Giles Jigs, and Gulp Mullet. The live mudfish baits we sell at Stuart Angler work great as they dive under docks and bridges or swim down seawalls. They have also been working well for bottom fishing the wrecks and reefs for grouper and snapper. Lots of sand trout, croakers, and occasional redfish are being caught in the Indian River jigging live shrimp along the bridges. Simply set up a drift close to an abutment and drop a shrimp on a ⅜-ounce jig head and drag it along.
Margie Kaat caught a nice pompano jigging live shrimp on the flats with Capt. Giles. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Giles Murphy.
throughout the water column over top of these reef structures. While the Sand Pile will be most angler’s first go to spot for cobia fishing, artificial structures that make up the Donaldson Reef will be high on the honey hole list for cobia anglers to try. The Cement Barge, the Owl Barge, and the Clifton Perry Memorial Reef (just to name a few) are all famous for attracting cobia and are excellent options for fishing, especially when the more popular spots become crowded. Live baits of all flavors will yield the best results for provoking a cobia strike—greenies, sardines, blue runners, and grunts—will be the best of live bait offerings, while using 30-to-50 pound mainline tackle and
50 to-80 pound terminal tackle with a 5 to 7/0 hook. Along with live bait, cobia enthusiasts need to supply themselves with an assortment of jigs, which can be cast or dropped in front of cobes while sight fishing. Lead head jigs of four ounces in weight will be the most effective for throwing to a cruising cobia. The four-ounce jig can be cast farther and with more accuracy to a trailing or free swimming cobe and begins fishing as soon as it hits the water. Provided that sea conditions cooperate, March can be a gamefish dream come true as long as the wind doesn’t “blow a gale” from the lion’s roar, so wait for the lamb’s gentle call, before heading offshore.
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Snapper, along with cobia, will also be a prized catch this monthlike this jumbo lane snapper caught aboard the Safari 1.
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MARCH 2020
TREASURE COAST 5
FISHING FORECASTS
SOUTH INDIAN RIVER LAGOON
Capt. Charlie Conner
Capt. Charlie’s Fish Tales Charters (772) 284-3852 captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com www.fishtalescharter.com
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FORT PIERCE DEEP SEA
Capt. Cole Hazellief Lady Chris Charters (772) 971-7179 TheLadyChris.com
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igratory March is here and so are the mahi and cobia! Load the reels! March is the time to hit the blue waters as the annual spring migration starts to take effect. The mahi-mahi will be running in schools preying on anything that moves around the surface. First, look for birds diving on the horizon, odds are they are working the sargassum weed lines. When you get close, get
Wayne, Bear and Ben. Bear caught the largest, Ben came in second. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Charlie Connor.
the shallow grass flats as the sun warms things up. Try a D.O.A. Deadly Combo or live shrimp on a popping cork to locate trout. A D.O.A. C.A.L. will also work well this month. Sheepshead, drum and snapper will be along channel edges
your lines in and troll some ballyhoo (mahi are not picky eaters) along the edge. Once hooked up, keep the first mahi in the water near the boat and check for others following. If you see a yellow and green flash, get your pitch rod and cast, hook up and repeat. Mahi aren’t the only ones running in spring migration mix. The manta rays will be cruising north and with them the great cobia! The manta rays are self-propelling ecosystems providing for the cobia, making them the perfect partners for the ride north. Keep a pitch rod rigged with a jig and look out for the massive black shapes to glide by. When you spot a cobia pitch toward it, you’ll get one or two chances depending on your drift.
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he winds of March have arrived! Warmer weather means winter is over and spring conditions are just around the corner. Chances of rain are on the increase so watch the weather and plan your adventures carefully. Water temps will be on the rise and you can expect lots of exciting fishing action around the Treasure Coast this month. Look for redfish to be around mangroves and docks. A D.O.A. shrimp is always a good choice for reds. Trout will be moving onto
and docks and willing to take a live shrimp. Snook fishing will pick up around the inlets, bridges and docks. Live pilchards are a favorite bait in March. Mackerel, bluefish, jacks and many other predators will be coming in with the tides and feeding
around the inlets and channels of the river. Small shiny lures work best for these fish. Pompano fishing has been good so far this year. Pompano are in the river and along the surf and willing to take a Doc’s Goofy Jig, shrimp or sand fleas. They usually can be found in channels and deeper parts of the flats in March. We have had great success on croakers the past few years. There will be nice sized fish in the river and along the beaches feeding with whiting. They are fun to catch and very good on the table! Winter wasn’t so bad even though we complain about it. Living in Florida spoils you! March is a good time to check equipment. Both fishing and the boat should be checked a few times a year to make sure everything is in good working order. Some of these windy days will provide a good chance to check rods, reels and safety gear for when good weather arrives. Have a great March and enjoy the fishing! As always, remember, fishing is not just another hobby, it’s an ADVENTURE!
ABOVE: Triggerfish is good table fare and can be caught all throughout March. RIGHT: Young whipper-snapper with lane snapper catch. PHOTO CREDITS: Lady Chris Charters.
Once you are hooked up be ready for a battle, as the cobia will melt the line off your reel! When landing a green cobia, it will put a beating on the boat and anything in its path, so watch your feet and get the fish in the box as quickly as possible. These fish are awesome fighters, delicious table fare and they love to swim along the Treasure Coast in March. March is a great time to go fishing, with daylight saving time going in effect, and March 19 marks both an equinox and the first day of
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spring, March will be the month to reel ‘em in! Check the buoys, channel markers, and sea-drift for baitfish, triple tails, and triggerfish. And if the surface is not yielding, try your favorite honey-hole for mutton and gray snapper along the way. The Lady Chris and crew are always ready to take you and all of your (visiting) family out deep-sea fishing. We will put you on the fish and all you need is to bring your lucky hat! Tight lines and good vibes.
ST. LUCIE COUNTY OFFSHORE
Capt. Danny Markowski
bait or circle hook. On our coast, cobia is caught up to 50 to 60 pounds and the chance of a bigger one is always there. You will want tackle to handle the big one that may be around.
LottaBull Fishing Charters (772) 370-8329 lottabull4@bellsouth.net lottabullfishingcharters.com
Capt. Joe Ward
Capt. Joe’s River Charters (772) 201-5770 or (772) 461-1335 CWard11605@aol.com
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M
arch is here and the cobia will be too. With cooling water temperatures that have moved into our area, cobia will also be coming into the waters off the Treasure Coast. Cobia is an awesome fighting fish and one of the best tasting fish in the ocean. These fish will be found from just off the beach on out to 80 to 90 feet depths. There are various ways to find cobia. They follow manta rays, swim behind turtles, and swim with sharks or with bait schools. On days with westerly winds or if there are days with light to no wind, you will be able to sight fish cobia. I recommend having someone stand at the highest point on the boat (that is safe) to be your lookout for these fish. Look for manta rays or turtles and cast behind them to see if there is any cobia following them. I suggest trolling live baits such as pilchards, greenies or sardines slowly while looking for cobia on the chance that the cobia may not be visible. Another way to target cobia is to run the beach looking for schools of sharks. When sharks are found, scan the area to see if any cobia can be seen mixed in with the sharks. Whether you locate a cobia or not, cast a 2-to 2½-ounce jig, preferably with a tail on it, or a big bass worm or an eel like jig past the school of sharks and work it back to the boat. This will catch the attention of any cobia. The cobia will check out the jig and many times hit it. If they don’t eat the jig, they will often follow it back to the boat. In this instance, have another rod ready and rigged with live bait or a whole squid to toss at the cobia to entice it to eat. Cobia can also be caught while bottom fishing. They are a curious fish. They will swim right up to your boat to check it out. While bottom fishing, always have a rod rigged with a bait or jig in case a cobia shows up and always keep an eye on the water. I recommend using a 7-foot rod with a good backbone. The length of the rod will help on casting a lure farther to the fish and the backbone will help for the fight. I would recommend a 6000 to 8000 sized reel spooled with at least 30-pound braid and 50-pound leader with a 6/0 live
ST. LUCIE COUNTY INSHORE
DJ with a couple of nice mangrove snapper caught off of Fort Pierce Inlet in 80 feet of water. These snappers ate dead sardines fished on the bottom near structure. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Danny Markowski.
When you catch a cobia and get it boatside, if you are not sure that it is legal size, it is best to use a net to land it so you can release the fish unharmed if it is too short. Be careful after landing these fish because they are powerful, they can destroy anything and everything in the cockpit. The best bet is to get them on ice in the cooler or fish box and the lid locked down as soon as possible. Be careful of the spines on a cobia’s back between the heads and dorsal fin. They are very sharp and covered with bacteria from the slime and can cause a painful puncture through your skin. Good fishing and tight lines!
he inshore bite for redfish should be good in the deeper holes up around Jack Island and Queen’s Cove. Try a D.O.A. Bait Buster or a live shrimp fished under a popping cork. As the day warms up the redfish will come up onto the flats and take the same baits. The trout fishing should remain good, as long as the water temps don’t drop too much more. For trout, free line a live pilchard or again a live shrimp under a popping cork. The snook action in the turning basin and the Fort Pierce Inlet will be good when using pinfish or pigfish and fish them on the bottom. The tide changes will be your best time to fish. Around the local bridges the snapper, black drum and sheepshead are all taking live shrimp, clams or a piece of cut bait. There should still be plenty
George DiMartino with a 40-inch red he caught at the South Jetty on a live shrimp fish was released. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Joe Ward.
of mackerel, bluefish and jacks working their way in the Fort Pierce Inlet as they follow the bait schools. The pompano bite should be good in the surf when using clams or sand fleas along with some whiting and croakers.
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MARCH 2020
TREASURE COAST 7
FISHING FORECASTS
will give anglers an edge and March is probably the best month to employ this tactic.
Dylan Monczynski, 12, is happy with his first snook. Dylan caught this hard fighting linesider at Sebastian Inlet while fishing with his grandfather, Chuck Schaus.
SEBASTIAN INSHORE
Capt. Gus Brugger
Pattern Setter Charters (772) 360-6787 www.WelcomeToSebastian.com
SEBASTIAN INLET – Sebastian Inlet snook fishing should pick up as water temps on both incoming and outgoing tides push over the 68-degree mark. This number has long been accepted by many to be the pivotal temperature above which snook feed. If the snook are not biting, all is not lost, big jack crevalle, redfish, bluefish, pompano, Spanish mackerel, black drum and sheepshead are also available to inlet anglers in March.
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he increasing day lengths will begin to trigger some fish species to show up and others to leave the Sebastian area in March. This can give area anglers the opportunity to target more varieties of fish than any other time of year. With so many choices available, look to the water temperature to determine where to focus your efforts for the best results on any given day.
SEBASTIAN
RIVER
NEAR SHORE ATLANTIC – The
PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Gus Brugger.
River predators in the spring. of all sizes can keep anglers busy.
– The D.O.A. Shrimp and TerrorEyz along Redfish and snook are also available
Sebastian River is a great springtime fishery. Along with vast numbers of juvenile tarpon there will be snook of all sizes, schools of good-sized jack crevalle, black drum and bull sharks. Everything from a foot-long live mullet down to a three-inch long fly can be used to catch Sebastian
with MirrOlure Catch 2000 Jr and and will generally stay close to MirrOdine plugs are my go-to lures shoreline cover. A four-inch D.O.A. for the Sebastian River. C.A.L. jerk-bait on a ⅛-ounce head is a great all-around lure to target INDIAN RIVER LAGOON – Trout everything that swims in the lagoon and redfish are the main target of in March. Live shrimp fished below a lagoon anglers in March. From the small float will be hard to beat under backwaters to the spoil islands trout the right conditions. Wade fishing
waters from the beach on out a few miles can be very productive in March if the winds allow boaters and surf fishermen the opportunity to fish them. Surf fishermen target pompano, bluefish and mackerel as they begin their northern migration. Local anglers have done well this winter running and gunning by boat along the beaches throwing Goofy Jigs for a few minutes each time they stop until they find concentrations of pompano. Keep an eye open for cobia, schools of big jack crevalle, feeding bonito and Spanish mackerel anytime you are outside the inlet.
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SEBASTIAN AREA OFFSHORE
Capt. Randy Lang
Sebastian Gypsy Fishing Charters Email: gypsycharters@gmail.com www.sebastianfishingcharter.com
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he beginning of March is a good time to take a chance on the cobia run out of Sebastian. Cobia purists will sight fish for cobia from mid-morning until midafternoon. Anglers will stand with rod in hand scanning the water for a chance to cast to the brown bomber. Conditions must be right for this type of fishing. Blue skies, light winds and the correct temperature are all factors in success. Look for them between Sebastian and Port Canaveral at depth ranges from 30 to 100 feet. Let the water temperature be your initial guide. If the water is 65 or below, go deeper. When you run across a weed line or rip, run north along it at trolling speed with the sun at your back. Many anglers don’t have the patience, but for those who do, there is no better fishing experience than casting a lure in front of a cobe and watching him charge
presentations in order it! Remember that manta to bring all the species rays trump everything into play. If there’s not this month. You’ll see an abundance of sharks, them breach sometimes throw a block of chum in and other times they will the water while bottom show as “ink spots” in fishing. You may raise the the distance. Approach mangrove snapper and the them methodically and for cobia will come and take a gosh sakes don’t cast over sniff too! their backs. You won’t like For the Gulf Stream the result. Have a couple fishermen, March can heavy bucktails ready and signal the start of mahi a live bait in reserve for season. Some years the the finicky fish. They’ll big boys show up in midgobble fresh cut-bait and Colton (center) is all smiles holding his first ever March. Go out until you a large frozen shrimp too cobia as Skip and Tim assist. The fish swam up get into that warmer water when lethargic. Wait until to the boat while bottom fishing in 90 feet and this time of year. Try to get the fish is pointed away jumped from the water like a bass when hooked. out there in that mid-70s from you before setting PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Randy Lang. water if you can. If you the hook. Jigs will need an especially hard set in order to move a good indicator of kings too. You’ll can’t, there will be blackfins, sails, see them as good-sized marks in the wahoo, kings and others caught on the jig in that abrasive mouth. King fishing should be great this bait schools on your sonar. It’s best to the troll, in the cooler water closer month in the 60 to 90 range. This can get the baits down to that depth, but to shore. March also starts the yellow be a good early morning fish before they’ll come to the surface. The sight fin tuna quest for serious offshore doing some cobia hunting at mid-day. of a “skyrocketing” king with your fishermen. These crews will target Once again, that area from Sebastian bait in its mouth, is something that fishing grounds from 60 to 100 miles from port. Adequate radar is the key to the port is a solid bet for kings. The will be burnt in your memory. Bottom fishing will continue here for finding the bird packs that kings will need a small wire leader. Target them by slow trolling and to be solid this month. Grouper tip-off the tuna’s location. Make sure drifting over the reefs or adjacent and red snapper are out of season you always put safety at the top of to areas where the commercial king but mangrove snapper, muttons, your preparation list for this trip. Remember March is “play hooky boats are working. Keep a couple baits lanes, sea bass, triggerfish, and near the surface and a couple baits at cobia will be on the menu. Try from work” month. Be ready for that mid-depth. Birds working an area is using a few different hook sizes and one perfect day.
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watching a 5-foot shark explode on your bait. It is pretty exciting! Make sure you go to FWC website and find out about getting a shark permit. It doesn’t cost anything but if you are FROM THE going to be fishing for these fish it is SHORE now mandatory to have this permit. Snook fishing around bridges Jayson Arman and spillways will be very good on That's R-Man Land Based the outgoing tides. The spillway Fishing Services fish could be targeting things that (772) 530-8080 are coming over the spillway and thatsrman4677@gmail.com the bridge fish could be looking for an easy meal like a shrimp during ator trout time is here. March this time. Make sure you are using can be an amazing month for heavier tackle to pull these fish away big gator trout. Gator trout can be from structure. a completely different fish when they get over that 30inch mark. They are one of the only fish that will attack their own. When you are fishing around pods of smaller fish the bigger fish could be sitting on the outside edges of the school. Throwing Tanner holding up a true gator seatrout. This fish blasted bigger baits, a 10-inch mullet on a sea wall while snook fishing. such as the PHOTO CREDIT: Jason Arman. Savage Gear I just got my hands on the new Pulse Tail Mullet (this artificial lure comes in four sizes: 4-, 5-, 6- and Tsunami Salt X spinning reel and 8-inch sizes), will be a great option this thing is a beast. Fifty pounds of if you are trying to target some of drag on a 4000-size reel is way more the larger fish. Make sure you stock than you will need to pull these fish up for the spring mullet run because away from structure, not to mention this is also a sealed fishing reel. these baits will be killer! Stop into Billy Bones Bait and Spinner sharks on the beach should also be a targeted species Tackle in Port St. Lucie anytime because these fish will blast if you want to talk to me about a topwater lures in low-light your strategy for your next fishing scenarios. There is nothing better adventure. That’s R-Man Land Based than watching the sunrise throwing an 8-to-10-inch popper and Fishing over and out!
FISHING FORECASTS
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MARCH 2020
1290 N.W. Federal Highway, Stuart (772) 692-0294 www.birdsonsafari.com
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CHAPMAN MARINE SUPPLY
Brian Nelli
Pushin’ Water Kayak Charters (772) 201-5899 Brian@tckayakfishing.com www.tckayakfishing.com
INSHORE: Spring is near! March
fishing should be productive on the flats and channels. Snook, redfish and trout will still be along mangroves and in between docks. Focus your time on points in the mangrove line and docks with the most current. Throwing D.O.A. Shad Tails and Jerk Baits will work well matching the hatch of glass minnows in the water. Continue to also look for pompano, Spanish mackerel, and bluefish along channel edges near the inlets. D.O.A. Shrimp and Goofy Jigs will work well.
Roger, from Sweden, with his first clown knifefish. PHOTO CREDIT: Brian Nelli.
Beach reefs bouncing the bottom with jigs, sardines and pilchards are your best bets. Put your time in and you should find a few.
FRESHWATER: The last few
cold fronts slowed things down a bit,
OFFSHORE: Fishing will start to pick but the peacock bass, largemouth and up this month with larger kingfish and more mahi swimming through. The sailfish bite will continue to be good as well. Cobia in March has always been good for us. These fish will start to move from the beach to the reef line. Fishing Jupiter to Delray
Evening
March 21
BEST
Morning
POOR
Morning
March 22
GOOD
Morning
BEST
Morning
March 23
POOR
Morning
March 4
BEST
Morning
March 24
POOR
Evening
March 5
BEST
Morning
March 25
POOR
Evening
March 6
FAIR
Morning
March 26
POOR
Evening
March 7
FAIR
Morning
March 27
FAIR
Evening
March 8
GOOD
Morning
March 28
POOR
Evening
March 9
GOOD
Evening
March 29
POOR
Evening
March 10
FAIR
Evening
March 30
POOR
Evening
March 11
FAIR
Evening
March 31
BEST
Evening
March 12
BEST
Evening
March 13
GOOD
Evening
March 14
POOR
Evening
March 15
POOR
Evening
March 16
FAIR
Morning
March 17
FAIR
Morning
March 18
GOOD
Morning
March 19
GOOD
Morning
March 20
GOOD
Morning
POOR
March 2 March 3
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clown knifefish are still biting. Live shiners and or shad are your best bets. All three of these fish will be looking for deeper water when the water temps get colder. Find the right depth and you will find the fish. See you on the water!
MARCH FISHING CONDITIONS March 1
2201 SE INDIAN ST., A-5 STUART. FL 34997
What do the ratings mean? POOR day basically means the fish will either steal all your bait or will not even touch your line. FAIR day means that you catch one or two fish but you will have to work hard to do so. GOOD day means that you will catch enough fish to feel gratified. BEST day means that you will catch something almost every time you cast your line in the water.
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SOURCE: The Old Farmers’ 2020Almanac
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MARCH 2020
TREASURE COAST 11
FISHING FORECASTS
LAKE OKEECHOBEE
Capt. Nate Shellen
Shellen Guide Service (863) 357-0892 OkeechobeeBassFishing.com sjmike7@aol.com
A
s the season progresses and the water warms up, the artificial bite will get better and better. Local Okeechobee anglers and visitors have been experiencing great bass fishing this winter. Traditional areas like Grassy Island, Tin House Cove, and Indian Prairie are all teeming with bass. From the eastern side of the lake, all the way south down to J&S Fish Camp, anglers are finding bass willing to cooperate. Topwater baits, 10-inch plastic worms, flukes, spinnerbaits, Skinny Dippers, Big Easy’s and Wacky Worms are all picking up bites for skilled anglers, and shiner fishing is providing anglers with large bass every day. More big bass fall prey to live wild shiners than all of the artificial baits
shellcrackers are the first to show up, looking to spawn traditionally in March, but sometimes as early as a late February moon phase. Bluegills will not be far behind the shellcrackers, often using the same bedding areas to spawn. Red worms, crickets, and of course, grass shrimp are the primary baits for catching large numbers of panfish. Simple rigs are best for pan fishing; we use jig poles, primarily with 8-pound test line, a small hook and a tiny bobber to dip our bait into holes found in the cover or along the canal edges. The MLF Tour was on the Lake last month Feb. 21-26. Many of today’s top pros were fishing this tournament and many have experienced big bags and big checks on this lake such as Timmy Horton, Brett Hite, Ish Monroe, Jason Lambert, and Randall Tharp. Among that group, Tharp stands Justin Morgan out as he won an FLW Tour stop, with this 12-pound finished second twice, and tallied an 4-ounce Okeechobee astounding seven FLW Top 10s on giant! Biggest bass Okeechobee over the past decade. caught so far this Lake Okeechobee is finally year on Lake O! receiving the acclaim that it deserves PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Nate Shellen. for its fishing. For the past three to four years, the Lake has been combined; average catch rates vary being caught regularly. from 25 to 50 bass per trip, and We are fast approaching producing great bass catches like no bass in the 7-to-10-pound range are panfish time on the lake. Normally, other lake in the world.
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MARCH 2020
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DIVING FORECAST
Steve Wood
Deep Six Watersports - Stuart (772) 288-3999 Stuart (772) 562-2883 Vero Steve.wood@deepsix.com www.deepsixintl.com
L
ast call for lobster! Season closes at the end of the month and March is a great way to stock up for the summer. Care should be taken while handling bugs this time of year since eggs bearing females are common. Pregnant lobsters are easy to identify even before removing them from the reef since they usually keep their tail curled up, protecting the eggs underneath. Consider using a net or lobster snare to minimize damage during capture so released females have a higher chance of survival. This year has been dry with minimal rain and very little freshwater runoff from local canals so visibility on the Treasure Coast has been quite good! Passing fronts may churn the shallow water close to shore but after
a few days of calm conditions this turbidity settles down and clearwater returns. On incoming tide, clear water is reaching far inshore to the Stuart sandbar. Snorkeling can be quite good here along the mangroves and some of the deep edges of the spoil islands just south of the Stuart Causeway. Remember a snorkel is considered a ‘breathing apparatus’ and requires use of a dive flag. Spearfishermen have a few options this month despite grouper and hogfish being closed and cobia are usually top of the list. These fish are strong fish and hard on equipment so seasoned divers usually carry extra shafts on board. Consider keeping them pre-rigged with mono ready to go in case one gets lost or bent during the struggle to get back in the game quickly. Deep Six stocks up on shafts this time of year in anticipation of cobia season so divers have options if a shaft is lost while offshore. Lionfish are another great option to put fish on the table when other species are scarce. Treasure Coast divers have an advantage over popular reefs to the south off Palm Beach since there are less divers overall and lionfish tend to be plentiful. A good game plan would be to survey a reef or wreck for large snapper or cobia for the first 5-to-10 minutes of a dive and then switch
Lionfish are another great option to put fish on the table when other species are scarce. PHOTO CREDIT: Alexander Vasenin/Wikipedia.
gears to target lionfish for the rest of the dive if no one else is home. Many consider lionfish ceviche one of the best ways to prepare them. On Sunday, March 29, join the Deep Six Dive Tribe for a potluck cookout social at the Jensen Beach Causeway. This event is open to all friends of Deep Six, local divers, snorkelers and anyone interested in networking with others in our
area. Local divers are encouraged to hunt lionfish and lobster that day since it’s the last weekend of lobster season and bring them to the cookout to share with the group. Many are planning to launch boats from the Jensen causeway and stay for the cookout after returning. Contact Kelly or Steve at Deep Six Stuart for more information or what to bring— telephone: (772) 692-2747.
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VERO BEACH • 772-562-2883 STUART • 772-692-2747 416 21st St., Vero Beach, FL 32960 2525 NW Federal Hwy., Stuart, FL 34994 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
MARCH 2020
TREASURE COAST 13
By Capt. Michael Mauri
Alex Ehrlich, from Austria, with his dream fish.
Getting Ready for New
Fly-Fishing Season
TAKING YOUR FLY FISHING GAME TO THE NEXT LEVEL FROM BEGINNER TO THE EXPERT….
W W W . M A U R I F LY F I S H I N G . C O M 772-485-3321 “Wir Sprechen Deutsch”
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I
remember these long cold winter days, fly tying all day long to make sure I would have enough flies for my trout, grayling, and Atlantic salmon season. Looking through my equipment to make sure that everything is perfectly intact when season begins in March. These days would carry me through the two months of not fishing. Although my season here in Stuart is all year long and I keep all my tackle in great shape, this is the time when I go specifically through my heavyduty fly tackle. Tying the spring/ summer patterns, getting the leaders ready and checking rods, reels, lines, backing and flies. While doing this it gets me excited and I start picturing certain scenarios, which helps me to get in the right mind set. Last year, one of my friends lost an entire fly line because of a bad knot while fighting a big fish. Some really special German swear words accompanied this whole incident which I will never forget.
Experiencing losing big fish makes you even more aware about your fishing technique and your fishing tackle. Sit down with a good drink, take your time and check your materials. Make sure that there are no weak points. Trust me it is worth your time and if you get lucky and get to play a big fish. It feels good when you know that you can put trust in your tackle. At the end of the day sometimes we win and sometimes we lose but it is all about the experience and getting better! There are so many variables in our sport which we can’t control. Whatever we can control we should control to improve our success rate. Just being out there and having one shot at a fish of a lifetime is something we will keep in our minds forever! Capt. Michael Mauri www.mauriflyfishing.com michael@mauriflyfishing.com (772) 485-3321
Rod Holders • Anchor Trolleys Paddle Clips • Camera Mounts
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MARCH 2020
SAWFISH ........................... FROM PAGE 3 memorable encounters with these
incredible animals. Hopefully, we can seeing my first baby sawfish, the coexist with sawfish in a sustainable contrast seemed even greater. It’s hard and positive way in the future. to believe upon seeing a 2 to 3 foot sawfish that it could one day be 16 For more information on sawfish, feet long! No matter the size, anyone including FWC’s sawfish research who has encountered a sawfish will visit: MyFWC.com/research, click on tell you it’s an experience like no “Saltwater” then “Sawfish.” other. The hope is that one day the For more information on sawfish population will be thriving smalltooth sawfish and their once again, and more people will recovery watch: YouTube.com/ be able to experience safe and watch?v=NSRWUjVU3e8&t=3s
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PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Michael Maury.
Fly Fishing Corner
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PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Michael Maury.
COASTAL ANGLER
Bargain Den
p o h S Rug
TREASURE COAST
Largest Selection on the Treasure Coast
MARCH DAY
TIME
1SU 12:38 AM 6:18 AM 12:41 PM 6:41 PM 2M 1:29 AM 7:11 AM 1:30 PM 7:38 PM 3TU 2:29 AM 8:15 AM 2:30 PM 8:43 PM 4W 3:37 AM 9:22 AM 3:40 PM 9:49 PM 5TH 4:44 AM 10:27 AM 4:50 PM 10:51 PM 6F 5:44 AM 11:25 AM 5:54 PM 11:48 PM 7SA 6:38 AM 12:18 PM 6:51 PM 8SU 12:42 AM 8:28 AM 2:09 PM 8:45 PM 9M 2:33 AM 9:15 AM 2:58 PM 9:36 PM 10TU 3:23 AM 10:01 AM 3:46 PM 10:27 PM
HEIGHT 1.95 0.32 1.85 0.05 1.89 0.41 1.79 0.07 1.87 0.46 1.77 0.04 1.91 0.42 1.83 -0.05 2.02 0.3 1.96 -0.2 2.19 0.12 2.16 -0.36 2.39 -0.11 2.39 -0.51 2.56 -0.34 2.6 -0.61 2.7 -0.54 2.76 -0.65 2.77 -0.68 2.85
H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H
11W
12TH
13F
14SA
15SU
16M
17TU
18W
19TH
20F
21SA
4:12 AM 10:47 AM 4:35 PM 11:17 PM 5:02 AM 11:34 AM 5:26 PM 12:08 AM 5:54 AM 12:22 PM 6:18 PM 1:01 AM 6:49 AM 1:13 PM 7:14 PM 1:58 AM 7:48 AM 2:09 PM 8:15 PM 2:59 AM 8:52 AM 3:11 PM 9:21 PM 4:06 AM 9:59 AM 4:19 PM 10:27 PM 5:14 AM 11:04 AM 5:27 PM 11:29 PM 6:16 AM 12:02 PM 6:28 PM 12:24 AM 7:08 AM 12:53 PM 7:20 PM 1:13 AM 7:52 AM 1:37 PM 8:05 PM
-0.6 2.77 -0.73 2.85 -0.49 2.7 -0.69 2.76 -0.32 2.57 -0.58 2.61 -0.11 2.4 -0.41 2.42 0.09 2.23 -0.23 2.25 0.25 2.08 -0.08 2.12 0.34 1.99 0.01 2.08 0.36 1.98 0.03 2.1 0.31 2.03 0.02 2.15 0.22 2.12 -0.01 2.22 0.13 2.21
L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H
22SU 1:56 AM 8:30 AM 2:17 PM 8:45 PM 23M 2:35 AM 9:05 AM 2:54 PM 9:23 PM 24TU 3:11 AM 9:39 AM 3:28 PM 9:59 PM 25W 3:46 AM 10:12 AM 4:01 PM 10:34 PM 26TH 4:20 AM 10:45 AM 4:32 PM 11:10 PM 27F 4:53 AM 11:18 AM 5:04 PM 11:47 PM 28SA 5:26 AM 11:52 AM 5:39 PM 29SU 12:26 AM 6:03 AM 12:29 PM 6:18 PM 30M 1:10 AM 6:46 AM 1:10 PM 7:05 PM 31TU 2:00 AM 7:38 AM 2:00 PM 8:03 PM
-0.04 2.28 0.03 2.29 -0.06 2.33 -0.05 2.35 -0.05 2.34 -0.1 2.39 -0.02 2.33 -0.11 2.4 0.04 2.29 -0.1 2.37 0.12 2.23 -0.07 2.32 0.21 2.15 -0.02 2.24 0.31 2.06 0.03 2.16 0.41 1.99 0.09 2.09 0.49 1.94 0.13
SEBASTIAN (INLET)
VERO (OCEAN) TIME OFFSET High Tide -55 min Low Tide -35 min HEIGHT OFFSET High Tide 1.45 feet Low Tide 1.36 feet
TIME OFFSET High Tide -31 min Low Tide -18 min HEIGHT OFFSET High Tide 1.14 feet Low Tide 1.50 feet
JENSEN BEACH (INDIAN RIVER)
ST. LUCIE INLET
JUPITER INLET
TIME OFFSET High Tide -48 min Low Tide -24 min HEIGHT OFFSET High Tide .93 feet Low Tide 1.0 foot
TIME OFFSET High Tide +2 hrs; 17 min Low Tide +3 hrs; 4 min HEIGHT OFFSET High Tide .48 feet Low Tide .92 feet
TIME OFFSET High Tide +55 Low Tide +1 hr; 42 min HEIGHT OFFSET High Tide 1 foot Low Tide .50 feet
FORT PIERCE
TIME OFFSET High Tide -10 min Low Tide -9 min HEIGHT OFFSET High Tide 1.08 feet Low Tide 1.42 feet
2885 SE Federal Hwy., Stuart @ The SE Corner of Luckhardt Street in front of The B&A Flea Market
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BargainDen-0118-4412-MS301
TREASURE COAST 15
A
W
ST. LUCIE COUNTY ARTIFICIAL REEF PROGRAM:
2020 Grant Funding Request
PHOTO CREDITS: St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program.
T
he St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program will be applying for grant funding from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to construct additional artificial reefs this summer and has recently been offered light poles by the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority and concrete railroad ties by HSR Constructors. Use of these materials together will create a highly diverse reef to provide habitat for multiple fish species including fish from the Snapper-Grouper Complex. Using mixed materials will also provide habitat for forage fish that are prey items for larger predators.
The program has a history of turning railroad ties into artificial reefs. St. Lucie County first deployed concrete railroad ties in 2005 with a deployment of 750 tons of railroad ties scattered over two reefs. These deployments resulted in reefs with 12 feet of profile at a depth of 55 feet. In 2007, the program deployed 1,000 tons of railroad ties at 120 feet and 140 feet (500 tons/reef) but preceded these deployments with 1,000 tons (500 tons/reef) of larger structures (e.g. reinforced concrete pipe) to prevent the ties from lying flat on the sea floor. The 120-foot reef had 19 feet of profile while the 140-foot reef
had 18 feet of profile. In 2012, the program created two more reefs at depths of 111 feet (profile = 14 feet) and 153 feet (reef profile = 11 feet) using 500 tons of concrete railroad ties and 500 tons of other secondary concrete in each reef. Fish communities on railroad tie reefs can be complex. The shallow reefs deployed in 2005 resulted in fish assemblages containing 24 species including eight Snapper-Grouper Complex species (black grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci), black sea bass (Centropristis striata), cubera snapper (Lutjanus cyanopterus), gag grouper (Mycteroperca microlepis),
LEFT: St. Lucie County’s first deployment of railroad ties was in 2005. ABOVE: The shallow reefs deployed in 2005, resulted in fish assemblages of 24 species.
Goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara), gray snapper (Lutjanus griseus), lane snapper (Lutjanus synagris), and sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus), three species of other sportfish (Atlantic tripletail (Lobotes surinamensis), common snook (Centropomus undecimalis), and permit (Trachinotus falcatus), and two species of schooling baitfish (blue runners (Caranx crysos) and round scad (Decapterus punctatus)). The deeper reefs deployed in 2007 had fish assemblages containing 35 species. The assemblages resembled those on the shallower railroad tie reefs but also included gray triggerfish (Balistes
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MARCH 2020
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yment E: The sulted ies.
capriscus), greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili), red grouper (Epinephelus morio), scamp (Mycteroperca phenax), and two species of shark (sandbar shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus), and white shark (Carcharodon carcharias). One difference between the proposed railroad tie reef and previous reefs will be size. 18,000 ties have been offered. At 600 pounds per tie this would be a reef with 5,400 tons or about 11 barges of railroad ties. This could take up to four years to deploy all of these ties, depending on funding. It is unclear what the new reefs would look like. Preference of several members of the County’s Marine Resources Advisory committee is to have one large reef. If 5,400 tons are deployed over several years, each year 500 tons of larger materials could be collected as a base for additional ties. Newer reefs could then be deployed in adjacent areas to older reefs. In this way, several new recreational destinations would be provided while creating large areas for each destination. For more information on the St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program, contact Jim Oppenborn, St. Lucie County Coastal Resources Coordinator, at oppenbornj@ stlucieco.org or (772) 462-1713.
37th Annual Vero Beach Spring Boat Show Set for April 4-5 T
he long running Vero Beach Spring Boat Show, now in its 37th year will be held on Saturday, April 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, April 5, 10 a.m. -4 p.m. at Riverside Park in Vero Beach. Riverside Park is located just west of the Riverside Theater and southeast of the Barber Bridge in Vero Beach, off Route 60. Boat dealers, suppliers, and nautical related businesses from the Treasure Coast area will display their product lines and services and will have staff available to answer your questions to help you get out on the water. From stand-up paddleboards and kayaks, to deck
boats and pontoon boats, shallow water skiffs and personal watercraft, to offshore fishing machines and cruisers, marine accessories and services, and nautical goodies, this show has it all. Finance and insurance representatives will be onsite. Food and refreshments will be available. Parking and admission are free. Come bring your family and find the boat of your dreams. For more information visit www.verobeachboatshow.com, call (772) 562-7922 or contact Laura at laura@veromarinecenter.com. PHOTO CREDITS: Vero Beach Boat Show.
APRIL 4th & 5th
Saturday 10am-5pm Sunday 10am-4pm
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
MARCH 2020
TREASURE COAST 17
Lloyd and Davis Take First in BCFA February Tourney T
he second tournament of the 2020 Backcountry Fishing Association (BCFA) season took place Feb. 1, fishing out of Little Jim’s Fish Camp in Fort Pierce. Despite rainy weather, 44 boats headed out, 40 boats checked in, and anglers grinded it out with 27 trout, 12 redfish, and 2 snook being brought to the scale. New BCFA members Luke Lloyd and George Davis made an entrance bringing in the first slam of the year. This team brought to the weighin a 1.23-pound trout, 3.75-pound redfish, and a 5.75-pound snook, taking home $825 for first place, and if that wasn’t enough, the pair also took home an additional $240 for the snook Calcutta. Colin Willis and Darren Frost managed to catch a 3.96-pound trout and a 6.67-pound redfish, earning $495 for second place. They also took home $250 for the redfish Calcutta. Husband and wife team, Lora and Monty Peters, took third place with a 3.40-pound trout and a 3.65-pound redfish, taking home $330. Vaughn Wooldridge and Josh
Backcountry Fishing Association Fort Pierce, FL
Rhein took fourth place with a 4.88-pound trout and a 1.93-pound redfish, which earned them tournament points. The pair also took home $260 for the trout Calcutta. A 3.94-pound redfish earned Laura Lorentz the title of Lady Angler for February. She also received a Danco Pliers gift set, which included a crankshaft aluminum plier, 4-inch bait knife, a 7-inch fillet knife, and knife sharpener. The Backcountry Fishing Association is a nine-month circuit, which runs from January through September, finishing with its twoday Classic in October. Teams must
First-place winners, Luke Lloyd and George Davis. PHOTO CREDIT: Backcountry Fishing Association.
fish in at least five tournaments to be eligible to fish the Classic. The artificial lure only tournament gives two-person teams and solo anglers monthly opportunities to win cash and earn points. Redfish, trout and snook (seasonal) are the qualified species. Anglers attempt to bring one legal fish of each species to the scales for weigh in and live release.
Membership fees are $25 for the year. To enter the tournament each month, the fee is $60 per team. The third tournament of the series will take place on Saturday, March 7 with the captain’s meeting on Friday, March 6. For more information, visit the Backcounty Fishing Association on Facebook.
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Wahoo Still Plentiful in the Northern Bahamas By Capt. Billy Black
W
inter and spring wahoo fishing is always exciting off the Bahama Bank. The largest wahoo migration traditionally happens in November through February. However, I have caught most of my 100-plus-pounders in February and March. This is a good time to pull out your lures and pick up your speed quite a bit. I always use my custom lures in the red, black and purple combinations by themselves or with a wahoo or dolphin belly strip behind the lure. I personally like to troll 9-to10 knots using 50’s to increase the fight for the angler. Wahoo shake their heads all the way to the boat and make a long first run. Plan on picking up a few blackfin tunas, mahi, and kingfish. Old Bahama Bay and Blue Marlin Cove in West End, Grand Bahama are open and able to offer accommodations and dockage. Rosie’s on Grand Cay is working diligently to restore their docks after
LEFT: Bryce Koski and mate JB Stone with a 55-pound wahoo. ABOVE: Duchess at Old Bahama Bay. JB Stone, Bryce Koski, Mike Koski, and Capt. Billy Black with wahoos ranging from 35-to-55-pounds, and a blackfin tuna. BELOW: Mike Koski and mate JB Stone with Mike’s 50-pound wahoo. PHOTO CREDITS: Duchess Sportfishing.
Let’s get back to the islands and Hurricane Dorian. We look forward support them after Hurricane Dorian! to resuming our trips there also. Tight lines and screaming reels! This time of year, keep your eye on the weather as crossing the Steam can Catch ‘em up! become sporty. I am a big fan of the apps Contact Capt. Billy Black, Duchess Windfinder and Windy. You may Sportfishing, at 772-233-1048 or want to check them out. captbillyblack@yahoo.com. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
MARCH 2020
TREASURE COAST 19
Gas Up Your Boat for
POKER RUN 2020
RIGHT: Most Spirited Boat 2019 - The crew from Diane Kay. BELOW: Most Spirited Kayak 2019 – Fred Kern.
A
re you ready for some poker run fun---one that allows you to play poker for a cause? Then you won’t want to miss the Fort Pierce Yacht Club’s third annual On the Water Boat Poker Run on Sunday, March 22, beginning at 12 noon. Come by boat, paddle or drive along the water by car to help fund a FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute summer internship for an Indian River State College sophomore majoring in marine sciences. “It’s all about giving back to our community, our waterfront and our future”, explains Candace Banack, Director of Trustees for the Foundation. “This event is open to all who want to play”, says Diane Korbey, Commodore of the Fort Pierce Yacht Club. “Our youth and healthy waterways will be the cause we support again this year”. For an entry fee of $20 for kayaks, canoes and paddle boards and $50 for power boats, participants will compete for a $500 cash prize for the best poker hand. Second and third place winners will receive gift certificates and prizes. In
sponsors, which include the Rotary Club of Fort Pierce, Blue Water Finishing, TC Environmental, Kadey Krogen Yachts, Derecktor Shipyards, Little Jim’s Bait and Tackle, Causeway Cove Marina, FAU Harbor Branch, the Marine Industries of the Treasure Coast (MIATC), and the Fort Pierce Yacht Club. Each dock location will also be vying for a “most spirited” grand prize. Lisa’s Kayaks is donating complimentary equipment to poker PHOTO CREDITS: Fort Pierce Yacht Club. run paddle participants; however, addition, power boats and paddlers can compete supplies are limited—register early. The ‘game’ will wrap up with a Caribbean party for the “most spirited” designation, and players can and awards presentation at the Fort Pierce Yacht enjoy a scavenger hunt for dock memorabilia. Registered boats, paddlers and cars will visit Club. Sponsorships are still available; cash and prizes at least five locations to draw a card to complete a poker hand. Dock locations are located south of are welcomed. the Fort Pierce Inlet to Fort Pierce City Marina, and north to Harbor Branch channel. Sponsorship information and event registration is Poker-card locations will be manned by event available online at www.fortpierceyachtclub.com.
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he weather has finally given in, spring is almost here, with summer right around the corner, and we will be spending more time “on the road” to get to the water. Before doing so, make sure to check out your boat trailer and make sure you are up-to-date with the requirements and safety issues. • BRAKES. If you have a doubleaxle, or tandem as it’s called, the law says you must have working brakes on all wheels. If you’re bound for the Keys or plan to drive a distance, make absolutely sure all brakes are working properly. • LIGHTS. Be sure your lights are working. Brake lights are especially important, along with directional lights. You don’t want to stop at a light and have someone run into the back of your boat. • TIRES. Check for uneven wear and for heat cracks. Insuring proper tire pressure is an easy way to help keep heat cracking from happening. Most standard tires in the 14-inch and
15-inch sizes should be kept at 52 psi . • BEARINGS. If you notice uneven tread wear on the inside or the outside, you may want to have your bearings checked. • BUNK CARPET. Check to see if it is in good condition and stapled securely. If it is worn or torn, replace it. • WINCH STRAP. Be sure your winch strap is in good condition. You don’t want it breaking while your loading the boat back on the trailer. Take a little time and look your trailer over carefully from front to back and side to side. If you see anything questionable, have an experienced technician check it for you. C&H Trailer offers free checkover/inspection of any trailer. They can make suggestions and you make the decisions. Give them a call at (772) 223-4014 for more information or to schedule a free check-over. Have a great spring and summer boating season and keep safe.
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Email your information ality and high-qu rger) (500KB or la @ easurecoast photos to tr e.com. lerMagazin CoastalAng
Eric Hutter with an over slot size redfish, caught on live shrimp while fishing in the St. Lucie River. PHOTO CREDIT: Laura Hutter.
Dylan after catching his first wahoo trolling in 150 feet off of Stuart. PHOTO CREDIT: Eric Sullivan.
Rick Nicoloff caught this whopper mahi out on Six Mile Reef out of the St. Lucie Inlet. PHOTO CREDIT: Mary Nicoloff.
Logan, 10, a Coastal Angler fan, with a jack crevalle caught off his dock.
Capt. Kevin King holding a Cubera snapper speared with a Hawaiian sling by Jimmy Flanigan off Grand Cay, Bahamas.
PHOTO CREDIT: Megan Hill.
PHOTO CREDIT: Patrick Flanigan.
Cole Kruger with a 9.2-pound largemouth bass caught in St. Lucie West. PHOTO CREDIT: Brad Kruger.
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n mid-February, the St. Johns River Water Management District and Brevard County, Fla. reached agreement on a project to capture thousands of pounds of nutrients annually before they can reach the Indian River Lagoon. The Crane Creek/M-1 Canal Project, located in West Melbourne, Melbourne Village and portions of unincorporated Brevard County, will reduce the loading of nitrogen, phosphorus and sediments to the lagoon by restoring billions of gallons of cleansed freshwater each year to the St. Johns River. Major project components include an operable weir located near the natural coastal ridge, a stormwater pump station and a stormwater treatment area to ensure nutrients and sediments are removed prior to the water’s return to the St. Johns River. The Brevard County Save Our Indian River Lagoon Program contributed more than $2 million and DEP provided nearly $2.5 million, with the district funding the remainder of this project, which will cost an estimated $10.5 million. The district is managing design and construction of the project as well as operating and maintaining the system. Construction is anticipated to begin in August 2020.
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n 2019, CCA Florida, the University of Florida Whitney Lab and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission teamed together to win a $103,322 grant from the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program for clam restoration in the IRL. This year, CCA Florida and its partners from last year, along with Addictive Fishing, won the grant again in the amount of $122,020. The grant titled, “Habitat Restoration Proposal: Restoration of clam populations in the Indian River Lagoon for water quality improvement,” included an additional $24,040 in-kind match by CCA Florida. The first 4 million superclams will be deployed into the IRL this spring. By some estimates, a million hard clams are capable of filtering 28 million gallons of water a day. Reintroduction of these creatures that once thrived in the lagoon will go a long way toward restoring the water quality and seagrass habitat that supported a world-class inshore fishery.
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T
homas Hendel, of Lake Placid, Fla., reeled in 2020’s first Hall of Fame largemouth in FWC’s TrophyCatch program on Jan. 31. It was a monster, weighing in a 14 pounds, 2 ounces. He caught the big fish on Lake Placid in Highlands County, which is well-known for pumping out trophy bass. It is a 3,400-acre lake on the south side of the town of Lake Placid. It offers great opportunities for those looking to catch a high number of fish, as well as the chance at a lunker. This unique lake has a variety of vegetation and quality habitat types, including deep flats, ledges and humps not typical of most Florida lakes. “I was excited to learn I caught the first TrophyCatch Hall of Fame bass of the season and amazed at the size of my catch,” said Hendel. “This is the first bass I’ve submitted to TrophyCatch. I look forward to continuing my participation in this program for years to come.” For more information about the TrophyCatch program, visit www.trophycatchflorida.com.
S
malltooth sawfish have been on the endangered species list since 2003. These shark-like rays with snouts that look like saws once inhabited coastal waters from Texas to North Carolina. Now they are only found regularly in southwest Florida, especially around Everglades National Park. As part of an ongoing collaborative research project, scientists have been tracking the movements of smalltooth sawfish using passive acoustic telemetry. Sawfish are tagged and data are collected using stationary receivers whenever the sawfish swims by. In 2019, Tonya Wiley, of Havenworth Coastal Conservation, and Dr. Jayne Gardiner, of New College of Florida, downloaded receivers in the Tampa Bay area. In total, five sawfish have been detected in Tampa Bay including three females. In addition, in the summer of 2019, a couple of sawfish were caught in permitted turtle relocator trawls during a dredging in the Tampa Bay ship channel. The receivers are still in the water listening for tagged sawfish which swim near them. Wiley plans to add more receivers in 2020 in hopes of getting a better understanding of the use of the Tampa Bay area by these endangered rays. For more information about sawfish, visit www.SawfishRecovery.org.
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“We took it out to the Bahamas and this thing was flawless; we never had to worry about it getting tangled.” —Barry Berhoff, CEO of Shurhold Industries Barry Berhoff is an avid diver off the coasts of Florida and the Bahamas. After discovering E-Z Anchor Puller at the 2017 IBEX boat builder show, Berhoff decided to install the Rebel EZ-4 on his 40’ SeaVee. “Once I got this in, I was really, really impressed because of the build quality,” he said. “…The other cool thing about this was that we were able to go to a much thinner anchor line.” E-Z Anchor Puller Mfg. Co’s Rebel EZ-4 drum anchor winch is the perfect option for serious fishing and diving boats on the Florida scene. Known for its capabilities of holding nearly 1,000 feet of spectra or dyneema ¼-inch line, the Rebel EZ-4 is completely manufactured from 316 stainless steel and is IP68 rated water submersible. One of the most popular options of E-Z Anchor’s free-fall series, the drum will spool out line as fast as gravity allows the anchor to fall after a quick, two-second touch of a button. Press the “power up” side to neatly and quickly retract the line back onto the drum. “Without a doubt,” Berhoff said, “the guys at E-Z Anchor Puller built a spectacular, strong marine-grade piece of equipment. I cannot recommend it enough.”
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By Capt. Randy Cnota
Y
ears ago, Z-Man introduced the Original Chatterbait, and it proved to be a true fish-catcher for thousands of anglers. Today you’ll find many versions of the Z-Man Chatterbait as well as many other manufacturers offering their version of a bladed jig. The shuddering action of these baits entices reaction strikes better than just about anything.
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As bass transition into spring patterns and move shallow to spawn, you can choose from a wide variety of lures and presentations to get bites. There will be situations when fishing very slowly with soft plastics is extremely productive, but first you’ve got to find fish. You need a reliable search tool to do this. The beauty of the bladed jig is you can vary the weights, colors and trailer types to suit any type of pattern. If fish are feeding on shad along weed lines and channel breaks, a ½- to ¾-ounce bladed jig in a shad pattern is my first choice. I can slow roll this lure along fairly shallow breaks and let it flutter down into the deeper haunts with a lift and fall action. Bass will often move up and down contour lines feeding before they head into really shallow water to spawn. A swimbait trailer is a good bet here. Choose your line size based on how deep you want your lure to run and water clarity. If you want to get a ½-ounce lure down 10 feet, use 15-pound-test fluorocarbon. If you want to keep it shallower or if water is stained with lots of timber, move up to 20-pound fluorocarbon or 50-pound braid. A 7-foot or longer rod designed for medium-diving crankbaits works best here. Not all bass move shallow at the same time on a body of water, and usually you can count on some being very shallow even before water temps hit the 60s. Often, the ones that do move up early are monsters, like the 8.6-pounder pictured here that fell for a bladed jig. For searching shallow flats, it’s hard to beat a 3/8-ounce bladed jig in brown, green or black patterns with matching swimbait or craw trailers. For clear water, I like green pumpkin. For stained water, I choose black and blue. The biggest enemy to spawning bass is bream and bluegill. These nest robbers are hungry and follow bass to the shallows for a chance at eggs. Most small bass don’t pay much attention to the thieves, but big bass will turn a bream’s good day into its last one. Rigged on 50-pound braid, I can cast bladed jigs to skinny water and work quickly around grass and timber to cover a lot of water. Let the lure get down into the grass, and then rip it out and let it flutter back down before retrieving again. Just be sure to hold on. This is usually when the biggest bass bite these lures. Give bladed jigs a try, and you’ll see why they live up to the hype.
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Photo courtesy of Capt. Bob Strange
By Tom Schlichter
J
ust a 20-minute drive north of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Little River Inlet and the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) that snakes behind it offer year-round fishing in generally calm, shallow water. Check it out on a map, and you’ll instantly know this is a fishy place. The inside waters here are bordered by marshes, parklands and plenty of drainages positioned perfectly for pumping baitfish, small shrimp and other tasty fodder right into the main channels on a dropping tide. It’s an ideal set-up for anglers to connect with speckled trout, redfish, black drum, flounder, sheepshead and even an occasional gray trout (a.k.a. weakfish). “The ocean water from Little River Inlet refreshes this strip of Intracoastal Waterway,” said Capt. Bob Strange, of Strange Magic Fishing Charters (www.strangemagiccharters.com; 843-274-1082). “We spend a lot of time working the backwaters here—the creeks, the drainages, the coves.” Strange predominately targets speckled trout, redfish and sheepshead in early spring, adding black drum and flounder in April. He’ll expand his efforts to waters outside Little River Inlet once the waters stabilize at about 70 degrees in May and June, as Spanish mackerel, king mackerel and additional species arrive. “Our early-season action is a lot fun,” noted Strange. “The ICW can be a busy place once the summer gets rolling, but in March and April it sees very little boating traffic. That means once you find the speckled trout you can usually have ’em all to yourself.” From his 22’ Pathfinder, Strange arms clients with 6’6” Shimano spinning rods with a medium action and fast tips. Shimano 2500 or 3000 series reels filled with 10- to 20-pound braid are a good match. He uses a 15- to 20-pound fluorocarbon leader and then the terminal tackle. Strange fishes live mud minnows, cut bait or fresh shrimp about 25 percent of the time and artificials the rest of the way. He favors small jigs tipped with Berkley Gulp! Swim Mullets, Z-Man trailers or similar soft plastics with white or chartreuse his most productive colors. The lures can be cast and jigged back to the boat or worked beneath popping corks. “Oyster bars make a great starting point, but don’t overlook creek bends, docks and the like,” explained Strange. “Any of these can be a hot spot. Transition areas work great, too, especially where you find shell banks changing over to grass or a drainage emptying onto a flat. Add in a little structure, and you’re in great shape.” While it is advisable to start your search with some hired help, anglers looking to trailer their own vessels can launch at a public ramp at the base of the RT. 17 bridge where it crosses the ICW between Little River and North Myrtle Beach. Bait and tackle along with info are available at Cricket Cove Marina in Little River (843-249-7169; www.cricketcovemarina.com).
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By CAM Staff mall boats with tall towers have become a harbinger of spring on coastal waters. It began as a northern Gulf Coast phenomenon, when anglers developed run-and-gun sight-fishing tactics for spring-run cobia. But the technique has migrated like the fish. The timing varies according to the arrival of cobia in various locations around the Gulf and up the Atlantic Coast. In waters off Virginia and up into Chesapeake Bay, it’s more of a summer deal. But
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sight fishing has to be the most exciting way to catch brown bombers. These days cobia boats with elevated towers are almost as common off the coast of North Carolina as they are off Panama City, Fla. When cobia are on the move, they migrate as singles or in small pods. They like structure when they’re not moving, and the same is true on the migration. They can often be found holding tight to moving structure, which means big rays or turtles. Spotting them is the trick. Presenting baits or lures to cobia you see is much more effective than trying to blind-fish for them. Most cobia trips involve a lot more cruising and looking than casting, so vigilance and being ready when the chance arrives are imperative. Most captains opt for a late-morning start because fish are easier to spot when the sun is high and there’s less glare on the water. Once fish are located, getting into casting range is the goal. Cobia are funny. The steady growl of the motor doesn’t usually put them down unless you get too close, but popping it in and out of gear will cause them to disappear in a heartbeat. If they do go down, don’t fret. Migrating fish are on a mission. They will continue on the same heading at roughly the same speed. With a little patience, it is often possible to reconnect with a fish that has spooked by staying on its course and watching for it to resurface. When you do get a shot, be ready with an array of rods with different lures and baits. Cobia can be picky, and they’ll let you know whether or not they’re interested if you work a bait or jig high in the water column where the fish’s reaction is visible. Medium-heavy spinning tackle with 25- or 30-pound braided line and a 60-pound fluorocarbon leader is a good starting point. You’ll have the casting distance and the power to fight big fish in open water. Be ready with ½ to 1 ½-ounce jigs. Bucktails are good and so are an array of soft plastics that mimick eels or baitfish. Color choice will depend on where you’re fishing, so trust your captain or ask a local tackle shop. Keep a few live baits rigged and ready in buckets in case your jig is snubbed. Eels are great. But if you end up taking multiple shots at a fish, follow up with mullet, pinfish, whole squid or a big shrimp. Sometimes you have to just figure out what they want.
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P
eople who love boating know it’s more than just a hobby; it’s a way of life. Being on the water is a more than just a break from the mundane day-to-day grind, it’s a passion that fills your heart and captures your sense of adventure. Whether you are the weekend warrior and love to go offshore fishing or if you like exploring backwater creeks and rivers, you are a part of that community. As part of the boating world, you have also come to know Llebroc Industries as a leader in design and comfort. Today, Llebroc continues to develop the most influential and sought-after seating throughout the boating industry. If you have ever been to ICAST or walked a boat show, you have seen Llebroc Industries work on display. On brands like Blazer, Phoenix, Falcon and Vexus, you can find Llebroc’s handy-work. There is a reason why Llebroc has been an industry leader for more than 35 years. The proof is in the product, and Llebroc has put its name to the test over and over and come out on top. The Llebroc team has once again created a unique design in their SV Series of seating. Stitching and color patterns are the first to catch your eye. But as soon as you sit down on one of their chairs, you come to realize it’s more than just a great looking seat. Comfort and durability really bring home the total package for your next seat or bench. So, as you are searching for the perfect accessories for your new boat or you’re looking to upgrade your seating, make sure to go to the best name on the market: Llebroc Industries. You will find Llebroc seating on display on Grady White, Ocean Alexander, Freeman and Cobia boats at the Palm Beach International Boat Show March 26-29. For more information, go to www.llebroc.com.
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J
ohn Cox, of DeBary, Fla., started the FLW Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit with a bang Jan. 26 with a wire-to-wire first-place finish on Sam Rayburn Reservoir in Texas. In the first Pro Circuit event of the season, Cox weighed a four-day total of 65 pounds, 15 ounces to add yet another accolade to his impressive FLW resume. It was his fifth FLW Tour win, which ties him for No. 6 in all-time career wins with David Dudley. His Rayburn trophy will look good with his others, which include an FLW Angler of the Year and the 2016 FLW Cup Championship. “This was the best win I’ve ever had,” Cox said. “I usually start off the year pretty slow and get better through the season. To start the season with a win, I don’t even know what to say. I’m so thankful – this is just incredible.” Starting with a win must be more important this season than ever for Cox. He’s the only angler who qualified and committed to fish both the FLW Pro Circuit and the B.A.S.S. Elite Series in 2020. Entry fees alone will cost more than $80,000 to fish both tours, and the more than $100,000 in earnings from Rayburn will go a long way toward keeping him on the road.
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ampa Bay Watch is recruiting 20 hard-working volunteers to build oyster reef balls at its Marine Center in Tierra Verde on specified weekday mornings. There are four days in March when assistance is needed. The project involves pouring marine-friendly concrete into a fiberglass mold to create oyster reef balls and taking apart the molds that were previously poured. Oyster reef balls help replace oyster populations in struggling habitat areas. Originally designed to rebuild coral reefs, oyster reef balls have been an integral part of Tampa Bay Watch’s restoration programs for years and have been previously installed in numerous locations that lack natural buffers that help reduce pollutants from flowing off streets and into Tampa Bay. Oysters need to attach to a hard structure to grow into adults, and the rough texture of the reef balls makes it easier for oysters to grow. Oyster communities help stabilize shorelines, provide hard bottom habitats for fish, and promote water quality improvements. Tampa Bay Watch builds about 1,000 oyster reef balls each year in at least two large-scale projects. Reef balls can vary in size, but most weigh about 200 pounds. They are installed along seawalls and shorelines to provide habitat. It’s a dirty job, but it’ll make a difference for Tampa Bay! Remaining volunteer dates this spring are: March 3, March 11, March 17 and March 23. For more information and to sign up, go to www.tampabaywatch.org.
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Great Streams and Craft Beverages Await in Hendersonville, N.C. Photo by Nick Carter
I
f you’re an angler who enjoys following up a day on mountain trout streams with a refreshing craft beverage or two, cast your attention to the Blue Ridge mountain town of Hendersonville. This North Carolina town, about 22 miles south of Asheville, offers miles of stocked trout waters, as well as the popular Hendersonville Cheers! Trail. The two resources make it possible to spend the day catching three types of trout – rainbow, brown and brook – while spending an evening exploring three types of craft beverages – beer, wine and hard cider. First, the fishing part. North Mills River is the prime trout stream in the Hendersonville area. The river’s 4-mile section of delayed harvest waters receives an annual infusion of 11,000 trout from N.C. Wildlife, divvied between brook, rainbow and brown. Spring is a great time to fly fish the delayed harvest waters of North Mills River because no trout have been harvested since Sept. 30. Another hot spot for trout fishing is just across the Henderson County line toward Brevard. The Davidson River offers miles of public trout waters that receive annual stockings of 16,500 fish. Other lesser-known spots for fishing near Hendersonville include
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three streams on the eastern side of Henderson County, about 20 to 30 minutes from downtown. Rocky Broad River has a 1.2-mile stretch of hatchery support waters from Rocky River Lane to the Rutherford County line near Chimney Rock, while Cane Creek, near the Fletcher community, has 1.5-mile stretch of hatchery supported waters. For those who really want a unique experience, Little River in DuPont State Recreational Forest provides not only a scenic setting for trout fishing, but also a unique one. Delayed harvest waters flow through undisturbed mountains and over several notable waterfalls. Those waterfalls were immortalized on Hollywood’s silver screen in The Last of the Mohicans, as well as the backdrop for the exploits of Katniss Everdeen in the original Hunger Games movie. When the fishing is done, the Cheers! Trail awaits. The trail is one of North Carolina’s best, featuring 16 craft producers offering a variety of experiences. Beer fans love Sierra Nevada’s tasting room, which is one of the largest on the East Coast and features an expansive patio and outdoor amphitheater, while Bold Rock Hard Cider has emerged as a national leader in the hard cider industry and regularly hosts live music (indoors and outdoors), along with cidery tours and a food truck. Several craft producers on the trail create small-batch beverages prized for their quality and originality. Three breweries – Southern Appalachian, Triskelion and Guidon – are within a few blocks of each other in the Depot District, while Sanctuary Brewing Co. is only a few blocks away on Main Street. Sanctuary is pet-friendly with a commitment to pet rescue. Three wineries produce high-quality wines from European varietals. The newest – Point Lookout Vineyards – is located atop a 3,000-foot mountain with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards, the area’s first vineyard, is on farmland that’s been in the family for more than nine generations. And two miles from Saint Paul, Burntshirt Vineyards offers tastings in its renovated farmhouse overlooking rolling hills of vines. For complete Hendersonville information and lodging details, call 800-828-4244 or go to: www.VisitHendersonvilleNC.org.
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MARK SOSIN
othing is more demanding in light-tackle fishing than to spot a fish and make a cast to it without much time to get ready. Speed and accuracy are the keys to a perfect presentation that results in a strike. Several species of gamefish invade relatively shallow water in search of food as the incoming tide floods an area. Catching them sometimes requires you to see them so you can present a bait or lure. Your target species might be striped bass in San Francisco Bay or in coastal areas throughout the northeast. Jumbo bluefish charge across the skinny portions of Chesapeake Bay each spring because the menhaden are there. Redfish might be your target in Texas and along the Gulf Coast. Down in Florida, the shallows are full of life with species such as bonefish, permit, tarpon, jacks, sharks and other critters. Concentration is critical in spotting fish or in determining signs of fish. It’s a mental discipline as well as a physical one. If you’re working off-color water, start by scouting the surface for any signs of activity. It could be a swirl or a boil or surface water being pushed by moving fish. Your goal is to identify anything different from the surrounding water. Expand your search area to waters a considerable distance away. Don’t overlook slicks, muds or anything else out of the ordinary.
When the water is shallow and a fish noses down to eat something on or near the bottom, its tail often lifts above the surface and can be spotted at a significant distance. Species such as redfish may lift their caudal fin in the air and it, too, can be seen. Tails or fins may only show for a moment or two, but if you are concentrating, you should be able to spot them. It takes practice to see fish, even in clear water. The trick involves staring through the surface of the water as if it were a pane of glass. Focus on the bottom or just above it. Your eyes should scan the area as if they were a radar antenna, moving right, left and center. And don’t forget to look far out across the water to detect the flash of a tail, wakes, birds or any other signs of activity. Some species may lie motionless waiting to ambush a tasty meal, while others keep moving. As you scan through the surface, a silver colored fish might look black. When a fish picks a morsel off the bottom, it creates a small puff of mud. Experienced eyes identify this very slight discoloration in the water, and the angler knows that something was just there. If you continue to see fresh puffs, cast a bait or lure in the area. The results could be impressive. Presenting a bait or lure to a fish you can see is certainly the ultimate angling challenge. Putting yourself in those situations can be very demanding, requires total concentration, and, at times can prove frustrating. At the end of the day, you might be tired, but the successful experience will brighten your memory for days to come.
For more from Mark Sosin, visit
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LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*
DRIVE 1/4" 3/8" 1/2"
$
STACK-ON $ 97
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating
NOW
SAVE 49%
*93859552 * 93859552 Customer Rating
SUPER COUPON
20V LITHIUM-ION 1/2" IMPACT WRENCH
• Meets TSA guidelines Customer Rating
PE
Customer Rating
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*
PERSONAL PORTABLE SECURITY SAFE
COM
TACTICAL AMMO/UTILITY BOX
*93854836 * 93854836 SUPER COUPON
$
*93853261 * 93853261
LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*
SUPER COUPON
18
8 GALLON, 150 PSI OIL-FREE AIR COMPRESSOR • Air delivery: NOW 4.1 SCFM @ 90 PSI
99
ITEM 37050, 64417, 64418, 61363, 68497, 61360, 61359, 68498, 68496 shown
• 5 • 1 • 5
Customer Rating
SUPER COUPON
$ 99
MODEL: VEN4145
WE PR
Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, safes, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, welders, Admiral, Ames, Atlas, Bauer, Central Machinery, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Diamondback, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 5/3/20.
*93854226 * 93854226
12,000 LB. TRUCK/SUV WINCH WITH REMOTE CONTROL AND AUTO BRAKE
89
*93852892 * 93852892 Cannot be used with other discounts or prior purchases. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 5/3/20 while supplies last. Limit 1 FREE GIFT per customer per day.
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating
20% OFF ANY SINGLE ITEM*
ALL IN A SINGLE SUPER POWERFUL LIGHT
COMPARE TO
SNAP-ON $
SUPER BRIGHT LED/SMD WORK LIGHT/FLASHLIGHT
SUPER COUPON
COMPARE TO
MILWAUKEE $ 97
19
MODEL: 33700
$
1599 SAVE 39%
NOW
$1 1
99
ITEM 38970/92486/39757/60496/62398/61897 shown
*93868710 * 93868710 LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*
1
SA
CO
W
ITEM
N
%
F
Y LE M*
• 50-3/8" L • 13-5/8" W • 5-1/8" H
$ $
COMPARE TO
PELICAN
269
ITEM 64520 Case contents not included.
b. ty
9
tart
99
n
6
SAVE $ 99
1499 66%
ITEM 64110
*93870636 * 93870636 LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating
NOW
COMPARE TO
19
MODEL: 77280
$5 99
ITEM 69505/62418/66537 shown
8
$ 99
$
Customer Rating COMPARE TO
NOISE LEVEL
59 dB
WEIGHT
45.6 LBS.
TANK SIZE
.95 GAL
STACK-ON $ 57
564
3
OUTLETS OVERLOAD PROTECTION
YES
79.7 cc
ENGINE SIZE
98.5 cc
YES
LOW OIL ALERT
YES
YES
PARALLEL CAPABLE
YES
YES
POWER SAVER
$
4998
Contents not included.
45" x 69" TRI-FOLD ALUMINUM LOADING RAMP • 1500 lb. combined NOW
SAVE $ 99 $61 99
141
COMPARE TO $ 08 REESE MODEL: 74554700 TOWPOWER
ITEM 69595/60334/90018 shown
*93875625 * 93875625
*93875853 * 93875853
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*
LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*
SUPER COUPON 20-60 x 60mm SPOTTING SCOPE Customer Rating WITH TRIPOD 4 PIECE, 1" x 15 FT. RATCHETING TIE DOWNS
SUPER COUPON
3/8" x 75 FT. CAMOUFLAGE POLYPROPYLENE ROPE
Customer Rating
• 300 lb. working load
• 400 lb. working load
Customer Rating
NOW
EVERBILT
8
$ 97
COMPARE TO
MODEL: 72304
SAVE 66% $499
ITEM 61674/62761/47835 shown
SAVE 69%
$3999
$2
COMPARE TO
$7999
capacity
ITEM 47902/975/61328/63015/62843 shown
99
ITEM 64552/64832/64980/64545 shown
SUPER COUPON Customer Rating
SAVE $599 90%
NOW
MODEL: KTI63094
*HONDA EU2000i stated specs
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*
CRAFTSMAN MODEL: CMMT12018
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*
151
HONDA EU2000i
$
*93871704 * 93871704
ITEM 62523
COMPARE TO
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*
K TOOL $ 42
YES
1,009
PRICE
$499
*93875197 * 93875197
$5999
SAVE $559
$449
99 $499 99
3
NOW
SAVE $284
ITEM 64008/64011 shown
79
NOW
PREDATOR 2000
1600
YES
$27999
MODEL: SS-16-MB-E
RAPID PUMP® 1.5 TON LIGHTWEIGHT ALUMINUM FLOOR JACK • Weighs 33 lbs. 99 NOW $
COMPARE TO
$
CELESTRON
SAVE $
72 99 45%
MODEL: 14593491
49
99
ITEM 62774
$
12
NOW
COMPARE TO
KEEPER $ 80
99
22
$6
39
MODEL: 5505
ITEM 90984/63056/63057/63150/56668/63094 shown
*93878291 * 93878291
*93878566 * 93878566
*93880516 * 93880516
*93880742 * 93880742
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*
LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*
SUPER COUPON
80 PIECE ROTARY TOOL KIT
SAVE 69%
SUPER COUPON
8" HUNTING KNIFE 2 HP GAS POWERED EARTH AUGER WITH SURVIVAL KIT WITH 6" BIT • Drill speeds up to 320 RPM
$ NOW
Customer Rating
99
COMPARE TO
$6
22
31"
9
Customer Rating
161
ITEM 63471/44836/60237 shown
$
99
$6
WHETSTONE MODEL:25-87612
SAVE 53%
9
$ 99
ITEM 61501/61733/90714 shown
COMPARE TO
DEWALT
$
15499 NOW
199 SAVE $
MODEL: DCBL790B
69
ITEM 64716/64481/63284 shown
$12999
*93887223 * 93887223
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*
MAGNESIUM FIRE STARTER Customer Rating
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
18" WORKING PLATFORM 9 PIECE FULLY POLISHED WRENCH SETS STEP STOOL COMBINATION Customer Rating Customer Rating
99
MODEL: 4212
NOW
14 92
*93884586 * 93884586
10", 12 SPEED BENCHTOP DRILL PRESS Customer Rating ng NOW
97
$
COMPARE TO
*93884226 * 93884226
SUPER COUPON
SAVE $61
43998
ITEM 56257/63022 shown
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*
COMPARE TO
$
EARTHQUAKE MODEL: E43 AND EA6F
*93883931 * 93883931
99 13999 $
$1 7999
COMPARE TO
$ 99
ITEM 63235/63292/97626 shown
$
40V LITHIUM-ION BRUSHLESS BLOWER
21499 NOW
SAVE $259
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating
Customer Rating
$ 76 PROFESSIONAL WOODWORKER MODEL: 51832
WEN
61 dB 48 LBS.
32999 NOW
SUPER Customer Rating COUPON
$
2000
RUNNING WATTS
40 PIECE, 1/4" AND 3/8" DRIVE SAE AND METRIC Customer Rating SOCKET SET
*93875063 * 93875063
SAVE $91
3.4 HOURS
MAX. STARTING WATTS
1600
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
72" x 80" 10 GUN ELECTRONIC MOVING SAFE BLANKET SECURITY • CA DOJ compliant
own
ng
$ GO GREEN POWER
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*
9
V T E
COMPARE TO
*93870628 * 93870628
SAVE 70%
RUN-TIME
2000
1.2 GAL
$4
SAVE $155
99
4.7 HOURS
99
14999
MODEL: DOUBLE RIFLE
BLUE HAWK $ 99
BEATS HONDA* 2000 WATT SUPER QUIET INVERTER GENERATOR
NOW
99
$1 1 4
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating
Customer Rating
NOW
d y.
43 IN
250 LUMEN POP-UP LANTERN
Customer Rating
PROTECTIVE RIFLE CASE
*Cannot : Inside 3 day hests or Cobra, , Lynxx, chases. 5/3/20.
ON
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
WEATHERPROOF MODEL 9800
• 350 lb. capacity
NOW COMPARE TO
COGHLAN'S $ 99
9
MODEL: 7870
99¢
SAVE 90%
2
$ 49
ITEM 69457/63733/66560 shown
*93888042 * 93888042
*93889155 * 93889155
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*
NOW
39
COMPARE TO $ 99 NEOCRAFT MODEL: 60635
ITEM 62515/66911 shown
$1 999
SAVE 50% $2999
*93889163 * 93889163 LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*
Item 42305 shown
YOUR CHOICE
$5 99
$ 99 SAVE 66%
7
COMPARE TO
HUSKY
$
17 97
MODEL: HCW10PCSAE
TYPE ITEM SAE 69043/63282/42304 METRIC 69044/63171/42305
*93889182 * 93889182 LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*
At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was 1,000+ Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com advertised for sale at or • above the “Compare to” price by another national Iretailer in the U.S. 2020 within the past I 90NATIONAL days. Prices advertised by 19 others COASTALANGLERMAG.COM THEANGLERMAG.COM MARCH *Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 5/3/20. may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.
2/6/20 4:01 PM
WAHOO “COWBELLS’’ & ‘’SNAGGER’’ DOLPHIN LURES
44
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WINS
$79.95 ea. or 3-pak for $199
TROLLS 6-10 OR UP TO 20 KNOTS — NO WEIGHTS NEEDED
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I
t’s official! After years of drastically curtailed federal seasons and bag limits, NOAA fisheries voted in February to implement state management for private anglers fishing for red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. Under an exempted fishing permit (EFP), the five Gulf Coast states—Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas— managed the private recreational Photo courtesy of Capt. Chester Reese, red snapper fishery in the Gulf Natural World Charters. of Mexico for the 2018 and 2019 fishing seasons and saw remarkable success. The EFP was the result of a multi-year effort to give the states control after the status quo federal management approach reduced the Gulf red snapper season to an astounding three days for private anglers in federal waters. “State management of Gulf red snapper has been a game-changer for anglers,” said Kellie Ralston, with the American Sportfishing Association. “Because of their targeted data collection and their ability to quickly respond to what’s going on inseason, each of the Gulf states has been able to provide substantial red snapper seasons for the private recreational sector. None of this would have been possible without the leadership of the states, the Secretary of Commerce and our Congressional champions. Making this management a long-term reality through the formal approval of Amendment 50 ensures this great success story will continue for years to come.” At the Gulf Council meeting in January, each state gave a report on their data collection program and emphasized their ability to incorporate local factors to ground-truth the harvest data and to nimbly adjust the season. This state-level approach provides far greater flexibility in fishery management versus the federal one-size-fits-all, static regulations. Anglers trust the state systems because they are responsive and the regulations match the conditions seen on the water. With an independent analysis of red snapper populations set to be released in the next few months, anglers are hopeful for continued gains in the management of the Gulf red snapper fishery.
20
NATIONAL
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MARCH 2020
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
Return Of A
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SeaCatBoats.com
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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MARCH 2020
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21
Defender
®
THE BRANDS YOU WANT AND TRUST IN STOCK
24th Annual Warehouse Sale H March 26-29, 2020 Save at defender.com, by phone or in our CT facility!
High Performance 3D Sonar
• Easily identify structure and locate fish with the lifelike clarity of RealVision 3D sonar. • RealVision 3D™ sonar with GPS Track feature uses precision GPS to construct the most accurate 3D model of the underwater world, in real-time.
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• Knowledgeable & Experienced Sales Staff • • Same Day Shipping on Most Orders • 22
NATIONAL
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MARCH 2020
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
SZ Q
™
WINTER SALES EVENT SIX YEARS OF PROTECTION 3 Years Limited Warranty + 3 Years Extended Protection, No extra charge.
INSTANT SAVINGS
IN
SAVSTAN IN T GS S
SE AVE LE CT RIG SU HT ZU KI NOW OU TB ON OA RD S
REPOWER FINANCE
Instant Savings on select models when you buy a new Suzuki Outboard. See your dealer for details.
REPOWER FINANCE Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards on approved credit.* [60 Months]
To learn more, visit www.suzukimarine.com. Gimme Six Extended Protection promotion applies to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 01/01/20 and 03/31/20 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings applies to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 01/01/20 and 03/31/20. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Instant Savings must be applied against the agreed-upon selling price of the outboard motor and reflected in the bill of sale. There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on creditworthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 01/01/20 and 03/31/20. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2020 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
SZ Q1 Promo 1PG CSTL ANGLR 11-23-19.indd 1
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MARCH 2020
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11/23/19 4:10 PM
24
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
Flip Flip Hooray! A perfect symbol of fun in the sun for only $79
H
ere’s a memorable beach moment: You’re basking in the warm sun, toes in the sand, letting the gentle turn of the foam-capped waves lull you into a state of complete relaxation. As your eyes scan the endless horizon of blue on blue, you’re rewarded with a school of dolphins making their way across the sea. 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 intelligent creatures in their natural habitat. Why not recreate that special toes-in-the-sand moment with our Blue Topaz Dolphin Pendant? The beloved sea mammal has been captured mid-jump in sterling silver. And, tucked into its fins is a full two carats of shimmering blue topaz. Nothing captures the shimmering color of the ocean in the midday sun like blue topaz. With its sparkling clear blue color and high refractive index, blue topaz is one of the top-selling blue gemstones. And with our special price, you have quite the catch. Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Enjoy the Blue Topaz Dolphin Pendant for 30 days. If it doesn’t pass the test swimmingly, send it back for a full refund of the item price.
A full two carats of shimmering blue topaz set in sterling silver
Limited Reserves. A full two carats of genuine blue topaz set in sterling silver for this price is as rare as a dolphin sighting. We cannot guarantee availability for long. Call today!
Limited to the first 1900 responders to this ad only! To show exquisite details, pendant shown is not exact size. Chain sold separately.
“Enormously popular, significantly intelligent and scientifically sophisticated, dolphins are amidst the most beloved animals among people.” — Dolphins-World
Blue Topaz Dolphin Pendant non-offer code price $395 † Offer Code Price Only $79 + S&P Save $316!
êêêêê
You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.
“This sterling silver dolphin is absolutely beautiful and the blue topaz is like the color of the ocean”
— Vivian, Cabool, MO
† Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.
Stauer
1-800-333-2045
Your Insider Offer Code: DPP272-01 Please use this code when you order to receive your discount.
® 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. DPP272-01, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337
www.stauer.com
Rating of A+
• 2 ctw blue topaz; ½ ctw Ultimate Diamond Alternative®, DiamondAura® • .925 sterling silver setting • Sterling silver chain sold separately
Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®
You own a boat because you love spending time on the water. Choose the outboard that allows you to make the most of it. Honda’s legendary reliability, durability, ease-of-maintenance, and powerful performance keep you going strong.
GET UP TO 700 OFF SELECT OUTBOARDS! $ JANUARY 2, 2020-MARCH 31, 2020, ONLY AT PARTICIPATING DEALERS
*
*At participating dealers only. Qualifying retail customers may receive instant savings off the selling price of a Honda powered boat package or Honda Marine engine(s) sold for repower. This promotion is limited to new Honda Marine 40 HP through 250 HP outboard engines, 2014 and newer models, sold and delivered between January 2, 2020 and March 31, 2020 and registered by the Dealer in accordance with American Honda Motor Co., Inc.’s sales registration requirements. Only Honda Marine outboard engines sold for personal use qualify for this promotion. Fleet, commercial & government sales are ineligible. Engines sold under special pricing / promotions including (but not limited to) demo and tournament fisherman engines are also excluded. Honda Marine reserves the right to modify, amend, cancel or revoke, in whole or in part, this promotion at any time without prior notice. © 2020 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Always wear a personal flotation device while boating and read your owner’s manual. All Honda outboards meet EPA and CARB emission levels.
HondaMarine_TheAngler_2020_700Off_8.125x10.875.indd 1
1/17/20 9:01 AM