Coastal Angler Magazine | July 2023 | Volusia County Edition

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FISHING DEEP DROPS AS

By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

Sfrequent, and the pelagics are plentiful. is time of year, you can usually point your boat o shore and eventually run into the mecca. However, these sought-a er pelagic species are moving around through their migrations and nding them isn’t always guaranteed. Sometimes you just get unlucky running and gunning all day, on the hunt for birds, debris and weed lines. Whether you are out there with no signs of life or just can’t seem to get away from schools of undersized sh, it’s a good idea to have a backup plan to save the day and make the fuel bill worth it.

Having a deep-drop rig ready to go can save a day of o shore shing. Sword shing can be an epic day saver, but it takes quite a bit of time, gear and involvement to have a good chance. ere are a lot of opportunities for shing the bottom between the reef and the sword grounds.

With a set-up that can handle shing between 500 and 1,000 feet, you will have what you need to quickly pepper in some drops during your day, without spending too much time setting it up and packing it away. ere are a variety of edible aliens that can be targeted, or even snagged as bycatch, when shing in the deep, but pretty much all

onboard, in case you get hung on the bottom, or adjustments need to be made due to the current. Having the right weight is important, and it is pretty easy to tell a er a drop if you have put on too much or too little. I would recommend having 6-, 8- and 10-pound weights to make your adjustments with. ese leads can be extremely pricey, so look into some DIY methods if this is something you plan to get into.

Depending on what you want to target, there are a few variations you will want for your rigs. Utilizing 300-pound mono and sleeve swivels, space out up to ve hooks along the leader, making the drop-down leaders short enough that they won’t tangle with each other. Play around with di erent size hooks and spacing between them. If you aren’t sure what might be living on a newfound bottom spot, drop a rig with varied hook sizes, having the biggest on the bottom. It is also a good idea to a x a 6-inch, 50-pound breakaway leader to the lead to save the rest of your gear when you inevitably get hung up.

Searching for new bottom spots can be one of the most exciting parts about this type of shing. You might see ledges full of life on your machine, or you might see nothing at all, and still nd sh.

You can even look for changes in the waves on the surface that indicate depth uctuations on the bottom. Mark your spots whenever you get a bite, and start your own collection of o shore honey holes.

Sweet E’nuf Charters’ two-boat eet specializes in deep-dropping out of Marathon, Florida Keys. Call them at (504) 920-6342 to book your trip this summer. Follow Capt. Quinlyn on social media @captainquinlyn.

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THREE DESTINATIONS FOR

For many anglers, yellow n tuna settle right into the sweet-spot of the tuna shing world. ey’re bigger and stronger than black ns, while being far more approachable than giant blue ns. ey’re fast and strong, and they school up, sometimes crashing baits on the surface. ere’s so much to like about this tremendous game sh, and it doesn’t hurt that limits are relatively liberal in most places. Did we mention that yellow ns are made of the delicious meat known as ahi in sushi bars?

Here are three of the best destinations where you can test your strength against a few yellow ns. Win the battle, and you’ll eat like a king.

Venice, Louisiana:

One of the most consistent places in the world for catching yellow ns is out of Venice, e “Yellow n Capital of the World.” Tuna are a year-round possibility here in the Northern Gulf, where the Mississippi River produces rich currents and rip lines that roll out to hundreds of oil rigs and undersea mounts known as lumps.

Summertime brings better weather and calmer seas, when getting o shore more quickly and comfortably can reward anglers with mixed bags of mahi, wahoo, snapper and tuna in the 40 to 80-pound range. However, peak season for giant yellow ns is in winter, and triple-digit sh become the norm when the bite is hot. Fish heavier than 200 pounds are a de nite possibility.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico:

On Mexico’s Paci c Coast, where the landmass begins to curve east, Puerto Vallarta is positioned within range of some of the most proli c tuna grounds in the world. Outside of Banderas Bay, a series of islands and deep-sea banks draw in tuna like clockwork at certain times of year. ese are some of

By CAM Sta

yellow ns here, but shing is best from July through October, with a typical peak season of August and September. With runs of 36 to 125 miles to reach the shing grounds, anglers must commit to long days on the water or overnight trips. e rewards can be huge. A low-end average sh weighs 80 pounds out of Puerto Vallarta. Big ones weigh 350 pounds or more.

Outer Banks, North Carolina:

e Outer Banks get a lot of attention for giant blue n tuna that move through in the winter months, but yellow n tuna are around all year. With the Gulf Stream averaging 30 to 45 miles o shore and all the bottom structure on the Continental Shelf, large schools of yellow ns are frequently encountered along with many other pelagic favorites.

Unpredictable weather makes the deep winter months of January and February a crapshoot, which leaves October through December and March through June as prime time for catching yellow ns. ey run a little smaller here, with 25- to 65-pound sh being normal catches, but the action is usually fast once you nd them. Charters ll limits quickly, with doubles and triples coming tight when you troll through a school of them.

For more great destination shing, visit coastalanglermag.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPT. BLAKE RIGBY, TRIPLETAIL CHARTERS

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Muon but a Good Time!

By Astrid DeGruchy

There’s a wide variety of snapper species in the Florida Keys, including mangrove snappers, yellowtails and cuberas. However, the mutton snapper is a distinct and noteworthy member of this group. ey are a ton of fun to catch, delicious to eat, and they become easier to target in summer.

During the summer months, typically from May to September, mutton snappers spawn in large numbers, gathering in groups around reefs and wrecks to reproduce. Since these spawning aggregations are typically found in deeper waters, this makes conditions for ghting them more challenging and more fun. ese sh are renowned for their impressive power, strength and agility, so successfully reeling them up from deeper water requires good angling skills. Muttons make strong runs and sudden dives, so it’s important to have 20- to 30-pound test and a little heavier gear than you’d need for smaller mango or yellowtail snapper.

Landing a big deep-water mutton is a rewarding and exciting experience.

I caught my personal best mutton while shing with Capt. Brandon Storin, aka Capt. Bean. It was a 16.2-pounder on light tackle, and it was such a fun and challenging ght. Muttons will de nitely test your endurance. Even with heavier tackle, they will give you a ght to remember!

In fall and winter, muttons can also be caught in shallow waters, and this is also exceptionally fun. When conditions are right, a good inshore/backcountry guide can put you on a few of these skinny-water brawlers, along with the other species found in the backwaters of the Keys.

Mutton snapper make excellent table fare, but it’s important to remember that you should only keep what you plan to eat out of respect for the shery, especially when they aggregate to spawn. A fully grown mutton snapper could feed ve or six people, so keep that in mind when you’ve got a boat load of people throwing sh in the box.

If you want to experience and immerse yourself in the Mutton shery here in the Florida Keys, I recommend booking an o shore charter with Bud N’ Marys Marina.

Check out Capt. Bean’s inshore charters, visit

beansport shing.com.

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ICAST 2023 HITS ORLANDO JULY 11-14

Planet’s Largest Sportfshing Show is the Can’t Miss Industry Event

ICAST 2023, the planet’s largest sport shing trade show, will invade Orlando July 11-14, lling the giant exhibit halls of the Orange County Convention Center with more than 600 companies showcasing all the latest and greatest in shing from all over the world.

Produced by the American Sport shing Association (ASA), the 66th annual ICAST promises to be bigger and better than ever. It is the epicenter of the sport shing world, where each year the trends in shing tackle, apparel and accessories are launched and countless valuable business connections are made.

“ICAST is the cornerstone of the global sport shing industry,” said ASA President Glenn Hughes. “ICAST is where connections are made that create business opportunities for our industry. It’s also where most new products make their debut into the shing marketplace.”

Each year, this is the one can’t-miss event of the season for everyone in the outdoors industry. From shing guides to retailers, media and exhibitors of shing-related products and services, it’s a one stop shop, where your business might nd its next big money-maker.

Coastal Angler and e Angler will be at ICAST in force. Look for our logo-emblazoned team members perusing the aisles in search of

the next big thing. Stop and ask us about special ICAST free giveaways and deals on advertising.

If you’ve got a message to share, we’ve got the vehicles to spread your story to hundreds of thousands of shing enthusiasts.

At its heart, ICAST is about the New Product Showcase, where the coming year’s hottest new

gear is debuted for the industry. From a eld of hundreds of new tools, tackle, lures, electronics, apparel and more, the following pages contain some of our favorite industry innovators right now.

For more information, go to www.icast shing.org.

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COASTAL ANGLER VOLUSIA COUNTY

frAnChiSE OwnErS

Jamie & Deidra Thrappas

Contributing Writers :

Marco Pompano Freak on the Beach 386-212-4838

Capt. Jamie Thrappas Ponce Inlet and Backwaters

www.YellowDawgFishing.com

Capt. Michael Savedow 386-689-3781

www.EdgewaterRiverGuide.com

Cap. Evan Sanders www.SolFishing.com

Capt. Barry www.FishingGuideDaytonaBeach.com

Capt. Bryn Adams 1-800-525-3477

www.highlandparkfishcamp.com

Capt. Matt Graves www.LimitlessFishing.com

Kyndal Lynn @kyndal_lynn

Blake Abbey @blake_jay_abbey

Skye Burkhardt @BrassyAngler87

for advertising inquiries, Call Jamie at 386.366.3424 or email volusia@CoastalAnglerMagazine.com

Persistence pays. Every time I set up three or four poles I always put some bigger crab knuckles on a few hooks, just in case of a big permit, red fish, or black drum swims by. And, believe me they cannot resist it.

Permits are extremely difficult to catch, let alone bring in through the waves, over the sand bars. I’ve written about permits before. You must really try not to put too much drag on, because these babies pull like no other, and are very smart. They dig their faces into the sand bars, jump, and make high speed runs. Permits have the best vision of any fish and are super choosey. I’m told they have a nose for smell as good as my Irish wolfhound Ula, and better than any other fish. Permits are one of the three big game fish consisting of bone fish and tarpon with permit being the hardest to catch.

It is a West Atlantic fish, and anglers from across the planet come for this prize. So, when my pole bent over all the way, the fish started to Bamba immediately, and run like Jim Brown (RIP), I grab my rod before it was pulled into the sea, and had to race down the beach because he was swimming through all my lines.

I reached over the lines and it got free. Man, it was doing its thing, jumping, and that’s when I saw what it was. I settle down for a good fight, went down the beach at least a hundred yards. I’ll let it go, keeping the drag open, letting it tire itself out.

I managed to get it over the first sand bar into the trough, where it ran again. My good friend Tommy was there. He ran behind the fish and swore he would dive on it if it broke free. On the second sandbar, as it went up on the bar, I reeled it in, then he grabbed its tail and carried it to the beach, a beautiful 14-pound permit.

This all took about twenty minutes. Ya, mon!

Pompano also biting, not as many as before. Three or four a day with some big ones mixed in. The water is warming up quite a bit right now, so the fish will be swimming right through. They like it a little cooler, but the fishing’s been great as they swim by, going north.

So as Amino says, If you want to Bamba and chill with the big boys, make sure you have some very fresh bait: live sand fleas, live blue crabs, clams. and you are in.

We are going raw on these beautiful, super-fresh fish, permit and pompano, and made some sashimi with wasabi and soy. And, I’m not kidding - right on the fillet table! Ya, mon!

I’ve been reporting on the progress of the beach access ramps, in Wilbur By the Sea, and in Ponce Inlet, there are a few more open right now. Most are still closed, since the damage was more severe. The beach houses in the area are all being fitted with seawalls, coquina rocks, and sand, to save them from going the rest of the way into the ocean.

The sun is setting, the chilling has started, and Toots is singing ‘Country Roads’. Me and these fish are headed to the smoker.

Fishing Captain Directory

rEEL hArMOny

fiShinG ChArTErS

Capt Marty Goldys

Call for a 5 star Fishing Experience

Inshore • Snook • Redfish

Tarpon • Flounder

386-679-0317

www.reelharmonyfishing.com reelharmonyfishingcharters@gmail.com

nEw LEGACy fiShinG

ChArTErS

Capt Marshal Wallot

Nearshore and Inshore Fishing

Trophy Redfish & Black Drum

Tarpon • Snook & More

386-214-9595

www.newlegacyfishing.com marshalwallot007@gmail.com

nO PrESSurE ChArTErS

Capt austin pons

Offshore/Inshore Fishing Year round

Mahi • Sailfish • Grouper

386-566-0659

www.nopressurefishingcharters.com nopressurecharters@gmail.com

STriPPin LiPS fiShinG

ChArTErS

Capt dave Caruthers

Offshore and Nearshore

Fishing Trips Year Round

Wahoo • Snapper • Grouper

Tuna • Snook • Redfish

386-383-9881

www.strippinlipscharters.com dcaruthers50@gmail.com

COASTLinE ChArTErS

Capt kevin Gill

Ponce Inlet

Snook • Redfish

Flounder • Triple Tail

386-222-2805

www.fishponce.com

Instagram @fishponce

Facebook @Coastline Charters

POLE DAnCEr

fiShin’ ChArTErS

Capt Jeff patterson

Inshore & Nearshore Fishing

Daytona Beach

Redfish • Snook • Triple Tail • Trout

386-451-4992

www.smallboatbigfish.com

captainpatterson@yahoo.com

KnOT rACinG ChArTErS

Capt MiChael ChapMan

Offshore & Near Shore Charters

Grouper • Snapper • Triggerfish

Flounder • Redfish

386-576-6889

www.knotracing.com

Knotracingcharters@gmail.com

CAuGhT uP fiShinG ChArTErS

Capt Bruno iMBrunone

Inshore and Offshore Fishing New Smyrna Beach

Snook • Redfish • Tarpon • Cobia

Snapper • Flounder

386-689-7409

www.caughtupfishingcharters.com caughtupfishingcharters@yahoo.com

rEEf wrECKE

Capt John “JJ”

Offshore and Near Shore Fishing

Charters “ Year Round”

Snapper • Grouper • Shark Trips

Redfish • Snook • Cobia

386-402-3957

www.reefwrecker.com

johnjellis1996@gmail.com

DrifTwOOD

Capt Jarrod

Inshore/Nearshore/Offshore

Seasonal Wahoo, Swordfish, Tuna, Deepdrop trips

386-295-7908

Capttutt@gmail.com

www.Gofishponce.com

Dr.Wagner

CaptainKiDS

Captain & The Kids found themselves in the river and back waters of new Smyrna Beach this past month with two best friends looking to catch their first ever saltwater fish. Best friends Brooklynn and Jaedynn had one thing on their mind, and it was to catch their first ever saltwater fish!

After the girls loaded up the boat, Capt. Evan had his 22ft bay boat pointed to his favorite inshore spot that normally has flounder, redfish, snook, mangrove snapper and much more! Once arrived to the first spot of the day, Capt. Evan taught both Brooklynn and Jaedynn how to cast and then it was go time! Brooklynn casted out her first bait and within a few minutes she was hooked up! After a quick fight, Brooklynn reeled in a nice flounder to break the ice. Right after that, Jaedynn hooked up on her first fish of the day which was a nice mangrove snapper. Both girls took turns catching a variety of fish and enjoying every second of it. After lots of fun fishing, these two best friends wanted to cruise and head to the sandbar to finish off their Youth Angler trip. Both had a blast spotting dolphins and manatees while on the way to the sandbar!

The Youth Angler Program is made possible by all our retailers who stock Sol Fishing’s gear such as our Hats, T-Shirts, Decals, and many more products. Stop by Outriggers, new Smyrna Beach Outfitters, Yellow Dawg Bait & Tackle, Donald’s Bait & Tackle, 38 Live Bait & Tackle, E & J Bait & Tackle, , Shades of new Smyrna Beach, Boaters Exchange, and many other locations to get your Sol Fishing gear to help support the Youth Angler Program! Sol Fishing’s amazing sponsors such as Sportsman Boats, Fitzgerald Rods, Seadek Marine, Daiichii Hooks, and Castaway Customs also play a huge roll in the program!

TOMOKA FORECAST

July is a great time for top water action. Early light at around 5:30 a.m., begin the day by throwing surface baits with (walk the dog action).  The snook, reds, trout, and tarpon are all available at that time.  As the day progresses to mid-afternoon, I throw jigs and slower baits, as the heat of the day tends to slow fish down.  In the period between mid-morning to early afternoon, pay attention to the deeper water especially with ledges and structure.  Fish have a tendency to stage in this area and many times it can develop into some great action.  As the evening approaches the sun begins to fade; this is when top water baits become a good choice again as the fish get active. Another bait that I really rely on is Yo-Zuri 3D inshore surface minnow for shallow water.  This lure can be worked on the surface to 6 inches below the water.

Do not ignore night fishing this time of the year.  Fish the lighted docks for trout, snook, and tarpon.  The bait fish are attracted to the light and naturally the game fish follow.  Keep cool!

apt. Barry EnglEhardt Fish With Captain Barry fishwithcaptainbarry.com

(386) 871-8500

EDGEWATER BACKCOUNTRY FORECAST

The hottest time of year has arrived the “Dog Days of Summer”, July and August. This has a big influence on fishing in Edgewater Backcountry and Mosquito Lagoon. Most people will fish early morning, late afternoon, or at night. Start your morning fishing trips as early as possible to take advantage of the sunrise feeding pattern. Cloudy water is the usual for the summer months, use baits a fish can find. Smell, sound, and vibrations in the water are key. Smell can be achieved with bait such as shrimp, cut bait, or scented soft plastics like gulp. Sound made by top water lures with rattles or poppers, and baitfish like croakers and pigfish, vibrations from live finger mullet, mud minnows, and lures like spoons. One of the best live baits right now are the tiny “mini mullet” which are widespread in the backcountry, lagoon, and ICW during early summer. They hatched here locally in early spring, now just big enough to stay put in a cast net. They are usually hugging close to sandbars and shorelines. Fish them free lined and tail hooked in shallow water, or lip hooked with a small weight on the bottom of deeper holes and channels during summer heat. The small mullet are also great summer flats bait, freeline near shallow flats edges, oyster and shell bars. Another option to fight the heat is to fish shade, some fish do take advantage of manmade structures during middle day sunshine. Under bridges, docks, and boats, plenty to pick from, there are uncountable docks and moored boats in

coastal Volusia County.

Main rule on these is to pick older structures and moorings, old dock pilings are covered with barnacles and plant growth in turn attracting bait fish, seldom used docks also a plus to hold better game fish. Docks with larger boats in residence usually have a deep hole to accommodate the boat. Fish sinking lures, shrimp, and live bait I recommend to fish close to and under the docks. You will have to deal with snags around the structures, but comes with the territory. Long time moored or docked boats are great FAD’s (Fish

Attracting Device), structured oriented fish will be caught in close and under, including Mangrove Snapper, Redfish, Snook, and Trout. Open water game fish like Jacks and Ladyfish can be close by attracted by the shady spot and baitfish. Many docks also have a bonus of nearby old standing pilings, oyster bars, grass beds, and channel drop offs. One of the best choices for summer night fishing are dock lights and bridges. Schools of bait fish and sometime shrimp are attracted to the light and structure which in turn bring in the trout, snook, redfish, jacks, ladyfish, and snapper to name a few. Match the hatch of which type of bait you are seeing, use a small size lure, swim bait, jig, twitch bait, or soft plastic shrimp for most species. For the most strikes, a free lined live shrimp can be the go to bait. Anchor just up tide and a cast out from the light, throw your bait up current from the circle of light on the water and allow it to “swim” naturally through the target area. Outgoing tide can be best, but a moving tide in either direction is a must for a good bite.

Jim with a good Edgewater Backcountry Black Drum

Summer is a great time of year! Everyone finds their way outdoors; grills get fired up and vacations are in full swing. With travel on my mind, I thought to myself, “What could be better than a quick trip across the state to see my friend, Captain Chris Williamson, for a little catch and cook action?” After a quick phone call, I hopped in my car and headed northwest towards Apalachicola Bay until I landed at Williamson Outfitters Lodge. With catch and cook being the theme of my trip, we decided to go after two species of fish in two very different ways.

The first fish we targeted was flounder. The method was gigging and the conditions were perfect. We hit the water on a night with a new moon and timed a falling tide perfectly. now I k now I am southern, but I had never jumped on a boat at night with a gig in my hand to catch dinner! The method was explained to me, and it was time to get to work. I hopped up on the platform and started my hunt. I spotted my first flounder on the flats and waited for the perfect moment to strike. Surprisingly enough, I got it on my first try! We filled up the ice box into the wee hours of the morning while singing our own renditions of our favorite karaoke songs. When the tide turned, the fish moved out and we headed in to get a moment of sleep before going after our next species.

As Elf said when asked how he slept, I too could have responded, “great! I got a full 40 minutes!” That is exactly how I felt, because no sooner than my head hit the pillow from gigging, my alarm was loudly telling me to “get up and go catch some tripletail!” Captain Chris has tripletail in Apalachicola Bay down to a science. He zipped around the bay checking

Meet the Captain

reef WreCker fIShINg ChArTerS

Capt. john ellis

Captain John Ellis is a fourth-generation charter captain out of Daytona Beach, Florida and the surrounding areas. With a long line of knowledge and a knack for finding fish, Captain John will make sure you have the time of your life! growing up in the charter industry, he has the hospitality and skills to ensure everyone on our vessel are comfortable and having a great time!

Reef Wrecker fishing charters offers both inshore and offshore fishing trips. Targeting inshore species such as redfish, tarpon, snook, and flounder. We also target offshore species such as grouper, snapper, amber jack, trigger fish, mahi, and wahoo.

BAY

all his spots and once he spotted the prize, it was game on. Tripletail hangout under buoys and floating mats, so my aim was essential. I maneuvered the bait as close to the target as possible and when I got everything right, dinner was on my line. Many tripletails were caught, but only the best made it into the icebox. I have fished with Williamson Outfitters multiple times and have never walked away without being able to fly the trophy 25+ inch tripletail flag on the way in.

With a cooler full of flounder at the lodge and a limit of tripletail in the icebox, I was ready for the cooking portion of this trip! Since flounder is a mild white fish, I baked it with a parmesan breadcrumb crust. Tripletail is more dense than flounder and I find it to be mildly sweet. With the texture and flavor of tripletail already being one of my favorites, I kept it simple and pan roasted the tripletail in a lemon garlic butter sauce. Cooking up these catches while surrounded by friends is what summer is about! g et out there and make some memories. Until next time, tight lines!

pONCE iNlET &

uly is a hot month all around for fishing and the weather! On the inshore bite, getting out early is going to be the key ... as the day goes on the bite will certainly slack off. Morning bites in the backcountry are some of the most aggressive and awesome ways of catching a fish. I like using Mirrolure Top dog surface walkers, they swim incredibly with a lot of movement and if you pass one by a snook or a redfish at first light it’s almost a certain hook up. Once the first light has passed, I will switch over to live or cut bait or use a paddle tail. On charters a lot of times I will use a soft plastic to identify where fish are laying or staging up to feed and then I switch to bait to get more hook up’s for novice clients. However, using soft plastics in the mid to late morning as your main lure will produce a lot of fish. We recently started carrying the nLBn (no Live Bait needed) brand of soft plastics at our shop Yellow Dawg Bait & Tackle in Ormond and they have been a great edition and work great. They have a twist lock Jig head system that keeps your paddle tail in place after a strike or hook up, I highly recommend you try them out! I also love targeting mangrove snapper in the river each July. It is an easy fish to catch almost any dock, bridge, or really any type of structure will hold them. While keeper fish will be all up and down the ICW I do tend to catch my largest fish closer to the inlets. Medium to small size shrimp

Jtend to work best, I have caught fish as big as 18 “ in the river and I even will get a couple of Cubera snapper each summer targeting mangroves. They are amazing table fare! Offshore we will target king fish close to the beach in the morning and then follow shrimp boats for tarpon as the morning goes on. Close reefs will hold a bunch of nice flounder in July, if you can get mud minnows or small pinfish that will be the best bait, if not live shrimp will also get the job done. Lastly offshore we will continue to troll for Mahi on days we can get out to the gulf stream and focus on weedlines, rips, floating debris, and temperature breaks. On days we can’t get all the way out we will be bottom fishing for mangroves, triggerfish, and amberjack. We will also be partaking in this year’s 2-day Red Snapper season, if you are fishing it, please get prepared early as bait will become hard to find.  Julys is a great month to fish so get out there! As always if you see us on the water say hello!

NSB Outfitters specializes in offshore bait and tackle, as well as inshore, flats, and fly fishing gear, with extensive options in apparel and accessories. New Smyrna Outfitters has the knowledge and experience to guide through whatever type of fishing you’re looking to do.

KAYAKiNG FORECAST

another bite, Jeff switched the group over to 1/4 oz. weights, put our baits on the bottom, and it was almost instantly gameon. Sometimes small adjustments make a world of difference, especially in the summer months.

When the water gets hot, I find that trout have a tendency to stay in the lower water column. With direct sunlight overhead, it’s rare to get a top water bite or to even get fish to come to the surface after 9am.

When the group got our live shrimp on the bottom, everyone was hooking up consistently for almost an hour. We had a variety pack of Jack Crevelle, Mangrove Snapper, Catfish, Trout, and Red Drum. The bite slowed down a little bit after an hour of waxing them, but still managed a few bites here and there. We had an epic day catching multiple species and enjoying a great paddle.

Recently I had the opportunity to fish with a family from Minnesota and Jeff, a local fishing guide with Yellowdog Bait and Tackle. We started out our morning launching at 35 High Bridge Rd Ormond Beach, FL  32136. There is a newly renovated boat launch area as well as a sandy beach to launch a kayak or SUP. We started off by heading south east down Smith Creek from the launch area to a fairly well-known area called the “Toilet Bowls”. We saw a few dolphins right off the rip as well as a small group of manatees before we even wet a line. Since we were with a large group of people, we parked our kayaks on a large hard sand island to begin our day fishing. We started out floating shrimp on a popping cork. Our first bite was a little short of legal spotted trout. It was a first for our Minnesota visitor who was excited to hold and see a new species that our local waters have to offer. Jeff was quick with the net and I was able to snap a photo for them to get the day started right. After fishing for about 15 minutes without

With A Menu seafood ,

I recommend getting out as early as possible in these summer months. When the skinny water starts boiling, the fishing has a tendency to slow down. The morning and evening bite has been fire for me so far this summer and I’ve had my best bites on the outgoing tide. I’ve also been the most productive with live bait in the summer months. I traditionally stick to using light tackle in the backwaters and try to keep my bait moving with the tide to get the bites I’m looking for.

If you are looking to get out and enjoy a day on the water and catch some fish, give Yellow Dog Bait and Tackle a call at (386) 278-6208 and set up a fishing trip that will be one to remember. Always take a life jacket with you and be alert when paddling in the main channel.

Tight lines!

BlaKE aBBEy

Follow his social media: @blake_jay_abbey

The month of July is known for trophy largemouth bass, bluegill, warmouth and some of the hottest days of summer. With high temperatures it will be most productive to fish early mornings and late evenings. For live bait try fishing Lake Woodruff using wild River shiners. Place your bait against vegetation or open waters of spring fed creeks.

Artificial baits can also work, try top water lures in the early hours and when the water temperatures heat up head to the main river using a Carolina rig with a dark colored plastic worm. Black with blue tail is a proven bait. Since you are fishing a relatively clean bottom, it is not necessary to Texas rig the worm. You can leave the hook exposed for an easier hook up. Use a very sharp hook like a gamagatsu. Use a weight just large enough to resist the current that could sweep your line too quickly. When fishing the drop offs, you will usually anchor in 5 to 6 feet of water and cast out to the channel that will be 13 to 20 feet. Work the worm rig slowly up the slope. Many hits are very light, so keep positive pressure on your line even as you are reeling down. Drop off fishing is always a proven method during hot weather on the St. Johns.

For pan fish use crickets, worms and beetle spins against shoreline cover and tree tops. A few days before the full moon and new moon, check open water areas for fish to be bedding. At this time of the month you can target your fish, while they are feeding, preparing for the spawn. Always check with the fishing camp staff for an up to date report.

Billy and Glenn Stanley fishing the free catch and release pond at Highland Park Fish Camp in DeLand

Trout, Redfish, Flounder & Jack CrevaLle

Inaugural Fysh Inshore Slam Tournament

$200 registration fee through September 1st $250 registration fee after September 1st

For more information & to register visit 931coast.com

with Sky adventures

At some point in their lifetime, Snook will inhabit almost every type of inshore and nearshore habitat.  One day you may be sight casting Snook in clear water and another pulling Monster Snook from pilings under bridges in the night hours. You can spend a lifetime chasing Snook.

Snook have a unique profile with a long lateral line that starts from the gill plate and ends at the fork of their tail.

Their eyes are located at the top of their head which is great for ambushing bait from above.

The common Snook is everything BUT common! Throughout the tropical hemisphere there’s over 10 Species of Snook. The largest is on the East Coast reaching a length of 4 feet, these fish lives start in the inlets. Large female snook release up to 1 million eggs every time they spawn. This requires the female to feed, which is great for us Angler’s fishing the beach and inlets.  Snook or a non-migratory fish, A West Coast Snook may not leave their estuary but throughout the years will use the entire system from fresh water to salt water passes.

Along the way snook spend time in various places such as deep river channels, mangroves, shorelines, grassy flats, Oyster bars, passes, and inlets.

Reading the wateR

Knowing how to read the water is very important for successful fishing trip. When out in the flats looking for distinct color changes giving various water depths Drop offs and transition zones, these are places that hold fish.

Watching for signs such as strong currents wrapping around Structure during the last hour of the tide change, Pelicans, birds flying and diving in a grouped-up area is a good sign letting you know bait fish are present and other larger fish are most likely there. Finding oyster bars especially when it’s low tide where the wind is pushing up against the oysters is what we call an artificial current. This artificial current gives an ambush point pushing all the bait up. Simply learning how to read the waters will help you grow and be more knowledgeable to knowing where the fish are at!

Baits and LuRes

Everyone has their preference I’m a spinning reel Angler. I find when using a Spinning reel, it is best for casting in tight spots and getting the perfect pitch under bridges.

When targeting Snook top waters, suspenders, Diving spoons, plugs, and gigs will all work when presented properly. A basic paddle tail Jake is one of my favorite go toos and I believe everyone should have them in their tackle bag. There’s just something about a jig that snook can’t resist. Also, my nLBn are always rigged ready and waiting to hit the water.

Of course, depending on the size of your bait will determine the style and size hook you use. When fishing with Live bait typically I would use a 3/O – 4/O circle hook with jumbo shrimp and finger sized mullet. Knowing how to work your fish when reeling it in is key to a successful landing, it

really all is on the angler. Choosing a line, I tend to fish with lighter tackle with a 10/15 lb braid tied double uni or Fg knot to a 20lb leader. (Some like mono) I’m a fan of Suffix and power pro so my spool is rigged with either. Or due to a Snooks sharp gill plates and tough mouths I always change up my leader and use a foot long to keep my line fresh and free of nics when changing out baits or hooks while Snook fishing.

With long runs and frequent junks Snook are sure to make your heart beat a little faster, and no matter how many I catch mine always does. Every Snook I land is a trophy in my eyes because no matter the size big or small I put in the same hard work and time.  One thing I learned about when fishing for Snook, they love structure! Whether it is natural or manmade. Soft as mangroves or hard as wood pilings, if it disrupts the flow you are bound to see a Snook angler there. There are so many great reasons snook are a number one target for us anglers here in Florida. They really are a challenge and not an easy catch, which makes it so much more rewarding and fulfilling bring a Snook to your boat or shoreline.

Fun Facts about snook

• Throughout the tropical Western hemisphere there are over 10 different Snook species

• Snook have a lateral line that runs from the gill plate to the fork of their tail

• Snooks eyes are on top of their head making it easy to ambush their prey from above

• Man made or artificial Snook love structure

• Snook have razor sharp gill plates and sand paper mouths

• Snook begin their lives in passes and inlets

• Female snook lay up to one million eggs every time they spawn

SKyE BurKhardt Follow her social media: @Brassyangler87

OffShORE FORECAST

The long hot summer months are here and the Mahi trolling has come to a stop. You may pick off a Mahi here and there but it’s now that time of year to turn to the bottom. As expected, we only got a twoday red snapper season here on the east coast which is unfortunate.  Thankfully, grouper season opened on May 1st and will not close until December 31st. When fishing for grouper, one of the most important things to focus on is your bait. Having the best bait is key to a successful trip when targeting grouper. In my opinion, having a live well of 40 to 50 bigger croakers is the best option by far.

We all know that’s not always possible and pin fish is a close second.  At the end of the day most anglers don’t have the time to catch bait prior or bait shops don’t have croakers and pins everyday. good thing is most ledges and wrecks are covered with grunts. Throw on a heavier sabiki rig tipped with shrimp or squid and load up your live well. These will work just fine and won’t take you long at all to get plenty of bait for your trip.

capt. Matt graVES

Limitless Fishing Charters www.limitlessfishing.com 407-222-4408

GO GET THOSE

BAY SCALLOPS!

Scalloping is the perfect family fun activity. Kicking around in the shallows and picking up these delicious little morsels is like an underwater Easter egg hunt. Bay scallop season opens across most of Florida’s west coast this month, so grab your mask, fins and snorkel, load up the kids and hit the water.

SEASONS

Fenholloway through Suwannee Rivers Zone (including Keaton Beach, Steinhatchee): June 15-Labor Day. This region includes all state waters east of Rock Island near the mouth of the Fenholloway River in Taylor County and north of Alligator Pass day beacon #4 near the mouth of the Suwannee River in Levy County. This area has a lowered bag limit June 15-30. See bag limits for more.

St. Joseph Bay and Gulf County: Aug. 16-Sept. 24. This region

includes all state waters from the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County to the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County. The area marked with FWC buoys south of Black’s Island is a Bay Scallop Restoration Area and no scalloping or anchoring are allowed.

Franklin County through NW Taylor County (including Carrabelle, Lanark, St. Marks): July 1-Sept. 24. This region includes all state waters from the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County to Rock Island near the mouth of the Fenholloway River in Taylor County.

Levy, Citrus, Hernando Counties Zone (including Cedar Key, Crystal River, Homosassa): July 1-Sept. 24. This region includes all state waters south of Alligator Pass day beacon #4 near the mouth of the Suwannee River in Levy County and north of the Hernando – Pasco county line.

Pasco County: July 1-August 6. This region includes all state waters south of the Hernando – Pasco county line and north of the Anclote Key Lighthouse in northern Pinellas County, and includes all waters of the Anclote River.

BAG LIMITS

Daily vessel limits do not allow individuals to retain more than the perperson limit. There is no size limit on bay scallops.

Fenholloway through Suwannee River Zone:

• June 15-30: Daily bag limit per person is 1 gallon in-shell or 1 cup shucked. Daily vessel limit is 5 gallons in-shell or 2 pints shucked.

• July 1-Labor Day: Daily bag limit per person is 2 gallons in-shell or 1 pint shucked. Daily vessel limit is 10 gallons in-shell or ½ gallon shucked.

All Other Zones:

Daily bag limit per person is 2 gallons in-shell or 1 pint shucked. Daily vessel limit is 10 gallons in-shell or ½ gallon shucked.

OTHER INFO.

• Legal methods of harvest include by hand or with a landing or dip net. Recreational harvesters are required to have a Florida saltwater fishing license unless they are 1) exempt from needing a license or 2) have a no-cost shoreline fishing license and are wading from shore to collect scallops (feet do not leave bottom to swim, snorkel or SCUBA and harvesters do not use a vessel to reach or return from the harvest location).

• Direct transit of legally-harvested bay scallops is allowed through closed areas.

GET UNDER THE SARGASSUM TO THE FISH

Tim Barefoot

We are seeing a heavy line of sargassum right now. Here’s how to make the best of it.

Along with grass comes sh. We’re having a great dolphin year, with some nice yellow ns and wahoo in the mix. e grass is a wonderful thing if you know how to take advantage of it.

It’s a well-known fact that the surface trolling bite slows as the sun rises to the 10 to 11 a.m. position. is is the reason to get baits down where the sh are, rather than continuing to troll surface baits while the one “meat stick”—the deep planer rod—gets all the bites. Tuna and wahoo don’t wear Maui Jims. When the sun penetrates deeper into the water, they simply go lower in the water column.

And… who says you have to be moving at 6-8 knots to get bites? Why not slow down and put several lines down where the sh are? It can result in steady, sometimes multiple hook ups. ere are several ways to accomplish this. You can use downriggers with release clips, use heavier trolling lures that fall when you occasionally take the boat out of gear, or use planer lures coupled with a slower speed to get baits down.

For example, a beautiful swimming (frozen) squid or ballyhoo on the downrigger is a ringer for the wahoo and tuna bite. An arti cial squid with an attached natural bait on a planer jig head or a deepdiving plug will also get bites. In addition these choices, a spread of slow-trolled live baits down deep is the ultimate o ering. We have several videos detailing the options listed above on our website.

With all the sargassum grass this year, this may be an especially attractive alternative to the standard 7 knots. When you’re constantly “shaggin’ grass,” you’re not as e ective, and it’s not good for moral when

deck hands ght more grass than sh. If you slow troll down a nice weed line with beautiful baits down deep in the strike zone, chances of getting bites are much better than shaggin’ grass at normal speed. Find structure and bait near a weed line and you’ll have the scenario for success. With or without structure or marking bait, the weed line is home to all types of life. We’ve cleaned yellow n tuna with a double handful of le sh in their stomachs the size of a quarter and smaller, along with small bit of grass.

If the weeds are not too scattered, troll as normal to nd the sh. When the sun gets up, slow down and concentrate on the areas you had bites earlier. Remember that the weeds are moving, along with everything that lives and feeds around the mats. Keep an eye out for other items oating in the grass mats to help keep up with your relative location.

For more from Tim Barefoot, go to barefootcatsandtackle.com.

CATCHING PEANUTS In ye Wxds

By Emily Hanzlik

As I write this, the largest mass of sargassum ever recorded is making its way to the Florida coast. For months, forecasters have been bemoaning the mess this 5,000-mile-long weed patch will make on our beaches, but I’m looking forward to what it brings.

Prey species live in the seaweed, and predators congregate around these weed lines. ere are going to be many di erent species of sh moving in closer than we usually get. Many anglers will enjoy chasing the larger predators; however, it’s fun to catch what we call peanuts, which are the small er dolphin sh that school up around the weeds.

e most distinguishing feature of dolphin sh is the bright neon green, yellow and blue coloration throughout their entire body. Dolphin have a long slender body, and the peanuts are typically 2 to 3 feet, with weights from 5 to 15 pounds. Dolphin get much larger than this, but the big ones don’t exhibit the same schooling behavior.

An amazing feature about dolphin sh is their dorsal n, which starts at the skull and continues all the way to the tail. To determine gender, male dolphin will have a more pronounced forehead, which almost becomes vertical with a 90-degree angle. Unlike most species of sh, the males tend to be larger than the females and are known as “bulls.”

Dolphin inhabit subtropical and tropical waters throughout the entire world. ey live o shore in the 70- to 300-foot depths. eir spawning season runs from April until August, as long as the water is warm enough. Dolphin broadcast spawn in current to ensure a higher rate of fertilization. Once the young hatch, they take shelter in sargassum patches or oating debris, which also provides a source of food since other juvenile sh will be hiding there also.

Fish in the big schools hanging around sargassum patches will usually be on the smaller side. So, you’ll want to use smaller baits like pilchards or thread ns and free swim them around the weeds. You might see a school of dolphin swarming your bait and ghting over it. eir bright colors and darting movements make them easy to spot.

Another option is to use small bucktail jigs or even 3-inch swimbaits. You can grab their attention by working lures like injured bait sh, and this is a great way to lure them out from under the debris.

While shing these patches, a great way to target larger sh is to sink a larger bait below the school. Larger dolphin and wahoo o en feed on peanut dolphin. It is illegal to use peanut dolphin as bait, but you could use ballyhoo, blue runner or even large thread ns.

e IGFA all-tackle world record dolphin weighed 87 pounds. It was caught by Manuel Salazar in the Papagayo Gulf in 1976.

Emily Rose Hanzlik holds 62 IGFA world records in various categories. She hails from West Palm Beach, where she has a part time Bow n Guide Service as well as shing classes for Jr. Anglers. Find her on social media @emilyhanzlikoutdoors.

Re-Discover Old Florida Waterfront Charm

RED GROUPER TO CLOSE IN GULF FEDERAL WATERS

NOAA Fisheries has announced that a closure to recreational harvest of red grouper in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico will begin on July 21 and continue through the rest of 2023.

The

Perfect Vacation Getaway for Fishing, Boating & Outdoor Enthusiasts

e closure was spurred by landings information, which indicates the 2023 recreational annual catch target of 1,840,000 pounds gutted weight is projected to be met on July 20.

During the recreational closure, the bag and possession limit are zero for red grouper in or from federal waters of the Gulf. e prohibition on possession of Gulf red grouper also applies in Gulf state waters for a vessel issued a valid federal charter vessel/ headboat permit for Gulf reef sh.

If red grouper recreational landings exceed the annual catch limit (ACL) in a given year, the length of that following year’s recreational shing season will be reduced to ensure the recreational ACT is not exceeded in that following year.

For more information, visit www. sheries.noaa.gov.

Nestled on six lush tropical acres of pristine waterfront directly on the Indian River Lagoon, take a step back in time to experience the very best of Old Florida charm with modern conveniences and services to make your stay truly memorable and unforgettable.

• FULLY FURNISHED 3 ROOM COTTAGES WITH FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHENS

Kingfsh Lodge includes a wide screenTV and bar for small gatherings

Sailfsh House features a wide covered wrap-around porch for larger groups

• Boat Trailer Parking on site w/ Water and Power

• 250 Foot Dock w/ Covered Area

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• 2 miles to the Ft. Pierce Inlet

• 12 miles to the Gulf Stream

• Laundry, BBQ Grilles and FREE use of our Kayaks

3011 N. Indian River Dr., Ft. Pierce, FL 34946 www.indianriverlagoonwaterfrontcottages.com Reservations and Information: (772) 349-2206

PAVER SIDEWALKS THROUGHOUT!

CHIPOLA STOCKED WITH NATIVE SHOAL BASS

In 2018, when Hurricane Michael bowled over the Florida Panhandle, it decimated the shoal bass population in the Chipola River. e Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission estimates the population was depleted by 90 percent.

FWC is raising and stocking shoal bass to replenish stocks of this rare and native black bass. In May, 7,800 hatchery-raised shoal bass ngerlings were released into the river. is is the second consecutive year shoal bass were raised at the Blackwater Fisheries Research and Development Center near Holt, Fla. and then released into the Chipola River to enhance the wild population.

Shoal bass are one of four of Florida’s native black bass species, and this e ort marks the second time genetically pure shoal bass have been successfully raised at an FWC sh hatchery. Shoal bass are also a Florida Species of Greatest Conservation Need, which refers to native animals whose populations are of concern and are at risk or declining. e goal of raising and releasing these sh is to enhance the wild population to help maintain genetic purity and aid in the long-term conservation of this unique species of Florida black bass.

e Chipola River originates just north of Marianna, owing south for 95 miles through Jackson, Calhoun and Gulf counties where it joins the Apalachicola River. Currently, a catch-and-release-only regulation is in e ect for shoal bass on the Chipola River and its tributaries. Any shoal bass that are caught must be released alive immediately and possession is prohibited.

For more information, visit MyFWC/Freshwater.

25K LIONFISH REMOVED

During the 2023 Emerald Coast Open, 144 competing divers removed 24,699 invasive lion sh from the Gulf of Mexico. With support from Yamaha Rightwaters as well as many local, national and international conservation-minded organizations, the annual event set records for largest lion sh ( ve times) as well as the number of lion sh caught in both the pre-tournament and main tournament.

e mitigation of aquatic invasive species is one of the four pillars of the Yamaha Rightwaters mission,” said Martin Peters, Director, External A airs, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit. “ e Emerald Coast Open helps foster healthy marine environments in the Gulf while educating the public about the damage a large lion sh population can cause. Yamaha Rightwaters will continue to support this tournament and applauds the e ort to help the Gulf of Mexico thrive as a strong shery.” sh prey on more than 167 di erent native sh species and can reduce some reef sh populations by up to 90 percent. ey are capable of eating sh two-thirds their size, and one lion sh can consume roughly 20 sh in a half hour.

“Since its inception in 2019, the Emerald Coast Open helped remove more than 72,000 total lion sh from Gulf waters,” said Alex Fogg, Coastal Resource Manager, Destin – Fort Walton Beach and Emerald Coast Open Organizer. “ e tournament not only yields immediate results and improvement within our sheries, it also demonstrates that catching lion sh is fun – and they are tasty! We’re glad to have the support of Yamaha Rightwaters and look forward to developing our relationship as we begin to plan for the 2024 tournament.”

To learn more about the Emerald Coast Open, visit emeraldcoastopen.com.

MAKE THE MOST OF

ATLANTIC SNAPPER DATES

By CAM Sta

On the Gulf side, Florida anglers are looking at a pretty solid red snapper season this year, with summer dates from June 16 through July 31 and additional fall dates to pursue one of the South’s favorite game sh.

It’s a di erent story over on the East Coast. With the way the federal government has regulated snapper shing in the Atlantic over the years, anglers have come to count themselves lucky if there’s any Atlantic snapper season at all. is year’s allowance of two days—July 14-15— for recreational snapper harvest in the South Atlantic has anglers looking for ways to make the most of it.

From all reports, there are scads of red snapper out there. Catching the per-person limit of one sh should not be a problem. e key to a productive day that’s worth the gas is planning. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of the red snapper rally.

Load the Boat: With a limit of one sh per person, it’s time to load the boat with as many people as it will comfortably and safely hold so that you can ll the sh box with as many snapper as you are allowed. is is your two-day opportunity to ll the freezer with delicious sh. So, the more people you bring, the more sh you get to bring home. is is a great time to take kids. Kids love to sh, and they also take up less room in the boat.

Go With a Plan and a Backup Plan: For two days, it’ll seem like everyone with a boat is parked over every wreck and reef in the Atlantic. Get to the ramp early, and plan to be patient, because there will be a bunch of anglers with the same idea. Know where you hope to start the morning, but have several back-ups in case your honey hole doesn’t pan out. When you get there, if your graph doesn’t light up with life, don’t waste your time. Keep moving until you nd bait and sh.

Fish Big: With a one- sh limit, and no size limit, it pays to target the biggest sh down there. Fish live baits that are big enough to get past the smaller snapper down to 20-pounders. It wouldn’t hurt anyone’s feelings if a big grouper took the bait, either. is also limits the number of small sh you’ll give a case of barotrauma, which is a good thing.

Remember, use of a dehooking tool is required. ere is also a requirement for the use of non-stainless steel hooks. In waters North of 28-degrees N. latitude, the use of non-o set, non-stainless steel circle hooks is required when shing for snapper grouper species. A descending device is also required on board all vessels and must be readily available for use (attached to at least 16 ounces of weight and at least 60 feet of line).

For more tips, go to coastalanglermag.com.

CONNECT LINE TO LINE WITH THE DOUBLE UNI KNOT

With excellent strength for line-to-line connections, the double uni is a go-to knot for connecting main lines to leaders. It is a quick and easy knot to tie, unlike some of the other line-to-line knots, so it’s a great option for on-thewater applications. Furthermore, it is very good for connecting di erent line types and diameters securely, which makes it the best knot for mono-to-mono or mono-to- uoro connections.

It’s also a good option to secure braid to uoro, and while it might not have the strength of the FG knot for this application, the double uni is much easier to tie and will save you some headache in real-world situations.

A disadvantage to the double uni knot is it’s a little bulky. Although it is an inline knot that keeps everything running in the right direction, the bump it creates at the connection and the two tag ends pointing in either direction can interfere with casting performance. e knot can cause some friction going through the guides. e double uni, however, is perfect for rigs where your leader will remain outside your rod tip. It’s also the right choice when casting distance and accuracy are not primary concerns. In most real-world scenarios, it will not inhibit casting ability enough that you’ll even notice.

For more tips, tricks and knots, visit usangler.com.

FISHING CLUB WINS MUD HOLE CUSTOM ROD CLASS

By completing conservation projects, the Chambers High School shing team recently earned a private, in-person custom rod building class with Mud Hole Custom Tackle. ey were the winning team in FWC’s School Fishing Club Conservation Project Competition and completed six projects including cleaning up and building mono lament recycling bins for their local waterbodies to win the grand prize.

All student anglers participating in the FWC’s 2022-23 School Fishing Club Program were required to complete at least one conservation project to qualify for funding associated with the program. Prizes were o ered by Mud Hole, Toad sh and Pure Fishing to encourage teams to complete multiple conservation initiatives. e competition awarded points per club participation in a variety of conservation-minded activities aimed at reducing the impacts of plastic pollution.

“Congratulations to these young anglers for their dedication to conservation,” said Tom Graef, FWC’s Freshwater Fisheries director. “ ey are making a di erence by leading the way for the next generation of anglers with these creative conservation projects.”

Punta Gorda Middle School won the second-place prize, and A. Crawford Mosley High School won the third-place prize.

“Supporting youth education is so important to our mission at Mud Hole Custom Tackle,” said Anthony Youmans, Mud Hole’s Education Program Director. “We’re honored to contribute the grand prize in this year’s competition and are always supportive of FWC’s e orts to lead conservation projects here in Florida, our home state.”

Mud Hole Custom Tackle, based in Oviedo, is the world’s largest supplier of rod building and tackle cra ing goods and instruction. From rod building

and repairing, to y tying and lure building, Mud Hole is the leading e-retailer and mail order supplier to hobbyists, small manufacturers and large OEMs, worldwide. O ering a superior shopping experience at mudhole.com, rapid ful llment, stellar customer service, and world class online content and instruction, Mud Hole Custom Tackle is the trusted source for the rod building and tackle cra ing community.

FWC’s School Fishing Club Program welcomed 38 new and 14 returning student angling clubs in Florida to the program last year, supported by the Division of Marine Fisheries Management, the Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management, and the Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network. e clubs committed to complete the provided FWC curriculum and at least one conservation project. Club mentors provided support and hands-on training in knot tying and shing gear assembly, as well as assistance with the clubs’ local events to increase student anglers’ con dence in the sport of shing. Information about the 2023-24 School Fishing Club Program will be announced later this summer.

For more information, visit MyFWC.com/SFC.

CCA FLORIDA STAR:

THERE’S STILL TIME TO REGISTER AND WIN!

The 2023 CCA Florida STAR competition presented by Yamaha kicked o Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. Four STAR tagged red sh have already been recaptured, but what you won’t believe is that none of the anglers were CCA members and registered in the competition. ose four anglers missed out on their chance at some awesome boats and packages, and that means all the boats and packages are still available.

Registration for the summer-long competition is open until Sept. 4 and invites CCA members, non-members, anglers and non-anglers to take a shot at winning their share of prizes valued at more than $500,000 including boats, motors, electronics, tackle, scholarships and more. is event is about the shery winning, too. Participants become citizen biologists and citizen garbologists by submitting photos of their catch or garbage collected during the competition in the STAR app. In order to win, participants must take their entry photo on the 2023 CCA Florida STAR o cial measuring device, which can be picked up for free in any West Marine store or one of the many other STAR distribution locations throughout Florida. Find them listed on the STAR website.

“Every year we have lots of tagged red sh recaptured by unregistered anglers who are not members. We hope that this year, with more prizes, we will see more winners,” said CCA Florida STAR Director, Leiza Fitzgerald. “ e youth participation has been heartwarming, and to date STAR has awarded $800,000 in youth scholarships, plus in 2021 two youth anglers won a boat motor and trailer package that consisted of a 16-foot ski , 25hp Yamaha, Minn Kota Trolling motor and trailer. Every year there are over 100 winners In the STAR competition. Get registered and you could be one of them.”

e CCA Florida STAR competition presented by Yamaha has a division for everyone, from the non-angler to the experienced angler. It is comprised of 15 divisions targeting 12 inshore and o shore species, plus the Kick Plastic Trash Division presented by Papa’s Pilar which encourages cleanup of trash from Florida’s coastal waters. STAR’s signature Tagged Red sh Division o ers seven winners, ve adults and two youth, the choice of a Contender Boats 22 Sport, Path nder Boats 2200 TRS and a Carolina Ski 162 JLS. STAR has additional new Tagged Red sh sponsors with Dek Kat Boats o ering a 27 Flatz Kat and Sea Doo and Can-am o ering a fun package of a Trophy Fishing Sea Doo and the Can-am Defender. Each boat will be powered by a Yamaha, the competitions presenting sponsor. Be the rst winning tagged red sh angler for your choice of all these packages as your prize.

Once again in 2023, we have the ALTA SUPER STAR tagged red sh swimming in Florida waters. If it is recaptured, the winner will receive $50,000 cash! For the rst two youth anglers who win in this division, prizes include a tiller boat powered with Yamaha outboard, trailer, Minn Kota trolling motor and Humminbird electronics.

Each of Florida’s coastal counties have on average four tagged red sh for a total of over 160 prize-winning sh. e best opportunity to catch one of this year’s tagged red sh will be in Citrus and Charlotte Counties, STAR’s 2023 Destination Counties, which each have eight tagged red sh in their coastal waters.

For the o shore anglers, the Tigress Outriggers and Gear Tagged Dolphin Division o ers one winner a $10,000 cash prize. e rst STAR registrant and CCA Florida member who catches a tagged dolphin will win. Twenty tagged dolphin (Mahi Mahi) were released for STAR in the lower Florida Keys.

STAR is a family-friendly competition, and CCA Florida youth members (ages 6 to 17) can participate for free. Kids are encouraged to submit entries in the Youth Scholarship Division presented by Realtree Fishing for an opportunity to win one of 12 scholarships totaling $100,000. Other divisions include the Power Pole Conservation Division, Bona de Kayak Division and Ladies Division as well as the Yamaha Guides which allows guides to participate when they are not on a charter for hire. Since most division winners are determined by a random drawing, it is not about catching the biggest sh, any size sh can win. Remember, it is very simple really, every sh you catch between now and Monday, Labor Day o ers the CCA member who is registered in STAR the opportunity to win their share of $500,000 in prizes and scholarships. You can’t win If you are not registered.

STAR is also a tool to gather catch data, it creates awareness for conservation, our sponsors and CCA Florida. Launched in 2015, the competition has set the bar for other shing tournaments to follow by implementing conservation-friendly alternatives such a catch-photorelease format and a trash division. Florida STAR focuses on conservation with its technology-based, CPR format and dedicated smartphone app which promotes the proper handling of species and allows participants who are members of CCA and registered in the competition to upload photos of their catch or trash buckets in the STAR competition and be rewarded for their e orts. CCA Florida also provides access to the data collected to other conservation organizations and universities to help educate the public and for use in their studies on conservation, habitat and stock assessments.

You can still register for STAR 2023. You have all summer and all the boats and packages are still available. To receive additional information on divisions, prizes and more, visit cca star.com or Facebook.

YET ANOTHER... ORANGE LAKE GIANT!

Put Orange Lake on your bass- shing itinerary for next spring. is 12,550-acre lake in Alachua County southeast of Gainesville is a springtime conveyor belt of big bass.

From February through April this year, 19 Orange Lake largemouths heavier than 10 pounds were reported to TrophyCatch, FWC’s big-bass recognition program.

Bass heavier than 13-pounds are given “Hall of Fame” status by TrophyCatch. Five 13-pluspounders have been caught statewide this year. Four of them came from Orange Lake, and three of those were caught in February.

e most recent one we’ve heard of was a sh caught back on Feb. 7 that just popped up on the TrophyCatch Facebook

Kelly

a giant 13-pound, 3-ounce monster swimming a

Man… that sounds like a lot of fun.

For more information, visit www.trophycatch orida.com.

page.

Taunton scored

Senko through the pads.

Score From the Shore in Calm Conditions

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

The surf can be bountiful and as easy as shing can be when the seas are calm. On a recent trip to the Gulf of Mexico’s calm shores, I was certain I was going to catch them at will. To the naked eye, conditions were as good as it gets, but many fellow anglers fell short of their dreams on this beautiful day. Here are some modi cations I made on the y that allowed me to come out ahead of most others.

is day provided us with glass-calm seas, clear water and bait everywhere, but one key ingredient was missing, substantial tide. What most of us focused on, including myself, were the calm conditions. is is always the draw for trout shing on the beachfront in Texas, and it is seldom the norm.

I did research the tide, and it was an early high

heading out, which, once again, seems perfect. However, the slope on the graph was a slow outgoing tide, not one that was going to trigger many bites on its own. Once I realized this and watched others leave empty handed, I decided to search for places that would encourage the slow outgoing current to increase in velocity. I sought out guts in the bars perpendicular to the shore. ese same guts have the potential to cause dangerous riptides, and they can also be the best place to sh. You typically see these guts by studying the waves, but with no waves I had to use my polarized glasses. ankfully, the water clarity made this an easy task. I drove along the beach looking for these, and once I spotted them, I stood on the back of my truck to increase my elevation to identify the best ones.

I’d found my pattern. Now the catching could begin! Keep in mind, as slow as the tide was moving, it did not create a dangerous situation

(always be cautious of rip tides on the beach), but it did speed up the current enough to trigger a good bite. I thoroughly worked all edges of these guts, nding most bites on the back side where the tide pulled bait from the shallow gut to the deeper second gut.

When the tide is slow, I like to try and get a reaction strike by throwing something a little di erent or working my lure erratically. On this day, I was throwing a rattling so -plastic paddletail. I also picked one with a bright green tail to stand out from the millions of bait sh traveling the rst and second guts. All of these tactics combined allowed me to salvage a day when most le with empty stringers.

e beachfront can be a great place to sh, and it’s fun for the kids. My boys enjoy wading beside me, and when the shing is over it’s time to play at the beach!

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES®

Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures® and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

By Capt. Lukas Brickweg

Alaska shing season started o with a bang for anglers visiting Ketchikan, Alaska. Halibut shing charters produced great catches of halibut, paci c cod, lingcod and rock sh. Salmon shing trips resulted in big king salmon while we awaited the arrival of silver salmon and pink salmon.

Early season typically is more inconsistent than the deep summer months of July, August and September. With that being said, our guests enjoyed better than average shing to start o the 2023 Alaska shing summer.

Fishing tours for cruise ship guests and y-in anglers spent the majority of May bottom shing. ese sheries consist of shing near and o shore waters for halibut, cod and rock sh. Deep-water jigging for halibut had guests reeling in keeper-sized halibut as well as oversized halibut ranging from 10 pounds to 120 pounds. ere’s nothing quite like the thrill of hooking into these deep sea dwellers, and the delicious white meat holds up well when frozen and shipped back home to the lower 48.

Halibut weren’t the only species caught during our halibut shing charters. Paci c cod were a staple while bottom shing for halibut. Cod were concentrated in large numbers on the sandy ats eating a variety of bottom rigs. Traditional halibut shing rigs with glow-in-the-dark squid and cut herring caught the majority of Paci c cod. We also found great success jigging for cod with metal jigs and so plastic swimbaits.

Following up halibut shing with rock sh and lingcod jigging made for a combination catch that had everyone smiling. We do this in shallower water with light tackle. While catching pelagic rock sh such as yellowtails and duskies, we also caught big lingcod. With such a phenomenal bottom shing area, you’re never quite sure what will grab the end of the line. Giant lingcod make a trophy catch for anyone visiting Alaskan waters.

King salmon shing opened June 1. Everyone rejoiced at the opportunity to pursue this iconic sh. Big king salmon catches came in throughout the entire southeast Alaska region. Ketchikan is known as the salmon capital of the world, and it didn’t disappoint. Herring Cove and Mountain Point were the rst areas to open up. is resulted in large numbers of anglers trolling for prized king salmon. As we look forward for the entirety of the region to open, these were the rst areas where big catches came in.

Over the next couple months, the shing will continue to heat up! Halibut will continue to show up in larger numbers as the water temperatures increase. In addition, the salmon shing will see a big burst of silver salmon and pink salmon to combine with the larger king salmon. It’s all happening now!

For more information, visit www.ketchikan shingtrips.com or call (907) 617-4717.

Most of the time the saying is true, bigger baits equal bigger sh! Although elephants eat peanuts, a big bait pro le is something big sh sometimes can’t resist whether you’re shing the open ocean or the Great Lakes. I’ve spent a lot of time in the last couple years experimenting with lures that are larger than what my previous comfort zone was for bass. It is pretty special to see what gets curious to come look at or bite these big baits.

ere are many di erent types of swimbaits on the market, but I’ll break them down into two styles to keep it simple. ere are hard, gliding-style swimbaits with treble hooks and there are so -body swimbaits. Each has a time and a place, and both attract some very big sh.

Depending on where you are in the country and the size of the forage in your lake, a normal meal for a bass is usually much bigger than you would think. Bass have huge mouths to accommodate large prey items. A two- or three-pounder has no problem at all swallowing a 6- to 8-inch bluegill whole. I’ve seen 10-plus-pounders eat gizzard shad up to 14 inches long! Trying to exactly duplicate the larger bait sh in your lake with a natural presentation is the key to drawing attention to your arti cial lure.

With hard swimbaits, my rst choice is a shad imitation. Most of the places I sh are full

of shad, and shad seem to be a favorite food source for bass.

THROW BIG BAITS FOR BIG BASS TIPS FROM A PRO

Crappie are another forage species people sometimes forget about. Lately, when throwing big baits

over deeper water, I’ve caught some big sh with crappie down in their throats.

With so swimbaits, I usually go to a bluegill imitation. I like so baits because they are more weedless, and you can creep them through the grass or along the bottom in places where bluegills live.

Big swimbaits can get mighty expensive. If you are just getting started with them, I would suggest sticking with the more a ordable baits that get good reviews until you get your con dence up. en you can dive into some of the larger, more customized lures.

Learning to sh big baits is best done by getting on the water and doing it. Just get out there and experiment with retrieves until you nd out what works. Of course, throwing giant lures requires special equipment. I like 13 Fishing’s a ordable Defy for a rod. It’s an 8-foot swimbait rod that handles most big lures with ease. I pair this with a 300 sized reel, like the 13 Fishing Concept A3 and some 20- to 25-pound Seaguar Abrazx.

I hope this article sparks someone’s interest to get out there and throw a big bait. Once I stepped out of my comfort zone, I discovered it to be one of the coolest and most fun ways to target big bass all year long. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me on social media if you have questions about these tactics or any others.

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

TYLER WOOLCOTT

RECORD WELS

really realized that I hooked a monster. Adrenaline started pumping hard and the fear of losing it almost sent me into a panic. I was alone, facing the biggest cat sh I ever seen in 23 years.

Italy’s River Po has done it again.

Last week, MADCAT pro sta er Alessandro Biancardi caught a 9-foot-long wels cat sh that will likely replace the IGFA world length record for the species. e monster wels measured 285 centimeters (9 feet, 4.2 inches) in length and stands to beat out the existing record by just 4 centimeters, or about an inch and a half.

Biancardi is a veteran cat sh angler who has targeted wels for more than two decades. He landed his potential new record a er a more than 40-minute battle while shing solo in an aluminum

jonboat.

e giant sh ate a so -plastic paddletail shed on a jighead.

“In silence, I approached the rst spot and a er few casts a powerful bite arrived. e sh stood still some seconds before starting a very complicated ght, between strong currents and a lot of submerged obstacles,” Biancardi wrote in a blog post. “I calmly managed to ght what I felt to be a prehistoric sh. I followed it for 40 endless minutes. When it surfaced for the rst time, I

“I tried gloving its mouth two or three times, but it was still too strong,” he wrote. “I decided to go in shallow water trying to land it from shore, and a er few tries, I managed to land it! I tied the sh to let him recover from the long ght then I suddenly realized that the boat was not anchored, and it was going away in the current. I was forced to have a swim to recover it with all my stu .”

Biancardi then called some friends from a nearby sh camp to come help him get a good measurement on the beast. A er taking measurements, the sh was released. Without a weight, it will not be considered for the all-tackle world record, which stands at 297 pounds, 9 ounces for a sh caught from the Po back in 2010.

For more, go to https://madcat- shing.com.

ENTER TO WIN!

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IN SEARCH OF HAVASU’S WORLD RECORD REDEAR

By Gary Turner

The sun was just cresting the mountains and the moon was low in the west as Capt. Ron Ratlief, of Ron’s Fishing Guide Service, and I began shing for redear sun sh on Arizona’s Lake Havasu. is trip has been on my bucket list for years. I just never made the time, which is ridiculous considering Havasu is pretty much the Holy Land for bream shing.

Havasu is a large Colorado River reservoir on the Arizona/Colorado border. In recent years, the lake has produced a series of world-record redear sun sh, with the current mark standing at 6-pounds, 4-ounces. Havasu’s freakishly large redears are due to a plentiful food source of invasive mussels that have in ltrated the system. e lake also holds some enormous bluegills, which I came to nd out over two days shing with Ron and a third day with my buddy Zac Mickle.

You could feel it was going to be a hot one—over 100 degrees— as the cool morning air evaporated with the sun. A er all, Havasu is an oasis in the middle of a desert. We started the morning sight shing coves. Havasu’s water is as clear as the Keys, and I half expected to see bone sh swimming by. We searched several coves and saw lots of sh, including bluegills, carp, cat sh, giant gizzard shad, tilapia, green sun sh and small stripers, just

to name a few. We also found some redear sun our target species, but they were small, a pound or less, and we were looking for big ones!

We moved to plan B and headed to deeper water. Havasu has the most man-made attractors and brushpiles I’ve ever seen. might be a bunch in South Carolina’s Santee, but you would never see them. e crystal-clear water makes everything visible, and as the sun got higher, we could see even more. We saw structure clearly in 18 feet of water with large redears on it. I dropped a night crawler on a jig head down, and BAM! I had a good bite! We landed a nice redear heavier than two pounds and continued hitting deeper brush, where we saw some big ones and caught a thick 14-incher that was pushing 3 pounds. A er several other sh in the 1 to 1 ½-pound range, Ron suggested we move back to a cove for a few last casts before heading in.

In the cove, I got hammered by a good one, which upon landing was about the same size as the 2-pounder from earlier, but it looked more like a bluegill. I was thinking it might be a hybrid between the two species, which was later con rmed.

If you like bream, you need to check out Havasu. It is a beautiful lake in the desert with some giant redears and bluegills. I might not have

caught a world record this year, but I’ve already booked next year’s trip.

Check out Gary Turner’s shing adventures on his YouTube channel at youtube.com/ @FishingWithGary.

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ELEVATE YOUR CHUM!

By Capt. Judy Helmey

BLOTCHY BASS SYNDROME IS A VIRUS

Check out the crazy markings on this Pennsylvania bass!

Recently the American Fisheries Society Black Bass Conservation Committee (BBCC) posted photos of this striking, black-splotched largemouth bass on its Facebook page.

During the old days of chumming, lots of shermen used glitter in their chum, but we sure didn’t talk about it. Why? It was a serious sh-catching secret, and it works as well now as it ever did.

Of course, back then we hadn’t heard of microplastics. We didn’t equate those tiny ashy akes with pollution. Traditional glitter is made with aluminum and plastic, which is a really bad thing to be throwing in the water. ankfully, today there is biodegradable glitter made of plant cellulose. is more environmentally friendly product enables us to keep using our old tricks without doing harm to the ocean.

When you add biodegradable glitter to your chum, the oils coat

every single small piece of glitter. When it hits the water, each piece of glitter becomes sh attractant. As it slowly spreads through the water column, it catches sunlight and re ects it. e oil onboard each small piece of glitter leaves a trail that only a hungry smart sh would care to follow.

You might ask how do I know that glittering chum works? Well, when you start getting hits and landing sh, open the sh box and take a look. You know how glitter is. It gets everywhere and sticks to everything. Well, your sh box and the sh in it will be coated in glitter. Trust me.

Capt. Judy Helmey runs Miss Judy Charters o the Georgia coast. Check them out at missjudycharters.com.

e photos, by professional bass sherman Grae Buck, show his wife Jessica Buck holding a sh with melanosis. e post goes on to explain that this condition is when something a ects the pigment expression in the skin, turning it black. Termed blotchy bass syndrome, it has been found in black bass species in waterbodies across the United States with increasing frequency.

“While a truly melanistic sh would be all black, we more commonly see parts of the sh black, irregular blotches, spots, or ns,” the post reads. ese crazy colored sh show up from time to time, and previously it has been explained as a genetic mutation. In its explanation of this sh, however, BBCC pointed to research being conducted at the U.S.G.S. Eastern Ecological Science Center in West Virginia.

e research found that this blotchy skin condition is actually caused by a viral infection, an emerging novel adomavirus. Researchers have not pinned down a cause yet, but a U.S.G.S. report suggests higher incidences of blotchy bass syndrome in disturbed-water systems, with a potential link to chemicals. ere is currently broad ongoing research to try and determine the causes and e ects of this infection.

TheReturn of a

Follow the BBCC at www.facebook.com/AFS.Black.Bass.

Home of world class fishing on the beautiful Watauga Lake, rugged Doe River and designated trophy trout stream, Watauga River