WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA EDITION
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BOOST YOUR CATCH w/RezBoostTM Technology
Interested in getting the most out of your own trusted transducer, or not sure you’re ready for the expense of installing a new CHIRP transducer? Furuno has a solution that will get the very best performance from your traditional narrowband transducer. Our RezBoostTM Fish Finders deliver clearer images than ever before, we’re talking up to 8x sharper. Whether it’s NavNet TZtouch2 or the FCV588/FCV628 stand-alone Fish Finders, RezBoostTM will boost your catch!
Get up to 8x sharper resolution, using a standard narrow band transducer, to more clearly define fish targets.
Assess individual fish size and depth based on echo strength for fish from 4 inches to over 6 feet.
Identify the sea floor composition from four types (Rocks/Sand/Gravel/Mud).
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BEN MARTIN EDITOR IN CHIEF
Dear Reader, On behalf of our franchise owners as well as myself and our entire corporate staff, I would like to thank you for picking up a copy of our free fishing magazine. Your enjoyment of the magazine helps complete the cycle of events that enable our publishing model to continue providing this resource to you at no charge. Our franchise owners believe that if we are collecting revenue from our advertisers, then it would almost be a form of “double dipping” to also ask our readers to pay for the magazine. This novel concept of a free magazine as
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CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT : Mark & Haley Alberghini • (704) 651-1934 • mark@theanglermagazine.com COLUMBIA/MIDLANDS : John Lux • (803) 807-6885 • jlux@theanglermagazine.com MYRTLE BEACH : Mike Masiero • (732) 674-3019 • mmasiero@coastalanglermagazine.com
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Changes The Game
Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events
PHOTO COURTESY OF FISHERGUIDING.COM VOLUME 23 • ISSUE 276
March 22-25, 2018
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cha sh Skeeter Celebrates to fiSk ye th with hardt
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ALABAMA/PENSACOLA : Paul Caruso • (239) 980-7738 • paul@coastalanglermagazine.com
GREAT LAKES WEST MICHIGAN : Phil Belsito • (616) 957-1714 • phil@theanglermagazine.com
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CORRECTION
Our May cover shot credits were attributed to Felicia Scocozza. Actual photo credit should have been given to Eric McDonald of DeepBlueKayakFishing.com. Thank you to DeepBlueKayakFishing.com, we appreciate your contribution and apologize for the inadvertant error. © 2018. 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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OM RM AG .C O R L D W I D E LA NG LEA V A I L A B L E W
UCK @MACH1T ER HARRIS TESY OF TUCK PHOTO COUR I T I E S O R T U N • ISSUE 275 H I S E O P P C VOLUME 23
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a reliable resource for the outdoor enthusiast is the core of our publishing model as well as our franchise system. We’re proud to be revolutionizing the magazine industry, and our franchisees work hard to ensure that the fishing forecasts and editorial in your local edition is a reliable and valuable resource for the outdoor enthusiast. Your local area publisher is shown on the adjacent directory. Their efforts along with the support of the businesses shown in the magazine and your loyalty to their products completes the cycle of providing you this magazine for FREE. For more information on our franchise opportunities, visit http://franchise.coastalanglermag.com/ or call 888-800-9794.
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THE LIGHTEST PENN REEL EVER MADE The Lightest PENN Reel Ever Made. The all new Conflict II matches an extremely light weight design with PENN’s legendary durability. Featuring our RR30 body, CNC Gear Technology and HT-100 Drag system, the Conflict II is the ultimate inshore reel.
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WHO CARES ABOUT KNOWING EXACTLY WHERE TO CAST? YOU SHOULD.
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Access weather and fishing data via satellite up to 200 miles from the contiguous U.S. shoreline.
SiriusXM Marine Weather overlays directly on your chartplotter while fishing coastal or offshore waters and provides two vital services for anglers. First, and most importantly, it helps you detect, monitor and avoid bad weather without needing a cell signal. Storms can build quickly at sea, and the numerous, selectable overlay options within the SiriusXM menu lets you tailor the display to your desired level to make sure you and your crew stay safe. In addition to safety, the marine weather overlay can also help you catch more fish. Graphic displays of sea surface temperature contours and wind directions and speeds help you locate tide and current edges, and see where bait fish might be stacked up, giving you a definitive edge when trying to find the bite. With key information needed to find the locations in which fish are most likely to appear, anglers can save time and fuel while fishing.
H E R E I S W H AT T H E P R O S S AY A B O U T S I R I U S X M M A R I N E ’ S S E R V I C E S Rain during a day of offshore fishing is uncomfortable, frustrating and can ruin a trip. We continuously use our SiriusXM Marine Weather to monitor the weather pattern the night before a trip, the morning of, and throughout the day. We’ve been able to track the direction of a storm prior to leaving port and while fishing offshore. The comfort of knowing we can stay ahead of, or just behind, a fast moving storm gives us great peace of mind!
Without question, one of Team Canyon Runner’s most valuable tools is the implementation of SiriusXM’s sea surface temperature overlays on our plotters. For example, we can manipulate the SST data with a range from, say, 68 to 85 degrees. That allows the chart to recalibrate the new 68-degree water temp as blue in color and the 82-degree water temp as red. Seeing a hard, defining break is irreplaceable. It has steered our boats to the fish countless times.
Yesterday was perfect example of why I use SiriusXM satellite weather. I was charter fishing 30 miles NW of Key West knowing a front was coming. Having checked the wind barbs in the front I could see they were 200 miles away moving NW at 30mph. I was able to finish my charter and beat the front home safely and still get a full day of fishing in. Well worth the price of the SiriusXM service.
– Capt. Mark Henderson, Team Liquid Fire, Cape Carteret, NC
– Capt. Adam LaRosa, Team Canyon Runner, Point Pleasant, NJ
– Capt. Robert “RT” Trosset, Miami, FL
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DETAILS: Hardware and subscription sold separately. The subscription plan you choose will automatically renew and you will be charged according to your chosen payment method at then-current rates. To cancel you must call SiriusXM at 1-800-985-9200. See the SiriusXM Customer Agreement for complete terms at www.siriusxm.com. Note: Not all devices are capable of receiving all services offered by SiriusXM. Current information and features may not be available in all locations, or on all receivers. Data displays vary by device; images are representative only. SiriusXM Services may include weather and other content and emergency alert information. Such information and data is not for safety for life, but is merely supplemental and advisory in nature, and therefore cannot be relied upon as safety critical in connection with any aircraft, sea craft, automobile, or any other usage. SiriusXM is not responsible for any errors or inaccuracies in the data services or their use. © 2018 Sirius XM Radio Inc. Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc. All other marks and logos are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
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Product Review COBRA MARINE JUMPACK XL H2O The JumPack XL H2O is Cobra’s most versatile and powerful portable power source and jump starter yet. It enables you to jumpstart your car, truck, RV or marine engine and charge your mobile devices in all weather conditions. It is designed to jump start marine outboards, large V8 gasoline and diesel engines direct-from-the-battery or from the 12V port, and it is compliant with the latest safety UL standard. Most jump starters only work with cables connected to the battery. The JumPack can also jump a battery via the 12V port inside the vehicle, which means the user can stay safely inside the vehicle while the battery charges. The rugged and waterproof design makes it the perfect portable power device for any adventure. This compact unit is lightweight and powerful, with a lithium-cobalt battery that holds a charge longer and is smaller than traditional jump starters. An easy to view tri-color LED indicates the status of the JumPack and when it’s safe to start the vehicle. It runs its own self diagnostics to make sure the cables are attached properly, and if not, the JumPack will not allow itself to be used. This protects the user and the vehicle. Dual 3 Amp USB ports allow for rapid charging of two portable devices simultaneously, and it has a built-in super-bright LED flashlight, strobe and SOS LED. The unit includes jumper cables with clamps, a 12-volt charger cable, AC charge adapter and a neoprene carrying case.
Paired with video-enabled sonar units like Raymarine’s new Axoim Pro or eSeries, an Aqua-Vu underwater camera becomes the ultimate fishfinding machine. Whether it’s under ice or on open water, watching the fish and your lure in real-time takes the excitement of sight fishing to another level. It also gives obvious advantages to the angler. With Aqua-Vu, you’ll know exactly what fish is down there and be able to adjust the presentation to home in on what action triggers the fish to bite. But that’s just the beginning. All anglers know how important water temperature is to finding feeding fish. Probes equipped on the camera reveal water temperature at the depth you’re fishing, which can be markedly different from the temperature at the surface. With that information, it is easier than ever to find the conditions you’re looking for. Aqua-Vu can be plugged directly into a Raymarine sonar unit and viewed on the screen. This sonar, GPS and video combination is a powerful tool to make you a better angler, and they can all be viewed at the same time. Identify structure with sonar, drop a camera down to see exactly what it is and what species are holding on it, and then mark it on the GPS. It can all be achieved on the same unit.
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In February, Raymarine partnered with FLIR to bring to market its most advanced marine radar system. Quantum 2, with Doppler target identification, is designed for integration with Raymarine’s awardwinning Axiom multifunction displays to enhance boaters’ situational awareness by intelligently identifying moving and static targets at both long and short ranges. Quantum 2 is tuned to detect moving versus stationary targets. It color codes moving targets to indicate whether they are getting closer (red) or moving away (green). In addition, Quantum 2 brings a new Safety Sector feature that highlights and color codes potentially dangerous static targets within 200 meters in front of the vessel. Advanced users will appreciate Quantum 2’s 25-target mini-automatic radar plotting aid (MARPA). Developed for the United States Coast Guard, Quantum 2’s MARPA feature is doppler-assisted, meaning inbound contacts can be acquired automatically by the radar display to ease navigation in congested waters. Quantum 2 also features CHIRP Pulse Compression technology, which uses compressed radar pulses to display targets like boats, landmarks, rocks and weather cells with unsurpassed resolution and separation. Quantum 2’s flexible design allows for Wi-Fi networking to Raymarine multifunction displays (MFDs) or via traditional wired configuration, making installation much easier and eliminating the need for additional radar cabling or interface boxes.
ACR Electronics is making life easier and safer for boat owners with pre-packed premium boating Survival Kits. Affordably priced and ideal for any boater, the kits include essential products needed to quickly abandon ship and alert the Coast Guard. Boaters carrying one of the bags on-board will be equipped with an ACR Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) operating on the 406 MHz frequency. The beacons can be quickly and easily activated in an emergency to enable responders to identify and locate a boater in distress. The kits also contain a variety of other products including an abandon ship bag, strobe lights, signal mirror and a whistle to further help rescuers. ACR Survival Kits give you peace of mind knowing the safety of your family and crew is ensured beyond the minimum U.S. Coast Guard requirements. When time is short and there is no help in sight, boaters can grab the bag and depend on the kit for a swift rescue.
If you need compact, powerful GPS tracking, AtlasTrax MiniTrax is the system for you. The MiniTrax compact GPS satellite tracking system is only 3” x 2”. It comes battery powered, but can also be hardwired or used with a 12 volt charger. MiniTrax qualifies as a required GPS tracker for insurance companies and provides great mapping features. Alert messages are sent by email or text to notify the user of movement. A messagehandling server gives access to all trips and loved ones can check the exact boat location with the click of a mouse. With several satellite message plans available, you can also see data such as mileage, time length of trips, latitudes and longitudes, headings and speeds. MiniTrax is fully waterproof, has daily battery reports and is ideal for boats, aviation, jet skis, ATVs, RV’s, golf carts, construction and transportation equipment. The new Altasalarm audible/visual system with a 60-foot cable wrap, door hatch and canvas sensor can notify you with a loud siren if someone activates a sensor in the event of attempt theft.
WWW.RAYMARINE.COM
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4/18/18 11:50 AM
Product Review FURUNO INTRODUCES NEW DUAL TOUCH-SCREEN BLACK BOX OFFERING Furuno set a new standard for touch-screen technology when they introduced NavNet TZtouch2, the first multi-function display (MFD) to utilize edge-swipe technology. In February, they raised the bar on innovative navigation solutions with the introduction of a Black Box NavNet TZtouch2 system, the TZT2BB. This next step in the NavNet series takes the feature set of the award-winning TZtouch2 and packs it into a brand-new black box configuration with dual-display capability. The TZT2BB packs enough processing power to drive two separate touch-screen displays, delivering twice the navigation potential from a single, compact black box unit, for the most technologically advanced all-glass bridge available. TZT2BB can drive two independent monitors such as Furuno’s 17”, 19” or 24” Multi Touch Displays, which allows you to seamlessly move from one screen to the other. It has the capability to handle different monitor resolutions and aspect ratios, which is convenient if you want to utilize existing monitors of different sizes. It also supports full HD video input in HDMI format, for surveillance cameras, sonar or entertainment systems. The TZT2BB operates with the same intuitive Multi Touch interface as the current TZtouch2 MFDs. You can add an optional external keyboard. Customers looking to upgrade from a NavNet 3D Black Box system will be happy to learn that the external TZT2BB keyboard is the same size as their existing keyboard, making it an easy swap, with no cutting. A retrofit kit will be available as an option to convert NavNet 3D’s MFDBB keyboard for use with the new TZT2BB. Similar to the 12.1” and 15.6” NavNet TZtouch2 models, the TZT2BB leverages Furuno’s award-winning network products, including a variety of NXT
and X-Class radars, fishfinders, multi-beam sonar, instruments and other sensors. Radars are available ranging from a compact, 4kW Solid-State Doppler Dome to a super powerful 25kW Open Array. For fishfinders, the TZT2BB includes a built-in dual-frequency Furuno Fish Finder with RezBoost, which creates images 4 to 8 times sharper than a conventional fishfinder. In addition to the built-in Fish Finder, Furuno has impressive add-on options that include the DFF3D Multi-Beam Sonar and DFF1-UHD TruEcho CHIRP Fish Finder. You can both the internal fish finder and the DFF3D Multi-Beam Sonar simultaneously. The unit comes preloaded with raster, vector and fishing charts for the Western Hemisphere in MapMedia’s MM3D format. The U.S. NOAA raster and vector charts are free, while the preloaded Navionics and C-Map charts are available for purchase. Furuno also provides free satellite photography for the U.S. that can be downloaded from their website. As with the TZTL12F and TZTL15F models, tablets and smartphones can be accessed via built-in WiFi, with several free apps available on both Apple and Android platforms, allowing you to remotely view and control your navigation network. Furuno continues to break new ground with their latest Black Box, the TZT2BB. The TZT2BB is perfect for larger helms to display all navigation, radar, fishfinder and instrument sensors across dual displays. For more information on the NavNet TZT2BB, contact Furuno at (360) 8349300 or visit them online at www.FurunoUSA.com.
WWW.FURUNOUSA.COM ON OR OFF THE WATER, GARMIN ACTIVECAPTAIN KEEPS YOU CONNECTED Staying connected on and off the water is important to mariners. The new Garmin ActiveCaptain mobile app delivers the ultimate connected boating experience by keeping you connected to your Garmin electronics, cartography and the marine community. Plus, a suite of smart notifications is available to stay connected to the world, too. ActiveCaptain is a free all-in-one mobile app for mariners that delivers a seamless content management system with unlimited access to cartography, automatic delivery of the latest software available, off-vessel planning capabilities, connected services and so much more in one simple, yet powerful application. ActiveCaptain blends features our customers know and love from our existing apps – Garmin Helm and BlueChart Mobile – and adds enhanced connectivity, community and planning functionality for the ultimate connected boat ecosystem. Whether out on the water or planning the next trip, you can utilize the ActiveCaptain app as a one-stop-shop to manage their experiences from nearly anywhere, including: • OneChart – Access, update and purchase maps and charts from the OneChart storefront from a mobile device at any time. • Smart Notifications – Stay connected to the world with calls, text messages and more shown on the chartplotter display while the phone is stowed away, safe and dry. • ActiveCaptain Community – See what others are saying with access to up-to-date feedback from the boating community. Get feedback on marinas,
reported hazards and other POIs in the area. • Planning – Make, save and transfer routes and waypoints between the app and the chartplotter with zero button presses. • Mobile Quickdraw Community – Easily upload and download the latest community-made Quickdraw Contours chart and map content. • Sync User Data – Automatically synchronize marked waypoints and routes between the app and chartplotter. • Over-the-Air Software Updates – Once the app is paired with the chartplotter, notifications and updated details combined with seamless delivery eliminate the need to transport updates from desktops via an SD card. • View and Control – View and control your chartplotter from your smartphone or tablet from anywhere on the boat. The ActiveCaptain app is available as a free download from either the App Store or on Google Play. It’s compatible with a range of Garmin chartplotters and MFDs, including the new ECHOMAP Plus 6cv, 7cv, 7sv and 9sv; the new STRIKER Plus 7cv, 7sv and 9sv; as well as the GPSMAP 7x2/9x2, 10x2/12x2, 7400/7600, 8000/8200 and the 8400/8600 series. To learn more, visit www.activecaptain.garmin.com.
WWW.ACTIVECAPTAIN.GARMIN.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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4/18/18 11:50 AM
You could get a discount when you combine your auto and boat policies.
geico.com | 1-800-865-4846 | Local Office Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. Multi-Policy Discount available to auto insureds that have purchased a boat policy through the GEICO Marine Insurance Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2018 GEICO
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T
he gripe came from up on the poling platform, “You won’t see any fish when you’re sitting in the boat blasting Garth Brooks.” Maybe tarpon on this particular stretch of the Florida coast don’t like country music. Or maybe it had something to do with the sound system, which was garbage. Over the wind and waves, the noise rattling from the speakers was barely discernible as music, so we turned it off… and didn’t spot the first fish through an 8-hour day on the water. It’s during slow trips like these when good tunes are most important. The songs become the soundtracks to our adventures. That’s why you owe it to your fishing buddies to have a good sound system on the boat. When it comes to sound quality, there isn’t a company out there better than Miramar, Florida’s JL Audio. Since the mid1970s, when co-founders Lucio Proni and Jim Birch built speakers during summer break from college, the company has grown into one of the most respected audio brands in the world. JL Audio stepped into the marine market in 2005, and in 2016 they introduced the MediaMaster 100 (MM100), which quickly became the high-end source unit of choice for boaters who really care about sound quality. The source unit is where it all starts. It’s the head unit that receives input from your music-playing device and channels it through the amplifiers to the speakers. The source unit is also the dashboard where you control it all. Off the bat, it was apparent JL Audio had designed an exceptional unit, built to stand up to the rigors of sun and salt with all the features expected of a modern sound system. Already known for producing marine amplifiers, speakers and subwoofers of superb quality, JL Audio now had the final piece for a full marine sound system. It was an important step for a brand that values audio quality above all else. “There is nothing else in the marine market like it,” said Alan Wenzel, JL Audio’s VP of business development and strategic planning. “Others may have operating systems with more bells and whistles, but their sound doesn’t come close to ours.” Boaters appreciated the sweet, crisp sound pumping at 4 volts through the RCA jacks. The signal is noticeably clearer than the industry-standard 2-volt output. And the unit’s excellent control flexibility allows for a wide range of zone configurations, which is critical to overcoming the ambient noise of the marine environment. Modern source units are expected to provide connectivity with a host of different devices, and MM100 does this with Bluetooth and USB as well as an analog auxiliary input, so you can even plug in a tape deck and play your old Grateful Dead bootlegs if you want to. The
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unit is SiriusXM ready and includes a built-in AM/FM/Weatherband tuner. It is also NMEA 2000 certified, which means it will communicate with compatible multi-function displays from brands like Simrad, Lowrance, Garmin and more. The physical design of the MM100 is what you would expect from a top-of-the-line piece of marine equipment. It looks cool, and it’s intuitive, with a bright, full-color LCD screen and large, backlit controls that are easy to use while in motion. There’s even the option to add remote controls. What JL Audio launched in 2016 remains the best sounding source unit available. A long list of high-quality boat builders jumped on board to install JL Audio systems standard. “The premier brands are the ones we wanted to partner with,” said Wenzel, “especially the ones that are really conscious of the quality of their product.” The MM100 is a high-end unit designed to drive high-end systems for the kind of control, sound and power demanded by audiophiles. And the price point reflects that. Soon after the release of the MM100, Wenzel said customers began asking for a source unit with built-in power and a more mainstream price point. Not everyone needs to hear the triangle ping in Vivaldi’s Four Seasons across the deck of a sport fishing yacht. In response, JL Audio engineers developed the Media Master 50, which becomes available on the retail market this month. By trimming a few of the bells and whistles off the MM100, JL Audio engineers developed a source unit that has all of the sound quality of its top-of-theline unit, but on a smaller scale, perfect for boats that can get by on two sound zones instead of four. With built-in amplifiers capable of producing 100 watts of high-fidelity output, the MM50 is also NMEA certified and compatible with most everything the MM100 is. And like all JL Audio products, accurate sound reproduction was the No. 1 focus in its design. Wenzel said JL Audio would never release anything that doesn’t meet their stringent criteria for sound quality and durability in the marine environment. This attention to quality is what built the JL Audio brand. “Because we are a true audio company, we know a lot about audio reproduction,” he said. “We do everything we can to exceed the standards. We do thousands of hours of listening testing as well as environmental testing before anything is manufactured.” While most audio companies farm out their designs, JL Audio has dozens of electrical and audio engineers on staff. Their marine speakers, assembled at their Miramar headquarters undergo 2,000 hours of salt and UV testing in onsite environmental chambers, which is four times the industry standard of 500 hours. JL Audio caters to boaters who value sound quality in an onboard sound system. With the MM100 and the MM50, the company now offers the source unit to run the highest quality JL Audio sound systems for any size boat or budget. For more information, visit www.jlaudio.com.
For more on JL Audio, go to
ANGLERLIFE.CO
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LEE500-
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The best fishing stories start with you getting away.
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Gone are the days when being at one with nature meant smelling like a wild animal. And the sticky, salty feeling resulting from an overnight stay on the boat? It’s a thing of the past. The Summer Shower from Advance Elements allows you to take a nice hot shower with you wherever you go. Designed by the guy who invented the waterbed, The Summer Shower is the perfect solution for anyone who wants a hot shower where there typically are none. This solar shower, available in multiple sizes from 2.5 up to 10 gallons, harnesses the power of the sun to heat water. Just fill it up and lay it in the sun. Solar technology heats the water, and in no time you’ll be ready to relax in a hot shower. An attached temperature gauge tells you when it’s ready to use. Efficient four-layer construction provides optimal heat retention, performance and durability. The Solar Shower folds up small for packing or stowing. Different models come with different features including strong easy-carry handles, large screw-off fill valves, easy to use on/off showerheads, Velcro straps to hold the showerhead when not in use, mesh pockets for toiletries, and more. There’s also any easy to set up Summer Shower Enclosure available for privacy. At the end of the trail or on the deck of the boat, The Summer Shower provides the comfort of a hot shower wherever you decide to take it.
ADVANCED ELEMENTS SOLAR SHOWER
WWW.ADVANCEDELEMENTS.COM
FIREDISC COOKERS FireDisc Cookers are the ultimate portable propane cookers, not ordinary backyard grills. They not only barbecue, they bake, blacken, boil, broil, cook, deep fry, grill, scramble, sauté, sear, steam and cook up mouth-watering, restaurantquality delicacies ranging from steak and burgers to gumbo, fajitas and paella. The FireDisc seasons like a cast iron skillet. With 36- and 24-inch-high models, FireDisc Cookers are the Rolls Royce of cookers. Unique design attributes, unmatched durability, portability and endless cooking options will delight any grillmaster. Every FireDisc Cooker has passed a quality-assurance boot camp, ensuring unmatched performance and durability. The cookers are made of heavy-duty steel and powder coated, which makes them both bulletproof and rust resistant once seasoned. Durability, versatility and portability already set the FireDisc apart, and so do numerous design attributes that allow it to perform like no other cooker. Kitchencounter height and a flexible stand allow the cook to stand tall, even on uneven outdoor surfaces. FireDisc Cookers are also uniquely designed with three surface sectors yielding high, medium and low temperatures and a three-setting LP regulator for customized cooking. Clean up is a breeze. Spray your FireDisc off with a hose, dry it, oil it and forget about it. With its portable design and no nuts, bolts or screws to lose, it can be stored flat or transported in a space as small as a car trunk. FireDisc Cookers have been ruthlessly vetted by some of the world’s leading chefs. Visit their website to see the product line, accessories or more information.
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L.L.BEAN CAMPSITE ORGANIZER No meal tastes better than one cooked out in the open around a campfire. However, around the campfire definitely isn’t the easiest place to prepare a meal. When you’re tired of using tree stumps to cook on and plastic bins to store all your gear, it’s time to look into the L.L.Bean Campsite Organizer. This portable outdoor organizer features three interior shelves for storing camp kitchen utensils, picnic gear and grilling tools. It’ll keep your gear in order, and the aluminum top doubles as extremely handy counter space. Open, this 31.5”x25”x20” pantry keeps your food and gear organized and out of the way. Folded down to just 25”x20”x4”, it’s easy to pack for the road. The Campsite Organizer is built of aluminum and 600D polyester fabric with heavy-duty hinges, so it’s tough and lightweight. It comes with its own carrying sack, making it extremely portable. Anyone who has ever spent a few nights in the outdoors knows the joys of a well-organized campsite as well as how quickly a campsite can become a jumbled mess. The Campsite Organizer goes a long way toward creating happy campers.
STORMPROOF SWEETFIRE A blazing fire is integral to the camping experience, and in emergency situations the light and heat of a good fire can save your life. The problem is, emergency situations that require a fire usually come with the same conditions that make lighting a fire difficult. With UCO’s new Stormproof Sweetfire, you’ll never be caught without a fire again—regardless of weather conditions. Stormproof Sweetfire is an entirely new take on tinder. UCO took its eco-friendly Sweetfire Strikeable Fire Starter, which is made from a renewable sugarcane waste product called bagasse, and added a proprietary Stormproof tip to create a product that’s totally reliable, whatever the weather. Stormproof Sweetfire’s unique point shapes come connected and ready to break off, and each has an integrated windproof and waterproof match head. An individual point will burn up to seven minutes, which is enough to get a fire started in any conditions. Whether you’re building a campfire to sit around in the evening or if it’s a fire to stave off hypothermia, you’ll be glad to have Stormproof Sweetfire when it’s wet outside.
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WWW.UCOGEAR.COM
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4/18/18 11:50 AM
POPTICALS POP-OUT SUNGLASSES
Good sunglasses are a necessity whenever you’re spending time outside. On the boat or streamside at a campsite, the gritty dampness of the outdoors combined with poor packing and storage options can wreak havoc on expensive, high-quality lenses. Popticals takes packing and storage issues out of the equation with premium quality and stylish shades that fold down to a compact size to fit into a protective case that is small enough to be slipped in a pocket or clipped to just about anything with an attached carabiner. They are the perfect sunglasses for camping because you’ll never have to worry about them being damaged when they’re not on your face. And when packing space is at a premium, Popticals’ small profile and light weight means they’ll be out of the way yet easily accessible. Featuring NYDEF nylon lenses manufactured for Popticals by Carl Zeiss Vision, Popticals are high-perfomance polarized sunglasses. Nylon offers the same clarity of glass but weighs much less, which makes them more comfortable. Backpackers, who are always looking for ways to shave weight, will appreciate how light they are.
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TREEPOD PLUS Need a place to hang out that is comfortable and protects you from the sun and insects? Check out TreePod. Colorado company Hanging Habitats came up with a cool design that melds the benefits of hammocks, chairs and tents into a hanging pod that offers the perfect space to relax suspended off the ground. The original TreePod was geared toward kids, an instant treehouse for play. Since launching with a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2015, TreePod has evolved to offer additional sophisticated designs for use outdoors as well as in the home, with a variety of models to accommodate all ages and uses. Imagine all the “hanging-out” you could do in a TreePod Plus. At camp, on the beach or at home, this 5-foot model features improved fabric and seam taping for increased water resistance, and the inclusion of both mesh and fabric layers for doors and windows provides maximum options for comfort in this hanging hideaway. Check out all of the TreePod models and accessories on their website as well as on Facebook and Instagram.
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SylvanSport has developed a lightweight camping trailer that reflects the quality, design and spirit of the world’s finest outdoor equipment. GO is outdoor gear. Obsession with quality is evident in everything from GO’s custom-engineered, TIG-welded aluminum frame, to its Kelty-made tent system, to its comfy mattresses. GO will take you and your gear to your favorite adventure and provide a spacious and comfortable camping experience. Securely and easily bring along loads of bikes, kayaks or any combination of gear. GO is more than a camping trailer, it’s the ultimate outdoor gear trailer!
Are you ready to ramp up your outdoor cooking with a grill that will grill, bake, roast or smoke any food to perfection? Then you’re ready for the Primo Oval JR 200 Ceramic Grill. Primo is the only American-made ceramic grill, and its patented oval design outperforms round ceramic grills by holding more food and offering simultaneous direct and indirect two-zone cooking. While the Oval JR 200’s overall size is small for portability, its cooking area is huge. With room to roast two 14-lb. turkeys simultaneously, it has all the grill space and internal dome clearance you’ll ever need. Premium ceramics and American ingenuity allow for precise temperature control on an easy-to-read thermometer. Paired with the optional Primo GO, two-piece cradle and base, the Oval JR 200 becomes the ultimate camping grill. The sturdy base eliminates the need for a bulky grill table at home. For onthe-go use, just pull a few pins and pick the grill up with the cradle’s sturdy handles. Now you’re ready to cook from the tailgate, on a picnic table or on the ground. Whether sizzling up steaks over direct heat, slow-smoking meats or roasting fish and vegetables with indirect heat, the Oval JR 200’s design seals in moisture for unforgettable meals. And it’s easy to clean, like a self-cleaning oven.
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ECSTAR. the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket when on the water and read your owner’s manual. © 2018 Suzuki Motor of Ameria, Inc.
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800.432.8344 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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SOUTHEAST
By Capt. Randy Cnota • Photo by Brett Martina
A
s you read this, large schools of tarpon are making their way to the pristine waters of Franklin County, Fla. They’re hungry, and once here, they’ll be taking full advantage of the pogies, mullet and crabs that these waters are so rich with. For anyone considering a place for the adventure of a lifetime, look no further. This is a place where the entire family can get a wide variety of fishing experiences: from the technical tarpon on the fly, to the simple trout on a live shrimp and everything in between! Capt. Tommy Robinson of Robinson Brothers Guide Service in Apalachicola, Fla., has been guiding for more than 38 years. He and
Discover
his brother, Chris, are experts at taking anglers to fish of all types… especially tarpon. While they understand all the intricacies of how wind, tides and bait movement will determine the best plan for tarpon success, they can also guide you to drag-stripping jack crevalle, topwater red drum, sight-fishing for cobia and tripletail and so many other fishing adventures available along the Forgotten Coast. Tarpon are a technical fish; details matter for success and the window of opportunity can, at times, be small. The water conditions must be right, winds will dictate launch locations, and baitfish movements are always a player. They can be a challenge, but the rewards are big! To see and feel the raw, wild power of these giants is like nothing else. Options for getting them to bite include artificial lures on fly and spinning equipment or using live bait like pogies and crabs. Details for success are too long to list here, but the fact that these fish are here to eat means your chances of hooking one are great. If you haul your own boat down to the area, there are plenty of launch sites that put you right in the action. Access to places like Gulf of Mexico, St. George and Dog Islands, Apalachicola Bay and St. George Sound are quick and easy. First-timers to the area are encouraged to hire a seasoned guide, but this area offers so many options that almost anyone can load a livewell with shrimp or pogies and catch something. Whether it’s trout and reds in the bays or kings and amberjack in the Gulf, there’s something for everyone; tarpon being here just makes this destination as good as it gets. Contact Capt. Tommy Robinson at (850) 653-8896. For a complete list of rentals, charters, supplies and more visit www.floridasforgottencoast.com For more on fishing in Franklin County, go to
FISHINGLIFE.CO
Florida’s Forgotten Coast
Your fish is waiting. Visit Floridasforgottencoast.com/ca for complete launch, marina, guide and tackle information
ALLIGATOR POINT . APALACHICOLA . CARRABELLE . EASTPOINT . ST. GEORGE ISLAND COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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NORTH CAROLINA
Knoxville To Host 2019 Bassmaster Classic On The Tennessee River
F
or the first time in its 49-year history, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods will be held on the Tennessee River out of Knoxville. The “Super Bowl of Bass Fishing” will be held March 15-17 in downtown Knoxville and on The University of Tennessee at Knoxville campus. “Knoxville meets and exceeds all the requirements we have for the Bassmaster Classic—great fishing on the Tennessee River, first-class facilities to accommodate crowds of fishing fans, a vibrant city with plenty to see and do, and a corps of state and local tourism professionals who will ensure its success,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin. The Bassmaster Classic pits 50 of the world’s best bass anglers against one another for shares of the $1 million purse, including $300,000 for the winner. Jordan Lee, of Grant, Ala., a 26-year-old former college fishing champion, is the current defending Classic champion after becoming the youngest ever—and one of only three in history—to win back-to-back titles.
Lee is guaranteed the right to defend his title. Other anglers will spend the rest of this season trying to qualify from several B.A.S.S. circuits, including the prestigious Bassmaster Elite Series. Tournament waters include Fort Loudoun and Tellico lakes, twin reservoirs connected by a canal and comprising about 30,000 acres. Competitors can fish either lake and anywhere along the Tennessee River upstream from Fort Loudoun Dam to the Interstate 40 bridge on the Holston River and the Highway 168 bridge on the French Broad River. B.A.S.S. Nation Championship tournaments for top-ranked amateur club fishermen were held on the Tennessee River at Knoxville in 1998 and 2000, but B.A.S.S. has never held a professional bass tournament on that section of the Tennessee River. “Anglers can expect to catch good numbers of bass in Fort Loudoun and have the potential of catching some above-average smallmouth,” said Bart Carter, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Region 4 fisheries manager. “Largemouth will be the go-to fish for both reservoirs.” Bass heavier than 7 pounds are not uncommon in early spring, and a one-day tournament held on Fort Loudoun a year ago was won with a 27 1/2-pound limit of five bass, which is considered a game-changing catch in any fishery. The Classic is a catch-and-release event, with bass being returned to the fishery under the supervision of the TWRA. The 2018 Classic saw a 99.7 percent survival rate among the bass weighed in. Daily takeoffs will be from Volunteer Landing in downtown Knoxville, and weigh-ins will take place in the Thompson-Boling Arena on the University of Tennessee campus. The fan-favorite Bassmaster Classic Outdoor Expo presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods will be held Friday through Sunday, March 1517, in the Knoxville Convention Center and the adjacent World’s Fair Exhibition Hall. For the past decade, combined attendance at Classic venues has averaged more than 100,000 per year, and the event typically generates about $25 million in economic impact. All activities and venues are free and open to the public.
Franchise Opportunity
Dear Reader, Our existing Wilmington Coastal Angler Magazine franchise is available for resale. Our ideal franchisee should be familiar with sales, love the outdoors and be comfortable running their own business. If you fit this criteria and you’re interested in being involved in the marine industry on a full time basis. Just give us a call. You owe it to yourself to check out this opportunity. We currently have 33 franchise locations throughout the U.S., Costa Rica and the Virgin Islands. We have a complete training course and an excellent support system that ensures that even though you’re in business for yourself, you’re not in business by yourself. The Wilmington franchise is a turn key operation. Everything is in place and running smoothly. All it needs is your involvement and a little TLC. This opportunity won’t last long, so if you’re interested in learning more about this business opportunity make sure you reach out to us soon. We look forward to hearing from you. Best regards,
FREE
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Coastal Angler Magazine currently has an available franchise location in Wilmington, NC.
If you or someone you know loves the outdoors and Outdoor have sales experience then Apparel our Wilmington magazine Palm Beach International Boat Show franchise could be a great March 22-25, 2018 opportunity for you to own Llebroc your own business and earn Local money doing something you Fishing Reports Catch Photos are passionate about. Come News & Events RMA G.CO M COA STA LAN GLE join our team of successful franchisees as the Copublisher of the Wilmington edition of Coastal Angler Magazine. Changes The Game
PHOTO COURTESY
OF MICHAEL GRANT
VOLUME 23 • ISSUE
277
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I T I E S O P P O R T U N
MARCH 2018
E A V A I L A B L
E W O R L D W I D
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4
• Home Based Business • Low Overhead • Complete Training Program
• Ongoing Support • Proven Franchise Model
For More Information On This And Other Franchise Locations
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Call 321-777-2773 Email info@coastalanglermagazine.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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4/18/18 10:24 AM
BLUE RIDGE
raises thousands of swirling midges into the air, it’s time to wrap up that lunch sandwich and pick up your rod. On a backcountry trip several years ago, two buddies and I were kicked back around the campfire long after dark and running our whiskey-lubricated mouths when Jeff let out a startled yelp. A big black stonefly, maybe 2 inches long, with bright orange trim had pelted him in the side of the face. Over the next hour or so, these giant leggy critters descended upon us to the point that we had to seek out the shelter of our tents, but not before we dug through our fly boxes by headlamp to secure a handful of reasonable imitations. Those big stoneflies were gone the next morning. We wouldn’t even have known they were there if we hadn’t been sitting up late around the fire. But guess what the trout were eating? They were eating big black stonefly nymphs, exclusively for all we could tell. We caught pretty wild rainbows and browns until our last nymph unraveled from overuse. After that the fun was over. We couldn’t get them to eat anything else. On another occasion in a different place, I remember squatting by the creek using sand to scrub the dinner dishes. The sun had set behind the ridge and it was beginning to get a little gray out when I noticed big white mayflies with dark wings on and over the water. They were coffin flies. I was witnessing something I had never seen before, a spinner fall of eastern green drakes. I left those dishes right there on a rock and caught fish until it was too dark to see brown trout dimpling the surface as they fed. I’ve only experienced a hatch like that on a Southeastern river one other time, and I would have missed it if I hadn’t been washing dishes in the creek. On second thought, “falling into the rhythm” is definitely too mushy to describe the situation. What’s really going on is opportunistic. By spending night and day by the river for several days, the odds are improved that you will be there when something really cool happens. For GPS coordinates to access points and detailed maps of all North Carolina’s and Georgia’s best trout water, check out “Flyfishers Guide to North Carolina & Georgia.” It is available at fly shops, on Amazon, and signed copies are available from the author by emailing nsc8957@ gmail.com.
By Nick Carter
C
amping to fish is fun. And when you’re trout fishing, spending the night allows access to portions of streams that would be difficult to fish or even completely inaccessible on a day trip. Sleeping, cooking and eating by the river also allows you get on the water earlier and fish later, which is often when the bite is best. But perhaps the most overlooked angling advantage to camping streamside is that you’re there. You’re either in the river fishing or you’re near the river relaxing or doing camp chores. It might sound hokey, but this allows you to fall into the rhythms of the woods and the water and all the life surrounding them. Lest this be mistaken for sentimental hippie drivel, here it is put another way: By spending time around the river, one is able to constantly observe their surroundings. That bug that just dropped into your morning coffee might be an orange caddis, which is a mighty good hint at what the trout might be keyed on. When cloud cover begins to dissipate and the sun
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any Southeastern rivers have both spotted bass and the newly designated Alabama Bass (Micropterus punctulatus, Micropterus henshalli). Spotted and Alabama bass behave in similar ways and share the same preferred habitat, so for the purpose of this article I will refer to them both as just “spotted bass.” Spotted bass are some people’s favorite and other people’s least favorite bass. They were originally native to the Tennessee and Coosa River basins and have been widely introduced to other watersheds across the Southeast. They are very good at adapting to many of these environments, and hence, we find them in almost every watershed in the region. Spotted bass have changed fisheries dramatically, making big largemouth bass scarce on many reservoirs and competing with native species like Altamaha, Bartram’s and shoal bass. Now that they are here, we might as well learn how to catch them, and I have to admit I have come to enjoy fishing for them. Their aggressiveness makes them relatively easy to catch, and their abundance makes them the best choice if you want to take a few home for the fryer. Spotted bass love rivers and creeks. They can be found all over, but some of my favorite places to catch them are off of deep rock banks and woody blowdowns. I also look for what I’ve come to call “spot spots,” which is anywhere surface debris (like leaves) has collected. This is typically up against logs or in eddies. This surface debris creates a shady place for the spots to hide, and anywhere debris collects on the surface is a pocket of slower water to escape the current. Fishing from a kayak is a great way to access these kinds of areas. Occasionally, you will find them in faster current, especially Alabama bass, but usually native fish like shoal bass and smallmouth still rule the fast water. To catch spots, I throw any kind of jig including swim jigs, finesse jigs and structure jigs. Spots just love jigs. Jigs also don’t get hung up in the tight cover spots enjoy. Bounce them off of rocks, up and over logs, and drag them through the bottom of a big eddy. There’s a good chance a feisty spotted bass will be waiting. It’s always good to start small with a finesse jig, especially when fishing a new area. Spotted bass are typically smaller, so small jigs can be great numbers baits. Once you figure out that larger spots live in an area, size up to bigger jigs. Besides jigs, my other favorite baits for spots are spinnerbaits, bladed jigs and small poppers. I’ve heard many fishermen refer to spots as “dumb,” and I believe it’s true. They’re just easier to catch than other bass, and that makes them a ton of fun. In the heat of the summer, there is no better place to be than floating a creek or river catching feisty spots in the shade.
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MURPHY AREA LAKES
May on the Murphy Area Mountain Lakes
M
ay is upon us, and with it comes not only stabilization in water temperatures and weather patterns, but also the opportunity for impressive “mixed bags” on our Murphy area lakes. With that in mind, I would like to focus on what you can expect from a trip with me during this time of year, on our incredible fisheries.
Hiwassee
Hiwassee Lake is my absolute favorite fishery during the month of May, simply because the diversity of species and sheer numbers of fish caught can be staggering. The first species I would like to focus on during the month of May is walleye. I love targeting walleye during their late winter/early spring spawning migration up the river, but I feel like the post-spawn walleye bite during the month of May is much more consistent. We are typically targeting big females during this time frame, and your average fish will be in the neighborhood of 25 inches. It doesn’t take many of those to constitute the makings of a fabulous fish fry. The good thing about targeting walleye this month is that, even if you strike out on this ever-fickle species, your by-catch will generally include a good number of stripers, and the possibility for an absolute giant hybrid. This brings me to my second favorite May Hiwassee species: stripers. May is the month of versatility when it comes to catching these hard fighting fish, and while the tried and true planer board and downlining methods certainly put a lot of linesiders in the boat, you can also expect to catch quite a few bonus fish on swimbaits and topwater if you commit to them. Speaking of topwater, May is traditionally the peak of the largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass topwater and schooling bite on Hiwassee, due primarily to the blueback herring spawn. Final-
By Aaron Kephart
ly, May is the month when I start guiding for crappie and catfish at night, and these are incredibly fun and consistent trips if you are out for meat. In short, Hiwassee has it all going on in the month of May, and I cannot recommend a trip highly enough.
Chatuge
I apologize for my brevity concerning a lake as fantastic as Chatuge, but there are really only two species and tactics to think about when it comes to May on beautiful Lake Chatuge. The first species is big hybrids, and the second is world-class trophy spotted bass. During May, the hybrids will be crashing bait early and moving deeper later in the day, and they can be caught on both live bait and shallow artificial offerings. The big spots will also be crashing bait on top, but they will keep looking up longer than the hybrids will. It is commonplace to catch a giant spot in the middle of the day working the appropriate topwater this time If you are interested in a trip on any of our fantastic Murphy of year. area fisheries please give me a call at 865-466-1345, or email me at Apalachia While Hiwassee and Chatuge mtnlakesguide@outlook.com. My will be on fire during the month of bookings are getting pretty full at May, Apalachia is a different animal. First of all, the smallmouth and largemouth will be spawning, and the big brown trout will be doing their annual late Spring/Early Summer scattering routine. Most importantly, however, the TVA is currently undertaking major renovations to the single boat ramp and parking lot for this lake, and the lake is effectively closed to the public (at least if you have a boat bigger than what you can carry over your shoulder) for the foreseeable future. However, the good news is that this lake is at its absolute prime for smallmouth and largemouth from September through March, and I am booking trips now during that time frame for this mysterious, wild, and amazing trophy fishery.
the moment, but due to cancellations and what not I will do my best to squeeze you in. I hope to hear from you soon!
Aaron Kephart is the Owner of Mountain Lakes Guide Service. To book a guided trip on one of the Murphy area mountain lakes, contact him by phone at 865-466-1345 or by email at mtnlakesguide@outlook.com Check out his website at http://www.mtnlakesguideservice.com and catch him on facebook@mountainlakesguideservice
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WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 3
Planning for the Impossible
J
im is planning for the trip of his life. The chance to catch that fish that he can brag to all of his buddies about. Jim meticulously packs, and repacks his bag, making sure all of his favorite fly boxes will fit. As an afterthought, he puts together a first aid kit, with what’s laying around the house. After talking with his mom, Jim makes a vague itinerary of his trip, for her. Jim’s 1st day is the best day of fishing he has had in years. That night he can hardly sleep because the fishing is supposed to get better as the weather clears the next day. Jim falls asleep dreaming of fish rising on a hatch. The next morning, Jim sets out at first light, going the opposite way his itinerary says he was supposed to be going. After
By Justin Mickens
fishing for a little bit, He sees a cutback in the stream that is just begging for a fly. As he begins his decent to the stream, his foot slips, and Jim pitches forward, falling head over heels, the 30 feet to the stream. Jim immediately has pain in his right foot and left arm. He knows he
he didn’t think he would need it. As he lies next to the stream, Jim thinks about how nobody will know to look for him here, considering how far he is from the stream on his itinerary. The worst part of all, he broke his rod, which he had saved for over the past year.
Accidents can and will happen. Plan for the worst, and expect the best. landed awkwardly on his foot, and he can see that his arm is deformed. Jim’s head feels foggy, and he’s having a hard time recalling details. He remembers that he is right off a road, but can’t remember if he has seen any other cars. At that moment, he remembers his first aid kit, which he left in the car, because
Accidents can and will happen. It’s inevitable, like a force of nature. Plan for the worst, and expect the best. A few essential items though, can make your experience a whole lot better. Everyone should have at least a basic first aid kit. First aid kits are marketed for almost every situation. There are multitudes of websites telling you how to make your own kit, according to your chosen activity. Don’t be afraid to add and take away items that you think you will need. It’s all about being comfortable with your personal gear. Water is one of the most essential things on earth to the human body. Water from a stream can be dangerous, if untreated. Don’t think because you are near water, that you do not need to
bring any, if you have no way to treat it. Water tablets and personal water filters, are small and easy to stow away. It’s always better to have and not need, than to need and not have. Food is not that important in the grand scheme of things, but it’s nice to not have your belly growl. Trail mix, beef jerky, a protein bar, and any other non-perishables can make your day a lot better. A trip itinerary is one of the most important items when planning a trip. Sticking to your itinerary is even more important. If you were to have an injury and couldn’t reach help, rescuers would know in what area to begin searching for you. Make sure to create a schedule of checkins with a friend or loved one. Pick a time of day that you will call and let them know you are okay. Also, set a time that they are supposed to call 911, if they don’t hear from you. This is a great contingency plan, especially if you will be visiting remote places. Being lost, injured, thirsty, hungry, and having a broken rod to top it all off, can happen to anyone. Don’t be like Jim. Plan your trip out. Until next time Tight Lines and Stable Rocks!
Justin Mickens is Co-Owner and Manager of Appalachian Outfitters Fly Shop in Murphy, NC.
4 WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
MAY 2018
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WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 5
LAKE HIWASSEE
Lake Hiwassee StripersThe Hardest Fighting Fish in Western NC By Shane Goebel
I
’m constantly asked, “What is your favorite lake to fish on?” and I always reply with “Lake Hiwassee,” especially during the month of May. We’ve caught some of our biggest trophy stripers and smallmouth in May, and as a professional striper guide, this month gets me excited. May really kicks off the start of summer, and it brings with it some large numbers of fish on this awesome Western North Carolina lake. Currently, Lake Hiwassee is around 13 feet below full pool. Clarity is mostly clear and slightly stained in the rivers. Water temps have been in the mid 60s. The striped bass bite has been wicked lately. We are starting to catch some good numbers, and the majority of our stripers have been in the 15 to 40 pound range. In the early part of the month, you’ll still find a lot of these fish in their spring spawning areas in the backs of creeks and up the Nottely and Hiwassee Rivers. As the month progresses, they’ll start working their way back to deeper water in the mouths of creeks and off rocky points all over the lake. The early morning and late afternoon bite has been the best for catching these beasts. Pulling planer boards and free lines with live herring will be your best technique. As the sun comes up, it never hurts to throw out a couple of down lines.
Try to pay attention to areas that are holding a lot of baitfish—the stripers will be close by. Also, watch for an awesome top-water bite to fire up. I always like to keep a Red Fin or a spook at the ready to work the banks as we troll around. Just keep an eye out for busting fish. The smallmouth and spotted bass bite is off the hook, too. Both fish have been schooling up on shallow humps and in the backs of creeks. We’ve been catching big numbers of both. The bigger fish have been closer to the bottom and the smaller spots have been in the
upper water column. The trick is getting your bait past the smaller spots before they hit. It’s not uncommon for us to catch 30 to 40 of these guys in one location. In most of our fishing holes, we are seeing the spots and smallies mixed together. Down-lining live bluebacks has been working the best out here. Now that the water levels are on the rise, you can start working brush piles and trees. We’ve been picking up some nice largemouth around
Shane Goebel is the Owner of Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service and a member of The Angler Fishing Team. Contact him at www. bigolfish.com or (828) 361-2021 / 1-(844)-4-ANGLER. We Run Trips 365 Days A Year. Book Your Trip Now!
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these areas. We are also picking up a lot of our bigger trophy smallmouth on top-water early in the morning on planer boards and free-lines with live herring. Red Fins, jerk baits, and shad raps have also produced well, especially off rocky and long shallow points. We’ve also snagged some nice walleye while working these points. May is a fantastic month for catching some big fish on this lake. From smallmouth bass to hard fighting stripers, we have many great opportunities to catch a number of fish species on Hiwassee Lake. Give Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service a call and let the area’s #1 rated guide service put you on some of Lake Hiwassee’s best trophy fish during the fishing trip of a lifetime. We are Murphy, NC’s only full-time guide service, specializing in striped and hyrbrid bass. We also serve Lake Apalachia for huge lake trout, and Lakes Nottely, Chatuge, and Blue Ridge. And for all your live bait and tackle needs, check out Hughes General Store in Blairsville, GA. They carry everything you need for a successful day of fishing. So, come fish with the pros for the opportunity to be featured in Angler Magazine—let us help you get your fish on!
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Serving Hiwassee Lake, Lake Apalachia, Lake Chatuge and Lake Nottely STRIPED BASS, HYBRID BASS, WALLEYE & SMALLMOUTH
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LAKE CHATUGE Lake Chatuge, May Hybrids and Spotted Bass
T
he hybrid bass bite is very good. These Lake Chatuge monsters are right in the midst of their spring spawn. Currently, they are feeding pretty aggressively on bait in the backs of creeks and in shallow areas around the mouths of creeks. The far south end and far upper ends of the lake have been pretty decent. Your early morning and late evening bites will be the best. Pulling planer boards and free lines with live blueback herring and shad will be your best technique. Search out areas where there is a lot of bait and the hybrids will be nearby. Towards the end of this month, we’ll start to see these
By Darren Hughes
hard-fighting fish school up in the mouths of creeks and off points around the lake. This is when I highly recommend booking a trip with us. When these hybrids school up, it can most certainly make for an unforgettable fishing trip. We typically average 20 to 30 fish a trip, and the sizes range from 7-15 pounds. Also, look for an awesome top-water bite to get fired up soon. I usually keep a Red Fin or a spook at the ready. The spotted bass bite has also been excellent. Fish should be coming up off their beds and are super hungry. They will be schooling up off shallow points and
humps throughout the lake. Recently, we have been boating 30 to 40 fish a trip. A lot of these spots have been averaging 4 to 6 pounds. Focus on shallow areas around creeks and off points and humps. Down-lining live bluebacks has worked the best. Also, watch for a strong top-water bite to start. When these schooling spots start chasing up bait and busting on the surface, they’ll hit almost anything you can throw at them. May fishing on Lake Chatuge is always exciting. Remember, live bait on this lake can be the difference between a successful day of fishing and a horrid one. For
all of your bait and tackle needs, come visit us at Hughes General Store in Blairsville, GA--it’s the best place around for quality live blueback herring. We also carry ethanol-free gas and have some of the best hot, made-from-scratch biscuits in North GA. For guided fishing trips on Lakes Chatuge, Apalachia, Hiwassee, or Nottely, or questions about the bait shop, call me, Darren Hughes, at Hughes General Store. And whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, give Chatuge a shot for some of the best spotted bass and hybrids in the area. Good luck, and get hooked!
Darren Hughes is the Owner of Hughes General Store & Bait Shop and a member of The Angler Magazine Fishing Team and Guide for Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. Look him up at www.bigolfish.com or give him a call, (706) 745-6569 or (828) 361-2021.
Making The Switch
T
rying to fly fish for the first time can be a daunting task for the life-long spinning or bait caster. I love telling these folks that they already have half of the fly-fishing mystery solved. The trout are in the same locations in the stream whether you’re tossing bait or a dry fly. For goodness sakes, nymph fishing with a fly is very similar to letting a couple of kernels of corn tumble down the creek; it’s just a different way of doing it. Casting the fly usually evokes this statement from the beginner “ I’d spend all my time hung in the bushes”! To be sure, someone watching all that line flying
By David Hulsey
around would assume that you’d be tangled in the trees all the time! Learning a couple of casts, such as the water haul and the roll casts will go a long way to prevent this. It is not necessary to cast more than just a few feet on most of our Southeastern trout streams. The casting motion for the fly rod is somewhat different than that of your old trusty spinning rod. You may have to unlearn some things. With a fly rod, you cast the weight of the line not the weight of the lure. That being said, bending the wrist dramatically is normally a “no-no” when flinging a fly. Too much wrist bend results in your fly going in a circle not toward your
target. On a basic fly-cast, for best performance, you have to pause during the cast just enough to let the fly line straighten behind you before going forward. This will usually result in a decent cast. The month of May is one of the best times to try out your new found interest in fly fishing. The water temperatures are favorable to the fish and the insects are hatching enough to bring the trout to the surface. Dry, fly fishing is arguably the easiest form of the sport. Get a handful of bushy,
easy to see, flies such as a Yellow Stimulator, Royal Wulff, Elk Hair Caddis, and an Adams dry fly. Get them all in sizes 12 or 14. Purchase a 7 ½’ monofilament 4x or 5x leader, tie on one of those patterns, and go fishing. Check out the delayed harvest streams in North Georgia and Western North Carolina and you won’t be disappointed! Don’t get me wrong, there is a world of details in the sport that will make you more effective, but these simple clues will catch you a fish or two.
Give David a call at 770-639-4001 to book a class or trophy trout guide trip at Noontootla Creek Farms. We can make learning to fly fish easy and fun! You can make the switch.
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MAY 2018
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 7
Big Snowbird Creek
B
By James (“Josh”) Lane
ig Snowbird Creek in Graham County is considered by many trout anglers to be one of the best trout streams in Western North Carolina. Snowbird has a lot to offer; from the novice to the highly skilled trout fisherman. The creek is just a short fourteen-mile drive from the town of Robbinsville. Visiting Snowbird Creek is like stepping back in time, to a majestic place. The scenery there is not easily forgotten; it is beautiful. Here is a little bit of history about the area. In the 1940’s, the watershed was a major logging area operated by Bemis Hardwood Lumber Company. This was due to the vast supply of valuable oak, hickory, poplar, and the, now extinct, American chestnut. Old remnants of the railroad, such as rails and cross ties, can still been seen today. Snowbird creek has three sections for the trout fisherman. The
first section begins at the bridge off the state highway. Although a short span is posted properly by creekfront homeowners, this is still a great stretch offering many deep pools. This area of creek is hard to get to because of steep banks and heavy laurel, so wading is recommended. The next section is the delayed harvest waters. Similar to the popular Nantahala River, Big Snowbird offers a 2.8-mile stretch of artificial bait only, as well as catch and release waters. This area begins at the Chestnut Flats Bridge and spans northward to the end of the gravel road. One can expect to catch rainbow, brown, and brook trout in this area. Big Snowbird also has one of the best wild trout sections that can be found. Starting at the end of the gravel road (also known as the junction), some of the best wild trout waters begin here. Many trail systems start at the
8 WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
MAY 2018
junction and run adjacent to the creek. This is a level walk, which is actually the 1940’s railroad bed. Brown trout and rainbow can be caught up to the lower falls, only wild brook trout can be found above the falls. The wild brook are most commonly eight inches or less in size, but one can occasionally land a ten inch or larger fish. This is considered a trophy “spec” to most anglers. For those who enjoy camping, there are several camping sites along the trail. This is a backcountry and backpacking area, so plan on staying a few days. Several waterfalls can be experienced in this area also. I highly recommended the Middle Falls, this is a twelve mile round trip, but well worth it. Big Snowbird has several primitive campsites
with easy access right off the gravel road, providing two nice restrooms. Fly fishing is very popular on Snowbird, most people who experience this creek often return. A springtime pattern I recommend is a parachute adams, this is a “go to” fly, along with a mayfly hatch, I just try to match the hatch. Wintertime patterns are a little harder to catch fish, a streamer works well, targeting a big fish; I recommend the crawfish pattern, midges, and bead head droppers. Don’t expect many bites in cold water, but you could catch a big fish. If you want to experience a new creek, I encourage you to give Big Snowbird a try. Whether you catch a limit or not, it is always great to get outdoors and enjoy God’s beautiful creations.
Josh Lane is a native of Western North Carolina in the town of Robbinsville. He is a long time avid fisherman and enjoys hiking, backpacking, writing and singing gospel music.
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“Prime Time” Fishing On Fontana
A
AAh May! Maybe the weather “boogie man” has finally been put to rest and we can get to some real fishing. Because of late cold snaps and heavy rains, there should still be fish spawning on the banks. The bluebacks will be working the banks and our favorites will be following them there. I can’t remember a winter/ spring that threw more curveballs weather-wise than this one. This should be the time of the year when fish are spread out on almost any bank that has gravel, sand, or chunk rock if you are looking for bass varieties. If old walleye are your favorites, then you want to look for clay banks with a little color to them. When I first started really fishing Fontana I had some friends in Cherokee that would put their kids on the bank to swim as soon as it was warm enough. After letting them splash around and muddy the water a little, they would come behind them and pitch nightcrawlers on a jighead and load up on the walleye. I accused them of risking hypothermia in their kids if the cold hung on too long and they felt like a mess of fried walleye. If you don’t have access to small children willing to brave spring water temps, just look for wind blown banks where the mudline extends into deeper water, preferably off of clay points. A little breeze helps the bite but, if it is dead calm, you may just have to go a little deeper. Historically, end of April and first of May are prime time for bank eyes. They show up after a week or two of rest, after spawning, and will hang right on
By Capt. James McManus
the bank. As the weeks roll on, they will gradually get deeper and deeper until they move off to summer suspending depths of 80 to 100 feet. If you have never caught a walleye on a nightcrawler and you are patient, it is way fun. They will typically hit it pretty good but you cannot set the hook until they have run deeper and eaten it. Many a baitshop has earned their spring bank payments by selling to shortstriking newbies to nightcrawler fishing. You bass guys are in for a treat this month because you can almost do no harm. If spots, smallies and whites are around, there isn’t much they won’t eat. We have fished jerkbaits, jigs, dropshots and bait at the same time, and everyone caught fish, so throw what you know. Some days they will be a little deeper or a little shallower so that is my key as to which bait I throw. Look for fish on your sonar as you cruise down a bank and if you mark a couple of fish, throw from there. We don’t have much structure here so they will typically be all along the bank in a particular area unless there is a tree down off the bank to hold them. I always keep a Rapala ice jig or similar lure attached, because many fish can be caught directly under the boat. If you are a troller, you can set baits just above markings and use side planers to get those stuck to the bank. We are still in transition mode on Fontana, as the bluebacks are just now getting established. Stocked walleye are mixing with natives (I hope), and weather patterns affect all species. The key is to be open
to changing tactics and areas, because the fish are going to adapt to whatever makes life easier for them. Be aware of the new size limit on whites, eat spots, and turn back smallies so we can still enjoy them for years to come. I am hoping the
bluebacks increase the size of our spots, they sure have in most lakes like Chatuge , Lanier and Hartwell, but we will see. Enjoy some of the best fishing of the year and thank God for our beautiful lakes in the mountains. Later Capt. James
Capt. James McManus is the Owner of 153 Charters. Give him a call for a great day of boat fishing!
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MAY 2018
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 9
SWAIN COUNTY / BRYSON CITY
Always Have A Plan “C” By Ronnie Parris
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his trip started like any other. I picked up my friend Stahle and we stopped at the bait shop for minnows and boat gas. When we got to the lake, the first thing I noticed was that the recent rains had the water level at least 15 feet higher than just a few days prior. This has always been a problem on Fontana in the winter. We had been catching some nice crappie and that was our plan for the day. We were gonna’ slow troll with the electric motor, pulling a mixture of soft plastics and hard baits with a couple of small minnows mixed in. We were using planner boards, so we were able to run 5 rods at once. When we arrived where we had been doing our best on the previous trips, I stopped and set out our lines, figuring it wouldn’t take long before we would have some nice slabs on the line. I could tell right away something was off because I wasn’t marking any big schools of crappie on my Lawrance Sonar. I should have known it! We were in for a different kind of trip when the first strike came and Stahle set the hook on a fish that we knew was not a crappie or bass. When he got it up we were both surprised to see a nice bluegill had taken our small crankbait. We barely got that rod back out when Stahle set into a hard fighting fish that jumped sev-
eral times and, after a good fight, I slipped the net under a nice rainbow trout. That’s when our luck went cold, for the next 2 hours, we marked fish on the bottom at 50 feet deep and a few scattered bass up top but could not get any takers. As we passed in front of a fresh water branch that empties into the lake, the sonar lit up with a nice school of crappie but after several passes thru them without a hit, we decided to go to plan B. We brought all our rigs in and changed to live minnows and jigs and were sure those fish would come alive to this slower presentation, but after several casts and no hits, the school disappeared and we couldn’t find them anymore. That’s where plan C came into play. Remembering all the fish we saw on the sonar at 50 feet, I told Stahle we would see what they were. We searched a few minutes, till we finally located them again. They had moved maybe 100 yards upstream from where we marked them in the morning. When we started, Stahle put on a small plastic minnow imitation and I put on a bass minnow. I could see the fish respond when the baits would hit the bottom but they were still slow. The first one hit my rod real soft and just sort of eased back to the bottom. I set the hook and I told Stahle it felt like a catfish. Now, you usually don’t catch
Fontana Lake Fishing Guides – Ronnie Parris, Owner & Head Guide LAKE, CREEK & RIVER FISHING • FLY FISHING • CAMPING We offer both full and half day trips with the most competitive rates available. All tackle and supplies you will need while you are on your trip is covered by our listed price.
1012 East Alarka Road, Bryson City, NC • 828-488-9711, Cell: 828-736-9471
smokymountainoutdoorsunlimited.com
10 WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
MAY 2018
a lot of cats in the winter but sure enough, when it surfaced, it was a nice 3-pound channel cat. Figuring that the others on the screen were cats, we put Stahle a minnow on and, as soon as it hit the bottom, he said he felt one take the bait. As soon as he set the hook, I could tell the way the fish rolled and twisted, it was another channel cat. For the next hour or so, that’s the way it went. We were catching nice fat channel cats every few minutes. Finally, the wind set in and it was too hard to stay on the school. By then, we had a really nice mess of fish to take back for a fish fry so we packed it in. I know a lot of people will target only one species and, if they don’t bite, they won’t change it up and go for something a little more aggres-
sive, but I like to catch something even if it’s not what I came for, and that’s what we did on this trip. I think the cold rain had dropped the water temperature 5 degrees and that, coupled with the jump in water level, had made the crappie finicky, but those channel cats weren’t going to miss a chance at a free meal, and me and Stahle were more than happy to take these hard fighters. Next time you hit the water and the bite has changed, don’t give up too quickly; move around and watch your graph. Sooner or later, you will mark some kind of fish and you may have to try some different tactics, but you may just be rewarded with something special. As always, be safe on the water and take a kid fishing. You will get as much out of it as they do.
Ronnie Parris is the Owner and Head Guide of Smoky Mountain Outdoors Unlimited-Fontana Lake Fishing Guides, headquartered in Bryson City, North Carolina, heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. (www. smokymountainoutdoorsunlimited.com)
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How Sweet It Is…
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y friend James Serra, from Georgia, and I planned a trip to Fires Creek, North Carolina on March 3rd. I enjoy fishing with James. We have good chemistry together. The day was a pretty cold one and the water was high and moving fast: Tough conditions to say the least. For me, the morning session was slow. Caught plenty of fish but not the usual high-count day. (James was doing better than I was ) We decided to break for lunch then go back at it for the afternoon session. While looking for a spot on the river, we came across two young couples. Adam Dunton and his wife, Ladson, and Caleb Stewart and his wife, Julie. Ladson is the Marketing Coordinator for SweetWater Brewing Company out of Atlanta. I asked Adam how he was doing, he said, “Caught a few but my wife hasn’t got anything yet.” I asked if I could assist her. He said, “yes”. Here I go, butting into someone else’s business. But I can’t help myself. So, I asked Ladson to bring in her line and let me check it out. I
By Eddie Hudon
a Brown to claim the Fires Creek Slam. Like I said, I’ve been blessed. Indicator goes down, I yell set, and she pulls out a Brown. SLAM- and she goes on my Wall of Fame – Bronze Status. At this point, I felt like the Lone Ranger. “Come on James
(Tonto), our work here is done.” LOL I love to fish. Always have. But I can honestly say, that when I guide or “bump” into someone and put them on fish, it’s the best feeling for me. HOW SWEET IT IS.
Eddie Hudon is the Owner of Blue Chip Fly Fishing headquartered in Whittier, NC.
changed her fly, put one of mine on, added some weight, and lengthened her indicator. With a little instruction on where to cast, Ladson made her first drift. Well, the fishing God’s have always been good to me. On that first drift, she hooked and landed a nice little rainbow. Were we excited? Oh ya! After a quick photo and release, she had some confidence, and it showed. A few more casts and she hooked into and landed a Brookie. WOW! This is more fun then me catching fish ( well, almost LOL ) I explain that she needed to catch
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MAY 2018
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 11
Swainglers Hit The Tuck
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By Tammy Parris
rout, trout, trout were on the lines for our March fishing trip. Swainglers cast their lines into the Tuckasegee River’s catch and release waters on a cool, overcast day. Several fish were reeled in and released back into the cool water. Single hook only, no live bait or scented lures, rules were followed. This group of students amazes me sometimes! We are limited to only forty-five minutes of fishing time, which takes away their lunch time at school. Most pack a lunch and eat on the bus, a few lucky anglers have mom deliver lunch to the fishing hole while others are so excited to hit the water, they choose not to eat. They make every minute count from the moment they step on the bus to depart the school. Fishing poles are geared up and ready to go. This is a small community. Anglers already know which fishing spot they are going to “hit” as soon as they get off the bus. I have been taking the club fishing for almost two years now. The knowledge they have about the outdoors is not a surprise. These outdoor enthusiasts can name not only fish species, but trees and plants that surround us in the Great Smoky
Levi is fishing with a homemade doll fly his grandfather made.
Mountains. Outdoor education offers so many benefits to today’s youth. It promotes active learning. Not only do the students learn to work together while experiencing an outdoor adventure, but they are provided with opportunities to learn life skills and responsibility. Outdoor learning creates memorable educational experiences. One of my goals as sponsor of this club, is for the students to look back at their high school careers and have the Swainglers be one of their fondest memories!
Tammy Parris is the Leader of The Swainglers fishing club at Swain County High School in Bryson City, North Carolina. They fish once a month of the school year during club time. Contact her at tparris@swainmail.org for more information or to support this popular club.
12 WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
MAY 2018
Making The Most Of Your Time On The Water
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By Ken Kastorff
ay is here and with it rivers in the United States. comes warmer weather May, through the rest of the and longer days. May is summer months, is also a great time the month of change when it comes to fish warm water rivers like the to fishing here in the mountains. Tuckaseegee River and Little TenThis is the last month that delayed nessee River for small mouth bass, harvest streams will be stocked un- spotted bass, brim and red eye bass. til next October. Delayed harvest There are miles and miles of great streams will change from catch and fishing, either by wading or floating release to catch and keep the first on these two rivers. This is a great Saturday of June. But don’t put your time to explore streams like the trout rod away, there are lots of high Cheoah River or the Lower Hiwasaltitude streams in the Smokies and see Rivers. Water temperatures are surrounding areas, that will still warmer in these streams, so break give the avid trout fisherman lots of out the wading shoes and leave the opportunities to seek out all three waders at home. species of trout. Check out the NC It is also a great time to fish the fishery website and you will see that mouths of all the rivers that flow into there are still lots of hatchery sup- Lake Fontana. The mouths of the ported streams that you can enjoy Nantahala River, Forney Creek, Noland Creek and the Little Tennessee all season long. Another advantage we have here River will have holdover trout from in the mountains of North Caro- the spring runs. They are also gathlina, are all the tail race streams. ering places for big bass and carp. Rivers like the Nantahala provide May is here and you will run cold water releases all summer long, out of time long before you run out offering outstanding trout fishing of quality places to fish here in the opportunities, even during the hot- mountains. test months of the summer. May through August are my favorite times to do float trips on the Nantahala, with fifty to hundred fish days not that unusual. As the summer progresses, there are much better opportunities to catch healthy rainbows and browns on nymphs and drys. Late afternoon dry fly fishing just gets better and better as the season progresses. These cold water releases are what makes the Nantahala one of the top 100 trout Ken Kastorff is the Owner and Guide at Endless River Adventures located along the Nantahala River in Bryson City, North Carolina.
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Honoring Our Wounded Veterans
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By Robert Nanney
aturday May 5th is the annual Warriors Weekend in Cherokee for the Project Healing Water Veterans and we need guides. It’s an excellent opportunity to say “Thank You” to the vets that have sacrificed so much for our country. This is a great program spearheaded by Rick Queen. It was rained out last fall and we know that this weekend will come at a busy time but PLEASE come and help if you can. We don’t know the exact number of vets that will come but, in the past, we have hosted 35-40 and we are, again, planning on a big crowd. Joey Walraven, and his great crew at Rivers Edge Outfitters, on the banks of the “Luftee”, will be the epicenter of activities. Rivers Edge Outfitters is located at 61 Big Cove Road in Cherokee NC. You can also find them on the web at
www.wncfishing.com. All vets and volunteers will meet at the shop for breakfast, coffee, and snacks, then the vets and guides will be paired up and sent to the water. Lunch will be served, at about noon at the shop, before returning to the water for the afternoon fishing session. We realize that a lot of you don’t live close enough to help and we understand that, but many of you do live within a short drive and we would appreciate your participation! If you have any questions, feel free to contact Rick Queen of project “Healing Waters” at rick. queen@projecthealingwaters.org or 828-550-8487. Please drop me a note at 4jlufw2rlyriwh@gmail.com and tell me that you will join us for the weekend. You will be blessed. Looking to hear from you soon!
Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
828-479-6669 2620 Hwy 28, Robbinsville, NC WolfCreekGroceryCafe.us
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MAY 2018
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 13
CHEROKEE / GSMNP / GATLINBURG
Spawn Season Excitement By Scott Norton
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he light at the end of the tunnel is finally here and the game is on! Monsters from the deep are coming out of hiding to quench a hunger for the spawn ahead. Anglers everyone have waited for this moment all winter long and it’s finally here. This is the start of a hopeful year as potential trophies and memories will be made. The winter was so harsh this year with old man winter not letting up. The weather had so many ups and downs that even the anglers were as confused as the fish. Tough conditions have remained into April with dangerous winds and cold weather. The lower elevations seemed more suitable for fishing to play into more favorable conditions. Pond fishing was another option if you had to get the deed done. The water temperature stalled
14 WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
around the forties and lower fifties, which created a rollercoaster warming trend. Male Largemouth bass are moving in the shallows, looking to load up on protein to fuel the spawn. Once the beds are made, the bass fast until the eggs hatch and even then they protect the fry. The cold weather has lasted into this stage of the pre-spawn, making the bite very weak at times. Planning ahead for warming trends will give you a better yield with your time being of importance. Not all of us make a living from fishing, so those of us taking vacation time from our day jobs have to plan very carefully if we want to make our time on the water count. An open schedule is the best plan for this spring to hit those windows of opportunity, such as warm prefrontal conditions alongside moon phase. Be prepared to finesse fish and use reaction baits
MAY 2018
such as rip baits and crankbaits. It’s all about putting the odds in your favor. When the bite is on, you can catch them on just about every bait you own. P e r s o n a l l y, I like to use a search bait to find them and then use finesse techniques to load the boat up. Stick to what works for you because we all have that one bait we are most confident in. You’ll find that all these fish are scattered from the main lake to the backs of creeks. The bigger bass
seem to be hanging out on points and laydowns next to the points on the main lake. Fish from main points to secondary points until you run into a bunch of hungry bass. Enjoy your time with family and friends and introduce someone to fishing to keep this sport alive.
Scott Norton is a native of Western North Carolina. Born in Asheville, NC, he is a long time avid hunter, angler, and weekend warrior.
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Gatlinburg Fishing Forecast:
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By Chad Williams
ay 26th will be the 30th anniversary of the opening of Smoky Mountain Angler. We just want to thank all of you guys for making that happen. Come see us here at our shop on May 26th for our Anniversary Event. I hope we can serve you for many more years!
dozen fish that day. Bright fly patterns work best. Mop Flies and worm patterns are killing it. If you prefer spin fishing, use anything scented, like Salmon Eggs or Gulp baits. Live bait works well too. Once school gets out, bring the kids (12 and under) to Herbert Holt Park, or Mynatt Park, to catch their own Rainbow Trout!
Great Smoky Mountain National Park – Tennessee side
The weather has been almost perfect lately! It has really warmed up which usually means dry flies; but so far, nymphs have produced the most fish. Fishing in the park is entering its prime. The weather is hot, but the water is cool. However, the water levels are excellent. This means you do not need to be as stealthy when you’re walking up to your holes. If you do cross the stream, try to cross where the water is loudest. Nymphs like Frenchies, Hot Spot Pheasant Tails, Hares Ears, and Waltz Worms are producing most of the fish. Small Blue Quill, Blue Wing Olive, and Tiny Black Stone
State Stocked Water hatches occur, which usually means we would be catching most of the fish on these dries, but we’ve been catching more on attractor patterns instead. Try using Parachute Adams, or any color Stimulator, with a dropper underneath. If you are going to run a dry dropper, separate the nymph and dry between 16 and 20 inches. Some of the most productive rivers are the Little River near Metcalf Bottoms, the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River around Chimney Tops, and the Middle Prong of the Little Pigeon River. Try to fish in the
afternoon, when rising water temps will trigger an aggressive fish bite.
Gatlinburg
The state trout stocking program is in full force. The Lower Little River and the Middle and West prongs of the Little Pigeon receive stockings every two weeks. It gives us great opportunities to be on lots of water in short amounts of time. If you have any questions about fishing in our area give us a call at (865)436-8746. No matter where you’re fishing or what style you prefer, just get out and fish! It’s beautiful weather and a beautiful area!
Gatlinburg stocked waters are fishing well, as always. There are still some big ones in there from the trout tournament a couple of weeks back. Just last week, we had our shop manager catch 3 rainbows over 20 inches…he caught more than two Chad Williams is from Newport Tennessee. He’s guided for “Spooky Trout” in the Smokies for over 15 years. He is an expert fly tier and enjoys teaching new nymphing techniques to anglers. Give him a call at Smoky Mountain Angler (423) 237-1107
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MAY 2018
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 15
RIVER REFLECTIONS
Gone and Back Again… A Picker’s Tale
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few years back, right after my divorce was finalized – and I had also lost my broadcast business, I found myself on the edge of complete financial ruin. The only things that got me through that time were faith, the grace of family and friends, and selling off just about everything I owned. I dealt with the humiliation and sadness of it by trying to stay grateful that I had enough things I could sell to help me and my son not end up homeless. It was a very real threat at the time. However, there was one item that was really hard to let go of. It was the Alvarez 12-String on the left side of this picture. It was the guitar I had played my boys to sleep with and I had spent so many hours finding peace and inspiration on. I had provided the
By Matt Mittan
background to countless campfires, fishing trips and front porch “together times”. A lot of songs were written on it. And, it was something that always seemed to be nearby through numerous life experiences, good and bad. Not too long ago, my youngest son and I were shopping for some deals at Pawn Shops around Asheville. I was looking over some classic video game console cartridges when my boy came over to me, visually upset. He was very emotional and wrapped his little hands around my arm. He was fighting back tears as he pointed to the music side of the store and muttered, “Your old 12-string is over there and it’s for sale.” Upon inspection, he was right. There is was. My old Alvarez. Each ding in its wood, every scrape of the glossy exterior, and
even the chip of wood missing from the top right corner of the head, had a personal story behind it. That’s why my son recognized it immediately. To him, it was a reminder of days gone by. For me, it was a realization of the emotional cost of surviving those hard times the best way I could. Until that moment, I never really considered how much that one guitar meant to him. Later that day, while telling my oldest son about the encounter by phone he shared the meaningfulness of that specific guitar to him, as a family heirloom, as well. My girlfriend echoed the same emotions around it too. There was no other option, I had to try and get that guitar back. But I remember hearing one of the clerks say that they had just put it out on the floor that day. There’s no doubt that a guitar like this would sell pretty quickly. The next morning, I went to the Pawn Shop, hoping,, for hopes sake that it hadn’t sold in the hours since my last visit. Thankfully, it was still there. While I’ve been able to climb back a long way from the financial hardships of a few years ago, I’m still not in a place to drop hundreds of dollars on any one item on a whim. The same clerk was there from the day before and remembered the way my son had reacted to seeing the guitar. He worked out a way for me to pay for the guitar over a series of months and even discounted it to a price that was pretty close to what they paid for it. In a pure human moment, they decided to help make this happen – without profit being the priority. Fast forward to today, I picked up the Alvarez to bring home to my family. As I was happily making the final payment to pay off the balance, the clerks eyes watered up
behind the counter, she knew the story behind it. And make no mistake, it is the family 12-String now. It’s no longer just mine. As I walked in the door to my apartment, my youngest son was sitting on the couch playing Xbox with a friend. He didn’t know about the guitar coming home. I hadn’t said anything, just in case circumstances changed. I didn’t want him to get his hopes up. I walked in and held the guitar out in front of me, facing him. I didn’t say anything. I wish I had a way to describe the look on his face and the emotion and relief that came over him as he processed what he saw. The shock gave way to smiles, which gave way to a huge wave of grateful emotion. I try to teach my boys to not put their hearts into material things, but into each other and the love of family and friends. Possessions come and go. But just this once, I realized that the universe saw fit to put this keepsake of memories and emotions back in my family’s hands, in our ears and in our hearts. I’m looking forward to tuning her up and playing her for a long time to come, and seeing my own kids – and God willing, maybe even their kids someday – figure out their own tunes on this old guitar. Maybe Thomas Wolfe was right, that we can never go home again, but this Alvarez 12-String found a way to. And I’m forever grateful.
Matt Mittan is a long time broadcaster in NC, based out of Asheville. He currently applies his years of experience as a business owner to serve as a Licensed Employee Benefits Adviser to companies large and small across WNC, Eastern TN and the Upstate of SC. You can reach Matt by emailing MattsFishingDiary@gmail.com. 16 WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
MAY 2018
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ASHEVILLE / HENDERSONVILLE
Tenkara “To Go” By Aaron Motley
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ecently, I had a day to go fishing and jogging in Pisgah National Forest. With my supplies packed in a 30-liter pack, I set off on my run. After 45 minutes, I stopped at the confluence of two small streams. I was rewarded with three rainbow trout, the biggest of which was maybe 7 inches. I continued with my jog after packing things up. After another 45 minutes, I stopped at the last place before a step-climb in the trail started. I fished for about two hours, then packed my gear up, and jogged out to my vehicle. In 4 hours, I had caught 8 fish, missed a few strikes, and jogged 10 miles. One primary reason I could accomplish this was because I was using my Tenkara rod and had two leader options
pre-rigged with flies. Using your time efficiently and emphasizing the presentation with a dry fly and dropper, makes for a great wild water set up. Using my pre-rigged leaders, I was able to move up the stream, fishing all the pool and runs that I came upon. Tenkara can be used in many places, but is most at home on streams that are small to medium in sized with a medium to high stream gradient. Most western North Carolina creeks fall into this category. With the many Tenkara rods out there, there are many good ones, and bad ones. The lengths of the rods vary and based on where you might want to fish, there is a rod best suited for you needs. The way an angler constructs his leader can be de-
pendent on the stream they want to fish, and the rod they are using. In really tight places, I use 2-3 feet of braided leader or 20 lb Dacron with a tippet ring. Off the tippet ring, run 5x to your dry fly or dry fly with a dropper. As you head up the stream, you will dab the set up in various places that look fishy. In this leader set up, I don’t use more than 6-7 feet of total setup. I also use a 72 inch braided leader with tippet to a dry fly and dropper.
This leader is commonly 10-12 feet in length. 5x and 6X are the tippet sizes I use for each leader. If you have each leader set up on a spool, then these pre-rigged systems make you efficient from start to finish. Dry flies with nymph are the best set up for wild trout fishing in western North Carolina. Stop in to Hunter Banks fly shop in Asheville or Waynesville to let us help answer your Tenkara questions. You can also look into a guide trip too.
Aaron Motley is Operations Manager at the Waynesville location of Hunter Banks. His waterfowl hunting addictions supports his fly tying addiction. He learned his fly-fishing craft from “fishy” people and pursues large trout, bass, and musky on a daily basis. He teaches others to do the same.
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MAY 2018
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 17
Two Easy Solutions to Help Polluted Waterways in Western NC Relaxing and Adventurous River Float Trip on the French Broad River
Enjoyable River Float Trip Don't spend your weekends doing the same old stuff. Take your family and friends for a river float trip on the French Broad River. Landscape and wildlife will give you the perfect blend of solace and adventure that you can enjoy with your loved ones for hours. Lazy River Tubing Trips Open May thru September
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By Ethan Hollifield
orking as an environmental science teacher and as a fly fishing guide, I get a very unique opportunity through both disciplines, to engage and talk about conservation issues. It’s always interesting hearing my student’s and client’s responses to problems such as deforestation and air pollution (to name a few). The problems themselves seem vastly overwhelming, especially when considering the issues that we are currently facing: Atrocious amounts of garbage, sedimentation, and overuse of natural areas here in Western North Carolina. In my opinion, the main stem of why nothing more is being done to help mitigate these occurrences of pollution, of various kinds, is how seemingly large the problems are compared to any endeavors we could make, ourselves, to solve them. Now don’t get me wrong; there are some wonderful
CONTINUED, TWO EASY SOLUTIONS, PAGE 22
Open 10:00am-4:00pm Seven Days a Week No Reservations Needed!
Sky Tubing
500 Lyman Street Asheville, NC 28801 skytubing@hotmail.com
828-225-3259
www.skytubing.com 18 WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
MAY 2018
conservation groups and individuals who do good work helping to protect the local natural areas and waterways. However, I can’t help but wonder, at times, if we are on the leeward side of the ever increasing battle against pollution here in Western North Carolina. So, what can be done? I tell my students and my clients that these issues of pollution through sedimentation and trash aren’t going to go away unless we, as the locals and anglers who cherish these places, take responsibility for helping to manage these problems. There are two very simple solutions, that if done in mass, could tackle the biggest threats of trash and over sedimentation in our waterways. Trash in the form of plastics, Styrofoam, and other forms of inorganic chemical compounds will never truly break down, and will result in them entering the bodily systems of aquat-
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“Truth” is Greater Than “Fact”
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hese two words are used interchangeably but they don’t mean the same thing. This can be confusing and it is no wonder. Just google “truth vs. fact” and read the ridiculous “crapola” that pops up. Our world system would have us believe that facts are the rock solid foundation of our lives and truth is, well, whatever you decide it is. Nope. Herein lies a fundamental error. Facts are simply a state of existence or something that happened. Facts can, and do, change. It is a fact that chocolate chip is my favorite cookie but oatmeal raisin is gaining in favor and could take over the number one spot at any time. (See what I mean?) Truth, on the other hand, is the absence of falsehood and the presence of purity; perfect conveyance. It is the core of integrity and the highest form of expression. For instance, it is true that we reap what we sow. If we smile, we will be smiled upon. If we cheat, we will be cheated, and if we show ourselves friendly, we will have friends. It is true that God loves His creation called people and wants us to hang out with Him forever. Truth never changes. The fact was that, in the 1770’s, only about one fourth of the population of the American colonies wanted independence from England bad enough to fight them for it. The truth is that no human kingdom had power to abort the birth of the greatest nation on earth. It was God’s plan all along.
By Wilson Love
What a laughable twist (if you can keep your sense of humor) that peanut-brained modern man would come to honor the report (facts) and debase the higher concern (truth). The founding fathers knew better and refused to let the facts contain them. They lived and breathed scriptural truth. Is this getting too complicated for the philosophy scholars out there? Let me break it down for you: truth trumps fact. These two words are fishing the same water, but truth knows it is more important how we fish than what we fish with. Truth occupies a higher place, is zealous, and lives on – long after the facts are forgotten. Police detectives search out the facts of the case and then at the trial the witnesses are compelled to tell the truth. Why? In the criminal justice system (and everyday life) only pure communication serves the twin goals of peace and justice. Physical and spiritual truths didn’t arrive on the scene because somebody thought they were a good idea. Nor did they evolve from a pool of green slimy stuff somewhere, or a Big Bang in the ancient cosmos. Truth didn’t come about because mellow friends were chillin’ and feeeeeelin’ reeel truthy one day. ALL truth comes from the Author of all things (Heb. 2: 10) and, physical and spiritual truths don’t go away because we ignore them, deplore them, or attempt to dismiss them with a bunch of facts. If you disagree, climb up on the
roof where you live, curse gravity and jump off. I didn’t think so. You know, the world wants us to just accept the facts: life is hard and then you die. Please try to die silently so as not to disturb your fellow victims. NO WAY! Will you join me in rejecting the purveyors of factoid negativity. Don’t tell anybody, but I don’t watch the news. Why are you looking at me that way? There’s no telling the impotent, I mean important, facts I missed while not watching the news. For instance, I didn’t know I was supposed to get the flu last winter so I skipped it. One last thought on the truth. The Bible is often misquoted with, “the truth will make you free” or, “set you free”. This is a phrase from a longer sentence, and taken
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alone, verbatim, is not true. Here’s why: These are the words of Jesus recorded in John 8: 31-32, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” Focus on “you will know the truth”. It is only the truth we KNOW that sets us free. But don’t worry, knowing it is easy. All you have to do is read. If you are new at it, the book of John is a good place to start.
Wilson Love is Owner/Operator of The Practical Outdoorsman, a retail and consignment store.
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MOUNTAIN WISDOM
Campfire By Ben Bailey
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ver the years, I’ve spent countless hours sitting around a campfire. A campfire is not just warmth and light…it’s more than that. I don’t know if there are words to describe the effect that a campfire has on those within its circle. I guess the word comradery comes close, but even that doesn’t seem enough. Darkness is usually associated with evil and light, with all that’s good and noble. Warmth speaks of friendship and goodwill. I can attest to the fact that friendships forged in the flames of a campfire will stand the test of time and trout, baked over its coals, are just a little better. I have spent a few, not many, nights in a camp without a fire and it was worse then Aunt Jemima’s pancakes without her syrup. The conversation and laughter wanes and we drift off into darkness to cold sleeping bags. It’s a welcome site in the morning, waking to the sound of a snapping twigs and somebody building a fire. A few years ago, I, and two others, were walking the last leg of the trip from Clingmans Dome to Proctor. We were
tired after four days on the trail and it was raining. Our buddies, who had come to pick us up by boat, had prepared a fire pit and covered it with plastic. They lit the fire as we walked into camp. It was such a beautiful sight and gesture… I will never forget that moment. A campfire is meant to be shared and, once shared, never forgotten. The charcoal and circle of stones is like a shrine to all that was said and done here. Others who may pass this way will know a kindred spirit has been here and in some small way, as they sit around their fire, we are joined and become fellow travelers. We are told by science that fire is the giving off of energy that has been stored in the
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CAMPFIRE
TWO EASY SOLUTIONS
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wood from all the sunshine that the tree has been exposed to over its life. If that’s true, then I would think that we, as we sit around that fire, would also soak in a little bit of that energy. I’ve also seen people soak in a little moonshine while sitting around a campfire and even if that doesn’t work for you, you’re bound to soak in some of the wisdom that is passed around and through the flames. I’ve heard it all from humor, to theology, to how to achieve world peace. I remember a poem by Hector Donald called “The Land of Heart’s Desire”: Did you ever watch the campfire When the Wood has fallen low,
And the ashes ‘gin to whiten Round the embers’ crimson glow, With the night sounds all about you Making silence doubly sweet, And a full moon high above you That the spell may be complete? Did you ever sit there thinking ‘Mid your pipe’s gray, pungent breath, While the fire’s last, feeble flicker Met a magic, glow-worm death— Tell me, were you ever nearer To the land of heart’s desire, Than when you sat there smoking With your feet up to the fire
Ben Bailey, is a native of Western North Carolina, Master Carpenter, Avid Angler, and Naturalist.
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ic plants and animals alike. Think about how often, on any given fishing trip, you have noticed some sort of trash laying on the bank, and the opportunity that you had to remove it but didn’t, or conversely, how many times you’ve either thrown a plastic bottle or foam cup out the window? (I’m positive everyone is guilty of doing that at least once). A very simple solution for this issue is to just simply avoid littering and to make a conscious effort to remove any trash that you see while you’re on the water. Most of the largest concentrations of trash are found along the trailheads of streams. The impacts of everyone putting in an effort to remove any trash that is seen would be outstanding for the overall health of our ecosystem. Now, the issue of sedimentation requires hardly any work whatsoever if you have any property with water flowing through it. All waterways have what is called a riparian zone, which is an area
continued from page 18 of plant growth which prevents runoff from entering a stream while at the same time keeping the bank from eroding away. Mowing or clearing vegetation along this riparian zone can result in excess erosion which leads to unhealthy amounts of sediment in an aquatic ecosystem. An easy way to maintain these areas is to simply not mow or cut them down, and allow vegetation to grow. Areas with healthy riparian zones see healthier amounts of aquatic life and increased amounts of water quality, along with greater property values. These are two very simple solutions that anyone, whether you’re an angler or just someone who cares about the environment, can engage in to make a difference in the health and beauty of our mountains and rivers. I hope, one day, that enough of us will understand how individual responsibility and action can lead to a great victory for conservation here in Western North Carolina.
Ethan Hollifield is an Environmental/Physical Science Teacher and is also a guide for Southern Appalachian Anglers.
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Approaching Every Day Like A Fishing Day
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hat if we approached every day like a fishing day? I think it could both increase joy and help us become more successful. One of my favorite authors wrote a New York Times Bestselling book* describing the seven principles of success. He calls them The Seven Decisions, and suggests that anyone who acts on these decisions can succeed at just about anything. Interestingly, most fisherman I know apply these decisions to fishing trips, but it’s rare to find that they apply them to anything else. Here are a few examples: 1. Fisherman anticipate and get excited. Have you ever thought to yourself, “Crap! Tomorrow’s Saturday and I have to go fishing! It’s such a drag (get it, drag?!).” Me neither. My bro-inlaw and I are going fishing in two days, and we are already building it up in our heads, and out loud. We are anticipating the joy of getting on the boat and spending the whole day on the water. He’s supposed to go on a date with his wife that night, but chances are we will get back late. I shouldn’t admit this, but I’m already chuckling at the trouble he will get in when he gets back. What if we approached every day with anticipation and excitement? The author I mentioned earlier describes one of the seven decisions of success, “Today, I choose to be happy.” Maybe you and I could wake up and say, “Today, I choose to approach my life as if I’m going fishing.” It’s amazing how practicing happiness and joy—even when we don’t feel like
By Daniel Day
it—can lead to experiencing happiness and joy. I know it’s hard to compare a day at the office with a day on the lake, or in a river, or in the ocean, but there’s a principle buried in the anticipation of a fishing trip. I think it’s this—if you build something up in your head it tends to come true. Even when you don’t catch anything, you still have a great time fishing because you’ve told yourself for a few days or weeks, “I’m going to have a great time fishing.” Try the same build up for other parts of your life. It may feel fake at first, but I think you’ll be surprised at how anticipation and excitement can change your perspective and become real. 2. Fisherman plan every detail and work hard to get ready. I love to read and listen to biographical stories of entrepreneurs and inventors that have created massively successful companies. Do you know one of the major themes I’ve heard in nearly every success story? These entrepreneurs plan ahead and work really hard. They think through every detail, and are relentless in their pursuit of building their businesses. They sacrifice their time and energy to make it happen. Look at those qualities again. Doesn’t it sound like someone going on a fishing trip? Interestingly, most fisherman I know think through every detail and are relentless in their pursuit of fishing. Most fisherman never stop learning (like reading this magazine each month). There’s always a new knot to learn or a new chart to study. They also plan ahead and are prepared. When my bro-in-law and I go fishing, we
plan out where we will get bait, and we gather all the tackle we will need for the day. We have emergency supplies in case of a problem (or in case we get pulled over by a ranger). We bring extra water, food and supplies (although if we are catching fish, we usually forget to eat or drink). Most of the time, we have the boat completely ready the day before we go fishing. What if we approached our lives like that? What if we took the time to think through the details and plan ahead? What if we never stopped learning and prepared for every contingency? I bet we would be more successful in our jobs and with our families. Here’s a convicting question: what if I spent as much time planning dates with my wife as I do planning fishing trips? I bet I’d get to go fishing more often!
Here’s the point: If you are willing to apply the same two attitudes you take toward fishing—relentless excitement and detailed planning—and apply them to your job, family and other areas of your life, you are going to not only catch a lot of fish, but you are going to catch a whole lot of joy and success too. *The book I referenced in the first paragraph is titled: The Traveler’s Gift by Andy Andrews.
Daniel Ryan Day is the author of two books, including his most recent work: Intentional Christian (now available). He’s also the COO of Cascades Mountain Resort, Old Orchard Tavern and Asheville’s Fun Depot. Daniel lives in Fairview, NC with his wife and three kiddos. Connect with him on Facebook, Instagram or at intentionalchristianity.com
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BREVARD
Fly Fishing On The Davidson River
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he Davidson River is considered one of North Carolina’s best trout streams. From the headwater section down to Avery Creek, the stream is managed as a wild trout stream. Fly fishing only, is allowed and it’s all catch and release. Below Avery Creek, the stream is stocked by the state on a regular basis. It has a very healthy trout population and easy access. It’s one of North Carolina’s most popular fly fishing destinations. Fly fishing the Davidson River can be a true pleasure. This stream is fairly close to Asheville, and is quite easy to reach from the interstate. It is heavily fished, especially in the lower section from the fish hatchery down to Avery Creek.
James Marsh
The stocked area of the stream is also heavily fished. It isn’t only fly fishing that the stream is popular for. There are tubers galore, canoeists, picnickers, kayakers, and people just swimming. During the summer months, you won’t find many pull offs along Highway #276 or the Forest Service Road #475 that don’t have vehicles parked on them. The Davidson River is a beautiful freestone mountain stream. It has a large population of trout and many trophy size fish. This is mostly due to the year-round catch and release regulations. The stream has a good supply of many different species of aquatic insects and other food for the trout. The Davidson River can also become crowded in places with
anglers. There’s a good reason for it. Anglers catch and release a lot of trout. It is the great fishing that makes it crowded. One way to deal with the crowds of Summer is to fish early and late in the day. Don’t forget that you can fish the Davidson River year-round. Fishing is often good in the middle of winter but certainly fall and spring may be the best times to fish the river. One often-overlooked feature of the Davidson is its headwaters. They are small but well worth fishing. The section of the Davidson River from the Avery Creek confluence downstream to the Forest Service boundary is heavily
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stocked with trout. It receives month stockings of rainbows, browns and brook trout from March through August. Many of the trout are harvested but this section also has a large number of holdover trout. There are also some wild trout in this section. During the winter months you won’t find many anglers fishing this section and fly fishing can be especially rewarding and fun. Upstream of Avery Creek, it is strictly “catch-and-release” fly fishing. The catch and release section has some large pools where trout can be sight-fished. The water is often gin clear and the fish very wary due to the heavy
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FLY FISHING
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pressure but it is still possible to catch trout in this manner. The main tributary is Looking Glass Creek. The stream is very small above Looking Glass Falls but this small tributary has some rather sizable fish from the falls down to its confluence with the Davidson just over a mile or so downstream. Upstream of the Pisqah State Fish Hatchery, the Davidson River becomes more of the typical, small mountain stream. It has a good population of wild rainbows and brown trout. It is mostly all pocket water. Most of the trout are relatively small, averaging about six inches in length but going up to twelve. The water has a much lower pH than the water downstream of the fish hatchery. The aquatic insects are mostly clinger mayflies and stoneflies. Few anglers fish this section of the Davidson, so you don’t have to worry about
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pressure. The section of the Davidson River from the diversion weir downsteam of the hatchery receives almost all of the fishing pressure. It isn’t exactly easy to catch trout in this section of the river. The trout are large, well educated fish. They constantly see anglers and flies. As mentioned above, it can be very crowded on the weekends. It is much better to fish this section during the week. There’s a substantial amount of water that’s diverted from the Davidson River through the fish hatchery. It is common to see large trout. The water below the fish hatchery is different from the freestone section above it. The hatchery fish are constantly fed and food is flushed downstream. It is also the reason the trout grow to large sizes. The average size trout is probably over 16 inches. Some go up to 20. Catching these trout is usual-
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ly difficult. It is far more to do with the constant disturbance of anglers than anything else. Sloppy presentations won’t cut it. At times, perfect presentations don’t seem to fool them. It is the constant pounding the fish get that’s the biggest problem. The fishing can be much better if you simply get away from the hatchery and fish further downstream. There’s plenty of large trout downstream all the way to
Avery Creek. Just to be certain, we are clear on the regulations, from the Davidson’s headwaters downstream to Avery Creek, is classified as “Catch-and Release”, Artificial Flies Only water. Just below the town of Pisgah Forest, there is a privately managed “trophy” section of water. Davidson River Outfitters manages this three-mile section of the stream.
James Marsh is the Owner of The Perfect Fly online and catalog mail-order store. www.perfectflystore.com
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Primer For Fishing In McDowell County By Matt Evans Curtis Creek: Curtis Creek gives anglers the unique ability to target stocked fish in its delayed harvest section and native trout in the wild water section near Curtis Creek Campground. When fishing the delayed harvest section, be prepared to think
outside the “Fly Box”. Obviously, yellow egg patterns, squirmy worms, and girdle bugs will consistently catch fish. However, black brown, and gray caddis patterns in size 12-16 will bring even the most hesitant trout to the surface with a good drift. By early spring, stocked fish
have wised up to larger flies. Therefore, a lighter tippet and a smaller fly will yield best results. Shallower water is the norm on Curtis Creek, making dry dropper combos most effective.
bass fishing through this section during the hot summer months. The top water bite can be most effective in the morning and evening with a frog imitation fly or lure.
Catawba River Delayed Harvest: The Catawba River runs parallel to the Greenway in Marion, North Carolina. This section is easily accessible and offers some great fishing year round. This stretch consists of riffles and deep pools that hold countless fish. Brown or black size 12 pat’s rubber legs are going to be your most effective flies on this section. Fish these flies using a tight line nymphing rig or under a thingamabobber indicator. Do not overlook the smallmouth bass and largemouth
Catawba River Wild Water Section: Typically, The Catawba River and wild rainbow trout are not synonymous with one another. However, at the river’s headwaters near the Catawba Falls in Old Fort, North Carolina, gorgeous wild rainbow trout can be found. These fish range anywhere from 6 to 12 inches. For those wanting to target larger fish that make their home in the deep pool below the falls, you will have to be prepared for a challenging hike up to upper Catawba Falls. Trout at the summit can be selective due to
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hikers feeding them remnants of sandwiches and snacks. A Little Debbie cake can make even the juiciest dry fly or nymph seem unattractive. Newberry Creek: Newberry Creek is the only catch and release/artificial lure only stream in McDowell County, NC. It is the county’s most prized stream, since it holds
a healthy population of Southern Appalachian Brook Trout. The fish are the only trout native to western North Carolina, so please handle these fish with care and release them so they can live to fight another day! The fish on Newberry Creek require anglers to use their hunter instincts because, if these fish see you, they disappear in an instant. Stealth is vital when fishing Newberry.
Matt Evans is the Owner of The Catawba Angler. It is the only fishing guide service located in Old Fort, North Carolina. TCA offers the highest quality fishing trips with entertaining guides at the most reasonable prices. The Catawba River and the Catawba River Tailrace located below the Bridgewater Dam at Lake James are their specialties.
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Guided Fly Fishing Trips and Info: Float Trips Full Day: $425 for two anglers Half Day: $325 for two anglers Local WNC Wade Trips Full Day: 1 Person $250, 2 People $350 Half Day: 1 Person $175, 2 People $250 Tennessee Tailwater Wade Trips Full Day: 1 Person $300, 2 People $400 Half Day: 1 Person $225, 2 People $325
The high country of Western North Carolina is where days are measured by miles hiked, trout caught, and hours logged by the campfire. Yancey County is the heart of all this region has to offer and Southern Drifters Outfitters has the knowledge to assure you make the most of your time outdoors, whether you are camping, rafting, hiking, or fishing. Southern Drifters Outfitters offers a wide selection of outdoor lifestyle clothing and casual wear as well as a full-service fly fishing shop/guide service. Southern Drifters Outfitters is the premier outfitter in Burnsville, NC for those looking to enjoy all that the Western North Carolina area and beyond have to offer. Owned and operated by Yancey County natives, we pride ourselves on our knowledge of the area’s rivers, trails and mountains that comes from a life devoted to the outdoors. We offer guided fishing trips in the mountains of WNC, and float trips on the tailwaters of East Tennessee. Conveniently located in downtown Burnsville, NC on town square, Southern Drifters is within easy walking distance of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping, and lodging. With concerts at the Burnsville Town Center, the Mount Mitchell Crafts Fair in August and other events throughout the year, Burnsville offers a slow-paced mountain escape for the whole family.
101 Town Square, Burnsville, NC Store: 828-536-0011 Cell: 828-678-1511 Kyle Burnette, Owner
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HIGH COUNTRY
The Land Beyond: The Watauga River By Jeff Dean
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here are many streams in our neck of the woods, but one of them rules them all. That would be the Watauga River. Watauga is most likely a Cherokee word that historians believe means ‘the land beyond.’ If you’ve ever spent any time on this river, you know the name fits it well. When you are down in one of its many gorges, you feel like you are many miles from any civilization. When talking fishing and the Watauga River, it is usually broken down into two sections: the headwaters and the tailwaters. We will explore them both. The Headwaters of the Watauga is spring fed and starts on the slopes of Grandfather Mountain. As the stream meanders down the mountains, it gets larger and larg-
er. You can follow the headwaters from Grandfather Mountain as you head down NC HWY 105 S towards Boone, it cuts beneath 105 (behind Watauga River Fly Shop), and then you can follow it on Broadstone Rd. through Valle Crucis. From there, the Watauga is heading west towards TN, which you will follow along HWY 321. Once it gets into TN, it flows into Watauga Lake. Now, for the good part…fishing! The headwaters of the Watauga River is spring fed, so that means there is a constant flow of fresh, clean and cold water. This, along with a rocky bed and good elevation drop, creates well oxygenated water with many good pools and “runs”, making an ideal habitat for trout. Trout thrive in cold, clean, and well-oxygen-
ated water. The Watauga has all of that. When fishing the Watauga headwaters, you can find wild and stocked brook, brown and rainbow trout, smallmouth and red eye bass, panfish, chubs, and many other species. Some of the most popular sections of the river are the Delayed Harvest sections through Valle Crucis and Sugar Grove. In these areas, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission stock thousands of trout in the spring and fall, making for some spectacular fishing. It’s definitely worth wetting a line in these areas. For many anglers, the tailwaters of the Watauga River are a destination trip as well. A tailwater is a steam located directly
below a hydraulic structure or dam. The Watauga tailwaters is the section below the Wilbur Dam near Elizabethton TN. The release of cold water from the bottom of Watauga Lake year round means the water stays a relatively stable temperature. All of the nutrients from the lake bottom, that make their way into the river, contribute to a very good environment for bug life. Good bug life, cold, oxygenated water = great trout fishing! There is an abundance of good fishing on the Watauga tailwaters and it is a PREMIER trout fishing stream on the East Coast. Trout is the main catch, but in the lower sections, near Boone Lake, you can find stripers running up
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(828) 963-5463 Located on the Watauga River just outside of Boone, NC
5712 NC Highway 105 South, Vilas, North Carolina
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WE HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO GET YOU OUT ON THE WATER AND FISHING! OVER 350 DIFFERENT FLY PATTERNS IN STOCK • EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL STAFF • TOP BRANDS IN FLY FISHING WADE TRIPS • FLOAT TRIPS • CLASSES FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS $50 AND UP!
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Experience Peace and Tranquility at Watauga Lakeshore Resort and Marina
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atauga Lakeshore Resort & Marina has been in business since 1961 under the direction of Ted and Betty Tipton. The enterprise includes a full-service marina with boat storage and rentals, the Captain’s Table Restaurant, and lakefront lodging. At least ten family members are actively involved in the daily operations and supervision of the business. Watauga Lake, the third-cleanest lake in America, beckons water enthusiasts to East Tennessee. Created in 1942 by the Tennessee Valley Authority, the 6,430 acre lake is 17 miles long with about 110 miles of shoreline. Lakeshore Marina is a full-service facility, easily accessible from U.S. Highway 321 in Hampton. The marina can moor
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up to 450 boats with separate slips for houseboats, sailboats, and runabouts. A well-stocked marine store offers a variety of boating equipment and accessories, live bait, fishing licenses, snacks and beverages. Lakeshore Marina has factory-trained mechanics, in the service department, for boat and motor repairs. In addition, the marina has a fleet of pontoon and speedboats available for rental. The Captain’s Table Restaurant specializes in steaks and seafood but also serves tasty chicken and pasta dishes. A children’s menu is available along with weekend specials. The breathtaking view of Watauga Lake is coupled with a relaxed atmosphere of mountain tranquility. You may enjoy this view indoors through
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the large glass windows or outdoors on our spacious deck. The restaurant is open March through October with seasonal hours. Watauga Lakeshore Resort’s rental properties include one, two, & three bedroom cabins and also motel units. These units have views of the lake and the surrounding Appalachian Mountains. Amenities include TVs, air conditioning, private balconies, and a private 50 foot pool. The resort is a popular destination for many tourists seeking a quiet getaway in a peaceful setting. The
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business is located convenient to the Tri-Cities area of Bristol, Kingsport, and Johnson City and also the surrounding Western North Carolina cities of Boone, Blowing Rock, and Asheville. Watauga Lakeshore Resort & Marina, 2340 Highway 321, Hampton, Tennessee, 37658, (423) 725-2201 or (423) 725-2223. Website: www.lakeshore-resort.com. Email: info@lakeshore-resort.com
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Watauga Lake… Paradise Regained!
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ucked away in the mountains of upper East Tennessee, Watauga Lake is the first lake of the TVA chain. Fed by sparkling mountain streams and rivers, it is rated as the third cleanest lake in United States. No industry is located on any of the feeder streams or rivers that fill the Lake. That is, unless you count moonshining. Over 70% of the land surrounding the lake is owned by the government. At the lower end of the lake is a national campground. It features a swimming area, complete with sandy beach and a well-kept picnic area with clean restrooms. The Appalachian Trail literally goes right across the top of the damn. Winding through about 18 miles of the mountains, reaching dips of 260 feet, the lake contains a wide
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By Joe Bailey
variety of fishing species to fit the style of most any angler. For the bass angler, Watauga Lake is a premier smallmouth bass lake. Going back a few years, my brother and I took home 22 smallmouth, weighing in at just over 90 pounds, for my father’s church fish fry. That was in one, 17-hour trip. The lake also contains large mouth bass, spotted bass, crappy and rock bass (redeye). For those that like to fish for fun and food, there is no better tasting fish in the world than the walleye from Watauga Lake. Let me warn you, 90% of the walleye are caught at night on the lake, and it is most challenging fishing. Of course, the crappie and spotted bass are quite tasty also. In addition, you can fish from the bank for three species of catfish, fresh-
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water drum, and the various species of children friendly panfish. Corn, minnows, nightcrawlers, and chicken livers are the most effective for those. However, fly fishing and spinners provide a lot of action. Then there are four species of trout: rainbow, lake trout, Brown trout, and ohrid trout. That is where I come into the picture. Through Fish Springs Marina, I provide guided trout fishing on this breathtaking lake. We troll in comfort for various trout on a 22-foot pontoon. I provide everything for the fishing. You are required to have a Tennessee fishing license with a trout stamp. You are welcome to bring coolers with food and drink for yourself and your companions. Plenty of room to move around for up to five people, in addition to myself. Bring
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the wife and kids. The pontoon is set up with four downrigger and one lead core rod, allowing us to fish at up to to nine different depths, with nine different lures, at the same time. We usually travel at 1.5 mph and tour the lake as we relax awaiting that next strike. We are primarily targeting the lake and rainbow trout. However, fishing at so many different depths, allows the guest to catch almost anything. We have caught smallmouth, walleye, spot bass. We have even caught carp and one bluegill. Ready to go fishing?
Fish Springs Marina is your gateway to fun on the water! Watauga Lake is the perfect family-oriented destination for boating, fishing, camping or sightseeing excursions. Fish Springs Marina is the oldest continuously operating marina on beautiful Watauga Lake, having been in the White family for three generations. Fish Springs Marina Store We carry all goodies for all your boating needs! Our marina store has all the essentials for lake activities, including a huge selection of boating supplies, bait and tackle, inner tubes and water toys & more.
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Watauga Joe’s Fishing Guide Service Joe Bailey, Guide 423-330-8544 Mobile, joesephbailey@comcast.net
423-768-2336
191 Fish Springs Road Hampton, TN
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WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 35
Fly Fishing The Watauga River Tailwater By Joe Kostura
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olding an eye popping 6-8000 fish per mile, The Watauga River Tailwater, or “The ‘Taug” as some local guides call it is right over the state line near Elizabethton, TN located within easy striking distance from Linville, North Carolina. Foscoe Fishing Company has the ability to float and fish the entire 17 miles of river from it’s origin at Wilbur Dam, to where the river makes its way down into Boone Lake, all year! In addition to its great year round fishing, catching large rainbow and brown trout is a great possibility for anglers both new and advanced which is why the Watauga Tailwater is considered widely as one of the best trout fisheries east of the Mississippi. Sections – The Watauga River Tailwater can be broken up into three different sections: the upper section near the dam, the middle section and the lower
section as it runs into Boone Lake. It is not uncommon to catch a “stud” as some may call a big fish, on any stretch of the river on any given day. Over the course of the year, some stretches fish a little better than others based on water temperature and bug activity. However, overall, it is a great resource that we are lucky enough to be able to float and fish 365 days out of the year. Hatches – The Watauga River Tailwater is known for its three major hatches: blue winged olives, sulphurs, and the renowned caddis hatch. Starting in mid-April, the caddis begin to hatch by the millions on certain stretches of the river lasting until around Mothers Day. That’s ironic, because the hatch is known widely as the “Mothers Day Caddis Hatch”. It is a spectacle that brings anglers from far and wide to experience one of the East’s most anticipated
hatches every spring. Soon after the caddis hatch begins to dissipate, the sulphurs begin to transition in which will provide more great dry fly opportunities in May and June. Then lastly the ever-present blue winged olives, which have the opportunity to come off throughout the year when the water temperatures and conditions are right. Needless to say, there is always an opportunity for the dry fly fisherman throught the year. When to Fish the Watauga – As mentioned, the Watauga Tailwater fishes extremely well throughout the year. However, if there were only two seasons to pick, the spring and fall would be the winners due to the outstanding
hatches and consistently cooler water temperatures throughout the river system! from top to bottom. Also, due to the areas moderate elevation, the Watauga River Tailwater experiences more mild winter temperatures than the upper portions on the North Carolina side. However, the Watauga River is also less susceptible to severe temperature fluctuation as this river is influenced by a deep, coldwater release from Wilbur Dam upstream. A float trip down the Watauga in East Tennessee is highly recommended year round for the beginning to advanced angler who would love to experience one the best trout fisheries in the Southeast.
Joe Kostura is the Head Fishing Guide for Highland Outfitters based out of Linville, NC. When not guiding, he is still spending time fishing on the Watauga and South Holston Rivers in East Tennessee. Or he is simply tying flies, preparing for and obsessing about his next days trip to either river he fishes.
We operate a full service fly shop in Boone, North Carolina and offer high quality fly fishing on the Watauga, Linville, Toe, Elk, New River & More
We offer great products and services with local knowledge.
The only Orvis Endorsed Flyfishing Outfitter and Guide Service in North Carolina’s High Country If you would like to schedule a fly fishing trip, ask a question, or come shop at our Orvis store, contact us and we will be glad to serve you
www.foscoefishing.com • 8857 NC Highway 105 South Boone, NC 28607 • (828) 963-6556 36 WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
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THE LAND BEYOND
continued from page 31
Nature and comfort meet here at the highest KOA east of the Mississippi at an altitude of nearly 4,000 feet. the river in the warmer months. There is some very good wade fishing all up and down the river and if you have a drift boat or raft, you can hammer some fish. Watch out for them releasing water on any tailwater stream. The flow is regulated by the energy demand and by lake levels. They may release water at any point, so if you are wading and the water starts
to rise, get out. You can check the flows simply by downloading the TVA app on your phone. This was a quick tour of the Watauga River, but if you’d like to explore the headwaters or tailwaters a little more in depth, give Watauga River Fly Shop a call and we’ll take you on a guided trip and show you how great the fishing is on the Watauga!
Nature and comfort meet here, a spot with long pull thrus under tall trees, a pool, arcade games and even a farm animal mini zoo, all set atop a scenic mountain just 4 miles from city services.
Jeff Dean is the owner of Watauga River Fly Shop located at 5712 NC Highway 105 South, Vilas, NC. Visit their website at www.wrflyshop.com, email them at info@wrflyshop.com, or give them a call at (828) 963-5463.
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Paving the Way for the Next Generation By Meredith Sessoms
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s I’m entering my 3rd trimester of my first pregnancy, I often wonder, will the sport and outdoors oriented lifestyle that I love so much live on for fellow generations? How can I, along with my fellow outdoor enthusiast friends, help my daughter and future generations grow to love this sport that I am so passionate about? I currently play two roles in the angling community - I am the owner of Due South Outfitters fly shop and guide service, along with being the President of the local Trout Unlimited chapter. Each day, we work to, not only teach current anglers new tricks of fly fishing, but also introduce novice anglers to the sport. It is absolutely imperative for business owners like myself, and anglers alike, to work ardently toward ensuring that there will be a “next generation” of anglers. I frequently cross paths with youth, or first time anglers, that are simply enthralled with the sport of fly fishing. Unfortunate-
ly, they sometimes resonate stories of curmudgeons both in the industry or simply out on the water, that don’t embrace new anglers. Without a question, we as anglers, sportsmen, and outdoor enthusiasts must establish a policy of embracing new members into our community. Lets not forget, the majority of the American population now lives in urban areas, and a staggering number of Americans simply cannot
unplug from laptops, cell phones, or televisions long enough to enjoy a day outdoors. I am writing this excerpt with a plea- If you are an angler, hunter, sportsman or outdoor aficionado, please make sure that your actions do nothing but encourage more members to join into our family of outdoors-people . While it may be a bit annoying to have a new angler unknowingly
walk through your favorite fishing spot, lets not forget- we all started somewhere. Lets work together as a community to kindly educate and welcome new members into the outdoor sports that we all cherish- after all, no fly fishing video game will ever be able to take the place of a day on the water.
Meredith Sessoms and her husband, Patrick, own Due South Outfitters fly shop and fly fishing guide service located in Boone, NC. They are Boone’s only Trout Unlimited Endorsed fly shop and guide service and also were recipients of the 2017 Blue Ridge Outdoor’s Best of the Blue Ridge Fly Fishing Outfitter award. In their spare time, they enjoy hiking with their two black labs, Mae and Gus.
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Good Times At The Sea Spray Abaco Challenge
F
rom Feb. 7-10, 18 teams gathered on Elbow Cay, Abaco, Bahamas at the Sea Spray Resort and Marina for the Second Annual Sea Spray Abaco Challenge. Hosted by the resort, this tournament is becoming known as one of the most enjoyable in the Bahamas. With prize packages through fifth place, affordable entry and value-added categories, nine radio raffles worth $400 each, team bags and buckets stuffed with goodies and fantastic food and live entertainment, this event is all about having fun. This year’s event raised and donated more than $6,000 to the Hope Town Primary School, Every Child Counts Bahamas and Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association. Wahoo, blackfin and yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi are the target species, with teams eligible to weigh their two biggest fish from each species on each day of the three-day competition. This year Team Crab Eyes took home the overall championship with a cumulative weight of 292.6 pounds. These guys finished second in the inaugural event and were eager to take home the win. In second place was Team Sonny Boy with a total of 134.3 pounds. Sonny Boy also weighed the biggest fish in the Wahoo Category, and at 52.9 pounds took biggest fish overall for the tournament. In third place was Team Perfect Timing with a total of 83.2 pounds. These guys came from out of nowhere on the last day to make it onto the podium. Special congratulations to Team Family Circus, which won the local Bahamian championship with a total of 65.9 pounds. Their name will be inscribed on the residual trophy at the resort and they took home a beautiful black grouper mount by tournament sponsor King Sailfish Release Mounts. For more information, go to www.seasprayabacochallenge.com.
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UNDER THE SEA
Tricks of the Trade
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ike land hunters or rod-and-reel fishermen, spearos also study and perfect some tricks of the trade. Spearos immerse themselves into the fishes’ environment, so the first skill to master is to look like you belong there. Beginners tend to exhibit aggressive behavior, chasing and spooking fish. If fish scatter when you get near, study how calmly an experienced diver moves in the water. Until you achieve a non-threatening aura, all other tips and tricks will be useless. After achieving smooth diving technique, here are some techniques to get near fish. 1) Aspetto (Italian for “wait”)—It starts from the surface with a smooth duck-dive into the water while removing the snorkel. You descend with soft kicks until you begin to free-fall as you scan the bottom. By turning your fin blades, you maneuver to the right spot, perhaps where the reef meets sand. You lie motionless on the bottom until curious fish come to check you out. Moving only your eyes, you pick out the prey, move your gun slowly, and make a well-placed shot. A good spearo will make this technique look easy, but it is not. This is especially effective with evasive fish that become curious when you do not move, such as mutton snappers in Florida, stripers in the northeast, and bigeye emperors in Hawaii. 2) Agguato (Italian for “ambush”)–This is a dynamic stalking technique to get closer to prey without being noticed. The diver navigates the bottom using the environment to get closer to the prey. The diver must consider current, visibility and available bottom structure while moving from one object to another, blending into shadows or hiding behind reef formations. If your body can be hidden while closing the gap, the fish will remain unaware of your presence.
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3) Flashers/ Sheri Daye practices “aspetto” technique. chum—Especially Photo by Joe Marino effective for hunting pelagics such as jacks, tunas, dolphin and wahoo. Multiple mirrors dangle below a float, and the flashes of light in the water imitate the reflective glare from a school of baitfish. The fish come in to investigate. Chum can be used in combination with a flasher to bring them even closer and keep them interested. In addition to these techniques, serious spearos are likely to train in a pool, use meditation techniques, and do cardio exercises to increase their breath hold capacity. Many take freediving classes to increase bottom time and safety. While there is no certification required to do it, classes should be a pre-requisite, as freediving is a sport that can lead to “blackout” and death if not practiced correctly. Spearfishing is a beautiful, selective way to catch fish, but it is also physically and mentally demanding. Above all, be safe and happy hunting! Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer of The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.
For more Sheri Daye, go to
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North GA’s Full Service Fly Shop By Billy Darby • Photo by Ilkka Jukarainen/flckr
I
Outfitter - Guide Service Travel - Last Cast Bar
n the year 1947, the very first “green trout” (bass) I ever remember seeing was caught by my grandfather as he walked along the edge of a pond with a jigger pole. This was an old-time method for catching green trout. It consisted of a long reed pole with a big treble hook adorned with flannel strips, pork skin and knitting yarn tied to the end of the pole. While walking the bank, this lure was dabbled along the pond’s edge. When the bass hit, there was no bending of the pole or setting the hook, just straight up the bank with fish in tow until there was no chance of the fish flopping back into the water. It was essentially the same technique early naturalist William Bartram described being used by Native Americans in accounts from 1791. As with all generations, each assumes that the way it is now is the same way it has always been. Fishing styles, lures, boats, motors and technology are the same and will be so until some serious reasoning is considered. My next big learning experience was casting with a steel rod and level-wind reel spooled with braided line. The lure was the forerunner of today’s plastic worm. These lures were made of red or black strips of inner tube rubber about 8 inches long and about ½-inch wide, folded in the front to form a head in front of a weedless hook with a split-lead sinker as a weight. In the mid 1950s, someone invented the Golly Whopper plastic worm with two imbedded weedless hooks, soon followed by an earthworm-look assembled with a weedless hook harness with a front spinner. Wooden topwater lures have been around since forever, with different forms and paint schemes. During the early 1960s came the advent of hollow plastic topwater lures that replaced almost all of the wooden ones. Then came rattles and plastic-lipped divers. Then, in the early 1970s, someone came up with the term “crankbait,” and a big plastic lip allowed for deeper presentation. The bass-fishing revolution would never look back. But some of us can still remember the early post WWII days with a fond memory. Today’s lure-making technology is expanding at a rapid pace, and we can expect lures to be the exact replica of prey and duplicate the sound emissions perfectly. Sonar electronics with computer-aided technology will show actuality as if we were looking into a camera. Similar enhancement will identify the targeted species, and if the human mind can conceive an idea, expect the future to produce what once was a dream. Billy Darby is a professional guide on Lake Eufaula. He can be Sept_NS_COHUTTA.indd reached at imfishing4u@windstream.net or 229-768-2369.
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4/18/18 10:10 AM
By Capt. Cefus McRae
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aise your hand if you’ve ever spent the entire day on the water without a bite. Be honest. Now look around and see who else has their hand in the air. It’s probably everyone. So, what can you do on those days when the fish simply don’t want to bite? Before you throw in the towel, there are some tricks you can try that can fire up the bite, and here are a few that have helped me put a fish or two in the boat.
To me, there are three key components to re-igniting the bite: location, presentation and bait choice. You’d be surprised how many people will sit on a spot and flail the water because they “know” there should be fish there. Maybe there are fish there, but after 152 casts beside the same stump, that fish is probably not going to bite on cast 153, so move. It might mean simply casting to a different piece of structure, or it could mean a move to another likely spot. If you watch The Nuts & Bolts of Fishing TV series, you know I prefer to fish moving water. Fish actively feed when there’s some current. During slack tide or while you’re waiting for the power company to start pulling water at the dam, take a boat ride. Before you crank the engine, get a game plan. Look at your chartplotter and pick a fishy spot. Set a waypoint based on intelligent thought, and then hit the throttle. Presentation is another key component to triggering bites. What worked yesterday might not work today. Try slowing down your presentation even more. That will get your lure a little deeper or impart a slightly different action. Conversely, if you’ve been slow-rolling all morning, try speeding up the retrieve. Bait choice is possibly the most critical factor for hook-ups. Maybe these fish have been seeing a purple worm for the last month, and making a change to bubble gum color will trigger a bite. Size and shape can be a key as well. You might think big baits catch big fish, and that’s true. But elephants also eat peanuts. Downsizing to a smaller offering can often produce the biggest fish of the day. I like live and natural baits. If fish aren’t biting a lively pinfish or herring, I will switch to a piece of cut bait or make a pinfish tail rig, and that can make a stubborn fish come to the hook. The extra scent and scales from cut bait can be a game changer. We show how to create a pinfish tail rig on our Nuts & Bolts Pro Tips at our website video library. When the bite turns off, you can sometimes fire it back up by using different tactics and techniques, and turn a slow day into a very fishy day. Cefus is the host of TV’s Nuts & Bolts of Fishing Series. Check it out at www.nutsandboltsfishing.com.
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Contributed by Alpharetta Outfitters
Inspired by the traditional Clouser and Henry Cowen’s Something Else, Michael Bowen has had recent success on a slightly tweaked variation. On recent trips to a nearby reservoir, he noticed the fatter blueback herring seen during the day and on dock lights. His variation involves adding a pearl EP brush and layers of Flash’n Slinky under the polar fiber to create a thicker midsection in the fly. The addition of the brush and Flash’n Slinky helps prevent matting as well as maintaining more body while stripping. So far, we’ve gotten great feedback from fish where herring and similar baitfish are present. In different color schemes, it should work wherever baitfish have a little wider profile. Tie one up for yourself and let us know where it works for you. Materials: • Danville 6/0 Grey • Gamakatsu SL12S #2-2/0 • Flash’n Slinky Grey • Flash’n Slinky White • Polar Fiber Grey • Polar Fiber White • Fluorofiber Hot Pink • EP Sparkle 3” Pearl Brush Alpharetta Outfitters is a fishing, fly fishing and outdoors outfitter in Alpharetta, Ga. See their website at alpharettaoutfitters.com, call 678-762-0027 or email Alpharettaoutfitters@yahoo.com.
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By Tobin Strickland, CAM Special Correspondent Photo courtesy of Clayton Thomas.
I
t’s all too easy to read fishing articles and have it be entertainment and inspiration instead of education. What can you do to begin to accelerate your learning curve? First, start taking notes. That’s right, this is your leisure time and you’re not in school any more but its time you take your game up a notch. Get a notebook; this could be the back half of the fishing log book you started, and start using it when you read articles in magazine, books or online subscriptions. Review your notes after you finish reading an article and make sure you understand those notes. If not, get in touch with the author if possible and ask. Next, using Google Earth (the program—not Google Maps satellite version) make a game plan based on what you learned from the article. Take screen shots and print them to remind you what your plan is and take these with you in the boat with your notes. Execute the plan, and stay on task. I find that it’s all too easy for a student to begin the plan that was laid out, only to quickly let it evaporate and punt, reverting to old habits once on the water. Hope these notes help you become a better student of your teachers. Always feel free to contact us at TroutSupport.com for support in improving your coastal inshore fishing game. Tobin created TroutSupport.com - tech support for trout and redfish anglers.
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ver the years, much has been written about the Western North Carolina trout waters of Brevard, Sylva and Cherokee. And for good reason – each of those areas possesses popular waters regularly stocked by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. One place that has traditionally flown under the radar is Hendersonville. If you’re looking for a new spot to fish in the North Carolina mountains, or simply prefer fishing less-crowded waters, Hendersonville and Henderson County offer a nice supply of stocked and native streams that are not as well-known. North Mills River is the prime trout fishing venue in Henderson County. The river has a 4-mile section of delayed harvest waters that receives an annual infusion of 11,000 trout from N.C. Wildlife. May is a great time to fly fish the delayed harvest waters of North Mills River because no trout have been harvested since Sept. 30, and it’s designated only for artificial, single-hook lures at that time. Beginning at noon the first Saturday in June and running through Sept. 30, the waters are open to all anglers with no bait restrictions, with a creel limit of seven trout per day. Another nice thing about fishing North Mills River is its location. It is part of the North Mills River Recreation Area of the Pisgah National Forest, which offers camping and miles of wild trout waters, along with hiking trails, biking trails and picnic shelters. North Mills River Campground is open year-round with 31 standard sites, plus one site with full hook-up. There are tent pads, fire pits and bathhouses with hot showers and flush toilets. The campground is adjacent to the delayed harvest section of North Mills River, and also a short drive from the more well-known Davidson River trout waters near Brevard. Other well-kept secrets for fishing in Henderson County are three streams on the eastern side of the county, about 20 to 30 minutes from downtown Hendersonville. Rocky Broad River has a 1.2-mile stretch of hatchery supported waters from Rocky River Lane to the Rutherford County line near Chimney Rock, while Cane Creek, near the Fletcher community, has a 1.5-mile stretch of hatchery supported waters. For those who really want an undiscovered gem, there’s an 8-mile stretch of hatchery-supported waters on Clear Creek, which flows through the hills and valleys of Henderson County’s apple orchards in the shadows of Bearwallow Mountain. Of course, many anglers like to fish secluded areas, while sleeping in more comfortable quarters, and there is no shortage of lodging in Hendersonville. Everything from economy to deluxe hotels, from rental cabins to vacation rentals to bed-and-breakfast inns are available in Hendersonville. And when the fishing is done, Hendersonville provides plenty of options for exploring the outdoors, listening to music, sipping craft beverages and enjoying great meals. DuPont State Recreational Forest lies just southwest of Hendersonville. The forest includes more than 10,000 acres of woods and trails for hiking and biking. The most popular attractions within the forest are waterfalls. Triple Falls has a vertical drop of 120 feet with
three distinct cascades. DuPont’s pristine falls and forests attracted film crews from “Last of the Mohicans” and “The Hunger Games.” An awesome view of the Mills River Valley is available from Jump Off Rock, one of the more easily accessible grand views in the North Carolina mountains. Less than 15 minutes from Hendersonville’s Main Street, Jump Off Rock features a small park leading to a granite rock with spectacular panoramic views of the river valley framed by the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. On a clear day, four states—North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee—are visible from this spot. Hendersonville’s music scene thrives with support from its summer concert series. Music on Main Street brings a live band downtown every Friday night from mid-June to mid-August. The concerts take place on the permanent stage in the Visitor Center parking lot. People kick back in lawn chairs as the sun sets. A classic car show is held each evening in conjunction with the concert. Meanwhile, the Rhythm & Brews concert series combines the local beverage scene with live music once a month from May through September. The concerts take place on the third Thursday and include a variety of music, food, beer, wine and cider. A stroll through the pedestrian-friendly downtown, with its wide, winding sidewalks, reveals bear statues painted by local artists. The Bearfootin’ Art Walk begins in May when 20 bears are placed downtown and concludes with a charity auction in October when the bears find their permanent homes. The abundance of orchards makes Henderson County an ideal location for the emerging hard cider market. Three cideries now operate in the county: Flat Rock Ciderworks on Main Street, Bold Rock Hard Cider in Mills River and Appalachian Ridge Artisan Ciders in a 1940s-era barn-turned-cidery. The Cheers! Trail brings together cideries, wineries and breweries for a countywide tasting experience. Two vineyards produce high-quality wines from European varietals. Burntshirt Vineyards also makes an apple wine. Sierra Nevada’s new state-of-the-art brewery and taproom is a mecca for craft-beer aficionados. Downtown Hendersonville boasts 25 independent restaurants, and several of them offer alfresco dining on the sidewalks. Never Blue, a tapas-style restaurant with worldly flavors, rolls up its garagedoor front on pleasant evenings. Diners enjoy small plate delicacies, creative tacos and decadent desserts. Postero, another Main Street standout, presents New American fare that is both familiar, yet innovative. The chicken and waffles dish is garnished with foie gras maple syrup, and kimchi rémoulade tops the lunchtime burger. The menu changes seasonally and showcases local ingredients. Another downtown hot spot is Mezzaluna, specializing in wood-fired pizzas and homemade pastas. Mezzaluna has a chefdriven menu with Italian influences complemented by a craft beer lineup that is heavy on local labels. Just up the street, Umi serves fresh sushi and sashimi, and several bento boxes for those who want to try a little of everything. For Hendersonville information and lodging details, call 800-8284244 or go to: www.VisitHendersonvilleNC.org
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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ho doesn’t have a smile on their face when they’re spending time on the water? You can’t help yourself. Boating is the definition of getting away from it all. And getting away from it all is always more fun with friends. This is where the United States Power Squadrons – America’s Boating Club comes in. Enjoying your time on the water with family and friends starts with being safe and responsible while having fun. That’s what makes America’s Boating Club different than most boating organizations. For over a hundred years, the organization’s focus has been on providing unsurpassed boating safety education. But the organization’s leadership and members are passionate about a membership that doesn’t end on Sunday and doesn’t care if the calendar says it’s winter. It’s about being together and building a community through a variety of events like parties, meetings and even just getting together for no reason at all. Driven by this passion, United States Power Squadrons – America’s Boating Club, the country’s largest nonprofit boating organization, just launched its new logo. This is the first of several planned updates in the organization’s new brand image and identity. Changes to the organization’s website, social media platforms and collateral are expected in the coming weeks. “We are United States Power Squadrons, but we are also America’s Boating Club,” said Gary Cheney, chief commander, United States Power Squadrons. “This is not just a name change, it describes what we do. We go boating and have fun doing it. Our squadrons are social clubs as well as providers of high quality boating education – allowing members to enjoy the sport and camaraderie of boating and any number of activities that keep us together. Togetherness is what this lifestyle is all about. We joined the organization for the boating education, but we stayed for the friends.”
Offering classes For Boaters, By Boaters in boat handling, navigation, boat maintenance, weather and related subjects, United States Power Squadrons – America’s Boating Club serves as a virtual “yacht club” with boating and social activities for all types of recreational boaters. With over 27,000 members organized into 356 local clubs across the country, America’s Boating Club is comprised of families who contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating through education. Members are vital to strengthening the communities they live in and know it’s important to live their values by giving back through public service and volunteer opportunities. Members provide courtesy vessel safety checks, help the NOAA’s National Ocean Service keep nautical charts accurate and organize beach cleanups. “Our commitment is to continue learning, teaching, laughing and helping our fellow members enjoy boating,” continued Cheney. “Whether you’re passionate about cruising, racing, making new friends, volunteering in your community or learning from experienced boaters, your local squadron has the resources you need to engage your passions and, perhaps, instill some new ones.” In February of 2017, the United States Power Squadrons announced its America’s Boating Club co-brand to its squadrons, following an almost yearlong re-naming exercise. To learn more about United States Power Squadrons – America’s Boating Club, visit www.americasboatingclub. org.
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Popticals Are Performance Glasses
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perching them on their heads. That’s no way to treat a valuable piece of equipment. Without protection, your sunglasses end up scratched, lost or broken, and you didn’t just hike into the backcountry to view breathtaking vistas through scratched lenses. Popticals are the solution to this dilemma. They are good-looking, high-performance, polarized sports sunglasses that fold down to a small profile and fit in a portable, durable case. Popticals feature the patented FL2 Micro-Rail System, which is a breakthrough design that allows for folding sunglasses that are sturdy and hold up to rugged use. The case is less than half the size of cases for most comparable high-performance sunglasses. Slip it into your pocket, where it is unobtrusive. Throw it in your backpack without having to worry about damage to your frames or lenses. Or clip it with the attached carabiner to the outside of your gear, where your shades will be safe but easily accessible. In addition to taking up less space when stored, Popticals are also lightweight. With NYDEF nylon lenses manufactured for Popticals by Carl Zeiss Vision, they weigh significantly less than glasses with glass lenses without sacrificing on clarity or performance. Popticals feature high-quality polarized lenses but weigh less, which makes them more comfortable on your face for all-day wear. For backpackers, it also cuts down on the load your shoulders will be hauling. “Pack Small. Live Big” is a motto Popticals has adopted. The idea is that your gear should enhance your experience, not weigh down or inconvenience you. With Popticals, you’ll have clearer, better vision for your adventure. And when you don’t have them on, you won’t have to worry about them being lost, scratched or broken. For more on Popticals and to see all of their sunglasses, go to www. popticals.com.
SEE MORE. CATCH MORE. PopH2O with NYDEF™ lens technology lets you see sharper details beneath the surface of the water to catch the fish your buddies can’t even see. Polarized NYDEF™ nylon lenses made by Carl Zeiss enhance your vision with the clarity of a glass lens at a fraction of the weight. Spend less time guessing at what you’re seeing in the water, and more time catching fish. #SeeMoreFishCatchMoreFish
©2018 Popticals® • All Rights Reserved • Patent No. 8376544, 8915586, 9310623, 9581830, additional patents pending.
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The BoJo Fishlight is no ordinary fishlight. The unique design feeds your fish by knocking bugs into the water… still alive! The unit has two fluorescent bulbs that attract bugs. Once bugs come to the light, an electric motor with weed eater-cord blades knocks bugs into the water where fish eat them all night long. The Bo-Jo Fishlight works great on fresh or saltwater, on ocean docks, large lakes and small ponds. Bugs come to the light, bugs get knocked in the water, baitfish feed on bugs, big fish feed on baitfish, and you catch the big fish! The device is simple to install. The durable docklights also give you illumination to enjoy nighttime activities and costs less than a nickel a night to operate. Compared with the cost of mechanical feeders, the device will pay for itself in the first year. For more information and to watch a video, see the website or scan the barcode. To speak a representative, call 478-951-1490.
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4/18/18 11:50 AM
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Running water is nice to have when you’re on the road to adventure, but many times it is awfully hard to find. The Road Shower is like adding plumbing to the rack of your vehicle. It gives outdoors enthusiasts easy access to hot or cold pressurized water wherever the road takes them. It’s simple; mount The Road Shower to the roof rack, fill the tank with water and let the sun do the rest. With a handy temperature gauge, it’s easy to watch the progress as solar power heats the water inside at a rate of 12 to 20 degrees per hour on a sunny day. By the time you return from a trail ride or day of fishing, there could be water hotter than 100 degrees waiting for you to take a shower. But cleaning your body is just one use for this handy invention. Hot water makes cleaning the camp dishes a breeze. Good water pressure is invaluable for rinsing down muddy kayaks, boards, bikes, boots or pets. And The Road Shower can be used for drinking water as well. The Road Shower is available in 4-, 7-, or 10-gallon models. It is constructed of powder-coated aluminum with very few extra parts, so it is extremely durable and built to last a lifetime. The unit can be pressurized automatically while filling it with a garden hose, and pressurization can also be achieved with a bike pump or other inflation tools where there is no hose available.
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Outer Banks
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n 877-pound bluefin tuna was caught off Oregon Inlet, N.C. on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17. The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries recently certified it as a new state record. Retired Army Gen. Scott Chambers of Townsend, Delaware, reeled in the huge fish while fishing aboard Capt. Dennis Endee’s A-Salt Weapon out of Pirates Cove Marina in Manteo, N.C. Chambers battled the fish for 2 ½ hours on 130-pound test line with a Shimano 130 rod and reel. The fish measured nearly 9 ½ feet curved fork length (tracing the contour of the body from the tip of the nose to the fork in the tail), and it had a girth of 79 inches. Regulations dictate that trophy bluefin tuna longer than 73 inches must be released in the Atlantic south of Great Egg Inlet, N.J. after 11:30 p.m. on March 17, 2018. Chambers was hours from having to release his state record catch when it ate a trolled dead bait. Coming in just under the wire, Chambers’ fish crushed the previous recreational state record by 72 pounds. That 805-pound fish was caught in 2011. The all-tackle world record was caught off Nova Scotia in 1979. It weighed 1,496 pounds. Bluefin tuna much larger than this new state record are known to come from North Carolina waters. According to The Outer Banks Voice, a bluefin heavier than 1,000 pounds was caught this winter, but it was sold to a dealer and was not eligible for the record.
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$
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MODEL: XEM17
MODEL: 33079
I
SAVE 82%
$
1299
ITEM 63057/63056/63094 90984/60405/63150/61524 shown
199
SAVE $114
• Night vision
40 VOLT LITHIUM CORDLESS BRUSHLESS BLOWER
NIGHT OWL
$
349
99
MODEL: HDA10P10BU841PI
Custo
AWP $
19
MODEL
$109
COMPARE TO
DEWALT
W
13999 $1N1O99 9 199 $
SAVE $79
99
$
MODEL: DCBL790B
SUPER COUPON
TRIP TRA
6" DIGITAL CALIPER Customer Rating
99
NOW
26999
COMPARE TO
SAE AND METRIC
$999 $1899
HUSKY ITEM 63890
SA
ITEM
ITEM 64481/63284 shown
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
$229
COMPARE TO
12"
COMP
Customer Rating
NOW
$ SAVE $120
Blade sold separately.
SUPER COUPON
OSHA / ANSI
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM LIMIT 8 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18* LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 40 hft_coastalangler_0518_spread_M-REG130510.indd 2-3
ITEM
Customer Rating
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
8 CHANNEL SURVEILLANCE DVR WITH 4 HD CAMERAS AND MOBILE MONITORING CAPABILITIES NOW
$699
$ 99
$
BUFF
SUPER Customer Rating COUPON
Customer Rating
SUPER COUPON
SAV 51%
ITEM 61972/98199/61971 shown
ITEM 63418/63419/62656/67646/62514/63417 shown
NOW
NOW
40
COMPARE TO
• 100 cap
COMPA
MODEL: SM2507LW
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
• 400 lb. working load
Customer Rating
SOG
SAVE $ $189 13999
SUPER COUPON
• Includes sheath
COMPARE TO
$999
8497 SAVE 88%
4 PIECE, 1" x 15 FT. RATCHETING TIE DOWNS
KOBALT
Versatile - 24 configurations Safe + secure + stable Super strong - holds 300 lbs. Weighs 34 lbs. Customer Rating
ITEM
ITEM 63024/63025 shown
COMPARE TO
COMPLIANT
MIBR
11992 SAVE $29 $ 10999
$8499 $11799
SAVE 60%
COMP
MODEL: APG3004A
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating • • • •
$
ALL POWER
LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
18" MACHETE WITH SERRATED BLADE
$499
MODEL: 1312-92
ITEM 63135/61451 shown
MODEL: H2DTWA
LIMIT 7 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
9
$ 99
COMPARE TO
TORQUE WRENCHES 17 FT. TYPE IA MULTI-TASK LADDER
DRIVE 1/4"
$
COMPARE TO
NOW
$399 $699
Customer Rating
SUPER COUPON
Item 239 shown
$89
99
• Powerful 15 amp motor
SUPER COUPON
• Accuracy within ±4%
NOW
10" SLIDING COMPOUND MITER SAW
AMMO BOX
LIMIT 8 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
Customer Rating
• 5 hours run-time @ 50% capacity
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
NOW
29
LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
$
Customer Rating
$ 97 HAMPTON BAY MODEL: 82056-055SR
COMPARE TO
270
MODEL: 76377
SUPER COUPON
NOW
PROFESSIONAL WOODWORKER MODEL: 51832 ITEM 63292/63235/68986/97626 shown
• Height range: 12-1/2" to 24"
Custo
SUPER COUPON
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
• Great outdoor accent lighting • Super bright light
$999
$1 69 SAVE $ 99 100 199
ITEM 62859/63055/62860 shown
SOLAR ROPE LIGHT
$699
$
SHELTER LOGIC
ITEM 62891
$
SUPER COUPON
NOW
1000 LB. CAPACITY SWING-BACK TRAILER JACK
ITEM 6874
900 MAX. STARTING/ 700 RUNNING WATTS 2 HP (63 CC) 2 CYCLE GAS GENERATOR
Customer Rating
99
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
$
95
MODEL: PT850
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
COMPARE TO
• Weighs 4.4 lbs.
COMPARE TO $
SAVE Customer Rating 71%
LIMIT 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, safes, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trenchers, welders, Admiral, Ames, Bauer, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 9/1/18.
NOW
$299 $129 $14999 $42999 599 SAVE 469
DIRECT-LIFT MODEL: 873100 ITEM 69904/68892 shown
ANY SINGLE ITEM*
Customer Rating
1190 TORQUE FT. LBS. BOLT BREAKAWAY
SAVE $500
20% OFF
Custom
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating
SUPER COUPON
$
29
97
MODEL: 1467H
SAVE 66%
COM Includes two 1.5V SR44 button cell batteries.
ITEM 61585/62387/63711/47257 shown
LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
4/18/18 11:51 AM
REE
ON
%
F
ANY SINGLE TEM*
. *Cannot be Inside Track king Lot Sale arts, trailers, uake, Fischer, h. Not valid on rough 9/1/18.
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating
8 GALLON, 2 HP, 125 PSI PORTABLE OIL-LUBE AIR COMPRESSOR NOW
99
$99 $11999
COMPARE TO $
ITEM 69667 68740 shown
HUSKY
99
SUPERWINCH
179
NOW
• 5400 lb. capacity
NOW
COMPARE TO $
MIBRO
$1 9
99
6499 SAVE 69% $3999
MODEL: 426920
ITEM 60658/97711 shown
999
99
MODEL: 1125220
SAVE $130 $
ITEM 61840/61297/63476/61258 shown
SAVE $53
6799
$
COMPARE TO
ITEM 63583/63582 shown
79
$
10299
SAVE 50%
$ $
COMPARE TO
BUFFALO TOOLS
10
59
ITEM 69623/66983 shown
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
3-IN-1 PORTABLE POWER PACK WITH JUMP STARTER
$79 9
1643
MODEL: HDFDOLLY
ITEM 61899/63095/63096/63098/63097/93888 shown
COMPARE TO
$
5999
$
SAVE
DURALAST MODEL: BP-DL750 33% ITEM 64083/62376/38391/62306 shown
$ BLUE-POINT MODEL: KRBC3TD
17999
MODEL: 45433
ITEM 61161/90428 shown LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
99 NOW 99
$39
SAVE 65%
NOW
8
$ 58
COMPARE TO
BLUE HAWK
MODEL: BG8X10-Y
$299
4
$ 99
ITEM 69249/69115/69137/69129/69121/877 shown LIMIT 7 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
130 PIECE TOOL KIT WITH CASE
20-60 x 60mm SPOTTING SCOPE WITH TRIPOD
Customer Rating
Customer Rating
SAE AND METRIC
NOW
$3 99 9
$399 9
NOW
5799
265
COMPARE TO
SUPER COUPON
NOW
99
$
$
80
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating
SAVE 51%
IRONTON
$
500 LB. CAPACITY 7 FT. 4" x 9 FT. 6" STEEL CARGO CARRIER ALL PURPOSE/WEATHER Customer Rating RESISTANT TARP
MODEL: 1394500
Customer Rating
$5 999 $7499 SAVE 205
SUPER COUPON
HIGHLAND $ 99
BUFFALO BLACK MODEL: DP5UL ITEM 62520/60238 shown
18" x 12" MOVER'S DOLLY
NOW
10999SAVE
COMPARE TO
Customer Rating
COMPARE TO
• 350 lb. capacity
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
8", 5 SPEED BENCHTOP DRILL PRESS NOW
SUPER COUPON
PER PON
7999
Customer Rating
$499 9 $
30" SERVICE CART WITH LOCKING DRAWER
NOW
Customer Rating
SUPER COUPON
LIMIT 7 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
• 1000 lb. capacity
$
$4999
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
3/8" x 14 FT., GRADE 43 TOWING CHAIN
TING/ WATTS YCLE ATOR
W
Voted Best Winches • Weighs 14.3 lbs. • 11-1/8" L x 4-1/2" H $
Customer Rating
$9999
SUPER COUPON Customer Rating
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO WELD
Customer Rating
COMPARE TO
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
125 AMP FLUX-CORE WELDER
2500 LB. ELECTRIC WINCH WITH WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
PON
n-time pacity
SAVE $49
149
MODEL:C201H 0300813A MODEL:
SUPER COUPON
Battle Tested
COMPARE TO
CELESTRON $ 99
74
MODEL: 14593491
SAVE 46%
$
5499
ITEM 62774
NOW
$ COMPARE TO $
HDX
66
39
38
MODEL: H137HOS
69
SAVE 54%
$2999
ITEM 63248/64080 68998/64263 63091 shown
ting LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
parately.
UPON
W
99 9
Customer Rating
12" TOOL BAG Customer Rating
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
• Includes electric start
NOW
$3199
AWP $ 98
19
Tools sold separately.
MODEL: 3L-2216
8
$ 99
SAVE 75%
ITEM 62163/62349/61467 shown
NOW
99
$4
COMPARE TO
$
68999
SAVE $
HONDA MODEL: GX390UT2QAA2 $370 ITEM 60349/60340 shown ITEM 69736, CALIFORNIA ONLY
LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
$1 9 REESE
$
4999 SAVE 60%
MODEL: 7068833
SAVE $199
$
13999 $999 9 299 $
COMPARE TO $
MODEL: DWM120
33
ITEM 61914
ITEM 63763/63444 shown
SNATCH BLOCK Customer Rating
NOW
Customer Rating
Includes 6V, 900 mAh NiCd battery pack.
COMPARE TO
EATON
$
4894 SAVE 38%
MODEL: MSLED180W
$29 $
99
3999
ITEM 62534 69643 shown
SUPER COUPON
99
COMPARE TO $
WARN
9
$ 97
COMPARE TO
EVERBILT
MODEL: 18614
SAVE 64% $ 99
5
ITEM 61674/62761/47835 shown
LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
Model 2800
ULTRA-LIGHT, CRUSH PROOF WEATHER-RESISTANT LOCKABLE CASE Customer Rating • 13-3/4" L 11-1/2" W 5-7/8" H
NOW
NOW
$1 9
$3 49
• 300 lb. working load
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
60 LED SOLAR SECURITY LIGHT
99 99
NOW
SUPER COUPON
NOW
COMPARE TO
NOW
DEWALT
IPER ating
AND TRIC
3/8" x 75 FT. CAMOUFLAGE POLYPROPYLENE ROPE Customer Rating
Customer Rating
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
Customer Rating
SUPER COUPON
9
35999
SUPER COUPON
TRIPLE BALL TRAILER HITCH
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
13 HP (420 CC) OHV 10 AMP DEEP CUT HORIZONTAL SHAFT VARIABLE SPEED GAS ENGINE BAND SAW KIT
COMPARE TO
hown
PER UPON
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
$
2799
4099 SAVE 51%
MODEL: WAR88898
ITEM 62435/61673 shown
$2299 $
2999
COMPARE TO
PELICAN
$
7456 SAVE 69%
MODEL:1400
Case contents and locks not included.
ITEM 63926
ries. LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
LIMIT 7 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 9/1/18*
At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was 850 Stores Nationwide or HarborFreight.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • above THEANGLERMAG.COM MAY 2018 NATIONAL 41others advertised for sale at or the “Compare to” price by another national Iretailer in the U.S. within the Ipast 90 days. Prices advertised by
*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 9/1/18.
CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 41
may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.
4/18/18 4/2/18 11:51 12:15 AM PM
For a limited time, get Suzuki Extended Protection, Instant Savings and attractive financing on select Suzuki outboards from 25 to 350 horspower. See your participapting Suzuki Marine dealer for details or visit www.suzukimarine.com.
REPOWER FINANCE Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 350 HP.
Instant Savings of up to $800 on select models. See your dealer for details.
Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboard on approved credit.*
Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 04/01/18 and 06/30/18 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. Instant Savings apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 04/01/18 and 06/30/18. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Customer and participating Dealer must fill out the appropriate form at time of sale. Instant Savings will be applied against the original dealer invoice (Suzuki will credit Dealer parts account). There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on 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 Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 04/01/18 and 06/30/18. “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. © 2018 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
42
NATIONAL
I
CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 42
MAY 2018
SZ_2QPromo_1PGAd_APV.indd 1
I
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
4/18/18 11:51 AM
3/13/18 2:39 PM
COMMON CVRS_0518.indd 3
4/18/18 11:15 AM
COMMON CVRS_0518.indd 4
4/18/18 11:15 AM