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PHOTO BY NICK CARTER VOLUME 23 • ISSUE 271
F R A N C H I S E
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A V A I L A B L E
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RADAR
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Target AnalyzerTM function, facilitated by Doppler technology, immediately alerts you to targets (displayed in red) that pose a threat to your vessel. Simultaneously track up to 100 moving targets, displaying their speed & course vectors.
RezBoostTM beam sharpening displays higher resolution targets, similar to those from an open array antenna.
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EDITOR IN CHIEF : Ben Martin • camads@coastalanglermagazine.com VICE PRESIDENT : Tracy Patterson • tracy@coastalanglermagazine.com ART DIRECTOR : Rebecca Snowden • graphics@coastalanglermagazine.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR : Nick Carter • editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com WEBMASTER : Dmitriy Pislyagin • webmaster@coastalanglermagazine.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Corporate Headquarters info@coastalanglermagazine.com • 888-800-9794
FLORIDA
BIG BEND : Mike McNamara • (850) 510-7919 • captmike@coastalanglermagazine.com BREVARD : David String • (321) 684-5888 • dstring@coastalanglermagazine.com DAYTONA/NEW SMYRNA BEACH : Don Meadows • (321) 436-5895 • donm@coastalanglermagazine.com FLORIDA KEYS : Cliff Lumpkin • (305) 849-9093 • cliff@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT LAUDERDALE : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT MYERS : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER MIAMI : Scott Deal • (561) 945-6999 • scott@coastalanglermagazine.com Monica Isaza-Deal • (561) 945-8899 • monica@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER ORLANDO : Phillip & Giselle Wolf • (407) 790-9515 • phillip@coastalanglermagazine.com LAKELAND & SUMTER : Mary Brasher • (352) 598-4219 • maryf@coastalanglermagazine.com NAPLES : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com NC FLORIDA/NATURE COAST : Cary & Lynn Crutchfield • (352) 372-4237 • crutch@coastalanglermagazine.com NE FLORIDA : Danny Patrick • (904) 742-4696 • danny@coastalanglermagazine.com PANAMA CITY/FORGOTTEN COAST : Randy Cnota • (229) 834-7880 • randyc@coastalanglermagazine.com PALM BEACH COUNTY : Barbara Ryan • (561) 373-8040 • barbara@coastalanglermagazine.com SARASOTA : Phil Prevoir • (239) 257-4684 • pprevoir@coastalanglermagazine.com TAMPA BAY : Chuck Atkins • (239) 464-5153 • chuck@coastalanglermagazine.com TREASURE COAST : Misti & Gary Guertin • (772) 285-6850 • treasurecoast@coastalanglermagazine.com flahama@coastalanglermagazine.com
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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
Chairs & Seats
NORTHEAST BOSTON : George Regan • (617) 488-2842 • boston@coastalanglermagazine.com LONG ISLAND : Lisa & Michael Danforth • (203) 321-7635 • lisad@coastalanglermagazine.com CONNECTICUT / RHODE ISLAND : Lisa & Michael Danforth • (203) 321-7635 lisad@coastalanglermagazine.com
GULF COAST
GALVESTON/MATAGORDA/UPPER COAST : Chanci & David Mowry • (713) 446-7395 • chancim@coastalanglermagazine.com • davidm@coastalanglermagazine.com MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST : Adam Nelson • (228) 627-5903 • anelson@coastalanglermagazine.com Toby Nelson • (228) 623-1761 • tnelson@coastalanglermagazine.com NEW ORLEANS : Dr. Dave Dunaway • (225) 400-8156 • nola@coastalanglermagazine.com
GREAT LAKES
UPSTATE NEW YORK : Frank Geremski • (518) 898-6484 • frankie@theanglermagazine.com WEST MICHIGAN : Phil Belsito • (616) 957-1714 • phil@theanglermagazine.com
INTERNATIONAL BAHAMAS : Misti & Gary Guertin • (772) 285-6850 • treasurecoast@coastalanglermagazine.com flahama@coastalanglermagazine.com PUERTO RICO/VIRGIN ISLANDS : Ace Bassue • (407) 285-9453 • ace@coastalanglermagazine.com COSTA RICA : Mike Erickson • (561) 262-2242 • mike@coastalanglermagazine.com © 2017. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Disclaimer: Coastal Angler Magazine / The Angler Magazine will not be held liable for injuries incurred while partaking in activities described herein, or for claims made against products or services provided by advertisers.
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no pressure
Gulf Grouper By CAM Staff
C
rystal LaFosse fishes a lot. She’s traveled to destination fisheries around the world. Everywhere she’s been has its own allure, but she said when it comes to catching fish, nowhere compares to Louisiana’s Gulf Coast. What would you expect to hear from a Louisiana girl? Cajun Tackle in Lake Charles, La. is the family business, which Crystal operates with her brother and her parents. She is the founder and director of the Salty Catch Fishing Rodeo in Lake Charles and director of the Tuna & Swordfish Challenge at Hurricane Hole in Grand Isle, La. Even with so much fishing in her work life, she relishes the opportunity to launch out of Lake Charles with family, friends and her 6-year-old son Cardyn. Despite the excellent inshore opportunities nearby in the maze of waterways and Calcasieu Lake, Crystal’s favorite destination is well over 100 miles out in the Gulf in grouper water. West Louisiana doesn’t enjoy the same proximity to deep water as destinations to the east. With runs inside 50 miles out of Venice or Grand Isle, anglers flock to the deep-water rigs and rock bottom where the edge of the Continental Shelf provides dramatic depth changes. Out of Lake Charles, it’s a 110- to 130-mile run to reach the 200-foot depths and prime grouper territory. However, those willing to make longer runs will find bottom that hasn’t already been picked clean by other anglers. “Most people don’t come here to target grouper because the run offshore is so far,” Crystal said, “but that also makes it good because the area is not over-fished.” Yellowedge, gag, and strawberry grouper are some of Crystal’s personal favorites, but she said it’s always fun when the rod tip bends over and you really don’t know what you’re bringing up. Regardless of the species, grouper are some of the best eating fish in the sea, and loading the box with delicious fish is half the fun. “There’s nothing better than cranking in a huge Warsaw grouper. That’s just the best!” she said. The challenge of strapping on a harness and battling a big Warsaw is enough to test anyone’s strength and endurance. Reeling up a 200-plus-pounder is on Crystal’s to-do list. “Typically the big grouper hang on the up-current side of the rigs in 200 to 250 feet of water,” Crystal said. “Bottom fishing, you’re looking for rock or reef formations, drop offs and drastic water depth changes. Usually anything over 200 feet is good grouper territory.” For Crystal, “anything over 200 feet” is sometimes 500 feet or deeper, when you never know what’s going to come up on the end of the line. Her rigs account for the dark waters at these depths with lights that mimic the bioluminescence of squid and attract grouper. “There are several ways to deep drop, and grouper rigs can be made with one to five hooks, ” she said. “Typically when you’re targeting a big warsaw, it’s with an 18/0 or 20/0 circle hook rig with glowing lights, a 3- to 5-pound weight and live bait around the oil rigs. I make my own three-hook rigs using 8/0 or 10/0 circle hooks, glow in the dark squid, lights, and topped with dead squid bait… You can use the 3-5 hook rigs around structure or just bottom fishing on rock piles. “The glow squid are from Offshore Angler, Fathom Offshore, and many other brands. The LED deep-drop lights range in colors of blue,
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red, green or disco, and there are many different brands from Offshore Angler or Lindgren-Pitman, which we have a selection of at Cajun Tackle,” she continued. “These lights and glow squid attract the grouper in the deep dark water. The squid are put on just above the hook, so when you add your bait it’s glowing right above it. The light is added about a foot above the rig and attached with a snap swivel or rubber band.” As much as anything, heading offshore is an opportunity to explore. Crystal said she and her friends all have the same standard coordinates marked on their electronics, but everyone has their favorites, and she’s had a few trips when they ran up on new bottom that turned out to be great. “We have spent time seeking out new numbers to mark, and that just keeps it interesting,” she said. “Keeping the depthfinder on while running from spot to spot, paying attention to any changes in depth and bottom, you can really find some good spots. The ocean is such a wonderful place, and there are so many new things to explore. I think that’s what keeps me coming back. Every trip is different and special in its own way.” When she’s not fishing, Crystal LaFosse can be found working the shop at Cajun Tackle in Lake Charles, La. After a successful second-annual Salty Catch Fishing Rodeo in July, the Tuna & Swordfish Challenge is coming up Sept. 28-Oct. 1 at Hurricane Hole Resort and Marina in Grand Isle. Follow Crystal’s adventures on Instagram @crystallafosse.
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Mountain Lakes Are Calling
By Nick Carter eering into clear-green water from the casting deck, frantic movement is the first thing to catch your eye. As a morning fog evaporates, rolling mountains rise up all around and the sun breaks through to reveal small groups of blueback herring. They dart back and forth, skittering near the surface to evade or confuse predators below. Then it happens. It starts with a few scattered topwater hits and intensifies. By the time you look up from impaling the nose of a blueback from the bait tank, there is an acre of water boiling. Big hybrid bass herd herring around the cove. The trolling motor whirrs to keep you in casting range. For the next few hours the action came in flurries, with multiple anglers battling through double and triple hook-ups whenever baits encountered a school of hungry hybrids. Some fish came on multiple downlines arrayed in rod holders. The most exciting takes
P
were on the pitch rods, lightweight rigs kept ready for surfacing fish. Either way, the key to drawing strikes was a lively bait, and this is the style of fishing you’ll experience with Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. They fish the gorgeous mountain lakes on both sides of the Georgia, North Carolina border. This trip was on Lake Chatuge, a 7,200-acre impoundment of the Hiawassee River that stretches 13 miles from Hayesville, N.C. south to Hiawassee, Ga. The lake is known for big spotted and hybrid bass. If you’ve never battled a hybrid approaching double digits on light tackle, it makes reeling in a 10-pound largemouth seem comparable to fighting a wet shoe. The same could be said for most of the species guides Shane Goebel and Darren Hughes pursue. Big Ol’ Fish concentrates on three lakes in the region and plans trips based on where the current bite is best. Southwest of Chatuge, Lake Nottely is a 4,200-acre impoundment of the Nottely River. Its primary draw is trophy striped bass. Stripers from 20 to 40 pounds show up regularly on this reservoir outside Blairsville, Ga. The elusive 50-plus-pounder is what everyone seeks, and very lucky anglers just might find it trolling bluebacks, big gizzard shad or trout. Those who prefer counting fish to weighing them will find fast action on Lake Hiwassee near Murphy, N.C. It is a 6,000-acre reservoir in the same drainage, which for some reason is spelled differently in North Carolina. Lake Hiwassee features breathtaking cliff formations and spectacular fishing for smallmouths that reach 6 pounds and larger, as well as big walleye and striper. Over a couple action-packed trips with Darren and Shane on their The Angler Magazine-wrapped Carolina Skiff, one couldn’t help ask why they don’t fish artificials when the bite gets so hot. Their answer, almost in unison, was: “Because we like catching lots of fish.” That sentiment is hard to argue with, but it’s worth noting that Darren owns Hughes General Store in Blairsville, the area’s primary purveyor of live baits. Rumor has it they make a mean biscuit. Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service can be found online at bigolfish.com. Call them at 828-361-2021.
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Micron : Generations of Innovation ®
The innovation continues… We are excited to introduce Micron WA as the newest addition to the Micron Technology family. Micron WA is a multi-seasonal, polishing, water-based antifouling with the unique Water Activated matrix. This novel paint technology delivers a crisp color, and premium long lasting protection for all waters! The Micron Technology family offers a range of premium products that meets your needs while delivering true and proven performance. For generations Micron Technology has been protecting boats coast to coast by improving fuel efficiencies while reducing paint build up through controlled polishing. Whatever the year, you know you’ll always have the latest and best in Micron Technology. Visit our website for more information – yachtpaint.com
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All trademarks mentioned are owned by, or licensed to, the AkzoNobel group of companies. © AkzoNobel 2017.
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FOUL WEATHE ExOfficio Camino Convertible Pant-Short
Huk Next Level Kryptek All Weather Bib
Perfect storm, meet the perfect bib. Huk’s Next Level Bib is built to keep Mother Nature at bay. They start with a lightweight stretch 3-layer, waterproof 10,000mm/Breathable 5000g shell. It’s 100 percent waterproof and windproof, which keeps all the elements out while maintaining best-in-class breathability. All the seams are taped and zippers welded to keep them from leaking. Non-binding and high-stretch, the bib is exceptionally comfortable and gives the wearer a full range of motion. Zip side entry allows for easy on and off, and there’s a zip fly for… well, you know. Gear can be kept handy in a large waterproof tape-welded chest pocket or dual front-thigh bellowed cargo pockets. There’s an internal mesh chest pouch pocket for items you keep close to your heart. Articulated knees are reinforced for durability. Velcro side tabs attached to a rear belt system and boot hem zippers allow the wearer to completely customize the fit. Elastic Huk-branded shoulder straps also optimize comfort. With Huk’s Next Level Bib, there is no such thing as bad weather.
www.hukgear.com Dakine Caliber Jacket The Caliber Jacket is Dakine’s go anywhere, do anything rain jacket. The company’s most technical men’s everyday jacket, the Caliber is sure to become an everyday, lightweight layer for guys who enjoy any type of outdoor adventure. Don’t let the good-looking modern tailored fit fool you. This is a hard-core weatherproof jacket with a waterproof shell that features fully seam-sealed, breathable construction with waterproof zippers and a helmetcompatible cinch hood to keep moisture out. Mechanical stretch 2.5 Layer construction provides a 20K/20K rating, which means this outer layer provides a wide range of motion with superb waterproof breathability. Underarm pit zips provide added ventilation for temperature regulation. Anglers will appreciate bomb-proof zippers that will stand up to the roughest marine environments and the clean exterior, which limits linegrabbing and tangling potential. Notable fit features include an extended back hem, articulated sleeves and adjustable cuffs. An invisible zippered media chest pocket keeps your electronic gadgetry safe, dry and secure. Dakine is based in the windy and wet Pacific Northwest, and the Caliber jacket is designed to keep wearers comfortable and dry in just those conditions.
ExOfficio prides itself on high-performance apparel for travel and adventure, and their technical clothing might as well be custommade for anglers. Their Sol Cool line is designed for the sun, and the Camino Convertible Pant-Short is perfect to keep you comfortable whether you’re wetwading a mountain stream, casting from the deck of a bass boat or poling the Bermudian flats. The benefits of zip-off legs are obvious for anyone who has spent any time on the water, and UPF 50 sun protection is essential for long days in the sun. The jade-infused Nycott fabric with Teflon Shield+ is very durable, stands up to rough treatment and even feels cool to the touch. Silvadur anti-bacterial technology helps eliminate odor, so you’ll smell fresher when you come off the water. The Camino Convertible Pant-Short features two security zip cargo pockets, a cell phone pouch inside the right leg pocket, two security zip back pockets, zippered leg hems, full inseam gusset, contoured tricot-lined waistband and an indestructible button system. All lengths zip off to an 8.5-inch short. And weighing just 10.5 ounces, you might forget you’re wearing pants.
www.exofficio.com Xtratuf Legacy 2.0 Engineered to withstand the world’s toughest conditions, the Legacy 2.0 is a hardcore fishing boot 50 years in the making. The latest addition to XTRATUF’s iconic legacy collection features an advanced new outsole that surpasses the SRC slip resistance rating, a textured heel for easy on/off that won’t get caught in gill nets and a contoured toppling binding so it does not rub harshly against calves. Acid- and chemicalresistant uppers along with shin and bib guards keep fishermen protected while a Polyurethane insole ensures comfort for long days on deck. All boots within the Legacy collection are 100 percent waterproof with unique performance features. Each boot is made with XTRATUF’s signature triple dipping technique, which creates a seamless barrier that is highly resistant to many organic and inorganic acids, chemicals and contaminants. The latex neoprene is ozone resistant and is softer, lighter and far more pliable than ordinary rubber. Cushioned insoles with arch support help fight fatigue and stress on the legs and back. All XTRATUF Legacy boots come with a non-marking, slip-resistant Chevron outsole that provides unparalleled traction on any surface in the most extreme conditions.
www.xtratufboots.com
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HER GEAR Sherpa Nilgiri Pant
If they’ll keep you comfortable in the Himalayas, they’ll keep you comfortable anywhere. Sherpa’s Nilgiris are the perfect soft-shell pant for any outdoor activity in cold conditions.
If there’s anyone who knows how to stay warm in bitter cold conditions, it’s waterfowlers, who view frigid temperatures as invitation to go out into the field. Heybo’s Delta Vest is designed to protect you from bitter winds on those cold-weather days. This classic-cut piece features Realtree Max 5 camo, a vertical zippered pocket on the left chest, and two lower zippered pockets. The Delta Vest is built to be worn in the field or as a casual piece. With a full zip front, the Delta Vest features 100 percent poly fleece to keep your core warm while allowing freedom of movement for your arms. Even in damp conditions, this moisture wicking garment will keep you warm. The Delta vest may have been designed for duck hunting, but any outdoorsman will appreciate the warmth and functionality of this versatile vest.
www.heybooutdoors.com
Stretchy and quiet, Nilgiris keep you feeling warm, dry and comfortable even as you work up a sweat. They are made of a three-layer softshell laminate and lined with a light, soft fleece, so they provide breathable, durable, wind and water repellant shelter for your legs. They are also stretchy, which means moving in them feels unrestricted and effortless. Wear them with a base-layer or on their own to suit conditions.
The North Face Men’s Venture 2 Jacket The Venture 2 Jacket is an unlined, packable, weatherproof rain jacket that is perfect for year-round use. Whether you’re in the backcountry of the Florida Keys or the Blue Ridge Mountains, this lightweight, waterproof and windproof jacket will be there to protect you from the elements when you need it.
The Three-layer softshell laminate is highly breathable and wind- and water-proof. A gusseted crotch accommodates a full and natural range of motion. Three zip pockets—two hand and one thigh—keep essentials handy. Long, twoway, ankle zippers allow for venting and easy on and off over boots. An integrated, adjustable belt customizes the fit, and there are no seams on top of the knees to chafe or cause discomfort. These pants are functional enough to keep you happy in the harshest conditions and comfortable enough to wear around the house.
www. sherpaadventuregear. co.uk Under Armour Storm Surge The Storm Surge is exactly the lightweight rain jacket one would expect from Under Armour, a company devoted to designing high-performance apparel. Unbelievably lightweight and packable, the Storm Surge is a jacket that is easy to keep on-hand, whether in a pack or stowed in a box, which means it is the jacket that will be there when those pop-up thunderstorms roll over the water. UA’s Storm technology has created a shell that is 100 percent waterproof, with fully taped seams to keep the wearer dry in wet weather. And this piece of gear does not sacrifice breathability. A 10K/10K rating means the Storm Surge has found a good balance between keeping water out while allowing airflow For those warm, humid days, when some rain jackets just leave you wet with sweat instead of rain, on-demand zip vents under the arms provide additional breathability to keep the wearer cool and dry. On cool mornings, windproof materials and construction block out the breeze with 2.5 layer bonded fabric and a durable, smooth exterior. The Storm Surge has a loose, fuller cut for complete comfort and a full range of motion. Adjustable cuffs and a bungee hem keep moisture from creeping in, while zippered hand pockets keep gear safe.
www.underarmour.com
Heybo Delta Vest-Max 5
The North Face’s DryVent 2.5L technology utilizes a polyurethane coating that is remarkably waterproof, breathable and durable to create a jacket for active pursuits where light weight and packability are essential. An inner layer finished with dry touch print helps raise the fabric from the skin for comfort and to enable quick transfer of vapor to the outside. The Venture 2 also packs up small into its own pocket. In short, wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, this jacket is designed to be there to keep you dry and comfortable. A relaxed fit and adjustable hood provide a full range of motion as well as room for extra layers, hats or helmets. Pit-zip venting increases breathability. Hand pockets are covered and zippered to store gear safe and dry. Adjustable Velcro cuff tabs keep water from running down your arm while casting, and a hem cinch-cord stops wetness from coming in from below. With a durable yet breathable ripstop exterior, it is likely the wearer will never need to use The North Face’s legendary lifetime warranty.
www.northface.com HammerHead Mahi Mahi Ahi Gloves The HammerHead Dentex, Mahi Mahi Ahi gloves are protection on “rear-knuckle” steroids! Hammerhead has taken its best-selling red Dentex cutresistant gloves and added a thick coat of “EKP” or Enhanced Knuckle Protection to create the perfect gloves for spearfishing and lobstering. Dentex gloves were already the No. 1 best-selling protective gloves for warm water. Made from special UHMW ANSI Level 5 fabrics, they are light, flexible and offer incredible cut and puncture resistant protection up to 15 times stronger than steel. With chemical- and heat-resistant Nitrile Grip coating, you’ll never lose your grip on pole spears, rocks, fillet knives, lobster snares or with any application where extra grip is desired. With the addition of EKP, Hammerhead has brought a new and improved glove to the marketplace that offers complete protection for the front as well as the back of your hands and especially your knuckles.
www.hammerheadspearguns.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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What’s It Like to Live in a Log Cabin?
By Ben Martin • Editor in Chief
View time-lapsed video at www.blueridgelogcabins.net As an outdoor enthusiast, I’m naturally drawn to the aesthetic charm of log cabins. I have enjoyed numerous stays and vacations in log cabins over the years. Living in one on a long term or even potentially permanent basis is an intriguing thought for me. With that question in mind, I set out to speak with individuals who have taken that step, just to get their honest opinions, before I make the leap to a log cabin as my permanent residence. My first call was to Mark Alberghini, our Charlotte, North Carolina co-publisher. He and his family have been living in a log cabin for more than 20 years. According to Mark, returning to his cabin after a stressfilled day in the publishing business offers an immediate calming effect. He went on to say that living in a log cabin has left him less interested in vacations than at any other time in his life. His now-grown daughters tell him they are always pleased to return to the log cabin for holidays and family events, and that it seems to have created a deeper sense of tradition than many of their friends who live in conventional homes seem to experience.
I then contacted several Blue Ridge Log Cabin homeowners to see how they compared the experience of log cabin living to conventional homes. Jerry and Carol Clark, who recently moved into their Blue Ridge Log Cabin, said the experience of returning to their log home is much more enjoyable than that of their previous conventional homes. Blue Ridge Log Cabin owner and high school principle Charlie Burry informed us that, “As a high school principle, I value regular downtime away from the pressures of my job.” In that regard, Mr. Burry went on to say, “My wife and I greatly enjoy the peace and relaxation afforded by log-home living verses a conventional home.” Jim Austin, another Blue Ridge Log Cabin owner, commented, “several years ago we decided to change our lifestyle and head out of the hustle and bustle of city life and settle for the quiet and serene country life. We found the perfect wooded location in the foothills of the Appalachians, complete with a little stream running through it. These past five years have been fantastic. We couldn’t have picked a better location or company to build our home. We absolutely love the quietness of the woods in which deer and turkey abound. The sound of our little creek in the morning mist seems heaven sent. Perfect setting, perfect cabin. We love it and wouldn’t change cabin living for the world.” Throughout the numerous interviews that were conducted, the response was always the same. Those homeowners who had changed from a conventional home to a log cabin unanimously agreed, the feeling of contentment, relaxation and satisfaction with the log home was far superior to that of their conventional home. Had this little research project been a survey, it would have seemed artificially skewed. Rarely will you find 100 percent of your survey group in agreement on nearly any subject. In this inquiry, every single person, without exception, agreed that they would never trade log-home living for a conventional home. That’s what it’s like to live in a log cabin.
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SOUTHEAST
By Capt. Randy Cnota
A
s you pull onto the side of the road, you see mullet being chased by predators in the skinny waters of St. George Sound. You can’t help but grin because you know this area is inaccessible to most boats, and you’ll likely have it all to yourself. Redfish, trout, flounder, jack crevalle, pompano and so many more species are yours for the taking once you’ve settled into your kayak and floated away from land. There are more than 40 canoe/kayak launches in and around Franklin County, Fla. Most are found within Tate’s Hell State Forest or the Apalachicola National Forest. The freedom kayaking offers anglers in this area is a refreshing alternative to motorized boating, and the amount of accessible waters seems endless. From the Carrabelle River to St. Vincent Sound, to include the Apalachicola River, Apalachicola Bay, St. George Sound and East Bay, these diverse ecosystems where fresh and salt waters meet create a kayak fisherman’s paradise. Slip your ’yak into Scipio Creek at the mouth of The Apalachicola River, paddle up the marsh and catch bass, trout and reds all in the same trip. Throw it in the Gulf of Mexico off of St. George Island and bag some pompano for the table; you can do both in the same day! You don’t have to be an expert kayaker to enjoy a day gliding across these pristine waters to cast for world-class fish or simply take in the amazing scenery; you don’t even have to own one. Places like Island Outfitters and Journeys have them for rent. Advice on how to catch what’s biting is always free, and they have all the gear you need for a successful day of fishing or just paddling.
The fall version of the Apalachicola Paddle Jam festival will be held Oct. 6-8 in Apalachicola and on St. George Island. This three-day festival celebrates the Forgotten Coast through paddlesports, music and food, with events happening at various locations in Apalachicola and St. George Island. The highlight of the event will be an attempt by paddlers to break the world record for the largest floating kayak raft. For those with a competitive fishing edge, there will be a kayak fishing tournament. This event promises to be huge fun! If you’ve never experienced the peace and joy that kayaking can bring, add this to your bucket list and give it a go. There’s a reason this sport is growing so rapidly… it’s a blast, and this area is a kayaker’s paradise! Franklin County features multiple kayak and boat rental options. For a complete list of rentals, charters and supplies, visit
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Your fish is waiting. Florida’s Forgotten Coast
Boaters and mariners will find something to love in Franklin County. Carrabelle features deep water access to the Gulf of Mexico and freshwater rivers. Plan a kayak or day sailing eco-adventure from Apalachicola or St. George Island. Eastpoint and Alligator Point offer direct access to the best inshore fishing on the Gulf Coast. Bring your own boat or rent one here; there’s no better place to enjoy Florida’s Forgotten Coast.
Visit Floridasforgottencoast.com/ca for complete launch, marina, guide and tackle information.
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TIPS FROM A PRO
NORTH CAROLINA
I
BRANDON LESTER
finished sixth in the recent Bassmaster Elite Series event on Lake Champlain in New York and Vermont using a fairly new technique called the “Ned rig” and a dropshot. The Ned has been out for a couple of years now, but I just picked it up and started fishing it this past spring. I haven’t put it down since, and I can assure you the Ned is here to stay. When I first saw it, I wondered under what circumstance would it be any better than a shaky head or a drop shot. Let me explain it like this: A mechanic has a whole box full of tools. Some of those tools can serve multiple purposes, but there will always be one tool that does each job the best. The Ned rig is a tool you better have in your bass fishing box. The Ned rig really shines when fish are on a clean bottom in pretty clear water. The rig itself is basically a mushroom-style jighead with an exposed hook. The exposed hook makes it tough to use in cover. Start by looking for banks or flats where the bottom is fairly clean with some isolated targets that hold fish. These objects could be mooring buoys, big rocks, stumps, or really anything for the fish to get around. Although the Ned is a fairly slow way to fish, you can still cover water once you figure out the targets the fish are holding on. I’ve also had success fishing the Ned on bluff-type banks in the winter and early spring. This is especially good on lakes with smallmouth or spotted bass, but I’ve caught all three species on this rig. The way I fish the Ned is simple. All you do is let it fall to the bottom on a slack line. Watch your line as it’s falling, as sometimes they will grab it on the fall. Once the bait hits the bottom, tighten your line and shake your rod tip. All you’re doing is shaking the bait in place, not moving it forward. Once you’ve shaken it, move the bait toward you a foot or two and do the same thing. Most of your bites will come on the initial fall or the first or
second time you shake it, so don’t waste too much time on a cast. Many times you won’t feel the bite, so it is important to use a line you can see to detect a fish swimming off with the bait. The right rod, reel, line, jighead and bait are the key to making this technique work. I start with an MHX-EPS81-MLXF rod that is 6’9” in length and mediumlight action. I like a pretty soft rod so I can throw that light jighead a long way. Use a good quality 2500-size spinning reel filled with 10lb. Vicious Hi-Vis yellow braid for your main line with a 6- to 8-foot leader of 8-lb. Vicious Pro Elite fluorocarbon. I use the new Mustad Grip Pin Ned jigheads. I mostly between a 1/8-ounce, but they are made up to 1/4 ounce with 1/0, 2/0 or 3/0 hooks. I use an X-Zone Lures True Center Stick cut in half for almost all of my Ned-rigging.
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BLUE RIDGE
By Jimmy Harris • They might seem cute, but a mother bear with cubs is one of the most dangerous animals on the planet.
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lot of anglers make trips out West for the world-class trout fishing and magnificent scenery. My personal pilgrimages began in 1987, and I’ve tried to make it back at least once a year since. The Yellowstone region is my favorite, both in and out of the Yellowstone National Park. I’ve been fortunate to observe a lot of wildlife while fishing: black bear, bison, moose, elk, wolves, even a few grizzlies. I am always humbled to be fishing in their territory.
Until recently, I can’t say I’ve truly been fearful at any time. Grizzlies were elusive for almost 20 years for me. I’ve seen several big bears from a distance; I just never crossed paths with one up close. My relationship with grizzlies took an abrupt turn a couple of weeks ago while fishing the Firehole River. My partners and I were off the road a few hundred yards but still within hearing of thousands of tourists. We had split up on the river, and the fishing was excellent, with great dry fly action for beautiful browns. An hour into the morning, I began walking upstream to catch up with John and Vince. It crossed my mind that these were the “beariest” woods I had ever been in. It just felt different. My head swiveled in all directions, straining to tune in to my surroundings. Finally, I saw my buddies. Vince immediately yelled across the river that John just spotted a big sow and two cubs a hundred yards upstream out in the meadow, on my side of the river. John told me I needed to be on their side. No kidding! Problem was the river was too deep and swift to cross. My choices were to walk back through the spooky woods a quarter mile until I found a spot to cross or ease upstream toward the bear and cross where the meadow met the trees. John volunteered to slip up the other side and look for Mama Bear. I timidly followed on my side, staying behind so he could signal if the old girl was still around. Just as John was about to tell me he no longer saw the bears in the meadow, I stepped past a pine tree and looked to my right. There, about 10 yards away, was the 3-foot-wide hind end of a bear. Thankfully, she was facing away from me and the wind was in my favor. Otherwise, I might not be telling this story. Fear and clarity don’t begin to describe what goes through your mind at this point. It’s amazing how quickly your brain can send the signal to your feet to “Get outta here!” Fortunately, I think I escaped without her even knowing I was nearby. Interestingly, as I was hot-footing it downstream, I found a place to cross the river that minutes before seemed impassable. Here’s the advice I want to pass along: If you plan to fish in grizzly country, carry bear spray. Jimmy Harris owns Unicoi Outfitters in Helen, Ga. Check them out at www.unicoioutfitters.com.
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MURPHY AREA
Murphy Area Fishing Report, and “Last Chance” on Apalachia By Aaron Kephart
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have been spending the vast majority of my time on Hiwassee catching a ton of stripers the last few weeks. These fish are constantly on the move and never seem to be in the same place two days in a row (due in large part to the falling water and falling water temperatures). However, we have been catching good numbers, and they are still growing at an impressive rate. Most are coming on down lines with live herring, but we have been catching some on free lines with light spinning tackle (always a blast), and we are even getting into some topwater stripers again right at daybreak. I have also made a couple of trips to Chatuge recently. The spotted bass fishing is great (as always), but what has impressed me is the hybrid fishery. It is better now than it has been in 20 years. However, my main focus this month is on an upcoming issue that will have a massive impact on fisherman on Apalachia lake. A lot of readers have contacted me about fishing Apalachia, and a lot of my regular clients are also property owners on the lake. With that in mind, I wanted to make everyone aware of what is going on down there. I have heard from a number of reliable sources that Apalachia
is going to undergo a significant drawdown within the next few months in order to make some necessary repairs to the dam. I do not have an exact date as to when this is supposed to happen, but I do know that it is supposed to be from the river channel all the way to Greenway bend. This drawdown could already be underway when you read this, but I don’t anticipate it happening until late in September or early October. This means that there will be no boat launch access on the lake. I have also been told that this drawdown will last between 7 months and a year. If you’ve ever wanted to fish this awesome lake with me for giant smallmouth or brown trout, or if you have fished it with me in the past and would like to go again, time is of the essence. As of this writing, I still have a couple of September and October dates open, but I am filling up fast. Although I am still catching large numbers of good stripers on Hiwassee, I personally would like to get in a few more trips on my favorite lake (Apalachia) before I don’t have that option for a while. If you can’t make it before the drawdown but still want to experience some of the awesome winter smallmouth fishing that I am
known for, don’t worry. I have other lakes that I can guide on for that species in the winter, but Apalachia is undoubtedly my favorite. In addition, if you are one of my regular clients (and readers) who owns property on the lake, I will do my best to keep you informed as to the timeline when I get more info. Don’t hesitate to call. On another note, I wanted to make everyone aware of a new development with my business. In the past, I have capped parties at 4 people, and I preferred 3 or less. However, I recently purchased a much larger boat that can accommodate groups of 7 (although 5 or so, plus me, is more comfortable). I am now the proud owner
of a 22 foot, Xpress Bay boat with a Yamaha 4 stroke, T-top, and the latest in trolling motors and electronics. I would love for you to come and fish in it with me, so give me a call!
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
Monster Lake Chatuge Hybrids With Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service By Darren Hughes
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his summer has been off the charts for us out here on Lake Chatuge. We’ve had one of the most productive and exciting hybrid bites in years and now that fall is knocking on our doors, it should remain the same. Currently, Lake Chatuge is 3 feet below full pool. Water temps are
in the low 80s, 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. Most of our hybrids are averaging 8-12 pounds. These are some of Lake Chatuge’s hard-
est-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. 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. September 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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SEPTEMBER 2017
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 3
LAKE HIWASSEE
Lake Hiwassee Striper Explosion! By Shane Goebel
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eptember usually means several things. The kids are back in school, the start of fall, and the arrival of cooler weather. It also means some explosive “off the hook” striper fishing on Lake Hiwassee. 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 6 feet below full pool. Water clarity is clear and water temps are in the mid 80s. Striper fishing has been excellent. We’ve been averaging 20 to 30 stripers per morning out here. The early-morning and evening bites are your best times to see action. Target creek mouths and points off the main lake channel. During the hot sunny days of summer, search out areas with some
good shade. The majority of our fish have been caught 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 school up through the next couple of months and will remain in deeper water. 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’re 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 and spotted bass 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 throughout 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 bass to continue to school through the rest of next month as well. September 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. We Run Trips 365 Days A Year. Book Your Trip Now!
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Fishing on the Bottom
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By Justin Mickens
eight is something that is often misunderstood in fly fishing. Where to place the split shot, how much weight to put on, and which weight rod to use are all questions most anglers ask me. When rigging your setup, consider where the fish are holding, how fast the water is flowing, and what fly you are using. Trout can hold in many different locations in a stream. Wild trout may hold in areas completely different from stocked trout. Stocked trout will usually hold on the bottom of deep pools, where the current is slower. They do not have the muscle to fight the current for long periods, when first stocked. When fish are holding on the bottom, sometimes you have to use a lot of weight, according to how fast the water is running. There is no definite answer to how much weight to put on. Usually, I will start out with a small amount and add more, as needed. When
using split shot, I will place it 6 to 12 inches from my fly. The fly you are using can also determine how much weight you need to use. A lead wrapped fly might have enough weight to reach the bottom by itself. Fly fishing is all about putting a fly where a fish will bite it. Nymphs are normally found on the bottom of a stream. If I am fishing a nymph, I want it 6 to 12 inches off the bottom of the stream. This puts it in the optimal area for a fish to eat it.
Emergers and soft hackles are great to run under a dry fly. Soft hackles are very versatile flies, that can be placed anywhere in the water column, according to where the fish are feeding, while emergers are usually found just under the surface. The weight of your rod is determined by the size and weight of the
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fly you are casting. I have found a 5 weight is a good all-around rod for my area. It gives me enough power to turn over heavy flies, but also allows me to cast dry flies effortlessly. If you find yourself having a hard time casting a weighted fly, consider going up a rod size. The same goes for casting dry flies. If you find your fly smacking the water, consider going down a rod size. There are many books, videos, tutorials, and websites dedicated to teaching the proper way to fly fish. Take in all you can, but apply what you can to yourself. There are no rules when it comes to fly fishing, and many fish have been caught by someone doing something “wrong”. Develop your own technique. Write your own rules. Time on the water is the best teacher there is. Until next time, tight lines and stable rocks!
Justin Mickens is Co-Owner and Manager of Appalachian Outfitters Fly Shop in Murphy, NC.
SEPTEMBER 2017
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 5
NANTAHALA
“River Monsters” Of The Nantahala By Ken Kastorff
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k Bill, throw your fly over there and let it sink to the bottom.” “Let the slighter line go under about two feet, it’s deep here.” “Don’t fall asleep though, pay attention, this is a good spot.” We had just dropped into one of the many deep holes that are common to the eight-mile tail race of the Nantahala River. The line tightened up and Bill did a sharp set and had yet one more beautiful native Nantahala rainbow on the line. All was going according to plan until the line mysteriously stopped. “ I think I’m hung on something on the bottom,” Bill said. I looked at the line and noticed it was still moving slowly away from us, but Bill’s rod was definitely bent over a lot more that when he originally hooked
up. “Oh boy Bill, hang on, I think you got something big on the line, game on!” I moved the boat down stream to a shallow area and the fight continued. Bill did a great job of rod handling and eventually we got the fish to a place where we could see what was on the line. Bills 10” rainbow was being held crosswise in the powerful jaws of a 30 plus inch Brown trout. We fought that brown for fifteen minutes before it finally released the rainbow. Twice, Bill had it within four feet of the net but, being true to the Brown Trout MO, it hugged the bottom of the river like a catfish, staying far away from the net. I always like watching River Monsters. It’s interesting to see what lurks in the depths. Here, in the southeast, we have a river monster and it’s called a Brown Trout. It’s the large mouth bass of the trout family. It’s aggressive, fearless, and sure would seem to be a river monster if you happened to be a small critter in it’s domain. Each year, I see at least half a dozen rainbows that have been hooked up and are being fought to the net, get chased or attacked by big brown trout. Rainbows, up to twelve inches, are fair game along with mice, frogs, crayfish, sculpins,
and anything else that happens to look tasty. It’s more like fishing for musky than trout. I had a nice 24 inch brown follow a streamer right to the raft one day. My musky fishing reflexes kicked in and I did a few figure eights next to the raft. That brown hit the fly hard, within inches of the raft. When they have their sights set on a meal, nothing will get in their way. Last year, a friend of mine had a big brown eat a rainbow he had hooked up. They fought the fish until it finally gave the rainbow up. They threw the rainbow back in the river and the brown came back and took it again. Another interesting thing about brown trout fishing is, if you happen to turn one, pay attention because you are likely to see more that day. It may seem as if someone rang the dinner bell and all the brown trout in the river heard it. Late summer and early fall is the time when Browns start roaming even more than usual in preparation for their late fall and early winter spawning, and it seems like this is when they are particularly
aggressive. We have two species of brown trout that hunt in the Nantahala River. The German Brown is easy to identify with its golden color and bright red spots. The fall season brings out an even darker more vibrant gold color. These fish are hands down the most beautiful fish in the stream. The Scottish Brown is more slate colored with black flecks on its flanks. While not as striking as the German version, it is still a unique and beautiful trout. One thing is for sure though, if you hook into a Brown on the Nantahala River, you will know it immediately. These are strong and aggressive fish that do not give up easily and will do several powerful runs. While they will jump on occasion, most often they will stay on the bottom and make you pay for every inch of line you gain on them. With the addition of the strong current on the Nantahala River, the fight is definitely not over till you’re fortunate enough to get it in the net.
Ken Kastorff is the Owner and Guide at Endless River Adventures located along the Nantahala River in Bryson City, North Carolina. 6 WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
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SWAIN COUNTY / BRYSON CITY
Time For Fish, Like Kids, To Go Back To School! By Ronnie Parris
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ack to school!” By now, everyone is back in school for the fall and winter and the fish are no different. The small pods of scattered fish we have been working all summer are starting to bunch up and work the big schools of minnows. Cooler nighttime temps have made the bigger walleye and bass feel better, and they
are starting to feed more and build fat for the cold winter months. The aggravation of trying to “match the hatch,” so to speak, with the tiny shad, is about over, as the shad are about an inch long and more the size of most spoons and Repalas,
which are easier to cast. The mornings are still your best time but the bite doesn’t completely stop midday, like it has all summer. Days when they’re calling for a front to come in late can be unreal for both top water and trolling with downriggers. On Fontana, Santeetlah, and Nantahala Lake, I like to spend a little extra time riding around and watching my fish finder, instead of running to my usual spots that produce, because these fish are going to be moving a lot and you may find a huge school one day, and they won’t be anywhere close the next morning. The best thing is, when you finally find them, they are usually in a feeding mood and you can load the boat fast. I like working the feeder creeks this time of year, as the shad are usually more constant in these areas. Another exciting thing on Fontana this time of year is almost every trip, you have a good chance to see a black bear as the lake will be dropping and exposing frog eggs that are stuck to the submerged trees. These are a delicacy for a hungry bear. Schools back in session, so the lake won’t be as crowded…no
jet skis riding by to interrupt your fishing - just the sound of a big spotted bass breaking on the end of your line as you work your favorite jerk bait. Another great way to catch fish this time of year is by dropping live minnows in to the big schools. With today’s fish finders, you can watch your minnow go down on the screen and see the fish come up and grab it. I use 10 pound test leaders, tied to braided line for trolling, but the fish in our lakes can be line shy and so I will drop to 6 pound test when casting live bait. Slow everything down whether you’re working top water
or dropping live bait and you will be rewarded with more fish. One thing I would like to remind everyone is that family and friends are your most prized possession, so now would be a great time to get on the lake and spend some quality time with the ones you love. If anyone would like help getting on fish an making the day more memorable I’d be glad to book a trip and help in any way. Also let me know you got my name from The Angler Magazine and I will cut $25 from the cost of the trip. Thanks, and have a great day on the water!
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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WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 7
“Swainglers” Express Their Appreciation and Hopes For the Future of Their Club
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By Tammy Parris
his month’s article is written by a few of our Swaingler club members. They were asked what their favorite thing is about the club and their hopes for the future of this popular club. Brady Kirkland: “I like the ability to get out of the stressful school day and drop a line in a body of water to try to catch something. This makes a school day so much better than it would be without the club, It makes every test in a day worth it! I, personally, would take a test in every class just to get to go fishing for an hour in the school day. The art of fishing is something everyone needs to learn, because it’s something you can do just about your whole life, and it’s also a great way to enjoy the outdoors. I’m hoping next year this fishing club goes the next step and makes a fishing team for an after
school activity.” Tanner Howell: “What I like best - getting out of school, and doing what I love...fishing! What I want the club to do in the future expand, and keep on fishing on…” Austin Styles: “The fishing club
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Brady Kirkland
gives us a great opportunity to get our minds off of school and take a break with our friends! The Club needs to take more fishing trips and hopefully an all day trip at the end of the year.” Chance DeHart: “I like being able to get out of school and take a break to go fishing with school friends. I would like for the club to go bowfishing.” Zach Franklin: “I like actually being able to go fishing during school. I would like for the club to take an all day trip.” Krysten Shuler: “I like that anyone can be in the club. It’s a fun experience, and it’s beautiful!
Austin Styles
I would like for the club to meet more than once a month.”
Tammy Parris is the Leader of The Swainglers fishing club at Swain County High School in Bryson City, North Carolina. They fish once a month of the school year during club time. Contact her at tparris@ swainmail.org for more information or to support this popular club.
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FONTANA LAKE
Time To Fish! By Capt. James McManus
Big whites
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e’ve made it through the heat of summer, past a good portion of the crowds, jet skis and skiers. Now is the time to get serious about the fishing. It’s a shame that the time of most interest and activity for guides coincides with the least interesting and toughest fishing of the year. While summer can still hold times of decent fishing, our mountain lakes generally give up bags of fewer and smaller fish. There were many days this summer when 10” spots were about the only thing happening. Almost every trip, if you were in open water, there were fish - read walleye, at 80 to 90 feet, but regardless of what you pulled in front of them, they were only occasionally hungry. Now as the water cools, the fish will start to bunch up, become a little more active, somehow grow in size, and stay on the gravy train a little more each day. I spend a good portion of every trip with my eyes glued to the Lowrance units on my boat. I have just traded boats and tried another brand of sonar, but just couldn’t get the results that I get from my Lowrances, so I re-upped, got new ones and am back to seeing what I like. There is nothing more
satisfying to me than to see a screen trolling to keep you on fish. The key light up, covered with fish that I is to keep an eye on your electronics know will bite. Once you see fish, and see what the fish are doing, how there are several different approach- they are reacting to your baits, and es to actually get them on the hook. their depth relative to where you If you are cruising the shoreline are presenting your offerings. Propin Fontana and are a cast away from erly tuned sonars have no probStripers the bank, in say, lem seeing an 45 feet of waeighth ounce jig right to the mouths of your target. ter, what you’re drop 80 feet to I really enjoy watching a falling bait looking for is a school of fish. have several fish come up in the a concentrated With the sensi- water column to look and feel that group of 6 to tivity cranked up TICK of a solid bite. 10 fish, off the past where you bottom, maybe normally run Enjoy this cooler weather, bigger around a point or it [I frequent- fish, and more active and longer indention. When ly run mine at feeding periods that God has given I find this, it’s 80%], you can us. Stay safe, let folks know where time to stop, pull spot things you you’re going and when you will be out the jigs and have never seen back, and give me a call if you want sink a mini fluke before and can to experience one of the areas true down to their lofollow your bait gems. Later, Capt. James Lots of smallies cation. If they are a Capt. James McManus is the Owner of 153 Charters. little higher in the Give him a call for a great day of boat fishing! water column, a crankbait or jerkbait may get deep enough for them. Typically, when you find them, they will stretch out for several hundred yards and you can move up and back until you run out of them. This time of year, the walleye, whites, and sometimes smallmouth will school tightly way offshore. When you find this, you have the option of vertically presenting bait, jigs, or ice jigs and spoons. If we are on a point, maybe 80 feet deep where you can pinpoint their location, then a vertical presentation is a good option. If you are in 200 feet of water and there are several schools, it may take
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Fly Fishing Technique
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By TeJay Espe
ave you ever wondered if there was a fly fishing technique that would dominate the waters? Learning to fly fish was a tough experience. My father-in-law taught me how to fly fish four years ago, by using the standard nymphing technique with a strike indicator. We didn’t want to change our technique, because that would cost money for a new setup, and nobody likes change. My father-in-law and I have switched to a technique called Czech Nymphing, also known as Euro Nymphing. The number of fish we have landed has multiplied three-fold, and the pictures above are a testament to our credentials. With a strike indicator, there is a delay from the point when the fish takes the fly, when you see the strike, and when you set the hook. Czech nymphing is a high sticking technique (similar to tenkara) that does not use a strike indicator. This
technique involves primarily roll casting, where you match your rod with the drift of the current, while keeping the line taut. A 10’ to 11’ 2wt or 3wt rod is recommended. At the end of your fly line, you tie a Euro Leader on. You can either construct or buy a Euro Nymphing leader. This has sight line that allows you to see if you have a strike or not. At the end of the leader, you will tie on a tippet ring. From there, you will tie about a 4 to 5 foot length of 4x or 5x tippet. At the end of the 4x or 5x tippet, tie on another tippet ring. At this final tippet ring, you will have two tippets. The first tippet will be about 8 to 12 inches of about 5x (obviously water condition/clarity dependent). This will be your heavy lead fly. Then tie another tippet on the same tippet ring, but longer, approximately 24 inches of a lighter tippet, like 6x. This is your dropper fly, which is your smaller and lighter fly. Al-
ways use fluorocarbon tippet for better results. The PROs to this technique include: roll casting, no line mending, and drag free presentation. The flawless presentation allows the fly to be placed on the trout’s nose. This method allows you to get down to the fish or as I like to call it “the fish’ kitchen.” Now, without a strike indicator, you are relying more on feel and the sight line, which is crucial to be taut. This gives you a direct line to the fish. So, there is no delay between strike and hook set- it is almost immediate. Now, I would be lying if I said there were no CONS to this technique. The biggest CONs to this technique are snags and losing flies, but using jigged fly hooks helps prevent this. Euro Nymphing
is a deadly technique, when used by a skilled fly angler. The learning curve is relatively quick, so give it a shot. You will not be disappointed. Tight lines!
Though he’s from Washington State, TeJay Espe is a cool cat. He is an all-around outdoorsman. He isn’t afraid to admit, that as an Army Aviator, he still enjoys working out while listening to some good ol’ Taylor Swift hits.
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Delayed Harvest Tips By Shannon Messer
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ith October just around the corner, Delayed Harvest season is fast approaching which has many anglers looking forward to fall trout season. The state is scheduled to stock the Tuckasegee River in Jackson County October 4th and 5th and then again on November 8th and 15th. Many anglers have booked trips well in advance, so if you are looking at booking a trip, I would advise you to do it as soon as you can, to reserve a guide. Keep in mind, that you can get great advice from your local fly shop if you are flying solo.
I do want to remind you of a few things that might make your trip more enjoyable. Delayed Harvest does not mean fly fishing only. In fact, it is single, hook artificial lure. The state defines that as “a lure that does not attract fish by the sense of taste or smell”. You will see some anglers using spinning gear with single hook spinners and you will occasionally see someone using a crank bait with a single hook. Delayed Harvest is catch and release from October 1st until the first Friday in June. Plan your trip during these months if you are
planning on fishing Delayed Harvest streams. If you see someone violating these rules, please report them to NC Wildlife by calling 1-800-662-7137. Respect people’s property when accessing the river. Let’s do our best to keep good relationships between land owners and anglers. Without river access, fishing would be a bit tougher due to lack of access points. Remove all trash even, if it is not yours. I like to keep a bag with me so I can remove litter after a day on the water. Together, we can make a big difference. Respect other anglers and the areas that they are working. Most Delayed Harvest waters will be very busy, at first, so we all need to respect each other and the area they are fishing. Ask before barging in on someone. Also, guides need to be respectful of anglers. None of us own any one stretch of river, so be flexible, or get on the water early. Understand that some fisheries can be floated so expect some boat traffic. Be prepared for the changing fall weather. Have a spare change of clothes, rain jacket, hat, and good polarized sunglasses. I also like to have some hand and toe warmers available for when the colder
weather arrives. Snacks and drinks are good if you are spending most of the day on the water. Understand what license you will need since you have many choices based on the water you are fishing. I recommend contacting the local fly shop to see what license you will need. Most fly shops, like us, can process your NC Fishing License. You will need your fishing license with you while fishing! Please don’t squeeze the trout! “Grip and grin” photos take their toll on the trout and it can shorten the life of a great fish. Land your trout quickly and release them as fast as you can. If you have to revive the trout, keep the trout facing upstream and let the water flow naturally into the trout. Moving the trout forward and back can cause damage to the gills. If you insist on photos get them done quickly. Keep the trout in the water until time for the photo. Squeezing the trout can damage the vital organs and that can cause instant death. Clean your gear to prevent the spread of invasive species. Inspect your gear, and check for leaks, and boots that may need some attention from a cobbler. Make sure your fly line is not cracked, and that you have a fresh supply of leaders and tippet ma-
MAGGIE VALLEY
A Bad Trip Is Always A Possibility
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By Dan Dry
t felt like a good day. A foggy morning on Jonathan Creek in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, and all of the conditions were right. Getting an early start with confidence up, and all is well; or so it seems. All was well an hour into the trip. I had two Brook Trout on the stringer, the fog had broken, but that’s when things went south. They came out of nowhere. Yes, those pesky biting black gnats! So, I’m trying to get one out of my eye that got under my glasses, a trout hits, jumps out of water on slack line, and gets off. Hmm, I think…well I’ve got two still, and maybe I can get out of this cloud of pesky bugs.
I walked another 25 yards, eying a hole that had produced before, trying to maneuver my line around a blackberry vine, and looked down at a 4 foot water snake wrapped around my stringer, trying to eat my trout. Yes, at my feet. I kicked, and finally beat it with my rod to get it off, wondering if it had ruined it or not. Here come the gnats again. “Why me,” I asked? I Came upon another fisherman behind Elevated Mountain Distillery and asked, “Are these dang bugs getting you”? He agreed and showed me his 3 trout. I walked on thinking, “Well, I’m not the only one”. Still sweating from the snake episode, I did notice both trout
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were still alive and was thankful it was a water snake but, what a scare! I eased on down the creek, missed a couple more and came upon a limb sticking out from the bank into the creek. Being in the way, I grabbed it and tried to drag it out when something buzzed by my ear. Well, guess what this pest was? Those dang ground hornets. A couple banged my hip boots, and I knocked one off my sleeve, and eased on. Sheesh, this is it. This day turned out productive, but Mother Nature had some twists for me.
I did escaped with just a couple of itching gnat bites and a broken rod tip from thrashing the snake. Moral of this one…It ain’t always easy! Be careful my friends, and keep your baits wet. Looking forward to the fall fishing and the beauty of our mountains. See you on the waters!
Dan Dry can be reached on Facebook and dandry53@gmail.com
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terial. Inspect and sort your flies. Don’t get on the water and have a messed up box of flies. Most successful anglers have very organized boxes so they can quickly make a change when needed. The Delayed Harvest fishery is
great and it offers excellent opportunities to a wide spectrum of people of all skill sets. Don’t hesitate hitting a Delayed Harvest stream. You will see what most anglers already know.
Shannon Messer is the Manager of Blackrock Outdoor/Orvis Fly Shop located in Sylva, NC
828.926.0425
Enjoy our relaxed dining experience overlooking Jonathan Creek We have something for everyone, veggie platter, fried catfish, lemon peppered catfish, or a killer turkey melt with bacon. We make all our sauces in house daily. Our southern pearl catfish fillets are straight out of the Mississippi Delta. Try them grilled with our lemon pepper seasoning or have them deep fried to perfection. We will also serve it on a freshly baked onion roll or kaiser bun with all the fixins on top.
Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Catering, Large or Small • Pet Friendly Dine indoors or outside under the canapy
The Maggie Valley Restaurant is Maggie's Family Eatery
Breakfast Anytime!
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Since 1952 we have pleased our customers serving southern cooking at it's best.
COME SEE US!
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WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 13
Late Summer Fishing
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By Aaron Motley
s the summer heats up, most would say trout fishing slows down. Fishing for trout in the summer just changes what the angler needs to do to have summertime success. The best choice an angler has is to fish is to head to a tail water stream like the Nantahala River, South Holsten River, or Watauga River. These rivers fish great year-round, but in the summer, are great resources for anglers that still want to catch trout all day in cold water. The cold water, 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit, that flows from these large dams or reservoirs, hold much more oxygen than warm water of 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Fish and bugs are always happier in the late summer in tail water streams, so plan an adventure to one of these wonderful rivers. Second choice is to go higher in elevation - 3,500 feet or above. For
small stream trout fishing this is a great late summer option for anglers. In this scenario, small, dry flies size 16-20 and 6X or 7X leader and tippet, are must haves. Rod selection on these small streams could be a 6 foot 2wt, 10 foot 3wt, or maybe a Rhodo rod from Tenkara USA. With such diverse options for gear to use, this correlates to the diversity of leader options. As a general rule of thumb, the length your leader should be roughly the length of your rod. I really like to use braided leaders with 6X tippet and my 10 foot 3wt Syndicate fly rod in the late summer as fish become wary of the anglers trudging through their home. This braided leader system will allow you to fish a dry fly efficiently as you dab your way up the stream. For a third choice, if you have to stay close to home and at a lower elevation, I recommend going as early
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as you can to hit the water. Fishing from 6AM-9AM is ideal. Cooler water temperatures are going to be held until about 9AM, and then the sun is going to heat things up. Another tactic to use is to fish primarily the top of the pools or deep runs. This is where most fish will hold due to more oxygenated water, and they are first in line for food. Try fishing streamers from an upstream posi-
tion into a deep hole, or run, before fishing any other dry fly or nymph. Implement this tactic and you may be surprised by a big trout! Beat the heat by going fishing, don’t let the heat beat your desire to fish. Stop in at Hunter Banks Fly Shop in Asheville or Waynesville and let us help you with any of your summer fishing needs!
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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ASHEVILLE AREA
THE THRILL OF THE HUNT
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By Scott Norton
ver the years, I have taught myself how to fish with no help from a skilled fisherman. The challenge to fishing was to know where they were at a particular time of year. My research consisted of lots of fishing shows, which didn’t have the information I needed to find them. This was pre-YouTube with no way to look up how-to on anything related. I noticed over the years of fishing, that there were patterns during different seasons, but I could never make sense of it. I realized that most of fishing was about the hunt and not the lure. New technology was starting to immerge at this time, and fish finders made its way into every bass boat. This made finding fish so easy. We had the capabilities of knowing water temperature and depth of the bottom. The drawback was, we all got dependent on these units to
help us find fish efficiently. I have to admit that I was one of those anglers. Today, lots of serious kayak anglers have these on their Kayaks as well, due to the competitive nature of tournaments. Since I started fishing from a kayak, I’m always concerned with the weight I carry on my boat, so I decided against using electronics due to the fact that batteries weigh so much. In doing so, I was forced to hunt these fish the old fashioned way, and it made me a much better angler in the process. I use a system I created for myself that helps with locating concentrations of fish. I go by a step-by-step plan before I even get into the body of water I select. This is the most important part to kayak fishing. In a kayak, you just can’t cover water as efficiently as you can with a bass boat. Your plan will determine how good your day
will be. Get all the information you can find before you look on a map because this will give you the lake features wherein you will find the fish. Bait shops are a good source for helping locals out with this information, such as water temperature, clarity, and water level. One shop comes to mind in Sylva and it’s Dream Catcher Fishing Supply. These guys will definitely help you with information and lure selection, which you will need to increase your odds on the water. I start with a map of the lake in which I want to fish, to see where the docks, or places of launch, are in relation to where the fish will be during pre-spawn or post-spawn. Now, we’re in the midsummer and the fish are scattered from the backs of creeks to the main lake points.
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Find a place of launch close to where you want to start your fishing. This will cut down on your travel time, which is very important on kayaks. Once on the water, look for clues such as signs of life. First, look for birds such as cranes and the occasional bald eagle, as they will lead you to the shad that the bass are feeding on. Second, feel the water for temperature. If the water feels warm to the touch, more than likely, the fish are in places where oxygen is in abundance. This will be grass flowing water into the lake or windy points. If the water is cool, they will most likely be moving around and hunting for food. Know where these features are on a map so you won’t waste time fishing in the wrong places.
CONTINUED, THRILL OF THE HUNT, PAGE 16
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WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 15
THRILL OF THE HUNT
Relaxing and Adventurous River Float Trip on the French Broad River
continued from page 15
Bait selection is key once you are in the places you feel bass are located. You want to match the hatch. Knowing what bass are feeding on, at this time, is key to success. If you see rocky banks or places where water flows in the lake, start off with a lure that looks like a crayfish. Crayfish live in these areas and if bass are feeding on them, they will usually key in on this forage. If you see docks, laydowns, and overhangs, use a moving bait like a swimbait or something that simulates bluegills or shad. In the early morning hours or overcast days, top water will dominate the pattern of bite you will have because bass are usually shallow in cool water. Lures like spooks, frogs, poppers, and wake baits, are a good example of what to use. In the midday hours when the sun is high and the water heats up, fish will move a little deeper or find shade to stay cool. This is when you want to use worms, jigs, or swimbaits. Once you find a feeding pattern, you can catch lots of fish and make adjustments throughout the day to keep them biting. This system has worked very well for me and is easy to plug in information and clues that will give you confidence in your fishing. Putting all the odds in your favor can give you a great advantage on days when fishing is slow.
Scott Norton is a native of Western North Carolina. Born in Asheville, NC, he is a long time avid hunter, angler, and weekend warrior.
Enjoyable River Float Trip Don't spend your weekends doing the same old stuff. Take your family and friends for a river float trip on the French Broad River. Landscape and wildlife will give you the perfect blend of solace and adventure that you can enjoy with your loved ones for hours. Lazy River Tubing Trips Open May thru September Open 10:00am-4:00pm Seven Days a Week No Reservations Needed!
Sky Tubing
500 Lyman Street Asheville, NC 28801 skytubing@hotmail.com
828-225-3259
www.skytubing.com 16 WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
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September RiverMusic By Suzanne Moore
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iverLink is holding the last RiverMusic Concert of the summer on September 8th, 2017. This year, RiverMusic and RiverFest will he hosted by the Salvage Station, right down the street from the former location at 466 Riverside Drive Asheville, NC 28803. Our September event will feature: Ouroboros Boys, Darrin Bradbury and headliner Drivin N Cryin. All proceeds from the event will go to benefit RiverLink and the work we do. RiverLink is an Asheville based nonprofit that serves eight counties to promote the environmental and economic vitality of the French Broad River and its watershed as a place to live, learn, work and play. RiverLink accomplishes its mission to promote the experience of the French Broad River and its watershed by providing permanent, pub-
lic access to the river through conser vation easements, reclaiming contaminated lands for public use and enjoyment, greenway development, adaptable reuse of historic structures and education of over 5,000 K-12 students annually, as well as the public at large, about the importance of the river. If you live in Western North Carolina, chances are you have enjoyed the French Broad River in some way. RiverLink has grown to be a regional environmental leader, providing needed stream restorations, greenway development, land protection efforts, and youth environmental education programs and public access to the river.
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HENDERSONVILLE
Adaptability: Fly Fishing’s Lost Essential Skill
E
By Ethan Hollifield
verything in fly fishing is 100% right, and 100% wrong, 100% of the time.” I normally tell this to my clients and get met with a puzzled look as to what on earth I am talking about, but it’s true. Fly-fishing is a very fickle game in that there is always an exception to any given rule, and more often than not, the exception becomes the rule. The wild trout streams of Southern Appalachia are not static environments. The water is always changing the aspects of any given river, and learning how to adapt to different situations is a skill that I believe many anglers tend to put on the back burner. Fly fishing, in its evolution over the past century, has become the most versatile form of angling on the planet. We’re able to essentially target every game fish species on the planet with the long rod that, just 30 years ago, would’ve been thought impossible. However, I’ve found in my experience as a guide that many anglers will, in a sense, contract tunnel vision when it comes to a particular technique or style of fly fishing, especially when it comes to fly fishing for trout in particular. I’ve met some folks who are complete dry fly purists and will snuff their nose at anything bigger than a size 12 Adams. I’ve also met some anglers who do nothing but tie monstrous streamer patterns and constantly suffer from injured rotator cuffs, casting against the banks while searching for monster brown trout. Of course, there is everyone in between, but my main
point is that we often let ourselves become too comfortable fishing in the one style that we have success with, that we forget to become adaptable to different situations we might come across on a river (or wherever we’re fishing). Let’s face it: the two nymphs and an indicator rig was a great place to start on your first guided trip fly fishing, but I can promise you that you’re going to run into situations where that just doesn’t work well at all. In order to be an accomplished angler, you have to be able to think about a given piece of water and learn the best way to fish it efficiently, depending on the situation at hand. You have to be able to read the water and think about where and what you’re going to cast at the fish, before you even make any other additional movements. Adapting your set up can oftentimes be something as entirely simple as adding weight for depth control, or even adding another fly. Often in our mountain streams, you’ll run into stretches of pocket water that, at the most, might be a foot deep, and then find yourself in a run that could be anywhere from 5-10 feet deep. I normally fish these types of streams with a dry dropper rig, so what do I do to go deeper? Cut everything off and attach a nymph rig to fish just one run? The easiest solution is to just simply add another dropper nymph to the desired depth, and fish the same set up as before but with three flies instead of two. As I mentioned, adaptability has
become a lost art in a sport that is really one of the most versatile ever conceived. If you do your part as the angler by thinking methodically and critically about your
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presentation, and exercise willingness to change certain aspects of it, then you will become a more, well rounded angler.
Ethan Hollifield is a guide for Southern Appalachian Anglers and works with French Broad Riverkeeper
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MOUNTAIN WISDOM
Reading The River
R
By Ben Bailey
ivers and streams have always intrigued me. It always seemed a mystery to me. They were constantly flowing, making their way to the sea. Always moving - churning white water, or deep quiet flowing pools - always pouring out but never running dry. Where did all this water come from? A river doesn’t just “pop up” out of the ground at some point where you can say, “this is the beginning of such and such river.” It is a convergence of hundreds, or maybe even thousands, of springs and smaller streams, born high in the mountains and from the moment they emerge, they are constantly searching for lower places, which lead them to the valleys and foothills. Often in their quest, they actually create valleys and gorges and waterfalls. As this occurs, they become laden with mineral-rich
mountain soil and organic matter that is deposited on the floodplains of the valleys and foothills, creating rich soil for the cultivation of crops. As they eventually make their way to the sea, they are then, in turn, drawn up into the clouds as water vapor and carried back over the land where they return to the earth as rain, or emerge in the springs and streams to repeat their trek to the sea. All life is dependent on water. Where water is found, there is usually abundant life, and if it remains pure, it is also usually beautiful. We marvel at the rushing mountain streams and waterfalls, the plants, and trees, and wildlife. I have spent countless hours working in, and walking along these mountain streams and rivers. As I have walked these trails and streams, I have developed an ability to read them, or
somewhat understand them. For instance, I know that when the water flows around a big rock, it reaches back around it on the lower side to fill the void created by the rock. This causes the water, for a brief time, to actually flow upstream. Fish will often use these places to escape the pull of the current and rest while watching for food or flies to wash down the stream. That’s a valuable piece of information for a hungry fly angler! Also, bank undercuts are places where fish are apt to be. The Fact that the bank is undercut means that the current is pulling everything that way. That means that any food that’s carried by the water is going to be forced that way. The fish know that too. Fish are predators and as such, they
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use every advantage to find food, but they are also prey and are constantly on guard themselves. Any shadow on the water or scraping of rock on the stream bottom will send them scurrying away. I guess the most valuable thing that I have learned about rivers is how they always seek the lowest place, not the highest. They always seek to fill the voids where obstacles have been removed. They flow with joy and reckless abandon, giving all to serve. They never, never, ever give up! Maybe if I spend enough time in those streams, some of that unselfish goodness will rub off on me.
Ben Bailey, is a native of Western North Carolina, Master Carpenter, Avid Angler, and Naturalist.
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WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 21
Blackbeard’s Outdoor World – Sales And Service At It’s Best!
B
lackbeard’s Outdoor World has a rich history. Harold Wilson started the company in 1988 It was recently sold to Larry Miller. However, you can still find Harold in his office providing expert service to a large customer base. He also enjoys a front row seat to the growth and exciting expansion of his dream. Larry Miller’s plan for his new business is simple…provide quality products and amazing service to the customer. He believes the new ownership can honor the hard work of Harold by sticking to this principal. Miller executes his plan with a great, experienced team sharing a common goal. The years of experience are impressive. Among the team members are: Russell Asher, with 31 years in the boat and per-
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sonal watercraft service department, Wesley Minnish, with 20 years of experience in the camper service department, and Robert Turbyfill, General Manager, with 23 years of retail sales experience. That’s a total of 74 years of experience among just 3 team members, folks! “It’s about God and family,” Miller says. “I want to finish my days having honored the Lord and loving my family! I figure I’m not alone, many people find great family bonds in the outdoor world. I hope they will come to Blackbeard and find a great deal, great service, and possibly even some new friends. Life’s too short to forget to schedule the good times.” There are many exciting product lines dealing in everything outdoors - from boats and campers to
SEPTEMBER 2017
golf carts and automobiles. We recently added a tackle shop designed with the local angler in mind. At Blackbeard’s, the angler can get everything they need for a successful day on the water. We strive to provide all of your automotive, power sports, camping, boating, and fishing needs! We carry an inventory of parts and accessories and have a Service Department to keep you one the move and having a great time. No problem is too big…We we have the BEST marine technician around, and that’s a fact! We have both New and Used RV’s, New and Used Boats, Used Cars and Trucks, Golf Carts (standard and customized), Jet Ski’s, etc..... If you want it, we can get it. Or better yet, we might already have it! Blackbeard’s Outdoor World is
locally owned and locally managed! No hidden fees and no surprises, like some or our competitors. You will have a complete understanding of the entire transaction. We don’t charge “prep” or “freight” charges even thought that is generally the standard of doing business. We are new and small which allows us to have low overhead and that equals cheaper prices. Just come by for a visit and see what we’re all about! You won’t be disappointed in doing business with Black Beard Outdoor World! Blackbeard Outdoor World is located at 2678 Harmony Grove Road, off Exit 90 on I-40 in Nebo and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can visit us on the web at: www.blackbeardoutdoorworld.com.
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THE HIGH COUNTRY
Fly Fishing Lost Cove Creek By James Marsh
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ost Cove Creek is one of the most beautiful streams in North Carolina. It’s a tributary to Wilson Creek. The stream is “catch and release - fly fishing” only. It flows through the Lost Cove Wilderness Study Area in the Pisgah National Forest. It seems that most of the trout are wild rainbows, from our own experience, but it’s known for its brown trout. It has a reputation for having some very large brown trout. We have been told that it has brook trout in its headwaters, but we have not verified that. Each time we have asked anyone about this, we have received conflicting answers. We’re not certain if studies have been done in
Hunt Fish Falls
this regard either. We caught a few rainbow trout the one and only time we have fished the stream, but no brown trout. Much of that was dry, fly fishing, which probably affect our results, species wise, but we didn’t catch a brown on a nymph and we did fish one for about two hours and still only caught rainbows. Unlike most headwater streams in Western North Carolina, this stream’s decline is moderate in the high elevations. Its steep declines come below its uppermost headwaters. Also, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a freestone mountain stream any clearer than this one. That’s also a big factor in catching the browns. We have not fished early, or very late, and that’s almost a requirement on bright, blue-bird days, for catching brown trout from this type of water. The creek has a lot of short plunges between pools and a few runs and short sections of riffles, but much
of its water consists of rather large pools for its small size. Most anglers fish this stream from the “Hunt/Fish Falls Trail” or Forest Service Trail #263. It’s really the only trail you can use to fish the stream during a day trip. You would think that probably means the same water gets fished over and over but I don’t think that should really be much of a concern. I’ll explain why shortly. I’m also confident that most anglers, fish the “Delayed Harvest” section of Wilson Creek, which begins at the mouth of Lost Cove Creek and goes downstream. My guess is that only the avid fly anglers choose to fish this stream’s remote sections. That’s a good thing as far as I’m concerned, and I don’t mean that selfishly. I will probably never be able to fish most of its waters. Fly fishing Lost Cove Creek can be tough. The Hunt/Fish Falls Trail can be accessed from Forest Service Road #464. It’s only a three/quarter mile trail to the stream - that seems more like a mile almost straight up if you’re headed back to your vehicle. I’m very positive this is another big reason it isn’t ever crowded with anglers, even in its most accessible location. Most of the people that use this trail use it to see the waterfalls which start at the foot of the trail. It isn’t your normal waterfall. It’s a series of several short cascades with pools between them, which are also good spots to place a fly. Boulder Creek may have been a better name for it but, on second thought, I guess Lost Cove Creek is also a good name. It’s really a beautiful place. There are several other trails that lead into, and through, the Lost Cove Valley, but all of them would require an overnight trip and preferably more than two days to reach much of the creek’s waters. Sorry, but we discovered this a little too late in my life to tell you much more about
it. The trip down into the Hunt/Fish Falls area is well worth the effort. You can fish as long, and as far, as you desire. It’s just that your always thinking about climbing back out and, with a heavy commercial camera, that isn’t all that easy. Gragg Prong is a small tributary of Lost Cove Creek that’s also a wild trout stream. It is very small with about a mile of water that isn’t on private property. Forest Service Road crosses this stream where it can be accessed. Rockhouse Creek is a tributary of Lost Cove Creek that enters near Edgemont. This is a wild trout stream, not to be confused with another Rockhouse Creek in a different county. Forest Service road #981 flows along the small stream. The
road crosses the creek in its headwater and you have to hike upstream within the streambed to go upstream from that point. Also, be aware that there is private property along this stream that should be avoided. Both Rockhouse Creek and Gragg Prong have mostly small rainbows. Season: The season runs yearround Winter: Trout can be caught on most warm winter days. Spring: Fly fishing Lost Cove Creek during the Springtime is the best time. Summer: Summertime may get a little slow due to warm water temperatures. Fall: Fall is certainly the most beautiful time to fish Lost Cove Creek.
James Marsh is the Owner of The Perfect Fly online and catalog mail-order store. www.perfectflystore.com
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WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 23
The Cussing Bridge By Danny Maybin
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ooking back over the years at the likes, dislikes, and decisions that helped shape who I became as an adult; I have to admit that the art of blackguard, cussing or course language was very appealing to me as a child. Learning the words and their placement was easy. Anyone who can speak can readily learn where to properly put them. But early on, it became obvious that one man could say these forbidden utterances to his own disgrace, leaving folks with the impression of an ignorant and distasteful man, whilst the same folks would listen with rapture as another would use the same words and phrases and, aside from a few winces from the women folk, be left spellbound, as it were, convinced that this man was apparently of above-average intelligence and obviously an authority on the subject at hand.
At nine years old, these sorts of things were very puzzling. I knew for a fact that some of the former were kind, smart and gracious men. I also knew that some of the latter were liars and deadbeats, though not all. By my estimation, there were fine men and scoundrels in both camps. So what did it matter? It seemed to me, being the recipient of a fine Christian raising, there was no choice but to try be as honest, wise and prudent as a young man should be, but I did so enjoy hearing someone well versed in the artful use of the forbidden language with such precision. To my nine year old reasoning, this was the zenith of maturity. To exhibit all the virtues of manhood, display the ability to delight and transfix those listening, with intelligent and dynamic speech while possessing the talent of throwing in the bad word in such a way as to
actually enhance the discourse. It was at this point, when I began an earnest, self-taught study in the discipline of “artful cussing”. As a reference, the word “cuss” is not as ignorant or slang as you might think. Cuss is merely the word curse. After a couple hundred years of the beautiful southern dialect, in which the r is dropped in virtually every one and two syllable word, the word cuss is more proper than curse; at least down here. To say someone said a “curse word” would be a dead giveaway that you’re not from the south. At any rate, I had set forth on the path of artful cussing. At that time in my life, I spent a lot of time with my grandpa. He was the caretaker of the Argyle plantation in Flat Rock N.C. or as the locals called it “the King Place”. Mr. King, as I was instructed to call him, was the son of the Hon-
orable Judge King. Judge King was responsible for the majority of the 19th century migration of wealthy Charlestonians to Flat Rock, trying to avoid the tuberculosis plaguing the south in that era. Mr. King’s son was a lawyer out of Atlanta. When Mr. King would come up to Argyle, grandpa and I would sometimes walk up to the cottage behind the “big house” where Mr. King would stay on his visits. The big house, or Judge King’s home, by then, had been relegated to heirloom status and no longer provided even temporary dwelling. It had proven far too expensive to keep up. It was on these infrequent visits that I picked up quite a few clues to my earnest endeavor. Mr. King was a fairly small man with white hair on the sides and none on top, by that time in his life. He had a look, if you can imagine, of stern softness with questioning
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eyes and a poorly hidden smile. To a nine year old boy, he was disarming, endearing and demanding of respect, all at the same time. I have known a few others with that great mix of qualities but that was not what interested me most. Being a young boy, in what was the still “ the old south”, I’d had repeated instruction on speaking only when spoken to and listening carefully, especially when we visited Mr. King, since he was the owner of the plantation. It was on one of these infrequent visits with me listening, instead of talking, that I came to know a true master, in my estimation, of the forbidden language. Mr. King would listen to updates on farm business and talk with grandpa about those sorts of things but then he would magically bring me in to the conversation and proceed in telling me a story, usually consisting of southern history, always with a hint of morals and virtue. He would never have used guttural language, even with an adult-only audience, but the “damns” and “hells” and so forth,
were so eloquent, I’m sure he could have taught Sunday school using them and been revered for it. This, in my mind, confirmed my theory. Here was a man, powerful in presence, obviously learned, wealthy and virtuous, using the words I was usually punished for using, except he used them in a way to enhance his presence and stature amongst those around him. In his latter years, I doubt he spent a tenth the time at Argyle as I did. I spent many a summer day exploring the old plantation. Going south from the front of the “Big House” and parallel with the Robert E. Lee Memorial Highway that ran a quarter mile in front of the King Place, was the old entrance to Argyle. On this road was an old plank bridge that crossed, of course, King Creek. It was here on this old bridge that I began my quest for “self enhancement in” the art of cussing. The old bridge was the perfect place for several reasons. First, it was far removed from any of the goings on of the plantation. It was also situated just
below a large rock shoal. This gave adequate sound cover, so that I could, at full volume, practice emphasis and inflection without someone at ten paces, being able to clearly hear what was being said, in case someone came up without my noticing. Lastly, there was water under the bridge and where there is water, there are fish. Consequently, whenever I felt like practicing my cussing, I could just tell grandpa I was going fishing. Those summer days at the old plank bridge were many. Not all were serious study and practice, but there were more than enough sessions to satisfy what I felt to be at least a “minor” in the art. Looking back, I’m not sure those words were of any real value, but at that time, they sure made an impression on me. I’m not trying
to justify the words or my interest in them. This is just the remembrance of a little boy, fishing on a plank bridge, trying to figure out life.
Danny Maybin’s family have fished and hunted in the area of Lake Summit for at least six generations. He is a state firearms instructor a, blacksmith, musician/luthier, and his favorite, a fishin’ and hunting resort facilitator. He also does voice acting, copywriting, and short story humor.
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SEPTEMBER 2017
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 25
Weaverville Watershed – 301 Acres Protected!
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e recently worked with the Town of Weaverville to place a conservation easement on 310 acres of the Weaverville Watershed. The easement protects important headwaters of Reems Creek as well as forested habitat and scenic views from Reems Creek Valley. “This property provided drinking water to the Town of Weaverville for 80 years and is important for conservation because of its water resources,” said Land Protection Director Michelle Pugliese. “It contains the headwaters of Eller Cove Branch and 12 of its tributaries, which run into Reems Creek and eventually the French Broad River. One of the best ways to preserve water quality downstream is by protecting a river’s headwaters – and that is exactly what has happened here. We are grateful to the Town of Weaverville for taking the step to protect this tract and its
natural resources for posterity.” The tract contains a total of 4.2 miles (over 22,000 linear feet) of stream corridor, and its conservation helps protect tributary streams of the French Broad River Watershed from sources of sedimentation and other types of pollution. Eller Cove Branch is classified by the NC Division of Water Quality as Water Supply I and High Quality Water. The Town of Weaverville purchased the watershed property in 1911 and used it as the sole source of drinking water until 1993, when the source was changed to the Ivy River. The conservation easement also protects habitat for diverse wildlife species. Largely forested since the late 1880s, the tract contains mature Chestnut Oak Forest as well as Rich Cove Forest and
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Montane Oak-hickory Forest. A third of the property falls within the Audubon Society’s Bull Creek Cerulean Important Bird Area – an approx. 5,000 acre area that supports one of NC’s most significant populations of Cerulean warblers. These neotropical migratory birds, listed as a Federal Species of Concern, require large blocks of mature deciduous forest to flourish. “The Town Council is very happy to have worked with SAHC in order to preserve this property for present and future generations,” said Selena Coffey, Weaverville town manager. “We are thrilled to be able to keep the land in its natural state for the community, preserving it for its beauty and for future recreational use. Our area is experiencing a lot of growth, and it is nice to be able to balance that growth with an opportunity like this to take care of the land.” The town will continue to own the property and hopes to eventually open it to the public for hiking and birding. Located less than one mile west of the Blue Ridge Park-
way at Bull Gap, the tract adjoins Elk Mountain Scenic Highway, a popular route for road bikers and scenic drivers. “As an avid cyclist, protecting this property meant a lot to me personally,” added Pugliese. “It borders a long section of Elk Mountain Scenic Highway, which is a favorite local bike ride as well as a popular route for organized bike races.” Protection of the Weaverville Watershed was made possible by a $275,000 NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund grant and a philanthropic gift by Fred and Alice Stanback. The Town of Weaverville also donated a portion of the conservation easement value. “We are deeply grateful to Fred and Alice Stanback for making a generous contribution which made this conservation easement possible,” said Executive Director Carl Silverstein. “This property is an important addition to the large network of over 125,000 acres of public and private protected land in the Black and Craggy Mountains.”
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Dog Days and Small Streams… By Nils Peterson
A
ugust brings on the hot, muggy dog days of summer, even here in the High Country of Western North Carolina. As fly anglers, we need to change our fishing time and our strategy in order to have more success on our rivers and streams.
Fishing Time…
That old saying about the early bird…Well, its true for summertime fishing for trout on our small mountain streams. I always recommend that folks leave for the creek as early as possible, and leave from the creek around mid-morning, allowing for about 4 to 5 hours of good fishing. Getting out early in the morning lets you fish cooler water that has had ample time to stabilize over the evening hours. If it has rained the afternoon or evening before
your trip, even better. The extra amount of flow in the stream will create more oxygen and move more food downstream for the fish. Early morning fishing also means that you cast less of a shadow on the water, which means you spook less fish. In many small mountain streams, the sun may not show up until later in the morning due to the topography. Situations like these offer the advantage of little to no shadow on the water.
Fishing Strategy…
the deepest part of the riffle or run. I am a big fan of the dry/ dropper rig. I have a couple of different versions of this rig. For runs and riffles, I like a size 10 or 12 dry with a dropper tied off the bend of the hook that is about 12 to 16 inches long. The dropper fly is a size 16 or 18. I also adjust the length of the dropper to fit the depth of the water - I may fish a dropper that is two feet or longer in some situations .
(sizes 10-14), Yellow Sally (sizes 1014), and The Chernobyl Ant (sizes 8,and 10). Fish early, fish shady, make adjustments to your rigs, and by all means have a great time out there! Be kind to the fish and please practice safe catch and release techniques!
During the summer months, I tend to fish bigger pools that have Summertime Dry Fly plenty of shade. This habitat pro- Patterns… vides colder water, plenty of cover, A few of my favorites for dry/ dropper rigs are… Tennessee Wulff and in August, a terrestrial food (sizes 10-14), Royal Coachman source (the inchworm). If I find myself fishing a riffle or run that Nils Peterson is a Fly fishing guide and woodworker from Linville North is in full sun, I try and concentrate Carolina. He is the owner of West Fork Anglers Guide Service and guides first on the extreme sides and then in Western North Carolina and East Tennessee
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Restaurant Spotlight
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BBQ-BURGERS & BREWS
ou’re going to work up an appetite after a long day of working the streams and rivers of the High Country, so treat yourself to a meal at Boone’s newest BBQ restaurant – BBQ, Burgers & Brews. This establishment, which opened in 2016 at the site of the old McKethan Brothers and Bandana’s restaurants on Highway 105 less than a mile west of the main intersection in Boone, is the fast becoming recognized for its slow-cooked ribs, smoked pulled pork plates, and mouth-watering brisket. BBQ – Burgers & Brews, or just plain B3 as people in town call it, was started by three local businessmen, Dave Buchanan, Martin Moore, and Michael Windelspecht. The concept was simple - provide great barbeque, with healthy portions, in a casual atmosphere. But they didn’t stop there…B3 isn’t just about BBQ. If you are really hun-
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gry, then you need to try one of the burgers at B3. One of the local favorites is the B3 burger, a ½ pound Angus patty topped with pulled pork, brisket and onion pedals. Or try a rack of slow-cooked baby back ribs and a side of hushpuppies. If you are looking for something lighter, try out the full salad bar and grilled salmon. It is very hard to leave B3 without a “to go” box! In addition to some of the best BBQ around, B3 has a revolving selection of local craft beer from local Boone breweries such as Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Booneshine, and Lost Province. They also have a rotating selection of Western North Carolina brew, featuring beer from breweries such as Granite Falls Brewery, French Broad, Greenman, and New Belgium, just to name a few. If you are not into craft beer, they have a full service bar and a complete collection of
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traditional bottled beer. If you are staying at an area hotel and are too tired to come out to the restaurant, then just contact the local delivery company, BooneTakeOut.com and order anything off the menu. The spacious restaurant can easily seat large parties, just give them a call (828.265.2828)
and let them know that you are on your way. Looking for someone to cater for your group? Not a problem. B3 specializes in providing catering for groups of any size, from 20 to 1,000. In fact, on most days, you can see the B3 catering van around the local area.
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By Nick Carter
xcept in its delayed harvest section at Spruce Pine, N.C, the North Toe is a river often overlooked because of a perceived lack of access. This is a mistake. The North Toe is a valley river with roadside access that receives surprisingly little fishing pressure and fishes pretty well because of this. It took a trip with Cade Buchanan, of Mountain Troutfitters, to convince me. Cade grew up in Avery County, across the street from the North Toe and has fished it since he was old enough to walk across the street with a fishing rod. Without his kind of local knowledge, it is easy to see why this perception of limited access persists. The North Toe runs through small farms and privately held property as a small to medium sized river through its accessible length. There is ample roadside access, but one must watch out for posted property. Downstream of the Minneapolis community, the river parallels U.S. 19E for more than 12 miles. It might not be bounded by Forest Service land, but there are long stretches of water that are not posted. The streambed is rocky. The water has a slight brown stain as it careens around boulders and over bedrock shelves with some good runs, pocket water and a few big holes. It is a flat bottomland river with easy wading and plenty of room to cast to deceptively deep runs. On a late summer day, I watched Cade expertly pluck numerous 9- to 12-inch trout from the North Toe using a double nymph rig with a big brown stonefly as his point fly. Then I watched Bob Ivins, also of Mountain Troutfitters, battle and land a rainbow in the 18- to 20-inch range. There are good fish in this river for the angler who knows how to get to them. There isn’t much signage indicating where one is allowed to fish, but there also isn’t much signage restricting access. Some of this roadside water probably remains available because of the limited pressure the river sees. Those looking for obvious access to a lot of trout will find it in Spruce Pine, where there is a section of the North Toe designated for delayed harvest. This stretch is also Mountain Heritage waters, which means anglers can fish it with a 3-day Mountain Heritage license that only costs $5. This piece of water obviously receives pressure. It runs through the heart of town as a wide and flat river with easy access and easy wading. It is pretty big water, and there are some deep holes where stocked fish tend to congregate. Getting nymph rigs down deep is a key to consistent success. With lightly pressured hatchery fish, some wild and holdover fish, and the delayed harvest stretch, the North Toe is a good resource that goes largely unnoticed in the shadow of its more famous sister, the South Toe. For GPS coordinates to access points on the North Toe and the rest of the region’s trout fisheries, check out “Flyfisher’s Guide To North Carolina & Georgia.” This comprehensive guide is available on Amazon, and signed copies are available by emailing the author at nsc8957@gmail.com.
By James Bradley
I
t is a great time of year to throw big and nasty dry flies. Just about anywhere you go, big dries will work from the smallest streams to the biggest tailwaters. Anglers who want to catch fish should be casting hopper patterns, beetles, Letort Crickets and the biggest dry flies in the box. Many of the sparse hatches of mayflies and caddis flies have dissipated. If you see a hatch, these insects will be tiny, anyway. Since trout have become accustomed to looking up for their next meal, larger flies can be very enticing for trout to engulf. Remember that breezy early mornings and late evenings will find natural terrestrials in streams. Many will be knocked into the water due carelessness, by the wind or by being on the wrong leaf at the wrong time. One of the best things about throwing larger flies is they are easy to see for most anglers of any age, and watching a trout slash up to grab one is a blast. Here are some tips on how to use that big old dry fly. Many anglers attempt to softly land a large dry fly pattern like a hopper the same way they would a tiny midge. But when mimicking terrestrials, there’s no need to be delicate. Big trout eat big patterns. Both the streamer-chasing browns and the big rainbows will come out of nowhere, and from a distance, to cream a big hopper. But first, you must get their attention. A real grasshopper is heavy. When these things hit the water’s surface in nature, it is with what I would call a blop. This is the attention getter. Forget the soft landing, you’re better off making a splash. No luck with the dry? Go with a hopper/dropper pattern. A big hopper makes an excellent indicator. Use a big number 6 or 8 on top with a small number 16 to 20 as the dropper. Remember, hatches are smaller in the summertime. Any takes on the subsurface fly will jerk that big dry under the water. It’s easy to see, so just set the hook! Where to fish these big flies depends a lot on the angler. Good casters can toss these things up under an 18-inch opening in the rhododendron, where trout will be hiding. It gives credence to one of my favorite sayings, “good casters catch all the fish.” Grassy areas along the bank are a surefire place where grasshoppers might find their way into the stream. And casting a beetle pattern above a log in the bank can be another dandy tactic. Even the wide-open middle of the stream can be productive, because sometimes it seems trout just can’t refuse a big hunk of meat. Reel ‘Em In Guide Service is an Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide based out of Ellijay, Ga. See their website at www.reeleminguideservice.com.
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SEPTEMBER 2017
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FRESHWATER
Spectacular Salmon Season is On! By Frank Geremski
L
ake Ontario consistently produces some of the best Great Lakes salmon catches, and this year’s fishing has been nothing short of spectacular. Significant early summer rains brought high water, which stimulated a feeding frenzy for giant king salmon. Recent summers have endured dry weather, low water and thinner salmon runs. Both lake and river health was questioned during these dry years, but cool and plentiful rains have done wonders for this fishery. It’s prime time to tangle with beasts that have been tipping the scales over 30 pounds! The experts are excited about lake and river conditions in New York’s Oswego County, holder of 12 New York state and world records. Bob Mallory is an expert on Lake Ontario and Oswego Harbor, where he pursues his passion for trout and salmon. Here are Bob’s thoughts on the 2017 Salmon Season: “Fishing in the lake out of the port of Oswego has Tom Fernandez of The continued to get better every Tailwater Lodge with a trophy week as the season has proearly season King Salmon! gressed. The number of fish being hooked and caught right now is nothing short of amazing and points to a great river season. Trolling in the lake with downriggers and Dipsy Divers with flashers and flies has been my go-to method. In low light conditions, white eChip flashers with A-Tom-Mik Hammer flies is producing. In overcast conditions, try greens; brighter days favor chrome and Mountain Dew colors. As fish get closer to the pier head, J-plugs will produce.” Tom Fernandez and the team at The Tailwater Lodge on New York’s Salmon River have developed a premier fishing resort. Huge salmon can attract a crowd when they blast up shallow runs and riffles on this picturesque river. The Tailwater’s 35 acres of private access solves that issue, and they provide a top-notch fishing concierge service. Tom is looking forward to an early salmon season with these words: “As the nights get colder in Altmar, we can only think about one thing, trophy king salmon exploding outside our back door in the Schoolhouse Pool. This year we are expecting the run to start earlier than we have seen in the past few years, with kings and cohos in the river system from September through October until we get deep into steelhead season. The high levels of Lake Ontario, the consistent good flow through the Salmon River and fish staging outside Oswego and Mexico Point have all the necessary ingredients for one heck of a salmon season. If I were looking for a time to experience the trophy fish on the Salmon River with thinner crowds, warmer temps and explosive fish, I would think about making the early run this year.” To truly experience the salmon spawning process and have a great adventure with the family, the Salmon River Fish Hatchery in Altmar, N.Y. will hold their annual open house Sept. 23, where you can view the complete spawning cycle. To learn more about Oswego County fishing, go to www.visitoswegocounty/fishing.com. Phil Belsito of The Angler Magazine of West Michigan said Lake Michigan fish are large and plentiful also. Go to www.theanglermag.com, then select Great Lakes Region for reports from both Lake Michigan and Lake Ontario.
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he quick answer to this question is “probably not.” The ideal lens for the visual rigors of hunting is an amber lens, sometimes referred to as a copper lens. Not to make this more complicated than it needs to be, but a green lens is sometimes referred to as a G-15 or gray lens. Depending on the time of day and sun coverage, the gray (green) lens may also be a preferred option for hunting. As a hunter, I prefer the low-light sensitive amber lens. The majority of my opportunities seem to come either during the early morning or late afternoon to dusk windows, when light enhancement is preferable to light dispersal. The requirements of your fishing sunglasses are starkly different than your hunting glasses. Looking deep into the water is directly in contrast to seeing long range with limited light. Selecting the perfect hunting sunglasses normally takes a bit of trial and error. My best advice when selecting a new pair of hunting sunglasses is to purchase them from a dealer with a liberal return policy. Finding your best fit and lens requires a little work, but once you find your perfect pair you will find that they improve and enhance your hunting experience. If you need any further advice on selecting your perfect hunting lens, always feel free to contact me or anyone here at Fowler’s. We know sunglasses. Fowler’s Pharmacy, 864-288-5905; 864-288-5920
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n late July, the attention of national news media turned briefly to a huge mako shark caught off the coast of New Jersey. The 12-foot-long, 926-pound shortfin mako outweighed the current state record by 70 pounds, but because the rod passed hands during the fight it will not be officially recognized as a new record. The big shark broke a rod in the fight to bring it aboard the 44-foot charter boat Jenny Lee, captained by Dave Bender. It happened during an overnight charter, drifting in 1,500 feet of water 100-miles out of Manasquan Inlet near the famous Hudson Canyon. Shortly after excitement began to fizzle over this great catch, information was released on a new tagging study that suggests shortfin mako sharks might be experiencing overfishing in the western North Atlantic. Researchers from Nova Southeastern University’s Guy Harvey Research Institute (GHRI), the University of Rhode Island and other colleagues followed 40 satellite-tagged sharks in real time and 12 of them, or 30 percent, were captured in fisheries. This information suggests the fishing mortality rates of shortfin mako sharks might be considerably higher than previously estimated using catches reported by fishermen, according to the press release. And despite their small sample size, researchers questioned the reliability of traditional data collection methods and expressed a serious concern over whether the current level of fishery catches for shortfin makos in the North Atlantic are sustainable.
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FLY FISHING
Lefty’s Deceiver By Carlos Hidalgo
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lthough he would deny it, Lefty Kreh is a legend. With great knowledge (he has authored or co-authored over 30 books and hundreds of magazine articles), boundless energy (he has performed countless lectures and casting demonstrations over the last 60+ years), down-home humor (a dumb person would “pick up a snake to kill a stick”), and showmanship (at casting demos, he finds a pretty woman and makes a cast that curls the fly line around her neck), Lefty has done more to popularize fly fishing than any other person in the last century. He has fished with Fidel Castro, Ted Williams and Ernest Hemmingway, but he hasn’t just witnessed fly fishing history, he has created it. His innovative fly casting techniques are used by millions of us today. Oh yeah, he also developed Lefty’s Deceiver, the best fly pattern ever devised. Lefty tied the first Deceiver during the late 1950s. He wanted a fly that was easy to cast, didn’t foul, looked like a baitfish and had great action in the water. The pattern can be easily described: a tail made up of several matching hackle or saddle feathers with a bucktail collar. Add flash material to either or both, eyes to
the head and some type of red material for the throat, as needed. The hook shank beneath the collar (the body) can be wrapped with the tying thread or a flashy material, like mylar tinsel or Diamond Braid. By the way, Lefty says the key to the pattern is to tie the collar at least as long as the rear of the hook, which keeps the hackle tail from wrapping around the hook. In appropriate sizes and colors, Lefty’s pattern has deceived just about every fish that swims, from four-inch bream to 400-pound billfish. Lefty’s Deceiver has even graced a U.S. Postal stamp. Lefty’s favorite Deceiver colors are chartreuse/white and yellow/ chartreuse. I tie them in many sizes and colors, and my favorite is tied in a Firetiger color scheme. This color works very well for many saltwater fish in sizes 1/0 to 3/0. It has also been very successful for me for peacock bass and largemouth bass in south Florida in size 2. I imagine smallies would jump all over it, too. Lefty’s Deceiver (Firetiger) Hook - Mustad 34007 or similar, size 2 to 3/0 Thread - fluorescent yellow Tail - two yellow and one yellow grizzly hackle on each side, topped with yellow Krystal Flash Body - yellow thread or Diamond Braid Collar - yellow bucktail with yellow Krystal flash and a small yellow grizzly hackle on each side, topped with green Krystal Flash and green bucktail Throat - orange bucktail, as long as the collar Head - fluorescent yellow, with painted orange/black eye, covered with five-minute epoxy Contact Carlos at cah6620@gmail.com to submit a pattern for consideration in this column or to order his book, “South Florida’s Peacock Bass.”
By John Rice
This is a simple tie and a very effective pattern for trout everywhere. Soft hackles are basically emerger patterns. They do not belong on the streambed like nymphs, so this fly should be dropped a foot or so off a nymph so it can suspend itself higher in the water column where an emerger belongs. Thread: 8/0 olive Abdomen: Olive goose biot Thorax: Tan superfine dubbing Hackle: Hungarian partridge Head: 8/0 Olive thread Hook: 1X long, size 18 Tiemco 3761 John Rice guides with Blackhawk Fly Fishing, which offers exceptional fishing for trophy trout in the north Georgia mountains. Contact john at jriceflyfishing@ gmail.com.
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UNDER THE SEA
before harvesting. Along with a closed mating season, this should keep the lobster population stable. 2. Mating season begins in the spring. Lobsters can be observed walking out of their holes in search of a mate, and males can be seen sparring for a lady’s affection. Mating season ends around August, here are a few good things about the fall season though egg-bearing females can be seen yearbesides cooler weather; one of them round. is the beginning of lobster season! 3. Males have proportionately larger legs and I dove with a commercial lobsterman for carapace, and females have a larger tail and extra a few years, and he was like a kid waiting pinchers on the abdomen to hold the eggs. for Santa. Teaming up with someone that Lobster tips from the master: knew where the good spots were gave me the 1. Let some air out of your BC, get your opportunity to spear some nice fish, but it buoyancy under control, and plant your knees in also gave me the opportunity to learn some the sand in front of the lobster. Your butt should tricks of the trade by watching a master not be up in the air! lobsterman at work. 2. Take your time and do not spook them. He First and foremost, you must learn said, “Lobsters are like cattle, you can herd them how to find lobsters. Fortunately, the same wherever you want, as long as you take your time.” territory that tends to hold fish life is also 3. The most common methods are the net good for lobstering. That is because life and tickle stick or looper, but there are some attracts life. When I was scuba diving beside interesting variations on the market now. Become Sheri Daye and Dave Earp display the results him and would see him approach an area of good at all of them, as some tools are better than of solid teamwork. the reef holding a school of fish fry, I knew others in certain situations. his senses were on high alert, and I’d start 4. When using a tickle stick, use aluminum looking for fish. Invariably, while he picked up instead of plastic. Lobsters do not respond as well a lobster or two, I would see a desirable fish. to plastic. Over the years, we honed the most efficient method for hunting as a 5. Be careful not to touch the antennas. Tap or nudge a lobster from buddy team. He focused on lobsters while I did all the spearfishing. He behind to move it into position and put the net over it. Measure the would tow the flag, which meant I could be faster and more streamlined carapace, check for eggs (by the way, extra skittish lobsters often have in the water while going after fish. We drifted with the current, parallel to eggs), then place in your catch bag, and enjoy your dinner! the reef, side-by-side. If he missed seeing a lobster, which was extremely Fall is in the air. Happy hunting! rare, I would bang my tank to alert him, and he would do the same with fish. Over the years, we became the best of friends and a formidable Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer hunting team. of The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow Lobster fun facts: “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram. 1. Lobsters reach sexual maturity in two to three years when the carapace is a little longer than 3 inches. Florida law requires a carapace For more Sheri Daye, go to to be longer than 3 inches, thus allowing lobsters a chance to reproduce
TEAMWORK IN SPEARFISHING AND LOBSTERING
T
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For details and the name of your nearest participating Suzuki Marine dealer, visit www.suzukimarine.com 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 7/01/17 and 9/30/17 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 7/01/17 and 9/30/17. 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. Customer will have the choice to either apply the cash rebate against the original dealer invoice (Suzuki will credit Dealer parts account) or have a check sent directly to the customer. There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki 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 AVAILABLE actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories orAT other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors• purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 7/01/17 and 9/30/17. “Gimme Six”,ANGLER the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t STRIKE ZONE ACE HARDWARE • LOWER KEYS TACKLE • ARMED ANGLER • SALTWATER • BACKCOUNTRY COWBOY OUTFITTERS 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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