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VOLUME 22 â&#x20AC;¢ ISSUE 262

F R A N C H I S E

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NOVEMBER 2016

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tretching 500 miles across the northern side of the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rico Trench is the deepest in the Atlantic Ocean. This 6-mile-deep feature is part of what makes the Virgin Islands one of the world’s best sportfishing destinations. Here, where the Atlantic Ocean borders the clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, the Virgin Islands rise as the peaks of an enormous underwater mountain chain. The islands offer some of the best diving, snorkeling and most beautiful beaches anywhere, but it is off these islands that serious anglers come to play. Beneath the surface, the topography is spectacular. About 20 miles north of St. Thomas, the travel hub of the U.S. Virgin Islands, the North Drop falls precipitously to depths of more than 28,000 feet into the Puerto Rico Trench. Cool Atlantic currents are stirred off Virgin Gorda, and sea life abounds. The big pelagic species congregate to feed on an abundance of baitfish drawn by the drop. A similar situation occurs off the South Drop, just 8 miles south of St. Thomas, and the smaller drops around St. Croix. Short boat rides put anglers on abundant baitfish and the bigger fish that feed on them. Marlin can be caught year-round, but spring to fall is peak time for blue marlin, which show up in numbers and feed aggressively around the full moons. The bite is legendary. The IGFA Women’s alltackle world record, a 1,073-pound blue marlin, was caught off the Virgin Islands, along with 24 other world records over the years. The granders—1,000-pound-plus marlin—show up on occasion, but the Virgin Islands also offer numbers. During the USVI Open/Atlantic Blue Marlin Tournament, 207 blue marlin were released over four days of fishing. Marlin average about 350 pounds out of St. Thomas, and 500-pounders are caught regularly. But blues aren’t the only game in town. The location of these islands 6

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almost seems strategic. Sailfish, white marlin, tuna, wahoo, dolphin… the most sought after gamefish for sport and the table frequent these drops in good numbers to feed. Working the drop by trolling rigs across the depth contours produces consistently good action year-round. The sailfish bite peaks October through March. Yellowfin tuna are present late summer through winter, and blackfin and skipjack tuna provide

action year-round. Wahoo are also a year-round target, and dolphin fishing peaks in fall. The fishing is world class, and the Virgin Islands are also easy to get to. A short plane ride from the continental U.S. puts anglers in the middle of the action. And with lodging that ranges from quaint to luxurious, there are options for anyone who wants to live out their offshore fantasy. To learn more about the Puerto Rico Trench, go to

FORTHELO VEOFFISHING.CO

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It’s the Honda of Outboards. Literally.

Quality, reliability, technology and fuel-efficiency have made Honda an automotive legend. You’ll find those same strengths in every Honda Marine outboard. Honda outboards deliver best-of-class features in models ranging from 2.3 to 250 hp. Many even share engine technology and components used in Honda vehicles like the Accord, Odyssey, Fit and Pilot — vehicles that have proven themselves over millions of miles. No wonder all Honda outboards are backed by the only 5-year manufacturer’s warranty in the industry. Power your boat with the brand that offers millions of miles of proven performance — Honda Marine.

Take Advantage Of 2.49% APR Financing On All New Honda Outboards Or 4.49% APR Financing On All New Honda Outboard Engines Or Boat/Motor Packages — Going On Now! To Find Your Nearest Authorized Honda Marine Dealer, Visit Our Website Now From Your QR-Enabled Phone, Or Go To ca.hondamarine.com *APR financing available on all new Honda outboard engines through American Honda Finance Corporation upon approved credit. 2.49% APR financing for 24 – 48 months, available to customers who qualify for the AHFC super preferred credit tier. Example for new Honda outboard engines: 2.49% APR for 36 months financing at $28.86 a month for every $1,000 financed. 3.49% APR for 60 months financing at $18.19 a month for every $1,000 financed. 3.49% APR for 84 months financing at $13.44 a month for every $1,000 financed. Offer good on any new and unregistered Honda outboard engine, with a minimum amount financed of $1,000 and a minimum monthly payment of $100. Check with participating dealers for complete details. Dealers set actual sales prices. For well-qualified buyers, not all buyers may qualify. Higher rates apply for different terms and/or buyers with lower credit rating. Lower rates may also be available. Offer valid through 01/03/17, on new and unregistered Honda outboard engines (2hp – 250hp) and only on approved credit by Honda Financial Services through participating dealers. Honda Financial Services’ standard credit criteria apply. **APR financing available on all new Honda outboard engines or packages (boat, motor and trailer, where Honda outboard engine is the main source of power) through American Honda Finance Corporation upon approved credit. 4.49% APR financing for 12 – 180 months (term and rate based on amount financed) available to customers who qualify for the AHFC Super Preferred credit tier. Example for new Honda outboard engines or packages: 4.49% APR for 84 months financing at $13.90 a month for every $1,000 financed. 4.49% APR for 144 months financing at $9.00 a month for every $1,000 financed. 4.49% APR for 180 months financing at $7.64 a month for every $1,000 financed. Offer good on any new and unregistered Honda outboard engine or package, with a minimum amount financed of $1,000 and a minimum monthly payment of $100. Check with participating dealers for complete details. Dealers set actual sales prices. For well-qualified buyers, not all buyers may qualify. Higher rates apply for different terms and/or buyers with lower credit rating. APR may be subject to dealer mark-up. Offer valid through 01/03/17, on new and unregistered Honda outboard engines or packages and only on approved credit by Honda Financial Services through participating dealers. Honda Financial Services’ standard credit criteria apply. ©2016 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. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM NOVEMBER 2016 NATIONAL 7

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he numbers don’t lie. Guatemala’s Pacific coast is the most productive sailfish destination in the world. Days of double-digit releases would be considered spectacular anywhere. Off Guatemala, it’s just an average day. Annual release rates show a dozen sailfish per boat, per day. And that’s just a year-round average. It is not unusual during peak seasons for boats to raise more than 50 or 60 sails a day, sometimes a lot more. In March of 2006, Capt. Ron Hamlin, and the anglers on the Captain Hook, released 124 sailfish in a single day less than 15 miles off Guatemala. The legendary former skipper out of Casa Vieja Lodge in Puerto San Jose still holds the record. For conventional anglers, it’s pretty much a sure thing. For fly anglers, it’s the best odds you’ll find. The concentrations of sailfish in this small slice of the Pacific are astounding. But it’s not just sails. Natural factors such as dramatically shifting currents, temperature barriers and high oxygen levels close to the surface combine to hold baitfish year-round. The eddy formations that swirl off the Guatemalan coast are crowded with life, including the big pelagics and the fish they feed on. There are more Pacific sailfish than can be found anywhere, but there are also marlin, wahoo, slammer Dorado and yellowfin tuna. Casa Vieja Lodge says blue marlin in the 200- to 400-pound range are thickest April through July, with black marlin up to 400 pounds showing up December through March and smaller striped marlin November through January. On average, every Casa Vieja boat encounters marlin every three days while targeting sailfish. During peak billfish seasons of December through March and then again from May through July, grand slams are an everyday possibility. Boats fish anywhere from 2 to 50 miles out in an area renowned for flat seas. The most consistently productive area is a canyon known as “The Pocket.” Only about 40 nautical miles wide, The Pocket drops to depths of 3,500 to 4,000 feet. Those constantly shifting currents deflect off the walls of the pocket stirring up nutrient rich waters that attract bait and big gamefish. Casa Vieja takes the fishing very seriously. Guided by some of the world’s top-tagging and award winning captains, their fleet of classically maintained 35’ Contenders and 40’ Sportfishers consistently produces world-class results. They are inheritors of history. A majority of the

emal

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captains and lodge staff were employees of the original Fins ’n Feathers Inn that launched the Guatemalan sportfishing industry. These are the same sportsmen who have cared for the fishery since it exploded onto the sportfishing scene in the 1990s. With total release using circle hooks, the conservation philosophy has been central to Casa Vieja’s operations for more than a decade. With this kind of stewardship, as well as emphasis from the Guatemalan Government on limiting commercial fishing, the fishery continues to thrive. The lodge was also designed by lifelong sportsmen who know it is best to recover from a non-stop day of action on the water in worldclass accommodations. Luxurious rooms and top-notch local cuisine are paired with a staff trained to fill the needs of discerning travelers. It’s the perfect place to relive the day’s catch or dream of the morning’s possibilities. For more information on fishing Guatemala and the Casa Vieja Lodge, go to www.casaviejalodge.com.

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Decorè for Coastal Living Hand Crafted Accent & Area Rugs

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our Rip Roller is tearing up the water as you retrieve it in short quick jerks. Suddenly the water explodes from the vicious strike of a peacock bass. In your excitement and shock, you instinctively jerk your rod up before the peacock has had a chance to get the hook firmly in his mouth, and 6 inches of lure and three massive treble hooks come flying past your head. Your first encounter with the huge peacock bass of Brazil’s Amazon will be one you never forget. Fishing for this massive, hard-fighting predator can be best described to anglers as hooking into a 20-pound smallmouth bass that is having a bad day. To top off this fishing adventure, you are fishing over 1,000 miles from the ocean in the heart of the world’s largest rain forest on black water rivers that are home to more than 2,500 species of fish and the world’s greatest diversity of flora and fauna. Anglers will catch four or five different species of peacock bass, ranging from the popoca and butterfly species weighing an average of 3 to 5 pounds to the massive paca or arzu, the current world record of which is a 29-pounder caught by Andrea Zaccherini in 2010. Anglers can also catch aerobatic arowana, several species of catfish weighing upwards of 200 pounds, wolf fish and myriad other species. Peacocks will readily hit topwater baits on waters that aren’t heavily pressured, the most famous being the big propeller driven Woodchopper and its clones, as well as the more subtle Spook type baits. As with most species of fish, subsurface jerkbaits and jigs will produce bigger numbers of fish caught than topwater lures. Fly fishermen have discovered this game

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as well, fishing big Deceivers, Dahlberg Divers and Clouser type flies. Heavy baitcasting tackle loaded with 65to 80-pound braided Kevlar line is the ticket for peacocks, as they are structure-oriented fish. The war is outfitters including River Plate Anglers and to keep them out of the cover once hooked. Fly fishermen need to bring saltwater Acute Angling. River Plate Outfitters, fishing in style 9- and 10-weight fly rods coupled with a Brazil since 1992, has leased exclusive fishing fly reel with a smooth drag and 30- to 50-pound rights on 10 different tributaries encompassing over 1,000 miles of black water rivers in all four tippets. In the last 15 years, Manaus, a city of 2 million dry zones in Brazil’s Amazon. It’s all within a 500in the heart of Brazil’s Amazon, has become mile radius northwest and south of Manaus. This the epicenter of South America’s peacock bass enables anglers to fly directly into these private fishing. American Airlines flies a daily five-hour lands by wheel or float equipped Caravan charter non-stop flight between Miami and Manaus planes and be in prime unpressured waters the and back, making Manuas easily accessible. The first day of their trip from mid July through mid majority of operators will have anglers spend March. The key to these operations is their six the first night in Manaus and then fly by charter “river trains,” each consisting of 250-squareaircraft to their fishing destinations. Most mother foot single or double occupancy air conditioned boat and cruise ship operators that offer peacock cabins that can be moved to the tributary in the bass fishing operate on the upper Rio Negro dry zone with the most ideal water conditions in out of Barcelos, a city of 30,000 people located a given time frame and not be relegated only to 300 miles upriver from Manaus. The waters of the upper Rio Negro dry zone. the Rio Negro and the mouths of its tributaries For additional information, contact River within a 150-mile radius of Barcelos receive the majority of the peacock bass fishing pressure. Plate Outfitters at www.riverplateanglers.com There are presently more than 40 mother boats/ or Jim kern at jim@emuoutfitting.com or at 817cruise ships operating out of Barcelos and a large 946-2479. Jim has been to Brazil 32 times since 1997 and can give you the real facts on most of lodge in the area. The other option for small groups of 6 to the Peacock Bass operations in Brazil’s Amazon. 12 people is a fishing trip on private indian For More Amazon Peacock Bass fishing, go to lands and government preserves leased by a couple different

CAMFRESHWATER.COM

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By CAM Staff • Photos Courtesy of Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge

hey call Islamorada the Sportfishing Capital of the World. This slim string of six small islands about halfway down the Florida Keys separates the Atlantic from the Gulf of Mexico, and just offshore in the Atlantic, warm blue currents of the Gulf Stream deliver a steady flow of baitfish and the big migrating pelagic species that feed on them. The Continental Shelf is a highway for swordfish that move through in depths of 1,400 to 1,900 feet with a consistency that may be unmatched anywhere in the world. It is possible to target these deepwater giants any month of the year off Islamorada, and even during the day. But it is sportfishing only for hardcore anglers. Swordfish are elusive anywhere, the most difficult of the billfish to catch, and fights lasting several hours are the reward for tempting a bite from 150- to 400-pound or larger fish deep in the abyss. If catching a swordfish is one of the boxes that remains to be checked off on your bucket list, you’d be hard pressed to find a better place to do it. A little closer in, where the Gulf Stream swings over broken bottom and the offshore humps Islamorada has become famous for, it creates rips where disoriented baitfish become easy prey for dolphin, wahoo, sailfish, kingfish and tuna. In the summer months, flocks of birds are a dead giveaway for dolphinfish pushing frenzied bait to the surface. When that’s not going on, fish can be found trolling feather or jet head lures and plugs. A bite while trolling means it’s time to slow down and cast baits to catch other fish drawn to the same area. Sometimes this is met with spectacular results, especially for mahi, which tend to gather in numbers. Some of the most spectacular action on the humps comes from blackfin tuna. It can show up in spurts any time of year, but fall typically brings a push of 10-pound-plus tuna that can be incited into surface-feeding frenzies. Chumming up blackfins with pilchards is a very visual experience that allows even anglers armed with fly rods to hook up with multiple hard-fighting fish.

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As the tuna move toward the reefs with the late fall and winter baitfish migrations, the bigger fish begin to show up, and kite fishing becomes one of the preferred methods for teasing up fish 20 pounds and larger. The other fish that shows up to take advantage of baitfish from November through the winter is sailfish. There’s a reason why Islamorada is home to so many sailfish tournaments during the winter months. It can seem like everyone drops everything they’re doing for a chance to fly release flags. In fall and winter, sails move in to gorge on abundant ballyhoo around the reefs. This can present opportunities to anglers less than 5 miles from the docks off the islands of Islamorada. The 130- to 200-foot depths produce the most consistent bite where strong currents and changes in water color to a deep royal blue give away the edges and rips where sailfish hunt. Trolling or kite fishing the reefs can produce numerous fish in the 60-pound range when the bite is on. But on sunny days when the weather cooperates, it is possible to sight fish for sailfish inside the reefs in water as shallow as 20 or 30 feet. Even smaller boats can get in on this action. From the tower, crewmembers seek out the fish. When the alarm goes out, chum and baits are deployed. There’s really no technique more exciting. Anglers in the know await those bluebird skies on winter days when seeking out sailfish becomes as much hunting as it is fishing. And if all the offshore action isn’t enough to convince any angler to start making plans right now, fall also brings some of the biggest bonefish of the year to the Islamorada flats. Time it right, and you can be fishing the flats in the morning and trolling the bluewater in the afternoon. What more could you ask for?

For More Fishing in Islamorada go to

CAMSALTWATER.COM

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10/18/16 3:15 PM

The only thing we don’t fish for is excuses.

With everything from sailfish, grouper and tuna out front to bonefish, permit and tarpon out back, you have every excuse you need for dropping what you’re doing and heading for Islamorada in The Florida Keys. fla-keys.com/islamorada 1.800.322.5397 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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Get six years of product protection at no extra charge on new Suzuki outboards from 25 to 300 horsepower. You’ll be covered until 2022.

SUMMER MIGHT BE WINDING DOWN, BUT THE SUZUKI SAVINGS SEASON IS JUST HEATING UP

Suzuki is extending its popular Repower Finance program, as well, with attractive rates now available to all qualified borrowers. ®

In addition, Suzuki is offering cash rebates of up to $800 on select models. Your dealer has the models and amounts or you can visit our website for more information.

The Suzuki Savings Season 2016 ends soon so see your participating Suzuki Marine dealer today – or visit suzukimarine.com – for details on these special offers.

Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki outboard motors from 25 to 300 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 10/01/16 and 12/31/16 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. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Cash Rebates apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki outboards made between 10/01/16 and 12/31/16. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Customer and participating Dealer must fill out the appropriate rebate form at time of sale. Customer will have the choice to either apply the cash rebate against the original dealer invoice (Suzuki will credit Dealer parts account) or have a check sent directly to the customer. 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 marine engines. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $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 marine engines purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 10/01/16 and 12/31/16.“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. © 2016 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

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THE ONLY DURABLE HIGH QUALITY ROD WRAP

Russ Lane: Bassmaster Elite Series™ Pro

“Winn overwraps help me as a tournament angler in so many ways. They’re great in all weather conditions. I don’t have to physically squeeze my rod during a cast as hard as I did with cork or EVA. That gives me a better degree of accuracy with less fatigue. Multiple color options also allow me to organize different rod actions and lengths using different colors. I honestly could never use a rod again without my Winn overwrap!”

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10/18/16 3:15 PM

By Mike Pehanich

believe this is the Golden Age of fishing tackle. For my money, the amazing quality and range of rods available to us today is clear evidence of that claim. Improvements in graphite quality, skeletal reel seats and lightweight braid-resistant guides have paved a path to conspicuous performance benefits, and rods conscientiously tailored to nearly every angling task are helping anglers execute specific techniques with a flourish. Yet, until recently, the seat of angler control—the handle—seemed stuck in the Dark Ages. Cork, a survivor from a bygone era, seemed like it would dominate rod handles forever, with EVA foam the only alternative material allowed any territorial claim. But progress has come, finally, to the rod handle. In recent years, alternative rod grip materials have hit the market including carbon fiber, a slick lightweight option; tough Kevlar tubing; composite cork, a denser and more durable cork-based material blend; and Syncork, a light and durable material with a rough-hewn appearance. Some have used shrinkwrap to give EVA foam a different look and feel, too. Color and design options have emerged, with even a “camo cork” available

now to rod builders. One of the biggest breakthroughs may have come two years ago when Winn Grips (www.winngrips.com), the Huntington Beach, California-based maker of grips for sports equipment, introduced its interchangeable grip system and rolled out a full line of handsomely designed rod grips made from its patented WinnDry material, which maintains its tacky feel in wet conditions and weather extremes. Early Winn prototypes were colorful and interesting, and they provided a hint of the performance benefits of ergonomic comfort and angler control that has come to characterize the grips today. Yet some thought early designs too similar to the golf grips that have made Winn a global leader in that field. Winn’s founder, aerospace engineering pioneer Dr. Ben Huang, took angler feedback to heart. Winn’s grip system has evolved into a versatile line of rod handle components. Rod makers, from leading brands to custom builders, have caught on quickly to the advantages of the grips. At ICAST 2016 in Orlando, Lew’s Fishing Tackle captured three Best of Show awards for products featuring Winn’s advanced polymer materials in rod handles and reel knobs. Lew’s, Kistler, Denali and others displayed new rod lines with Winn grips. Winn has introduced an element of “fashion” to fishing rods, too, by offering a broad range of bold colors and multi-colored and sometimes multi-textured designs that can complement tournament jerseys, boat colors and wraps, or represent a signature look or the colors of a favorite sports team. Winn’s quieter contribution to today’s tackle evolution could come in the emerging practice of “retrofitting” favorite old rods with Winn rod grips and in routinely fitting cork and EVA rod handles with a Winn “skin” in the form of Winn Superior Rod Wrap, a tape-like overwrap.

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UNDER THE SEA

Center s SPEARFISHING TRAVEL

SHERI DAYE

s spearfishing continues to grow and capture people’s interest, so has the amount of travel related to spearfishing. The allure of exotic locations, different species, and the possibility of world records has spawned a new breed of traveler, and resorts and charters are happy to cater to this crowd. In Florida, there are live-aboard charters that take scuba divers to fertile grounds out of the lower Keys into the Gulf or the Dry Tortugas – such as Seaclusive Charters. There are also charters that cater to smaller groups of freediving spearfishers such as Killshot, Into the Blue, and more. The Keys are especially attractive to vacationers, as the scenery above the water can be just as interesting as below. In the Bahamas, resorts with marinas are well-equipped to handle divers, some of them weekend warriors coming by boat from Florida. The clear waters and beautiful marine life are a big draw. Bahamian law requires freediving-only and the use of either slings or polespears for spearfishing. Rather than being a deterrent, it’s created a new breed of divers who enjoy this simple and primitive form of hunting. The ability to add cracked conch or a lobster tail to a meal is a big bonus. Both coasts of the United States have a number of spearfishing charters to choose from as well. Divers can enjoy a change of scenery and try their luck at hunting white sea bass in the kelps of California, cobias off the rigs of Louisiana, stripers in the waters off Rhode Island, African Pompanos off the wrecks of Hatteras – all exciting catches. International travel has increased significantly in the past few years. Mexico, Panama, and Costa Rica are a big draw with desirable species such as Cubera Snappers, cobias, and tunas – depending on which coast. Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga, and Ascension Island have been yielding world record wahoos and tunas, drawing the more hard-core divers. Here’s some quick tips to make sure your travel is fun, safe, and productive: 1. Go with friends and watch out for each other - in the water and out.

2. Choose a reputable charter that specializes in spearing and ask the captain about fish and conditions. Make sure your skill level is up to par for that location. 3. Make sure you are properly equipped for the fish you are targeting and follow the law. Be aware of the local fishing regulations and limits. 4. Use a Sportube to pack your spearguns and use the wetsuits for padding. Tell TSA you have “fishing equipment” rather than using the word “speargun”. 5. Buy DAN insurance – they are a reputable agency known for covering divers, including evacuation services. For divers in search of adventure, traveling to different hunting grounds can yield the trip (and fish) of a lifetime. Life is short, so get out and enjoy it! Follow “Sheri Daye” & “The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo” April 22-23, 2017 - Ft Lauderdale - Instagram and Facebook

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WEST MICHIGAN REPORTS & EVENTS

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Local Fishing Reports Catch Photos

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WWW.THEANGLERMAG.COM/WESTMICHIGAN Photo courtesy of Sport Fish Michigan's Capt. Ben Wolfe

k salmon Dave with a rare pin th wi out ile wh caught Capt. Ben Wolfe.

Alicia is all smiles after catching this river king fishing with Sport Fish Michigan.

Josh proudly displays his first ever steelhead. Fishing with Cap t. G lands this Grand reg Knapp, Troy River steelhead .

For editorial comments, articles, photography, advertising, and all other inquiries please contact: The Angler Magazine West Michigan (616) 957-1714 • westmichigan@theanglermagazine.com • www.theanglermag.com/westmichigan

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Fish Tales on!

Phil! Nice walleye

Karl lands his first Michigan smallie.

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Rivers Streams Rivers &&Streams

Upper Pere Marquette

REPORTS REPORTS && FORECASTS FORECASTS

RoguePere RiverMarquette A

lthough I no longer live on a farm, I still read the Farmers’ Almanac and put faith in their forecasts. This year they seem to be dead on, as they predicted our winter to be a real one with colder temperatures and snow that seems to be B Y : G L E N R . B L AB CYK: W JOEO FD F staying H U BforB aAwhile. R D These conditions have caused the Rogue River to produce both shelf and anchor Outfitters The Great Lakes Fly Fishing CompanyNorthiceGuide and in Service some sections completely freeze shut. River anglers have a couple of choices, the obvi(231) 898-6246 (616) 866-6060 ous, go ice fishing, (you will never land a fish staywww.troutmoor.netwww.outfittersnorth.com ing home) or make the best of a tough scenario. I choose to make the best of what Mother Nature he salmon season on the Pere Marquette is now over. It was a pretty has created. To make the best of these tough condigood year compared to last year. We received a good amount of rain tions one must look to maximize time on the water and fish in a productive fashion. We can do in September, and October and this rain was constantly moving fish into this river. by preparing ourrain equipment. the All the kept the river up and brought small pushes of fish The constant issue that we face is cold air and water How we deal in throughout the month of October. Most of temperatures. the fish were kings, butwith it this limiting factor awillfew determine our success. equipment first, most also enticed steelhead to startLooking to hit atthe river. With moretackle raindesigners in never dream we that see someone is going to be using their rods lake and reels sub 30trout, degree air November, a consistent push of steelhead, run in brown temperatures. common issue anglers experience is reels and lines freezing, along with ice and coho's A entering buildup in guides. So how the river. So if deerdo we deal with this issue? To prevent freezing issues with reels, before hunting isn'ttrip, your your next winter clean both your reel frame and spool completely. Remove any excess oil or thing grease fromtry both, ashitting well as any dirt. A little lubrication goes a long way with modern reels and the river lubricant this fall. any additional will begin to solidify, causing a binding effect between your spool and November frame, leadingistoexciting; freezing. Dirt and sand will trap moisture also causing premature freezing of you justUpon don't knowyour angling day, bring your reels inside, remove the spool from the your reel. finishing what you’re going reel frame and allow bothtoto completely dry and warm. hook on your fly rod. Another issue this time of the year is ice buildup in guides. There is no good way to stop Resident trout key this, but there are ways to negate it happening rapidly. Try placing fly floatant, cooking spray, or in on egg flies and Vaseline on yourespecially guides to negate rapid ice buildup. Will these stop it completely? No, but they streamers will keep you in the the brown trout.game Theylonger. Happiest of Holidays!

spawn in the fall, so they want to fill their bellies before and after their spawning occurs. Egg flies fished under a strike indicator with a floating line works very well this time of year. You get a nice slow, realistic presentation as the egg flies are floating in the current. This approach will fool many species of fish in the fall. Steelhead especially love an egg fly fished slowly; that is why they came into the river in the first place, to gorge on salmon eggs throughout the fall and winter. Another technique and my favorite way to pursue steelhead in the fall is on the swung fly. This approach is a more traditional way to hook steelhead. It's fishing a streamer with a downstream presentation of casting on a slight downstream angle with a sink tip and letting the fly slowly go down through the water column with hopes that it swings in front of a steelhead's nose. The bigger flashier fly coax the predator/prey instincts of the steelhead in which it strikes violently at your fly. If you have never tried this form of fishing with a fly, it's cool. For more info on it, you can check out my website at www.outfittersnorth.com.

FLYB Y : Jof THE MONTH EFF HUBBARD B Y Service ERICH Outfitters North Guide

GROSS

(231) 898-6246

Stinger Hex www.outfittersnorth.com

Materials

appy Holidays to everyone! Winter sure hit earlyUni-Thread this year, withTan single THREAD: 3/0digit temHOOK:the Gamakatsu B10s sz 6 River peratures in the evenings and teens during day. The Pere Marquette TAIL: Sand Rabbit Strip, temperature and water level are really starting to drop. We're starting to seeTrimmed shelf ice and anchor ice in some of the middle sections ofBODY: the riverKrystal system.Dub Tan As winter progresses look for steelhead fiWINGCASE: shing to slowBrown down aSharpie bit. Instead of an allGrizzly Hen the Hackle day bite you will start to get short windows LEGS: of action throughout day, usually in the or Nymphs India Hen afternoon as water temperatures start to warm. willBack also start to be a key fly to EYES: Large Bead Chain Eyes use this time of year. When the water temperatures really start to drop steelhead and COUNTERWEIGHT: Lead resident trout are looking for whatever they can get as far as an easy meal.Wire Hex 0.035 Nymphs, Stone Flies and small Hares Ear's or Pheasant Tails can start to produce. Eggs will also work well. Try small Clown Eggs and Nukes in more natural colors. For Swinging Flies try more natural colors too, with less flash as the water clears. Sculpins in olive or brown can ex patterns are probably the most effective nymphs for catching produce in the winter. Check out my site for some go-to patterns, www.outfittersnorth. steelhead in the fall and winter months. They are large, have tons of com. Remember trout Beads are not flies and are illegal in the Flies Only Water. motion, and are quite easy to imitate with traditional materials. For this Youfirst can fistep nd fiis sh to throughout river system. e fishhook are now starting bug, the impale the thewhole rabbit strip ontoThthe before youto use their winter runs and pools. Look for fi sh in much slower deeper runs with wood place the hook in the vise. This pattern is designed to ride hook point up, structure hideTothem. You can findtie thisthe typelead of water any stretch the Pere Marquette, much like atojig. achieve this, wirein and beadofchain eyes to the however because of the weather; access will become more difficult Not until only spring.doPlay topside of the hook. This minimizes snags on the bottom. youit at the boat ramps while more wadinglikely the river. catchinand on wild Pere get asafe cleaner drift, butand you're to Practice hook fish therelease top jaw (huge MarquetteNovember steelhead. If isthey get favorite to spawn, month we don'tto getengage to hookthese any in fish, the future. advantage). bydon't far my and thisGood season shaping up to be a good one! luckisand Happy Holidays!

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Rivers & Streams

Manistee River

REPORTS REPORTS & FORECASTS

& FORECASTS

Rivers & Streams

Manistee River Muskegon River Muskegon River C

older conditions have made their way into the Midwest, with snow accumulations making it look "a lot like winter”. Although water BY: L A R RY R A N E Y levels B Y : C A P T . J E F F B A C OandN temperatures have Y : C Guide A P TService . LARRY RANEY PremierBAngling dropped with the snow and B Y : J E F F B A C O N Michigan Fly Fishing Ventures colder weather patterns, fishing (231)Premier 477-5554Angling Guide Service Michigan Fly Fishing Ventures (616) 560-3195 is still good on the Muskegon (231) 510-5862 www.premieranglingguideservice.com River. The next month or so 616-560-3195 www.westmichiganflyfishing.com www.premieranglingguideservice.com should fish well for both steelwww.westmichiganflyfishing.com head and resident rainbow and brown trout. teelhead, he fall season on Fishing for resident rainbow anuary brings thoughts steelhead, and the this Muskegon and brown trout has been exceptional fall and early winter. After the floods of last spring, the Muskegon River of the first steelhead bemore steelhead. River is aaverage truly water levels and temperature stayed above in flows and sustained below average temperatures over most of the ing caught in the New Year That’s what’s on the "magical" time. From summer and as a result, trout had a chance to fatten up…and they did! The huge salmon runs from this fall allowed here on the Manistee. This agenda for anglers the last of the chinook trout to pack on more weight in anticipation of the colder months ahead. is a time of solitude on the in November here salmon entering the This month will find the steelhead that are currently in the river system relocating to different parts of the river on the Big Manistee. river on their annual river, sometimes you can go for a better "lies"— places where they can We start the spawning runcomfortably to the post up to feed and conserve energy. The resident brown and for days not seeing another rainbow trout will find their winter lies asrainbow well and continue to strap on the feedbag in preparation for the colder month off bottom resident boat or bank angler. It seems months. Lake run brown and trout are now introut the river system and more are sure to follow. Some have already spawned; bouncing both brown that like your own private paraothers will do so in the weeks ahead. with fly gear and are actively feeding dise most of the time. The Both the fly fisher andaround light spin angler are catching steelhead using a variety of techniques. Swinging streamers spinning gear. With salmon weather can be the deciding with sinking or sink tip lines, on one and two handed the geardays typically spawning grounds to fly rods are getting some fish to net, but patience and covering factorflysome but by watching the weather forecast and water is critical to the swing. we use trout beads, the Floating grand line+indicator prize for rigs are good options as well when fishing pocket water or planning your fishing day around warm ups, you can make egg flies, and a few during runs that don't require toomany long ofanglers a cast. Deeper water drift fishing, a.k.a. "chuck-n-duck", is best when fishing very it happen. Water temperatures in the winter months on the different nymphs thiswhere greatgetting time of Michigan, FALL STEELHEAD! long, deep runs and troughs fliesyear downinand keeping them down is required. Those spey casting two Big range from 32 to 35 degrees on average. As an angler, you such as caddis and mayflies. Various bugger patterns work well thisrods time bullets in feeding on salmon insect handed are doing so withThese 11-15'blazing long, 8-9chrome weight rods, withare heavy floating/Skagit lines andeggs, sink and tips from 10have thinkalso. a littleWhen different of thespinning year. Withgear, the we use all of the same of theto year wethis aretime fishing larva uptowhen areand spawning and areBig, FULL of energy. 15' long. Flies for swinging are kicked wide open one’s salmon imagination river conditions. gaudy streamers Ain5-6 rich water temperatures so low the fishbags. tend These to slowfish downareandvery aggressive this time offerings along with spawn fall"chuck-n-duck" steelhead willand fl far oating exceed your expectations of and vibrant colors are alsopound gettingMuskegon looks by fish.River Use both line+indicator rods with 7-8 get the lethargic. do theput same as an angler.ofLook for in front of them, it is of year,You so should once you something interest such a fish, with acrobatic jumps that you would not think possible from weights, in 9-10+' lengths, with 6-10# test line. Egg flies-beads, nymphs, and very small minnow patterns are options slow woody runs and pools,temps slow current andand current game on. With water aboutseams, prime these fish being uprigs and chuck-n-duck. such a fish. An adult fish of 8-10 pounds or more will test any angler's for wound floating line seams along deep cuteggs, banks.you Places get out fight. As the month on king salmon willthebesteelhead in for can a delightful skill and tackle. For the light tackle spin angler, bottom bouncing beads, flies, or bait is getting it done, as well as float fishing of the on mainand currents andtemps not havestart to work so hard.we switch gears and slow things goes water to drop November finds me fishing both fly fishing and light spin tackle gear floating beads, flies, or bait under bottom bouncing spin gear is 9-10' med actionthey rods. down With dropping temps, theitfish and it'sbobbers. all upBest to setups one's for personal preference for rigs which technique We fiashbit. these type the of spots with floats. Whether beingstart to slow down a bit Same fliesincan be used with spin gearFly as flfishing y gear….bugs are bugs, the fishbottom don't know what kind"chuck of setupand you'reduck" using! and move into different types of water, typically slower woody runs the choose. options include bouncing with a floating line and fly rod, float rod and center pin reels, As water temperaturesrigs, drop,along fish will lookindicator for slowernymphing moving water.setups Reduceand the swinging size of yourstreamers offering in slower 5-7 foot range. Whenathis these types with with or spinning gear. Fishing floathappens of some sort enables youoftoruns are very difficult to moving water. Line choices cantip range fromSpin 6-10#tackle test, water color/clarity will help one decide. egg and nymph bottom bounce so this is when we start fishing some sort of float to help sink lines. rigs are either bottom bouncing control the depth and speed of your offering to these fish. Locations to seek out for fishing fall and lake run trout include most all water from below Croton suspend ourforoffering above thebejunk and makebeit easier to control your patterns, assteelhead well as floating eggbrown imitations or bait under bobbers on longer The offerings fly anglers should an egg pattern, Dam, down to Muskegon,rods. but a bulk of the lake run brown activity has been from Croton Dam down to Newaygo. As drift in the slower water. it trout bead or yarn egg and a nymph of some sort. Hex's, for resident trout, focus on theFall water from Croton down pastfor thefood Thornapple access site,target down tothe Newaygo. You can float fishTails with gear, spinning gear and my favorite a float steelhead willDam, be looking to feedRdon, so we areas Green Caddis, Pheasant andflyBuggers are my preferred Trout numbers get below Newaygo. rod and a centerpin reel. All three ways are effective, but I would have todrop off considerably where weonce stillyou have spawning salmon, but also focus on the "tailouts" patterns. Center pin and spinning gear junkies may want to say once you fish a centerpin rig you will not fish floats any other way.flyAsfishing for below salmon grounds. Winter trout with floatingspawning line and indicator rigs is producing some rocky mountain caliber fish think about spawn, wigglers or jigs and wax worms to get it far as what to use under your float to entice a steelhead to and bitewill you of here good to fish this year,Thfrom be acan great option for We thosehave lookingmany to keepmiles lines wet andriver there throughout the time winter of months. e next done.beads, spawn, weighted nymphs and wax worms help in your success. use Dam area all the way down Bridgeton, Maple and I’ve below. month should fish well forCroton both steelhead and resident rainbow and to brown trout. Some of theIsland, largest trout seen No reason rush outare firstout thing in the morning, sleep While mosttopeople chasing whitetails ininmid-November, you With of the longest "fall/early winter" steelhead of special any river in years havewill come to hand over one the past few weeks. I will be targeting both during my halfseasons day, winter trips. and have extraatcup of coffee.Angling Most daysGuide the bite isService best fromwatching the floats drop find us an here Premier intrip thedetails Midwest, the MuskegonyfiRiver will fish well for steelhead right up Check my website for more at www.westmichiganfl shing.com. late morning toonearly ernoon. Remember think and hunter and are looking somewhere theaft Manistee. If you are notslow a deer Christmas mostand years. I hope I hope everyone had ato great holiday season welcome 2014!YOU have a chance to wet a line this fall. get have out anda enjoy of Michigan's hidden to goodone time fishing and trywinter someactivities, new stuff, give us a call, you winter steelheading here on the Big won’t regret it. Tight Lines & Manistee. High Fives!

Guided River Fishing www.WestMichiganFishingGuide.com

CAPTAIN JEFF BACON Phone: 616-560-3195 Email: jrbacon@ameritech.net 4 WEST MICHIGAN WEST MICHIGAN 8

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Grand River

PRIMARY FEEDING TIMES November 2016 Nov 7 First Quarter

Phases:

Date

Nov 14 Full Moon

Morning

(EDT)

Nov 21 Last Quarter

616-570-2946

Evening

Major

Minor

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9:01AM

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Getting Bit Guide Service www.gettingbitguideservice.com

Minor 2

BY: G R E G K N A P P

Nov 29 New Moon

7:57PM

1:46PM

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5:23PM 6:57PM

9:58PM

1:49PM 2:48PM

2:27PM

4:52PM 6:31PM

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4:22PM

ovember is steelhead time on the Grand River. If I had one month of the year to fish it would be November. Fall steelhead are some of the most aggressive and hard-fighting fish around. Steelhead can be found in the Grand anywhere from Lansing down to the piers in Grand Haven this time of year. Lake run brown trout, lake trout, and the occasional late running coho or king salmon will be around as well in the Grand River. We have had a good amount of rain this year, so we had a lot of fish already shoot up past Grand Rapids, look for fish to be spread out in the tributaries as well as the upstream reaches of the Grand River this fall. November steelhead can be caught using just about whatever method you prefer to use. Float fishing with eggs, beads, and jigs is a method used by a good amount of anglers and it works well. Plugs can be cast, trolled, or back trolled to aggressive fall steelhead; this is a fun way to fish and the fish usually hammer the plugs this time of year. Spinners or spoons can be quartered downstream, just try to tick bottom now and then to know that you are down in the strike zone. Fly fishing with egg patterns or streamers will get you tied into a chromer if you want to catch one on the bug rod. Bottom bouncing bait, egg patterns, or wobble glos is another good way to catch fish, and the hit is always a fun part of bottom bouncing. If you are looking for some shore access on the Grand, you can check out one of the Dam areas, the pier in Grand Haven, or one of the tributaries.

6:55PM 8:23PM

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Rivers Rivers&&Streams Streams

REPORTS & FORECASTS REPORTS & FORECASTS

Traverse City

ovember means browns and steelhead. At this point in the season, the river BY: R U S S MA D D I N temps are starting to drop into the mid to low (231) 633-6464 50s and 40s depending on the river and can be great for stripping steamers for post spawn browns and steels. With a lower number of eggs available, the bite will turn to larger food sources both to gather strength after the spawn for browns and leading into winter for the steelhead. Contrary to popular belief both browns and steelhead will chase streamers even with water temps into the mid-30s. With the way this fall has been, I would expect great fishing the month of November for migratory browns and steelhead on many of the west side rivers. With the many rivers having doubled their salmon runs from 2015 I remain hopeful that the other migratory fish will have strong runs as well. Along with steelhead, anglers can catch fair numbers of lake trout in the lower stretches of rivers along with lake and round whitefish. Check the regulations on trout and please release the large spawners. Lake trout can provide some pretty fun fly fishing opportunities when conditions are right. Get out and enjoy the fall.

West Michigan www.facebook.com/theanglermagazinewestmichigan

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Unique error-proof design allows anglers to put more fish in the boat! (10 1/4” long, weighs about 3 oz) (7” long, weighs about 1.5 oz) The TX-44 is the first and the only in line planer to pull the large Divers, Lead Core, Water strikes top surface, forcing Wire or Copper Lines and Heavy Weights. The size of the TX-44 makes it harder for Stingray downward. A fish on will An all new type of planer! fish to pull the board under, however it is still easy to retrieve. The Vise Clip comes force the nose upward & Stingray to a T c k le Co standard with the TX-44; especially designed for lead core & copper, makes rch the surface. Unpainted or painted . Chu accidental release almost impossible. 2 snaps for each weight included TX-44 is now also available in a Tournament Easy to attach and remove. Size #1 - .7 oz Series which comes with a Lock-Jaw Clip, Great for trolling in congested areas and more effective contour trolling along #40302 #40300 Stainless Steel Rear Pin and E-Z Store for drop offs contour lines, reef edges and weed lines in rivers, lakes or the ocean. black unpainted Effective for all species. Run more lines out the back of the boat by staggering A one-stop shop for planer boards easy tow-arm removal. Part# 60630 Size #2 1.4 oz the Stern Planers. Run any distance from the boat yet maintain desired depth. 7 different styles & ALL MADE IN THE USA

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Store devise easily attaches to the Walleye Board, TX-44 & TX-22 side planers. Slide the tow-arm off for storage or change to another tow-arm & clip then slide back on when you’re ready to fish again. Part# 40519 sold 2 per package 1 left & 1 right 2 Special -2 ckle Co. Sodus, M rch Ta I TX Chu hurchtackle.com www.c LEFT

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Northwest Area

Grand Traverse Bay

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s the waters cool, opportunities still abound for some spectacular fall fishing. While many are taking to the woods for the fall hunting season, anglers willing to brave the chillier weather can be rewarded for almost every species. For inland lakes, walleyes, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass are prime targets as they put on the feedbag for winter. With the shorter days, the feeding windows are condensed, giving anglers some great chances to intercept the active fish. For walleyes, pulling minnow plugs behind planer boards adjacent to steep break lines remains a great option right at dusk. Anglers wanting to cast shouldn’t overlook the mid-day feeding window with baits like a leadhead jig tipped with a paddle tail soft plastic. Perch anglers can score big with nice jumbos using perch rigs tipped with wigglers or even small perch flies tipped with a small piece of cocktail shrimp. Another favorite option that can really call in some nicer fish is a small jigging spoon with a dropper chain. For some reason, big jumbo perch really like the action of a jigging spoon and will sometimes take this offering when few other things seem to be working. Inland lake bass fishing can be incredible, and the fish on the inland lakes come up to the shallow flats to feed before heading deep for winter. Swimbaits, crankbaits, and even spinnerbaits are all great options to throw this time of year. Don’t’ be afraid to try skinny water at times if there is sunny weather. It’s not uncommon for smallmouths to roam into water as shallow as four feet or so during the fall feed. This is a time of year when bronzebacks famously “wolf pack”, and locating one in an area generally means that there are many more around.

all bass fishing in northern Michigan can be just as good as the spring pre-spawn fishing, but with lots less angling pressure. True, the fall gales can be an issue when planning a trip, but when we have the weather, the fishing can be awesome! The Grand Traverse Bays cool much slower than the inland lakes, meaning that the fish are down in deeper water later into the year, and deep water tactics are the way to go here. Very often, fishing the steep breaks are the way to locate smallmouths as they will venture up onto the breaks to feed, retreating down deep during periods of inactivity. Drop shot techniques, swimbaits and crankbaits are great fall options and are some of the go-to options for Traverse City Bass Guide Service and Sport Fish Michigan. For anglers looking to put some meat into a cooler on the Bays, yellow perch schools are roaming around in huge numbers not seen in years! While many of these schools have 4-6 inch perch, there are some bigger fish around. What is exciting is to see the number of smaller fish, meaning that we should have some outstanding jumbo perch fishing in the years to come if we are careful about not overharvesting this fantastic and tasty fish. Another stellar option is the cisco aka lake herring. With a change in diets over the past several years, they are incredibly good table fare now, and are now exciting more and more anglers. They are extremely plentiful in Grand Traverse Bays, and are super aggressive feeders as well, hitting seemingly anything that comes close to them. Jigging spoons in a 1 ounce or 1 ½ ounce size are perfect for these fish, as are blade baits. Ciscos these days are running much larger than they ever have, and 4 pound plus fish are common on guide trips this past year for Sport Fish Michigan. Trolling is another productive way to target these fish, but smaller hooks may be the ticket to a higher landing ratio. Cisco fishing is an absolute hoot, and anglers who like to reel in an incredibly hard fighting fish won’t be disappointed! And being outstanding to eat is only a bonus! The Bays are big water, and the fall’s north winds can churn the waters up quickly. Take care when heading out onto any body of water this fall, and make sure to have the proper safety gear aboard. Equally as important is to let others know what your fishing plans are, and where you plan to be. Stay safe, enjoy the fantastic fishing out on Grand Traverse Bays, and catch lots of fish!

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Rivers Rivers & & Streams Streams

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he first part November in the Lower Pere Marquette may not be as good as a typical fall steelhead run depending on water levels. We have had a lot of rain, and the river is stained and higher than normal. With high dirty water, the fish tend to make their way upstream further than Walhalla. Our best fishing on the lower river is when it is low and clear, and we get rain. They come in and feed and then drop back to the lake. With the higher water levels, I suspect the fish that are already above Walhalla may stay the winter up there until the spring when they spawn and return to the Lake Michigan. Normally the water levels drop in mid-November, and that should be our best fishing time for steelhead in the lower river. For the first part of the month before the water gets cold, pay attention to the current seams and bubble lines. When the water drops below 40 degrees, fish will hold in slower, deeper pools. The fish we are catching are good size, fat, and sassy. In the Ludington area, we did not have good water set up for steelhead fishing this summer, and I suspect the run this fall will be one of the best ones in many years. What section of the PM will fish the best this fall is the question. Standard egg flies, spawn, or beads will be the best baits. Make sure you give the best fish Michigan has to offer a try this fall, the steelhead are actively feeding and very aggressive. See you on the water.

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Modern Electronics Make Ice Fishing Easier BY: MA R K MA RT I N

Nowadays, anglers have it made when it comes to being spot on when drilling a hole in the ice. When it comes to ice fishing, there’s a big difference in what the old adage “paying your dues” meant from when I was a kid compared to today. During my days of youth, paying one’s dues meant many (and I mean many) fishless days standing on the ice, out in the open, suffering through wind and nasty weather while learning the lay of the underwater land; thus, where fish lurked under a lake’s frozen surface. Sometimes it literally took a decade before really being able to dial it all in. Now, I admit, I had both a father and grandfather who had already spent decades on the frozen waterways near our home in Michigan’s southwestern Lower Peninsula; that meant the toll I paid was small, compensated within years measuring only in single digits rather than ten at a time. How lucky I was. But it was years later, when my elders were too timeworn to spend much time on the ice with me, in which I realized just how difficult it could be to catch fish on bodies of water I had never been on before. Holes drilled here, bored there and pierced just about anywhere when in search of fish. But then sonar came along, next GPS and later underwater cameras. And because of the advent of all of these morphing into the modern electronics we have today, there’s no doubting we have it made when it comes to being spot on when drilling a hole in the ice, as well know immediately if there are fish in the area. Add to this fact that within seconds after a lure’s lowered, we can figure out if the fish are interested in our offerings or not, as well can figure out the precise moment we’re are about to get a strike. And like anything we do, practice makes perfect, and the education we gain each and every time out just from reading electronics alone increases our odds of catching more fish during future trips, whether on the same body of water or a different one. Oh, how lucky both you and I are now. But just because we own the newest sonar, GPS, couple with an up-to-date mapping program and underwater camera doesn’t mean we’ll be filling a five-gallon bucket with finned critters in no time flat. There’s more to catching fish while using them than just poking the power button. BEYOND ROUTINE The first question I usually get asked when I’m giving ice-fishing seminars throughout the Midwest or during my “Ice-Fishing Vacation/ 10 WEST MICHIGAN

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Schools” is which, of all the electronics I take on the ice, is the most important. Although my answer, “All of them”, may sound routine, the fact of the matter it’s true. As an example of the importance of each, I’ll tell of the average day on the ice for me and how each piece of electronics comes into play. RIGHT TO IT Before the arrival of GPS, it often took hours to find structure, and valuable fishing time was lost in the process. Now all I have to do is look at the screen of one and know right where I am, as well where I want to be next. The first thing I do after hooking up my Clam portable ice shanty to my snowmobile, and then filling its deep base/sled with the day’s fishing supplies, is boot up the Lowrance Elite-4 CHIRP chartplotter I have mounted on my rig’s dash. The Elite-4 CHIRP is a color GPS with a 4.3inch screen that is easy to see in both low and bright light conditions. The unit has a media port for inserting an SD card filled with Navionics mapping, which is also crucial for being spoton. The unit, coupled with Navionics mapping, allows me to drive right over humps, bumps, holes, points and breaklines - all important areas to fish no matter my target species. And GPS with Navionics mapping work wonders for those without motorized transportation, as well. For example, I use my Lowrance Elite-5 Ice Machine sonar/GPS at first ice, before travel with quad or snow-machine is safe. With the unit in hand and its GPS on, I can walk straight to my spot without working up a sweat. The Elite-5 Ice Machine comes in a portable pack perfect for the ice angler on foot. And it holds two Plano tackle totes, which makes hopping hole to hole easier than ever. IMMEDIATE GRATIFICATION Once I’m over structure, all it takes is a pull of the cord on my StrikeMaster power auger and I’m drilling a swath of holes. Once those are all bored, I immediately place the transducer of my sonar in each one. Seeing as I already know the approximant depth due to the precision of the Navionics mapping program, what I’m looking for is any sign of structure and fish. Oftentimes, I’ll lower a Rapala Jigging Rap or Northland spoon—both tipped with either a Gulp! Minnow or lively shiner fresh from my Plano bait bucket—and watch the sonar for any sign of fish moving in on the lure. I always have the sensitivity on the Elite-5 set high enough that I can decipher between the jig and the Berkley ball-bearing swivel attach about a foot above

it, which connects my Berkley FireLine to my Berkley 100% Fluorocarbon leader. With sonar, I can see fish move in on the bait and prepare myself for the strike. If several fish swim off without striking, I know I have to change up my jigging motion, change lure colors or the type of bait. Before sonar, I wasted hours just wondering if there were even fish in the vicinity, let alone it they were interested in my offering or not. CLEAR AS A BELL Underwater cameras are great tools. They will help you find structure, how a fish reacts to your offering as well see strikes as they happen. What I’ve learned with my color Marcum underwater camera, and now my PanCam Camera System—which interfaces with the new RT-9—has been invaluable. From determining what species it is I am marking on my sonar to watching how fish respond to the lure them has taught me so much. With an underwater camera, I have caught fish by setting the hook the moment I saw them strike. And these are fish that may have gone totally undetected otherwise. Species like walleye, whitefish and trout often eat bite a bait and then spit it out in one motion; often without the angler even knowing they bit. By watching them firsthand on my Marcum, I’ve been able to set the hook well before ever feeling the strike. Underwater cameras are useful for getting get right on the edge of structure. As an example, I have drilled holes only to figure out I was not right on weeds as the day wasted away. But with the aid of my MarCum, could see the structure and then pinpoint the direction to go via the unit’s direction indicator. Once located, all I had to do is move and drilled holes right along the weed edge. Wha-lah… Fish on! MORE POWER TO YOU Without a doubt, you could go fishing without the aid of GPS, mapping programs, sonar and underwater cameras… But why? Because of modern electronics, we all have it made when it comes to being spot on when drilling a hole in the ice, knowing if fish are below as well when we are about to get bit. Utilize all electronics and you’ll be catching more fish. I promise. Mark Martin is a touring walleye tournament pro and instructor with the Ice-Fishing Vacation/ School, who lives in Michigan’s southwestern Lower Peninsula. For more information about Mark, the products he uses and the Ice-Fishing Vacation/ School, check out his website at markmartins.net.

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10/18/16 7:18 PM

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The leading reason many individuals participate in deer hunting is simply the opportunity to spend time outdoors with friends and family, but harvesting a deer is important to many deer hunters as well. No amount of hunting guarantees a harvest; however, preparation and hard work are keys to producing the best opportunity to see and take deer, or to mentor a new hunter through a safe and enjoyable season. The 2016 deer season is expected to be a successful year for many hunters. The 2016 deer season is forecasted to have similar to slightly increased success rates in comparison to last year. Check the DNR's website at www. michigan.gov/dnr for more detailed information about the areas you hunt. Though this may help to get you started with what to look for, there is no substitute for scouting. The opportunity to find out which trees are producing, which deer trails are being utilized, and which patterns deer are following is priceless information for a deer hunter. So, whether the goal is to get meat in the freezer or simply get outdoors, Michigan’s deer seasons offer something for everyone.

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FISH & FISHING

PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER MARK SOSIN

uccessful fishing necks down to two things. The first challenge focuses on finding the species you are planning to catch, and the second phase centers on getting them to eat a bait or strike an artificial. Everybody may know that, but not all anglers achieve their goals on the water. The key lies in planning your day and working your plan. Did you ever wonder why leading guides almost always find and catch fish every time they are on the water. There’s no mystery or deep, dark secret. They know the area they fish, they understand the preferences of the species they seek, and they plan their day in advance. If you fish the same waters repeatedly, you should have a pretty fair idea of where your quarry should be based on the tide, water temperature, bait concentrations and basic experience. Decide before you leave the dock where you plan to start and the next three or four spots if the first one doesn’t pan out. It’s also important to spend sufficient time in each location to make sure you give it a fair chance to produce results. Regardless if you are new to the area or fish there all the time, there are basic approaches you should constantly remember. If you can learn the depth where fish were caught recently, chances are they will still be lingering at that depth even if you don’t know the precise spot. During new and full moons, if you fish the shallows, the tides will be higher and lower. On incoming water, fish will push up shallower and then drop off the flat during the last of the outgoing tide. If you see sharks cruising a flat, that’s a good indication of the depth you should be looking for

fish. For those who prefer trolling, try a zigzag course working at a 45-degree angle deeper and then shallower until you start getting strikes. On the offshore grounds, look for weedlines, debris, currents, birds, baitfish and anything else out of the ordinary. Troll with the current, against the current, from deep to shallow, and shallow to deep until you hit paydirt. Remember the theory of “seats in a restaurant.” Fish tend to hold in very specific places. Even if you catch one, another will replace it shortly. That means you need to keep going back to exact spots where you caught fish in the past. Too many anglers simply fish at random without studying the area they plan to fish. Even if you’ve never fished those waters before, study the currents, the dropoffs and necks of a funnel where water flows in an out in channels. Finally, if you use natural bait, make sure it is fresh and change it frequently so it constantly gives off maximum odor. Live bait should be frisky. Replace it every 15 or 20 minutes. If you prefer artificials, stick with the basics and with lures that have caught fish in the past. You can try new lures when you find the fish and are having a banner day. The price of success is eternal vigilance on the water. Stay alert, follow a game plan, and you should be smiling at the end of the day. Award-winning writer, photographer, radio personality, and television producer, Mark Sosin is a leading educator, journalist, and more than 3,000 of his articles have been published and he is currently working on his 31st book.

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BETTER DECISIONS.

By Christina Weber

’m going to share some packing tips that’ll help you prepare to kayak fish in remote locations where you’ll rely on what you brought and someone else’s kayak… where you’ll fish on water you know very little about, in an area so remote that once you’re there, you’re there. If you’re like me, you’ll fish from a Hobie Mirage for roosterfish, a fish with an aggressive attitude and a killer Mohawk. When travelling it can be beneficial to share baggage expenses with a friend. We made our own 8’6’’ rod tube that was wide enough to hold eight rods and two gaffs. I use a large dry bag backpack for all my kayak accessories: extra rod tube extenders, gear ties, PFD, headlamp, pliers, cutters, extra dry bags, sunscreen, my TackleWebs, rain gear and other useful tools. Tackle takes up an entire suitcase with lures, hooks, leader and tackle boxes. It doesn’t sound like much until you lay everything out. Terminal tackle has to be checked baggage. I pack my reels in a Pelican case. I use it as a carry on. It also holds my laptop/POV camera. By the time this guy is packed, there isn’t much space, but it gets the job done. You might think your reels can handle the abuse of travel, but all that rattling and banging has the potential to loosen screws and drags. Plus, I’m not comfortable with the thought of losing thousands of dollars in gear. Occasionally I’ve been forced to check my reels. Prepare for the possibility.

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TIPS FROM A PRO

FRESHWATER MY FAVORITE FISHING DESTINATION

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

DOWNSTREAM ROLLTOP BAG

BRANDON LESTER

raveling across the country for the last three years with the Bassmaster Elite Series has led me to some amazing fishing destinations. I’ve been about as far as one can go in every direction in the United States and have gotten to experience some great fishing. Although I don’t have a definitive answer on where my favorite place to fish is, I will say that without a doubt my favorite fish to target are big northern smallmouth bass. Let’s talk about some of the places I’ve been and what makes the places and the

Lakes. My next experience with northern smallies was on the St. Lawrence River in upstate New York. The Thousand Islands area is a beautiful part of the country and should be on every bass fisherman’s bucket list. The river is full of fish, and a lot of people there seem to fish more for other species so the smallmouth are quite catchable. A little ways away on Lake Ontario is the home of more willing smallmouth. Next on the list is Lake St. Clair in Michigan. St. Clair is

Chums’ new Downstream waterproof bag is a medium-sized shoulder bag or fanny pack for folks who enjoy the outdoors, especially if you like water sports and fishing. From offshore boaters to kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders, this 6” x 10” x 4.5” travel bag is designed to protect your gear against the elements encountered while on your adventure. It has a roll-top closure that fastens at both ends and is completely airtight and waterproof. The material is very durable, made of double sided TPU-coated nylon and has waterproof RF welded seams. A front pocket with YKK water-resistant zipper is handy for your sunscreen or lip balm and has a drain hole for quick drying. The Downstream is a smart choice for boaters, anglers, stand-up paddle boarders and kayakers in need of a personal bag with easy access and a variety of wearable options. Keep your gear dry with Chums’ new line of accessory cases. Visit www. chums.com or your favorite specialty outdoor retailer to get yours today. Chums came about in 1983 when a Colorado River guide sought a simple way to keep his sunglasses out of the river. Through this innovative idea, the Chums original cotton eyeglasses retainer was born. More than thirty years later, Chums is now a global brand that offers a wide range of outdoor products and apparel. Chums’ mantra is simple: provide fun, quality products to enjoy while at work or play. Chums - Helping you hang on since 1983.

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fisheries so special. My very first experience with the Great Lakes was at the Elite Series AOY championship in 2014 in Escanaba, Mich. I ended up finishing that tournament in ninth place and qualified for my first Bassmaster Classic. I was super impressed with the place as soon as I rolled into town. Everyone in Escanaba was very nice and hospitable, which is something you don’t find everywhere these days. It is a nice quiet town much like the Tennessee town I was raised in, with great places to eat and nice places to stay. As far as the fishery, just take a look at the weights from that tournament and they will speak for themselves. Little Bay and Big Bay de Noc are chock-full of big smallmouth as well as walleye, pike, perch and everything else you would expect to find in the Great

unique because you can either fish in the lake, which is great, or you can fish one of the rivers that flows into or out of the lake, which is what I chose to do when I was there. In all these places, smallmouth bass will absolutely chew a small soft plastic bait on a Mustad dropshot hook fished on a MHX EPS 81MLXF rod from Mud Hole Custom Tackle. Catching these fish requires good electronics, so I rely heavily on my Raymarine units to locate the big schools. As I was writing this last week, I got thinking I needed to go and pay those smallmouth a visit. My dad and I jumped in the car, drove to Lake Michigan and had a ball. I would encourage you to do the same before it gets too cold!

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FRESHWATER PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT CUSTOMBILT PONDTOONS INTRODUCES CAMO MODEL

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“ I had the chance to test the new Bossman TailSpotter and I must say I was very impressed. I’ve run a lot of boats in my career and this boat is as good if not better than anything I’ve driven.”

Custombilt Pondtoons introduces for fall 2016 a new camo model that makes the perfect duck hunting boat or just a cool version of their small-water fishing boat. Also new is the optional Lehr 9.9 HP 4-stroke propane motor that will run off the propane tank for your grill to deliver clean and efficient power. All boats are all-welded aluminum construction and made in the USA with premium options to meet every hunter and fisherman’s needs in boating. The Pondtoon is the perfect small-water boat for the avid river and pond angler, duck and bow hunter, as well as the family with children or grandchildren. Their pontoon boats are factory assembled in three standard sizes, 14’x5’, 14’x6’, 16’x6’ with options and additional features that allow you to equip the boat for your fishing and hunting style at a very affordable price. In addition to the new camo style boat, they also have a fishing series, hunting series, pleasure series, farm/pond work boats, search and rescue and wheelchair accessible models. Call or email with any questions to help you customize your very own CustomBilt Pondtoon boat! For more information, email Steve Bynum at pondtoons@gmail.com or call 334-684-2210.

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NOVEMBER 2016

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FRESHWATER

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Photo by Melissa Shavlik

ELECTRONIC FLARE

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here’s stocking trout, and then there’s unintentionally releasing 80,000 rainbow trout into the open ocean. In the short-term, recreational anglers will be the beneficiaries of a $1.5 million accident at a Danish fish farm. Reuters reports that a cargo vessel collided with fish farm nets between Danish Islands in the Baltic Sea on Oct. 11. The fish, which were bound for the slaughterhouse within a few days’ time, weighed about 6.6 pounds each. Recreational anglers are being encouraged to get out on the fjord and catch as many of the escapees as possible. Authorities are concerned the jailbreak could have disastrous consequences for the native sea-run rainbow trout populations. According to the Associated Press report, wild populations are preparing to run up the rivers to spawn right now, and their eggs would make tasty morsels for the farmed fish. Other Danish biologists have dismissed the threat as minimal because the farmed trout are unprepared for life in the wild and are conditioned to heavy feedings. There is a good chance the fish will die of starvation or be consumed by larger predators before they are able to do much damage. One thing is for sure, if there are Walmarts in Denmark, the shelves will be emptied of spinners, salmon eggs, Powerbait and canned corn. There isn’t a stocked trout in the world that can resist Green Giant Niblets.

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CA • CO ST

even it wasn’t so beautiful. Most places they are found, BUCKET LIST roosterfish are A commonly known A RI T C A • C OS as denizens of the surf. In Costa Rica, they are in the surf and everywhere else. Midway down the spit of land that is Central America, Costa Rica is in the heart of the By CAM Staff roosterfish range, which spans the Pacific from Peru to the Baja Photos Courtesy of Francisco Mejias California Peninsula. The average fish caught probably weighs less than 20 pounds, but it takes one weighing 60 or 70 pounds to really ames Like Los Sueños, Quepos and the Osa Peninsula ring out in raise eyebrows. our collective angler imaginings as the sportfishing destinations They are plentiful, big and powerful, and half the fun of catching of fantasy. Reports filter back to the U.S. with stories of 50-sailfish them is fishing for them. Sure, the most consistent way to catch them days, multiple blue, black and striped marlin… billfish action that seems is trolling or drifting live baits. But we’re talking about a fish that will too good to be true on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. cream a topwater lure. There is not much in fishing more exciting than a Well, those reports are most likely true. Costa Rica is one of the world’s topwater take, so when it is possible one might as well take advantage of it. best billfish destinations. But not everyone is into spending long days With roosterfish, the preferred surface presentation is ripping a trolling offshore. For some anglers, casting a line or working a bait is as popper across the top with as much splashy commotion as possible. It’s much a part of the fun as fighting a fish. That’s where Costa Rica’s exotic not a finesse technique. When a fish homes in on the bait, it will chase, and astoundingly good inshore fisheries step in. often hitting several times before it finds the hook. Year-round, just off the coast of Costa Rica, huge snook, big cubera It’s this kind of explosive action that makes Costa Rica worth the snapper and giant roosterfish hunt the gorgeous beaches, rocks and reefs. trip for inshore action alone. And of course there’s also all those marlin, Any number of species is subject to find the end of your line, but the chief sailfish and tuna. target for anglers has to be the roosterfish. For More Inshore Fishing in Costa Rica Visit With its tall Mohawk of a dorsal fin and multi-hued stripes, the roosterfish’s oddball appearance is enough of a reason to try and catch one. FRABILL-8.5 X 4.94-IFLOATSUIT.pdf 8/9/16 11:20 Its aggressive nature and powerful runs1 would make it aPMtarget for anglers T

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT PIRANA FISHING LURES With its patented Jet Trail System, Pirana Fishing Lures has given the fishing world one of those “why didn’t someone think of this before” moments. Pirana has taken proven elements of highly successful crankbaits and jerkbaits and given them a new feature that is the most innovative and effective to hit the market in years. These lures leave a bubble trail, an enticement that draws in predatory fish and triggers them to strike. The effectiveness of bubble trails is well documented. Bluewater anglers troll jet head lures. Bass anglers fish gurglers and buzzbaits. Pirana’s Jet Trail System brings the same concept to crankbaits and jerkbaits. With an open mouth and gill slots along the lure’s sides, water is forced through the lure on retrieve to create the jet trail. Pirana has also put a lot into the details. These lures have a finely tuned wobble and dive as well as a rattle chamber for additional noise. Bright red gills, holographic silver eyes, a hex-scale pattern and a high-gloss finish complete the package. The lasting trail of bubbles, however, is what sets them apart. Pirana’s latest, which should hit the market soon, is the new and improved P200, which has a lip above the mouth opening. Whether the target species are redfish, seatrout and snook inshore or largemouth and smallmouth bass or trout in freshwater, anything that will eat a plug will be more likely to eat one with a jet trail. For more information visit www.piranafishinglures.com or call 386310-7165.

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT UNDERWATER FISH LIGHT If you live on the water or have ever cruised any local canals or shorelines at night, you’ve probably seen how effective and widespread Underwater Fish Light’s products are. They seem to be just about everywhere, and are almost always loaded with fish. Their classic Natural Green lights look amazing in any waterway, but they recently released a new line of Vibrant Green underwater lights that illuminate the water with a richer green color that really stands out from the crowd. In addition to the unique look, these lights are also 50 percent brighter than the classic systems and are perfect for those looking to “out glow” their neighbors. Of course these new lights come backed by the same guarantees that Underwater Fish Light is famous for, including their well known “Fish Guaranteed or Your Money Back” promise. You can try the new Vibrant Green systems or any of their other models for sixty nights in your own waterway, and if you’re not thrilled with the performance of the light, you can return it for a full refund. Obviously they don’t get too many returns. There is also a new line of Caribbean Blue underwater lights that look incredible in clear waterways, but customers outside of the Florida Keys should opt for either the Natural Green or Vibrant Green, as these will look the best in murkier waters. With a 3-year warranty and money back guarantee, you can’t go wrong with Underwater Fish Light. Visit them online at www.FishLight.com or call 1-855-FISH-LIGHT for more information.

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT NEW RECHARGEABLE HEARING AID Hearing loss can leave you feeling disconnected. And it can be more than just a nuisance for those who enjoy fishing, boating or the outdoors. The inability to hear or understand warnings from the captain or guide can be downright dangerous. MDHearingAid, the doctor’s choice for affordable hearing aids, has the solution for your hearing loss with discreet, easy-to-use devices that are surprisingly affordable. The MDHearingAid Volt is a rechargeable hearing aid that eliminates the need for finding and fumbling with tiny batteries. It plugs in just like a cell phone or tablet, and the lithium-ion battery lasts up to 22 hours with each charge. Just plug it in at night when you go to bed and you’ll hear clearly all day long. Doctor-designed, this state-of-the-art digital technology utilizes dual microphones paired with noise reduction to filter out background noise. With four programs and volume control, the user has complete control to communicate confidently even in the most challenging listening environments. You’ll be able to focus on what you want to hear, not the surrounding noise. It sits discreetly behind the ear and is nearly invisible so even those closest to you may not notice you’re wearing it. The MDHearingAid Volt includes dual USB charging station and convenient carrying case. Try this rechargeable and affordable FDA-registered digital hearing aid at home with a 45-day risk-free trial and a 100 percent money-back guarantee. Call 800-514-1609 and get FREE shipping with offer code CV74 or visit

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT INHIBITOR VCI PRO CHIPS FOR CORROSION PROTECTION Protecting your fishing gear from rust and corrosion has never been easier, or more effective. The Inhibitor VCI offers unrivaled corrosion and rust prevention to protect lures, hooks, reels and more. Fishing tackle is a magnet for rust and corrosion. Many people do not fully appreciate the money and time avid anglers put into building their collection of lures. Rust will damage hooks, split rings and the body of the lure. With VCI Pro Chips you can make sure you never lose any of your fishing equipment to rust. Saltwater speeds up rust and corrosion; protect your fishing tackle from saltwater. Inhibitor VCI Pro Chips are a safe, easy and economical way to ensure your fishing tackle, tool boxes, small part bins and any other small metal items stay rust free. Each chip is treated on both sides with Volatile Corrosion Inhibitors that release a non-toxic vapor to blend with moisture and oxygen and stop rust and corrosion. The special vapors penetrate into the smallest cracks or crevices, providing total protection in marine environments. There is no scent residue. Fish will never know you are rust free! With Inhibitor rust prevention products, even saltwater cannot cause your fishing tackle to rust or corrode. They are great for parts bins and tool boxes at home, too. It works on all ferrous and non-ferrous metals: brass, bronze, copper, aluminum, steel, and stainless steel. Visit www.theinhibitor.com to get your 20-pack of VCI Pro Chips for only $5.99.

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Attention Advertising Sales Reps Have you ever wondered what it would be like to own the media company that you were selling advertising for? Ever considered how different your life would be if you didn’t have to hand over the bulk of your sales revenue to your employer? Have you ever thought about how much easier your sales job could be if you didn’t have to beg your sales manager for every little extra thing that you wanted to give your customer? Ever wondered what it would be like to control your own time? You don’t have to wonder anymore. Coastal Angler and its freshwater component The Angler Magazine are offering magazine franchises throughout the continental U.S. and abroad. Now, you can be the publisher and completely control the advertising department of your magazine. After nine years of franchising this magazine and with 42 current locations, we can say with confidence that these home-based magazine locations can be opened in nearly any location with a minimum population base of 500,000 and an active angling community. We have also identified our ideal candidate as being someone with previous media sales experience. Male or female, success in this endeavor is gaged more on advertising sales than fishing prowess. If you are a current or former media advertising sales rep, you owe it to yourself to check out our franchise opportunities. For more information, call 888-800-9794 or email info@ coastalanglermagazine.com.

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NOVEMBER 2016

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

COME JOIN OUR TEAM!

Franchise locations available throughout the U.S. and abroad.

Ever wanted to be your own boss, run your own business and be involved in the fishing industry? Well now you can. Our franchisees enjoy the benefits of controlling their own time while building their incomes in an industry that they love. If you enjoy the outdoors and don’t mind meeting the public and immersing yourself in the world of boating and fishing, then you owe it to yourself to check out our franchise opportunities. We now have locations available throughout the U.S. and abroad. These are home based businesses designed to operate on relatively low overhead and modest investment. No prior publishing experience necessary. We provide a complete training program and ongoing support. For more information on a franchise location near you, visit www.coastalanglermag.com, call 888-800-9794 or email info@coastalanglermagazine.com.

Now Available

• New Orleans, LA • Baton Rouge, LA • Gloucester, MA • Nashville, TN • Denver, CO • Charlotte, NC • Milwaukee, WI • Seattle, WA

• Upstate New York SOLD • Costa Rica Reduced • Raleigh, NC New Listing • Newport, CA • Savannah, GA • Corpus Christi, TX New Listing

...And More!

© 2016. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Disclaimer: Coastal Angler Magazine / The Angler Magazine will not be held liable for injuries incurred while partaking in activities described herein, or for claims made against products or services provided by advertisers.

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

FLORIDA

Corporate Headquarters

info@coastalanglermagazine.com

888-800-9794

GREATER MIAMI

Scott Deal • (561) 945-6999

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TREASURE COAST & BAHAMAS

OKEECHOBEE

Mike Weber (414) 531-4172

Ken Gabryel (863) 532-3671

Misti & Gary Guertin (772) 285-6850

FORT MYERS

PALM BEACH COUNTY

nwelch@ coastalanglermagazine.com

barbara@ coastalanglermagazine.com

Nadeen Welch (239) 595-8265

Barbara Ryan (561) 373-8040

BREVARD

David String (321) 684-5888

pprevoir@coastalanglermagazine.com

NE FLORIDA

LAKELAND & SUMTER

danny@ coastalanglermagazine.com

maryf@ coastalanglermagazine.com

Danny Patrick (904) 742-4696

dstring@ keng@ coastalanglermagazine.comtreasurecoast@coastalanglermagazine.comcoastalanglermagazine.com flahama@coastalanglermagazine.com

Chuck Atkins (239) 464.5153

chuck@ coastalanglermagazine.com

BIG BEND

Mike McNamara (850) 510-7919

Mary Flaitz (352) 598-4219

captmike@ coastalanglermagazine.com

GULF CAOST

mikew@ coastalanglermagazine.com

TAMPA BAY

SARASOTA

Phil Prevoir • (239) 257-4684

GREATER ORLANDO

PANAMA CITY/ FORGOTTEN COAST

Phillip & Giselle Wolf (407) 790-9515

FLORIDA KEYS Ed Gocher (305) 587-9101

Randy Cnota (229) 834-7880

phillip@ coastalanglermagazine.com

Cary & Lynn Crutchfield (352) 372-4237

FORT LAUDERDALE

Jim “Mack” & Pat McKinney (954) 603-2304 fortlauderdale@ coastalanglermagazine.com

crutch@ coastalanglermagazine.com

DAYTONA/ NEW SMYRNA BEACH Don Meadows (407) 960-2340

ALABAMA GULF COAST Sarah Clark (205) 522-1756

donm@coastalanglermagazine.com

sarahclark@ coastalanglermagazine.com

CAPE COD/ISLANDS/ SOUTHERN MASS

Jessica Baptista

NORTHEAST

randyc@coastalanglermagazine.com

ed@coastalanglermagazine. com

NC FLORIDA/ NATURE COAST

GALVESTON/MATAGORDA/ UPPER COAST

PENSACOLA/DESTIN/ MIS GULF COAST

BOSTON

Kevin Ogle • (850) 586-3474

Chanci & David Mowry (713) 446-7395

gulf@coastalanglermagazine.com

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA

GREATER ATLANTA AREA /SW GEORGIA

woody@theanglermagazine.com

bobr@theanglermagazine.com

boston@ coastalanglermagazine.com

RHODE ISLAND/ LONG ISLAND

UPSTATE NEW YORK Frank Geremski (518) 898-6484

Lisa & Michael Danforth (203) 321-7635

frankie@theanglermagazine.com

lisad@ coastalanglermagazine.com

Paul Drepanos (508) 733-7173

MAINE

jessicab@ coastalanglermagazine.com

pauld@ coastalanglermagazine.com

SOUTHEAST

chanci@coastalanglermagazine.com davidm@coastalanglermagazine.com

George Regan (617) 488-2842

Debra & Joe Woody (828) 775-9663

WILMINGTON

Brian Slesinski • (910) 797-6093

Bob & Brenda Rice (706) 614-8231

SE & COASTAL GEORGIA Tony Martin (912) 269-9679

CHARLESTON/COLUMBIA SESE& &COASTAL COASTALGEORGIA GEORGIA Eddie Hardgrove (910)264-5487

eddie@coastalanglermagazine.com travis@theanglermagazine.com travis@theanglermagazine.com

OUTER BANKS/ VIRGINIA BEACH

N.C. PIEDMONT

TravisHarper Harper Travis (912)266-1430 266-1430 (912)

MOREHEAD CITY

Roscoe Worth-Jones & Frank Jones (276) 274-9889

roscoe@theanglermagazine.com frank@theanglermagazine.com

Eddie Hardgrove • (910)264-5487

WEST MICHIGAN Phil Belsito (616) 957-1714

John Tiger • (757) 707-9654 eddie@coastalanglermagazine.com brians@coastalanglermagazine.com Eddie Hardgrove • (910)264-5487 tony@theanglermagazine.com john.tiger@coastalanglermagazine.com Brian Slesinski • (910) 797-6093 phil@theanglermagazine.com Laura Seitz • (757) 707-9655 brians@coastalanglermagazine.com eddie@coastalanglermagazine.com laura@coastalanglermagazine.com

NATIONAL

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HILTON HEAD

Kathy & Mark McElheney (843) 478-5095

mark@coastalanglermagazine.com

PUERTO RICO/ VIRGIN ISLANDS Ace Bassue

MYRTLE BEACH

Kenneth & Ana Moore (843) 446-5777

kenmoore@ coastalanglermagazine.com

COSTA RICA

Thomas Hauer, Jr. (321) 445-1557

thomash@coastalanglermagazine.com (407) 285-9453 ace@ Thomas Hauer • (321) 445-1557 coastalanglermagazine.com tomh@coastalanglermagazine.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

10/18/16 3:15 PM

Graphite and fiberglass construction. One-piece stainless steel guides. Tougher than the original.

uglystik.com

@uglystik /uglystikfishing COLORS

PANTONE 200; CMYK: C-16.69, M-100, Y-87.59, B-7.22

PANTONE 877; CMYK: C-47.43, M-39.86, Y-39, B-3.48

COMMON CVRS_1116.indd 3

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COMMON CVRS_1116.indd 4 1559-16B1 Coastal Angler_NewSize.indd 1

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