The Angler Magazine - October / Western North Carolina

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA EDITION

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Brown Trout

on the Move

Icelandic

Salmon Adventure

Local

Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDY DELLIVENERI VOLUME 23 • ISSUE 272

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By CAM Staff A truck load of kayaks from Confluence Outdoors was overnighted to Texas for use in water rescues.

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t was an historic hurricane season. With Harvey battering the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast and Irma strafing the length of Florida, damage from high winds and flooding was catastrophic.

It is in such trying times that the American spirit shines. Harvey slammed ashore near Rockport, Texas on Aug. 25 and stalled out over southeast Texas, dropping up to 52 inches of rain over the next five days. The flooding was cataclysmic. Major highways turned to rivers and much of the Houston area was under water.

Even as floodwaters rose, lines began forming on the sides of the highway. These were volunteers headed into the deluge to launch boats from freeway off-ramps. It looked like the launch line for the world’s largest fishing tournament.

It was a proud moment for the fishing community. Anglers from all over the region rushed to the rescue pulling bass boats, jonboats and skiffs. Dubbed the Cajun Navy, this rag-tag bunch of heroes— along with official emergency response—conducted thousands of water recues.

And response from the fishing and boating industries was strong as well. The following are few examples of how the fishing industry stepped in with a helping hand.

Confluence Outdoors leaped into action as the magnitude of the flooding became clear. They overnighted a semi-truck load of Wilderness Systems and Perception kayaks to Houston. The boats, as well as paddles and PFDs provided by Confluence, were used in high-water rescue by Houston authorities.

Honda went to work moving needed products like generators and water pumps to affected areas. And while Honda dealers went to work in rescue efforts, Honda Marine went to work making sure those dealers were stocked up to serve their communities with vital equipment. Additionally, Honda pledged $100,000 to the American Red Cross. The pledge will consist of a corporate contribution as well as a dollar-for-dollar matching gift program for Honda associate contributions.

Evinrude immediately donated a boat and motor to a volunteer fire department in Lockport, Texas. The second phase of their relief effort was to deploy a wave of engines to area boatbuilders as well as food and clothing. Evinrude also agreed to match dollar-for-dollar donations to the American Red Cross made by employees.

Suzuki, through its Texas dealers, donated boats, motors, ATVs and time to the rescue efforts. In addition, Suzuki provided two outboards to rescue efforts for Carolina Skiff boats that were on their way to Ron Hoover Marine, which has multiple locations in the affected area.

Orvis recognized an immediate need for rain gear and wading gear. As well as supplying as many as they could, Orvis put the call out for individuals to ship waders, boots and rain jackets to the San Antonio Orvis location for distribution to rescue personnel.

Platypus Fishing Line pledged to donate 100 percent of its website profits in September to the Red Cross Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.

The storms and damage from this season’s hurricanes were enormous, and so was the outpouring of support. As anglers and boaters, we should be proud of the response from our community.

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

If you love the outdoors and the Fishing Industry, you owe it to yourself to check out the Franchise Opportunities available with The Angler Magazine. Now, you can be in business for yourself…

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BIG BEND : Mike McNamara • (850) 510-7919 • captmike@coastalanglermagazine.com BREVARD : David String • (321) 684-5888 • dstring@coastalanglermagazine.com DAYTONA/NEW SMYRNA BEACH : Don Meadows • (321) 436-5895 • donm@coastalanglermagazine.com EMERALD COAST/DESTIN/PENSACOLA : Scott Risher • (850) 428-0996 • srisher@coastalanglermagazine.com FLORIDA KEYS : Cliff Lumpkin • (305) 849-9093 • cliff@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT LAUDERDALE : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT MYERS : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER MIAMI : Scott Deal • (561) 945-6999 • scott@coastalanglermagazine.com

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ATLANTA/SW GEORGIA : Bob & Brenda Rice • (706) 614-8231 • bobr@theanglermagazine.com CHARLESTON : Jane A. Redden • (205) 725-9616 • jane@coastalanglermagazine.com

Sam Buckareff • (843) 607-8629 • sam@coastalanglermagazine.com CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT : Mark & Haley Alberghini • (704) 651-1934 • mark@theanglermagazine.com MYRTLE BEACH : Mike Masiero • (732) 674-3019 • mmasiero@coastalanglermagazine.com TIDEWATER/OUTER BANKS : John Tiger • (757) 707-9654 • john.tiger@coastalanglermagazine.com

Laura Seitz • (757) 707-9655 • laura@coastalanglermagazine.com UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA : Gregg Thompson • (864) 542-3112 • gregg@theanglermagazine.com WESTERN NC : Debra & Joe Woody • (828) 775-9663 • woody@theanglermagazine.com WILMINGTON/MOREHEAD : Kenny Ritter • (910) 550-9094 • kenny@coastalanglermagazine.com

NORTHEAST

Icelandic

Salmon Adventure

Local

Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events PHOTO COURTESY OF VOLUME 23 • ISSUE

ANDY DELLIVENERI

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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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Fly Fishing GEAR

Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoot Wader

Goat Head Spool Clips

Without sacrificing durability, Simms’ has constructed its most comfortable, best fitting and most breathable wader in the new G3 Guide Stockingfoot Wader. The G3 Guide was awarded Best Fly Fishing Accessory at ICAST 2017.

Constructed with 4-layer GORE-TEX Pro Shell fabric in the legs and three-layer in the upper, this wader concentrates durability where it is needed most while providing added breathability. It takes comfort and mobility to a new level.

The wader comes equipped with a chest pocket, removable flip-out Tippet Tender , hand-warmer pockets, integrated utility tabs and also features Simms’ patented front and back leg seams, gravel guards, and suspenders with opposing YKK buckles that allow for a waist-high conversion. It is available in models for men and women.

How many times have your clunky old tippet caddies gotten tangled in the bushes or hung up in slack line?

Goat Head Spool Clips are an ingenious new way to carry spools of tippets more securely. Their simple and compact design keeps your spools handy yet out of the way at the same time. A single Spool Clip will hold two standard tippet spools and fits securely to most nylon straps.

Spool Clips are made in the U.S.A. from 100 percent recycled plastic. They are simple, rugged, compact, versatile and always ready when you need them.

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Douglas Argus Reel There is no denying the beauty and simplicity of a clickcheck reel. Without the advantage of a disc drag, the angler is more in touch with the fish and fights are more fun.

The Douglas Argus Fly Reel is a fine looking click-check reel that gets you closer to the fish. It is a shared legacy between longtime anglers and the next demanding generation. On one hand, it is a beautiful reel. On the other, there is no undue advantage given to the angler.

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Arc 99+ Fly Line

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The H3 brings a fundamental shift from flex profiles to a new frontier in accuracy and purpose-driven design. Helios 3F and 3D each offer uncompromising purpose. 3F is accuracy with finesse, a dry fly angler’s dream. 3D is accuracy with power at distance for pinpoint delivery of larger flies. The difference is taper and stiffness, but the design foundation of accuracy remains constant.

The H3 is the pinnacle of purpose, designed to master the moment and meet the demands of accuracy on a spring creek with a 3F or a tarpon flat with a 3D.

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Designed for today’s faster action fly rods, the ARC 99+ is a half line size heavier and features a more condensed taper than standard true-to-size fly lines. This additional weight and specialized taper design loads fast action rods easier, resulting in longer, more accurate casts.

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By CAM Staff

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ur grandfathers used old-school bamboo fly rods to create some of the greatest fishing stories of all time. That most of these stories took place on famous trout streams still influences what people think about bamboo’s place in fly fishing.

Caleb Turner, of Turner Bamboo Fly Rods, has a different take on bamboo rods in the modern world.

“Bamboo has a special place in the very heart of fly fishing, from the great western streams to the small streams of the Appalachians, but they don’t come to mind when people are talking the salt flats,” Caleb said.

According to the Turners, there’s a misconception that there are no fast action bamboo fly rods, and that only the fastest action rods can be used in saltwater. Most rod makers and bamboo enthusiasts know this isn’t only untrue… it isn’t even the point.

“The feel found in bamboo rods is often confused with action for people picking up a bamboo rod for the first time,” Caleb said. “When they feel the action in the rod, they often over accelerate their forward cast causing them to lose energy in the line.”

Caleb’s recommendation is to let the rod do the work, and to concentrate on technique.

“It’s easier to feel when the rod is loaded with bamboo, and this really comes more into play for us on the flats than trout streams,” he said.

What the Turners do differently than most other bamboo rod makers is cater to saltwater fly fishing. They are located in Mississippi right next to some of the most technical redfish flats on the Gulf Coast.

“We design our saltwater fly rods with a fast action for stiff winds and quick-moving redfish that spook way more easily than their Louisiana counterparts,” Caleb said.

With water the same color as the redfish, wind, and the need to have eyes of an Osprey, fly fishing the Mississippi Gulf Coast is more like bonefishing.

“Bamboo gives us the action we need, the feel we need, and it’s able to load up at short distances but also extend a long cast to extremely wary redfish found around here.” Caleb said. “Tonkin cane grows in a 30-square-kilometer area in the Orient’s Sui River Valley. It is praised as the strongest species of bamboo with the greatest thickness of power fibers. These power fibers are what give bamboo rods what they have more than other material used in crafting fly rods, their touch. Despite what action you desire, bamboo rods offer a certain touch you just can’t get with anything else. If a rod is designed correctly, you can have all the action you need and still have that great feel. The rod lets you know when it’s loaded instead of having to figure out the timing for that individual rod.”

In short, bamboo fly rods definitely have their place in modern performing fly rods. Accuracy, touch and presentation are things bamboo rod makers strive for in crafting their rods. If you get a hold of a quality rod, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by all the things it can do.

For more information on bamboo fly rods or Turner Bamboo Fly Rods visit www.turnerflyrods.com or email caleb@turnerflyrods.com.

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was a dime-bright fish of only 6 or so iK e pounds that still had the power to get j o s, Ic the reel deep into its backing. There is no better way to begin a fishing journey than when it all comes together early on. We knew we would be experiencing yet another trip of a lifetime.

With the sun only slightly hitting the horizon and a brief glimpse of darkness for what seems like only minutes, the days are filled with subtle takes of the fly, followed by sips of Brennivin, cast and repeat. We ended the trip in the same fashion as it started. Another sleek salmon peels line and leaps. At the end of the run, Raven dips the net and we release the fish to bid farewell for what is hopefully only another year until we return.

With Raven being the pilot, Brian, Kyle and I explored areas that have been experienced by few. Targeting trophy fish in such a landscape with close friends only solidifies the need for one to explore, be bewildered and experience life events that shape you as a person. Iceland will leave your soul fulfilled but still wanting more.

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asting into a pool where fish leap and dragons rise brings emotions that cannot be found in many places. From the etched lava landscape to the clean cold water, Iceland offers anglers a backdrop to a story that will always begin with the statement, “It was the trip of a lifetime.”

With three trips in three consecutive years, I can use the all-too cliché fishing phrase, “I am hooked” on Iceland. Page after page can be written about the acrobatic Atlantic salmon, the headstrong pull of a sea-run brown trout, the rocky canyons, waterfalls, and the art of fishing a hitched tube-fly.

There is so much that pulls an angler to Icelandic rivers.

For the past three years, I have spent the end of July fishing the Laxa i Kjos, a smaller river in southwestern Iceland about an hour from the capital city, Reykjavik. The river allows an angler to experience much of what Icelandic topography has to offer. From the large pools in the coastal beats, where an angler can’t help but stare out toward the Atlantic Ocean, to the meandering turns of the pastoral meadow sections, and deep narrow-cut canyons that carve the hillside until you reach Thorufoss, the impassable falls, home to a famous scene from the popular series “Game of Thrones.”

The landscape, at least to me, is secondary to those that accompany you on the journey. On this year’s trip, I was fortunate enough to return to the river with good friends: Brian, who has made the trip with me before; Kyle, a friend who would be experiencing this fabled land for the first time; and our guide Hrafn (Raven), who brings an entire new appreciation to the fly fishing guide world with a persona that is somewhat mythical, just like the waters we were wading in.

Arriving in Iceland, most anglers have aspirations of watching a tube fly skate across the surface of crystal waters, witnessing the careful eat of the fly and the line going tight with the initial run of one of the fly world’s most sought after quarry, an Atlantic salmon. We were fortunate enough to be those anglers. The first fish of the trip was caught soon after arrival. It

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Center sp Publish a Fishing Magazine?

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ou can open and run your own fishing magazine. All you need is a little help and support. You truly can do it. You can leave the rat race. You can (and should) earn your money doing something that you are passionate about. You can (and should) love your work.

That’s where Coastal Angler and The Angler Magazine’s franchise publishing system comes in. We have helped individuals just like you open and develop successful publications throughout the Continental U.S., The Bahamas, the Virgin Islands and even Costa Rica. If you love the outdoors and think you would be better suited running your own business than watching a clock, give us a call; we may very well have what you’ve been looking for.

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Our franchisees enjoy the freedom to manage their own time and, to a great extent, their incomes, as well. If you see being involved in your local fishing community as a job that you would truly enjoy then you owe it to yourself to check out our franchise opportunities. We’re looking for avid anglers who want to earn their living in the marine industry. Our franchise system is a great way to earn money doing what you love. Our training program and support system enables individuals with no prior publishing experience to publish viable and profitable localized editions of the magazine and to build sustainable careers in publishing. Yes, there is some sales effort involved in running your own

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TIPS FROM A PRO

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BRANDON LESTER

always catch them on a drop shot.

The key to the drop shot is to watch your electronics. If I note the fish are not right on the bottom with my Raymarine units, I make my leader up to 20 inches long so it sits right in their face.

The rod I build for the drop shot is the MHX EPS-81MLXF. It is a 6’9” medium-light power with an extra-fast tip. I spool it with 10-pound Vicious No-Fade braid and an 8-pound fluorocarbon leader. I prefer a wacky-rigged, 6” MB Fat Finesse Worm from X-Zone, using a 1/4 to 3/8 drop shot weight and a Mustad Titan-X Wacky Neko hook.

If the water has at least a couple feet of visibility, you can save yourself some time by utilizing an underwater camera. Knowing the fish down there are bass and not catfish really helps. This year I switched over to an Aqua Vu camera that displays on my Raymarine unit. Seeing is believing, let me tell you!

ome late summer, you just don’t see megaschools on the offshore ledges and dropoffs. The fish have been pounded on all summer, and with a few cooler nights the fish will head to grass, schooling on top and chasing shad. What were once 50-fish schools might now just be eight to 10 fish. These fish can be hard to catch, but as the numbers of deep fishermen dwindle, the more apt the fish will be to bite.

The community holes are the places to begin looking.

Community holes earn that reputation because fish live there. It is rare for all the fish from a mega-school to up and leave, so chances are you’ll still be able to catch a few. If they’re not right on the main part of the community hole, look for transition areas leading to where the shad will be in fall. A lot of times you just have to get out there with the graph and hunt for them.

You can also fish for them. There are random groups of fish scattered up and down ledges. Anglers who spend a lot of time graphing will miss these roaming fish. While covering water by moving down a ledge, you are likely to run into some.

If I am able to locate a small school with my electronics, my first choice is a 12-inch worm Texas rigged on a ½-ounce weight.

I use 14- to 17-pound Vicious fluorocarbon. I enjoy this technique so much that I helped design the perfect hook for it. The Mustad 2X Big Bite hook in 5/0 or 6/0 is perfect for a 12-inch worm. It has a longer shank, which helps with hook-up percentage. I’ve found it is also the perfect hook for my X-Zone Center Stick.

I use the MHX EPS-86MHF baitcast rod from Mud Hole Custom Tackle. It is a 7’ 2”, medium-heavy power. It took me an hour and forty-five minutes to build this rod. It is easy and fun to Get more tips from Lester at knock them out.

A ½-ounce War Eagle jigging spoon and a big crankbait like a Strike King 6XD will be the other baits I’ll throw. And you can Airline_CoastalAnglerAd_3-2016_Layout 1 3/18/16 1:07 PM Page 1

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NORTH CAROLINA

Follow The Bait For Fall Bass

By TAM Staff • Photo courtesy of Jake Davis

T

he days are shorter. The nights are cooler. Cold fronts are sweeping in, and bass are in the transition that brings some of the best fishing of the year.

For tournament anglers or weekend warriors, the fall feed-up is one of the most exciting times to be on the water.

Whether it’s a large reservoir or the backyard bass pond, fish are on the move.

They’ve left the deep-water structure where they were schooled up all summer, and they’re tailing baitfish into the creeks and shallows. Catching bass right now is less about patterning structure and more about finding bait than it is at any other time of year. Of course baitfish, even on the move, will often relate to some type of structure or cover.

Fall fishing is very similar to what you’ll find in the spring for bass that are in pre- and post-spawn patterns. The bass and baitfish use the same channels and ledges to migrate as they did in spring. On the big lakes, you’ll find them by graphing the mouths of the creeks and then moving in as the fish progress back to the secondary points and finally the backs of the creeks. On a pond, go where you see the bait. It could be on that prominent drop off the flats or just off the creek channel.

The key here is finding the shad, or

whatever the dominant bait species is where you fish. Bass have one thing in mind, and that is to pack on as much weight as possible. They’ll require energy for the cold months ahead and to fuel the production of eggs and sperm for the spawn on the other end of winter.

It’s a fun time of year to fish. Get on the trolling motor or walk the banks with your favorite fast-moving baits. You can cover a lot of water with crankbaits, spinnerbaits and even buzzbaits to prospect available cover like docks, laydowns, brush and stumps. Or maybe the bait is up in the grass. There’s nothing more fun than working a swim jig or fluke in and along the grass edges.

No matter what you do, keep your favorite jerkbait, topwater walking bait or swimbait easily accessible. When fleeing baitfish scatter around a cove and bass are busting on top, you’ll want to have something you can throw a long way to put yourself in the action.

There’s no secret to patterning bass this time of year. Find the baitfish, and the predatory fish will be with them. This is generally not a time to slow down and dissect structure. Fan casting an area that is holding baitfish can result in fast action.

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BLUE RIDGE Big Snowbird Creek, Graham County: Oct. 10 & Nov. 16 Fires Creek, Clay County: Oct. 5 & Nov. 13 Upper Nantahala, Macon County: Oct. 9 & Nov. 2 Upper Tuckasegee, Jackson County: Oct. 3/4 & Nov. 8/15 Lower Tuckasegee, Swain County: Oct. 5 & Nov. 6 Obviously, the closer you can schedule your fishing trip to the stocking dates, the easier it is to put lots of fish in the net. The next stockings will occur in March, April and May. WHAT FLIES TO FISH Egg patterns, Y2K patterns and streamers work well close to the stocking dates. Trout will hit just about anything right after being stocked in the river.

As it gets later in the month, they become more challenging to catch. Good fall-back flies include black, olive and white Woolly Buggers, Pat’s Rubber Legs and a variety of nymphs including Prince Nymphs and Pheasant Tails.

Watch for dry fly hatches of October caddis, blue wing olives and Cahills.

DELAYED HARVEST TROUT SEASON IS ON

By Ken Kastorff

F

all is here, and we are excited about the delayed harvest trout fishing season. We are fortunate to have a wide variety of delayed harvest streams to choose from here in Western North Carolina.

WHERE TO GO If you are looking for small remote streams to wade fish, where you don’t have to worry about scheduled releases, then Big Snowbird Creek or Fires Creek are perfect destinations. If you are looking for easier access wading, then the upper Nantahala River would be a good option.

One of the more popular rivers to wade fish is the upper Tuckasegee.

Be aware that flows can change rapidly on this river. It is not a good place to find yourself caught mid stream in waders with the water rising. It is also oft times very crowded and is one of the rivers I avoid on weekends. The lower Tuckasegee can be much more of a challenge to wade fish because of higher flows but is generally not as crowded.

If wading is not your cup of tea, then some of the best winter delayed harvest float fishing trips can be enjoyed on both the upper and lower Tuckasegee River.

WHEN TO GO Here is a list of the upcoming delayed harvest stocking schedules for the streams in Western Carolina.

Ken Kastorff owns of Endless River Adventures, an outfitter located on the Nantahala River. For information, see endlessriveradventures.com or call 800-224-7238.

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OCTOBER 2017 l WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA

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MURPHY AREA

Fall Is The Season

By Justin Mickens

I

t’s fall, and the Delayed Harvest Season is upon us in North Carolina. This is the time of year that most of us have been preparing for this last month. I know I have been daydreaming of throwing something big and ugly in a deep pool, and holding on for dear life. The great part is that all North Carolina Delayed Harvest Streams are stocked alike.

Stocked trout can act completely different from wild trout.

Stocked trout are used to someone throwing food pellets out to them. They have never seen rocks, current, or even some of the different bugs. Everything is foreign to them. They usually lack muscle mass to fight heavy current for

stocked trout and wild trout is size. The average sized fish stocked in North Carolina Delayed Harvest is 12” to 16”, with a few bigger and littler ones thrown in. It is very common for me to be using a heavily weighted size 10 nymph. It allows me to reach the bottom really quick in fast water.

After trout have been caught a few times, they become more selective. They will still hold in the same places, but a Pheasant Tail can work better than an egg pattern. As trout become more familiar with hatches, dry flies can become very productive. Every

very long. That is the reason you “go to” is a bright nymph (usualwill find a lot of stocked trout in ly) right on the bottom. If you can deep pools or slow runs. bounce it along the bottom and Stocked trout can also be very territorial and aggressive the first few weeks. Bright colorful flies, or Bright colorful flies, or flies with a lot flies with a lot of movement can movement can produce some really nice produce some really nice fish. My

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bump their nose with it, you can almost guarantee a bite. Weight is your best bet when it comes to getting your fly on the bottom.

The weight of your rod and line correspond to the size and weight of the fly you’re throwing, not the size of fish you are catching. If you need to throw heavier flies or split shot, remember to use a heavier weight rod. This allows a proper turn over and easier mending.

A major difference between

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stream fishes differently, no matter how many fish it holds. Don’t get frustrated if new water leaves you stumped, and don’t be afraid to try something different.

Next time you are fishing a North Carolina Delayed Harvest, don’t be afraid to pull out the 5 weight and throw something big and heavy, especially right after a stocking. Until next time, Tight Lines and Stable Rocks!

Justin Mickens is Co-Owner and Manager of Appalachian Outfitters Fly Shop in Murphy, NC.

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LAKE HIWASSEE

Lake Hiwassee October Striper Fishing

O

By Shane Goebel

ctober in the Western North Carolina Mountains is a fantastic time to hit the water. With the beautiful views of the changing leaves and the cool comfortable temps, a day on the water seems like a dream come true after a hot summer. Not to mention the fishing is also great. This is the perfect time to hit the lake and experience some extreme striper fishing, and what’s the best way to do that? By booking a trip with Murphy, NC’s #1 and only fulltime striper guide: Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. We’ve been striper fishing these mountain lakes longer than anyone and have what it takes to put you on some huge fish.

Currently, Lake Hiwassee is 15 feet below full pool. Water clarity is clear and water temps are in the low 70s. At the time of writing this report, we are seeing good signs of lake turnover. Don’t let this get you down. The fish will be very moody but you just have to deploy some different tactics. For us, the smallmouth and spots usually get fired during turnover and the stripers get pretty temperamental. Just be patient and figure out what is working the best to get that hookup.

Striper fishing has been excellent. We’ve been averaging around 20 stripers per morning out here.

The early-morning and evening bites are your best times to see action.

We’ve also had some heavy bites in the mid-day hours. With the cooling water temps, continue to target creek mouths and points off the main lake channel but also look for schools to move back into the creeks. The majority of our fish have been caught We Run Trips 365 Days A Year.

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from Point 6 to the dam. The top-water bite has picked up a bit, so keep a spook or a Red Fin at the ready to snag surface-busting fish. The fish will continue to be schooled up throughout the next month and will remain in deeper water before starting to spread out. Just remember to keep an eye on your electronics and watch for schools of stripers when cruising the lake. Also, remember to try to get the fish back into the water as quickly as possible after they are caught. Try not to drop them in the boat and remember that the limit is 4 per person out there. This is an excellent striper lake, and it’s only going to get better if we help them thrive. I predict some huge monsters out here in the next 5 years but we have to keep them in the lake.

Smallmouth fishing has been outstanding, too. The bass have really started to school up. Work shallow humps, creek mouths, and clay banks. We also picked up some nice schools along the main river channel. Also, target brush piles through-

out the lake. Downlining blueback herring has worked best for us, but we are also picking up some quality fish on jerkbaits, flukes, and spooks.

Look for these smallmouths to continue to get even hungrier as the water temps drop.

October is a fantastic month for catching some big fish on this lake.

From smallmouth bass to hard fighting stripers, there are 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. We are Murphy, NC’s only full-time guide service, specializing in striped and hybrid bass. We also serve Lake Nottely, Chatuge and Blue Ridge. And for all your live blueback herring 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, and let us help you get your fish on!

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.

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OCTOBER 2017

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 3

MURPHY AREA LAKES

October Fishing Forecast for Murphy Area Lakes

By Aaron Kephart

F

ishing has been exceptional lately, and the good news is, it is only going to get better and better as the weather continues to cool off. The leaves are going to change early because of the cool weather we’ve been having, and this is one of my favorite times of year to be on the water. We have been catching multiple species, in large numbers, on a number of local bodies of water. With that in mind, here is what has been biting on local lakes.

Smallmouth

The smallmouth fishing is really picking up. We had two over 5 pounds and four more over 4 pounds, on a recent morning trip.

We have been catching some big

ones at daylight on topwater walking baits, and swimbaits, tubes, and other finesse presentations are starting to produce as well. On slower days live herring, as always, have been a key producer. The big smallmouth will only bite better as the water continues to cool.

bluebacks are the key to success when that bite slows. We have been catching fish on downlines, free lines, and planer boards. Some days they require a bit of searching since they are moving a lot right now, but there are few things more fun to catch than a big fall lineside.

Largemouth

Crappie

I have been on the best big largemouth bite I have seen in years. Most are coming on topwater, swimbaits, and live bait. We had a 7 pounder, a 6 pounder, and five more over 5 pounds on a trip last Saturday, and then the next day we had a 9 pounder, along with multiple other nice fish. Yesterday we had multiple 4 to 7 pounders. I don’t know how long this bite is going to last, so call me as soon as possible if you want to get in on some of this incredible action.

Stripers and Hybrids

The striper bite on Hiwassee is still going strong, although cloudy/rainy days are best. There is some breaking activity early in the day. They are starting to stage at the mouths of the main creeks, and some are already working their way far back into the creeks.

The hybrids on Chatuge are still going strong, with a good early morning breaking bite. Walking topwaters will catch both species when they are breaking, but live

The night fishing for crappie is still going strong, as long as you avoid the bright, full moon type nights. It is getting cool some nights, but it is not uncomfortable yet. These fish will keep biting until it gets too cold for it to be enjoyable at night, so if you are interested in some super tasty filets before it gets frigid, give me a call.

Trout and Walleye

Trout and walleye are both a bit scattered and hard to predict right now. However, when we run into a trout this time of year it is generally a monster. The two biggest I caught last year came in the fall.

If you want to try for a true trophy brown (10 pounds plus), now is a pretty good time. The walleye are pretty tough right now. We had been picking up a couple on each

trip while we were targeting other species, but they have slowed. They will improve as the water cools.

I have a couple of October dates left as of this writing, and I am booking a few November dates as well. If you are interested in an awesome fishing experience, and some incredible fall scenery, on Hiwassee, Apalachia, or Chatuge, please give me a call at 865-466-1345. I look forward to hearing from you!

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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LAKE CHATUGE

Lake Chatuge Hybrids With Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service

F

all fishing is wide open out here on this awesome Western North Carolina Lake.

The cooler water temperatures have really gotten these big fish feeding. On another note, I hope everyone enjoyed our cover photo and story in last month’s issue. We want to give a big thanks to the Angler Magazine for all their support.

Currently, Lake Chatuge is 5 feet below full pool. Water temps are in the low 70s, and water clarity is clear throughout the lake.

Hybrid fishing is great as the fish are schooling in large numbers, and we are catching some big quantities. We typically average about 15 to 20 a trip with most of our hybrids averaging 8-12 pounds. These are some of Lake Chatuge’s hardest-fighting fish, and we’re having a blast wearing them out. The early morning and mid-afternoon bite has been prime. Look for schools of fish along the main channel and off points. Downlining live blueback herring has been the best technique. Search out your areas and watch your electronics.

When you mark fish, drop your lines. Fish will be slightly shallower in the early morning hours and will move to deeper water by mid-morning. Top-water bite has slowed down considerably but you can still find a few busting. When these fish start busting on bait, it’s always a good idea to have a plug, spook, or red fin at the ready.

By Darren Hughes

Spotted bass fishing remains excellent, too. We are still catching some huge spots throughout the day, and it’s not uncommon to put 30-40 of these feisty fish in the boat in one trip. Early morning top-water bite has been strong. Top-water plugs, spooks, and jerk baits have worked well. Our downline bite has also been very productive, especially in the mid-morning hours.

Look for fish to be schooled up on shallow clay banks, humps, and off points. In terms of location, the upper end of the lake has been producing slightly better numbers than the lower end.

October 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.

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OCTOBER 2017

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 5

SWAIN COUNTY / BRYSON CITY

“Hog Hunting” – Tuckaseegee Style

W

hen you think of hog hunting, you think of chasing a pack of screaming hounds, trying to get a hold of an animal that can cut their guts out in a minute if the dog gets too close. The type of hog hunting anglers in Swain and Jackson Counties will be focused on the next few months, will be monster browns and rainbows that call the delayed harvest sections of the Tuck their home.

Jackson County was the first to take advantage of the delayed harvest program, which is simply catch and release from October 1st thru June 1st. Then, it goes back to hatchery-supported rules. During the delayed harvest period, an angler can fish with any single hook lure as long as it has no scent or taste. This rule is for the fish’s survival after it is released. A scented lure will usually be swallowed deeper and the trout can’t be released without damaging it, the

By Ronnie Parris

same goes for the single hook rule.

Although most fish caught will be in the 10 to 13 inch range, the state stocks some real “hogs”. The trophy many anglers go after are what we call “holdovers,” which are trout stocked previous years which have survived the hatchery opener. Most of these fish will be in the high 20 inch range. They have adapted to the river environment, so they feed on natural food such as stoneflies, crayfish and minnows.

The Tuck has an abundance of sucker fish and the browns really key on these. For that reason, I love to fish a diving crankbait. Just be sure to remove the treble hooks before you go. These fish have adapted to heavy currents so you can look for the fight of your life. The rooster tail spinner is also a good bet on the Tuck. A lot of soft plastics will catch fish here, just be sure they are unscented.

The fly fishing “purest” is not left

out of this picture at all. We catch fish all winter on flies. I like the traditional patterns, like the Prince, Hare’s Ear, and the Copper John, but lately it seems the y2k and the rainbow warrior work a little better.

Don’t forget to have a lot of egg pattern flies as these are always a good bet on hatchery fish, color seems to change daily. Gurtlebugs are also good producers. But if a truly big fish is what you’re after, I would stick with the Wooly Booger or some of the larger streamer patterns. I’ve always done well with the Olive Wooly Booger or a Clauser Minnow.

The Tuck is pretty accessible from the bank most of the year, just be careful in the winter months, as the water will be high and cold. No fish is worth loosing your life over. Our area has multiple guide services, and

most offer drift boat fishing so you don’t have to worry about this. Also, the guides are on the water daily and can tell you what they are feeding on the best. Sometimes, lure selection is the difference between the trip of a lifetime and a burnt run. These fish are a valuable resource, so please be careful when handling them. If at all possible, I use pliers and try not to touch them at all. If you are going to take a photo, wet your hands prior to touching the fish.

Don’t be surprised if you hook a big Steel Head, as they move up from Fontana Lake to spawn in the river.

You will know as soon as it’s hooked because it will start jumping and won’t stop until it’s landed.

As always, stay safe, have fun, and take a kid fishing! If I can be of any help give me a call at 828-488-9711.

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)

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

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2017 Hall of Fame Luncheon

he Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians held their second annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony April 26, 2017 at SWCC / Swain Center. Ninety people attended the event, which was ca-

Bernard “Lefty” Kreh

tered by K & B Meat Processing of Bryson City.

The weekend’s events began with a Friday evening fundraiser for Casting Carolinas at Nantahala Brewing. Beers were named after the inductees for the evening, and

Mac Brown

Jimmy Jacobs

Nantahala donated $1 per named beer ordered during the event. The celebrations ended Saturday after the luncheon with a reception at the Museum.

The 2017 Hall of Fame Inductees were the late Joe Messinger,

Stephen Edward Moore

Lefty Kreh, Steve Moore, Jimmy Jacobs, Starr Nolan and Mac Brown. Lefty Kreh was inducted April 8 at the Virginia Fly Fishing & Wine Festival.

Joe M. Messinger, Sr.

Starr Nolan

(Recreation) — Inducted on (Recreation) — Inducted for (Communications) — Inducted (Conservation) — Inducted (Crafts) — Inducted as a (Humanity) — Inducted for April 8, 2017 at the Virginia Fly his varied contributions to fly as the author of numerous for his years of dedication to professional fly tier who is her contributions to fly fishing Fishing and Wine Festival for fishing as a fly fishing volunteer fly fishing books and articles, the restoration of brook trout widely recognized for the as a fly fishing volunteer in his many contributions to fly of many organizations, guide, seminar speaker, and in the Great Smoky Mountains creativity and wisdom in many organizations, instructor, fishing as an outdoor writer book author, instructor, photographer.

National Park and his efforts in designing the famed Irresistible educator, clinical coach and with 31 books to his credit, coach and for his regional the discovery of the southern pattern as well as other for her regional and national innovative fly tyer. and national leadership in fly strain of brook trout. noted creations leadership in the use of fly fishing competitions. fishing as a method of therapy for recovering cancer patients.

Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians 2017 Hall of Fame Inductees. (l-r) Joe Messinger Jr. (representing his late father Joe Messinger, Sr.), Steve Moore, Jimmy Jacobs, Starr Nolan and Mac Brown. Not pictured Lefty Kreh, who was inducted April 8 at the Virginia Fly Fishing & Wine Festival.

Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians 210 Main Street, Bryson City, NC 28713 828-488-3681 • 800-867-9246

flyfishingmuseum.org

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By Tammy Parris

am so excited about our second in each conversation and tactics were year beginning for the Swain explained about the ones that got High School Swainglers Fishing away. Nevertheless, the students were Club. Our inaugural year consisted of full of energy and ready to face the a total of 104 anglers casting a line, rest of their school day.

As we begin our new a total fishing time of year, we have a cast of 225 minutes, dozens anglers ready to hit the of fish hooked and water. Unfortunately, reeled in, and countI can’t take everyone less smiles and laughs into the club due to from the students!

Anglers used a safety reasons. My variety of lures and waiting list grows evbaits. The “talk” on eryday. As we endeavthe bus, as we venor on our trips this year, I am thankful to tured out to each fishhave my experienced, ing hole, was full of upperclassmen to aschatter of which lure would trick the fish sist the new members into a biting. Smallof the club. LeaderColby Kirkland casting a mouth and white ship, responsibility line into Fontana Lake at bass, and a variety of and trust are a must. the 288 Boat Access last trout were bambooExpect to hear great year on our first trip. zled into taking the things from Swain hook last year. ExciteCounty High School ment and discussion filled the bus Swainglers Fishing Club as we emas we would make our way back to bark on year number two! school. Sometimes, the fish size grew

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UPCOMING EVENTS 2 Free Fly Fishing Shows Make your plans to be in Bryson City, North Carolina on October 6 & 7 for the second annual Smoky Mountain Hook, Hackle & Rod

Show, presented by the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians along with the Frye Street Show presented by Tuck Fly Shop

• 50+ fly tyers from 5 southern states • Educational booths GSMMNP and NC Wildlife Resources • Rod builders • Food by Casting Carolina • Vendors • Great Family Fun…shopping, fishing, train excursions • Non-profits

Smoky Mountain Hook, Hackle & Rod October 6-7 Swain County Indoor Recreation Facility 240 West Deep Creek Road, Bryson City.

2nd Annual Smoky Mountain Fly Fishing Festival October 7, 9 am - 5 pm Train Depot Plaza, Bryson City, NC Free admission, but donations for the museum are welcomed.

For more information, visit https://flyfishingmuseum.org

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FONTANA LAKE

Fishin’ In The Moment On Fontana!

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couple of weeks ago, I had a trip with a father, grandfather and grandson. They were ages 10 to 70, we caught plenty of fish, and I am not sure who enjoyed it the most, any of those three, or me. As a guide, you have the chance to see families interact with each other in a mostly stressfree atmosphere. There are forgotten deadlines, uncleaned rooms, missed curfews and less than stellar grades to be sure, but when they get out on the water, all that seems to, at least, get put on the back burner for a few hours. The youngest can, and usually does, get to catch the most, or biggest, and

for a time, is elevated above those around him that, because of age, are typically placed ahead of him. It always thrills me to hear the dad or

By Capt. James McManus

granddad encourage the smallest, or youngest, to grab the rod first, maybe every time; not only the dad or granddad, but also the mom or granny. This is a time when a younger sister may gain an inch or two on an older brother.

It is a reminder that, when dealing with youngsters, it is really important to let them gain confidence in their abilities -whether it is casting correctly, playing a fish to the boat, or maybe something as simple as netting a fish for you, or putting on their own bait. I write this because looking back, I was often more strict and pressuring on my own boys than I ever am now.

Age mellows and a lot of age mellows a lot. We are coming into a time of fast fishing action. This morning I fished a striper lake and there were acres, literally thousands of fish, breaking on top for about an hour. I would have given anything to have had about five, ten year olds on the boat; it would have been something they would remember for years. Don’t let those young years slip by without giving them the chance to experience one of God’s greatest gifts.

Get out early this month because the fish are likely to be on top for at least those first couple of hours. We threw spoons, jerkbaits

and jigs - anything resembling a shad was hit almost immediately. If it missed, another took its place. Fontana doesn’t have stripers, but I am holding onto the idea that they, one day, may stock them. If the biologists had been with me this morning, we would be one step closer to that reality for sure.

It doesn’t necessarily take giant fish to make a youngun’s day.

Sometimes, just getting out on the water before the sun comes up or driving in the dark, and eating gas station breakfast food - that is all it takes to make a meaningful day. It’s the effort to include the little ones that is the most important part of the story. So let me help make you some memories for your younguns,

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or grands. It is a wonderful time to be on the water, just give me a call.

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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Think Wild Trout in the Fall

he air is crisp with the chill of autumn and the leaves are starting to look like masterpieces of art that Mother Nature has created for us. The water temperatures are cooling off, making the trout a bit more lethargic earlier in the morning and later in the evenings; meaning that, the best time to hunt these beautiful specimens becomes mid-day, during warmer conditions. Animals are busy making last minute preparations for the onset of winter and occasionally, an elk bugle will dominate the forest, letting everyone know who is in charge. This is the time that I like to be in the water chasing wild trout.

When October hits, most anglers are thinking Delayed Harvest fishing with good reason. Lots of eager trout are willing to take a drifted Woolly Bugger under an indicator and that is great, but for me personally, I would rather get back to my roots and chase wild trout.

To me the best time to fish is during hunting season and since I fish where hunting is not permitted, I am pretty safe from flying bullets. You do have to keep in mind that weather conditions are affecting how trout will react to your presentation. Cooler

By Shannon Messer

temperatures, less foliage, and different sun angles can make October fishing more challenging.

Adjust the time of the day you fish.

The water temperatures are cooling off which makes the trout less likely to strike early morning or late evening. Monitor the stream temperature and take notes on how this affects your outing.

As the leaves start blanketing the stream, the sun will penetrate the stream causing you to cast shadows alerting the trout of danger. A false cast can also alert these trout, blowing out a hole before you make the first drift. This is my hunting season and my fly rod is my weapon of choice so, I fish like it.

Watch your clothing colors and dress for the weather. This is the time of the year that I start using my waders again and this is also the time that dressing in layers becomes important.

The morning could start in the 30’s but by the time it warms up, you could get a twenty to thirty degree swing in the temperatures. I still encourage wearing earth tone colors or even camouflage. I fished many years with Jerry and he would only wear a jungle camo jacket that he wore in the war. Jerry also caught a lot of wonderful trout

when others were not.

I still like casting dry flies in October and some of my favorites include a BWO, Orange Palmer, October Caddis, and a Grasshopper. Midge patterns will produce trout and often times, the hook size will be a #14 to a #20 for a dry. Inchworms, Japanese Beetles, and stoneflies will work for nymphs. Local patterns such as Coffey’s stone and

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Howell’s Sheep Fly, work well and are favorites of local anglers.

If you are looking for solitude and natural beauty, then try chasing wild trout in the fall. You will be amazed by the colors and pure beauty that our mountain streams have to offer. You may even catch the most colorful trout you have ever landed.

Shannon Messer is the Manager of Blackrock Outdoor/ Orvis Fly Shop located in Sylva, NC.

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ASHEVILLE AREA

WNC Comes Together at Big Sweep 2017

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By Justin Young

ater quality is an issue that impacts everyone, from impaired drinking sources to degradation of some of our favorite recreation spots and ecosystems. No one likes to float down the river only to see cans, tires and Styrofoam as they go.

Luckily, Western North Carolina is filled with passionate individuals and organizations dedicated to reducing our impact on these waterways. For the past 29 years, these people have all come together once a year for WNC’s Big Sweep event, the largest single day river cleanup in the region. This year the event was held on September 9th and saw over 150 people cleaning over 25 miles of streams and rivers!

Many organizations came together to coordinate the event, including Asheville GreenWorks, RiverLink, MountainTrue, Mills River Partnership, and the Green Riverkeeper. Cleanup efforts were focused in Henderson County near Westfeldt Park with a few offshoots

in Brevard and on the green river.

The event welcomed some truly fantastic volunteers who pulled over 50 tires out of the river and over 3,500 pounds of trash including chainsaws, old TV’s and street signs. Thanks to the event sponsors; Asheville Outdoor Center, Zen Tubing and Sierra Nevada, Big Sweep was able to provide more boats this year, shuttling for volunteers and free beer for everyone who participated.

River cleanups always leave participants feeling positive and empowered, but this event takes it a step further. To see so many constituents and lovers of the river come together and celebrate our water resources through service is a spectacular sight. Big Sweep will only continue to grow in the coming years with the hope of spreading empowerment and an appreciation for the river to as much of WNC as possible. We look forward to seeing more excited and dedicated volunteers at next year’s event!

Justin Young is the Program Manager at Riverlink. For more information about Riverlink and their programs, visit: /riverlink.org

Delayed Harvest Trout Waters

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By Aaron Motley

he time for Delayed Harvest trout waters being stocked is here! Rivers with this designation will be stocked in October, November, March, April, and May. From October 1st to the first Saturday in June, anglers are to catch and release, all trout in Delayed Harvest Waters.

Thanks to this regulation from the NCWRC, anglers have a place to go fish for Brooke, Brown, and Rainbow trout. It provides a place to get anglers on fish, teach casting, detecting strikes, setting the hook, playing a fish, and exercising other fishing skills. I enjoy fly fishing with my daughter and son on Delayed Harvest waters; the access to these streams tends to be a lot easier than other areas of western North Carolina. Anglers beginning to learn the skills involved in fly fishing will enjoy these streams. There are many streams that have Delayed Harvest regulation in North Carolina, to find the nearest one to you visit www.ncwildlife.org.

While fly fishing in streams regulated as Delayed Harvest, I recommend anglers starting with a leader of 9 feet with a strength of 5x or 6x. Fly selections of dry

flies, nymphs, or streamers can be fished here. The system that is most productive will generally be a two nymph system. There are many ways to rig up this type of system, but an easy one is to set your strike indicator 1.5 - 2 times the depth of the river. Tie your heavy nymph on the leader first, next use tippet to tie off from the bend of the hook to the eye of a smaller nymph. 14-20 inches is a common dropper length for this system.

If you have not fly fished using a streamer, I recommend trying it on Delayed Harvest water. Use a 7 1/2 foot leader of 3x or 4x in strength.

Tie a loop knot to your fly. Woolly Buggers, Slumpbusters, Sculpzillas, and Muddler Minnows are great streamers to try.

Dry fly fishing in the Spring is generally the best time for an angler to see top water action, but October Caddis, BWO’s, and little black stoneflies can make for a great Fall or Winter day dry fly fishing.

Come in to Hunter Banks and let us help you get what you need for your next trip to a Delayed Harvest stream near you.

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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OCTOBER 2017

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 13

TRAPPING? IS THAT LEGAL?

By Wilson Love

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teel traps hang in the window of my store on Leicester Highway near Asheville. More boxes of traps line the floor under the low shelf near that window. Every now and then, it is my pleasure to answer this question (or something similar) from the uninformed.

Many nature lovers and sportsmen know some of the basic aspects of trapping, but few others seem to have a clue – thus, the recurring question that titles this article. Yes, not only is trapping legal, it is currently, and actively, encouraged and even promoted by many wildlife regulatory agencies.

Trapping of animals, birds, and fish has always been a valid and valuable part of human life. The very earliest of recorded histories from diverse cultures bear this out.

The history of our Great Lakes and Northeast regions, for instance, would be a vastly different story if the French, English, and others had not fiercely competed for new fur trapping territories there. The early American west was opened up by the one-two punch of the Rocky Mountain fur trade (trapping) and the California gold rush.

Today, the principles and methods for taking wildlife by trapping, hunting, and fishing have changed.

Thankfully some wise forefathers realized that the only way we would continue to have healthy, prolific wildlife was by enlightened conservation practices. In North Carolina and many other states, trapping is controlled through scientifically-based regulations. These regula-

tions are administered through our state’s Wildlife Resources Commission and are strictly enforced by trained conservation officers.

This approach to trapping has resulted in abundant and sustainable populations of beaver, otter, bobcat, mink, raccoon and other species.

Colleen Olfenbuttel, Black Bear and Furbearer Biologist for the NC Wildlife Resources Commission explains, “Trapping and trappers have been key cooperators in helping us conduct wildlife research, as well as restore certain wildlife species. For example, the NCWRC successfully restored river otters in western North Carolina thanks to the skills of experienced trappers, who captured otters using foothold traps in the coastal region. Those otters were then relocated to various streams in western NC and released.”

Trapping equipment has come a long way. Best Management Practices for Trapping (BMPs) have been developed through many years of extensive research and testing. Animal welfare figured prominently

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OCTOBER 2017

with other factors in this development process. Some old-style traps and trapping methods have been outlawed. BMPs for numerous specific species may be found at ncwildlife.org/bmp.

State trapper’s associations help government wildlife agencies with research and education. Trapper education courses are available in North Carolina as a cooperative effort of the NC Trapper’s Association and the NCWRC. Basic trapper, Advanced Trapper, and Wildlife Damage Control Agent courses are available through this joint initiative.

In our state, the core rules for trapping are these: Buy a basic trapping license. Trap only during the established trapping season. Have written permission when trapping the property of another. Attach a weatherproof tag to each trap with your name and address. Other rules apply. Pick up a free copy of the NC Fishing/Hunting/Trapping Regulations Digest from a local Wildlife

Service Agent or go to ncwildlife.org In addition to wildlife conservation and management, trapping in all its forms serves many purposes.

It provides food, clothing, and other useful products. Most of the seafood we eat is caught by using nets and cages. Overpopulated pigeons are removed from tall city buildings in wire cage traps. Beavers are typically removed by trapping when their dams cause flooding. Trapping checks livestock loss by coyote, fox, bobcat, and other wild predators.

Animal control agencies would be ineffective without the use of traps to fulfill their mission.

Make no mistake about it: man has God-given dominion here on planet Earth, and here in western North Carolina, that includes hunting, fishing, and trapping as regulated by governmental authorities. We are, and always have been, at the top of the food chain. Some weird ideology says that all life is equally valuable; that a man’s life means no more than a dog’s or a rat’s. If that is true, then why don’t rats set humantraps?

And then there are those who label trapping as “cruel” across the board.

Consider this: most people reading this magazine enjoy fishing, as I do.

How often are we criticized for being cruel because we fish? Is catching a coyote by pinching its foot in a steel trap any worse than yanking a bass or trout out of its dining room with a steel hook in the mouth?

Yes, trapping is legal.

Wilson Love is Owner/Operator of The Practical Outdoorsman, a retail and consignment store.

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HENDERSONVILLE / BREVARD

Fly Fishing The Green River In North Carolina

By James Marsh

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he Green River is located not far above the North Carolina - South Carolina state line on the North side of the Saluda Mountains near Hendersonville North Carolina. It’s a tributary of the Broad River. There are two lakes along its way - Lake Adger and Lake Summit. It has a population of rainbow, brook, and brown trout. Fly fishing the Green River varies depending on the way it is managed at the particular location you are fishing.

The small section of the river between Lake Summit and the Fishtop Access Area along the Green River Cove Road in Saluda is managed as wild trout waters. Below that point, the Green River contains both delayed harvest and put-n-take waters.

The stretch of the river below Lake Summit flows through the Green River Game Lands owned by Duke Power Company. It extends downstream

to just above Lake Adger.

The section below the I - 26 Bridge to the Fishstop Falls Access is also managed as wild trout waters.

This section can be accessed from near the U. S. Highway #76 Bridge. It flows through a canyon type of area called the Green River Gorge. The I 26 Bridge that passes over the gorge is 225 feet high - the highest bridge in North Carolina. The Green River Gorge is a beautiful and rugged area.

The river drops 440 feet within one and a half miles in the gorge and as you may expect, has plenty of rapids.

This area, called the Narrows, is big time whitewater. There are 16 miles of hiking trails in the gorge section.

Although it isn’t easy to access, this section of the Green River provides some very good wild trout fishing for those that go to the trouble to get to its waters.

From Fishstop Falls Access to

Cove Creek, a distance of just over three miles, the stream is managed under the North Carolina “Delayed Harvest” regulations. The Fishstop Falls Access can be accessed from Green River Cove Road. This section can be fished from a boat or by wading. The last access point downstream is located just above Lake Adger at the Big Rock Access.

From Cove Creek downstream to Brights Creek, the Green River is stocked and managed under the state’s regular hatchery supported rules. This section of the river is just over four miles long.

There are four small tributary streams between the two lakes - Big Hungry River, Fulloms Creek, Camp Creek and Cove Creek. Both the Big Hungry River and Cove Creek are

stocked. The Big Hungry River flows through Green River Game Lands and can be accessed from Deep Gap Road, which follows along part of the stream, or at the intersection of Ridge Road and Adams Road.

There are trails leading up and down Green River from this access point.

The other tributary stream that hold trout, Cove Creek, has public access on Green River Game Lands from the I -26 Bridge downstream to the Green River. It’s a relatively small stream that’s regularly stocked.

Remember, this stream is a tailwater fishery below Lake Summit.

You should check the stream flows and anticipated dam discharges before making a trip. Its waters are subject to fluctuate.

James Marsh is the Owner of The Perfect Fly online and catalog mail-order store. www.perfectflystore.com

“For Love of Beer & Mountains” Clawhammer Mountain Hike Saturday, October 14 Starting at 10:00 am Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, NC Very Strenuous (10+) FREE for all participants

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his hike to Clawhammer Mountain, namesake of Highland Brewing Company’s seasonal Clawhammer Oktoberfest Lager, will be a long and strenuous 10+ mile trip along multi-use trails that traverse mountain bike, equestrian, and hiking trails as well as forest service roads.

We will follow the trails up a steep climb along a creek, through wildflower patches and rich cove forest. From Clawhammer Cove to the summit, we will climb close to 1,500 feet to finish at 4,072 ft elevation. The summit offers scenic views of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Looking Glass in Pisgah National Forest.

Please Note: There are a cou-

ple of single log bridges, muddy areas, rocky and steep inclines and a chance of yellow jackets; SAHC wants to provide a fun and safe trip so please be aware of these conditions.

Dogs: Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a leash.

Leader: Emily Adler, AmeriCorps Conservation Education & Volunteer Outreach Associate. For questions or more info, contact Emily at emily@appalachian.org or 828.253.0095 ext 205.

Hike difficulty ratings are based on this formula: (0.002 x elevation gain (ft.) + round trip distance (mi.) = difficulty rating (1 – 10+)

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OCTOBER 2017

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 15

Our Brother’s Keeper In memory of Ben, an avid outdoorsman who lived life without limitation. And for his brother, Caleb, my best friend.

Hendersonville’s Finest Hearth Shop & Chimney Care Company

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By Ethan Hollifield

et even in the loneliness of the canyon I knew there were others like me who had brothers they did not understand but wanted to help. We are probably those referred to as “our brothers’ keepers,” possessed of one of the oldest and possibly one of the most futile and certainly one of the most haunting of instincts. It will not let us go.” – A River Runs Through It. There is a certain reaction that one has when you watch someone dear to you suffer immensely. Words, sentiments: none of those things really do much in the way of relieving heartache. My best friend, and my favorite fishing buddy, lost his own brother this past month. The process of grieving was exhausting at best, however necessary. We spent most of our time in the hospital in understood silence. Through the tears and the tired eyes, my best friend looked at me and asked: “Hey, can we go fish?”

To many this would be an extreme fraction of age-old traditions of what a mourner is “supposed” to do during a time of sorrow. To me, it was expected and welcomed.

Fishing is therapy. It clears the mind of everything negative and brings the world into a focal point on which a person can aim their concentration. I believe that God made

rivers, especially mountain rivers, as a place of almost hypnotizing relief that, for a moment, provides the afflicted with a small glimpse into heaven on earth. To my best friend and me, the same holds true. Our lives have always revolved around the river. We have grown up on the river, and even parts of us, which needed to, have died on the river. In times of trouble, we would each play the part of “our brothers keeper” and lead each other to water, and to fish, for each other’s sake. From there, your mind can focus on the most pressing matters of the moment.

The drag free drift of a dry fly easing towards a rising trout, the subtle bump of a bass carrying off a jig on a laydown, checking catfish lines at night by a fire: all of these things carry permanence over the world, if only for a moment.

When your best friends and loved ones are hurting, there really isn’t much that mere words can do.

Sentiments are often foreshadowed by circumstance, and words lose their ability to cut through the sheer pain of the knowledge that someone you love isn’t going to come home. So we went and fished, and let the river speak words for us that we couldn’t hear but yet clearly understood.

And for you, Ben, we will keep on fishing.

Ethan Hollifield is a guide for Southern Appalachian Anglers and works with French Broad Riverkeeper.

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LET’S GET STARTED!

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By Eddie Hudon

or those of you that picked up this magazine because you have an interest in fly fishing but can’t get started, this article is for you.

Before July 2005, I only tried fly fishing a couple of times by myself and, due to not having any luck, I lost interest. The, in July of 2005, while looking for a log cabin to buy in Bryson City, my wife and I made a side trip to Asheville. While there, I came across Hunter’s Bank Fly Shop.

I went in and said I wanted to fish the Davidson River. I mentioned that I had very little experience. The owner said, “ That’s ok, I will set you up with Forrest Marshall. He knows the Davidson real well.

I met Forrest at the fly shop two days later. We proceeded to the Pisgah Forest in Brevard, NC. Once we got there, we started to fish next to a bridge. Right away, I started catching fish in the 12-14’’ range. I was having a great time. While this was going on, Forrest kept looking up the river where two other guys were fishing.

He said, when they leave, we’re going

to take that spot. A half hour later, they left and we moved up.

We fished that spot for approximately 45 minutes and I didn’t catch a thing. (I was happy where we started, why move?). Forrest changed the fly to a smaller size. In fact, he changed the fly 5 times. I was a little frustrated, but he was the guide. I really got nervous when he said, “We are not leaving here until I make the fish eat.”

(What fish?) He changed the fly again, for the 6th time, and on my first drift I caught and landed an 18” Brown Trout. I was excited, surprised, and impressed. That fish made my day!

Forrest said, “What are you waiting for, there’s another one in there”. Well, I was a believer so I made my cast and drifted in the same spot and SMASH! Another fish, this time it was a 22” Rainbow Trout. (I didn’t get a photo of it because, while holding it up for the picture, it flipped out of my hands. ~ The one that got away.)

So, a few things I want to share with you about that day: 1. If you ever wanted to try fly

fishing, give it a try ~ SOONER rather than later.

2. If you are inexperienced, hire a guide that knows the local waters, it makes all the difference, 3. Once you get “hooked” and start to fish on your own, experiment with different size flies, tippets, etc.

4. Share your fly fishing experi-

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OCTOBER 2017

ence with a son, daughter, or a friend.

I’ve been guiding for 5 years. I love what I do, especially when I have new people that have never fly fished before, have a great time, and want to come back and do it again ~ next time even better. HOWEVER – you must first start….

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 17

I

Hawg Wild BBQ - How It All Started . . .

t all began for Don Brown, a Brevard native, in the 1980s.

Don went into the Air Force and also worked on a tobacco farm.

Every Friday, there was a man, Mr. Davis, who cooked barbecue behind his house in Pikeville. And every Friday, everyone would go eat barbecue. “In fact, everybody would get all excited about it,” Don says. “I didn’t understand what the big deal was, I didn’t even eat the first day. I think I ate part of the chicken and threw the pork away.

But the next Friday came around and we went back to Mr. Davis’ house, and I ate a litte bit more. In a couple of weeks, come 11:30 am, my mouth would begin to water. It was eastern North Carolina-style barbecue. I loved it.”

After discovering what would later become his career, Don sampled many other types of barbecue in the eastern part of the state every Sunday. He was also influenced

by Randy McCall, who owns bar-

Don says it becue restauwas actualrants in ly a blessing G o l d s b o r o, in disguise.

Morehead “Every burCity, and den that was Jacksonville. on me was H a w g lifted and Wild initialgone. There ly opened in are so many December of blessings that 1997. But on July 7, 2001, a Don & Sandy Brown- Owners came from that fire. Our famlate-night fire ily has spent literally brought Hawg Wild to its knees. Looking more time together, all of us;” alback on the devastating incident, though the rebuilding effort was

exhausting. As far as restarting, it’s exciting, but difficult. Putting in a countless amount of hours. The final result of the new Hawg Wild, Don says “I love it!”

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Friday Nights!

Crankbaits…A Beginning

W

By Paul Shell

hether you prefer a small slender one, or a wide chunky one, you cannot select a better lure to use, any season (maybe with the exception of mid-winter) than a crankbait. No other lure can cover the entire water column as quickly and effectively as a shallow, medium, or deep-diving crankbait. When Edwin Evers

won the 2016 Bassmaster Classic, one of the baits that helped him in his “come from behind” win was a Megabass Flap Slap crankbait. Prior to last year, other Bass Pros have won big money utilizing crankbaits.

Top brands include Rapala, Rebel, Bomber, Strike King, Storm, Bagleys, Bandit, Lucky Craft, Livingston, and Megabass. Rapala’s Shad Rap continues to be an exceptional fish producer.

The D.T. series is also very good, and their more recent line, Scatterrap, will “hunt” during the retrieve. When you crank the lure, it will run straight for several feet, and then dart to the side before returning to its original path. This action does trigger strikes.

I have noticed in tackle stores this past year, some of the “old school” Bagleys have been re-introduced in both original finishes and some new colors. My conviction with crankbaits paid

off in the 80’s when I won first place in the Walleye division, and biggest overall in a company tournament with a 5 ½ lb. Walleye. The fish took a Bagleys threadfin shad colored whallow runner on the very first cast of the day. Their flat C.B.D.12 and D.B.20 are good open water deep divers this time of the year,

since they will draw bass hiding in rocky crevices, or structure, and it also takes schooling fish. It features a unique oscillation rate. Livengston’s baits are also unique, since they feature advanced rattles and electronic baitfish sounds. Lucky Craft has a killer line of crankbaits that have incredible color schemes and action.

CONTINUED, CRANKBAITS...A BEGINNING, PAGE 20

Flies ~ Lures ~ Nets Complete Rod Repair Custom Lure Painting

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Paul Shell - Owner/Operator 3020 US HWY 64 S, Morganton, NC 28655

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OCTOBER 2017

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 19

HIGH COUNTRY

Fall Is For Fishing!

I

f trout fishing is your game, then the cooler temperatures and the changing colors on the trees signal trout fishing is back! Granted, you can catch trout all year, but trout like cold water and the High Country is already experiencing 40 degree mornings and sweater-like afternoons. The lowering temps start to fire up the trout and they get hungry. Late summer and early fall, you can hammer them with those big and bushy flies. The terrestrial bite is still on and the trout are looking for a meal, so stimulators, hoppers and ants are still in the mix. A big Adams, Wulff or Humpy will do the trick as well. However, once it really cools down we will start to see some smaller beatis flies and a lot of midges. That means those small dries you have in your box but never use; pull them out and give them a shot! We are talking 20, and smaller, Adams, BWO patterns and midge patterns.

I know, if you can’t see your fly, then

By Jeff Dean

what’s the point of fishing it? Well, do you want to catch fish or throw them flies that won’t work all day?

Trail that size 22 Adams dry behind a stimulator (or something you can see) and watch for rises behind that fly. Most people are loosing out on a lot of fish because they aren’t fishing what the trout are eating. When in doubt, go small! Oh yeah, did I mention the fact that the North Carolina Resources Commission will restock all of the Delayed Harvest streams in early October? That is another reason to get fired up about fall fishing.

Thousands of fish are going to be put in the streams in Western North Carolina starting in October and continuing into November. This gets all anglers, from beginner to expert and from spin angler to fly angler, excited. You can have a ton of fun and you can experience one of the best times in the High Country. The changing colors of the leaves over a

gentle stream is a breathtaking experience and it makes you forget why you are even there and realize that it doesn’t even matter if you catch a fish. If you haven’t fished the Watauga River in early to mid October, you’re missing out. Some “go to” patterns are attractors, like squirmy wormies, eggs, rainbow princes, rainbow warriors, or any-

thing to grab the attention of the fish. Trail those with something more realistic like a pheasant tail or hares ear. As always, if you have any questions, you can come on by to Watauga River Fly Shop or give us a call and we’ll get you set up. Now, get out there and enjoy some awesome fishing…and Good Luck!

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.

Full Service Fly Shop and Guide Service WADE TRIPS • FLOAT TRIPS

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CRANKBAITS…A BEGINNING Experiment with different brands and colors until you find the ones for the waters you fish.

You probably don’t need 200 crankbaits, as I have, but some colors are a must have, they include Blue Chartreuse, Sexy Shad, Perch, 2 or more crayfish colors, Bluegill, Tenessee Shad, American Shad, Ghost Minnow, Rainbow Trout, and Firetiger. Of the three kinds of lines we use when tossing crankbaits, I prefer Flourocarbon for it’s superior sensitivity, low stretch and invisibility. It does take some getting used to, due to the fact that it is somewhat springy. Line companies are continuously improving it each year. It’s also somewhat expensive but it is a superior line, with Sunline Super F C Sniper probably being the best.

continued from page 19

The old standby, monofilament, is very popular since it “forgives” our mistakes with its high stretch and it also floats, allowing you to begin your retrieve with any floating-diving crankbait as a top water bait. Even though you lose some depth with mono when employing a stop and go retrieve, as opposed to fluorocarbon, which sinks, mono has all the properties you want in a line. I like Spiderwire for it’s superior strength to size ratio. Braid is growing in popularity, since it is very strong and it floats…making it a good choice for topwater baits. Some anglers use it for “Alabama Rigs”. It can be difficult to cut cleanly with clippers, so carry a pair of very sharp scissors when adding a leader.

Paul is the Owner/Operator or The Rod & Fly in Morganton, N.C. Visit his store or give him a call at (828) 433-9747. He now offers fly-tying and fly-casting/fishing lessons in his store.

20 WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA

OCTOBER 2017

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By Nick Carter

S

nowbird Creek, and its main tributary Big Snowbird Creek, are places fly anglers could spend days exploring and still leave water untouched. On its top end, Big Snowbird is one of the largest remaining flows populated with native southern Appalachian brook trout. On its lower end, near its mouth at Lake Santeetlah, Snowbird plays host to an annual migration of lake-run rainbows that reach lengths well in excess of 20 inches. In between these two stretches, the river has sections of hatchery-supported waters, trophy waters, a delayed harvest and steep gorges where wild rainbows and browns thrive. It’s a river that really does have it all.

The biggest draw for most trout anglers is Big Snowbird Creek.

In 2013 a 2.9-mile delayed harvest section was added to the creek.

This stretch, from the concrete bridge over Big Snowbird on FR 2579

By Carlos Hidalgo

L

efty’s Deceiver may be the most effective fly pattern ever. Lefty Kreh developed the fly in the 1950s and since then Deceivers have caught fish all over the world. Lefty describes the Deceiver as a tying method rather than a specific fly pattern. This allows for modifications in color, size and materials. These alterations have made the Deceiver extremely versatile. Here are a few “alternative” Deceivers you should think about tying: Half-and-Half is a hybrid fly that combines the best elements of the Deceiver and the Clouser Minnow. The fly is essentially a Clouser Minnow with hackle feathers instead of bucktail for the tail. The Half-andHalf is very popular in the salt from Maine to the Outer Banks. Striped bass, bluefish, redfish and seatrout are suckers for it.

Big-Eye Deceiver is a standard Deceiver with a teal or mallard feath-

to the footbridge at the end of the gravel road that parallels the creek, receives heavier stockings and is catch-and-release, artificial-only from October into June. This provides some much needed protection for a stream where access is almost too easy. Before the regulations were implemented, I remember driving past miles of some of the most gorgeous-looking trout water to get to the walk-in section where there were actually fish. Now, it’s well worth stopping to fish.

At the end of the gravel road, a rail junction existed when the area was logged in the 1920s. This point, known as “The Junction,” begins some of the best walk-in water in western North Carolina.

Fishing pressure drops off progressively the farther you’re willing to walk, and the water is a seemingly endless series of pocket water stretches broken by deep bend runs and plunge pools. Most of the fish are small wild rainbows, but there are some browns, and some big browns will occasionally reward anglers willing to spend some time dredging out the deeper holes.

There are miles of stream suitable for a 3- or 4-weight rod upstream of The Junction. On some days, the fishing can be gangbusters for lots of little wild trout; on other days it can be downright tough. Like any wild stream, the fish can be wary of predators and sometimes selective about what they eat.

Lower Falls, marked as Big Falls on many maps, is the lowest of several cascades that serve as barriers to block upstream movement of rainbows and browns. Above Lower Falls, there are seven or more miles of creek where only brook trout live up into the headwaters. It’s big water in terms of native brook trout, or “speck,” fishing. There are some good campsites along the trail that meanders to and away from the creek, and the upper end of Big Snowbird is an outstanding place to pack in and spend a few days fishing.

For GPS coordinates to access points and detailed maps of Snowbird and all of 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. er “cheek” on either side of the collar. The feather is treated with Flexament and then either a big eye is painted on it or a big prismatic tape eye is glued to it. This pattern is usually tied in larger sizes for bigger gamefish.

Cockroach Deceiver (tail: grizzly hackle, collar: gray squirrel tail) has been fooling tarpon for decades. Angler, author and former editor of Fly Tyer magazine, Art Schenk calls this pattern his desperation pattern for largemouth bass.

Fishair Deceiver (tail: Fishair, collar: Fishair) uses synthetic hair which produces a very durable fly. This variation is good for bluefish, barracuda, mackerel and other toothy critters.

Marabou Deceiver (tail: hackle, collar: marabou) is a great fly to use when you want to dead drift a baitfish imitation in current. The marabou breathes and pulses on its own and provides a lot of action.

Bucktail Deceiver (tail: bucktail, collar: bucktail) is easier to tie than the original. If tied so the bucktail flares a bit, the pattern can mimic the transparency of many small baitfish.

Ostrich Deceiver (tail: ostrich herl, collar: bucktail) is a nice pattern to imitate narrow-bodied baitfish like sand lances or large eels. Northeast striper anglers need to tie some of these up.

Hidalgo’s Poltergeist (tail: Sparkleflash, body: Diamond Braid, collar: Sparkleflash) This is a very effective, flashy minnow imitation that I tie in small sizes. Sparkleflash is not very common in the United States.

Flashabou Weave (three-strand blend) is similar and can be substituted.

Crawfish Deceiver (tail: red squirrel tail, body: non-lead wire covered with brown chenille, collar: red squirrel tail) I tie this fly to imitate swimming crawfish. It is much easier to tie than most crawfish imitations. Fish it with short sharp strips followed by pauses. Tie some of these for largemouth, smallmouth, trout or any other gamefish that likes mud bugs.

I hope you add some of these “alternative” Lefty’s Deceivers to your arsenal. They will help you catch more fish.

Contact Carlos at cah6620@gmail.com to submit a pattern for consideration in this column, if you would like a high-resolution copy of this photo or if you would like to order my book, “South Florida’s Peacock Bass.”

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OCTOBER 2017

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NATIONAL

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FRESHWATER

By Jerrod Vila

O

h, the fall. It brings us colorful foliage, football, fresh apple cider and big ornery brown trout. When the mercury begins to take the plunge and daylight starts to dwindle, big mature brown trout start their yearly routine of procreation.

What follows is a feeding binge of mature trout. Fish that have been uncatchable all summer throw caution to the wind. This is not the time for small flies and delicate presentations. Big gaudy nymphs and large streamers are the name of the game in fall. Large stonefly patterns like Girdle Bugs and Pat’s Rubber Legs are good choices as are the usual generic mayfly patterns like Hare’s Ears and Pheasant Tails, just opt for

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a size 8 instead of an 18. My personal favorite fall flies are streamers, and something with a little bit of color, too. For some reason big fall browns seem to like streamers with a bit of orange in them. Sculpin patterns can be especially deadly this time of year. Whether it be the giant protein-packed snack a big sculpin delivers or a triggered attack response implanted in trout to protect their roe, it should be used to your advantage.

It is also the time for stealth. With overly large trout sometimes holding in ridiculously shallow water, being sneaky pays huge dividends. Wear drab colored shirts at the very least. Even a camouflage jacket is not too far fetched.

I normally work a river upstream, but this is not the case when fishing fall streamers. I’ll work it down. I can be much quieter and more stealthy when walking with the current as opposed to against it. If possible, stay on the bank as much as you can. Most fish will hit on the swing, so the area you expect the take to come will be downstream of your location. If you were working upstream, you could have already spooked a fish. Cast across, swing it down, take a few sneaky steps down stream, think about it, cast across, swing it down.

Walking the river is crucial. Don’t just haphazardly crash through the water on your way to a good run. Hunt the river this time of year.

Take a few steps and watch. This is where a good pair of polarized glasses are worth their weight in gold. Look over the entire stream, not just the typical haunts. You may be pleasantly surprised and amazed by what you’ll see. Trout will still be positioned in good usual runs too, but much more apt to attack your offering.

Instead of heading to the deer stand or taking up a spot on the couch to watch the big game, get out on the stream. Just maybe, a kyped-up, big old slab of spotted butter will end up in your net.

Jerrod Vila is a simple guy from Upstate New York with a passion for fly fishing, cooking and predator hunting. For more tips and videos check out www.downwindoutdoors.com and www.beyondthecrosshair.com.

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55.1 mph 5.3 seconds 406 Miles @ 3500 1.91 MPG @ 3500 RPM

9/20/17 2:36 PM

By Randy Cnota

T

he dry brisk November morning air is a welcome change to Florida’s Forgotten Coast residents, but not just for the obvious reasons. The summer heat has lifted, and the mighty red drum is hungry and looking to fill her belly with whatever kind of crustacean or finny fish she can get close to.

As you move stealthily along the marsh, you search for the signs: a wake along the grass line or a tail piercing the water’s surface. Either one is worthy of a cast and, if presented properly,

can result in the silence of the morning stalk being broken by the crash of a topwater plug being engulfed, the scream of a reel’s drag and some enthusiastic expletives.

Stalking the skinnies of the marsh can be a challenging experience. Reds spook easily, so stealth is a must, as are accurate and purposeful casts; all this is what makes the hunt so rewarding. The waters of Franklin County are teeming with reds, making the chance of fooling, fighting and releasing a mighty red an extremely attainable and rewarding experience.

If you come to this area to chase reds, any shallow-drafting boat will put you in a position for success, but some are better suited than others. Ideally, the ability to pole, paddle or scull your vessel will give you the advantage of stealth, but a trolling motor and a well-planned use of tides and wind also works well on the flats.

Franklin County TDC is giving away a free red fishing excursion this month, so enter for your chance to win and make your redfish dream a reality. The reds and so many other fish are abundant in some of the most beautiful places on earth, right here. Don’t let another fall go by without experiencing this amazing time of year along Florida’s Forgotten Coast.

For more details or to sign up, go to: www. floridasforgottencoast.com.

Randy Cnota is co-publisher of the Panama City/Forgotten Coast edition of Coastal Angler Magazine.

Land This Getaway!

Enter to Win a Fall Fishing Trip along Florida’s Forgotten Coast!

Win a fishing charter trip, weekend accommodations and meals at some of Franklin County’s finest restaurants

Visit floridasforgottencoast.com/fish or scan the code to enter!

APALACHICOLA . ST. GEORGE ISLAND . CARRABELLE . ALLIGATOR POINT

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UNDER THE SEA

managed to spear a mangrove snapper, a hogfish and a red grouper that day… and all were head shots! It was a fun and auspicious beginning to his spearfishing life. That day, he became a full-fledged spearfisherman.

Here are some tips on how to introduce your young gun: 1. Take small steps. Teach them snorkeling in the pool, then the here comes a time in a hunter’s life when you’ve ocean, then add the speargun. been through all the stages, and 2. Do not take them out in bad conditions. your satisfaction comes more from Their first few attempts should be fun and the total hunting experience—being in the comfortable. outdoors, enjoying the company of friends, 3. Have a talk about spearfishing ethics and seeing the beauty of nature and perhaps safety. This is extremely important! mentoring a young hunter. Whether it’s 4. Make sure they are properly equipped and your own child or a friend’s, it is both a joy comfortable. The mask should not leak, they and a big responsibility. should have proper skin protection and warmth, First, you must assess whether the and they should be able to load their bands. Start youngster is ready. Can they already dive with three weaker bands until they build strength. comfortably? If not, they should not have a 5. Dedicate the day to them. Commit to loaded weapon in their hand. Do they have them no matter how tempted you are to hunt for “muzzle awareness?” Do they understand yourself. the concept of never letting the speargun tip 6. Have them watch you first. Over-exaggerate point at anyone, not even for a split second? Nicholas Manganiotis as toddler and 10 years a slow and soft descent, so they learn that slow is Do they have the self-control to listen and later a spearfisherman. Photo by Dr. Angelos better and that fish will not spook if you approach follow your direction?

Manganiotis. them the right way. Beginners have a tendency to If they are ready, there are many benefits. rush, over-exert and get buck-fever. Instill a calm They will learn patience, as not every attempt and reverent approach to the entire experience. will end in victory. They will surely bond with the sea and gain respect 7. Don’t over-instruct. Give them a few pointers and let them fail. for nature. They will grow mentally and physically stronger, as the sea Praise them for what they did right before you tell them what they did will often test their limits. They will learn where food really comes from. wrong.

Here is a recent example, the case of my friend Angelo’s 13-year-old If all goes well, it will be a fun day, and they will always remember child. Nicholas had been exhibiting a keen interest in fish and the ocean their first fish with pride. Photograph it; celebrate it; enjoy it. Their first since the age of 4. He would watch fishing shows instead of cartoons; he fish will only happen once! anxiously waited on the dock for our return and examined every fish we caught. He was a good student, a highly disciplined violin player, and he Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer showed comfort and awareness in the water. He was ready, so I gave him of The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow one of my smaller Wong spearguns to try.

“Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.

His father chose a nice reef in 20 feet of water off Islamorada. The water was clear, warm and flat—excellent conditions. Nicholas could For more Sheri Daye, go to already identify all the species, but he turned to us for final approval before targeting a fish in order to make sure it was of legal size. He

MENTORING YOUNG GUNS

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EXPERT ADVICE

See the Fish

DAVID MANEY, FOWLER’S SUNGLASSES

W

alking a shallow trout stream, casting to structure in lakes or making sure you’re going after the biggest fish in an offshore school you need functional high performance UV sunglasses to see beneath the water. One pair may not fit the function for each of these varied UV demands.

Shallow streams with bright sunlight require amber for most people.

Deeper murky waters and overcast conditions need grey or amber.

For offshore with bright sun and the need to see deeper into the blue waters, your best bet is blue mirror or grey.

As an avid angler and someone who’s been involved in the sunglasses industry for over 20 years, my advice is to always try to match the sunglasses to the condition. This requires keeping several different UV’s with you. Most sunglass cases come with clip-on attachments so keeping a few pair of sunglasses with you has never been easier. As the conditions change during your day, you’ll be prepared to match your UV formula with the change. Once you’ve prepared yourself for these UV changes you’ll be on top of your angling game no matter what.

For the best overall coverage in any condition I recommend one pair of blue mirror/grey and one pair of green mirror/ amber.

This simple modification in your sight fishing tactics will make a huge difference in your angling success.

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FLY FISHING

D

uring the fall and winter, there is not a better saltwater game fish to target with a fly rod than redfish. Plentiful throughout the Gulf States, the redfish provides a great fly fishing opportunity for anglers of all skill levels who want to sight fish in shallow clear water.

I’ve always considered the redfish to be the perfect saltwater game fish. It offers the angler a perfect venue to hone his or her sightfishing skills. Why? Because of two important factors: accessibility and plentiful fishing opportunity. From a logistical standpoint, most anglers can book a flight for great redfish destinations from most major cities in the U.S. Texas, Louisiana, Alabama and the panhandle of Florida are prime winter redfish spots. Each of these locations has experienced fly fishing guides who are knowledgeable and professional. Access to the marsh flats, where the redfish live in the winter, is quite easy and the number of redfish you see in a day can be mind blowing!

Three factors for successful sight fishing to Redfish: 1) Can you see the fish?

Visibility is the most important factor when sight fishing in shallow water. It’s great when you have a bluebird day and you’re seeing the fish from 100 yards away. However, Mother Nature usually has her own ideas on conditions. So, being able to identify fish even in tough lighting is important. Look for odd shapes in the water, V shaped wakes or even a subtle dimple that breaks the water’s surface. These are all signs of redfish feeding in an area.

TIP: Use yellow polarized lenses. These will provide better contrast under tough lighting conditions.

2. Can I make a short cast?

Many redfish are hooked 20 feet or less from the boat. Believe

me, the short cast is the toughest cast to make when sight fishing to redfish. Why? Because we are so focused on perfecting the 60-foot cast and neglect the importance of dropping a cast less than 20 feet from the boat. The 60foot cast is important, but it rarely comes into play when sight fishing to redfish. Work on your short cast as well.

TIP: Work on a flip cast. Only cast the head of your fly line at targets on your left and right sides at 10 to 20 feet max.

3) Where should I place the fly?

Redfish can see very well. I’ve seen them chase a fly from 20 feet way. However, I find placing a fly a couple feet in front of their noses works best. Once you’ve made the cast, let the fly settle to the bottom. As the redfish moves toward the fly, begin to move the fly with short strips. Once the redfish sees the fly, it will swim over and inhale it. At this point all you have to do is keep the rod tip on the water and strip strike to set the hook.

TIP: On an open lawn, place small Frisbees at 5, 10, 20 and 30 feet from your casting position. Work on placing the fly in the center of each Frisbee without a false cast.

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n May, Minnesota angler Jake Robinson tied his own catch-and-release state record with a 49-inch flathead catfish from the Minnesota River.

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LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 2/1/18*

$249.99

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 2/1/18*

SAVE 54%

Customer Rating

Compare 99 $99.98 SAVE $34

SAVE 67%

Compare

Compare

SUPER COUPON

• Height range: 12-1/2" to 24"

11999

$12999

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 2/1/18*

Customer Rating

AVE 5%

14

$229.99 $

Compare ITEM 69265/62344/93897 shown

SAVE $160

SAVE $169

$299

7 AMP ELECTRIC POLE SAW 1000 LB. CAPACITY 9.5" BAR SWING-BACK TRAILER JACK ft.

$

ITEM 68053/62160 62496/62516/60569 shown LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 2/1/18*

$59

SUPER COUPON

6

Compare

$109.99

Compare

99

SAVE $170

Customer Rating

$8999

Customer Rating

LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 2/1/18*

ing

98

$59

17999 $1150

$999

1/2" HEAVY DUTY COMPOSITE PRO 950 TORQUE AIR IMPACT WRENCH FT. LBS. BOLT BREAKAWAY

Customer Rating

3/8" x 50 FT. RETRACTABLE 12" SLIDING COMPOUND AIR HOSE REEL DOUBLE-BEVEL Customer Rating MITER SAW

SAVE 83%

ITEM 62281/61637 shown

• 3-1/2 Pumps Lifts Most Vehicles • Lifts from 3-1/2" to 14-1/8" • Lightweight 34 lbs.

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating 29 PIECE TITANIUM DRILL BIT SET

SUPER COUPON

SAVE $50

RAPID PUMP® 1.5 TON ALUMINUM RACING JACK

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 2/1/18*

SUPER COUPON

$

SUPER COUPON

99 $ 7999

ITEM 61427/63308/69397/95272 shown

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 2/1/18*

UTY LLY

UPON

$

ITEM 63054/62858 shown

UPON

9

SAVE $990

$15999

$9999

ting

ating

Customer Rating

SAVE $106

PER UPON

N

SUPER COUPON

SUPER COUPON

$

ITEM 60363/69730 ITEM 69727 shown, CALIFORNIA ONLY LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 2/1/18*

Compare $99 $

38

69

99

$29

ITEM 64080/63248/68998/63091 shown LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 2/1/18*

$

$7

99

1099

Compare

SAVE

$19.97 59%

ITEM 61899/62399/63095/63096 63098/63097/93888 shown LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 2/1/18*

At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare” or “comp at” price means that the same item or a similar functioning item was advertised for sale at 800+ Stores Nationwide or HarborFreight.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM I inOCTOBER NATIONAL 25 or above • theTHEANGLERMAG.COM “Compare” or “comp at” price by another retailer the U.S. within the 2017 past 180 days.I Prices advertised by others may vary by

*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 2/1/18.

CANGL_NAT3-NAT26.indd 25

location. No other meaning of “Compare” or "comp at" should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.

9/20/17 9/8/17 2:37 2:32 PM

SUZUKI MAKES IT

EASY AS

1-2-3

The leaves might be falling, but the deals are just starting to spring up at your Suzuki Marine dealer.

Make your best Fall Boat Show deal on a new Suzuki outboard from 25 to 300 horsepower and take advantage of not just one, but all three special Suzuki offers.

See your Suzuki Marine dealer today and get on the water with a powerful, reliable new Suzuki.

REPOWER FINANCE

1.

2.

Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 300 HP.

Cash Rebates on select models.

See your dealer for details.

3.

Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards (OAC).*

Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 300 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 9/01/17 and 12/31/17 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska.

Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase.

If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Cash Rebates apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 9/01/17 and 12/31/17. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Customer and participating Dealer must fill out the appropriate rebate form at time of sale. Cash rebate 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 9/01/17 and 12/31/17. “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. © 2017 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

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