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VOLUME 23 • ISSUE 273
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F R A N C H I S E
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BOOST YOUR CATCH w/RezBoostTM Technology
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Assess individual fish size and depth based on echo strength for fish from 4 inches to over 6 feet.
Identify the sea floor composition from four types (Rocks/Sand/Gravel/Mud).
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EDITOR IN CHIEF : Ben Martin • camads@coastalanglermagazine.com VICE PRESIDENT : Tracy Patterson • tracy@coastalanglermagazine.com ART DIRECTOR : Rebecca Snowden • graphics@coastalanglermagazine.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR : Nick Carter • editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com WEBMASTER : Dmitriy Pislyagin • webmaster@coastalanglermagazine.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Corporate Headquarters info@coastalanglermagazine.com • 888-800-9794
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BIG BEND : Mike McNamara • (850) 510-7919 • captmike@coastalanglermagazine.com BREVARD : David String • (321) 684-5888 • dstring@coastalanglermagazine.com DAYTONA/NEW SMYRNA BEACH : Don Meadows • (321) 436-5895 • donm@coastalanglermagazine.com EMERALD COAST/DESTIN/PENSACOLA : Scott Risher • (850) 428-0996 • srisher@coastalanglermagazine.com FLORIDA KEYS : Cliff Lumpkin • (305) 849-9093 • cliff@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT LAUDERDALE : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT MYERS : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER MIAMI : Scott Deal • (561) 945-6999 • scott@coastalanglermagazine.com Monica Isaza-Deal • (561) 945-8899 • monica@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER ORLANDO : Phillip & Giselle Wolf • (407) 790-9515 • phillip@coastalanglermagazine.com LAKELAND & SUMTER : Mary Brasher • (352) 598-4219 • maryf@coastalanglermagazine.com NAPLES : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com NC FLORIDA/NATURE COAST : Cary & Lynn Crutchfield • (352) 372-4237 • crutch@coastalanglermagazine.com NE FLORIDA : Danny Patrick • (904) 742-4696 • danny@coastalanglermagazine.com PANAMA CITY/FORGOTTEN COAST : Randy Cnota • (229) 834-7880 • randyc@coastalanglermagazine.com PALM BEACH COUNTY : Barbara Ryan • (561) 373-8040 • barbara@coastalanglermagazine.com SARASOTA : Phil Prevoir • (239) 257-4684 • pprevoir@coastalanglermagazine.com TAMPA BAY : Chuck Atkins • (239) 464-5153 • chuck@coastalanglermagazine.com TREASURE COAST : Misti & Gary Guertin • (772) 285-6850 • treasurecoast@coastalanglermagazine.com flahama@coastalanglermagazine.com
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Cover Image Credits: (Clockwise from top left) Sailfish: Alphonse Fishing Co., Wesley Rapson; Bumphead Parrotfish: Alphonse Fishing Co., Andre Henn; Salmon: Scott Norton; Trout: Big Cedar Lodge; Bass: Nick Carter; Roosterfish: Francisco Mejias © 2017. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Disclaimer: Coastal Angler Magazine / The Angler Magazine will not be held liable for injuries incurred while partaking in activities described herein, or for claims made against products or services provided by advertisers.
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FLY FISHING By Nick Carter
F
ly fishing for bonefish and permit might have originated on the flats of the Bahamas and the Florida Keys, but these islands hardly hold a monopoly on the style of fishing. In the Indian Ocean, about 1,000 miles off the east coast of Africa, there is an archipelago that claims the highest density of bonefish in the world on one of its outer island groups. The Alphonse Group is three small islets on the southwestern end of the Seychelles, a nation of 115 islands in gorgeous tropical waters northeast of Madagascar. Within the Alphonse Group, Alphonse Atoll and St. Francois Atoll offer more 10,000 acres of hard, white-sand bonefish flats as well as a lagoon with channels, finger flats and coral heads where fly fishers sight fish in clear water to more than 60 species of fish. There are characters familiar to Atlantic flats—bonefish and permit—and there are also species exotic to North American fly rodders, like milkfish, colorful triggerfish and seven species of trevally. Instead of tarpon, the Seychelles offer up the giant trevally, which can weigh in excess of 120 pounds. And with a 10-minute boat ride out of Alphonse Island, anglers can access reef species and big pelagics like sailfish, wahoo, dorado, dogtooth and yellowfin tuna. Either trolling or teasing them up and casting flies to them, these offshore species offer a delightful break from the flats as well as a dinnertime treat on the island. “The Seychelles has become known as the best giant trevally fishery in the world and has become the benchmark for anglers searching for an outstanding saltwater flats fishing experience,” said Keith RoseInnes, managing director of Alphonse Fishing Company. “The sheer numbers and variety of fish species has amazed the fly fishing world, with anglers from across the globe queuing up to sample this ultimate fishing playground.” St. Francois is most well known for its bonefish, with ridiculous
numbers of 4to 6-pound fish and the occasional 8-pounder in the mix. “On falling tides, it is often the case that huge shoals of bonefish can be targeted when leaving the flats in what has been described as a continuous river of bonefish,” said Rose-Innes. “You hunt them on foot and not from a skiff, as the sand flats are hard and white.” It’s also as close to a sure thing as it gets for anglers seeking the Holy Grail of saltwater fly fishing. Good numbers of Indo-Pacific permit populate the flats, and Rose-Innes said his guides have near-perfected the art of catching them. Along with natural environs conducive to awesome fishing, a strong conservation ethic ensures an incredible angling experience. Alphonse Fishing Company tightly controls the amount and type of fishing pressure its waters see, and the fisheries are completely closed a minimum of three months per year. That’s the fishing side of the conservation effort. Alphonse also protects the unique flora and fauna of the islands, which makes for a sensational overall vacation experience, with comfortable lodging among beautiful tropical forests and beaches. For more information, see www.alphonsefishingco.com.
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Craig Sutton with a Costa Rica yellowfin.
“M
ost people my age buy a house in Costa Rica to retire,” said Craig Sutton, of Nosara Paradise Rentals and FishingNosara. “When I bought my first house in Costa Rica, my life was just starting to get interesting.” Craig first discovered Nosara, Costa Rica on a surfing trip in the late 1990s and immediately fell in love with the people, the culture and the year-round excellent surfing. He purchased a small house near Guiones Beach, bought out his neighbors’ land, and spent the next 15 years building a nature preserve campus of 14 houses plus a pool, common areas and maintenance facilities. One thing was missing from this surfer’s paradise: good fishing. As a native Floridian, Craig’s passion for fishing runs deep. He has been a regular on the kingfish tournament scene for years, with his boat Fishtastic posting top-5 finishes in the several tournaments.
“The problem with fishing in Costa Rica is that fish are so big and so harsh that they will destroy your tackle, plus the costs for fuel is astronomical at $7 a gallon and rising,” said Sutton. “Captains trying to make ends meet would have to choose between new lines, new tackle and a full tank of gas, or putting food on the family table.” After years of struggling to find a captain in Costa Rica who was willing and able to fish aggressively, Sutton realized his only option was to build his own boats and crew them with hand-picked locals. “These guys had the drive and the talent to be great fishermen, they just lacked the tools and the logistical support,” said Sutton. “The team-centered approach allows FishingNosara captains to pursue the fish as aggressively as a professional tournament boat without being distracted by losing lures or running up the gas bill.” FishingNosara launched their first boat, The Wanderer, in 2009 and have added a boat every year since. The results have been astounding. In the 2017 season, the five-boat FishingNosara team ran over 730 trips with over 80 marlin releases and 800 sailfish releases. More importantly, the team inflicted zero billfish fatalities. “Reviving and releasing billfish is a sacred priority to us as conservationists, plus it makes good business sense,” said Sutton. “We have created a market of charter fishermen, which means billfish are worth more money alive and swimming than they are on a scale at the meat market.” As for retirement for Sutton, don’t bet on it anytime soon. Last April he scored a billfish grand slam (blue marlin, striped marlin and sailfish) to win the Ship of Fools Billfish Tournament in Costa Rica. Sutton is looking to up-the-ante again in 2018. Back in the States, a new version of the Fishtastic came online this year. It’s an exact copy of the 32’ Eduardono Harvester currently in Nosara, and Sutton is already amped up for a new challenge. “My goal with the new boat is to snag a tournament winning king mackeral in July then go catch marlin in August… seems like a good way to bring two worlds together.”
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By CAM Staff
M
urrells Inlet, S.C. has always been a fishing town. Long before Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand began drawing tourists to experience the beaches, shopping, golf and nightlife that have made it famous, Murrells Inlet was a fishing village. And it’s no wonder. The inlet itself is an inshore angler’s dream. It’s an enclosed system, one of very few inlets on the east coast free from the influence of the Intracoastal Waterway or coastal rivers.
There’s no dirty water flowing in from upstream, and this system of marshes and backwaters is a completely saltwater environment, with no freshwater pumping in to reduce salinity. The result is excellent fishing and exploration of backwater creeks for speckled trout, redfish and the doormat flounder that Murrells Inlet has gained a reputation for. Another thing the area has a well-earned reputation for is huge red drum, which hang out around the jetties to provide anglers with the bulldog runs only a big bull red can provide. It’s some of the best red fishing on the east coast, with fish in the 20- to 40-pound range arriving in numbers in both spring and fall. For those who don’t mind a short boat ride to fill the cooler,
there are numerous nearshore reefs that can be easily accessed with a half-day trip and a run of less than 5 miles. Mackerel, sharks, black sea bass, reds, flounder, bluefish, spadefish and more make for an exciting outing even for the family, and you’ll come back with a cooler full of delicious fish. Out to 15 or 30 miles, there is also excellent trolling for king and Spanish mackerel, cobia and amberjack, as well as bottom fishing for snappers, groupers and sea bass. But those who want to get serious should look into a full-day trip to the Gulf Stream. From 55 to 70 miles offshore, opportunities for tuna, dolphin, wahoo, marlin and sailfish abound. Trolling the Gulf Stream for big-game species off the lower end of the Grand Strand is tough to beat anywhere. So… it’s easy to see why Murrells Inlet has always been a fishing village, and perhaps the best way to experience it is from a base camp at the Inlet Sports Lodge. Located at the heart of Murrells Inlet, the Inlet Sports Lodge is a comfortable and classy boutique hotel that caters to anglers and golfers with the finest amenities in the area. It’s minutes away from three marinas, works closely with the area’s best charter captains and can accommodate boats up to 25 feet. There’s a fish cleaning room for prep, as well as gas and charcoal grills available in the courtyard to cook your catch. Or, for those who’d rather let someone else do the cooking, the COSTA Coastal Kitchen and Bar on-site offers up fine, fresh Italian and seafood fare. There are also several other restaurants nearby that prepare the kind of delicious right-out-of-the-water dishes that have made Murrells Inlet the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina.” And don’t forget the golf. If days on the water paired with days on the links sounds like the perfect way to relax, the Inlet Sports Lodge has you covered. With golf packages booking a wide variety of the Grand Strand’s famous courses, there’s more golf than you can swing a stick at, including two award-winning courses with the same ownership as the Inlet Sports Lodge. Caledonia Golf & Fish Club and True Blue Plantation are two of the finest courses in the area as well as the nation. For more information on fishing, golfing and the Inlet Sports Lodge at Murrells Inlet, S.C., go to www.inletsportslodge.com/ or call 877-585-9360.
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SOUTHEAST
Photo by John Spohrer
T
he “Forgotten Coast” is a relatively quiet, undeveloped area encompassing the coastal communities of Franklin County, to include Apalachicola, St. George Island, Eastpoint, Carrabelle and Alligator Point. Franklin County is home to art exhibits, music concerts, theater performances, fishing tournaments, festivals and events year-round that highlight its natural resources, culture and history. Saltwater fishing inshore and offshore is the most popular activity
and possibly the best in the world. The waters here are loaded with so many species of fish, both migratory and residential: red snapper, tarpon, flounder, king mackerel, cobia, tripletail, and red drum, just to name a few. All these species are readily available for you to pursue in your own boat or with one of the many local professional guides. The Apalachicola River offers great freshwater action for bass, bream, stripers and catfish…all those species grow big in this river, which flows into the Gulf of Mexico and comprises the most ecological diverse natural area in the southern U. S. There’s something really special about places where fresh water meets the salt. The brackish water estuaries of Franklin County produce the world famous Apalachicola oyster. Sought out all over the world as the best, these salty yet slightly sweet gems must be accompanied with a cold beer. Slow down and relax. Saddle up to one of the many oyster bars found here and enjoy a dozen raw with a cold one and get to know the guy next to you. The seafood is as fresh and good as it gets anywhere, and the fishing tales are epic!...full disclosure; they’re not all are true. If you enjoy cruising in your boat, try sailing from Carrabelle to Apalachicola and back, via the Intracoastal Waterway. Take in the beauty along the St. George Sound, Apalachicola Bay and River, Jackson River, Lake Wimico and St. Joe Bay. Check out the complete list of all the fishing guides, boat ramps and bait and tackle providers on the county’s visitor website floridasforgottencoast.com. You’ll also find a year-round look at fishing along Florida’s Forgotten Coast. Come see this place once, and you’ll be back. For more info visit www.floridasforgottencoast.com
Your fish is waiting. Florida’s Forgotten Coast
Boaters and mariners will find something to love in Franklin County. Carrabelle features deep water access to the Gulf of Mexico and freshwater rivers. Plan a kayak or day sailing eco-adventure from Apalachicola or St. George Island. Eastpoint and Alligator Point offer direct access to the best inshore fishing on the Gulf Coast. Bring your own boat or rent one here; there’s no better place to enjoy Florida’s Forgotten Coast.
Visit Floridasforgottencoast.com/ca for complete launch, marina, guide and tackle information.
ALLIGATOR POINT • APALACHICOLA • CARRABELLE • EASTPOINT • ST. GEORGE ISLAND COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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NORTH CAROLINA
T
he Bassmaster Classic stands out as one of the biggest bass fishing events each year, and this year three pro anglers will don the signature Mud Hole colors on South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell for the 2018 Classic in March. Joining the Classic line-up is a huge accomplishment for any angler, so let’s take a look at how Bassmaster Elite pros Brandon Lester and Bradley Roy as well as FLW veteran John Cox were able to capitalize on their opportunities to make the cut. Brandon Lester Captures His Spot Heading into Mille Lacs Lake in Onamia, Minnesota, Bassmaster Elite pro Brandon Lester found himself on the Classic bubble. On the verge of either making the Classic or watching his bubble burst,
M
ore than 1,600 tons of concrete pipe were recently added to an artificial reef to beef up recreational fishing off Brunswick County’s coast. The new addition complements 2,000 tons of pipe placed throughout the site in 2013 and a 75-foot barge that was sunk within the reef site in July. Less than half of the proposed reef construction for the site has been completed, and plans call for an additional 2,500 tons of concrete pipe to be deployed before year’s end when the permit and funding for the project expire. This joint project between the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) and the Long Bay Artificial Reef Association, a group of Brunswick County-based fishermen, fills a habitat void off Brunswick County, where sand and mud bottom provide little to attract popular gamefish outside of the spring and fall bait runs. Artificial Reef-430 is one of nine artificial reefs Long Bay has worked with the state to create since the association was founded in 1984. The reef is a little less than 3 miles offshore of Oak Island and about 35 feet below the surface of the Atlantic. It spans a 1,500-foot radius and encompasses about 162 acres. “We have two reefs up near the Cape Fear River and Lockwood Folly,” said Andy Fisher, president of Long Bay. “Those are our two heaviest fished reef sites. We wanted to have something close enough for the guys coming out of the Cape Fear and close enough for the guys coming out of Lockwood Folly.” DMF maintains more than 40 artificial reefs along North Carolina’s coast. Their distance to the shore ranges from a half-mile to 38 miles. An interactive reef guide is available at the DMF website, and hard copies are available at DMF offices.
Brandon knew it wouldn’t be easy, but welcomed the challenge. After three days of tight competition and a lot of learning on the lake, Lester caught 43 pounds, 1 ounce to finish in the money and leave with a qualifying ticket for his third Bassmaster Classic appearance. Although he was nervous coming off the lake, he later left weigh-in with a huge smile knowing he’ll be fishing Hartwell in March. Bradley Roy’s Big Return Like Brandon, Bassmaster Elite pro Bradley Roy entered the Mille Lacs event with his mind focused on making the Classic cut and his custom MHX Rods dialed in for smallmouth fishing. But after just day two, Roy could rest easy knowing he bagged 36 pounds, 13 ounces, which also gained him enough points to seal a place in the 2018 Classic. Bradley ultimately finished with 52 pounds, 1 ounce of Mille Lacs bass, a nice check to cash, and a ticket to his second straight Bassmaster Classic. Considering this will be his second Classic and he placed seventh in his first appearance, Bradley is incredibly hungry for a strong return. John Cox Fishing Familiar Water When John Cox finished on top of the B.A.S.S. Southern Open at Chickamauga Lake in Dayton, Tenn. with 68 pounds, 3 ounces, his big win came with more than just a check, it also included a spot in the 2018 Bassmaster Classic. After hoisting the Forrest Wood Cup and making a major splash on the FLW Tour, Cox and his custom MHX Rods are crossing over to fish in the Classic. The sight fishing phenom is excited for the opportunity, especially considering this Classic will be held on Lake Hartwell, where he secured a huge Tour win back in 2016. With his spots and some new rod builds in mind, Cox is a dangerous competitor looking to capitalize on his knowledge and experience of Lake Hartwell. To fish the Pro Tour Rods these pro anglers are taking to the Classic, visit www.mudhole.com/pro-kits.
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Raleigh, NC is a vibrant market with a solid industry base. Outdoor enthusiasts will quickly recognize The Angler Magazine as a favorite resource. Come join our successful team of copublishers today. It’s a great way to earn a living.
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10/19/17 10:58 AM
Wilmington/Morehead City edition
Wrightsville Beach Spearfishing Tournament The Wrightsville Beach Annual Spearfishing Tournament was postponed from September 15, due to the hurricanes. Never has this tournament, dating back to 1998, taken place so late in the year. The spearfishing tournament is divided in three categories: Pelagic– African pompano, mackerel (all), permit, mahi mahi, wahoo, tuna (all, with license), rainbow runner. Bottom fish – grouper (all legal species), hogfish, snapper (all legal species), black sea bass. Inshore – flounder, sheepshead, tautog. Divisional scoring is based upon the total weight of the two heaviest fish of different species in each category. The two types of competitors are breath hold spearfishers commonly referred to as freedivers (since they like free stuff) and SCUBA divers. Under this framework the spearfishing tournament has been a balanced competition in years past with a lot of chest pounding and trash talking between the bubble blowers and the Free Willies. This year, while late in the season, over 60 competitors took to the local waters for three days October 13-15. On Friday, the NE wind blew 25 knots and only a few boats made it out. The 35’ Intrepid from team Maverick America with yours truly and the 39’ Contender Fins Up of Michael Worden had 6 freedivers swimming around in a five- to eightfoot chop all day. Both of these boats managed African pompano to nearly 30 pounds, grouper to 19 pounds, a few hogfish to nine pounds and large rainbow runner up to almost 15 pounds! On day two, Saturday, the well-known “game changer” took effect. While the boat team led by local Lucas Edmonson and crew showed an impressive near 28.6-pound red grouper and a 33.6-pound gag, as well as a hefty 29-pound King mackerel (which is by no stretch an easy fish to spear under any circumstances) none of these fish could grab the attention of the weigh-in crowd when the Fins Up pulled up at 5:30 pm for the 6 pm cutoff. In the words of Fins Up local diver Mark Winnberger, “we got above: From the winning boat are Charlie Shotton, Capt. Jeremy beaten up the day before, with five- to seven-foot seas and winds at 25 lopaka Bounds, Luca Della Santa, Bruce Mock, Mark Winnberger, knots. Came home with little to show for the tournament. That night we Charlie McCuskey and Michael Worden. decided we needed to come up big the next day for the tournament. We agreed as a team to go all in and head out to the stream in search of wahoo, a fish that had eluded us many times before.” We decided to suit up while Jeremy marked up the area searching for promising signs. After I suited up I asked him what he thought, and he said it might be better to run another ten miles to check another spot. We all agreed to listen to the captain and go. As soon as we throttled down it was all eyes on the Garmin, praying for better signs of life. At that moment someone looked over and was like, “look! A log!” We knew we had just struck gold. I was the first one over the rail and into the water, and I had jumped right in the middle of a school of more than 50 wahoo. It was unreal. As far as I could see, there was bait and wahoo everywhere. I told the guys what I was seeing, and not five minutes later I had shot and landed a 50-pound wahoo and it was in the boat. From then on, Jeremy kept an eye on everyone in the water, making sure not to lose anyone getting dragged around and he was constantly cleaning the boat and icing down the fish. By the end of the day we landed 15 wahoo before deciding to pack up and head to bluewater wrecks to shoot some African pompano. Again, we hopped right in and found stud APs, holding right around the 65-foot range. I wound up shooting a 35-pound ‘hoo and a rainbow runner before deciding enough was enough for the day. Epic to say the least! The inshore category, although overwhelmingly overshadowed by the blue water bonanza, produced some impressive fish. Bradford Sutton landed a 5.8-pound flounder and Daniel Summers a six-pound sheepshead. Results are posted on the Wrightsville Beach Spearfishing Facebook page.
Left: Some of the nice bottom fish from the tournament. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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article BY: Mark Laboccetta | Partner mark@maverick-america.com MAVERICK AMERICA LLC www.maverick-america.com 1316 S. 5th Street Wilmington, NC 28401 Office 910.679.4513 november 2017
wilmington/Morehead city 1
10/19/17 1:57 PM
Swansboro/ emerald Isle NOVEMBER – THANKS TO MOTHER NATURE!
As November settles in we’re reminded of the importance of family and friends, giving thanks for all we have. Like all who choose to enjoy our wonderful fisheries resource, I also find myself thanking Mother Nature for her amazing abilities to survive and re-coup from brutal weather. The NC coast often gets pounded with extremely cold winters as well as tropical storms and hurricanes each fall. Both of these types of weather have an impact on our local fish populations, especially our speckled trout. The last couple years we’ve experienced good numbers of small 10- to 15inch speckled trout with very low numbers of fish above: Capt. Jeff Cronk of Fish4Life over two pounds. But, last Charters, while doing some scouting for upcoming trips, found a good school of year’s mild winter allowed upper slot reds. all of those small trout to survive, and the result, this October, has been an amazing number of one- to four-pound fish. Aboard Fish’4life Charters, we’ve already caught trout up to five pounds this fall! Thanks to Mother Nature, many anglers along the Crystal Coast will have the opportunity to land the fish of a lifetime.
INSHORE fishing
Despite recent tropical storms and passing hurricanes that dumped large amounts of rainfall into our coastal rivers, inshore fishing was fantastic in October with plenty of black drum, bluefish, reds, spots and other bottom fish along the surf, inlets and ICW. Many anglers and giggers reported plenty of summer flounder in the lower rivers, sounds, and near the inlets. There have been a lot of flounder up to four pounds or more coming to the scales from gigging and inshore fishing the past few weeks. Many of the shallow bays and channels along the Crystal Coast were productive for redfish and speckled trout in October and we can expect a good bite to continue in November. Some of the most productive baits that produce strike after strike for us aboard Fish’n4life Charters include: Berkley’s four-inch Gulp Shrimp, five-inch Jerkshad, four-inch Rippled Mullet, Bett’s Halo Shad and Bett’s Perfect Sinker Shrimp. When fishing in the current I like to use a 1/16- to 1/8-once jighead for depths under five feet, and a 1/4- to 3/8-ounce jighead in depths of five- to 10-feet. When targeting areas with little to no current (mainland creeks) I prefer to go as light as possible, using 1/8-ounce or even suspending hard baits such as MirrOlure’s MR17. This allows more suspended time for the bait, which drives trout and redfish crazy! As the weather gets colder, switching over to a live shrimp or mud minnow fished under a slip cork rig and suspended just above the bottom will entice these cold blooded, lethargic fish to feed better.
EXTREME REDFISHING
Redfish will continue to work our shallow bays and creeks along our inshore waters, but anglers can also find some very good concentrations of slot-sized reds with black drum up to 10 pounds mixed in along the surf and inlets in November. Much of our bait will continue to migrate out the inlets and pile up in the surf zone during the late fall and the majority of our redfish follow this bait. Those experienced with operating a boat in the chop and swell of the surf zone will be 2 wilmington/Morehead city november 2017
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able to maneuver shallow enough to target these fish from the boat. I’ll be guiding clients to these ocean reds throughout the winter, often catching and releasing 20 to 50 reds during a four-hour trip with most fish ranging from five to 12 pouns. My go-to bait for this situation is a four-inch Berkley Gulp Shrimp with a 1/2-ounce jighead. Anglers not comfortable with putting their boats in the swell of the surf zone can safely target these reds by parking on the inside of Beaufort, Bogue or Bear inlets, hiking over to the surf and casting along the beach until a school is located. These fish can be found roaming just outside every inlet along NC’s coast during the winter months. Have a great November and take the family fishing! FORECAST BY: Capt. Jeff Cronk Fish’n4life Charters Carolina Fishing TV www.nccharterfishing.com Ranger/Yamaha/PENN/Berkley Pro-Staff Cell 336-558-5697 • Home 910-325-8194 • jcronk@ec.rr.com
above: Rusty and Wendy Shamblin from Greensboro battled 30to 40-pound AJs all morning on a recent trip with Capt. Jeff Cronk out of Bogue Inlet.
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november 2017
wilmington/Morehead city 3
10/19/17 1:57 PM
Wrightsville Beach
above: Capt. Jot Owens with a six pound Wrightsville Beach area speckled trout that hit a MirrOlure Pro Dog Jr C85MR in the hot pink color.
As a southeast NC fishing guide, November means one thing to me...speckled trout time! November is when some of the biggest trout are caught and I believe with the two mild winters we’ve had it’s going to be an epic trout season! Even the state record could maybe be broken this season! Last fall was great and I can’t wait for this November’s speckled trout fishing! Here is how I target speckled trout and another fall fish. In early November I look for speckled trout in the creeks and channels just off the ICW; anywhere water is moving with tide flow and bait. Speckled trout like current; whether it’s hard current in a main channel or light current up a creek. You need current flow to catch trout! Rising and falling tide can be good for trout, but don’t let the tide keep you from going trout fishing! Marsh grass lines and oyster rocks that run in to a channel and drop-offs in channels are both good places to find speckled trout in November. Almost any grass lines with oysters will hold some trout! Look for places where there is a slight current break and those trout will be close by! I’ve found one key point to catching trout is that most days specks will bite, but what are they hitting that day? I’ve found that in early November hard baits work well. This is when you need to know where to start with what lures to try? One of my favorites is the good ole’ MirrOlure; it’s been around a long time and it is still catching fish. The patterns I prefer are the 17MR, 18MR, 22MR, 52M and 52MR. As for colors, MirrOlure makes a lot of different colors but here are some of my go-to colors for specks around Wrightsville Beach area waters: MirrOlure color codes 11, 21, 26, 51, 704, CFPR, CH, EC, HP and Capt. Jot Custom color (only found at Tex’s Tackle shop). The new 22MR ‘Catch 2000 Jr’ in Capt. Jot custom color will hit Tex’s Tackle shelves soon! Any local tackle shop can help you with these color codes. Depths to use these lures: 17MR & 22 MR work best in two- to six-foot depths. 18MR, 52M & 52MR are designed for four to 15+ feet of water. If you have ever done any trout fishing at all you know that a grub (soft plastic) lures work very well for speckled trout, too! Berkley Gulp three-inch shrimp pattern is one of my go-to lures. I prefer the following colors: Sugar Spice Glow, Pearl White and Pearl White/ Firetail. Saltwater Assassin’s four-inch Sea Shad in Chicken on a Chain (stained waters), Sweet Pea, Mullet, Rainbow Trout and Green Moon are all good choices in November as well. I rig all of my trout grubs on 1/16-ounce, 1/8-ounce and 1/4-ounce
4 wilmington/Morehead city november 2017
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jig heads in red, gray or black colors; always use a fluorocarbon leader when trout fishing, I use Berkley Pro Spec 20 pound in clear, 30 pound if the blues show up in numbers. Don’t count out live bait if you enjoy fishing with it. Try live smaller mullets, mud minnows and live shrimp. In shallow waters of two to five feet I like to float these live baits with a cork and a small treble hook. In deeper waters of six feet to 10+ feet, I rig them on light Carolina rigs with a small #1 J-hook (EC L42). Just wait until you feel that trout take off with the bait and lightly set the hook...remember trout have very soft mouths, so slow hook sets work best! Here is one of my best tips I can give you for speckled trout fishing around the Wrightsville area in November. The water gets clear, sometimes very clear around Wrightsville Beach in November. I always use fluorocarbon leaders for speckled trout fishing, for artificials as well as live bait! You will catch more trout using fluorocarbon leader...trust me! I use Berkley Pro Spec fluorocarbon leader material in 20- and 30-pound test. Give it a try; you’ll be happy you did! The bigger Reds start to show up in the ocean on hard bottoms and around the inlets during September and run until later November. This year has had an epic early fall bull red bite. You never know when you might hook one of these hard-fighting fish. When I fish for bigger reds, I use fresh cut or live menhaden and mullet. I use fish finder rigs with a TroKar AP 8/0 or 9/0 circle hook and 80-pound Berkley Big Game mono leaders. Don’t forget to keep your drag tight when using circle hooks so they will do their job. One tip I can give you when fishing for bull reds, is don’t use tackle that’s too light for these bigger reds. If you fight them too long, there is a chance you can tire them out too much and kill them. Try a medium/heavy rod and a reel with at least 30-pound mono or braid. This will help you get the fish in quicker, with a better chance of a good release. Check to see if the red has a yellow tag in its back; there are a fair number of tagged big reds out there. If you like to catch bluefish, there are just about as many as you like around during November. Fishing around and just outside of the inlets you can catch just about all the blues you want in the one- to four-pound range. Casting metal jigging spoons or diamond jigs is a no-brainer for getting some bluefish. Just look for the birds working and cast in that area. Watch those teeth! Blues do bite hard! Tackle rundown: PENN Battle II & Conflict II spinning reels in sizes 2000, 2500 & 3000 for the speckled trout. Rods: PENN Battalion in 6’6” & 7’ medium/light and medium action. Line: Spiderwire Ultra-cast in eight, 10 and 15 pound. For bull reds, I like PENN Fathom 20LW and PENN Rampage Jigging Rods. Thanks for reading Coastal Angler Magazine, good luck fishing and have a Happy Thanksgiving! Forecast by: Capt. Jot Owens Penn Tackle Elight Staff •Ranger Boats Pro Staff www.captainjot.com • 910-233-4139
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november 2017
wilmington/Morehead city 5
10/19/17 1:57 PM
Atlantic Beach - Inshore & Nearshore Hard to believe we are just a few weeks away from Thanksgiving and next month we’ll be getting ready for the Christmas and New Year holidays. So far this fall fishing has been great and usually November can be one of the best months of the year to be on the water. Speckled trout fishing is getting better everyday. The October bite was great but a bit slower than last year because we still had summertime-like temps during the month. Now things are starting to cool off which should really turn on the bite this month. Anglers are having no problem catching all the two- to three-pound fish they want, so limits of nice keeper-size fish haven’t been an issue so far this fall. Hot spots have been all the Rock Jetties, Cape Lookout, above: David with a speckled trout that Shackleford Banks, Fort weighed in at seven pounds, caught on live Macon and Radio Island all shrimp while fishing the backwater marsh are holding good numbers areas. of fish. Also, the Haystacks, Core Creek, Bouge Sound, North River and Middle Marsh areas are holding good numbers of fish. I haven’t seen all that many in the surf zone yet, but it’s still a bit early for that area to turn on...mid-November is usually the time to be fishing the surf zone. We have been telling anglers at the shop if you’ve caught trout in an area in the past there’s a very good chance you’ll find fish there now, as the temps are getting more like fall now. As for what’s been working the best, lots of baits are getting the job done. Z-Man Trout Tricks, Paddle Tails and Jerk Shads have been working well, along with Berkley Gulp Shrimp, Mullets and Jerk Shads. Artificial Shrimp like DOA, Halo Shrimp, Z-Man, Vudu and Storm all have been producing. As for hard baits, MirrOlures seem to be working the best; some of our 2017 custom colors have been killing the fish. Live shrimp under a cork has been a sure bet to catching fish. At the Cape Lookout Jetty, from what we’ve seen live shrimp seems to be working the best. As long as we don’t get any crazy cold weather we should have plenty of live shrimp in-stock ,ready to go and like always we will keep live mud minnows right through the winter months for trout fishing. Been seeing very good numbers of redfish so far this fall. It’s been one of the best years I can remember in a while, as the last few years the redfish bite was kind of tough. There are still plenty of fish in the marsh areas and creeks. With the cooler temps now we will start to see some fish start to move out to the surf zone and along the Shark Island area. We have been seeing a good run of spots. Areas north of us reported numbers heading our way so I think they will be in our area for the next few weeks or so before moving south. above: Saylor and Lewis Penny with two nice The Turning Basin redfish caught in the marsh areas around the area and all around Haystacks. 6 wilmington/Morehead city november 2017
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the Beaufort Draw Bridge Channel have been holding the most fish. Live bloodworms and Fishbite Bloodworms fished on a bottom rig are the best way to fill a cooler. We have been seeing some sea mullets in the last week or so, but now’s the time of the year when they’ll be here in large numbers. The Beaufort Inlet, Turning Basin and, later this month once we get around Thanksgiving, the Dead Tree Hole will be a good area to fish. Sam’s Gitters Spec Rigs and Betts Spec Rigs tipped with fresh shrimp and Fishbites will produce the best. A lot of anglers forget about flounder fishing this time of the year but now’s the time when you can really catch good numbers. The Port Wall area can be great this time of the year as the fish are moving back toward the ocean. They’ll stack up along the wall, and when they get there, it doesn’t take long to catch your limit. Live or frozen finger mullet on a flounder rig will produce. Jigging a two-ounce Spro Bucktail tipped with four-inch Berkley Gulp Shrimp has been working very well. Our charter fleet hasn’t been having any issues finding limits of fish for our customers. The jing mackerel fishing has been on FIRE over the last few weeks and this month is when we see some of the largest of the year in our area come to the scales. We have seen good numbers on the beaches so far; we haven’t seen kings along the beach like this in a while. When you start to see kayak anglers and the piers catching numbers, you know we have good numbers of fish. Over the next few weeks, we should start to see more fish move out toward the Northwest Places; it’s already been pretty good in that area and will only get better as the fish will stack up before moving on offshore in December. Now, if you’re looking for trophy kings, you probably need to above: John, Avery and Carter Doughty had a great be fishing over day on the water, with red drum, flounder and trout. on the east side of Cape Lookout. Each year, seeing 50-pound+ fish in not uncommon from that area. Slow trolling live bait or slow trolling dead cigar minnows on dead bait rigs or Pirate Plugs have been very effective on the mackerel. We’re still seeing a few Spanish in the area because October was so warm, but they will be heading out soon. Lots of bluefish are still around on the beaches and inlet areas; most likely they’ll be around to catch through the next few weeks. Trolling Clarkspoons or Bowed-up Spoons along the beaches have still been picking up a few fish...also fishing live finger mullet around the AR reefs have been producing some of the larger six-pound+ fish. Albacore fishing has been great over the last few weeks. There have been plenty of fish along the beaches and inlets. Also, if you see any shrimp boats working along the beaches you can find plenty of fish behind them to catch. Casting the small glass minnow heavy jigs we have in the shop have been killing these fish. This jig has to be one of the best we have seen when light tackle fishing for albacore. Also, Sea Striker Jig Fish Lures and Glass Minnow Hair Jigs have been working well.
Capt. Matt Lamb
FORECAST BY: Capt. Matt Lamb Chasin’ Tails Bait & Tackle Chasin’ Tails Charters Atlantic Beach, N.C. 252-240-FISH www.chasintailsoutdoors.com
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New Reef Materials Enhance Fishing for Brunswick County Anglers Anglers who fish in Brunswick County waters will find improvements at one of the offshore fishing sites this fall. The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries’ Artificial Reef Program, in partnership with the Long Bay Artificial Reef Association, recently sank a barge and more than 1,600 tons of concrete pipe on Artificial Reef-430. The new material will enhance fishing opportunities for anglers from Oak Island, Southport, and Ocean Isle who target nearshore species such as flounder, Spanish mackerel and king mackerel. The reef is about 2.6 nautical miles offshore of Oak Island in about 35 feet of water. Contractors sank the 75-foot barge on July 19. In August, 1,606 tons of concrete pipe was deployed at several locations on the reef site. The division plans to sink up to another 2,500 tons of concrete materials on the site this fall, more than doubling the amount of material on the reef. The division initially deployed 2,000 tons of concrete pipe on the site in 2013. Approximate coordinates for the new materials are listed below and will be available on the division’s Interactive Reef Guide upon completion of the project.
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november 2017
wilmington/Morehead city 7
10/19/17 1:57 PM
Time to Celebrate Thanksgiving, Hunting & Fishing! While most people are out in the woods hunting in the month of November, I will still be out on the water somewhere fishing. What I like most about this time of year is that you don’t have the boat traffic or all the fishing pressure! November can be a good month to target bass. Shad and baitfish will be on the move to the back of the creeks. They go there to spawn and this means the bass will be coming back there to get an easy meal. Remember that the shallower waters will warm up faster than the deep so this will help you to pattern what the bass will be doing. I like to throw Lucky Craft LC 1.5 square bill crankbait in a shad color to catch bass when they are eating on shad. Look for any kind of structure you can find because most likely a bass will be there hiding out to ambush his next meal coming by. I like to bounce it off as much structure as I can just to get a quick reaction strike. One thing I have done for years is to change out the front treble hooks and install a Daiichi Bleeding Bait Treble Hook. The red treble hooks will make your crankbait look like it is wounded. Another great moving bait to try is the Lucky Craft LV 200 lipless rattle-type crankbait. It has a tight wiggle and BB’s inside to make it rattle loudly. The unique difference of this lipless bait is that it has a small willow leaf blade attached to the nose which gives it an erratic action to help cause a strike. This bait has vibration, rattles and now flashes! This is a great bait to throw when you are trying to cover a lot of water, either down a rocky rip-rap or out on a flat. I like to also yo-yo it sometimes or even just dead stick it and let it fall. When the bait is falling it looks like a shad is dying and will be an easy meal for the bass. If you find that you have to really slow it down to catch the bass, here are some baits that are very good at producing bites for you. If I am trying to really work an area thoroughly, I like to throw the Deep Creek DC 5” Float ’N Catch stick bait profile worm. The best presentation in not always a dying fish; sometimes you will find that bass will want something that looks and acts lively. The Float ‘N Catch stick bait has a floating formula for more lifelike movement. You can throw this bait either wacky-style or Texas rig-style. I use no weight and let it glide slowly down though the structure and just pick it back up and let it fall again. A lot of times you will notice your line moving and not feel the bite. This is also a great bait to skip under boat docks to get back into the shadows where other anglers haven’t been able to get bait to! This is also a great follow-up bait to use when a fish misses your topwater lure. Quickly throw it back in the area that a fish has boiled up on your lure and just work it slowly. A lot of times that fish will come back for an easy meal. Now let’s talk about throwing the fun baits for fall. Let’s talk topwater baits. Everyone loves a good topwater bite because you get to see the actual bite and a lot of times the big or unexpected explosion on the bait. Freedom Lures makes a unique buzz 8 wilmington/Morehead city november 2017
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bait. Freedom Lures features a swinging head design that takes the leverage away from the fish. You are also able to choose the size of hook that you want. The back of the head has a place where you can slip the eye of the hook through and it will lock it down. It is also easy to take off and put on another size if you feel the need. No longer are you told what hooks will be on your bait...now the choice is solely up to you! I like to put a Deep Creek Frog on the hook to make it bulkier and have a great action with the legs swimming as you are bringing it across the water. Plus when a bass grabs it and feels the frog, they will hang on to it a lot longer. I like to throw Freedom buzz baits on Sufix 828 Braid because of the great hookset you can get when you are casting braided line. This is a great line to throw for a stronger hook set with no stretch. You need to throw this bait on a rod with some back bone. Don’t try to hook set with a flimsy rod; you just won’t get the hook set that you need to land that fish. My choice of rods and reels is Lew’s. They really make a great rod for all your fishing needs. Oh yeah, did I mention about less pressure of fishing in the fall?! But, what I really like is to be out on the water and seeing all the fall colors around the water. While others are preparing for Thanksgiving, others are preparing for the big hunt. But for me, I will still be fishing! Happy Thanksgiving to everyone…..See you on the water! Hal Abshire Tournament Angler
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Surf city/ Topsail Island Inshore fishing around Topsail has been solid this fall. It should only improve this month as the water temperatures begin to dip into the 60’s. Speckled trout will be the star of the show, but the flounder and red drum fishing will remain a viable option. Speckled trout can be targeted in a variety of areas along the marsh. Larger creek systems adjacent to area inlets, mainland creeks, marinas, and canals have the potential to hold schools of trout this time of year. The surf zone may also hold decent numbers of specks during the month of November. Artificial and live baits will both work effectively on trout. When the fish are actively feeding on baitfish, then a MirrOlure is hard to beat. There are a variety of models and color codes that work on them, I could fill this entire report with MirrOlure talk. I recommend visiting your local tackle shop and ask for help selecting the right plugs for your area. Soft plastics are a great tool to use for trout, reds, and flounder. I like Fathom Inshore Jigheads in the 1/8- and 1/4-ounce size and the 3/8-ounce Belly Blade jig. Z-Man Trout Tricks, MinnowZ, PaddlerZ, and Fathom Squidly Tails are all great profiles and Pro Cure bait scents are always a good idea to use as well. The forage this time of year becomes more scarce and you have to adjust your game plan this time of year when targeting red drum and trout. The finger mullet, menhaden, and shrimp that the fish have relied on most of the summer have largely migrated to sea. A large chunk of the population of flounder and reds have followed them as well, but there are still fish around if you know where to look. Mainland creeks, docks, canals, and marinas will likely hold enough food to sustain a decent population of fish. The fishing can be very good in these areas throughout the fall and winter. As the water temperatures begin to plummet, the areas that contain a darker mud bottom will appeal to more fish as they will remain a few degrees warmer than areas with a lighter sand bottom. Don’t forget about nearshore bottom fishing this time of year. It can easily be the best action of the year. Sea bass, grunts, porgies, triggerfish, grouper, and flounder will be biting around wrecks, artificial reefs, live bottom, and ledges. Blue Water Candy Roscoe Jigs are deadly when tipped with squid or chunk bait. Grouper rigs fished with cigar minnows, mackerel, and menhaden will get plenty of attention if the fish are in the area. The most consistent action on the bottom will likely be on squid baits fished near structure. Be sure and support your local tackle shops and charter captains, they are your ticket to a great fall fishing. Give us a call at South
End Anglers for advice on inshore and nearshore fishing or to book a charter. Follow South End Anglers on Facebook at www.facebook. com/southendangersnc/ and Instagram at southendanglersnc. FORECAST BY: Capt. Chadwick Crawford South End Anglers 540.460.3432 capt.chadwickcrawford@gmail.com www.southendanglers.com
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november 2017
wilmington/Morehead city 9
10/19/17 1:57 PM
Flying Around With Captain Lee
Trout fishing has been slow for the most part, due to the warm and dirty water from the storms. With the cooler fronts that are starting to move down, I think that we will see much better trout fishing this month. The water is clearing up making it easier to find red drum on the flats and docks. With the water not cooling down very fast,the flounder are not movingto the ocean yet, and there are some very nice fish around in the shallows and deeper waters. As most of you know, I am a MirrOlure junkie and catching trout on them is what I like the best. Match the hatch when fishing them! If bunker are in the area then use the 17 or 26, If mullet are around, 52 and Catch 2000 are what you want. As far as colors, for the past few years, the BKGCH in the 17, PIN in the Catch 2000 and the GH in the 52 and the 38. Work all these as slowly as you can, then slow down some more! Grubs work very well also but my bigger fish most of the time come on the MirrOlures. I have three main colors with grubs, the newer Christmas Tree color, the Mountain Dew green and the clear Chartreuse. Use the Mountain Dew green on bright sunny days, the Chartreuse on the cloudy days and the Christmas Tree on any day. Live shrimp is speckled trout “crack,” the downside is everything else loves them too. I use a #6 or #8 treble hook with the shrimp on a float, as I am “keeper” fishing when I use shrimp. A loose drag is a must here. Red drum will be on the flats and should eat most anything you throw at them. I really like grubs on worm hooks and gold spoons. On warmer days, topwater will work too. On falling tides, I like to fish the creek mouths as the trout and the drum will both stage there and when you find them, it should be good fishing all of the fall. Do not overlook live bait and don’t turn up your nose at small pinfish. Take a pair of scissors and trim the top fin off, place under a popping cork and hang on. Mud minnows should be readily available from any of your tackle stores and all fish love them. I like to use a 2/0 Khale hook because I think they work better than a circle and will still be in the corner of their mouth, as well as easier to get out. Look for flounder in the deeper channels on the falling tide and the main water ways and inlets on the rise. Flounder love big baits and Gulp. Purple with a Chartreuse tail is my color of choice and they love it. With live bait, a slip rig works great if you drift. Also look for steep banks where you need to vertical jig; a heavier weight with a short leader and a bigger bait is the key and you should catch bigger flounder. Remember, be safe on the water and as the waters cool down, have extra dry clothing and a space blanket in case someone takes a dive...nothing more uncomfortable than being wet on a ride home.
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above: Big Al and a friend with a nice pair of red drum.
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10/19/17 1:57 PM
southport-ocean isle
ery age! Pieces of cut fresh sShrimp on a two-hook bottom rig fished near the inlets often will have you catching them two at a time! Offshore the king mackerel and bottom fish bite will also be in transition. As the king mackerel begin their migration back offshore to the warmer waters during the winter, Anglers will find that dead cigar minnows above: Jesse Perkins, first mate on the YEAH rigged on a Pi- RIGHT II helps young Troy Hayworth of Ramsuer rate Plug rig from as he fought and caught this 42-inch NC citaSouth Chatham tion-sized red drum. Tackle trolled over structures holding suspended schools of bait will often find themselves with multiple reels screaming off line! In these same areas the “knothead” black sea bass will also begin to show up in good quantities and squid on a two-hook bottom fishing rig with circle hooks will quickly fill up the cooler with a limit! Further offshore, the bigger snappers will begin to feed for the winter as well. The same two-circle hook rig used for black bass deployed to the bottom with cut squid will put some really nice triggerfish, grouper, and snapper in the cooler in no time! Even further offshore in the Gulf Stream, the biggest thing going this time of year is usually the wahoo bite. Getting baits down deep and utilizing high-speed trolling techniques lead the way to some of the best wahoo pictures of the year! Late fall fishing out of Southport/Oak Island can be some of the most rewarding fishing of the year. With a little more effort in technique and patience in order to have a favorable weather situation, anglers can find themselves not only with a cooler full of fish, but often times with better quality fish than during the earlier months. Whether it’s popping a Halo Shrimp for a “gator” trout, jigging a Stingsilver for a once in a lifetime fight from an unsuspecting 40-pound “bull” red drum; dropping to the bottom for two-at-a-time five-pound black sea bass and snappers, or trolling the break for a “reel screamer” wahoo, fall fishing off southeastern North Carolina is all the reason you need to get out of the house and put a line in the water! We hope to see you on the water soon!
Fall fishing in southeastern North Carolina in 2017 is going down in the record books as another banner season with great catches and some great fishing memories made! As winter months begin to approach, the methods employed to entice the bite begin to change up from the “go-to” live bait scenarios to a more artificial bait and dead-bait rig approach; however, don’t let this keep you in the house suffering from “cabin-fever” until spring...some of the best fishing to be had all year can be found during November and the upcoming months. Finding a day that the winds and weather will allow for anglers to be able to get offshore can be one of the most daunting impediments during the transition month of November. It is good to have several strategies for targeting various species so you will be able to enjoy a day of catching when you get the opportunity. The nearshore bite will vary nearly day to day but there are always fish to be found still feeding up before their migrations offshore and south for the winter. Spanish mackerel and bluefish can still be found near the beaches and nearshore artificial reefs but the quantities should begin to dwindle as the water temperatures continue to cool. Gold and silver Clarkspoons behind a Clarkspoon brand #1 and #2 Planer will get the job done of locating these fish while they’re still in the area. We really like the Clarkspoon Planers since they are designed a little more “aerodynamic” than some other planers, which allows for us to be able to troll them at higher speeds without creating too much drag on the main line and rods; some days this change in speed makes all the difference in putting fish in the cooler! Big red drum and gray trout can also be found on the nearshore structures, and when you get on a piece of structure holding bait, simply put down a “beefed up” Carolina Rig with a circle hook and a chuck of cut menhaden or croaker and wait; you’ll know when he gets on the line! While waiting, jig a two-ounce Stingsilver to get the gray trout and bottom feeders making some action and this will create a commotion that will bring the drum to your area. Just be sure to hold on to the jigging rod tight because you never know when the drum might decide to hit the jig! Backwater fishing begins to slow during November mainly due to the changes in water temperature and the mass migration of the bait schools leaving the area. Flounder, speckled trout and red drum can still be found in good numbers if the puzzle pieces all come together. We begin to turn to artificial baits more this time of year and will progress to utilizing all artificial lures going into December. With a Betts Billy Bay Halo Shrimp rigged on fluorocarbon leader and tipped with Pro-Cure Shrimp Scent, anglers can slow their retrieve down and entice an otherwise missed bite from a lethargic fish. If you’re looking to take a kid fishing or fill the freezer up with some really good fish to have through the winter, keep your ears peeled for news of the whiting bite that usually occurs during these late fall/early winter months. When the schools above: Eric Angell of Summerfield holds up a beautiful red grouper that can be of whiting show up it can caught on nice days offshore aboard the Yeah Right II while Luke Angell of Winbe fast action and a really ston-Salem hooked up with this “reef donkey” (amberjack) on the trip. good time for anglers of ev12 wilmington/Morehead city november 2017
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FORECAST BY: Capt. Chris Foster Yeah Right Charters www.yeahrightcharters.com boat: 336-239-5429 office: 910-845-2004
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cooperate you can always add another small rig or two into the spread and circle them to put a few in the box. Wahoo are not shy about picking off the smaller blackfin so this is obviously a pretty good place to spend part of your day. If you find the bait in good areas you are likely to find the fish. Very very fortunate! That is all I can say about our luck with the fall I always say it and will here again, there is no particular super-secret storms here in eastern NC! There have been some huge issues this year bait or color to catch every fish in the ocean. We all have our favorites, me and somehow we were able to avoid the devastating hit that some folks took. It may have caused a little inconvenience and interfered with our fishing time a little but at least we are all still safe. With all that said, the fishing has been good in October and should continue on into November when the weather allows us to get out there. November offshore fishing out of Beaufort Inlet typically consists of wahoo and blackfin tuna with an occasional sailfish. October is usually the same thing but there were actually a lot of mahi around in October to go along with the wahoo, and there have been some other billfish around as well. I gotta admit it has been a strange year overall - the mahi have not done as expected, when expected and then shown up other times...we have had periods of unprecedented blue marlin activity, and so on… I guess there is no reason to expect the rest of the year to be any different! A normal offshore spread will consist of medium ballyhoo on wire leaders with at least one rig running deep – a planer rod gives you a huge advantage. You can always add in a mini green machine or something similar on a long rigger to entice a blackfin tuna bite. Start looking for temperature changes in the 30- to 60-fathom range, especially above: Shawn White of Clayton and Courtney Joyner of Angier had a good day catchthose that occur over good bottom structure. Bait tends to ing mahi and yellowfin tuna while aboard the Savanna Leigh with Capt. Troy Pate. hold on ledges or any area with good bottom relief, the wahoo will be somewhere nearby looking for an easy meal. The blackfins will included, but I think color is more often more important to us than it is the often be found in these same depths and you will either mark them on your fish. Personally, I always have some blue/white combinations out there and sounder or very likely see them busting the surface. If they are in a mood to I generally have at least one darker combination such as red/black or blue/ black in the spread. That said, I have caught plenty on a naked ballyhoo when the bite is slow and also some on all-crystal or all-pink rigs. The main part is a good, properly prepared bait which is rigged to run and swim well – put that in front of him and they will bite if they are hungry. 2017 Most often they will hit the deep bait first and then hit the shotgun rig on the way out, so if you are trolling along and randomly come tight on the shotgun you might as well check the deep bait because it is usually cut off. I generally prefer fairly long #9 piano wire rigs, a good solid 8/0 or 9/0 hook – and make sure that hook is razor sharp! When the weather lets you get out there in November you should be able to find good temp breaks in good areas. Find those spots, rig your baits and get out there for some great fall fishing action – BE CAREFUL OF THOSE TEETH!!! Plan ahead, be prepared and have fun! FORECAST BY: Capt. Troy Pate 252-917-0445 • capttroypate@aol.com
offshore/Pelagics
Salty Dog Charters
WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH NC
Capt. Troy Pate WWW.OBARA-NCREEFS.ORG
252-917-0445
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november 2017
Aboard the Savanna Leigh
at the Capt. Stacy Fishing Center Atlantic Beach wilmington/Morehead city 13
10/19/17 1:57 PM
bait for bottom fishing for flounder and reds and the occasional trout. Shrimp this time of year can be a death sentence to most inshore fish... they just can’t stay away from them. Now we have laid the groundwork for why you should be hitting the water as much as you can this time of year in your kayak. Now let’s talk about how to go about catching these fish. Using a Carolina rig with live mullet is great for catching flounder and reds this time of year. For Well, here we are...another summer in the books of great kayak fish- trout, I like to use a popping cork with a live shrimp on a hook under ing. Now fall has arrived and you know what that means. No, not it. You also have two ways to fish that cork. One is the traditional way Halloween and Christmas decorations competing for floor space in of casting it out and popping it back to you. The other is anchoring up current and letting the cork drift with a open bail on your reel. This will any place capable of allow that shrimp to float naturally with the current in the hope of putselling that stuff. It ting it in front of trout that are set up waiting for breakfast. If you get means some great hit fishing this way just flip the bail on the reel closed and set the hook. fishing before winter If you manage your line by just letting out what is need for a natural sneaks in on us. drift, you should not miss the fish. So, November Don’t think this time of year is only for live bait fishing to have a can produce some great fall day in your kayak. The popping cork works very well with excellent kayak fishsoft plastic under it. One thing I do is only buy the corks; that way I can ing. Now that the use whatever soft plastic I want. That keeps me from buying a bunch of heat of the summer popping corks to have a variety of soft plastic colors. is gone, the water One of your other options is to just keep fishing jig heads with the temps are starting to same soft plastics you have been using all summer. Another option cool and before all I like this time of year are MirrOlures MR27 and MR17 suspending those big flounder baits. These work great for trout and reds. Or, you can use topwater head offshore and baits if the suspending ones are not catching fish. At the end of the day, the reds start to slow fall has some incredible fishing opportunities, so get out in the kayak down, now is the and take advantage of some of the best fishing of the year before we hit time to strike (no the winter slow down. pun intended?). Fall brings the best situarticle BY: Chris Tryon ations to fish. Plenty Hook Line and Paddle Canoe and Kayak Outfitters, of finger mullet and above: Dr. Michael Goins of Wilmington shows Wilmington, NC Phone 910-330-6999 • email: hooklineandpaddle@yahoo.com shrimp to catch as off a pair of nice flounders caught on a recent
kayak Fishing
Fall Bounty
kayak fishing trip.
offshore/bottom November Heats Up With Inshore/Nearshore Gags The nearshore rock piles and “lumpy bottom” areas will hold the
older/larger bulls that establish their areas much like buck deer will make “scrapes and rubs” to mark their territory. I can NOT emphasize how close to the beach gag grouper will come in the month of November and December. I can remember 30 years ago weighing a 22-pound gag that came out of a spot net off John’s Creek in November. This rock pile is less than a mile off the beach. We think this gag was trying to eat spots out of the net and got hung up instead of just getting “gilled” in the net. Also, another example…. My mother caught a nice gag while grey trout fishing three miles off the beach in November. The list goes on and on, of how close the big males will get to the beach in the cooler water. I believe two things really drives them, like the males of every species… love and food. The biggest cigar minnows ever can be found on the hard bottom within 5-10 miles off the beach now. Wherever you can find cigs seven or eight inches long, and the diameter of a fifty cent piece on the sabiki, there are gags there to eat them. Period. Normally, when the water gets into the low 60’s on the beach, the feed is on, but I think it’s as much of a time of year, and the length of daylight, as anything. Sure, water temperature has A LOT to do with all types of fishing, but right now we have warmer water temps than in years gone by, and the fish are chewing… regardless of water temps. The kings are on the beach and out in numbers for 10 miles, and the cigs and sardines are schooling. Say no more. The gags are on any type of hard bottom that holds bait INCLUDING the artificial reefs off Wrightsville Beach put out by NC DMF and Onslow Bay Artificial Reef Assn. (OBARA). The old “Five Mile Box Cars” that are five miles off the beach, (now named the Bruce Barclay Cameron Reef) , and the 10 mile box cars will definitely hold 14 wilmington/Morehead city november 2017
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gags and all the other bottom fish. The 10 mile box cars will hold the bait and the bottom fish until January, or until the water temps get too low. The other beauty of nearshore fishing when the water temps are above 68 degrees are the king and cobia bites on the light line. The most obvious sign is a cobia that swims up to an anchored boat and just outright asks you to “please give me a bait to eat and please put me in the cooler”… nobody ever accused a cobia of being smart. Just don’t start screaming and stomping around the boat to spook him away when you see one, just calmly get any kind of bait out in front of him, and he will eat it. One of the most effective cobia baits of all is a live bait on the bottom. The most effective offering of a live bait on the bottom is a live bait on the Decoy Jig. No question, the appearance of a crab holding onto a live cig or sardine is a more than they can mentally comprehend. When this jig/bait combo is connected to a clean loop knot in fluorocarbon (instead of connected by monofilament), it is above and beyond all other presentations. You can fish all the “flutter jigs” or “pretty” jigs in the market place, but gag grouper eat MEAT. If you don’t believe me, ask the pros. Just call and ask Capt. Joe Hifko. Ask him how many gag grouper have the best “jiggers” on the planet caught with their ultra fancy jigs…gags are not on the same playing field as the “mentally challenged” red grouper or any of the deep water grouper that have never seen a bait or jig. The inshore or nearshore gags are at the top of the mental ladder, and do not eat meatal jigs unless tipped with bait, and NOTHING sparks them to bite like a Decoy Jig and a live bait. Do yourself a favor, and skip work if you can to get off the beach to catch some dinners this month, and as always… Take your kids or the younger anglers you know when the weather is right to share this. Just so you don’t regret it later in life, take plenty of pics and video of everything. You’ll appreciate this advice later in life. FORECAST BY: Capt. Tim Barefoot, Barefoot Fishing www.circlehookjig.com • www.barefootfishing.net
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november 2017
wilmington/Morehead city 15
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Morehead City Tides
Wrightsville Beach Tides Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina 34.2133° N, 77.7867° W NovemBer 2017 Day
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Morehead City, North Carolina 34.7200° N, 76.7283° W
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12:19 PM 12:34 AM 1:17 AM 2:01 AM 1:46 AM 2:33 AM 3:24 AM 4:19 AM 5:19 AM 12:24 AM 6:26 AM 1:34 AM 7:38 AM 2:43 AM 8:51 AM 3:46 AM 9:58 AM 4:41 AM 10:57 AM 5:30 AM 11:48 AM 6:13 AM 12:35 PM 12:31 AM 1:08 AM 1:43 AM 2:18 AM 2:54 AM 3:32 AM 4:12 AM 4:57 AM 5:48 AM 12:51 AM 6:46 AM 1:48 AM 7:49 AM 2:45 AM 8:53 AM 3:39 AM 9:54 AM 4:31 AM 10:52 AM
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10/19/17 1:57 PM
By Will Robinson
By TAM Staff
D
elayed harvest trout seasons have begun across the Southeast, offering anglers some of the most consistent action of the year in numerous streams and rivers across the re-
gion. These streams and rivers are jam-packed with trout stocked specifically for the DH. They are regulated catch-and-release, single-hook, artificial-lures-only during the season, which means they stay in the river, where they should be easy picking for anglers armed with the flies hatchery trout are fools for. Typically, bright and garish is the ticket for newly released trout. Egg patterns, mop flies, flashy streamers and nymphs, it’s the junk food that draws their eye. But what happens when all those fish come down with a case of lockjaw? It happens. DH waters have a higher-than-normal density of fish, which lures in high densities of anglers. Once these trout have been in the water for a couple weekends, there’s a good chance they’ve fallen for—or have at least seen—every fly from the DH bin at the local fly shop. On top of that, trout learn pretty quickly what the real food sources are in a stream and will begin to take on more natural feeding habits. When it gets tough on a DH stream, it’s time to rethink your game plan. There are a lot of fish in the water. If you’re not catching them, you’re doing something wrong. The easiest change to make is depth. Most of a trout’s consumption is done underwater, and many times a fish will not move more than a few feet to pick off a morsel that drifts by in the current. Before you switch out your nymph or streamer, try adjusting your depth with the indicator or by adding weight. Generally, deeper is better if you don’t see them feeding near the surface, and a double-nymph rig with the bottom fly barely ticking the stream floor will cover the lowest couple of feet in the water column. If adjusting your depth doesn’t work, it’s time to change flies. When trout begin to adapt to their new surroundings, they figure out what they should and should not eat. Between stockings or late in the DH season, ditching the gaudy stuff can be a good move. Flip over some rocks and figure out what the natural food sources are. It will clue you in to what the fish are eating so you’re doing more than just hoping for a reaction strike. Presentation also plays a huge role when fish wise-up. If your fly isn’t drifting naturally in the current, it does not look like food to a trout. Location change is another tactic that can lead to success when a DH gets tough. Many times stocked trout will pod-up rather than spreading out and can be stacked like cordwood in a deep hole. Find this spot, and you’ll be catching and releasing while your buddy strikes out fishing the same flies you are. Conversely, water that looks less fishy is often overlooked on heavily pressured streams. Taking the time to prospect the skinny water between deep holes can sometimes pay off with a few fish when they just aren’t biting where they should be.
F
or decades anglers have used an array of teasing techniques to attract fish. Bluewater anglers pull a variety of dredges, daisy chains and other fish attracting, commotion-creating devices to find fish. Others have been dragging hookless baits in order to coax a hot fish within casting distance for fly fishermen, and now nearshore anglers are discovering how effective these tactics can be. In the past, inshore anglers might have thrown handfuls of stunned bait overboard in hopes of starting a feeding frenzy, a proven technique but not for all situations. Consider needing to cover a vast amount of water to find roaming fish or fishing an area that is already full of bait. This method could be less successful than a simple bait and switch. Arguably, if you are a live bait fisherman or just looking to catch fish yourself, you would not go hookless. But perhaps you are trying to get someone their first fish on their own or trying to locate fish for fly fishermen. In these cases, the art of the tease is key. There are two basic techniques, one uses live bait, the other artificial. Both are effective and fun for both the teaser and angler. When you need to cover mass amounts of water, slow trolling a live bait can be a great way to find fish. The rig is simple, a short loop of Dacron run though a bait’s nostrils and attached to a snap. Above the snap a 4-foot piece of heavy mono is attached to a 3- to 4-inch float and then attached to a rod’s main line. The snap makes changing the teaser bait quick and easy, and the float helps keep track of the bait as well as giving the angler an easyto-see target. The person working the teaser needs to be alert and ready for fast closing fish. The idea is to keep the bait just ahead of the predator and not allow an easy meal. Spinning and highspeed trolling reels work very well for this. Using topwater plugs is also a great teaser. Striper guides employ this technique with great success to pull unseen fish to the surface and hot fish out of massive schools of bait. The technique is simple; use the topwater to create a commotion and bring feeding fish closer to the boat. Many guides remove the hooks. Others feel that bending them closed gives the lure better action with the additional weight. Work the teaser fast and loud to cover a lot of water in a short time. When a hungry fish appears, it’s a blast to try to keep the bait away while the angler makes a presentation. Obviously, catching fish is the ultimate reason we hit the water, but teasing fish into a frenzy is a huge rush and tons of fun for both the teaser and the angler. Will Robinson is a seasoned tournament angler and has been writing about fishing for nearly two decades.
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TIPS FROM A PRO
FRESHWATER BRANDON LESTER
B
eing from middle Tennessee, I was introduced to many diverse fisheries in my younger years. This area of the country has long been known for great smallmouth bass fishing, as it should be, but in my opinion it can’t compare to the smallmouth fishing in the Great Lakes region right now. I am certainly not bashing the smallmouth fishing down south, but fishing the Elite Series allows me to see some of the best lakes in the country, and the “good ole days” of smallmouth bass fishing on the Great Lakes is right now. Flowing out of Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River is one of my favorites on our schedule because it fishes similar to the rivers back home. The river has a lot of current, which positions the fish. The water is clear, and you can catch smallmouth from 2 feet deep all the way out to 60 feet. The St. Lawrence is absolutely full of smallmouth, and 30- to 40fish days are just another day on the water. In addition to the fishing, the area is also just an awesome place to spend time. Waddington, N.Y., which is our host city when we go, is in a very rural part of New York with lots of cropland and cattle farms. If you’ve not visited this fishery, I strongly suggest you do. Lake St. Clair is on fire right now. The final Elite Series tournament of the regular season was held there this year, and overall bass weights were absolutely phenomenal. The big smallmouth of the tournament weighed almost 7 pounds. In the past, tournaments on St. Clair were won by guys who ran to Lake Erie or Lake Huron, but not anymore. It seems now that St. Clair is the place to be. The style of fishing is different than most smallmouth destinations. Lake St. Clair is just a big bowl-shaped lake with a shipping channel running through the middle of it. That’s about the only real contour change on the whole lake. The big keys are
looking for clean spots in the grass and finding bait. If that doesn’t fit your style, you can run up the river toward Huron or down the Detroit River toward Erie. Both rivers have plenty of current and plenty of smallmouth. After fishing a tournament on Lake Champlain this year, it is my new favorite lake in the country. The smallmouth fishing is phenomenal, and you can catch big largemouth, too. The smallmouth hang out on offshore shoals, old bridge blow-throughs and rocky structure around the shoreline. If you get tired of catching them, there is an abundance of milfoil, docks and reeds where largemouth bass are willing and ready to bite. Lake Champlain, in my opinion, has the healthiest population of bass of anywhere I have ever fished, and that makes it fun, period. Plattsburg, N.Y. is a great place to visit, as well, with lots of cool sites to see. If you make one of these trips, be sure you’re prepared with the right MHX rods, Mustad hooks and Vicious fishing line. Hit Brandon up on Facebook or Instagram with any questions.
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I
t’s got the beaches, with fine white sand and the emerald green waters of the gorgeous northern Gulf of Mexico. It’s got the nightlife, the shopping and fine dining, the beautiful golf courses and everything else that draws vacationers from around the world. But what Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island—the heart of northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast—have more of than anything else is fishing. Back in 1956, Florida Gov. Leroy Collins called Destin “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” after catching a big king mackerel on a 15-minute photo-op boat ride during the Destin Fishing Rodeo. More than 60 years later, the historic Destin Fishing Rodeo just wrapped up its 69th annual October-long event, proving once again that this fishing village is just as lucky as ever. Daily weigh-ins at the rodeo give spectators a close look at what the waters off the Emerald Coast have to offer. Excitement builds on the docks in front of the landmark AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar when big tuna, wahoo, king mackerel, dolphin, groupers and snappers come to the scales. And in the Billfish Division, the big sportfishing yachts are out there pulling spreads for sailfish—and marlin that easily eclipse the 500-pound mark. There have been a couple grander blue marlin caught on the northern Gulf Coast over the years and a few more that came very close to tipping the scales past the 1,000-pound mark. Even swordfish show up pretty regularly, meaning there’s a real possibility for a grand slam fishing out of the marinas of Okaloosa County. It’s world-class fishing on the Panhandle, which in recent years has seen the big pelagic species moving closer to shore with changing currents. And what’s more, the action is yearround. There’s a good reason the world’s largest charter fishing fleet is based out of Destin Harbor.
Nearshore
Nearshore, warm and fertile Gulf waters coupled with numerous wrecks and reefs to create some of the most bountiful fishing Florida has to offer. With a short boat ride less than 8 miles off the beach, anglers can bottom fish or troll with family pleasing and cooler-filling consistency for amberjack, numerous snapper and grouper species, cobia, blackfin tuna, king and Spanish mackerel and more.
Offshore
Due south about 25 to 30 miles out, the continental shelf drops and there are multiple renowned hotspots, with some of the best big game fishing in the Gulf. South Florida seems to get most of the bright, hot spotlight when it comes to the big pelagics, but serious anglers out of the Emerald Coast quietly and consistently catch serious fish. Whether it’s a full-day trolling trip or an overnight expedition deep into the Gulf, dolphin, blue marlin, tuna and
wahoo are available to those who mean business when it comes to fishing.
Inshore
Those who would rather explore grass flats and oyster beds in search of trout or tailing redfish will also find that on the Emerald Coast. Inside East Pass and Okaloosa Island, Choctawhatchee Bay spreads out vast and shallow. It’s the perfect place to launch a skiff or a kayak into 130 square miles of inshore action that’s some of the best on the Panhandle.
Spring Cobia
Finally, any discussion of fishing options around the Emerald Coast has to include the cobia run, which is one of the best on the planet. Book your charter now, because in spring—peaking in April—cobia that have migrated north along the Gulf Coast arrive off the beaches bringing some of the most exciting fishing there is. This is sight fishing for one of the ocean’s tastiest and hardest fighting fish, and during this spring run they can arrive with weights in excess of 100 pounds. With a spotter in the tower, you cruise the clear blue-green waters looking for the telltale brown shadows of a pod of cobia doggedly pushing west. With a Airline_CoastalAnglerAd_3-2016_Layout 1 3/18/16 1:07 PM Page 1 smooth approach, the boat moves to intercept, and then it’s up to the angler to make an accurate cast with a live bait or a jig. Anticipation is almost unbearable for a few seconds before the take, and then bedlam breaks loose. Cobia put up the most unpredictable fight in fishing. They are capable of long, drag-burning runs, leaps, rolls and deep dives, but sometimes they save the thrashing until they hit the deck. Either way, catching a big cobia is exciting, and there’s no better grilling fish that swims. So, while the Emerald Coast offers gorgeous beaches and all the activity of a top-notch beach vacation destination, on the water it remains what it was before the Miracle Strip and Harbor Boulevard grew up around it. It’s one of the best fishing destinations in the world in terms of quality, quantity and variety of angling opportunities. For information, go to www.emeraldcoastfl. com. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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A. HOT DOG
ITEM 69269/97080 shown
B. PANCAKE
STEP STOOL/ WORKING PLATFORM
Customer Rating
*52352148 * 52352148 • Drill 28 Hole Sizes from 1/8" to 3/4"
B
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
$
SAVE $64
1999
*52331660 * 52331660
MODEL: 7424XP
SUPER COUPON
SUPER QUIET
$
PORTER-CABLE
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
4000 MAX. STARTING/ Customer Rating 3200 RUNNING WATTS 6.5 HP (212 CC) GAS GENERATOR
$9
COMPARE TO
Tools sold separately.
$12999
99
8497
A
SAVE 88%
YOUR CHOICE
MODEL: H2DTWA
Customer Rating
ITEM 93454/69054 63395/62603 shown
$
COMPARE TO
SUPER COUPON
3 GALLON, 100 PSI OIL-FREE AIR COMPRESSORS
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
SAVE $285
• Accuracy within ±4%
Customer Rating
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
60" HARDWOOD WORKBENCH 6" VARIABLE SPEED WITH 4 DRAWERS DUAL ACTION POLISHER
LIMIT 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trenchers, welders, Admiral, Bauer, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Earthquake, Hercules, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 3/1/18.
LIMIT 1 - Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or prior purchase. Coupon good at our stores, HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Offer good while supplies last. Shipping & Handling charges may apply if not picked up in-store. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 3/1/18. Limit one FREE GIFT coupon per customer per day.
*52330318 * 52330318
LIMIT 8 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
*52309815 * 52309815
*52320448 * 52320448
SUPER COUPON
SAVE 70%
ANY SINGLE ITEM
ITEM 63604/63758 98025/69096/63759/90899 shown
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
$9
20% OFF
• 3.5" LCD Display • Battery Included
MODEL: DCD780C2
12 VOLT MAGNETIC SAVE TOWING LIGHT KIT $106
13
51
MODEL: MT-1210
*52324497 * 52324497
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
$
ANY PURCHASE
7 FUNCTION DIGITAL MULTIMETER
COMPARE TO
HOME DEPOT
SAVE $80
99
ITEM 63100
WITH
Customer Rating
• 576 in. lbs. of torque • 2.5 amp hour battery • Weighs 3.6 lbs.
$7999 $9599 Customer Rating
SUPER COUPON
20 VOLT LITHIUM CORDLESS 1/2" COMPACT DRILL/DRIVER KIT
HUSKY
20"
SAVE $69
Customer Rating
$
FREE
M-REG109349_CoastalAnglerMagazine
DEWALT
BEATS
SUPER COUPON
NOVEMBER 2017
NATIONAL
17
10/6/17 9:40 3:42 AM PM 10/19/17
SUZUKI MAKES IT
EASY AS
1-2-3
The leaves might be falling, but the deals are just starting to spring up at your Suzuki Marine dealer. Make your best Fall Boat Show deal on a new Suzuki outboard from 25 to 300 horsepower and take advantage of not just one, but all three special Suzuki offers. See your Suzuki Marine dealer today and get on the water with a powerful, reliable new Suzuki.
REPOWER FINANCE
1. Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 300 HP.
2. Cash Rebates on select models. See your dealer for details.
3. Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards (OAC).*
Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 300 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 9/01/17 and 12/31/17 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Cash Rebates apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 9/01/17 and 12/31/17. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Customer and participating Dealer must fill out the appropriate rebate form at time of sale. Cash rebate will be applied against the original dealer invoice (Suzuki will credit Dealer parts account). There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 9/01/17 and 12/31/17. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2017 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
CANGL_NAT3-NAT18.indd 18
SZ_Q4Promo_1PG.indd 1
10/19/17 9:40 AM 9/8/17 2:55 PM
COMMON CVRS_1117.indd 3
10/18/17 3:19 PM
© 2017 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
THIS SEEMS TO BE THE PLACE WHERE ALL THE FISH HANG OUT. I THINK I’LL DROP IN.
12”
PROGRAMMABLE
HOT KEYS
PRELOADED
BUILT-IN
BLUECHART® G2 + LAKEVUU¨ HD CHIRP SONAR + CLEARVUU¨ + SIDEVU¨
GPSMAP® 1242xsv
COMMON CVRS_1117.indd 4 17-MCJT512 GPSMAP 1224xsv Coastal Fishing Ad_US-8.125x10.875-CoatalAngler.indd 1
10/18/17 3:19 PM 3/8/17 9:13 AM