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PHOTO BY NICK CARTER VOLUME 23 â&#x20AC;¢ ISSUE 271

F R A N C H I S E

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A V A I L A B L E

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W O R L D W I D E

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EDITOR IN CHIEF : Ben Martin • camads@coastalanglermagazine.com VICE PRESIDENT : Tracy Patterson • tracy@coastalanglermagazine.com ART DIRECTOR : Rebecca Snowden • graphics@coastalanglermagazine.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR : Nick Carter • editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com WEBMASTER : Dmitriy Pislyagin • webmaster@coastalanglermagazine.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Corporate Headquarters info@coastalanglermagazine.com • 888-800-9794

FLORIDA

BIG BEND : Mike McNamara • (850) 510-7919 • captmike@coastalanglermagazine.com BREVARD : David String • (321) 684-5888 • dstring@coastalanglermagazine.com DAYTONA/NEW SMYRNA BEACH : Don Meadows • (321) 436-5895 • donm@coastalanglermagazine.com FLORIDA KEYS : Cliff Lumpkin • (305) 849-9093 • cliff@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT LAUDERDALE : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT MYERS : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER MIAMI : Scott Deal • (561) 945-6999 • scott@coastalanglermagazine.com Monica Isaza-Deal • (561) 945-8899 • monica@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER ORLANDO : Phillip & Giselle Wolf • (407) 790-9515 • phillip@coastalanglermagazine.com LAKELAND & SUMTER : Mary Brasher • (352) 598-4219 • maryf@coastalanglermagazine.com NAPLES : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com NC FLORIDA/NATURE COAST : Cary & Lynn Crutchfield • (352) 372-4237 • crutch@coastalanglermagazine.com NE FLORIDA : Danny Patrick • (904) 742-4696 • danny@coastalanglermagazine.com PANAMA CITY/FORGOTTEN COAST : Randy Cnota • (229) 834-7880 • randyc@coastalanglermagazine.com PALM BEACH COUNTY : Barbara Ryan • (561) 373-8040 • barbara@coastalanglermagazine.com SARASOTA : Phil Prevoir • (239) 257-4684 • pprevoir@coastalanglermagazine.com TAMPA BAY : Chuck Atkins • (239) 464-5153 • chuck@coastalanglermagazine.com TREASURE COAST : Misti & Gary Guertin • (772) 285-6850 • treasurecoast@coastalanglermagazine.com flahama@coastalanglermagazine.com

MARINE-GRADE BOAT COVERS

T-Tops

SOUTHEAST

ATLANTA/SW GEORGIA : Bob & Brenda Rice • (706) 614-8231 • bobr@theanglermagazine.com CHARLESTON : Jane A. Redden • (205) 725-9616 • jane@coastalanglermagazine.com Sam Buckareff • (843) 607-8629 • sam@coastalanglermagazine.com CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT : Mark & Haley Alberghini • (704) 651-1934 • mark@theanglermagazine.com MYRTLE BEACH : Mike Masiero • (732) 674-3019 • mmasiero@coastalanglermagazine.com TIDEWATER/OUTER BANKS : John Tiger • (757) 707-9654 • john.tiger@coastalanglermagazine.com Laura Seitz • (757) 707-9655 • laura@coastalanglermagazine.com UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA : Gregg Thompson • (864) 542-3112 • gregg@theanglermagazine.com WESTERN NC : Debra & Joe Woody • (828) 775-9663 • woody@theanglermagazine.com WILMINGTON/MOREHEAD : Kenny Ritter • (910) 550-9094 • kenny@coastalanglermagazine.com

Chairs & Seats

NORTHEAST BOSTON : George Regan • (617) 488-2842 • boston@coastalanglermagazine.com LONG ISLAND : Lisa & Michael Danforth • (203) 321-7635 • lisad@coastalanglermagazine.com CONNECTICUT / RHODE ISLAND : Lisa & Michael Danforth • (203) 321-7635 lisad@coastalanglermagazine.com

GULF COAST

GALVESTON/MATAGORDA/UPPER COAST : Chanci & David Mowry • (713) 446-7395 • chancim@coastalanglermagazine.com • davidm@coastalanglermagazine.com MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST : Adam Nelson • (228) 627-5903 • anelson@coastalanglermagazine.com Toby Nelson • (228) 623-1761 • tnelson@coastalanglermagazine.com NEW ORLEANS : Dr. Dave Dunaway • (225) 400-8156 • nola@coastalanglermagazine.com

GREAT LAKES

UPSTATE NEW YORK : Frank Geremski • (518) 898-6484 • frankie@theanglermagazine.com WEST MICHIGAN : Phil Belsito • (616) 957-1714 • phil@theanglermagazine.com

INTERNATIONAL BAHAMAS : Misti & Gary Guertin • (772) 285-6850 • treasurecoast@coastalanglermagazine.com flahama@coastalanglermagazine.com PUERTO RICO/VIRGIN ISLANDS : Ace Bassue • (407) 285-9453 • ace@coastalanglermagazine.com COSTA RICA : Mike Erickson • (561) 262-2242 • mike@coastalanglermagazine.com © 2017. 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.

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no pressure

Gulf Grouper By CAM Staff

rystal LaFosse fishes a lot. She’s traveled to destination fisheries around the world. Everywhere she’s been has its own allure, but she said when it comes to catching fish, nowhere compares to Louisiana’s Gulf Coast. What would you expect to hear from a Louisiana girl? Cajun Tackle in Lake Charles, La. is the family business, which Crystal operates with her brother and her parents. She is the founder and director of the Salty Catch Fishing Rodeo in Lake Charles and director of the Tuna & Swordfish Challenge at Hurricane Hole in Grand Isle, La. Even with so much fishing in her work life, she relishes the opportunity to launch out of Lake Charles with family, friends and her 6-year-old son Cardyn. Despite the excellent inshore opportunities nearby in the maze of waterways and Calcasieu Lake, Crystal’s favorite destination is well over 100 miles out in the Gulf in grouper water. West Louisiana doesn’t enjoy the same proximity to deep water as destinations to the east. With runs inside 50 miles out of Venice or Grand Isle, anglers flock to the deep-water rigs and rock bottom where the edge of the Continental Shelf provides dramatic depth changes. Out of Lake Charles, it’s a 110- to 130-mile run to reach the 200-foot depths and prime grouper territory. However, those willing to make longer runs will find bottom that hasn’t already been picked clean by other anglers. “Most people don’t come here to target grouper because the run offshore is so far,” Crystal said, “but that also makes it good because the area is not over-fished.” Yellowedge, gag, and strawberry grouper are some of Crystal’s personal favorites, but she said it’s always fun when the rod tip bends over and you really don’t know what you’re bringing up. Regardless of the species, grouper are some of the best eating fish in the sea, and loading the box with delicious fish is half the fun. “There’s nothing better than cranking in a huge Warsaw grouper. That’s just the best!” she said. The challenge of strapping on a harness and battling a big Warsaw is enough to test anyone’s strength and endurance. Reeling up a 200-plus-pounder is on Crystal’s to-do list. “Typically the big grouper hang on the up-current side of the rigs in 200 to 250 feet of water,” Crystal said. “Bottom fishing, you’re looking for rock or reef formations, drop offs and drastic water depth changes. Usually anything over 200 feet is good grouper territory.” For Crystal, “anything over 200 feet” is sometimes 500 feet or deeper, when you never know what’s going to come up on the end of the line. Her rigs account for the dark waters at these depths with lights that mimic the bioluminescence of squid and attract grouper. “There are several ways to deep drop, and grouper rigs can be made with one to five hooks, ” she said. “Typically when you’re targeting a big warsaw, it’s with an 18/0 or 20/0 circle hook rig with glowing lights, a 3- to 5-pound weight and live bait around the oil rigs. I make my own three-hook rigs using 8/0 or 10/0 circle hooks, glow in the dark squid, lights, and topped with dead squid bait… You can use the 3-5 hook rigs around structure or just bottom fishing on rock piles. “The glow squid are from Offshore Angler, Fathom Offshore, and many other brands. The LED deep-drop lights range in colors of blue,

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red, green or disco, and there are many different brands from Offshore Angler or Lindgren-Pitman, which we have a selection of at Cajun Tackle,” she continued. “These lights and glow squid attract the grouper in the deep dark water. The squid are put on just above the hook, so when you add your bait it’s glowing right above it. The light is added about a foot above the rig and attached with a snap swivel or rubber band.” As much as anything, heading offshore is an opportunity to explore. Crystal said she and her friends all have the same standard coordinates marked on their electronics, but everyone has their favorites, and she’s had a few trips when they ran up on new bottom that turned out to be great. “We have spent time seeking out new numbers to mark, and that just keeps it interesting,” she said. “Keeping the depthfinder on while running from spot to spot, paying attention to any changes in depth and bottom, you can really find some good spots. The ocean is such a wonderful place, and there are so many new things to explore. I think that’s what keeps me coming back. Every trip is different and special in its own way.” When she’s not fishing, Crystal LaFosse can be found working the shop at Cajun Tackle in Lake Charles, La. After a successful second-annual Salty Catch Fishing Rodeo in July, the Tuna & Swordfish Challenge is coming up Sept. 28-Oct. 1 at Hurricane Hole Resort and Marina in Grand Isle. Follow Crystal’s adventures on Instagram @crystallafosse.

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Mountain Lakes Are Calling

By Nick Carter eering into clear-green water from the casting deck, frantic movement is the first thing to catch your eye. As a morning fog evaporates, rolling mountains rise up all around and the sun breaks through to reveal small groups of blueback herring. They dart back and forth, skittering near the surface to evade or confuse predators below. Then it happens. It starts with a few scattered topwater hits and intensifies. By the time you look up from impaling the nose of a blueback from the bait tank, there is an acre of water boiling. Big hybrid bass herd herring around the cove. The trolling motor whirrs to keep you in casting range. For the next few hours the action came in flurries, with multiple anglers battling through double and triple hook-ups whenever baits encountered a school of hungry hybrids. Some fish came on multiple downlines arrayed in rod holders. The most exciting takes

were on the pitch rods, lightweight rigs kept ready for surfacing fish. Either way, the key to drawing strikes was a lively bait, and this is the style of fishing you’ll experience with Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. They fish the gorgeous mountain lakes on both sides of the Georgia, North Carolina border. This trip was on Lake Chatuge, a 7,200-acre impoundment of the Hiawassee River that stretches 13 miles from Hayesville, N.C. south to Hiawassee, Ga. The lake is known for big spotted and hybrid bass. If you’ve never battled a hybrid approaching double digits on light tackle, it makes reeling in a 10-pound largemouth seem comparable to fighting a wet shoe. The same could be said for most of the species guides Shane Goebel and Darren Hughes pursue. Big Ol’ Fish concentrates on three lakes in the region and plans trips based on where the current bite is best. Southwest of Chatuge, Lake Nottely is a 4,200-acre impoundment of the Nottely River. Its primary draw is trophy striped bass. Stripers from 20 to 40 pounds show up regularly on this reservoir outside Blairsville, Ga. The elusive 50-plus-pounder is what everyone seeks, and very lucky anglers just might find it trolling bluebacks, big gizzard shad or trout. Those who prefer counting fish to weighing them will find fast action on Lake Hiwassee near Murphy, N.C. It is a 6,000-acre reservoir in the same drainage, which for some reason is spelled differently in North Carolina. Lake Hiwassee features breathtaking cliff formations and spectacular fishing for smallmouths that reach 6 pounds and larger, as well as big walleye and striper. Over a couple action-packed trips with Darren and Shane on their The Angler Magazine-wrapped Carolina Skiff, one couldn’t help ask why they don’t fish artificials when the bite gets so hot. Their answer, almost in unison, was: “Because we like catching lots of fish.” That sentiment is hard to argue with, but it’s worth noting that Darren owns Hughes General Store in Blairsville, the area’s primary purveyor of live baits. Rumor has it they make a mean biscuit. Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service can be found online at bigolfish.com. Call them at 828-361-2021.

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FOUL WEATHE ExOfficio Camino Convertible Pant-Short

Huk Next Level Kryptek All Weather Bib

Perfect storm, meet the perfect bib. Huk’s Next Level Bib is built to keep Mother Nature at bay. They start with a lightweight stretch 3-layer, waterproof 10,000mm/Breathable 5000g shell. It’s 100 percent waterproof and windproof, which keeps all the elements out while maintaining best-in-class breathability. All the seams are taped and zippers welded to keep them from leaking. Non-binding and high-stretch, the bib is exceptionally comfortable and gives the wearer a full range of motion. Zip side entry allows for easy on and off, and there’s a zip fly for… well, you know. Gear can be kept handy in a large waterproof tape-welded chest pocket or dual front-thigh bellowed cargo pockets. There’s an internal mesh chest pouch pocket for items you keep close to your heart. Articulated knees are reinforced for durability. Velcro side tabs attached to a rear belt system and boot hem zippers allow the wearer to completely customize the fit. Elastic Huk-branded shoulder straps also optimize comfort. With Huk’s Next Level Bib, there is no such thing as bad weather.

www.hukgear.com Dakine Caliber Jacket The Caliber Jacket is Dakine’s go anywhere, do anything rain jacket. The company’s most technical men’s everyday jacket, the Caliber is sure to become an everyday, lightweight layer for guys who enjoy any type of outdoor adventure. Don’t let the good-looking modern tailored fit fool you. This is a hard-core weatherproof jacket with a waterproof shell that features fully seam-sealed, breathable construction with waterproof zippers and a helmetcompatible cinch hood to keep moisture out. Mechanical stretch 2.5 Layer construction provides a 20K/20K rating, which means this outer layer provides a wide range of motion with superb waterproof breathability. Underarm pit zips provide added ventilation for temperature regulation. Anglers will appreciate bomb-proof zippers that will stand up to the roughest marine environments and the clean exterior, which limits linegrabbing and tangling potential. Notable fit features include an extended back hem, articulated sleeves and adjustable cuffs. An invisible zippered media chest pocket keeps your electronic gadgetry safe, dry and secure. Dakine is based in the windy and wet Pacific Northwest, and the Caliber jacket is designed to keep wearers comfortable and dry in just those conditions.

ExOfficio prides itself on high-performance apparel for travel and adventure, and their technical clothing might as well be custommade for anglers. Their Sol Cool line is designed for the sun, and the Camino Convertible Pant-Short is perfect to keep you comfortable whether you’re wetwading a mountain stream, casting from the deck of a bass boat or poling the Bermudian flats. The benefits of zip-off legs are obvious for anyone who has spent any time on the water, and UPF 50 sun protection is essential for long days in the sun. The jade-infused Nycott fabric with Teflon Shield+ is very durable, stands up to rough treatment and even feels cool to the touch. Silvadur anti-bacterial technology helps eliminate odor, so you’ll smell fresher when you come off the water. The Camino Convertible Pant-Short features two security zip cargo pockets, a cell phone pouch inside the right leg pocket, two security zip back pockets, zippered leg hems, full inseam gusset, contoured tricot-lined waistband and an indestructible button system. All lengths zip off to an 8.5-inch short. And weighing just 10.5 ounces, you might forget you’re wearing pants.

www.exofficio.com Xtratuf Legacy 2.0 Engineered to withstand the world’s toughest conditions, the Legacy 2.0 is a hardcore fishing boot 50 years in the making. The latest addition to XTRATUF’s iconic legacy collection features an advanced new outsole that surpasses the SRC slip resistance rating, a textured heel for easy on/off that won’t get caught in gill nets and a contoured toppling binding so it does not rub harshly against calves. Acid- and chemicalresistant uppers along with shin and bib guards keep fishermen protected while a Polyurethane insole ensures comfort for long days on deck. All boots within the Legacy collection are 100 percent waterproof with unique performance features. Each boot is made with XTRATUF’s signature triple dipping technique, which creates a seamless barrier that is highly resistant to many organic and inorganic acids, chemicals and contaminants. The latex neoprene is ozone resistant and is softer, lighter and far more pliable than ordinary rubber. Cushioned insoles with arch support help fight fatigue and stress on the legs and back. All XTRATUF Legacy boots come with a non-marking, slip-resistant Chevron outsole that provides unparalleled traction on any surface in the most extreme conditions.

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HER GEAR Sherpa Nilgiri Pant

If they’ll keep you comfortable in the Himalayas, they’ll keep you comfortable anywhere. Sherpa’s Nilgiris are the perfect soft-shell pant for any outdoor activity in cold conditions.

If there’s anyone who knows how to stay warm in bitter cold conditions, it’s waterfowlers, who view frigid temperatures as invitation to go out into the field. Heybo’s Delta Vest is designed to protect you from bitter winds on those cold-weather days. This classic-cut piece features Realtree Max 5 camo, a vertical zippered pocket on the left chest, and two lower zippered pockets. The Delta Vest is built to be worn in the field or as a casual piece. With a full zip front, the Delta Vest features 100 percent poly fleece to keep your core warm while allowing freedom of movement for your arms. Even in damp conditions, this moisture wicking garment will keep you warm. The Delta vest may have been designed for duck hunting, but any outdoorsman will appreciate the warmth and functionality of this versatile vest.

www.heybooutdoors.com

Stretchy and quiet, Nilgiris keep you feeling warm, dry and comfortable even as you work up a sweat. They are made of a three-layer softshell laminate and lined with a light, soft fleece, so they provide breathable, durable, wind and water repellant shelter for your legs. They are also stretchy, which means moving in them feels unrestricted and effortless. Wear them with a base-layer or on their own to suit conditions.

The North Face Men’s Venture 2 Jacket The Venture 2 Jacket is an unlined, packable, weatherproof rain jacket that is perfect for year-round use. Whether you’re in the backcountry of the Florida Keys or the Blue Ridge Mountains, this lightweight, waterproof and windproof jacket will be there to protect you from the elements when you need it.

The Three-layer softshell laminate is highly breathable and wind- and water-proof. A gusseted crotch accommodates a full and natural range of motion. Three zip pockets—two hand and one thigh—keep essentials handy. Long, twoway, ankle zippers allow for venting and easy on and off over boots. An integrated, adjustable belt customizes the fit, and there are no seams on top of the knees to chafe or cause discomfort. These pants are functional enough to keep you happy in the harshest conditions and comfortable enough to wear around the house.

www. sherpaadventuregear. co.uk Under Armour Storm Surge The Storm Surge is exactly the lightweight rain jacket one would expect from Under Armour, a company devoted to designing high-performance apparel. Unbelievably lightweight and packable, the Storm Surge is a jacket that is easy to keep on-hand, whether in a pack or stowed in a box, which means it is the jacket that will be there when those pop-up thunderstorms roll over the water. UA’s Storm technology has created a shell that is 100 percent waterproof, with fully taped seams to keep the wearer dry in wet weather. And this piece of gear does not sacrifice breathability. A 10K/10K rating means the Storm Surge has found a good balance between keeping water out while allowing airflow For those warm, humid days, when some rain jackets just leave you wet with sweat instead of rain, on-demand zip vents under the arms provide additional breathability to keep the wearer cool and dry. On cool mornings, windproof materials and construction block out the breeze with 2.5 layer bonded fabric and a durable, smooth exterior. The Storm Surge has a loose, fuller cut for complete comfort and a full range of motion. Adjustable cuffs and a bungee hem keep moisture from creeping in, while zippered hand pockets keep gear safe.

www.underarmour.com

Heybo Delta Vest-Max 5

The North Face’s DryVent 2.5L technology utilizes a polyurethane coating that is remarkably waterproof, breathable and durable to create a jacket for active pursuits where light weight and packability are essential. An inner layer finished with dry touch print helps raise the fabric from the skin for comfort and to enable quick transfer of vapor to the outside. The Venture 2 also packs up small into its own pocket. In short, wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, this jacket is designed to be there to keep you dry and comfortable. A relaxed fit and adjustable hood provide a full range of motion as well as room for extra layers, hats or helmets. Pit-zip venting increases breathability. Hand pockets are covered and zippered to store gear safe and dry. Adjustable Velcro cuff tabs keep water from running down your arm while casting, and a hem cinch-cord stops wetness from coming in from below. With a durable yet breathable ripstop exterior, it is likely the wearer will never need to use The North Face’s legendary lifetime warranty.

www.northface.com HammerHead Mahi Mahi Ahi Gloves The HammerHead Dentex, Mahi Mahi Ahi gloves are protection on “rear-knuckle” steroids! Hammerhead has taken its best-selling red Dentex cutresistant gloves and added a thick coat of “EKP” or Enhanced Knuckle Protection to create the perfect gloves for spearfishing and lobstering. Dentex gloves were already the No. 1 best-selling protective gloves for warm water. Made from special UHMW ANSI Level 5 fabrics, they are light, flexible and offer incredible cut and puncture resistant protection up to 15 times stronger than steel. With chemical- and heat-resistant Nitrile Grip coating, you’ll never lose your grip on pole spears, rocks, fillet knives, lobster snares or with any application where extra grip is desired. With the addition of EKP, Hammerhead has brought a new and improved glove to the marketplace that offers complete protection for the front as well as the back of your hands and especially your knuckles.

www.hammerheadspearguns.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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What’s It Like to Live in a Log Cabin?

By Ben Martin • Editor in Chief

View time-lapsed video at www.blueridgelogcabins.net As an outdoor enthusiast, I’m naturally drawn to the aesthetic charm of log cabins. I have enjoyed numerous stays and vacations in log cabins over the years. Living in one on a long term or even potentially permanent basis is an intriguing thought for me. With that question in mind, I set out to speak with individuals who have taken that step, just to get their honest opinions, before I make the leap to a log cabin as my permanent residence. My first call was to Mark Alberghini, our Charlotte, North Carolina co-publisher. He and his family have been living in a log cabin for more than 20 years. According to Mark, returning to his cabin after a stressfilled day in the publishing business offers an immediate calming effect. He went on to say that living in a log cabin has left him less interested in vacations than at any other time in his life. His now-grown daughters tell him they are always pleased to return to the log cabin for holidays and family events, and that it seems to have created a deeper sense of tradition than many of their friends who live in conventional homes seem to experience.

I then contacted several Blue Ridge Log Cabin homeowners to see how they compared the experience of log cabin living to conventional homes. Jerry and Carol Clark, who recently moved into their Blue Ridge Log Cabin, said the experience of returning to their log home is much more enjoyable than that of their previous conventional homes. Blue Ridge Log Cabin owner and high school principle Charlie Burry informed us that, “As a high school principle, I value regular downtime away from the pressures of my job.” In that regard, Mr. Burry went on to say, “My wife and I greatly enjoy the peace and relaxation afforded by log-home living verses a conventional home.” Jim Austin, another Blue Ridge Log Cabin owner, commented, “several years ago we decided to change our lifestyle and head out of the hustle and bustle of city life and settle for the quiet and serene country life. We found the perfect wooded location in the foothills of the Appalachians, complete with a little stream running through it. These past five years have been fantastic. We couldn’t have picked a better location or company to build our home. We absolutely love the quietness of the woods in which deer and turkey abound. The sound of our little creek in the morning mist seems heaven sent. Perfect setting, perfect cabin. We love it and wouldn’t change cabin living for the world.” Throughout the numerous interviews that were conducted, the response was always the same. Those homeowners who had changed from a conventional home to a log cabin unanimously agreed, the feeling of contentment, relaxation and satisfaction with the log home was far superior to that of their conventional home. Had this little research project been a survey, it would have seemed artificially skewed. Rarely will you find 100 percent of your survey group in agreement on nearly any subject. In this inquiry, every single person, without exception, agreed that they would never trade log-home living for a conventional home. That’s what it’s like to live in a log cabin.

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Michigan Hard Water

WEST MICHIGAN REPORTS & EVENTS

Photos Spring Break Catch Fishing Reports - Rivers & Streams Planning

FLORIDA GULF COAST - Inland Lakes Big Lake FISHING CHARTERS & -GUIDES + PLUS

+PLUS Photo courtesy of Capt. Jeff Hubbard Outfitters North

Expert advice Local Fishing Reports from the area's Catch Photos top guides and Tournaments & Events charter boat captains

WWW.THEANGLERMAG.COM/WESTM WWW.THEANGLERMAG.COM/WESTM WWW.THEANGLERMAG.COM/WESTMICHIGAN 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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Kyle catches his first king, on his birthday, fishing with Capt Ben Wolfe of Sport Fish Michigan.

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Chris and Trevor with king catch while out wita double h Capt. Chad Dilts of Sport Fish Michigan

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Fresh kings being cau out of Holland with Caght pt. Stacy Chupailo.

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eptember means transition. Summer isn’t entirely gone, but cooler temperatures are becoming the norm. Check your MI hatch charts and terrestrials are still at the top of the menu through the month. Ants, crickets, grasshoppers, and beetles find their way into and on the water by way of the wind. This pattern is a quick, effective tie and will increase your odds of a hookup. Start with a good thread base on the hook. Cut a section of float foam (or use a preformed body) for the appropriate hook size. Tie the foam to the top of the hook with three distinctive segments. Taper the rear segment with scissors. Tie the legs in between the segments. Whip finish and add a drop of nail polish on the head for visibility and you’re done! Fish these in tandem as well. Now get your rod, wader up, and head to the river!

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this, but there are ways to negate it happening rapidly. Try placing fly floatant, cooking spray, or Vaseline on your guides to negate rapid ice buildup. Will these stop it completely? No, but they will keep you in the game longer. Happiest of Holidays!

Rivers & Streams

REPORTS & FORECASTS

Pere Marquette

BY: J E F F H U B B A R D

Outfitters North Guide Service (231) 898-6246

www.outfittersnorth.com

here did the summer go? The seasons have changed to fall on the banks of the Pere Marquette River. The maple trees are starting to show their vibrant colors, and king salmon are making their annual migration into the river. This year there running on the plus size, ranging in the 20 to even 30-pound class. So if your plan was to come up and fly fish for them or cast lures or drift skein, be prepared with bigger rods and leaders to keep these beast out of the wood piles. You can find these fish throughout the whole river system. The lower you go in the river, the fresher they will be as there holding in the deep slow pools. As you go higher in the river, you'll find them spawning or pre-spawning hanging around gravel areas and in pockets and small runs. The salmon run will continue throughout the month of September and into October. In the middle of October, we usually start to see signs of steelhead along with a few cohos and lake run brown trout enter the river. With hunting season's starting and great fishing. Fall is a great time to enjoy the outdoors. If you're interested in a fly fishing trip on the Pere Marquette River, you can contact me at outfittersnorth.com and don't forget to like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ outfittersnorth/.

his im tail pr in the body gi profile air and when fi size; sm for stee winter fi

When JANUARY 2014

4 WEST MICHIGAN

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safe at th Marquet Good lu

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Rivers & Streams

REPORTS & FORECASTS

Traverse City BY: R U S S MA D D I N (231) 633-6464

eptember is migratory fish time, salmon, both coho and chinook as well as steelhead and lake browns will start to enter many of the area's rivers. Rivers like the Pere Marquette Big and Little Manistee, Betsie, Platte, Boardman and many others will have a number of migratory fish in them by the end of the month. For fair chase fly fishing, this means larger animated streamers and swung flies on spey rods or switch rods. Initial reports from the lake suggest that some real monsters are out there, so stouter rigs in the 9-11wt variety and lines from 300-400 grain are recommended. Scientific Anglers cold 25s are my absolute favorites. Animated steamer flies like ones from Great Lakes Fly (Eli Berant), Adaptive Fly (Matt Grajewski) and Motown Fly ( Mark Loughead ) have the custom goods for steamer junkies willing to put in the work. Lake bows and migrant browns will soon follow the hordes of salmon as the month draws to a close. As a bonus for September, the water temps will be cooling, and the summer steelhead will start moving around a bit more making them more available as well. For the non-fly guys/gals, fair chase kings and cohos can be caught 1 on spins and various Big Green Egg Angler Ad_Layout 4/14/17 8:25 hard baits and the takes by these fish will rip the rod right outta your hand. Have fun out there and fish ethically this fall.

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Grand River

Muskegon River

BY: G R E G K N A P P

B Y: C A P T. J E F F B A C O N

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ith cooler days and nights ushering in the onset of our "fall" season here in West Michigan, many anglersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; thoughts shift to the pending migration of our great lakes big game fish into the rivers that flow into Lake Michigan. One thing to make a note of right away, we have some BIG chinook salmon swimming in Lake Michigan this year and hooking such a beast is one thing.....landing it WILL be another! It all begins with the fall run of both chinook and coho salmon, as they enter their natal rivers on their annual spawning run and the month of September finds the greatest number of these fish coming out of Lake Michigan and into our rivers. The Muskegon River finds large groups of salmon coming into the river in "waves" during September. Many of them will "stage" in the slower pools and runs, as they wait for their biological clock to go off, which marks their time to congregate around spawning grounds and the female fish become active in making their "redds," to lay their eggs. Not far off will be the arrival of our fall steelhead, considered by many to be the top prize for rivers anglers in Michigan. These incredibly fast and very acrobatic fish are in the river feeding on the eggs and insects that get kicked up during the whole salmon spawning process. They are known to take a bunch of line off your reel very fast and can jump several times during the battle, often clearing the water by 5 feet or more. Fly fishing setups include swinging streamer flies on sinking or sink tip lines, indicator "nymphing" rigs, as well as drift fishing, a.k.a. chuck-nduck. A common theme this fall will be bigger rods and heavier tippet. With MANY 30+ pound chinook caught in recent weeks, we'll be needing to put 9 and 10 weight fly rods on board and tippet ranging from 12-15# test. Flies to include longer, flashy and/or articulated streamers, nymphs such as caddis, hares ears, princes, hex and of course, egg patterns in several colors. For conventional equipment, it will be either open face spinning reels or bait caster reels, matched with the proper rod with line weights ranging from 12-25# and most reels spooled with braided line. We tip the braided line with either 15-18# monofilament or fluorocarbon and 12-14# tippet. When not casting-retrieving lures such as Rapala's or similar, the same fly selection used with fly gear, can be fished with conventional tackle. We will likely see some massive fish caught this fall. After seeing pictures of several 30+pound chinook caught during late summer and one beast over 40 pounds brought to the net, maybe we will see a new record fish caught this fall. Just remember.....bring a big net!

he Grand River in September provides a good mixed bag of migratory fish. We usually start seeing some fresh steelhead, king salmon, coho, and browns once the lakeshore temps cool down. Although we do not see as many kings in the Grand, we usually get a good coho run, and when they bite they are a good and scrappy fighting fish. Most of the coho blast up to 6th street dam within a few days of showing up to the lakeshore in Grand Haven. These fish don't hang around long downtown, once they find the ladder they shoot up and head to wherever they are going. A few steelhead and browns usually show up here and there throughout the month of September, most of these fish are caught around 6th Street as the dam usually halts them for a while. Try tossing crankbaits or spinners around for the kings in the deeper areas of the river. For the trout species try fishing eggs or egg patterns under floats or drifted along the bottom, casting hardware works as well. Coho are mostly caught on skein but they can be caught on a variety of methods as well.

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September Anglers Chasing Salmon or Gearing Up for Hunting

he leaves are starting to turn and there’s no traffic on the lakes-what a great time to be fishing. This fall, fish two different lakes connected by a canal. Each has a unique personality. No matter the weather, they counter balance each other. There’s always sheltered areas and with so much water, something is always hungry. All of Lake Cadillac’s 1,150 acres are within the City of Cadillac. It’s two and a half miles long and three-quarters of a mile wide. First timers find it easy to figure out since it is bowl shaped and shallow to deep in the center. The maximum depth is 25 feet, gradually sloping with a shoreline of weeds. • There are three public access sites on the west and northwest shore with plenty of parking. • Good shore fishing on the east city side, with a fisherman’s dock adjacent to the city park, often a crappie hot spot. • A new EZ Launch Kayak and Canoe Docking System, especially designed to be handicapped accessible, is now open near the public beach at Mitchell State Park. * • Tournament Anglers know the fall is the best time to catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake Cadillac. The lakes host several regular and classic tournaments. • Thanks to the MDNR, their walleye plants have improved Anglers opportunities for Walleye limits. • Cadillac has a good population of bluegills but has a good reputation for the number of slab size crappie. • Trophy size Northern pike can be caught on both lakes. Traditionally, the numbers are better on Lake Mitchell. Fewer but generally larger pike are caught or speared on Lake Cadillac.

Lake Mitchell is twice the size of Cadillac at 2,580 acres with a maximum depth just over 20 feet, averaging 8.5 feet deep. First time boaters keep their speed down while learning the lake. The major holes and drop-offs are easy to find - the fish live and concentrate there. There are two big and little, weed abundant coves on the west shore. Anglers congregate here in the spring, summer and especially through the ice. • Larger boats find it easy to launch on the east shore at Mitchell State Park into Lake Mitchell. * There’s two gravel lunches on the south shore near Thirsty’s and Hemlock Park. Another gravel launch is on the west shore in the little cove. • Expect an unusually high number of legal large mouth bass. Bass fans have fun too! walleye and northern pike can be caught along the deeper weed edges. The pan fish population, bluegills, crappie, perch and rock bass all make the coves their home. Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell normally freeze before most other area lakes. When the ice is safe, spearing for pike is a popular sport on both lakes. The Cadillac area has an active chapter of the Dark House Association with a growing membership. Some of the best fishing of the year is waiting. Enjoy Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell. For information on the Cadillac area, visit www. cadillacmichigan.com for lodging, campgrounds, resorts and activities. *Requires recreation passport. This fishing report is written by Steve Knaisel, Owner, Pilgrim Villages Resort & Bait Shop, Cadillac for the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau.

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BIG Lake

REPORTS & FORECASTS

Grand Haven

Ludington

B Y: C A P T. M AT T W H I T N E Y

B Y: C A P T. S E A N M C D O N A L D

Whitney Charters

Katch Me Charters

www.whitneycharters.com

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f you were watching the news in August, you saw some huge kings visit certified scales including a 41.48 pound giant caught out of Muskegon! A number of kings in the low to mid 30's were also making news, and that's great news for September fishing! Look for good numbers of large fish to show up around river mouths from Muskegon north this fall. Large glow plugs in bright colors and paddles combined with green flies will be hot around river mouths when water temps dip into the high 50's and lower. For the fisherman in the Grand Haven area, focus on the plentiful numbers of large coho in the lake this year. Green prism, orange glow and chrome and orange plugs will be hot this fall when fishing for mature coho in the area. As the first major runs start to wind down move offshore and look for baitfish that will be surrounded by good numbers of the young kings we saw this spring along with solid numbers of steelhead, coho and lake trout near the bottom. Spoons like the Hello Darling, Captain Gary, Mixed Veggies, Jordo, Jail Bait, Inmate, and Smashmouth will be great when fished on coppers, riggers, and divers when set to run near the depth where most of the bait is hanging. The 10" white paddle with fish scale and Illusion fly will be a solid choice on your chute rod fished a little lower for kings and trout looking for a bigger meal!

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he first half of September in the Ludington area of Lake Michigan we are still focused on catching large kings near the piers or on the bank, and then we head offshore in search of the edge of stable water. Adult kings will often stage in the lake in 63-degree water, and they can be difficult to catch. First and last light is key and plugs seem to be the top choice for irritating them into biting. When we head west in search of stable water, spoons are the top choice for juvenile kings, coho, and steelhead. Late September can offer some outstanding fishing as the water begins to cool down and they are fattening up for the winter months. By stable water we are looking for the area of Lake Michigan that remains the same temperature about 80 feet down most of the Summer- look for around 50-degree water 80 feet below the surface. This is normally about eight miles offshore. The offshore fish will be easier to catch as the surface temperature of the lake cools down, and you can find them closer to the surface. September is prime salmon time in the Lower Pere Marquette. Casting body baits and spinners are the top choices for the lower river angler as the salmon run invades the river. This is going to be the fall of Big Fish. I think this is due to the genetics of the monster kings we saw in our area four years ago. They will not all be big, but some large fish over 30 pounds have been caught this summer. Most of the adult kings are in the 18-24-pound range, and I assure you they will pull and fight hard in the river if you hook into one. After the morning bite of body baits and spinners floating skein under a bobber should get you a few more fish in the net. Enjoy fishing in September around the Ludington area, if it is too bumpy to go on the lake give the river a try.

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Getting Bit During a Blow

You’ll catch more fish than ever once you learn the ins and outs of boat control BY: MA R K MA RT I N

As I sit in my office, fingers’ tapping away at my computer’s keyboard, a late-summer wind is howling. So much so that the siding on my home shakes and rumbles with each gale. In short: This is not a good day to be on any waterway. If it were only breezy instead of a torrential wind, however, you’d lose your favorite Rapala crankbait to me if you bet I couldn’t be found casting or trolling from within the gunwales of my Lund Pro-V. This is because when the wind blows, fish of all species go on the feed. In fact, it is the shoreline taking the blunt of the waves where you want to be fishing when the surf ’s up. But many anglers have a tough time catching fish when the wind’s up. The main reason is a lack of boat control on their part. And boat control, by far, is the utmost important factor when it comes to catching verses just fishing. And that’s no matter what the weather’s like. Once you learn the ins and outs of control your boat? Well, you’ll catch more fish than ever. Large And In Charge There’s quite a difference in how I control my boat nowadays compared to how my father and grandfather did it in the past. During their era, anchors and oars were used to keep their small boats steadfast along break lines and structure. Now, it’s not to say the aforementioned are not still great ways to control a small rowboat, but nowadays there are devices that make boat control easier than ever. This allows you to focus on fishing rather than continuously fighting the wind. The device I use most for boat control is my bow-mounted electric trolling motor. Bowmounted motors pull a boat rather than push it, which makes for the best maneuverability.

Anytime I’m fishing from the front of my boat, my bow-mounted electric is deployed. And that’s whether I’m casting Rapala crankbaits, jigging Northland jig heads tipped with Berkley Gulp!, pulling Northland bottom-bouncers and spinners or any other technique. Then there are even times I will deploy my 9.9-hp 4-stroke kicker motor to push me along for power while I steer with my bow-mounted electric. I utilize both during the rare occasions I must troll crankbaits into or across the direction of the wind. The rare occasion, you question? Anytime you’re able, troll with the wind. When you are done with a pass, reel in start the main motor up and power back up wind and start the process over again. Besides the electric trolling motor at the bow, there’s another one mounted on my boat’s transom. I usually use this one for back trolling at a creep with Northland Rock Runner Slip Bouncer, a leader of Berkley 100% Fluoro Professional Grade and a Daiichi Awesome Walleye Hook tipped with a leach or minnow. If you fish from a small rowboat, a transommounted trolling motor will more than likely be the type of electric trolling motor you’ll be using. It’ll work fine, even in breezy conditions. For best control in windy conditions, however, you’ll want to pull your boat in reverse rather than push it forward as wind will catch the bow of a lightweight aluminum boat and spin it in the wrong direction. And no matter what, a trolling motor is only as good as its power source. That’s why I only use Optima marine batteries for all my electric trolling motors. Just make sure you use the correct battery for the task; this means using a marine battery made for “continuous use” with trolling motors. “Cranking” batteries are made to give a boost of power all at once, which is better left for starting your outboards. Drifting Off Drift socks (aka: sea anchors) are essential boat control devices, as well. I’ll use two small ones—one each side my boat, tied to the cleats nearest the bow—when trolling in the same direction of larger waves. When employing drift socks, I’m able to control my speed better as well reduce the surge created while surfing down the front of an outsized wave. Some surge is okay, however. In fact, the stop-and-go motion created when trolling with the waves can induce strikes when crankbaits or spinners are being trolled. But too much heave can detract fish from biting. The double drift sock ploy really helps reduce motion, and I’m able to manageable slow-and-go troll. A medium-size drift sock is great for slowing the drift or troll in a small boat. In fact, I take one along every time I take a fly-in trip with my

family to PK Resort in Ontario, Canada. I tie it off at the bow of the 16-foot Lund boats they have for their clients, allowing it to deploy under the vessel about mid-way. Just make sure you don’t let out too much line as the drift sock will get tangled in the outboard motor’s prop. Change In The Weather As you may have gathered from the first paragraph of this article, there are times you should never go out in any watercraft; like when the wind’s howling or storms are forecasted for the near future. But sometimes a sudden, unforeseen storm can brew out of nowhere and wind and waves can kick up and turn a fun day on the water into a nightmare if you’re not prepared. Lifejackets for everyone are a must, as well all the essential safety items such as flares and other distress devices you should have onboard no matter what waterway you are on. Check out the US Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary websites for more details on what you should have with you at all times. But knowing I have all the right equipment onboard and taking my time and not panicking when foul weather arises has always gotten me back to the boat ramp no worse for wear. One apparatus I’ve had onboard all my boats the last 20 -plus years that’s helped me get back to shore tenfold during high wave moments are is Smooth Moves seat mounts. These are shockabsorbing devices that are installed between the boat seat and floor. Smooth Moves’ seat mounts turn a jointjarring wave impact into a nice, soft, cushioned ride. Not only have they allowed me years on the water without injury to my back, but during intense moments, when concentration on taking every wave just right is crucial, my focus can be directed towards driving the boat rather than the pain of piling into a steep wave. Head Yonder Next time you’re on the water and the wind is blowing, don’t head for the calm side of the lake. Instead, be one with the waves and catch fish. Utilize equipment made for proper boat control, like electric trolling motors, drift socks and the like, and take control of your day. Once you learn the ins and outs of boat control you’ll catch more fish than ever. I promise. Mark Martin is a walleye tournament pro and instructor with the Fishing Vacation/Schools, who lives in the southwest corner of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Check out his websites at markmartins.net and fishingvacationschool.com for more information

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SEPTEMBER 2017

WEST MICHIGAN 11

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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 h l standard with the TX-44; especially designed for lead core & copper, makes e Co rc 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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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT HOOKER ELECTRIC Hooker Electric strives to stay ahead of the curve by listening to what fishermen think might be lacking in the current market or what options would help make their fishing easier and more successful. Last month at the ICAST Show in Orlando, Hooker released their version of an electric reel with an auto stop feature. Currently, this modification is available for the Shimano Tiagra 80 and 130 and the Penn International 80 VSW. Soon, it will be available for the Tiagra 50 and Penn 130. The main benefit of the auto stop feature is that the reel can be set to stop retrieving line at any interval, including just before your terminal tackle reaches the rod tip. The auto stop feature can be used for swordfishing, deep dropping, pulling dredges and teasers or even high-speed trolling. Another great benefit is that you can control the reel from your iPhone through Hooker Electric’s app, ReelTime. All Hooker Electric reels come with full variable speed control that allows the angler to determine how fast line is retrieved. While the 16, 20 and 30 kite reel models operate on 12 volt systems, the 50, 70, 80 and 130 models are available for both 12 and 24 VDC systems and don’t require a converter box. Hooker Electric reels are the fastest on the market, saving time and sometimes money. In addition, all models retain the benefit of the OEM handle for when the angler is feeling a bit sporty and wants to hand crank on a sea monster.

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SEPTEMBER 2017

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Spectacular Salmon Season is On! By Frank Geremski

ake Ontario consistently produces some of the best Great Lakes salmon catches, and this year’s fishing has been nothing short of spectacular. Significant early summer rains brought high water, which stimulated a feeding frenzy for giant king salmon. Recent summers have endured dry weather, low water and thinner salmon runs. Both lake and river health was questioned during these dry years, but cool and plentiful rains have done wonders for this fishery. It’s prime time to tangle with beasts that have been tipping the scales over 30 pounds! The experts are excited about lake and river conditions in New York’s Oswego County, holder of 12 New York state and world records. Bob Mallory is an expert on Lake Ontario and Oswego Harbor, where he pursues his passion for trout and salmon. Here are Bob’s thoughts on the 2017 Salmon Season: “Fishing in the lake out of the port of Oswego has Tom Fernandez of The continued to get better every Tailwater Lodge with a trophy week as the season has proearly season King Salmon! gressed. The number of fish being hooked and caught right now is nothing short of amazing and points to a great river season. Trolling in the lake with downriggers and Dipsy Divers with flashers and flies has been my go-to method. In low light conditions, white eChip flashers with A-Tom-Mik Hammer flies is producing. In overcast conditions, try greens; brighter days favor chrome and Mountain Dew colors. As fish get closer to the pier head, J-plugs will produce.” Tom Fernandez and the team at The Tailwater Lodge on New York’s Salmon River have developed a premier fishing resort. Huge salmon can attract a crowd when they blast up shallow runs and riffles on this picturesque river. The Tailwater’s 35 acres of private access solves that issue, and they provide a top-notch fishing concierge service. Tom is looking forward to an early salmon season with these words: “As the nights get colder in Altmar, we can only think about one thing, trophy king salmon exploding outside our back door in the Schoolhouse Pool. This year we are expecting the run to start earlier than we have seen in the past few years, with kings and cohos in the river system from September through October until we get deep into steelhead season. The high levels of Lake Ontario, the consistent good flow through the Salmon River and fish staging outside Oswego and Mexico Point have all the necessary ingredients for one heck of a salmon season. If I were looking for a time to experience the trophy fish on the Salmon River with thinner crowds, warmer temps and explosive fish, I would think about making the early run this year.” To truly experience the salmon spawning process and have a great adventure with the family, the Salmon River Fish Hatchery in Altmar, N.Y. will hold their annual open house Sept. 23, where you can view the complete spawning cycle. To learn more about Oswego County fishing, go to www.visitoswegocounty/fishing.com. Phil Belsito of The Angler Magazine of West Michigan said Lake Michigan fish are large and plentiful also. Go to www.theanglermag.com, then select Great Lakes Region for reports from both Lake Michigan and Lake Ontario.

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he quick answer to this question is “probably not.” The ideal lens for the visual rigors of hunting is an amber lens, sometimes referred to as a copper lens. Not to make this more complicated than it needs to be, but a green lens is sometimes referred to as a G-15 or gray lens. Depending on the time of day and sun coverage, the gray (green) lens may also be a preferred option for hunting. As a hunter, I prefer the low-light sensitive amber lens. The majority of my opportunities seem to come either during the early morning or late afternoon to dusk windows, when light enhancement is preferable to light dispersal. The requirements of your fishing sunglasses are starkly different than your hunting glasses. Looking deep into the water is directly in contrast to seeing long range with limited light. Selecting the perfect hunting sunglasses normally takes a bit of trial and error. My best advice when selecting a new pair of hunting sunglasses is to purchase them from a dealer with a liberal return policy. Finding your best fit and lens requires a little work, but once you find your perfect pair you will find that they improve and enhance your hunting experience. If you need any further advice on selecting your perfect hunting lens, always feel free to contact me or anyone here at Fowler’s. We know sunglasses. Fowler’s Pharmacy, 864-288-5905; 864-288-5920

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n late July, the attention of national news media turned briefly to a huge mako shark caught off the coast of New Jersey. The 12-foot-long, 926-pound shortfin mako outweighed the current state record by 70 pounds, but because the rod passed hands during the fight it will not be officially recognized as a new record. The big shark broke a rod in the fight to bring it aboard the 44-foot charter boat Jenny Lee, captained by Dave Bender. It happened during an overnight charter, drifting in 1,500 feet of water 100-miles out of Manasquan Inlet near the famous Hudson Canyon. Shortly after excitement began to fizzle over this great catch, information was released on a new tagging study that suggests shortfin mako sharks might be experiencing overfishing in the western North Atlantic. Researchers from Nova Southeastern University’s Guy Harvey Research Institute (GHRI), the University of Rhode Island and other colleagues followed 40 satellite-tagged sharks in real time and 12 of them, or 30 percent, were captured in fisheries. This information suggests the fishing mortality rates of shortfin mako sharks might be considerably higher than previously estimated using catches reported by fishermen, according to the press release. And despite their small sample size, researchers questioned the reliability of traditional data collection methods and expressed a serious concern over whether the current level of fishery catches for shortfin makos in the North Atlantic are sustainable.

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FLY FISHING

Lefty’s Deceiver By Carlos Hidalgo

lthough he would deny it, Lefty Kreh is a legend. With great knowledge (he has authored or co-authored over 30 books and hundreds of magazine articles), boundless energy (he has performed countless lectures and casting demonstrations over the last 60+ years), down-home humor (a dumb person would “pick up a snake to kill a stick”), and showmanship (at casting demos, he finds a pretty woman and makes a cast that curls the fly line around her neck), Lefty has done more to popularize fly fishing than any other person in the last century. He has fished with Fidel Castro, Ted Williams and Ernest Hemmingway, but he hasn’t just witnessed fly fishing history, he has created it. His innovative fly casting techniques are used by millions of us today. Oh yeah, he also developed Lefty’s Deceiver, the best fly pattern ever devised. Lefty tied the first Deceiver during the late 1950s. He wanted a fly that was easy to cast, didn’t foul, looked like a baitfish and had great action in the water. The pattern can be easily described: a tail made up of several matching hackle or saddle feathers with a bucktail collar. Add flash material to either or both, eyes to

the head and some type of red material for the throat, as needed. The hook shank beneath the collar (the body) can be wrapped with the tying thread or a flashy material, like mylar tinsel or Diamond Braid. By the way, Lefty says the key to the pattern is to tie the collar at least as long as the rear of the hook, which keeps the hackle tail from wrapping around the hook. In appropriate sizes and colors, Lefty’s pattern has deceived just about every fish that swims, from four-inch bream to 400-pound billfish. Lefty’s Deceiver has even graced a U.S. Postal stamp. Lefty’s favorite Deceiver colors are chartreuse/white and yellow/ chartreuse. I tie them in many sizes and colors, and my favorite is tied in a Firetiger color scheme. This color works very well for many saltwater fish in sizes 1/0 to 3/0. It has also been very successful for me for peacock bass and largemouth bass in south Florida in size 2. I imagine smallies would jump all over it, too. Lefty’s Deceiver (Firetiger) Hook - Mustad 34007 or similar, size 2 to 3/0 Thread - fluorescent yellow Tail - two yellow and one yellow grizzly hackle on each side, topped with yellow Krystal Flash Body - yellow thread or Diamond Braid Collar - yellow bucktail with yellow Krystal flash and a small yellow grizzly hackle on each side, topped with green Krystal Flash and green bucktail Throat - orange bucktail, as long as the collar Head - fluorescent yellow, with painted orange/black eye, covered with five-minute epoxy Contact Carlos at cah6620@gmail.com to submit a pattern for consideration in this column or to order his book, “South Florida’s Peacock Bass.”

By John Rice

This is a simple tie and a very effective pattern for trout everywhere. Soft hackles are basically emerger patterns. They do not belong on the streambed like nymphs, so this fly should be dropped a foot or so off a nymph so it can suspend itself higher in the water column where an emerger belongs. Thread: 8/0 olive Abdomen: Olive goose biot Thorax: Tan superfine dubbing Hackle: Hungarian partridge Head: 8/0 Olive thread Hook: 1X long, size 18 Tiemco 3761 John Rice guides with Blackhawk Fly Fishing, which offers exceptional fishing for trophy trout in the north Georgia mountains. Contact john at jriceflyfishing@ gmail.com.

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FISHING I FLY NATIONAL

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8/16/17 12:24 PM

UNDER THE SEA

before harvesting. Along with a closed mating season, this should keep the lobster population stable. 2. Mating season begins in the spring. Lobsters can be observed walking out of their holes in search of a mate, and males can be seen sparring for a lady’s affection. Mating season ends around August, here are a few good things about the fall season though egg-bearing females can be seen yearbesides cooler weather; one of them round. is the beginning of lobster season! 3. Males have proportionately larger legs and I dove with a commercial lobsterman for carapace, and females have a larger tail and extra a few years, and he was like a kid waiting pinchers on the abdomen to hold the eggs. for Santa. Teaming up with someone that Lobster tips from the master: knew where the good spots were gave me the 1. Let some air out of your BC, get your opportunity to spear some nice fish, but it buoyancy under control, and plant your knees in also gave me the opportunity to learn some the sand in front of the lobster. Your butt should tricks of the trade by watching a master not be up in the air! lobsterman at work. 2. Take your time and do not spook them. He First and foremost, you must learn said, “Lobsters are like cattle, you can herd them how to find lobsters. Fortunately, the same wherever you want, as long as you take your time.” territory that tends to hold fish life is also 3. The most common methods are the net good for lobstering. That is because life and tickle stick or looper, but there are some attracts life. When I was scuba diving beside interesting variations on the market now. Become Sheri Daye and Dave Earp display the results him and would see him approach an area of good at all of them, as some tools are better than of solid teamwork. the reef holding a school of fish fry, I knew others in certain situations. his senses were on high alert, and I’d start 4. When using a tickle stick, use aluminum looking for fish. Invariably, while he picked up instead of plastic. Lobsters do not respond as well a lobster or two, I would see a desirable fish. to plastic. Over the years, we honed the most efficient method for hunting as a 5. Be careful not to touch the antennas. Tap or nudge a lobster from buddy team. He focused on lobsters while I did all the spearfishing. He behind to move it into position and put the net over it. Measure the would tow the flag, which meant I could be faster and more streamlined carapace, check for eggs (by the way, extra skittish lobsters often have in the water while going after fish. We drifted with the current, parallel to eggs), then place in your catch bag, and enjoy your dinner! the reef, side-by-side. If he missed seeing a lobster, which was extremely Fall is in the air. Happy hunting! rare, I would bang my tank to alert him, and he would do the same with fish. Over the years, we became the best of friends and a formidable Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer hunting team. of The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow Lobster fun facts: “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram. 1. Lobsters reach sexual maturity in two to three years when the carapace is a little longer than 3 inches. Florida law requires a carapace For more Sheri Daye, go to to be longer than 3 inches, thus allowing lobsters a chance to reproduce

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LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 1/1/18*

Customer Rating

• Air delivery: 0.6 CFM @ 90 PSI, 1 CFM @ 40 PSI

• 6200 cu. in. of storage • 580 lb. capacity • Weighs 97 lbs.

$9999

Limit 1 - Coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trenchers, welders, Admiral, Bauer, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Earthquake, Hercules, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, StormCat, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 1/1/18.

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SUPER COUPON

26", 4 DRAWER 12 VOLT MAGNETIC TOWING LIGHT KIT TOOL CART

$34.95 $

$377.56

ITEM 95275 shown 60637/61615

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 1/1/18*

SUPER COUPON

Compare

ANY SINGLE ITEM

3 GALLON, 100 PSI OIL-FREE RAPID PUMP® 3 TON SAVE AIR COMPRESSORS LOW PROFILE A. HOT DOG 59% ITEM 69269/97080 shown HEAVY DUTY STEEL B. PANCAKE FLOOR JACK

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SUPER COUPON

10 FT. x 20 FT. 100 WATT SOLAR PANEL KIT PORTABLE CAR CANOPY

Customer Rating

VALUE

$5 999

ITEM 63255/63254 shown

ANY PURCHASE

$ 97

• 450 in./lbs. torque • 1.5 amp hour battery • Weighs 3.4 lbs.

SAVE $99

Compare

$179.33

WITH

3-1/2” SUPER BRIGHT NINE LED ALUMINUM FLASHLIGHT

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• 1.3 GPM • Adjustable spray nozzle

$7999

SAVE $39

SUPER COUPON

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