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THE LIGHTEST PENN REEL EVER MADE The Lightest PENN Reel Ever Made. The all new Conflict II matches an extremely light weight design with PENN’s legendary durability. Featuring our RR30 body, CNC Gear Technology and HT-100 Drag system, the Conflict II is the ultimate inshore reel.
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CEO / EDITOR IN CHIEF : Ben Martin • camads@coastalanglermagazine.com COO : Tracy Patterson • tracy@coastalanglermagazine.com ART DIRECTOR : Rebecca Snowden • graphics@coastalanglermagazine.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR : Nick Carter • editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com WEBMASTER : Derrick Oppelt • 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 : Chris Milner • (321) 631-1001 • cmilner@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 ORLANDO : Phillip & Giselle Wolf • (407) 790-9515 • phillip@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER MIAMI : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@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
SOUTHEAST
ATLANTA : 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 COLUMBIA/MIDLANDS : John Lux • (803) 807-6885 • jlux@theanglermagazine.com MYRTLE BEACH : Mike Masiero • (732) 674-3019 • mmasiero@coastalanglermagazine.com SW GEORGIA : Bob & Brenda Rice • (706) 614-8231 • bobr@theanglermagazine.com TIDEWATER/OUTER BANKS : John Tiger • (757) 707-9654 • john.tiger@coastalanglermagazine.com
Laura Tiger • (757) 707-9655 • laura@coastalanglermagazine.com
WESTERN NC : Debra & Joe Woody • (828) 775-9663 • woody@theanglermagazine.com WILMINGTON/MOREHEAD : Charlie Lamm • (252) 205-6472 • clamm@coastalanglermagazine.com
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 MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST : Adam Nelson • (228) 627-5903 • anelson@coastalanglermagazine.com
You guys are everywhere.
A
nglers share some very unique commonalities. One trait that seems standard across the board is that whenever we find ourselves in a new destination, regardless of why we’re there, we always want to find out about “what’s biting.” Normally a quick trip to a local tackle shop gets us up to speed. I often hear from readers that they were in a different state or a different region and found a copy of our magazine at the tackle shop they went into. One such reader recently told me, “I live in Wilmington, North Carolina, and I read your Wilmington edition every month. I was in Mississippi recently on business and I saw a copy of your magazine at a local tackle shop. The next month I was in Key West, Florida and saw a copy of the magazine at a tackle shop there. I just landed in Connecticut today and can’t believe that I just picked up another copy of your magazine at a tackle shop here in Connecticut. You guys are everywhere.” It is true; we are available for free in over 30 market areas, but we’re not everywhere yet. Our franchise publishing model is changing the way American anglers view a local fishing magazine, and we’re looking to further expand our footprint. If you think owning your own business as the publisher of your area’s local fishing magazine is something that would fit your career and lifestyle goals, give us a call for information on potential franchise opportunities in your area. Previous publishing experience is not required. We have a complete training program and ongoing support system that enables our co-publishing partners to quickly establish the magazine as a primary resource for the avid angler nearly everywhere. Best regards,
Toby Nelson • (228) 623-1761 • tnelson@coastalanglermagazine.com
GREAT LAKES WEST MICHIGAN : Phil Belsito • (616) 957-1714 • phil@theanglermagazine.com
INTERNATIONAL PUERTO RICO/VIRGIN ISLANDS : Ace Bassue • (407) 285-9453 • ace@coastalanglermagazine.com COSTA RICA : Mike Erickson • (561) 262-2242 • mike@coastalanglermagazine.com © 2018. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Disclaimer: Coastal Angler Magazine / The Angler Magazine will not be held liable for injuries incurred while partaking in activities described herein, or for claims made against products or services provided by advertisers.
Ben Martin Editor in Chief info@coastalanglermagazine.com
1-888-800-9794
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WHO CARES ABOUT PUTTING YOUR LURE RIGHT ON TOP OF FISH?
All trademarks mentioned are owned by, or licensed to, the AkzoNobel group of companies. © AkzoNobel 2017.
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For over a century, a league of canned crusaders have been fighting to keep boats safe from barnacles, slime, algae and other aquatic evils that rob your boat of its true performance. With advanced know-how and unique capabilities, each antifouling is tailored to different conditions, and has the power to defeat fouling in all its forms. Micron® Extra leads the charge in all waters. Using its signature dual-protection with boosting Biolux® technology, it provides high-quality, multi-season protection that survives hauling and relaunch without the need for repainting. For super-powered antifouling protection and proven performance, choose Interlux®.
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Paddlesports Product Review CARIBE TIBURON INFLATABLE SUP You’ll be slithering through the waves with ease and gliding along in true mariner style when you hop on Caribe’s inflatable SUP. Decorated with a shark silhouette and further amplified by a cool camo print, this blue and black paddleboard is always a hit among water-lovers with a penchant for adventure. The Tiburon Inflatable Paddleboard comes with 6 D-Rings on the softpad so you can attach a variety of accessories like a cooler, 2 Kayak Seats, dry bags, etc. it also comes with a D-Ring on the front bottom deck, excellent for anchoring or towing the board. A very wide 34” design provides stability like no other board on the market. It’s ideal for fishing and long rides and has a smooth non-slip softpad that provides grip as well as comfort. Concerned about hooks on board or punctures from oyster beds? No worries! Double deck Tarpaulin layers protect the board from punctures while providing the most rigid inflatable experience out there. All Caribe’s boards come with a 2-year warranty against manufacturing defects.
WWW.CARIBESUP.COM
AIRHEAD SUP BONEFISH 1138 True to its name, the Airhead SUP Bonefish 1138 is a paddleboard specifically designed for fishing. This super-stable fishing SUP has two inflatable sponsons that give anglers the firm platform they need for fighting big fish and navigating rough water. There are four strategically placed mount pads on deck to accommodate four rod racks, Airhead SUP Fishing Racks and Bucket Racks. Two smaller accessory mounts are perfect for small rod holders or other accessories, and two stainless D-ring cooler tie downs round out endless possibilities for equipment customization. A classic teak-look EVA decking provides sure footing. At just 41 pounds, transport of the Bonefish 1138 is easy, and two molded handles fore and aft make carrying it to the water a breeze, even when it’s fully loaded. There is versatility built in with 10 stainless steel D-rings and two stretch tie downs. The Bonefish 1138 comes with a mesh backpack for transport and storage, a Hi Pressure hand pump for quick and easy inflation, a pressure gauge, valve wrench, board strap and repair kit.
WWW.AIRHEADSUP.COM
KAKU WAHOO 10.5 The new Kaku Wahoo 10.5 may be the baddest little ’yak on the water. It is a compact version of the Wahoo 12.5, which has proven itself as a superb fishing kayak. Kaku went and shaved a couple of feet and more than 10 pounds off of the original Wahoo to create a boat that is easier to transport and paddles very well in the tight environs kayak anglers often find themselves in. And while the Wahoo 10.5 gives up size, it does not sacrifice fishability or performance. It has all the features of the Wahoo 12.5. By flattening the rocker and lowering the keel, Kaku has designed a boat that tracks well and is easy to stand on. A sick deck pad rounds out the look of a quick little ’yak that is stable, comfortable and easy to handle.
KAKUKAYAK.COM
MANTA RACKS Whether it’s a mother-ship expedition offshore, a day-cruise to some isolated islands or exploration deep into the mangroves, there are a lot of places paddle-sports enthusiasts want to be that are too distant to access under paddle power. SUPs and kayaks take up a lot of room on the deck of the boat, and Manta Racks has come up with the perfect solution. The Manta Racks system stores your kayaks or SUPs securely to your boat, where they are out of the way, and it utilizes the boat’s rod holders, so there’s no need to drill any new holes for mounting. With a patented 360-degree locking swivel feature, paddleboards, wakeboards, kayaks, kiteboards, water skis and surfboards can be easily stored on the gunnel of the boat without drilling extra holes. All of your boards are out of the way of your passengers, securely fastened to your Manta Racks system. Go farther when you take your boards.
WWW.MANTARACKS.COM
WILDERNESS SYSTEMS RADAR SERIES With its new Radar Series, Wilderness Systems continues to build on its legacy of innovation, performance and quality in fishing kayaks. The Radar Series is Wilderness Systems’ first tri-powered kayak, which means it has paddle, power and pedal capabilities. It features S.M.A.R.T. Hull Technology that combines stability, maneuverability, acceleration, responsiveness and tracking throughout the entire design for ultimate
performance in multiple water environments. In addition to a flat platform for standing and freedom of movement, the Radar boasts state-of-the-art outfitting including expansive SlideTrax rails, a multitude of storage opportunities, and scupper options to deploy the Helix MD motor drive, Helix PD pedal drive and multiple options for electronics, including down-imaging, side-scanning or both. With Helix PD, a built-in steering control system allows for easy navigation that leaves your hands free for fishing. The AirPro Max seat complements the package with optimized positioning for any mode of travel.
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Paddlesports Product Review NUCANOE FLINT NuCanoe made waves when it introduced its new Flint kayak at iCast. Here is a boat jam-packed with features for serious anglers, yet the price tag is way below what you’d expect for such a high-quality kayak. At 11’3”, and less than 70 pounds, The Flint is the perfect boat for exploring creeks, rivers and backwater marshes. It is agile, responding nimbly to the paddle, and it also tracks very well despite its shorter length. Light enough for easy one-man transport, this boat is amazingly stable, and unique scupper hole design provides a firm deck. The Flint cockpit is wide open and fishes like a much larger kayak. There’s plenty of room and stability for standing to fish on an uncluttered deck, and the new Hawg Trough channel keeps your measuring board handy but out of the way. With five gear tracks, handy spaces for tackle boxes and angled flush-mount rod holders, NuCanoe has come up with a simple yet efficient and customizable layout for everything an angler needs. The side handle that doubles as a quick-clip paddle holder is a handy innovation someone should have come up with long ago. Cap it all off with the comfy custom-height Pinnacle seat NuCanoe is known for, and this is a top-notch fishing platform for a reasonable price.
WWW.NUCANOE.COM
PERCEPTION PESCADOR PILOT 12.0 Perception’s pedal-powered Pescador Pilot is a fishing machine that is extremely comfortable and functional for anglers. It excels in flat water and is an excellent kayak for inshore and bay fishing as well as on freshwater lakes and ponds. The Pilot Drive propeller system effortlessly propels the boat, even in reverse, while leaving both hands free. The spacious, sit-on-top design with generous storage and accessory mounts make the kayak easy to customize. Superior stability allows anglers to cast and fight fish while standing. Comfort is absolutely necessary for serious anglers spending long hours on the water. The Pescador Pilot is built for that. A roomy captain’s chair features zonal mesh to promote cooling airflow. On-the-fly seatback adjustment tilts back for relaxed pedaling or forward for sportier pedaling.
With performance, comfort, features, and storage that outdistance its price point, especially for a peddle-driven kayak, the Pescador Pilot is also a great value. This boat is proudly designed, molded and hand assembled in the USA and is backed by a 5-year warranty.
WWW.PERCEPTIONKAYAKS.COM
OLD TOWN PREDATOR PDL Prepare yourself for a totally new fishing experience. Old Town has taken boat control to new heights with forward and reverse via an efficient and easy-to-use propriety pedal-drive system. It gets you to the spot fast, and keeps you on the spot without paddling. With forward, reverse and agile maneuverability, you’ll experience precise boat control while your hands remain free to focus on fishing. The removable pedal drive installs in seconds and tips up instantly for shallowwater docking. The Predator PDL’s specially-designed hull combines the perfect balance of smooth pedal stroke speed and stand-up stability. The Old Town PDL pedals exactly like a bicycle, converting modest pedaling into maximum propulsion. A 10.3:1 gear ratio means that anglers can reach speeds up to 5.5 mph to reach fishing spots fast and efficiently. It also makes trolling through a range of useradjustable speeds easy and effective. The Predator PDL is infinitely customizable with rigging accessories from Cannon, Scotty, YakAttack, RAM and more.
WWW.OLDTOWNCANOE.COM
SEA EAGLE 350FX FISHING EXPLORER For anglers who like to go it alone, Sea Eagle’s 350fx is a terrific choice. The most stable and rugged entry in Sea Eagle’s Explorer Series of inflatable kayaks, it’s a lightweight (51-lbs.) and easily portable one-person fishing machine. Nearly indestructible, the 350fx features a double layer of 1000 Denier reinforced protective layers on the tubes and bottom, a 40-inch fish ruler, plus two spray skirts—each with three rod holders and accessory belts that hold tools, hooks and lures. A fully adjustable foot brace is easily positioned for maximum comfort and more power per stroke while a nifty anchor system quietly locks in advantageous casting positions. Suitable for paddling in waters rated to Class IV, 16 high-capacity self-bailing drain valves make this entry ideal for fishing in moderate whitewater rivers up to Class III. Close the valves to remain high and dry on flat waters, and insert the removable skeg to improve flatwater tracking. Fully inflated in seven minutes, the 350fx fits in a car trunk and handles electric motors up to 34-pound thrust. This inflatable fishing kayak is 11’6” long and has a maximum weight capacity of 575 lbs.
WWW.SEAEAGLE.COM
FLYCRAFT STEALTH The Flycraft Stealth is one of the most versatile boats in the world. Its unique construction and shape give it the functionality of many boats in one. From motoring on the coast or lakes to rowing rocky streams and mild whitewater, the Flycraft Stealth is your one boat answer. The boat’s lightweight and minimalistic design allow it to be easily carried on a roof or in a truck bed. No roof rack? No problem; this boat deflates and packs down to fit in a trunk or closet. At just 98 pounds, one person can easily transport or load this boat solo. For information, call 801-810-4022.
WWW.FLYCRAFTUSA.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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QUIK-CHANGE II ™ Our Innovative, Interchangeable Fixed Blade Cutlery System 9” FILLET 7” FILLET 5” FILLET 3” SERRATED
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FLY FISHING
Michelle Bowman with a Yucatan baby tarpon from an inflatable SUP.
For more Bowman, go to
CAMFLYFISHING.COM
GAME CHANGER Sea Eagle FishSUP Stand Up Paddleboard
Win th Sea Eagle e FishSUP Pro Moto r Fishing Rig Packa ge! Fu
www.Coa ll details at stalAngle rContest.c om
Fits in a Bag! Paddle or Motor
Incredibly stable, the new inflatable FishSUP FS126 Stand Up Paddleboard is an angler’s dream. Lightweight, packable, portable and ready in moments. The FishSUP fits in any car trunk and inflates in just 7 minutes. Stand, sit, fish, motor, troll, fresh, salt or brackish water...the FishSUP goes everywhere. 800-748-8066 M-F 9-5 EST Dept C2048B 19 N. Columbia St., Suite 1
• 12’6” long x 40” wide for exceptional stability • Motor mount holds up to a 55 lb. thrust electric motor • EVA foam pad for secure stand up footing • 36” Built-in fish ruler • Heavy duty two layer drop stitch construction for a solid, super tough SUP board • Multiple d-rings and elastic cord for gear & accessories
MSRP $1149!
Port Jefferson, NY 11777
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NO 26
The best fishing stories start with you getting away.
F F
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2018 220CC ® Exclusive Variable Degree Stepped (VDS) Hull for Performance, Safety & Stability ® 10 year Structural Warranty ® SailTech Construction: 100% Composite, Reinforced with Kevlar® & Carbon Fiber ® Lifetime No-Rot Guarantee ® Bow To Stern Intelligent Ergonomic Design with Premium Finishes ® Family Friendly Features for Fun, Comfort and Safety
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Take a
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You could get a discount when you combine your auto and boat policies.
geico.com | 1-800-865-4846 | Local Office Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. Multi-Policy Discount available to auto insureds that have purchased a boat policy through the GEICO Marine Insurance Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2018 GEICO
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For a limited time, get Suzuki Extended Protection, Instant Savings and attractive financing on select Suzuki outboards from 25 to 350 horspower. See your participapting Suzuki Marine dealer for details or visit www.suzukimarine.com.
REPOWER FINANCE Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 350 HP.
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Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboard on approved credit.*
Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 04/01/18 and 06/30/18 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 04/01/18 and 06/30/18. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Customer and participating Dealer must fill out the appropriate form at time of sale. Instant Savings will be applied against the original dealer invoice (Suzuki will credit Dealer parts account). There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 04/01/18 and 06/30/18. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2018 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
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SOUTHEAST
By Will Clements
B
ass move shallow in spring, and kayaks are some of the best crafts to follow them. Most kayaks draft only 4 to 5 inches and can get to many places that bigger boats can’t. Culvert coves are some of my favorite places to bass fish this time of year. On large reservoirs, culvert coves are the shallow coves cut off from the main lake by roads or other barriers. The water has to come through somewhere, and typically this is via a narrow concrete bridge or large culvert. Many of these backwaters are only accessible in kayaks or other small vessels. On lakes with significant winter drawdowns, some of these areas are dry through the winter, which allows terrestrial grass and brush
to grow. When spring rains bring lakes back to full pool, these areas are flooded, creating havens for bass moving shallow to spawn. A kayak can slide into these areas and escape the traffic and spring winds on the main lake. Many people bank fish from the road in these areas; a kayak can access the entire cove. Kayaks also give you the ability to sneak up on bedding fish. Often you can drift in slowly enough that the fish see your kayak as a floating log. Being quiet is the key to sneaking up on these shallow fish. Try putting peel-and-stick foam anywhere you lay your paddle or rods. Any slight bang against the plastic hull reverberates through the water and can spook fish. Also, be aware of your shadow. Kayaks inherently cast less of a shadow than larger boats, especially when the angler is seated. Try standing in your kayak only to spot bedding bass. Then sit down to sneak in for the cast. When bed fishing, release fish quickly back to their beds to keep our fisheries strong. For prespawn and postspawn bass, be sure to fish the creek channel and culvert leading into and out of these areas. Bass congregate in these areas before and after spawning. My favorite baits to throw in these areas are bluegill imitations and reaction baits. In these sheltered backwaters, bass encounter less fishing pressure and can be easier to catch. When bass are up shallow or protecting beds, I like bluegill imitations. My favorite is a swim jig. You can fish it slow like a jig, fast like a swimbait or anywhere in between. It comes right through the grass and brush. I also like buzzbaits and spinnerbaits. In stained water caused by spring rains, bass will jump all over a loud and flashy bait. These protected, stained backwaters will warm up faster than any other water in the lake. Bass will be searching for any warmth they can find. Keep an eye out for these secluded culvert coves, and keep your kayak ready. Will Clements is an Outside World Outfitters Fishing Team member (outsidegeorgia.com/), a club series coordinator with River Bassin (www.riverbassintrail.com) and a Nucanoe team member (www.nucanoe.com).
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NORTH CAROLINA
By TAM Staff
A
ccess to skinny water and the ability to launch anywhere are the two most prominent advantages to fishing under paddle power. At no other time is this more advantageous than during the spring spawning runs. When longer days and warming water temperatures spur the urge to spawn, many species go on the move. On reservoirs, ponds and lakes, bass, crappie and bream will all be shallow in some stage of the spawn. The shallow draft of a canoe or kayak allows anglers to sneak into backwaters to find the beds. But even more exciting this time of year are the species that run out of the reservoirs and up the creeks and rivers. Up any tributary
By Will Schmidt
F
rom bare bones to fully loaded, a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) is a great platform to fish from. Typically coming in under 30 pounds, it is easy to transport, it’s quiet and super stealthy, and with a standing view it makes for a fantastic platform to sight fish from. The portability and ease of clean up make it great for a quick after work trip with a rod, reel and handful of lures. Add a cooler and a few extras, and you are ready for a full day of fun on the water. To maximize your time on the board, here are my three top tips. • Paddle control is perhaps the most important thing about SUP fishing. Quickly storing your paddle to transition from paddling to
that feeds a good fishery, spring offers the best fishing of the year for one species or another. Each spring, white bass in huge numbers push up rivers and creeks to spawn. They stage in the current breaks and provide fast action for anglers throwing spinners, curly tail jigs, small crankbaits and even flies. In a canoe or kayak, white bass make for an interesting float trip. Drift down the river, prospecting with a few casts in each eddy. That first strike tells you it’s time to drop anchor. Where there is one white bass, there is usually a whole school. They might weigh a pound on average, but they can get up to 4 or 5 pounds and fight much harder than their weight. In many fisheries, walleye are most susceptible when they head upriver to spawn. For a fish that spends most of its time in the deepest water it can find, the spring run is really the only time a paddling angler can target them efficiently. They are consolidated in the river, where they school up near the bottom behind sandbars or other current breaks. They can be caught with deep-running lures bounced slowly along the bottom or a live baitfish fished with enough weight to keep it down near the bottom. The king of the spring spawning runs has to be the landlocked striped bass that state wildlife agencies stock in reservoirs. There is no freshwater fish so large and powerful that can be found in such skinny water. In many systems, the spring run is just a precursor to the larger summer runs that occur when reservoir water conditions become uncomfortable for the fish. In spring and summer, chucking an oversized swimbait to eddies created by wood structure or drifting a live baitfish on a circle hook under a balloon can lead to surprisingly large results. And the best thing about these spring runs is access to them can actually be better for anglers in little plastic boats. Bank-bound anglers are limited to one stretch of shoreline. Big boats are impeded by shoals and shallow water. With a canoe or kayak, the only limitations are private property and the distance you’re willing to carry a boat to launch. casting can be a clumsy noisy process, but I’ve found a simple and effective trick. Using a length of rope about 2 feet longer than your waist, tie a loop in each end. Then wrap the rope around your waist, putting one loop through the other. When you spot a fish, put the handle of the paddle through the hanging loop and the blade on the board, now you are ready to cast and still have quick access to your paddle if you need to maneuver while fighting a fish. • At some point you will need to hold yourself steady to keep from spooking fish while working a productive spot. An anchor works, but I like a stake-out pole. They are easy to deploy, silent and effective. There are nice commercial models available in the $100 range, but I made one easily for about $15. Most large gardening departments sell sturdy hard plastic tomato stakes. They have a point at one end that will penetrate on most flats. I also added a PVC T joint as a handle and a small piece of foam noodle as a float. This works well on soft shallow flats and can be tied to the board or run through an open-ended rod tube to hold you in place. • Gear management especially during an extended outing is something you will need to consider. I opt for strapping on a cooler, preferably one that latches shut like the Orion. This gives me a secure place to put gear that will not be lost in case of an inadvertent plunge. It also offers a comfortable seat, which doubles as a safety feature to lower your center of gravity in rough situations. Furthermore, the Orion has built-in Yak Attack rails, which allow you to attach Ram style accessories like rod holders. Light, quiet and fun, an SUP offers a great way to get to the fish whether for a quick trip after work or leisurely day of fishing. Will Schmidt is a seasoned tournament angler who has been writing about fishing for nearly two decades. Check out Orion coolers at Orioncoolers.com.
For more with Will Schmidt, go to
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BLUE RIDGE
By Jimmy Harris
O
ne of the first things new trout anglers hear is that trout are found around the “seams.” A seam is the line of differentiation between two different currents in a stream. The most obvious places are where an eddy actually has water moving upstream in the totally opposite direction from the main downstream current. It makes the perfect place for a trout to lie in wait in calmer water and strike out into the current at any food being washed downstream. The result is the fish expends very little effort while gorging on the conveyor belt of food the stream offers. It’s pretty much what we do as we take up position in our recliner in front of the TV on game day. During commercial breaks, we make a mad dash to the fridge for more wings and beverages and land back in the comfort of the lounger before the games comes back on. Life is good here, as it is for trout living on the slow side of a seam. It’s fairly easy to detect a seam when looking out across a stream.
Find the places where two different current speeds align and you’re likely to find fish. And if you fish those seams all day long, you’re probably going to get into some fish. But I want you to start looking at the stream in 3D. 3D fishing simply means there are varying speeds of current that you can’t visually see but should know are there because of stream dynamics. They’re found as you go from the top of the water surface down to the bottom of the streambed. These seams are just as important and maybe more so than those seams you identify on the surface. Typically, water on the surface is the fastest. As you drop below the surface, you’ll find the speed slowing down. As you approach the very bottom, you will find the current slows dramatically and may not be moving much at all. The friction between the streambed and the water can literally stop the downstream motion of the water in those few inches immediately adjacent to the bottom. Fishery biologists refer to this as the boundary layer. What a perfect place for a trout! There is as much cover overhead as possible to avoid predators. The fish sit near the bottom facing upstream from whence cometh their sustenance. And it takes just about zero energy to move up in the water column, grab a bite and return to the comfort of the boundary layer. Just a slight tilt of the pectoral fins and the fish glides into the overhead current to eat. It then tilts the fins downward and returns to its holding lie. You can describe it as flying in the water. It’s as if your recliner had motorized wheels that glide you from the TV room to the kitchen and back. It is an amazing thing to watch indeed. Jimmy Harris owns Unicoi Outfitters. Check them out at www.unicoioutfitters.com.
For a video of a 20-inch brown trout living in the zone, scan the QR code or go to...
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MURPHY AREA LAKES
April Forecast for Murphy Area Lakes
T
his has been one of the weirdest late winter/early spring periods I can remember, in terms of weather patterns. I actually fished a few days in February in shorts and flip flops, but then had to break out the thermals, hot hands, and heater buddy again. I watched water temperatures in one creek arm go from 37 degrees, to 66 degrees, back down to 44 degrees in the span of 3 weeks. Luckily, April is traditionally the month where everything levels back out (not to mention herring should be spawning in shallow water), and is probably my single favorite month of the year to fish for multiple species on our Murphy area lakes. With that in mind, I thought I would do a brief species-by-species breakdown in terms of what to expect this month.
Walleye, Crappie, & Trout
By Aaron Kephart
We have been catching a good number of big walleye as they make their late winter/early spring spawning run. By the time this goes to publication these fish will be done with this annual ritual and will be setting up on the main lake, feeding primarily on the herring spawn. April and May are my two favorite months to pursue this super elusive, but exceptionally tasty, fish. The crappie bite will also improve dramatically with the rising water levels and temperatures, coupled with the clearing water. The big brown trout should also be pursuing the shallow herring and become more accessible.
Smallmouth, Largemouth, and Spotted Bass
The smallmouth and largemouth will be thinking about spawning early in the month, and will be looking for a last big meal before they go on the
beds. This can be an absolutely fantastic time to catch a big one (we have caught largemouth to 9 pounds and smallmouth to 6 pounds, recently). As a side note, my guide service is 100 percent catch and release on largemouth and smallmouth (we have very few good smallmouth fisheries left, and I want to do my part to preserve the ones we have), so if you are interested in a meat trip please let me know in advance so we can focus on another species. Spotted bass tend to spawn a bit later, and April is definitely my favorite month to target them. There is nothing quite like catching 30 or 40 big, hard fighting prespawn spots in a morning of fishing, and it is a definite possibility this month.
Stripers and Hybrids
tionally speaking, will be shallow and hungry this month. Last April was the best I have seen for topwater stripers, and this April should be just as good, depending on the weather. We can also pick up numbers later in the day on herring. The interesting thing about them in April and May is that we not only catch a lot of stripers by specifically targeting them, but we also tend to pick up quite a few as a bycatch while pursuing other species (especially walleye). If you are interested in pursuing any of the species mentioned above on one of our beautiful Murphy area lakes, or have questions about any other species, please give me a call at 865-466-1345. I look forward to hearing from you!
The stripers and hybrids, tradiAaron 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
Murphy North Carolina’s
premier trophy smallmouth and spotted bass guide service
Mountain Lakes Guide Service
Hiwassee - Apalachia - Chatuge Aaron Kephart 865-466-1345 mtnlakesguide@outlook.com
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LAKE HIWASSEE
Wearing Out Monster Stripers On Lake Hiwassee
A
pril is finally here, and it brings with it some rip-roaring fishing action on Lake Hiwassee. So, enough sitting around suffering from cabin fever—the weather is getting warmer and spring is in the air. Time to get out of the house and hit one of Western North Carolina’s best lakes with Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. Currently, Lake Hiwassee is 25 feet below full pool. Water temperatures have been in the low to mid 50’s. Water clarity is clear in the main lake and just slightly stained in the backs of creeks. Striper fishing has been super out here lately. We’ve have had such an amazing late winter striper run. Most of the stripers we are catching have been in the 15 to 40 pound range, and we’re averaging about 10 stripers a trip. This pattern should continue into the month of April and increase as the stripers start their pre-spawn. Continue the same techniques as the previous
By Shane Goebel
months, pulling planer boards with live herring in the backs of creeks and around shallow, sloping banks. Make sure you keep your bait close to the surface and work close to the banks. I usually run my shad and bluebacks 15-25 feet behind my planer boards. As you pull boards, it’s always a good idea to work the banks by casting a Zara Spook or a Red Fin. As the sun comes up, turn your focus to fishing the mouths of creeks, as the stripers will follow bait to deeper water. With prespawn in mind, more and more stripers will start to stage in the mouths of creeks in March. Keep an eye on your electronics for schooling stripers, and pay attention to where the bait balls are. I guarantee you, if you find the bait, the stripers will be close by. The smallmouth and spotted bass bite has been extremely good. We are catching some very nice smallmouth and spots in the 4-5 lb. range and in large quantities. We
are at least averaging 20 to 30 smallmouth and spotted bass a trip. Several largemouth in the 8 to 10 pound range have been caught as well. These spotted bass and smallmouth have been schooling up on points and shallow areas around the lake. Down-lining live bluebacks has been the best technique for catching a slew of these great bass in 15-25 feet of water. April is a fantastic month for catching a lot of stripers and smallmouth on this Western North Carolina 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 stripers during the fishing trip of a lifetime. We are Murphy, NC’s premier full-time guide service, specializing in striped and hybrid bass. We also serve Lakes Nottely and Chatuge (in North Carolina), and Lake Blue Ridge in Blue Ridge, GA. And for all your live bait and tackle needs, check out Hughes General Store in Blairsville, GA. They carry everything you need for a successful day of fishing and have the best live herring around. 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!
Mention This Ad and Receive a Discount When Booking Your Trip!
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Serving Hiwassee Lake, Lake Apalachia, Lake Chatuge and Lake Nottely STRIPED BASS, HYBRID BASS, WALLEYE & SMALLMOUTH
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LAKE CHATUGE Lake Chatuge Hybrids and Spotted Bass
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By Darren Hughes
arch was another great month of fishing on Lake Chatuge and with this warmer-than-usual spring in place, we expect April to be even better. Currently, lake temps are in the upper 50’s. Water clarity is clear all over the lake and water levels are holding at about 4 feet below full pool. The hybrid bass bite has been crazy. We’ve been catching some nice 10 to 13 pound fish in good numbers for early spring. The hybrids are presently staging in their spawning areas in the backs of creeks and feeding on some
huge shad. This should continue through the month of April and into May. Early morning planer boards and free lines have worked the best. As the sun really comes out, the fish are moving to slightly deeper water and hitting on our down lines. Live bait is key here to catching some quality fish, but don’t hesitate to cast a spook, Red Fin, or sexy dog, especially when theses hybrids are busting top-water. Our spotted bass bite has also been insane. We are averaging anywhere from 30 to 40 fish a trip out here. Lake Chatuge of-
fers the best spotted bass fishing in Western North Carolina, and I highly recommend booking a trip with us to experience this super exciting fishing thrill. These big spots are stacking up on shallow points, humps and flats all over the lake and preparing for the spawn. Look for these fish in the 10-30 foot range. The early morning bite has been okay, but it really fires up once the sun comes up. The late afternoon bite has also been pretty productive. Once you find these fish, they are hitting just about anything you can cast at them. Jerkbaits and crankbaits have been working great, but as always, our super lively blueback herring are the biggest producers for some huge spots. April 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.
Where To Fly Fish in April
T
he month of April is just about as good a time as any, to fly fish here in the Southeast. The water temperatures are starting to rise and, on special mornings, one can feel that warm breeze making it’s way down the river. The wildflowers are in full bloom and there’s not a more beautiful landscape to be found anywhere. The trout in our local rivers and streams are starting to rise to a variety of insects
By David Hulsey
instead of feeding only on flies plowing a furrow in the bottom. As one famous fly fishing scribe has once said, it is truly the “sweet of the year”. The answer to the question of where to fly fish in April is, just about anywhere. The real question is how do you want to fish, and that response will answer the first perfectly. Do you want to hike in a few miles and toss Adams dries to small colorful
wild fish? Then the Smoky Mountain Backcountry or Georgia’s Cohutta wilderness may be your answer. Deep Creek, or if you’re feeling real squirrely Hazel Creek across Fontana Lake in the Smoky Mountains National Park really wake up in April. The Jacks or the Conasauga River in The Cohutta Wilderness in Northwest Georgia will be running strong and the
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trout will be looking up by now. If you don’t mind crowds, the Delayed Harvest streams inGeorgia and North Carolina can’t be beat for numbers and size of dry fly eating trout. Georgia’s upper Toccoa River and Smith Creek delayed harvest sections in Unicoi State Park both will be nicely stocked and will be good producers. North Carolina’s Nantahala
CONTINUED, FLY FISH IN APRIL, PAGE 6 APRIL 2018
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FLY FISH IN APRIL
continued from page 5
River and Fires Creek delayed harvest streams are sure to blow your mind with huge numbers and large fish. If you are interested in learning more about fly-fishing for trout be sure to visit one of these delayed harvest streams this spring. The sheer numbers of fish will increase the amount of interaction with the trout and are sure to help you hone your skills. The opportunities to float in a drift boat and fish are also more realistic with the lakes starting to fill and the flow rates on the tailwaters getting a little more agreeable. The Toccoa River in Blue Ridge, Georgia and the
Tuckaseegee River in Sylva, North Carolina both are great this time of year and we stay busy floating for half or full days on these two great trout waters. Private water fishing on trophy water is very good now and Noontootla Creek Farms produces some real monsters in the springtime. If you might be thinking about learning to fly fish for the first time check out our full day Hulsey Fly Fishing School at Noontootla Creek Farms. We teach a relaxed but structured class that is sure to get you up and running in this fantastic sport! Check it out on our website at www.ncfga.com.
For a guided romp through the river give me a call David Hulsey at Southern Highroads Outfitters fly shop at 706-781-1414 in beautiful Blairsville, Ga
SMSS has all the essentials for hunting, target shooting, home defense, reloading and more Call for date & time of monthly concealed carry class. 53 Peachtree St, Murphy, NC • 828-837-7677 Beside the Courthouse
www.smokymountainshooters.com www.facebook.com/smokymtnshooter
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Practice Makes Perfect By Justin Mickens
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fter a 2-month hiatus, where I had Pneumonia, a friend broke his leg, and I started an Etsy online store, I am back with another article for the month. Over the past two months I have been mulling over what to write about. You see, writing is not my forte. I have never enjoyed it, and probably never will. It is a
chore for me to get the words to flow and connect. I have probably 50 different half-finished articles that just didn’t make sense and I abandoned to start over. I’ve noticed though that, the more I write, the better I am becoming. Why am I telling you all this? To prove a point. I get told several times a week, how someone wishes
they could fish or tie as good as us. For one, I don’t actually think I am that great. I tangle up while casting. I catch trees. I even crowd the eye of the hook while tying sometimes. The reason my partners and I seem to know what we are doing is experience. Time at the vice and time on the water. No, we didn’t magically start pulling fish out. Nobody waved a magic wand and we could roll cast 40 feet in under a Rhododendron. We spent hours upon hours on the stream, watching how the fish behave, practicing our casting, and enjoying just being out on the stream. Reading and watching videos are a great resource, and can teach you a lot, when combined with experience. For instance, you wouldn’t try to learn to swim by just reading a book, or watching a video. You would want to get in the water and apply that knowledge to
the actual task of swimming. Same goes for fly fishing and fly tying. There are no substitutions for real life experiences. Challenge yourself every chance you have. Sit down at the vice and tie 6 of the same fly. Cast into those hard to access spots. Study the water. Watch during your drift to see how the different cross currents effect your fly’s placement in the water. The only way to improve your skill is to practice what you want to improve. Fly fishing usually isn’t as complicated as most people make it out to be. Remember, we all tangle up. We all hook trees. We all hang on the bottom. We all have our rough times on the water. The difference is, the more you practice, the less problems you will have. Until next time Tight Lines and Stable Rocks!
Justin Mickens is Co-Owner and Manager of Appalachian Outfitters Fly Shop in Murphy, NC.
Slickrock Creek By James (Josh) Lane
S
lickrock Creek is located in the heart of the majestic Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness. It is a strenuous, but beautiful, hike that has lots to offer those who love the outdoors! The creek is located just a short, twenty five minute drive from Robbinsville, NC, on Highway 129 North. The trailhead parking area can be found adjacent to the Cheoah River Bridge, south of the Cheoah Dam, which you may remember from a scene in the 1993 movie, The Fugitive. In the warmer months, trailhead parking could be full, so get there as early as possible. The Slickrock Creek Trail is 13 miles, which is the longest trail in the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness. Starting at a low elevation of around 1100 feet, this hike will climb to 5000 plus elevation, just above the popular “Hangover” at the Naked Ground Trail intersection.
The history, related to this area, is fascinating. In 1975, the U.S. Congress designated over 17,000 acres as protected wilderness. Previously, from 1915-1922, the watershed was a major logging area, owned by the Babcock Lumber Company. By the early 1930’s, the United States Forest Service began purchasing the land, resulting in what today is, one of the largest, and last remaining, old growth forests in the Eastern U.S. Slickrock Creek has so much to offer. This is a great getaway for the backpacking enthusiast, but plan accordingly. Unlike the popular Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Joyce KIlmer-Slickrock Wilderness is less crowded, a more strenuous trek, but just as rewarding. The old growth vegetation makes for some beautiful scenery. Several large primitive campsites are within easy access along the trail, close to the creek. Wildlife is
also abundant in this area. Black bear, deer, and lots of small game coexist in this habitat. Do not be surprised to see “scatt” as locals say (aka, animal feces), along the trail. R attlesnakes are also prone to be along the trail, so always watch your footing. Slickrock is also known for trout fishing. Starting at the mouth of Slickrock at Calderwood Lake, one can expect to catch the occasional rainbow, but brown trout are dominant fish. Several large pools upstream have the potential to hold a 25” plus brown. Wildcat Falls can be spotted several miles upstream. This pool is great place to take a break and have lunch or even a swim. Above the falls, the further upstream you go, the creek gets smaller, and the
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brown run out. Wild “Mountain” Brook trout begin where the brown end. “Specs” are plentiful, but they aren’t easy to catch here. Due to the very clear water, and remote area, these fish are wild. Sneaking up the creek and staying low approaching a hole is a must. On a good day, when the weather is warm and the fish are feeding, one can get a nice limit. Slickrock is “Artificial Bait Only” with a 4 fish limit, 7 inch size or larger. Some good flies to try in the spring include: Blue WingedOlives, Adams, Yellow Stoneflies, Yellow Quills, and San Juan Worms.
CONTINUED, SLICKROCK CREEK, PAGE 15 APRIL 2018
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A Taste of Spring on Fontana By Capt. James McManus
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eems like every article for the past few months has started...”Well we are probably through the toughest weather months, the fishing should really start to catch fire now.” The difference is, it is really, finally, definitely here! As I am writing this, the Bassmasters is getting ready to start and the wind is gusting to 30 with 25 degree temps and blowing snow. As you are reading this, I hope the windows are open, you’re thinking about cranking the ac on for the first time, and everything outside is either green or brightly colored. So, if the weather has actually gotten nice by April Fools Day, the fishing will be on, no kidding. There is nothing like smallmouth bass or even spots caught on the banks on light tackle. Recently, I was at Hartwell and caught a largemouth that weighed over 5, and basically brought it to the surface
where it came half out of the water and then laid over and I lipped it in. There hasn’t, to my knowledge, been a smallie or spot that didn’t think they could get free up until the time they were laid in the bottom of the boat or clogging up the bottom of a landing net. Even then, if you want a picture, you had better get a good hold on them or they will escape over the side before the shutter can click. Both are just special breeds of fish. Really, right now is the time of the year when you can target them easiest by just throwing your favorite “anything” to the banks. I intend to flyfish for them more this year and, at no time, are they more accessible. You can throw any size from a 4-weight to an 8-weight and they will represent themselves well. I don’t tie many flies, but I do tie a simple clouser type fly with lead eyes and bucktail, that works really
well. The lead eyes allow it to sink a little just in case they are set up a little deeper than usual. Small has normally been the key but as more and more bluebacks start to show up, larger flies should come into play also. If it’s windy, the extra distance of a 7 or 8 may help in putting you on the fish. You also stand a pretty good chance of hooking a walleye and especially a white bass, as mixed bags are the norm this time of year. Start looking for them around almost any rocky gravelly point, the key, some days, is a particular rock type so if they aren’t on broken rock, try areas with boulders and move on to cliff walls, clay or creek mouths. For whatever rea-
son, when you find them on one type they are usually that way all over the lake. April is one of those months that, hopefully, almost any type of bank will hold fish. If you want to target smallies over spots, then the lower end of the lake is where you will stand the best chance, but the difference diminishes every year as the spots are well established all over. Be watching for hybrids between the two and as with most hybrids, a smallie/ spot cross of size is a great fighting fish. Eating wise, let the smallies go back and keep the spots, they taste better anyway. Well, let me know if you want to try and find some fish, enjoy the spring and God’s gift and be safe, Capt. James
Capt. James McManus is the Owner of 153 Charters. Give him a call for a great day of boat fishing!
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CHEROKEE
Fly Fishing The Raven Fork In GSMNP
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he Raven Fork, inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is an entirely different stream than the Raven Fork that flows through Cherokee, North Carolina. This stream is the most difficult stream to access in the park. Outside of the park, a road runs alongside the river, just about
By James Marsh
the entire length of the stream. Inside the park, the trout are all wild trout. Outside of the park, the stream is heavily stocked. In order to fish the Raven Fork inside the park, you’re going to have to hike a good distance. The easiest way to get to the stream is a grueling hike over a steep mountain. It
almost requires an overnight trip to fish there, otherwise, you will be hiking more than you will be fishing. The stream exits the park on private property and through a deep canyon that’s almost impossible to penetrate. The Raven Fork is known for its large native Appalachian Brook
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Trout. The native Brookies average as large as they exist anywhere they’re found. The Appalachian Brook trout are a slightly different species from the Northern strain of brook trout. Fly fishing the Raven Fork is as good as brook trout fishing gets.
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WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 9
THE RAVEN FORK
continued from page 9
Seasons:
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open for fly fishing year-round.
Spring:
Spring is the best time to fish the Raven Fork, provided there hasn’t been any recent heavy rain. Much of the river flows through canyon-like terrain and it’s not a good place to fish under high water conditions.
Summer:
The stream stays cool throughout the summer and fishing is normally excellent. Heavy tree cover shades the river its entire length.
Fall:
Fall may be considered the best season to fish the Raven Fork because the water level and weather are both normally stable.
Winter:
Wintertime is the least popular time to fish the river but not because the fish wouldn’t cooperate. Fishing
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is good unless the temperatures are below normal. Fly Fishing Guide to the Raven Fork: Fly fishing the Raven Fork inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park is quite different from fishing most of the other trout or small, freestone streams of the park. It is very difficult to access and, in some areas, almost impossible to access. There are many sections of the stream where the only way to fish is to stay in the river and fish upstream. If you do the opposite, and fish downstream, you will spook most of the trout. Going upstream, even under normal water level conditions, can be very tough in many places due to the huge boulders you must get over or around. You’re limited to the fly fishing gear you can pack in and out. The best way to get to the stream is via the Hyatt Ridge Trail. It’s almost a two mile, 2700 foot climb to the top
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of the steep incline. From there, you can coast downhill for almost another mile on the Enloe Creek Trail - that is if you don’t fall and break your neck on the loose rocks. The only place a trail crosses, or has direct access to the river, is where this trail crosses the creek at campsite #47. You must make reservations with the park officials to stay at this small campsite. Even after you’re at the stream, fishing it isn’t easy. In fact, one needs to be in excellent physical
shape to handle all the maneuvering and climbing. The stream is very steep with a lot of swift water and huge boulders the size of small cars. It’s difficult to navigate up the stream. There are few riffles. Most everything plunges from one deep pool to another in the area above the campsite. Everything may not sound so bad until you realize the only way back to the camp is downstream the same way you climbed up.
James Marsh is the Owner of The Perfect Fly online and catalog mail-order store. www.perfectflystore.com
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“How Mountain Rivers and Fly Fishing Helped Me Find Purpose” By Ethan Hollifield
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nyone from the Southern Appalachians is born with a natural sense of place: a strong connection to the land in one-way or another that draws us back home. My connection to this place was brought on by a love of the rivers, streams, and branches that meander their way across these ancient mountains. I channeled this early fascination for rivers through fly fishing growing up, but even before that, I was taught with an understanding to have an undying respect for these places. Fly-fishing, in a sense, was an act of communion with God, for me. To better understand his creation was to be knee deep in cold mountain water on a summer afternoon, watching a trout swim out of the grasp of my hands in a cooperative understanding between man and nature. As I got older, leaving the mountains for college was a difficult decision. With each passing year, my longing for home only grew stronger. The rivers and streams of my youth would echo through my mind like the old time hymns that radiate through the
with food and lumber, but also remove massive amounts of carbon from the atmosphere in the form of CO2, a prominent greenhouse gas. The positive effects to our local biosphere alone, is outstanding, but we are on the precipice of losing everything due to a lack of understanding of nature and how interlocked its processes can be. I watch now, with unrest as our mountains and rivers are treated
tually became an environmental science teacher at my old high school. Through each venue I am able to teach (I must give my entire family credit here, I was raised by teachers) others the importance of these places, why they matter, and to a lesser extent, my purpose in all of this. I can only pray that my efforts may one day, even as just a part of a greater whole, make a difference. However, whether guiding or in the classroom, I’m reminded of those moments as a kid, casting into a mountain stream, waiting for a fish to rise. Hopefully, through my efforts, another mountain boy like me can do the same for years to come. Ethan Hollifield is an Environmental/Physical Science Teacher and is also a guide for Southern Appalachian Anglers.
“Fly Fishing, in a sense, was an act of communion with God, for me.” hollers on Sunday mornings. I came back with a more sophisticated understanding of how our rivers and streams give life, not just for us but the rest of the world. I was also met with a sense of a resilient anxiety about the state of our water and our mountains. Southern Appalachian streams and ecosystems are some of the most fragile, and yet diverse places on the entire planet. Our rivers hold not only trout, but also a myriad of other species that are each ecologically significant to the other’s survival, as well as providing clean water for our use. This same water also keeps our forests alive, which help to provide us not only
like amusement parks as opposed to receiving the reverence they deserve. I realized, through my homesickness in college, that my dream was to help protect this place, but I had no clue how I could even begin or even, for that matter, what I was going to do with my life, in general. I conveyed these feelings to a college professor who advised me to “start with what I know.” I knew rivers, and I knew the trout in them very intimately. So, I started small through guiding. Taking the time to pause and explain how these rivers act as ecological lifelines for our mountains, and to a greater extent, our world. Through hard work and by chance, I evenCOASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 11
SWAIN COUNTY / BRYSON CITY
Aquatic Science Regional Center in Bryson City By Bob Nanney
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rogress is being made every day toward the completion of the multi-tank aquarium in Bryson City. The county employees have been working on this building almost daily since the groundbreaking last fall. The aquarium ground floor will feature approximately 1100 sq. ft. with an additional 600 sq. ft. in the loft area. It will also have a 400 sq. ft. classroom that will accommodate a variety of class offerings. The plan includes 14 to 17 tanks, which will be home to a large variety of freshwater fish, including trout, bass, musky, and
several other species. There will be several invertebrate tanks for such things as salamanders and crawfish. The aquarium will also have
a special “Hellbender” tank. Opening date has yet to be decided upon but is projected to be mid-to-late summer of 2018.
Learn more and watch our progress at flyfishingmuseum.org
Swainglers Participate in The Leader In Me Day
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wainglers have teamed up with other students in the school to form a group for the Leader In Me Day in April. The Leader in Me (LIM) is Franklin Covey’s whole school transformation process. It teaches 21st century leadership and life skills to students and creates a culture of student empowerment based on the idea that every child can be a leader. The LIM group is student lead. I get the privilege of being the staff sponsor of this group. Junior, Daniel Ammons is the student leader. We meet
By Tammy Parris
every Thursday for several weeks. Daniel takes attendance and leads the meeting. Our goal is to have an all day fishing tournament for the Leader In Me Day, April fourth at Fontana Lake. Group members will compete with each other for the day. Students voted and the tournament winner will be based on the highest total weight of fish. It’s not just a bass tournament, any Fontana Lake species will be allowed at the weigh in. Artificial and live bait will be allowed. Of course, all wildlife guideStudent Leader, Daniel, Michael, Jamie and Brooke are busy going over tournament guidelines.
Junior, Daniel Ammons is the LIM student leader and Swaingler member. Daniel caught the first fish on our inaugural trip in September of 2016.
lines and rules will be followed. We can’t have a tournament without prizes! The group has a budget to abide by. Members voted on the prizes for first, second and third place - First Place being a Lews fishing rod! Many parents and community members have
already volunteered to chaperone the day. Plans are being made for a cook-out for lunch. Anglers have to be fed! To say the least, the students and I are so excited! Who wouldn’t be, we get to fish for the whole school day!
Tammy Parris is the Leader of The Swainglers fishing club at Swain County High School in Bryson City, North Carolina. They fish once a month of the school year during club time. Contact her at tparris@swainmail.org for more information or to support this popular club. 12 WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
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Kyleigh’s First Fly Fishing Trip
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his story is about the first time I got to take my granddaughter, Kyleigh, on her first fly-fishing trip. At the time, she was 4 years old and I had been busting at the seams to get her in the creek. Her grandmother and I had taken her on the boat fishing for Walleye and Bass, but I had waited to get her in the creek because we would be wading and I didn’t want her to get scared. It was August, so the wet wading was a cool relief from the heat, which we all looked forward to. I guide fishing trips so I have plenty of wading boots on hand, but trying to fit a 4 year old was a bit of a problem. The smallest size I keep in stock is a 4, so that was probably our biggest hurdle. The boots seemed to swallow her tiny feet and when we got in the water, there was so much resistance from the water pushing those over sized boots that, sometimes, I found it easier to carry her from one pool to the next. We didn’t want to make it a long trip, which would exhaust her, so we chose a little hatchery supported stream close to home where we had taken her several times to play in the water. After parking and sliding down the steep bank into the water, the fun began. On this day, it didn’t seem like fly selection was a matter as the tiny native rainbows were hitting in every pool we fished. I
By Ronnie Parris
would take Kyleigh and we would sneak, as quietly as possible, and get into position. I would flip my dry fly under the overhanging bushes and on almost every pool, a 5 to 8 inch native rainbow would explode on the surface to take my fly. I would hand the rod to Kyleigh and she was on her own. Her granny was following close behind with the camera capturing every moment of our fun. This was how it went until we reached an old bridge that went to a summer home on the creek’s edge. I didn’t have much room to cast under the bridge, so I did what is known as a “sling shot cast” where you hold the line above the fly about a foot or so and put a bend in the rod, so when you release the line, it shoots the fly under overhanging limbs or other obstructions, such as the bridge. The fly landed perfectly under the bridge and was passing within a foot of the opposite bank when, out of nowhere, a nice brown trout rose up and slurped my royal wolf in. I raised the rod to set the hook and handed the rod to Kyleigh. The fight was on. This fish ran all over that pool, even coming out of the water a couple of times. I don’t know what someone would have thought if they had came along at that time as all three of us were trying to talk at the same time. Kyleigh kept hollering for me to take the rod and help,
and I was giving her instructions on what to do while granny was in the back filming the whole thing and cheering her own. In a couple of the most intense minutes I have ever had, she brought her big brown to the net. On all the small rainbows we caught she would hold the fishing line with the fish still hooked and pose for pictures, but this one she insisted on me holding while she peaked over my shoulder at her prize, which we released to fight another day. There were 3 of us on this trip and I’m not sure who had the most fun. I’ve been on thousands of fishing trips and caught lots of fish. A lot of things fade in my mind as I get older, but I will never forget this trip, that one fish, and a little blonde headed, four year old, that melts her Paw’s heart. If you’re lucky enough to have a child or grandchild in your life, I would strongly urge you to take them fishing or just spend a day on the creek. It’s always fun to catch fish, but sometimes the chase and the
discoveries around the stream are just as important. You don’t always catch fish or the fish you set out for, but I guarantee you will have a fun day and make lifelong memories. Some of my kid’s favorite trips were when we just went and fished for Knotty Heads and Silver Sides. It’s not always about the catch, but the time spent with your loved ones. Be safe and take a kid fishing. The memories you bring home will last a lifetime.
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 13
“THE GREATEST DAY OF MY LIFE”
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s a Fly Fishing Guide, I get to spend a lot a time on the water with many different types of clients. They are all super! Sometimes, I feel guilty taking my fee because I’m having just as much fun as they are (only kidding about the fee) but we do share a lot of memories together. In this article, I want
By Eddie Hudon
to share my experience with a young boy from Georgia, Cameron Mallin. It was in July of 2015 that my friend’s wife asked me to take her girlfriend’s son fly fishing. I was told that he did fish for bass with a spinning outfit but wanted to get into fly fishing. So we met up in the morning, and proceeded to register him
for the Trophy waters at Cherokee. (How about that for your first day out with a fly rod!) Most of the morning was spent teaching, instructing, and showing Cameron what to do and how to do it. He picked it up pretty quickly. As the morning went on, he had his first encounter with a trout. I estimate it to have been approximately 22” and about 4 lbs. The fish took him down the river, back up and all around. He did a real good job of handling the fish until it eventually came off. I don’t know if I could have done any better. Well, we sat down together to fix and repair his leader and discuss what had just had happened. At that point, he put his arm around me and said, “Today is the Greatest Day in my Life!” I bowed my head down and almost began to cry. That’s how much that meant to me. This is exactly why I love fly fishing and working with young people, and new people. Little did Cam-
eron know, that day was one of my greatest too. BLUE CHIP FLY FISHING……….Eddie
Eddie Hudon is the Owner of Blue Chip Fly Fishing headquartered in Whittier, NC
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Reuben’s Rules
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By Danny Maybin
few years ago, my family decided that I needed a new fishing companion after losing my old dog Posey. Badger, the little ill tempered feist they had chosen for me, had not worked out so well as I have chronicled in great detail. After many attempts to reconcile Badger’s bad behavior and general sense of entitlement, I finally gave up. After the excitement of numerous fishing trips, dulled by the knowledge that Badger had to be included for my families sake (they still think I like him), the small fortune of equipment he’d destroyed and that smirk that only he can make, I came up with an activity for him when he was supposed to be out with me, fishing. Obedience school! He absolutely hates it. The cost of obedience school is fairly expensive until you consider my savings in ruined equipment, seat covers and Band-Aides. He used to sullenly walk to the truck when I called him to go fishing. Now, if he sees me with a fishing rod, he pulls a vanishing act to rival any magician. For the families sake, I’ll call out, “Come on Badger, lets go fishing!” and then “Now where is that little dickens?” I usually find him under our bed or the couch and have to drag him out growling and snapping. Of course, obedience school is of no real benefit to Badger. If I could find a school for the criminally insane dogs it might be of some help, but I doubt it. My only fear now is that he will be expelled. Sometimes, when things start going right, they really go right! About the time I discovered obe-
SLICKROCK CREEK
dience school, the kids came home with an orphan kitten whom they had named Reuben. He was a scraggly thing and I worried Badger might do something maniacal to him. Reuben required feeding with a dropper for several weeks and it was very “touch and go” in the beginning. I remember thinking this was going to be entertaining as I would watch Badger stare at the kitten with disdain as my wife would give Reuben his dropper feedings in her lap, Badgers favorite lair at home! I guess Reuben’s early struggles are what made him into the tough minded, master of his domain he is today. As he grew, it was obvious he was from one of the large breeds. It wasn’t long before he had passed Badger in size and weight and firmly established himself as the apex pet in the household. At his last vet visit he weighed in just under twenty six pounds! That’s more than double Badger’s size. Surprisingly, Reuben has proven to be a benefit to me as I hardly ever watch television anymore. Oh, I pretend to watch but what I’m really doing is watching Badger get his “just desserts”. Like a panther or a mountain lion, Reuben will hide and wait for Badger to come cautiously around a corner, or out from under a chair, then pounce like a lion on a gazelle. Badger will shriek like a little girl while trying to get traction on the wood floor. Sometimes, it’s more than I can contain, which brings looks of disapproval from my wife and kids when a chuckle escapes
me. To watch him try to sneak by Reuben while He’s sleeping is priceless. It’s like the cartoon animals who, with all four feet bunched up together under them, walk on their tiptoes. All that’s missing is the “tinkle, tinkle, tinkle” sound effect. I’m thankful that Badger can’t talk. I know he would rat me out in a second. So far, the only way he’s been able to express his utter contempt for me is three “peed to death” bushes in the front yard and four mutilated Barbie dolls my daughter left on the living room floor. When I catch him staring at me like he’s planning my demise, I simply grin and wink at him. This is, apparently, the ultimate insult. He starts this low pitched growl and turns his face away so slowly you really have to watch to see it moving and if I really want to put the cherry on top, all I have to do is pick up Reuben and
place him in my wife’s lap. I know you’re thinking I derive too much pleasure from all this, but you have to understand, the little monster has held me hostage with the family for so long with his nasty attitude, the line between dutiful pet owner and self preservation has been greatly diminished. I think at this point, Badger and I have gone over the proverbial cliff and there’s nothing left to do but ride it out. I know Reuben will never be a fishing buddy, as I have never seen an animal with such distaste for water. I’m slowly coming around to the fact that I’ll have to learn to be happy by myself on the boat. I don’t know if I’ll ever see those joyous days of fishing with my favorite dog again but one thing I do know is that Reuben is fulfilling his duties to the family just fine.
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.
continued from page 7
I suggest trying a few different flies, is that, I was Baptised by my good remember to look at the hatches friend Rev. Rance Shuler in a long and always observe the insects. clear pool just above Wildcat Falls I have seen success the past two during April of 2016. As spring apspring seasons fishing Slickrock. proaches, if you are looking for a Whether you enjoy hiking or new area give Slickrock Creek a try. backpacking, fly fishing, a weekend I will not guarantee that you will getaway with your wife or friends, catch a limit of fish, but I will guarSlickrock is a great place and one antee you will make some great of my personal favorite places. memories. One memory I would like to share Josh Lane is a native of Western North Carolina in the town of Robbinsville. He is a long time avid fisherman and enjoys hiking, backpacking, writing and singing gospel music. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 15
ASHEVILLE / HENDERSONVILLE AREA
Not To Be Missed!
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magine unloading your kayak and setting up camp on an island in the middle of a mountain lake. A brilliant Carolina sunset reflects on crystal clear water as you finish tying off your hammock. At night, you fall asleep in your tent to the relaxing sound of waves. In the morning, you set out in your kayak for some of the most unique spin and fly fishing experiences to be found. The Carolina mountains are home to a huge variety of flat water paddling experiences. While many are accessible by day trip, some require a little more time. Start your adventure with a visit to the kayak fishing experts at Diamond Brand Outdoors. A state fishing license is required for anyone over the age of 16.
By Chris Bubenik
couldn’t be easier. The $21 per night camping fee for the paddle-in sites comes complete with boat rental, and the park even participates in a fishing tackle loaner program. All you need is your standard camping gear. If possible, time your trip during one of the park’s moonlight paddle outings and see the lake in a whole new light. This one’s not in the mountains, but it’s too good to leave out.
Cheraw State Park Paddling through the cypress wetlands of Lake Juniper is an experience every angler should have and at Cheraw State Park, the experience
Keowee-Toxaway State Park Lake Keowee is an oft-overlooked gem in South Carolina. Just a few miles from its larger cousin Lake Jocassee, the gorgeous surrounds and cool, calm waters of Keowee offer an amazing respite after a long workweek. All the sites at the small and quiet campground of Keowee-Toxaway State Park are a pleasant stroll from the lake, but three sit right on the shoreline. You can walk to these sites, but the two-ish mile trek can
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create a logistics problem when toting all the trappings of a great fishing and camping weekend. Instead, load up your kayak and paddle to the site, just a short distance away from the park’s boat launch.
New River State Park Not only is the ironically named New River one of the oldest in the world, it is among the most natural and interesting to explore. In recognition of these properties, the New, which runs through the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northwest corner of North Carolina, is a federally designated Wild and Scenic River. A multi-day exploration of this tree-lined waterway can be done Deliverance-style (minus the, well, you know) by way of multiple paddle-in campsites managed by New River State Park. The paddle trip to these primitive campsites is a serene and scenic experience. Although the flow is calm here, it’s important to know the river; less experienced paddlers should contact Ashe County for a list of local river guides.
Lake James Perhaps known more for its super flowy singletrack or popular lakeside picnic facilities, Lake James State Park is also home to 30 boatin campsites. These simple sites include only the basics: fire ring, tent pad, and picnic table. While you’ll have to bring in everything you need, including your water supply, a sunrise cast on the tree-lined lake is well worth the effort. The closest launch to these sites is at the main visitor center in the Paddy’s Creek section of the park. Here, they rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards — but they go fast. Call ahead to check for availability or bring your own. Chris Bubenik is the Marketing Director at Diamond Brand Outdoors. He lives in Asheville, NC and is an avid outdoorsman and kayak fisherman.
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WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 17
The Man in the Arena
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ome of you history buffs may have come across this quote by President Theodore Roosevelt from a hundred plus years ago: “It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.” Wow! What a revealing description of the culture we live in today, and what a challenge to defy that culture. Criticism has been
By Wilson Love
elevated to an art form in this day and age. Everywhere we turn we’re petitioned to “leave a review”. Public judgement of others is accepted and fostered as being a wholesome thing. In contrast, I was trained, in my youth, to never criticize someone in front of people, but work it out privately to your mutual benefit. Could it be that taking a shot at someone we don’t like makes us feel better about ourselves? Are we so small in our own eyes or so starved for attention or significance that we must belittle another for satisfaction? You bet we are, but we’re
Dr. Dean Radke, counselor to the stars of billionaire businesses, says that “the inability to successfully confront others” is a major debilitating problem across the board. We simply don’t handle it well when we have an issue with… anything or anyone. The classic cyber criticism revolves around the following features: [1] Anonymity – the critic doesn’t have the heart or backbone to stand behind his opinion. (Take your thumb out of your mouth and grow up.)
“Cowardice and criticism are two fingers on the same hand.” not so bold with it that we actually identify ourselves in the process. Critics like to hide in the shadows. Cowardice and criticism are two fingers on the same hand.
[2] The Diverting Lie – “May I offer some suggestions to help you?” or, “Here’s a note to hopefully bring insight.” (Yeah, right.) [3] The Brainless Assumption – that others have had or will have the same experience, at the same place, with the same people that the critic did. (Duh…) [4] The Doomsday Prediction – that the person/business/ endeavor will fail if the critic’s blurbs are ignored. (We made it this far without your input, Bubba.) So whatever happened to looking a man in the eye and respectfully
telling him what you think? Texting, message boards, and FAKEBOOK happened, to name a few. It is easier to feel in control operating a keyboard than a conscience. If critics could take a step back, view the big picture, and see that their contribution – HEY, WAIT A MINUTE, WHAT AM I SAYING? – critics don’t contribute anything. Let me start over. If the critics could see that it is much better to actually engage in something (anything!) worthwhile, than to spend their life’s energy evaluating those who do, the Gross National Product would explode. Mental hospitals would empty. FAKEBOOK would fold. Humanity would return to the upright position. America would be great again, and the average man would look for someone to praise, rather than defame. It could happen. My encouragement is just this: do what you love and love what you do. Put your whole heart into it. Don’t be a critic. Dismiss the critics from your world as the “cold and timid souls” they are, because Teddy was right. It is not the critic who counts.
Wilson Love is Owner/Operator of The Practical Outdoorsman, a retail and consignment store.
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ENJOY THE HUNT
D
uring my years of guiding in North Carolina and Tennessee, I’ve come to realize that musky can be predictable, yet frustrating. Musky act like no other species of freshwater fish and have a mind of their own. They will push you to the edge of sanity and make you think you’re casting to “dead-water”. The rivers in North Carolina and Tennessee can be quite different, but all musky will act the same. As a professional guide, my job is to educate anglers and help put musky in the net. Some days are more difficult than others, as these fish decide when and what time to eat - Unlike a trout or bass where feeding is their job and hobby. The following techniques could potentially help anglers just getting into musky fishing or provide the avid angler with more insight on their next adventure. While some of these tips may seem obvious, it doesn’t help to refresh on old tricks. 1. Research Seasonal Patterns Essentially, when will these fish move up river and down river? This is something that a lot of
By Paul Kisielewski
casts and make sure those knots make sure you provide enough anglers struggle with and only are secure. action for a strike. time on the water will provide answers. When it’s the “dog days 5. Take A Breath 4. Pay Attention to Your of summer” you can bet musky Equipment. will move up into colder water Not only will musky fishing If you’ve been in my boat, you or find a stretch of river that has have you rethinking your decision know I’m a stickler for checking deeper pockets. Find and fish to go fishing, don’t get discourline, leader, knots, guides and these areas more thoroughly aged. It’s all about the hunt. Musky reel; no matter what type of fish than other parts of the river. are predators, and you are hunting we’re after. Musky fishing is no them. Simple as that. Enjoy the 2. Downsize or Go Big? exception, especially when tarhunt and celebrate the catch. Most anglers want to throw geting a fish of a lifetime. Check huge spinnerbaits or monyour line for frays every 20-40 ster articulated streamers. I’ve Paul Kisielewski is the Owner and professional fishing guide caught more musky on smaller for Southern Appalachian Anglers LLC. profile baits and flies than the latter. Think about what musky are eating that time of year. Is the forage bigger in the spring vs. the fall? I like to use bigger baits in the spring and summer, and downsize in the fall/winter. Test your knowledge and do your research. 3. Cast Smart Don’t blind cast. Read the water and make sure every cast counts. If you’re fishing a deep hole, make sure you fish it effectively by letting your lure or fly sink. If your fishing topwater,
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The Floating Orange Croc: What to do when it all goes wrong By Daniel Day
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t was winter in Florida, which meant the temperature outside was perfect. We were also on vacation, which meant the stresses of life were, well, not as intense. My boys are now old enough to enjoy the boat, so for the first time, we— my brother-in-law, father-in-law and I—decided they would go with us on our fishing trip. We packed the boat the night before and woke up early. We piled into the car and were on our way to the dock by sunrise. A few minutes later, we stopped at the store to get a cotter pin for the rotor that holds the prop in place. My f at h e r- i n - l aw had noticed that the current cotter pin was rusty, and didn’t want to risk getting stuck in the ocean. We bought the new pin, and then spent 15 or more minutes trying to get the old, rusted one out of the hole. It broke. It broke again. It broke again. Small little pieces were breaking off in the teeth of needle-nosed pliers, but the major-
ity of the pin was jammed. At this point, the sun was up, and everyone was frustrated. We realized the pin was so jammed that it wasn’t going to fall out of the rotor, and decided to go fishing anyway. We would stay close to shore. We finally got the boat in the water, and then realized we had forgotten ice. My father-in-law ran into the small store at the dock and came out with some live shrimp for bait, a bottle of lemonade and a snack. No ice. He ran back in and came out with another bottle of lemonade and again, no ice. He ran back in a third time and got the ice. Can you tell we were all a bit frazzled? Finally, we got on the water and my bro-inlaw discovered a money-load of bait. Unfortunately, there was a strong current, and some very sharp rocks. I took over the helm and pulled him up close enough to throw the cast net. He threw a pancake—a perfect throw where the net is spread out to catch the
maximum number of minnows— and then realized that the pull string had fallen off his hand. He dove into the water so he didn’t lose the net. He grabbed the string and swam back to the boat. He began to pull in the net and realized he had a ton of bait. We were all excited. The net was completely full, and then it snagged on a rock. “Snagged” doesn’t quite capture it. It gave the rock a bear-hug and we couldn’t get it off. The net broke. It was at that moment that my brother-in-law realized he was missing a shoe—a bright orange croc. We began to troll the gulf looking for it. A few minutes later, we found it bobbing up and down in the water a few hundred feet away. We did the only thing you can do in a situation like that—when everything falls apart and seems like a complete disaster—we laughed and then went fishing anyway. Although we didn’t catch much, we had fun. Why? Because we laughed and didn’t let a series of unfortunate events get in the way of
Daniel Ryan Day is the author of two books, including his most recent work: Intentional Christian (now available). He’s also the COO of Cascades Mountain Resort, Old Orchard Tavern and Asheville’s Fun Depot. Daniel lives in Fairview, NC with his wife and three kiddos. Connect with him on Facebook, Instagram or at intentionalchristianity.com.
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a good day. I don’t always respond this way when bad things happen. Sometimes I get overwhelmed or stressed out. Sometimes I respond in anger. But here’s the thing, whenever bad things happen, we are all presented with a choice—will we let those bad things ruin the day? Or will we choose to be happy? It really is up to you, and me, and my brother-inlaw that ripped a net and lost his shoe. You are only one choice away from enjoying today.
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RIVER REFLECTIONS
The Growing Distance
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ime flies”. That’s the old saying that circles our lives over and over again. Here recently though, it’s been hitting home a bit more. My youngest child is approaching his teen years and with it is the looming reality that “empty nester” time is coming sooner rather than later. I know some people look forward to it with great enthusiasm. Me? Not as much. I love having my little buddy to go fishing with. To play board games with. And to just hang out together and talk, laugh and enjoy whatever we’re doing. I suppose it’s a combination of him being my youngest child and the fact that he has grown up in his formative years with me and his Mom having gotten divorced. I cherish each moment more than I used to. But I can’t do anything to prevent Father Time from chipping away. I try to stay in the moments and not drift too far beyond them, in fear of missing something. It was in one of these moments recently, that I started to realize something. But before I get to what it was, let me set it up a bit. With each of my kids, we did a good share of our angling not too far from our homes over the years. There are a couple of small ponds that are easily accessible. You can walk the entire banks around them and we were always a little more than likely to catch some fish. At first, each one would stay right by my side. I got good at dodging bad casts and shaking loose snags in trees
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By Matt Mittan
that were behind us. After a while, we would have a little more space to give us a little bit more safety. That’s when it really starts to be fun. I’m at good camera distance at that point. Just ask Facebook. It’s flooded with photos of kids between 4-8 fishing. From 8-11, then you start seeing kids with a bit better catches. It was the same for me and my boys. Last year I was pretty excited to see my, then, 11 year old plotting out his own strategies to land lunkers. Off in the distance, my son sits alone at the end of a dock on Lake Julian, He would also get territorial about Asheville. Determined to carve out his own space fishing, he’s come into his his spot on the bank. He wanted me own, leaving his Dad both proud and a little sad. Kids grow up so fast. to stay a certain distance, as to not spook his targets. And it worked. bouncing in my head anymore. It’s a man to fish, and he’ll eat forever.” He’s landed the year’s biggest catch another time tested one. “Give a I’m ok with that. each of the last few years. I keep tell- man a fish, he’ll eat for a day. Teach ing myself it’s because he had such a Matt Mittan is a long time broadcaster in NC, based out of Asheville. great teacher. He currently applies his years of experience as a business owner to serve as Now for my moment of reala Licensed Employee Benefits Adviser to companies large and small ization this year... As I’ve been out across WNC, Eastern TN and the Upstate of SC. You can reach Matt fishing with my son in 2018, it has by emailing MattsFishingDiary@gmail.com.” occurred to me that he’s grabbing his tackle box and pole and just wandering off all on his own. He’s focused on his task. He’s absorbing the natural settings. He’s reading the conditions. He has come into his own as a full-fledged angler. Instead of camera distance, I nearly need binoculars to see him from across the opposite side of the ponds. That’s when it hit home. It’s an analogy for our journey as parents, we love our kids and prepare them to go out on their own. And when they are ready to, we need to let the distance grow so that they too may grow. “Time flies” isn’t the quote
APRIL 2018
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BREVARD
The Natives Are Proud of This True Irish Pub
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ransylvania County, located in the western mountains of North Carolina, is proud of the wonderful fishing opportunities available. But talk to a native, and they are equally proud of the True Irish Pub located in the middle of Brevard – Dugan’s Pub. The Pub, as it is known locally, has a full bar with a large selection of Single Malt Scotch, Irish whiskies, and smooth Bourbons, as well as 20 beers on tap, featuring many local Craft Beers. They also have a full menu including several Irish dishes: from Fish and Chips to Corned Beef and Cabbage, as well as the best Corned Beef Reuben Sandwiches you have ever had. There are also astounding Burgers and terrific wings. The Pub opens at 11:30 AM, Monday through Saturday, and the kitchen is open until 10:00 PM, with a limited late night menu
from 10:00 PM until close. Sundays feature Brunch from 10:30 AM until 1:00 PM, including specials on Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas. Kitchen is open until 9:00 PM. Check out the calendar on the web site for dates and time of special events as well as the music schedule. From the 150 year-old barn wood and the Notre Dame memorabilia, to the authentic Irish dishes and libations, you will find the rustic atmosphere true to an Irish pub. Take a look around at the Irish treasures collected over time from visits to Ireland, antique stores, and gifts from patrons and friends alike. So, whether you end a successful fishing day with dinner and libations, or you take a midday break for lunch, enjoy this ‘wee bit of Ireland’ that Dugan’s has brought to the beautiful Blue
Ridge Mountains. They look forward to seeing you time and time again! Visit their web site for more information: Duganspub.com
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Dugan’s Pub®, 29 W. French Broad St, Suite 101, Brevard, NC 28712 (828) 862-6527 Do dheagh slainté
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Public Mountain Trout Waters are Managed by Seven Different Classifications Consult the North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest for current regulatory information
Definitions:
• An artificial lure is defined as a fishing lure that neither contains nor has been treated with any substance that attracts fish by the sense of taste or smell • Natural bait is defined as any living or dead organism (plant or animal), or parts thereof, or prepared substances designed to attract fish by the sense of taste or smell
HATCHERY SUPPORTED TROUT WATERS • Season is open from August 1, 2017 to February 28, 2018 • No bait restrictions • No minimum length limit • Seven (7) trout per day creel limit • No fishing allowed from March 1, 2018 to April 6, 2018 • Then from 7:00 a.m. April 7, 2018 to July 31, 2018 • No bait restrictions • No minimum length limit • Seven (7) trout per day creel limit • There is no closed season for fishing on power reservoirs and city water supply reservoirs designated as trout waters
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DELAYED HARVEST TROUT WATERS
• October 1, 2017 to June 1, 2018 • No trout may be harvested or possessed • Only artificial lures having one single hook may be used • No fishing allowed at all between 1/2 hour after sunset on June 1, 2018 and 6:00 a.m. on June 2, 2018 • At 6:00 a.m. on June 2, 2018 these waters open to fishing for youths under 18 years old under Hatchery Supported Trout Waters regulations • No bait restrictions • No minimum length limit • Seven (7) trout per day creel limit • At 12:00 p.m. on June 2, 2018 these waters open for all anglers under Hatchery Supported Trout Waters regulations
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WILD TROUT WATERS • Season is open year-round • Only artificial lures having one single hook may be used • You can only keep four (4) fish • The four fish must be at least seven (7) inches long • It is unlawful to possess natural bait on your person while fishing
CATCH AND RELEASE/ARTIFICIAL LURES ONLY TROUT WATERS • Season is open year-round • No trout may be harvested or possessed • Only artificial lures having one single hook may be used • It is unlawful to possess natural bait on your person while fishing
WILD TROUT/NATURAL BAIT WATERS • Season is open year-round: • You can use a single hook artificial lure (or) • You can use a single hook with natural bait, except live fish • You can only keep four (4) fish • The four fish must be at least seven (7) inches long
SPECIAL REGULATION TROUT WATERS The Special Regulation classification allows the Commission to implement site specific regulations on unique trout fisheries in the state that do not fit into existing categories. The regulations for each water body managed under Special Regulation will be displayed on each sign.
CATCH AND RELEASE/ARTIFICIAL FLIES ONLY TROUT WATERS • Season is open year-round • No trout may be harvested or possessed • Only artificial flies having one single hook may be used • It is unlawful to possess natural bait on your person while fishing
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HIGH COUNTRY
Back to the Basics: Why Fly Fishing? By Jeff Dean
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he fly fishing community is NOT just made up of elitist, old rich guys. It is a very diverse community made up of people from just about every demographic. At Watauga River Fly Shop, we are always looking to expand our community. One way to do that is to break down our sport and try to explain it so that a person who has never seen a fly rod can understand it. We’ll try to do that with this months (and subsequent months) article. First, a very brief history of fly fishing. Fly fishing has been around for hundreds of years. It was created when anglers noticed that the fish they were trying to catch were eating very small bugs. When they threw their larger bait and lures at these fish, the fish
spooked away. These anglers then attached small pieces of yarn to a hook to imitate the bugs the fish were feeding on. It worked, and now after hundreds of years of trial and error, technology and wisdom, we have the sport as we see it today. Why should you fly fish? With fly fishing, you can cast very tiny flies (and large ones as well) a long way while manipulating your line so that you can perfectly drift your fly to a feeding fish. When fishing finicky trout on slow moving, clear water, with multiple currents, you need to be able to present a fly to them perfectly. All these fish do all day is watch food go downstream. You need to make them think what you are throwing at them is the “real deal”. You can achieve
this with fly fishing. I’m not saying that the only way to catch these fish is with a fly rod, but it is highly rewarding when you do. This is where the real reason you should try fly fishing; The rewards that come from it. It may not always be the most effective way to catch fish, but it is often the most rewarding. It can be a never-ending chess match with the fish. Sometimes you win, sometimes you don’t, but when you are standing in the middle of a mountain stream with no one else in sight and you see a fish rising on the far bank; you attach a
size 18 Blue Wing Olive onto the end of your tippet; give the perfect upstream cast; then you give your line a perfect upstream mend and…BAM he eats it! That’s why you should fly fish. This is an introductory into the sport and we will be diving a little deeper into the gear and what makes it different from other methods next month. As always, if you have any questions or would like us to teach you about the sport, give us a call or come by the shop and we’d love to talk fishing with you!
Jeff Dean is the owner of Watauga River Fly Shop located at 5712 NC Highway 105 South, Vilas, NC. Visit their website at www.wrflyshop.com, email them at info@wrflyshop.com, or give them a call at (828) 963-5463.
(828) 963-5463 Located on the Watauga River just outside of Boone, NC
5712 NC Highway 105 South, Vilas, North Carolina
www.wrflyshop.com
WE HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO GET YOU OUT ON THE WATER AND FISHING! OVER 350 DIFFERENT FLY PATTERNS IN STOCK • EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL STAFF • TOP BRANDS IN FLY FISHING WADE TRIPS • FLOAT TRIPS • CLASSES FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS $50 AND UP!
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New Fishing Tournament Hopes to Reel in Money for Eye Care GREER – With the help of a previous fishing tournament director, the Greer Centennial Lions Club hopes to bring new excitement of fishing for big bass with a tournament April 14th, 2018. The event, which is open to the public and sponsored by Greer CPW, will provide outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to win $1,000 for the biggest fish and other top prizes. The all-day tournament will be held on Lake Robinson in Greer. Larry Beheler, a Greer resident and longtime organizer of the Greer Family Fest Bass Tournament will help the Lions Club coordinate the fundraiser. The previous tournament ran for 20 years and was last held in 2015. “We began looking for unique opportunities in the area and decided a fishing tournament would
pique the interest of many fishing enthusiasts and bring back a once successful tournament to Greer. The real winners are the people we’ll be able to help with eye care through the fundraiser,” said Mark Hopper, Greer Centennial Lions Club President. Registration is now open and applications can be found at the Lake Robinson warden’s office, Greer CPW and various bait and tackle shops around the Upstate. Participants must have a fishing license through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and a boating and fishing permit through Greer CPW. Applications can be found online https://document.li/bvaR Tournament rules can be found online https://document.li/DZYq
TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE APRIL 14, 2018
5:30 AM Gates Open 6:30 AM Pre- Tournament Meeting & Blast Off Drawing 7:15 AM Blast Off 3:00 PM Weigh In and Post Tournament Picnic FAST FACTS • Greer CPW Bass Tournament organized by the Greer Centennial Lions Club to be held Saturday April 14th, 2018 on Lake Robinson. • Money raised benefits the Lions Club mission to help with eye care and sight conditions. • $1,000 big fish prize plus 1st –
10th place • The biggest fish ever caught on Lake Robinson is a 13 pound, 14-ounce largemouth bass on April 13, 1994 • Sponsorships are available. Please contact Brooke.Lathrop@ grandsouth.com
About Lions Club: Lions Clubs International is the largest service club organization in the world. Our 1.4 million members in more than 46,000 clubs provide humanitarian service in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the globe. Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired, championed youth initiatives and strengthened communities through hands on service and humanitarian projects. For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit www.lionsclubs.org
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Fly Fishing On The South Holston River In Tennessee
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By James Marsh
he South Holston River is a tailwater trout fishery located in the upper Northeastern corner of the state of Tennessee near Bristol. It is stocked with rainbow trout by the (TWRA) Tennessee Wildlife Agency. This is one southern tailwater that has a substantial population of wild brown trout. They are all wild. In addition, the stocked rainbows holdover from year to year because the stream stays cool even during the summer months. It is probably the best tailwater in the Southeastern United States. Fly fishing the South Holston River ranges from difficult to easy depending on the type of fish. The river can be waded when they are not generating power and fished from a drift boat when turbines are running. You can access the river in only a few places, where wading is possible. The main attraction is the wild trout and extensive sulphur hatches. There are actually two different species of mayflies the locals call
“Sulphurs”. Most people call one of them Eastern Pale Evening Duns. The hatches occur for much of the entire fishing season. There are also excellent Blue-winged olive hatches. Caution should be used anytime you are fishing a tailwater, so be sure to check on the discharge schedule and keep an eye out for changes in the depth. The TVA dam discharge schedule information is linked on the left side of this page. The schedule will tell when the best times to fish the river are, depending on whether you are wading or fishing from a drift boat. Fly fishing the South Holston River can be as good as fly fishing anywhere in the Eastern United States. The river is certainly worth of any avid angler taking the opportunity to fish, regardless of where you live. Fly Fishing Guide to the South Holston River: Fly fishing the South Holston River is considered to be technical fishing by many anglers. This is one of the best tailwaters in
the Eastern United States. It is one of a few tailwaters in the South that is capable of reproduction of trout. Brown trout spawn in the river with decent success. We think it offers just the right amount of challenge to any angler. It is neither difficult, nor easy, to fish. You have to do things right, but when you do, you are rewarded. The thing that makes it a desirable stream to fish, in the eyes of many anglers, are the large aquatic insect hatches. The stream is full of trout food of all types. The Bluewinged Olive and Sulphur mayfly hatches can be incredible. It also has some great caddisfly hatches. This provides dry fly fishing opportunities far better than most tailwaters. There are plenty of times you have to fish subsurface using nymphs, streamers, wet flies, soft hackles, scuds, black fly imitations and other ways, but all in all, dry fly fishing is very good for a tailwater. You have to pay very close attention to the discharge schedule. That
We operate a full service fly shop in Boone, North Carolina and offer high quality fly fishing on the Watauga, Linville, Toe, Elk, New River & More
is easy to do and the schedule provided is usually very accurate. There are time you can wade the South Holston River with ease and times you can’t. There are times you have a big advantage using a drift boat. It all depends on the releases. This information is available under the TVA Release Schedule link on the introduction page. Be prepared to use long leaders and tippets and to make good presentations. A drag free drift is a must most of the time. You cannot hit these trout over the head with your fly line. It is especially difficult when they are feeding in the slow to moderate water. Good realistic imitations can make a big difference. The area just below the weir dam usually has plenty of trout but be aware that they are difficult to catch. They are heavily fished but they can be caught if you want to accept the added challenge. Although the water between the weir dam and the dam looks great, it is even more difficult to catch trout from its smooth, flowing water.
We offer great products and services with local knowledge.
The only Orvis Endorsed Flyfishing Outfitter and Guide Service in North Carolina’s High Country If you would like to schedule a fly fishing trip, ask a question, or come shop at our Orvis store, contact us and we will be glad to serve you
www.foscoefishing.com • 8857 NC Highway 105 South Boone, NC 28607 • (828) 963-6556 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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Marshall Watershed – 541 Acres Protected
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n northwest Madison County, 541 secluded acres of forest filter miles of clean mountain streams that once provided drinking water to town residents. We worked with the Town of Marshall to permanently protect the Marshall Watershed property with a conservation easement — our sixth project to conserve municipal watershed lands. The Clean Water Management Trust Fund awarded SAHC a grant to protect this tract and its outstanding water resources. “The Town of Marshall has been committed for years to preserving the Marshall Watershed from development,” said town attorney Jamie Stokes, on behalf of the Town of Marshall. “We are proud to have finalized this project, with the assistance and dedication of SAHC, so that this beautiful landscape and the natural resources thereon will be preserved for many generations to come.” The Marshall Watershed is lo-
cated in the Walnut Mountains, adjoining 156 acres already secured by an SAHC conservation easement and near a network of almost 100,000 protected acres in Pisgah and Cherokee National Forests. With an impressive eight miles of streams flowing through the property, including Hunter Creek and its tributaries, this conservation easement will help assure that water flowing from the property into the French Broad River will always be pure. Mature forest habitat across the tract creates ample opportunity for native plants and wildlife to flourish, and many trees onsite were estimated to be 100 years old. The property contains Rich Montane Seeps, a type of non-boggy mountain wetland community that provides important amphibian habitat. “This conservation easement re-
quired substantial collective effort by many people and agencies over the course of half a decade,” said SAHC executive director Carl Silverstein. “It was made possible by a grant from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, a generous philanthropic gift from Fred and Alice Stanback, partial donation of the value of the conservation easement by the Town of Marshall, and an Environmental Enhancement Grant from the NC Dept. of Justice.” This is the SAHC’s sixth conservation easement conserving a municipal watershed lands. Similar easements protect the Weaverville
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Watershed (2017), Woodfin Watershed (2005), Waynesville Watershed (2005) and Canton Watershed (2003), and assistance by SAHC with the Asheville watershed conservation easement held by the Conservation Trust for NC in 1996 and 2013.
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TIPS FROM A PRO
DON’T FORGET ABOUT SPINNERBAITS
M
BRANDON LESTER
any great lures have come and gone in the bass fishing world over the years. Some seem to take the whole industry by storm and then die down once the next best thing comes along. Some prove themselves and become a
with dirty water, I like a red Colorado blade for extra visibility and a skirt with a lot of chartreuse. In clear water, I can throw double willowleaf blades for a subtler thump, and I’ll opt for a more
By Nick Carter
N staple in everyone’s tackle box. There is one lure, though, that doesn’t get the attention it deserves on the tournament scene these days. With all the fancy square-bill crankbaits and bladed jigs, it’s easy to forget about the tried-and-true spinnerbait. Few baits are as good at covering water as the spinnerbait, and this time of the year that is half the battle. Early in the spring, warm days will cause water temperatures to rise. Bass move shallower to look for places to spawn. Water conditions also play a big role in this. More fish move up earlier in dirty water, which warms faster than clear water. When these fish move shallow, they like to get next to a stump, laydown, dock, rock, really anything that holds heat and gives them a place they feel safe. The spinnerbait is my favorite bait for targeting prespawn fish for two reasons. Reason No. 1 is they are virtually weedless. I can throw spinnerbaits in pretty thick cover, and as long as I’m careful it will come right through. It comes through wood especially well. Reason No. 2 is the unlimited options. If I’m faced
natural skirt color. Having all those options is important with the everchanging conditions of spring. When you’re actively searching for fish, keep an open mind. I’ve caught them anywhere from bluff banks to shallow flat pockets and everywhere in between this time of year, so let the fish tell you where you need to be and what you should be throwing. My favorite spinnerbait rod is a 7’2” medium heavy (EPS86MHF) MHX Elite Pro Series rod that I build. It is a great all-purpose blank. It has plenty of tip, so I can make precise casts to targets, and it also has plenty of backbone. I use a 7:3:1 bait-casting reel spooled with 17-lb. Vicious ProElite fluorocarbon. If I could only choose one spinnerbait for the rest of my career, it would be a ½-ounce tandem willowleaf/Colorado combo with one silver and one gold blade and a chartreuse and white skirt. My favorite is made by a new company called Kinkee Baits. It has a combination of wrapped wire down to 18/1000-inch wire, which creates vibration bass have never felt before.
Get more tips from Lester at
FISHINGMAGAZINE.FISHING
ot many people know that much of the southern Appalachians are classified as a temperate rainforest. With average precipitation of about 60 inches a year, there is a swath of mountains from north Georgia up through western North Carolina and into east Tennessee that is a very wet place. Those rainfall statistics might be hard to believe during drought years, when low flows and high summer temperatures leave southeastern trout lethargic in the lower elevations. But even on the hottest days, it is wet and cool in the lush creek bottoms of the high mountains. It’s what allows our wild trout, and our only native salmonid—the southern Appalachian brook trout—to thrive. No one is thinking about low flows in spring, though. Creeks and rivers are usually full with heavy spring rains. The tailwaters are flush, sometimes blown out with dam releases. Flash floods are a dangerous possibility where small mountain creeks fall through their gorges. If you’re going fishing in the mountains this time of year, you better bring a rain jacket. You should also make sure you bring your streamer box. Sure, we’re in the middle of some of the best dry fly action of the year. The Hendricksons, March browns, sulphurs, caddis, drakes and giant stones might all be flitting around right now. But when the sky grows dark and those first fat drops of rain begin to fall, take time to don your rain jacket and tie on something big and nasty. The fishing is getting ready to get mighty fun. On multiple occasions, I’ve seen trout go absolutely bonkers in rising waters on the front end of a heavy rainstorm. All those raindrops are impending doom for the little crawling things that cling to rhododendron leaves. Flushed from the leaf litter or rolled out from the stones on the streambed, everything a trout likes to eat is stirred into the flow as the water rises and becomes stained. Although the window of opportunity might be short, as the trout and the angler must both take cover at some point, the opening moments of a torrential downpour can be magical. On the larger flows where there is the potential for large brown trout, bigger is better. I keep a few big, heavy, white Buggers in my box that only get wet when the water is rising. Those big bunny flies and articulated streamers you bought on a whim but never used? Now is the time to try them out. Even on the smaller streams, rising water can spark a sub-surface feeding frenzy. Smaller streamers or double-nymph rigs with a big black stonefly as an anchor are both good options for fish that are frantic to gobble all the protein they can get while it is available. Fishing in heavy rain requires the angler to use some common sense and not be literally carried away, though. Keep an eye on the conditions. Lightning is dangerous, as is rapidly rising water. Don’t put yourself in a situation you can’t get out of.
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By Conner Jones
E
Look for Shadows: A trout’s camouflage is effective, designed to hide it from predators with better eyesight than humans possess. Sometimes the best way to spot a fish is by looking for shadows. If a fish is suspended any distance off the bottom, it will cast a shadow that contrasts against the bottom more so than the fish itself. Find the shadow, and you have found the fish. Find the Right Water: This means using the angle of the sun to your advantage. Try to position yourself so glare is minimal. Heavy currents and deep water can obscure what is hiding below, so be sure to check the shallows. Tail-outs are the shallow stretches at the end of a pool, usually with a uniform current and gravel or cobble bottom in free-stone rivers. These features make the tail-out ideal for spotting fish, but their shallow nature can put fish on edge, so be sure to go slow! The Gear: It’s hard to overstate the importance of good sunglasses on the water. Good sunglasses will not only cut the glare off the water, allowing you to see the underlying structure of the river, they will also enhance your ability to see fish. Good sunglasses are the key to being able to spot fish and also the easiest way to step up your sight fishing game, so invest in a good pair. Conner Jones is with Cohutta Fishing Company. Contact him at cjones@cohuttafishingco.com and visit their website at www.cohuttafishingco.com.
ven out in the open, trout are remarkably adept at hiding their presence. The muted colors and speckles of their backs are beautiful out of the water. In the water, these features make them invisible to the untrained eye. Most of their predators come from above, so spotting and stalking trout is difficult, which is what makes it so much fun. Here are a few tips to help you successfully sight fish for trout. Go Slow: This cannot be overstated. The easiest fish to see is the one you just spooked. As the fish bolts you will inevitably ask yourself, “Why was I in such a rush?” Go slow, start at the tail of the pool and work your way to the head. Be methodical. Look for Motion: It’s amazing how little motion it takes for a trout to keep its place in the current. However, these small movements are sometimes all it takes to give away a fish’s location. Look for unnatural movement like the side-to-side pulse of a tail or the telltale white of an opening mouth. Sometimes, this is the only clue Airline_CoastalAnglerAd_3-2016_Layout 1 3/18/16 1:07 PM Page 1 a trout will give to its location.
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On The Water With
Kaku By Capt. Ryan Drygas
T
arpon Springs, a small town on the west coast of Florida an hour north of St. Petersburg, is a best-kept secret for redfish and snook. It sits within a web of waterways connecting the Gulf of Mexico to rivers, lakes, ponds, marshes and eventually Tampa Bay. This vast system offers excellent inshore opportunities, and it’s a ton of fun to explore under paddle power. I know a local who grew up there and knows the water like the back of his hand. Kevin Hawkins, owner of Kaku Kayaks, invited me out on the water to try his newest SUP, the Voodoo. Kevin lives, eats and breathes fishing. When he’s not fishing from one of his kayaks or SUPs, he’s thinking about ways to design these boats so they’re better to fish from. The Voodoo is a hybrid that melds the best qualities of an SUP, a kayak and a micro-skiff. We launched from his local ramp on a Saturday afternoon a cou-
ple hours before sunset. I don’t have the words to describe the picturesque setting that spread out before me. Mangroves, oyster beds and hidden shoals were in abundance. We paddled to the tip of a mangrove island where a smaller canal led to docks, sandbars and windbreaks. We had to cross the main channel to get there, and there was a 1- to 2-foot chop with the boating traffic and winds. The Voodoo was stable and fast, tracking straight as it cut through the channel. I was surprised the chop didn’t offer more of a challenge, but the hull design of the Voodoo is flawless. It also features a chair, which—without adjustment—offers two seated positions and can be used as a poling platform. The boat paddles well from a seated or standing position, and the ability to make powerful strokes with a low center of gravity came in handy during the crossing. As we rounded the tip of the island, we found wind-shade in a pocket. We poled down to cast right under the mangroves and docks. The Voodoo’s stern has five molded-in Power Pole mounts that allow for dual or single Power Pole Micros. And from a stability standpoint, the boat might as well be the deck of a skiff. Kevin hooked into a 25-inch redfish and fought it with ease from the open deck. As we paddled through the backside of the mangrove islands, we cast to oyster beds and under docks. The final spot Kevin had planned was a back corner of an area with a long sea wall and sand flats. Kevin wanted to hit it right at sunset, when the redfish bite is best. We could see reds tailing over the shoals as the tide went out. If you are looking for a perfect fishing machine, look no further than Kaku. These boats are a fisherman’s Cadillac. Kevin’s obsession with crafting a superior fishing vessel is evident in the sleek, stable versatility of his boats. For more on Kaku Kayak, visit kakukayak.com.
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By Tom Schlichter
Y
ou couldn’t tell by looking in the tannic-stained water, but Capt. Gary Dubiel was convinced redfish were holding just a few feet from the bank. “Toss your line up tight and see what happens,” he instructed. My cork popper landed with a splat and the trailing DOA shrimp settled toward the bottom. I waited a second, gave a “pop” and watched the cork slide under with an 8-pound red in full protest. “They’ll smack that setup every time,” smiled the skipper. It’s no secret that the coastal waters of North Carolina teem with redfish and stripers, but many visiting anglers focus their efforts solely on inlet and ocean waters. For truly amazing topwater action, the bays, creeks and river systems are also well worth exploring. “There’s amazing variety on the inside here,” said Dubiel, of Spec Fever Guide Service (www.specfever.com), who specializes in putting light-tackle and fly-fishing fans right in the mix. Dubiel especially enjoys working the Neuse River area because it hosts stripers and seatrout year-round, plus redfish from spring though mid-October. “These stripers are estuarine and don’t run to the ocean,” he explained. “They typically measure up to 32 inches, which makes them perfect for light gear and fly rods. Even better, they mix in with the specks and slot-sized redfish. We often catch all three on the same trip.” The striper action really heats up in late April when the bass return from spawning farther upriver to offer outstanding surface action from Oriental to New Bern, N.C. Much of the fun takes place in knee-deep depths here in the river’s mouth at Pamlico Sound, and that makes for a ton of topwater thrills. Interestingly, the Neuse River—America’s widest at 6 miles across the mouth— doesn’t have a lunar rise and fall in tides. Rather than look for current, Dubiel works around structure while using a trolling motor to quietly get in and out of
potential hot spots. He likes casting at old wood when possible, often using a Bob’s Banger Capt. Gary Dubiel of Spec popper. “Because the fish often Fever Guide Service works hang in the shallows here, you can call them from a considerthe long wand for shallow able distance if you make a litwater Neuse River stripers, reds tle noise,” he said. “This is also and specks. Photo by Felicia a great lure for covering a lot of Scocozza. water. Some of our wood fields are pretty expansive.” Push up into the Neuse River tributaries above and below New Bern and you’ll also find largemouth bass, crappie and perch. The creeks stay warmer than the river in the winter months, so there are times in late winter and early spring when you might catch any of these along with a striper, redfish or speckled trout as well. “It certainly makes for an interesting mixed bag,” quipped Dubiel. Just an hour drive from Moorhead City, N.C., the Neuse River is easily accessible from Oriental, New Bern or the ICW. For accommodations, consider Bridgepoint Marina (www.bridgepointe.com) in New Bern. It’s within 500 yards of public launching at both Lawson Creek Landing and Union Park Point. For more info on the New Bern area, visit www.visitnewbern.com.
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United States Power Squadrons–America’s
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ho doesn’t have a smile on their face when they’re spending time on the water? You can’t help yourself. Boating is the definition of getting away from it all. And getting away from it all is always more fun with friends. This is where the United States Power Squadrons–America’s Boating Club comes in. Enjoying your time on the water with family and friends starts with being safe and responsible while having fun. That’s what makes America’s Boating Club different than most boating organizations. For over a hundred years, the organization’s focus has been on providing unsurpassed boating safety education. But the organization’s leadership and members are passionate about a membership that doesn’t end on Sunday and doesn’t care if the calendar says it’s winter. It’s about being together and building a community through a variety of events like parties, meetings and even just getting together for no reason at all. Driven by this passion, United States Power Squadrons–America’s Boating Club, the country’s largest nonprofit boating organization, just launched its new logo. This is the first of several planned updates in the organization’s new brand image and identity. Changes to the organization’s website, social media platforms and collateral are expected in the coming weeks.
“We are United States Power Squadrons but we are also America’s Boating Club,” said Gary Cheney, chief commander, United States Power Squadrons. “This is not just a name change, it describes what we do. We go boating and have fun doing it. Our squadrons are social clubs as well as providers of high quality boating education— allowing members to enjoy the sport and camaraderie of boating and any number of activities that keep us together. Togetherness is what this lifestyle is all about. We joined the organization for the boating education, but we stayed for the friends.” Offering classes For Boaters, By Boaters in boat handling, navigation, boat maintenance, weather and related subjects, United States Power Squadrons— America’s Boating Club serves as a virtual “yacht club” with boating and social activities for all types of recreational boaters. With over 27,000 members organized into 356 local clubs across the country, America’s Boating Club is comprised of families who contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating through education. Members are vital to strengthening the communities they live in and know it’s important to live their values by giving back through public service and volunteer opportunities. Members provide courtesy vessel safety checks, help the NOAA’s National Ocean Service keep nautical charts accurate and organize beach cleanups. “Our commitment is to continue learning, teaching, laughing and helping our fellow members enjoy boating,” continued Cheney. “Whether you’re passionate about cruising, racing, making new friends, volunteering in your community or learning from experienced boaters, your local squadron has the resources you need to engage your passions and, perhaps, instill some new ones.” In February of 2017, the United States Power Squadrons announced its America’s Boating Club co-brand to its squadrons, following an almost yearlong renaming exercise. To learn more about United States Power Squadrons–America’s Boating Club, visit www.americasboatingclub.org.
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FRESHWATER Jordan Lee Wins Back-To-Back
Bassmaster Classics Bassmaster photos by Andy Crawford
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n sixth place headed into the final day of the Bassmaster Classic on March 18 at lake Hartwell, S.C., Alabama’s Jordan Lee was in striking distance to do what only two anglers have ever done—win the Super Bowl of bass fishing twice in a row. And he did it. With a final day surge that took him to the scales with 16 pounds, 5 ounces, Lee tallied a three-day total of 47-1 to edge out California pro Brent Ehrler by a single pound. With his Classic win last year at Lake Conroe, Texas, Lee joins Rick Clunn and Kevin VanDam as the only three anglers in the history of the sport to win back-to-back classics. With the $300,000 purse, Lee pushed his career earnings with B.A.S.S past the million-dollar mark.
“It was just a perfect week for me,” Lee told Bassmaster. “I caught fish on five different baits and a lot of different techniques.” Boat docks were the ticket to Lee’s success. Following poor practice rounds, he could not nail down a strong pattern. From Day 1, Lee reverted to his comfort zone and his strength. “I just wanted to cover as much water as I could to give myself the best chance of putting a bait in front of a fish,” he told Bassmaster. “On this lake, I knew boat docks were going to play because they always do—and that’s what I like to do.” Live on Day 1, video showed Lee pumping his fists over a chunky largemouth he finessed out from under a dock with black floats. Black floats tend to warm the water around them, and the fish were staging up prior to the spawn. A strong sack of 18-10 on Day 1 must have buoyed Lee’s confidence in the dock pattern. Despite catching nothing but smaller spotted bass and just 12-2 on Day 2, Lee was still solidly in the top 25 to make the cut to fish Championship Sunday. Lee found his magic pocket on Day 3. Fishing a Strike King Rage Swimmer, a Strike King Ocho and a Strike King Shimmy Stick, he stuck to that one little pocket and pulled fish from beneath almost every dock. Green pumpkin was his primary color. Jason Christie, of Oklahoma, who led through the first two days of competition, dropped back to third place after the final day with a three-day total of 45-15. Ehrler’s 46-1 earned him second place. Alabama pro Mark Daniels Jr. caught the Berkley Big Bass of the tournament, a 6-pound, 11-ounce largemouth that won him $2,500. Reporting by Bassmaster’s Bryan Brasher.
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3) Flashers/ Sheri Daye practices “aspetto” technique. chum—Especially Photo by Joe Marino effective for hunting pelagics such as jacks, tunas, dolphin and wahoo. Multiple mirrors dangle below a float, and the flashes of light in the water imitate the reflective glare from a school of baitfish. The fish come in to investigate. Chum can be used in combination with a flasher to bring them even closer and keep them interested. In addition to these techniques, serious spearos are likely to train in a pool, use meditation techniques, and do cardio exercises to increase their breath hold capacity. Many take freediving classes to increase bottom time and safety. While there is no certification required to do it, classes should be a pre-requisite, as freediving is a sport that can lead to “blackout” and death if not practiced correctly. Spearfishing is a beautiful, selective way to catch fish, but it is also physically and mentally demanding. Above all, be safe and happy hunting! Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer of The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.
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hen Jesus Chavarria was a small boy nearly 60 years ago, he remembers a giant silver fish with huge scales brought to the dock at his home in the small Pacific river port of Sierpe, Costa Rica. No one had any idea what it was. He went on to captain offshore sport fishing boats all over the west coast of Costa Rica for the next 35 years and retired a few years ago to taking guests fishing the backwaters of the Sierpe River. His specialty is snook but now and then he began to catch tarpon. Tarpon are not indigenous to the Pacific Ocean, but over the years anglers began to encounter a tarpon now and then. The thought is that over more than a century since it was constructed, the Panama Canal has provided passage for tarpon, which now reside in the Pacific. Tarpon capture has been recorded as far south as Colombia and as far north as El Salvador. Saul Porras’ capture of a tarpon that weighed barely 3 pounds at a creek mouth in southern Costa Rica changed the whole thought process. Chances that a fish that small swam through the canal and that far are slim. Are tarpon now breeding in the Pacific? FECOP, the sport fishing advocacy and conservation group in Costa Rica, agreed to sponsor a project to find out more about tarpon in the Pacific. They contacted Didiher Chacon, who had worked on a Costa Rican Caribbean tarpon project almost three decades ago in Barra del Colorado for Dr. Roy Crabtree, of Florida. He agreed to work on the science part of the project. “The Sierpe Wetlands are perfect habitat for juvenile tarpon,” explained Chacon. “That very well may account for the increase in numbers of tarpon caught there in the last few years.” Most of the river tarpon are small, less than 30 pounds, but fish as large as 100 pounds have also been taken. Phase 1 of the project will concentrate in southern Costa Rica. A DNA comparison will be done between Pacific-caught tarpon and tarpon taken from different parts of the Caribbean side of the country. They will also study what the Pacific tarpon have been feeding on. Today this can be done with a small tissue sample without sacrificing the fish. All Pacific caught tarpon will also be tagged. Chacon noted that there is a possibility over time for tarpon to change the ecology of the rivers. It is not yet known what they are feeding on or how they will affect native fish. The Pacific-side tarpon are now showing with enough frequency to make it worth finding out. Tropical storm Nate delayed the project when the massive amounts of rain that fell not only caused major landslides but also completely flushed everything out of most of the country’s rivers. Find out more about Pacific tarpon and other FECOP projects on sport fishing conservation at www.fishcostarica.org.
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N
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