Guy Harvey Magazine — Fall 2014 by Rowland Publishing, Inc.

74 COOL

FISH TECH

Richard Gibson’s

Amazing Bluewater Images

The Art of Ocean Conservation VOLUME 5, ISSUE 17 FALL 2014 $6.95

Mako & Marlin

High-Flying Fights

Fishing for answers in Isla Mujeres, Mexico

COMPLETE ANGLER: Cruising the Space Coast for

Cobia; Capt. Scott Walker; A Plea for Better Catch Data.

1 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

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CONTENTS

FALL 2014

REDEMPTION

TANKED IN 90 DAYS

MIAMI GOLD RUSH

Fans of the Animal Planet TV show Tanked have seen the guys

The Second Annual Dorado Challenge, hosted by the

from Las Vegas-based Acrylic Tank Management build incredible

Miami Outboard Club and supported in part by GHM,

aquariums around the country. This year, they built a 33,500-gallon

battled some surly weather but still turned out great

beast for the RumFish Grill in St. Pete Beach, Florida, but they

fishing and supported a great cause. More than $25,000

needed a little help getting it stocked.

in cash and prizes were up for grabs.

BY DALE SANDERS & MARY HABAN

BY OZZY DELGADO

REDEMPTION

SHARK HUNT

After the BP oil spill there was plenty of devastation, blame and

A new breed of sportfishing is gaining popularity—fishing

misery to go around on the Gulf Coast, but were there any silver

not just for sport or tournament prizes but also for science.

linings to those big, black oil slicks? One might be emerging in

In two expeditions, anglers teamed up with researchers

the Florida panhandle.

to catch, tag and release high-flying mako sharks off Isla

BY DARYL CARSON

Mujeres, Mexico, and Ocean City, Maryland. BY CAPT. NED STONE

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PHOTO PORTFOLIO

DEPARTMENTS

GUY TALK

In the Beginning

MEET THE CHEF

Trash or Treat

Guy pays homage to some special friends who helped

Chef Steve Phelps loves two things: cooking and fishing.

him make the leap from classroom to canvas.

He does both with great passion and an eye toward

BY DR. GUY HARVEY

sustainability, and recently hosted his first Trash Fish Dinner. BY GHM STAFF

WEB

Exclusive Content Online Check out guyharveymagazine.com for a dose of GHM

anytime. Here are a few of our favorite links.

LAST CAST

Hooked on the Old Country A recent visit to Italy has inspired our editor-in-chief to think that sustainability really is possible in the world…especially

THE BITE

if you have good wine.

News, Notes & Gear

BY FRED GARTH

This issue, we go fishing with DOA, hear from a teen genius, find a fillet knife that lights up and highlight some great tournaments. BY GHM STAFF

PHOTO PORTFOLIO

Richard Gibson A veteran saltwater shooter, Richard Gibson shows off a collection of images that will unhinge your jaw.

On the Cover: Mako & White

by Guy Harvey Makos and white marlin are known to prowl the same areas of the ocean.

www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 7

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Fresh Gulf Coast Seafood is right at your fingertips! Our free “Gulf Coast Seafood Finder” mobile app helps you locate the closest restaurants, retailers or wholesalers who carry delicious Gulf oysters, finfish, shrimp, crabs, and more. Along with easy-to-use search options, the app also serves up great tips and original recipes. Download it today and satisfy your cravings. Don’t be shy—add your favorite Gulf Coast Seafood carriers to

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CONTENTS

FALL 2014

BACKLASH

DOCK BUZZ

The Need for New Data

GEARHEADS

Coolest Gear of the Year

It’s common sense that you can’t make good decisions

We trolled the year’s biggest fishing trade show and

without good information. Unfortunately, many fishing

found some awesome fishing tech, including a line-

regulations are based on very little or incomplete data, but

mounted camera perfect for inshore anglers and a new

there are alternatives to the current system.

reel that finally beats line twist.

BY NICK HONACHEFSKY

BY FRED GARTH

BACKLASH

Capt. Scott Walker–Right Every Time

FEATURE

Space Coast Cobia

With three decades of experience running charters and a

Whether sight casting or trolling, big-shouldered fish can be

boatload of tournament winnings to his credit, this captain

found along Florida’s east coast all summer long. Start planning

and TV fishing show host offers his secret to consistent

now and you’ll be ready for the spring bite that peaks from

fishing success.

March through May.

BY CA STAFF

BY NICK HONACHEFSKY

Complete dedicated Complete Angler Angler (CA) (CA) is is our our “magazine “magazine within within the the magazine,” magazine,” dedicated to delivering access to to experts, thethe latest to hard-core hard-core fi fishing shing enthusiasts enthusiasts & and delivering access experts, in fishing hottest fishingfishing spots spots on theon planet. latest in figear, shingand gearthe and the hottest the planet.

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NEW

4” Shad it’s here! w w w . d o a l u r e s . c o m MADE IN USA

CREDITS TO: PUBLISHER Lost Key Publishing Editor-in-Chief Fred Garth Managing Editor Daryl Carson Editor, Complete Angler Nick Honachefsky Copy Editor Kerrie Allen Art Director & Layout Design Leslie Ward Director of Sales & Marketing Ozzy Delgado Marketing Director John Guidroz Editorial Assistant Thomas Derbes Accounting Karen Belser Contributing Editors Dr. Guy Harvey, Paitra Prim, Danny Thornton Contributors Jeff Dennis, Richard Gibson, Mary Haban, Steve Phelps, Gil McRae, Greg Riegler, Dale Sanders, George Schellenger, Jason Stemple, Capt. Ned Stone Editorial Advisory Board Dr. Guy Harvey, Chad Henderson, Bill Shedd, Dr. Mahmood Shivji, Steve Stock, Harvey Taulien, David Wilkinson

WE RECYCLE:

Whoever coined the phrase “paperless society” probably also

thought we’d be zipping around in flying cars by now. Sadly, we use more paper than ever. That used to be a major problem in the magazine business, before recycling and proper forest management. Virgin paper was often associated with clear cutting and devastated landscapes. Thankfully, all of that has completely changed. For example, this magazine is printed mostly on recycled paper. Even the virgin paper comes from more than 12 million acres of sustainable forests where millions of seedlings are planted each year. We’re also proud that Guy Harvey Magazine is printed at Quad/Graphics in West Allis, Wisconsin. Quad has been recognized at the state and national levels for its leading environmental programs, and numerous awards including the Friend of the Environment Award from the Wisconsin Environmental Working Group® (WEWG). Quad/Graphics also practices the 4 R’s: Redesign, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. The company recycles over 560,000 tons of paper per year, which spares 9.5 million trees from the blade. It doesn’t look like the world will be paperless anytime soon, but we’ve figured out how to minimize and sometimes even eliminate the impact to our forests and environment. Guy Harvey and all of us at GHM are happy about that. GUY HARVEY MAGAZINE, Issue 17, Fall 2014. GHM is published four times per year (quarterly) for $24.95 per year by Lost Key Publishing, LLC, 7166 Sharp Reef Road, Pensacola, Florida 32507. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Guy Harvey Magazine, PO Box 34075, Pensacola, Florida 32507. No part of this magazine can be reproduced without express written permission from Lost Key Publishing. Occasionally, we may make all or part of our subscriber list available to carefully screened companies that offer products and/or services that may interest you.

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CONTRIBUTORÕS PROFILE

The World’s Best Anchor

RICHARD GIBSON

STRONGER. FASTER. LIGHTER.

Richard Gibson is a legendary marine photographer who got his start in hard news working for the Virgin Islands Daily News from

MADE IN THE USA

1979 to 1986. “During this time in St. Thomas, I learned about and fell in love with blue marlin fishing,” says Gibson. He left the Virgin Islands to become the managing editor of Tournament Digest magazine, a post he held until 1996 when the magazine was sold. Since then, Gibson has been a successful freelancer. With well over 200 offshore magazine covers and thousands of editorial and advertising images, his work has become iconic and part of the fabric of saltwater fishing. But fishing isn’t his only passion. Gibson is pictured here at Super Bowl XLV in Dallas. He’s worked or attended 28

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DALE SANDERS & MARY HABAN The Dale and Mary duo was formed just a year ago, but this creative team combines two seasoned media pros. Dale has a 25-year history as a travel and outdoor photojournalist.

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landed her work on the pages of countless newspapers and magazines and on the airwaves of television and radio broadcasts. As an Emmy-award winning writer, she’s most proud of the opportunities she has to interview and tell the stories of everyday people doing extraordinary things. A native Floridian, she’s most at home in the sun, sand and warm, clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

14 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

“Everyone benefits from healthy marine ecosystems. That’s why “I DO” keep my Florida fishing license up to date and you should too. If we all work together we can help to ensure a healthy future for marine life in Florida and all over the planet.”

Guy Harvey Marine Wildlife Artist, Biologist, Diver, and Angler

THE “I DO” PLEDGE • I DO support conservation minded, sustainable fishing. • I DO support science based fishery management. • I DO support a path to connect kids with the outdoors; to become anglers and stewards of the resource. FloridaFishingLicenseCampaign.com — J O I N O U R C O N S E R VAT I O N PA R T N E R S —

Wildlife Foundation of Florida | P.O. Box 11010 | Tallahassee, FL 32302 | 800.988.4889 | WildlifeFlorida.org info@WildlifeFlorida.org

GUY TALK

IN THE BEGINNING...THERE WAS ART Over the years, it’s impossible to describe how many amazing friends I’ve

drawings so it would be suitable for the

made in the marine community. Of course, some of my closest are those who

cover. The response was fantastic and,

share my passion for creating marine artwork such as Kent Ullberg, Wyland

according to Richard, everyone was

and photographer Richard Gibson. In fact, it was Richard who first published

asking him about this unknown artist

my art to the fishing public. Back in the early 1980s, when I was still a full-time

and where they could get some of his

college professor, my art was private. I had been painting and drawing since my

work. Without friends like Richard, Scott

childhood, and it was just a wonderful hobby.

and Barbara, I might still be teaching

A journalist friend of mine, Barbara Currie, and the late Scott Boyd of Boyd’s

marine biology. Certainly, there’s nothing

Tackle Store in Ft. Lauderdale, suggested I exhibit at the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show

wrong with that, but my career path as

in 1986, which I did. To my surprise, I sold out of every drawing I brought to the

an artist has led me on adventures I’d

show. Soon after that, Richard encouraged me to publish my work. Richard had a

never have imagined. Most importantly,

respected journal called Tournament Digest that focused on the big game fishing

it has allowed me to raise a lot of money

GUY HARVEY, PhD

tournaments. When I showed him some of my black and white, pen and ink

for marine research and education,

is an internationally-acclaimed

drawings, he immediately tried to convince me to let him put one on the cover.

something I would probably never

artist, fisherman, scientist, and

I recall saying something like, “Oh no, I’ll never draw or paint for money. This is

would have been able to do as a teacher.

world traveler, who devotes

something I do because I enjoy it.” Richard humored me and then finally talked me into colorizing one of the

16 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

If you ever run into Richard, he will

much of his time and money

gladly tell you the story of our meeting

toward ocean conservation.

with great embellishment and wild hand gestures. And even if

World Institute that helped to spearhead a white

you never meet him, we’ve brought him to you with a fantastic,

sea bass hatchery in Southern California more

10-page photo portfolio in this issue. Richard sent us about 100

than 20 years ago. Science is always a journey and

images from which to choose, and trying to cull them down was

we are learning more every day about how to use

a nearly impossible mission. He’s truly one of the best shooters

hatcheries to create a sustainable fishery.

in the business and I’m sure you’ll agree. There’s plenty more in this issue to get your blood

Finally, you’ll find a feature story on the new RumFish Grill that recently opened in St. Pete Beach

pumping, from the mako and white marlin tagging

at the Tradewinds Island Resort, part of the Guy

expeditions the Guy Harvey Research Institute has been doing

Harvey Outpost family. I was there at the grand

every year in Isla Mujeras, Mexico, to an overview of a new

opening, along with the crazy guys from Animal

hatchery that’s being built in Pensacola, the proud home base

Planet’s television show, Tanked. They built a

of Guy Harvey Magazine. This hatchery is a great win for the

40,000-gallon aquarium that’s literally big enough

marine environment, and the first of more hatcheries that are

to snorkel in. We filled it with indigenous fish, many

being planned along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Hatcheries are not

of which I caught—another new experience I’m

without controversy but, in the final analysis, they enhance the

blessed to have.

local fish population, and that’s great news for fishermen as well as the overall

This cover image was the first time Guy’s artwork was published.

ecosystem. Florida officials are working with and using data from the Hubbs-Sea

Note the date: January, 1987.

www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 17

CHECK OUT THE LATEST AT .com BLUE Film Festival The BLUE Film Festival will be on November 3–9, 2014, in St. Petersburg, Florida, and will host 160 finalists that feature stunning imagery, amazing explorations, scientific discoveries or fun in the sea.

Lionﬁsh App FWC released a new phone app that allows divers to report lionfish sightings and captures.

Snook Release Over 2,000 snook fingerlings were released into Sarasota Bay, Florida, by Mote and FWC.

Coral Restoration For the first time, a colony of nursery-raised staghorn coral spawned in the wild off the coast of Marathon, Florida. Staghorn coral contributes significantly to reef growth, island formation and coastal protection, while providing essential habitat for a number of important reef fish.

18 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

ICAST Our own Fred Garth visited ICAST this summer in Orlando, Florida, and blogged about the new and upcoming fishing equipment, including the new Hobie 17’ ProAngler Tandem.

www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 19

NEWS, NOTES & GEAR Teenager Invents Solution to Clean Paciﬁc Garbage Patch The oceans have a plastic problem—a big one! Millions of tons of plastic have

ocean currents and winds to passively transport plastic toward a collection

found their way into the oceans, and much of it is trapped in massive, rotating

platform. Instead of using nets and vessels to remove the plastic from the water,

garbage patches called gyres. There are five gyres spread across the globe, but

solid floating barriers are used to make entanglement of sea life impossible.

the largest is in the Pacific, which contains about one-third of the plastic in the

Slat began to present his idea and gave a presentation at a TEDx event in

oceans. In these gyres, there is often six-times more plastic than zooplankton,

2012. It garnered both praise and criticism. To answer the critics, Slat launched a

and it can range in size from barely visible to things like floating bleach bottles

feasibility study for what he calls “The Ocean Cleanup.” The study was supported

and ice chests. The results have been massive die-offs of marine life and sea birds,

by crowd funding and attracted more than 100 experts—mostly volunteers—and

damage to fishing vessels and their gear, build-up of toxins in the food chain and,

took more than a year to complete. It was peer-reviewed and included extensive

of course, the need to clean beaches of massive amounts of debris.

research done in engineering, oceanography, ecology, maritime law, finance and

The oceans’ plastic problem has only gotten widespread attention within the

recycling. The 530-page study was released this June with the conclusion that

past 15 years or so, and all proposed solutions have been deemed impractical. The

Slat’s design is highly feasible and could remove almost half of the Great Pacific

idea of sending out boats to troll for plastic debris and remove it from the water

Garbage Patch in just 10 years.

would cost billions of dollars and could take many years to complete—not to

To bridge the gap between the feasibility study and full implementation of

mention the issues of bycatch and the additional carbon footprint of burning all of

the concept will require a series of tests leading to a large-scale pilot program. The

the fuel such a project would require. Enter Boyan Slat, a teenager from Holland.

Ocean Cleanup will outsource much of the research to partnering organizations

In 2012, Slat was just 17 and finishing up secondary school with an eye on

and offshore and engineering companies, which will also help defray costs.

going to a university. He was introduced to the plastic problem during a scuba

Approximately $2 million is needed to begin this next phase, three-fourths of

diving trip in Greece, were he was annoyed to see more plastic bags than fish.

which has already been raised through a new crowd funding campaign.

An aspiring aerospace engineer, he decided to research the issues and see what could be done. The result was a simple, yet novel, idea. “I wondered; why move through the oceans, if the oceans can move through

Still just 19, Slat is seeing his project take another critical step forward, but also realizes there’s more that must be done. “Although a cleanup will have a profound effect, it is just part of the solution.

you?” says Slat. “By attaching a system of long, floating arms to the seabed, the

We also need to close the tap, to prevent any more plastic from reaching the

oceans could basically clean themselves.”

oceans in the first place.”

Slat began to design a passive clean-up system. His concept uses the natural

Find out more at www.theoceancleanup.com.

At age 17, Boyan Slat (left) designed a passive, cost effective system to remove plastics from the world’s oceans. Photos: The Ocean Cleanup.

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Okabashi Shoes It was bound to happen—a flip-flop that is recyclable and vegan-friendly. Yep, Okabashi sandals contain no leather or animal byproducts used in adhesives, which are nearly impossible to recycle. Not these puppies. In fact, in 2013, the company chopped up more than 100,000 pounds of old shoes and used the “waste” to make more footwear. Okabashi sandals now contain up to 25 percent recycled material. And after they’re worn out or you just can’t get that fishy smell to go away, you can send ‘em back to the factory’s grinder for a wonderful reincarnation. It’s all very Zen. From a practical point of view, they float, so if you’re lost overboard, at least they will find your shoes. They’re anti-slip for slimy decks and docks, have a two-year guarantee and are dishwasher safe. What will they think of next? The company has an incentive program for recycling or you can just drop your worn out flops at your local recycling center. www.okabashi.com

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Two resort properties give you the perfect accommodation options for spending a long weekend or a long winter. Our oceanfront resort boasts a new conference center and restaurant, pristine private beach, two oceanfront pools, hot tub, shuffleboard, volleyball and lighted, 200-foot fishing pier. Our self-catering bayside townhomes feature gourmet kitchens, a gulf-front pool, beach, picnic area and a 14-slip marina basin. All Islander Resort accommodations offer full kitchens and complimentary wireless internet service. We never charge resort fees.

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www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 21

New D.O.A. Lures Get a Workout BY JEFF DENNIS GHM INSIDER Each year in late June, you can find a gathering of fishing guides and outdoor writers all schooled up together in Martin County on the east coast of South Florida. Captain Mark Nichols is the founder of D.O.A. Lures, and he hosts the two-day fishing bonanza based out of River Palm Cottages in Jensen Beach. Any fish that swims in the Indian River lagoon is fair game when this flotilla of anglers hits the water. Each is anxious to make a good showing among their peers and all are armed to the teeth with a tackle box full of lures dubbed “Deadly On Anything.” The fishing in 2014 was much improved over previous years due to hot, dry weather and calm winds that allowed access to the St. Lucie Inlet and beyond. At dawn the first day, Captain Greg Snyder wrangled a 30-in. snook out from the South jetty using a 4-in., 1/2-oz. D.O.A.

Now available with:

• Auto Stop • Digital Line Counter • Level Wind • Bluetooth Connectivity

shrimp in holographic color. Catch reports included redfish, trout, flounder, snook, bonita, cobia and even a jack crevalle. It was on day two I enticed a strike from a finicky school of tarpon that we had been shadowing in Captain Chris Myers’s skiff. My first two casts were in the right location, but when I increased the motion on my third retrieve, a solid, 80-lb. tarpon slammed it and began an aerial display. The tarpon hit a D.O.A. Baitbuster with a pearl belly, green back and red chin. After multiple jumps and subsequent cranking down on the reel, that lure shook free, but not before we gained a fresh appreciation for the silver king. That one good fish made our entire day. Over the weekend, all the anglers got a look at the latest D.O.A. creations. New for 2014 is the 4-in. swimming mullet with bigger body and tail providing better swimming action. A new, premium jighead matches the bigger bait with a 5-ought hook and a longer shank. Also new for 2014 is the Deadly Combo popper clacker with a shorter metal thru-rod, which decreases the chance of crimping, and the cork has added weight in the form of a cylindrical insert. Check them out at www.doalures.com.

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Upcoming Billﬁsh Tournaments Mad Dog Mandich Fishing Classic Islamorada, Florida October 3–4 The 2014 tournament will also expand by adding to its Offshore Division, a new Inshore Division. The tournament honors the memory of Jim “Mad Dog” Mandich—a passionate angler, former Miami Dolphins star player, local radio personality, and Keys resident and business owner—by supporting local organizations, including Mariners Hospital Oncology Services.

There’s a new fish in town.

www.maddogclassic.com

Fall Sailﬁsh Classic New Smyrna Beach, Florida October 16–18 Celebrating the tournament’s fourth year, anglers from all over will compete by catching sailfish, spearfish, blue marlin, white marlin, dolphin, tuna and wahoo— all hoping to get a piece of the $35,000 total payout. Spectators and participants can enjoy live weigh-ins each day, in addition to musical acts, vendors, and food and drink specials at the New Smyrna Marina. www.newsmyrnamarina.com

Bisbee’s Black and Blue Marlin Jackpot Cabo San Lucas, Mexico October 21–25 Started in 1981, the Black & Blue Marlin Tournament has grown from six teams with a purse of $10,000 to more than 150 teams with millions of dollars on the line. In 2006, the Black & Blue had its biggest overall cash payout of $4,165,960. This was, and remains, the largest payout in sportfishing history. www.bisbees.com

Jeb Bush Florida Classic Sailﬁsh Tournament Ft. Lauderdale, Florida November 12–13 Chase sailfish in support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This event is hosted at the Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Marina. www.jebcf.org

59 International Marlin & Sailﬁsh Fishing Tournament Puerto Vallarta, Mexico November 12–15 Held every November for over 50 years, this event brings together some of the most avid sports anglers from Mexico, the U.S. and abroad. Some of the wide varieties of fish that can be caught in the area include marlin, sailfish, snapper, yellowfin tuna, roosterfish and dorado. Fishing enthusiasts also have the option

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of freshwater fishing in the rivers that wind through the Sierra Madre Mountains. www.fishvallarta.com www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 23

GH Symposium Aids Smarter Management Anglers, industry, researchers and government all have a voice at the GH Fisheries Symposium. BY TONY FINS Red snapper. Invasive lionfish. Marine protected area controversies. There is no shortage of burning topics for this fall’s Guy Harvey Fisheries

Dr. Harvey (speaking) and the panel from the 2013 symposium. The annual event

Symposium at the University of South Florida’s St. Petersburg campus. The two-

helps build consensus among experts and policy makers on issues such as red snapper

day conference runs Nov. 13–14, with an open-to-the-public festival on Nov. 15.

management, invasive species and other critical Gulf fisheries topics.

As always, though, it’s breakthrough science that will rule the spotlight. We’ve gathered some of the leading marine scientists from top universities and research centers to come and share their findings on everything from shark migration patterns to aquaculture to the status of the Restore Act. “The genesis of this event was the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil disaster in the Gulf,” said Dr. Guy Harvey. “The research on that catastrophe was the focus of our 2012 symposium. But we also learned in 2012 that there are many other important issues in the Gulf and our oceans that need discussion and analysis in a

24 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

public setting. That’s why we expanded the focus for this year’s gathering.” No question our oceans today need proper management and supervision more than ever. Shark populations are under intense pressure. Valuable species like the Atlantic bluefin tuna are endangered. Coastal reef systems are under stress, and the invasive lionfish are creating havoc, too. The symposium will also convene key government policy makers from regulatory agencies, including the National Marine Fisheries Service. The goal

is to brainstorm ways to improve resource

SOG BladeLight Fillet Knife

management, and bring key players together

SOG’s new fillet knife includes six exceptionally bright LED lights

to generate critical consensus behind necessary

molded into the glass-reinforced nylon handle. Whether you

policy changes.

need to see better for precision cutting or you just get caught

“It’s important to have the regulatory

cleaning fish at the end of the day with too little light, this 7.5”

decision-makers present,” said Dr. Bill Hogarth of

blade and light combo make cleaning chores a little easier. The

the Florida Institute of Oceanography. “They also

lights run on two AAA batteries, which provide more than four

need to be at the table with the scientists and

hours of burn time. A nylon sheath, belt clip, sharpener and cord

fishermen in order to produce the most practical

cutter are all included.

and effective polices and rules.”

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The symposium is also of particular interest to teachers and educators. It’s an opportunity

Big SNIP

for them to hear straight from our scientists,

Tired of fumbling around with a knife, scissors or poorly designed cutters? The Big SNIP

and to begin a rapport with them. There will be

is a line cutter made specifically for offshore fishing and heavy-duty use. Product

a session on marine science education in K-12

testing included repeated cuts using 250 lbs. mono and 100 lbs. braid.

schools on Day 2, Friday, Nov. 15.

The cutter’s blades are made from 420 stainless steel and have

This year’s symposium is co-hosted by

an integrated locking mechanism. Parts are sonic welded, which

Guy Harvey Magazine, the Guy Harvey Ocean

increases durability and eliminates the potential for lost or rusty

Foundation, Florida Institute of Oceanography

screws, and anglers will love the convenience of a heavy-duty,

and USF. For registration and information, please

retractable Kevlar leash.

visit www.guyharveyfisheriessymposium.com.

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www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 25

TaNkEd In 90 DaYs BY MARY HABAN PHOTOS BY DALE SANDERS

The massive, 33,500-gallon tank in the main dining room encompasses the entire back wall.

The clock was ticking. Wayde King and Brett Raymer—the aquarium gurus from Animal Planet’s wildly popular reality show Tanked—were pumped. They had enthusiastically signed on to build a massive, 33,500-gallon aquarium for the RumFish GrillSM in St. Pete Beach, Florida. But with just three months to design, construct and install their super sized aquarium on National television, every second would count. The reality show co-stars, who just happen to be brothers-in-law, had a lot riding on the project. Their Vegas-based company, Acrylic Tank Manufacturing (ATM), has a strong track record of creating some of the most exotic and stunning custom aquariums around. But in this case, the client might be a bit more demanding than usual.

ThE FISh, ThE FoOd, AND ThE AlL-OuT FrENZy To BuIlD A LaRgEr-ThAn-LiFe AqUaRIUm.

www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 27

The press couldn’t get enough of the super-sized tank, the reality shows’ stars, or the snorkelers, during media day.

“Guy Harvey's a legend in our eyes,” said King, referring to the man whose name is behind the RumFish Grill and the TradeWinds Island Resorts it calls home. So, in late February, with a near impossible deadline looming, the journey toward constructing the show-stopping centerpiece for the Guy Harvey RumFish Grill began. It was set to open June 1.

The resort president witnessed just how popular Raymer and King were during that dinner. “The star power of the Tanked guys was so intense, they couldn’t get to the table without people getting photos and autographs with them.” That night, Overton knew his decision was made. Now, the real work would begin.

Fishing for Answers

Big Plans

The aquarium idea had its genesis more than a year before when Keith Overton

As co-owners of ATM, King and Raymer have been building top-of-the-line

had stood square in the middle of a large conference hall, eyes fixed on the

tanks for nearly 18 years. This aquarium would be one of their biggest and most

vacant wall before him. As president of TradeWinds Island Resorts, he knew this

challenging. At 33,500 gallons, it would feature several elements simultaneously.

space, located adjacent to Guy Harvey’s Outpost, had the potential to become

First, to hold the crushing weight of the tank, 27 pilings that were 25 feet long

something truly amazing. The time had come to transform it from the convention

had to be sunk into the ground. There would then be a large viewing area in the

center it had been for the past 14 years, to a place people would flock to.

150-seat dining room. This would require a massive acrylic panel 10 feet high, 30

“For this property to be successful, we needed to create a point of difference,” said Overton. But what that would be was the million-dollar question. As he

feet wide, six inches thick and weighing more than 11,000 pounds. Then, came a separate viewing area for those not dining in the restaurant. This would entail

stared at the wall, inspiration struck and a smile spread across his face. “This should be a huge aquarium with a restaurant,” Overton blurted out. Dean Fortune, the staff designer agreed and the two men set out to find just the right company to make their vision come to life. “We were fans of the show Tanked,” said Overton. “My kids and I watched it all the time. So we reached out to them but never got a response. After a year went by with no call back, we went to another company.” While talking with the other company, Overton’s phone rang. It was Raymer and King. “We decided to have dinner with both companies, and in the end, we learned

MeGa-TaNk NuMbErS The aquarium built by ATM is the largest aquarium in a restaurant in the state of Florida. Here are some other fun facts: • It holds 33,500 gallons of salt water. • The filtration system takes up the equivalent of 8 parking spaces. • Fully loaded, it weighs 600,000 lbs. • Annual maintenance costs are estimated at $150,000 a year.

the media value with the Tanked show was so high we couldn’t not go with them,”

• It cost $75,000 just to fly the “curved J-panel” in from Italy.

said Overton.

• Total tank cost was $1 million.

28 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

Ready to reel in the big one? This fishing chair, styled after a Hemingway-era fighting chair, awaits your arrival in lobby of the RumFish Grill. Below: An educational hall, complete with overhead viewing, was

creating a 5,000-pound J-panel that’s curved to reveal

created to inform and inspire visitors about sea life.

the overhead tunnel. The result would be a generous 10' x 12' foot viewing area. Finally, a long hallway leading to this public viewing area would feature plaques describing each of the species in the tank, as well as the artwork of local marine artists whom Guy Harvey also supports and admires. The result would be a spectacular showpiece, and in true Guy Harvey fashion, designed to both inspire and inform. Notably, the fish and the exhibits would all be indigenous Gulf of Mexico species. Rather than import exotic fish from the Pacific or Red Sea, this aquarium would connect guests to the waters just off the local beach. An immersive, interactive experience awaits visitors who venture down the lengthy educational hallway that leads to the public viewing area. Walls peppered with factoids, photos and specifics on the very species that swim in these tanks are on display for all to see—and, in some cases, eat. The information includes the fish’s scientific name, maximum size, the family it hails from and the state record held. It serves as school of sorts, prompting guests to linger a little bit longer to learn about the tarpon, red drum or snook. More than a dozen plaques adorn the walls of this fish hall of fame, giving guests something more than a good meal. In Harvey’s mind, he’s giving them food for thought—an education in the art of conservation and the importance it has in our oceans and world. In all, more than 30 species would be featured in the tank, but collecting them would also pose a challenge. “Nobody sells these fish for public viewing,” said Overton. “So we caught them.” To stock the aquarium, Guy himself joined Overton, Raymer and King, along with the production crew from Tanked to fish the Tampa Bay area. The goal—catch a wide variety of fish to populate the mammoth tank. But catching fish for this purpose is not exactly the same as just fishing. For one thing, special permitting is required from the Fish and Wildlife Commission to catch and keep many of the species. And the fishing itself is different, because great care must be taken not to overly stress the fish. “We had to go to shallow waters and reel the fish in

www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 29

Tracking your catch from sea to plate is now possible thanks to the Tradewinds Island Resorts’ support of the GulfWild Program.

TrAcK YoUr DiNnEr

arrive. A phone call finally broke the tension, alerting Overton that the plane

Want to know where your fish dinner was caught? The RumFish Grill can tell you,

carrying the panels has just landed. Then the mad rush to install them was in

thanks to the GulfWild program, which tracks your catch from hook to plate. “We were the first resort to pick it up and run with it,” said RumFish Grill's Executive Chef Justin Harry. “It’s what we believe in, so we’re backing it 100%.” GulfWild works with fishermen to track fish from the time they are caught to

full swing. On May 9th, with no time to spare, the last segment for the show was taped and rushed off to the production crew to edit. One week later, scores of guests streamed into the Guy Harvey RumFish Grill to get their first look at the finished tank, meet the stars of the show,

the time they’re sold and then show up in a restaurant or seafood market. It allows

sample the flavorful cuisine, and roam the sprawling, 2,200-sq.-ft. retail

customers and diners to see exactly where and when their fish was harvested. The

store that is the impressive entrance to the restaurant. Guy Harvey made

program provides accountability to ensure that fish are caught responsibly, tested

the journey, too. His quiet demeanor didn’t deter guests from asking for his

for safety and delivered fresh to a seafood market or restaurant.

autograph or requesting he pose for a photo with them. Diners were also surprised to see not just fish, but people swimming in the aquarium. Larger than many swimming pools there is ample room,

slower, especially for grouper and snapper,” said Overton. “We lost very few fish in

and snorkelers can take a 15-minute plunge in the tank as part of a behind-the-

the process.”

scenes tour made available to resort guests. It helps make for a unique and truly

Tarpon, grouper, red drum, black drum, snook, blowfish, cobia, spotted sea trout, bonnethead shark and snapper are just a few of the species they targeted,

immersive experience—allowing visitors to view, learn about, swim with and dine on their favorite fish all in one place.

and the team didn’t need long. In all, 200 fish were caught in just five days. It was

It was a night well deserved and hard earned. The aquarium dazzled, and

productive fishing and—for the record—Guy held his own. “He caught the largest

Overton couldn’t have been happier. The final design gives guests a truly inspiring

trout with us,” said King with a smile, referring to the 29-inch trout Harvey reeled in.

experience, and the additional exposure from the TV show promises to be great for business. For the Tanked crew, it was another amazing creation, and one

Just add Water

with a great purpose. When reflecting on their fishing trip with Guy, Wayde King

As the fish were collected, their home was finally coming together, but not without

summed it up best.

the drama necessary for good reality TV. It was just 48 hours away from the final taping of Tanked and the acrylic panels needed to complete the project had yet to

30 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

“We all experienced the feeling Guy has about saving the world and the environment.”

Keith Overton, Guy Harvey, Brett Raymer (with microphone) and Wayde King can’t contain their enthusiasm as they unveil the enormous tank at the premier of their Tanked episode.

A feast for the eyes and taste buds awaits diners at the Guy Harvey RumFish Grill. Above left: The award-winning beaches of St. Pete Beach are exactly where Guy Harvey wanted his first US resort to be built. Photo: Guy Harvey Outpost.

A fish hatchery, designed to boost inshore fisheries along Florida’s panhandle, is being built along Pensacola’s revitalized waterfront district. Photo: Greg Riegler.

Redemption BY DARYL CARSON

How do you improve fishing in the Florida panhandle? Five million fish at a time. Redemption. The word gets thrown around a lot these days, especially by the talking heads on ESPN or by big-time athletes when they lose a close game and then come back the next year to win it all. As in, you screwed up and then did well and somehow redeemed yourself. It makes for a good sports show, but it’s a little thin as far as definitions go.

I will admit to being a bit biased in my perspective. In addition to being GHM’s Managing Editor, I’m also an ordained minister, so I split my time between telling fishing stories and telling the greatest story from the greatest book. And it’s all about redemption. You see, real redemption is when the action of some person or agent turns tragedy into triumph. When the solution to the tragedy is so effective that it brings about a better result than if the tragedy had never happened in the first place. That, my fishing brethren, is true redemption. Why all this quasi-theological talk? Because I think redemption is the appropriate description for much of fishing along the Gulf Coast. Pensacola, part of the happily forgotten Florida coast and stuck at the end of the state’s Panhandle, is slated to receive a new fish hatchery that will pump out up to five million fish a year, which will then be released throughout the region. The species have not been chosen, but top candidates are speckled trout and red drum. Perhaps even flounder. For those of us who live and fish here, this is seriously good news. Further, the impetus for this new hatchery has indeed been a tragedy. The BP oil spill—besides wreaking environmental and economic havoc—has resulted in a massive, $1 billion settlement that is funding a wide range of programs to study, protect and restore the marine environment. The Pensacola hatchery is one of them, and it should produce fish for stocking programs for the next couple of decades, perhaps longer. The final impact could far outweigh the damage done by the spill, and that would be sweet redemption indeed.

Doing the Deal Pensacola’s hatchery project has gone through a nearly three-year approval process. As anyone knows who has worked to sink an artificial reef or lobbied for better fishing regulations, there are a lot of players involved in anything regarding marine resources. Federal, state and local governments all have their regulations, and there are plenty of interest groups as well—businesses, land owners, consumers, environmental groups, etc. And each entity comes with a

Top: The FWC’s research hatchery in Manatee County has provided a foundation for what will be built in Pensacola. There broodstock spawn in round tanks controlled for temperature and lighting to simulate natural seasonal changes that stimulate spawning in tanks. Fertilized eggs leave the tanks in the water outflow and are collected in baskets in a separate tank (rectangular tank to the left of the round tank). Middle: FWC staff conduct biopsies of adult red drum “broodstock” to determine their reproductive condition immediately prior to spawning season. A catheter is used to withdraw eggs from the female ovary. Eggs are viewed through a microscope to determine their development stage. When eggs are “mature” females are ready to spawn and management measures are conducted to maximize spawning potential. Bottom: Red drum brood fish are changed on a regular schedule to maintain genetic diversity. Photos: FWC.

34 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

Photo: Greg Riegler.

n Po

n tio d uc Pon

d ro

e ag or

Primitive Walking/Beach Trail (guided only)

Stormwater Pond

Intertidal Marsh Restoration Area

Gulf Coast Hatchery Facility: 5-Room Phase 1 Module • 5,000,000 Fish Annually • 2 Broodstock Rooms • 2 Phase 1 Tank Rooms • 1 Live Feed Room • Entry & Ofﬁces

new concern or question. One of the big sticking points here has been whether a

years. “Where we’d catch 10 to 15 fish in years past, now we might land just one.

hatchery is what the region really needs.

The trout holes are not producing like they used to. I think it’s due in some part to

Gil McRae, director of the FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, says the answer is not exactly black and white but the need is still clear enough. “There’s no doubt the Florida Panhandle was exposed most significantly

the oil spill. I don’t know what it did or if it affected the spawn, but it’s what a lot of people talk about.” Another sticking point regarding the hatchery was if the money being spent

by the oil spill,” says McRae, which is why Pensacola was approached about the

on the project might be better off going toward habitat restoration or some

location of a hatchery in the first place. But, he says, that’s different than being

other worthwhile venture. On this issue, says McRae, there isn’t really an issue at

able to say the oil spill killed or affected X number of fish and they need to be

all, explaining that the $22 million of BP funding going to this project is already

replaced in the population.

specifically slated for hatcheries and cannot be spent on anything else. Part

“It’s unlikely that the injury assessment will come up with a number of fish

of the BP agreement was that the designations for the settlement money be

impacted. The impacts were not large scale fish die offs. It was probably mortality

made behind closed doors, and now that it’s final it’s not up for debate. So, for

to eggs and larvae that couldn’t get out of the way, or it was more subtle changes

the FWC and the City of Pensacola, there wasn’t an option to use the money for

of moving fish out of the best feeding and breeding areas,” he explains.

other projects, the only question was if the project would be supported here or

That also squares with feedback from inshore guides in the area who have reported a very lean couple of years. They cite both a dip in the economy but also a downturn in fishing action. “We’ve got plenty of snapper, but the redfish in Perdido Bay and trout and flounder have just been way off,” says one captain who has been in the area for 9

somewhere else. Indeed, the city chose to support the project and this summer officially approved to lease a portion of waterfront property to the FWC for a nominal fee. The parcel, known as Bruce Beach, used to be an industrial site and is in need of environmental remediation. And here’s another sweet redemptive detail. Even

www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 35

Above: Red drum broodstock inside of a spawning tank. Left: Intensive culture of red drum juveniles beginning at phase 1 (about 1 inch in length) up to phase 3 (about 6 inches in length). Filtration of tank water is designed to remove wastes produced by the fish, allowing for most of the water to be reused rather than discharged. Opposite left:Red drum larva aged 13 days are about 8 millimeters in length. The gut which forms a loop located behind the head is full with orange-colored food. Red drum require live foods for optimal growth and to maximize survival until they are aged about 13 days. Thereafter, commercially manufactured diets are fed to red drum. Right: Juvenile red drum are identifiable through genetic markers but are also identified with tiny coded-wire tags implanted into juvenile fish cheeks that identify fish.

36 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

if developers wanted to build pricey condos on the land, it would cost them

developed genetic markers that have allowed us to identify fish from fin clips.

significantly to clean it up, making the land less attractive for such investments.

That’s important with small fish, because you can’t really put a tag on them.” So

Now, the cleanup will happen as part of the BP-funded hatchery.

when a red drum is caught, an angler can take a fin clip, send it into the lab and

Also attractive to the city is that the hatchery will be more than a research

researchers can find out if the fish came from the hatchery program. Catch data,

center. It will also have a significant education element, offering tours and serving

such as size of the fish and the location where it was caught provide details for

as a public outreach platform for the FWC. The city sees this as a great addition to a

determining the success and reach of the stocking programs.

downtown waterfront it has been revitalizing in recent years. The hatchery will join

There are plenty of other details, too and as the Pensacola hatchery moves into

a new minor league baseball stadium, public park and other improved venues.

the planning stage, McRae and his team are also getting input from outside sources.

Growing Fish

Most notable is the Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute in San Diego, which has had

Aquaculture programs and fish hatcheries have a long history, even in the New

a successful white seabass restocking program for nearly two decades. “We’ve released our two millionth fish,” says president and CEO Don Kent, who

World. Modern aquaculture began to take hold in the northeast in the early 19th

pioneered the Hubbs-Sea World program. “Through the years we’ve gotten fish

century, including a program at Cornell University as early as 1812. By the Civil

back by the thousands through commercial and recreational fishing. We’ve seen

War, brook trout were being successfully hatched and grown and a number of

them come back from 10- to 12-years-old and up to 30-lbs. and up in weight.”

hatcheries sprang up in the U.S. and Canada, with farmed trout for sale in New York’s famous Fulton Fish Market. But while the practice is not new, it is somewhat complex, especially in

Kent says that Southern California anglers have seen a steady improvement in white seabass yields through the years and that anglers have been very supportive. “On one level it looks simplistic, make little fish and get bigger fish. But there

the modern era when we understand the importance of genetic diversity and

is a lot that’s done to ensure that the program is beneficial. There’s a lot of science

the impact of waste water on the local environment and a host of other issues.

behind it.” says Kent. “It’s a proactive approach to fisheries management.”

Fortunately, the FWC has experience in these areas, thanks to a long-running

The Next Step

partnership with MOTE Marine Labs in developing a research hatchery in Manatee County. Their facility near Sarasota has been producing Red Drum and releasing

With final approvals now in place, the planning and construction process

them into the wild. That work has been on a much smaller scale than what is

for the new Pensacola hatchery is expected to take at least two years. After that

planned in Pensacola, but it has helped lay the foundation for the new program.

McRae says it shouldn’t be long before the first fish are released.

“We have 20 years of experience with our research hatchery,” says McRae.

“Since we’re not growing the fish out to a large size, it should only take a few

“Simply raising healthy fish is not an insignificant accomplishment in marine

months,” he says, noting that the BP funding will cover construction and about five

species.”

years of operating costs. After that, the FWC will take over.

One of the more technical issues is maintaining genetic diversity. McRae

“The Pensacola hatchery is a big step forward for us and a great opportunity

says parent fish are taken from the wild and there is a protocol for cycling in new

for the hatchery program,” says McRae. “But it’s also a real opportunity to promote

parent fish every few years.

the quality of fishing we have in Florida waters, especially in the panhandle.”

“We’ve got the culture of red drum and seatrout,” he says. “And we’ve

Sweet redemption, indeed.

www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 37

MIAMI2GOLD RUSH MOC HOSTS THE

ANNUAL DORADO CHALLENGE ND

BY OZZY DELGADO

uring the summer, ﬁnding a dolphin tournament in South Florida is easier than overpaying for a drink in South Beach. The bite for dorado, mahi mahi—or

Mounts. There also was a room full of products for raffle, as well as a silent auction.

whatever you like to call them—stays consistent from May through

happily, one of the finest tasting fish around. Boats reported action all the way

Friday was prep day and a chance to do some pre-fishing. Dorado are fun to chase—often putting up acrobatic fights—but they’re also sustainable and,

September, and there’s a long list of organizations that put on tournaments in the

down the Keys, but the bite was a bit sporadic from 300 feet to the western side of

region. The biggest challenge to fishing these events is usually the weather, but

the Gulf Stream. When Saturday dawned, anglers faced overcast skies, scattered

if you’re willing to dodge the occasional thunderstorm or shower, the action and

showers and enough wind to kick up a nasty chop. Still, by late afternoon, boats

camaraderie of these contests is well worth the effort. This is especially true when

started coming back to the club and there were plenty of fish to be weighed.

the tournament helps support a worthy cause. This year, GHM supported the Dorado Challenge,

Team First Choice was not rattled by the weather, as David Loriga came to the scales with a 21.10-lb.

held July 14th and hosted by the Miami Outboard

dolphin to take home the coveted first place prize.

Club (MOC). In only its second year, the event pulled

Team Slowmo’s Rosa Cabrera was not far behind

together a great group of anglers and sponsors, with

with a 20.45-lb. fish. In the third slot was Team Vidal

$25,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs. MOC has

Communications and Miguel Vidal, Jr., who brought

been in existence since 1938 and has a rich history in

in a 19.50-lb. fish.

Miami. Its members frequently take part in activities

Additional highlights included: junior angler division

such as bay clean-ups, coordinating toy and clothing

Team L’Stone’s Ulysses del Pino won first place with

drives, hosting City of Miami events and supporting

a 14.70-lb. dolphin; and lady angler went to team

ocean conservation projects. For this year’s Dorado

Slowmo’s Rosa Cabrera, who also won first place. Top

Challenge, half the tournament revenues benefit

wahoo went to Team Lazarus, Dan Carballo; top tuna,

Ace Academy, a non-profit school serving K-12 kids

Team Marlene’s Alex Antelo; and top kingfish, Team

with disabilities such as cerebral palsy and autism

Playmate’s Julio Ledo.

spectrum disorders.

The Dorado Challenge wouldn’t be possible without

Like most tournaments, the event kicked off with a captain’s meeting, and

great sponsors. Special thanks to: Papa’s Pilar; Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables; Guy

this one had the benefit of being sponsored by Papa’s Pilar Rum and staffed by

Harvey Magazine; El Capitan Marine & Fishing Center; The Bath Club; King Sailfish

celebrity chef Terry French, whose ceviche rivaled the rum in popularity. For

Mounts; Everglades Boats; Hooters; Yacht Works; Panama Big Game Fishing Club;

seasoned tournament anglers, the event was a chance to size-up the competition

Cabrera Ramos Architects, Inc.; Universo Marino Media; Al-Flex Exterminators; Fortress

and “eyeball” the hardware up for grabs—trophies provided by King Sailfish

Anchors; and all the product sponsors.

Opposite top: Scott Walker, host of Into the Blue TV Fishing show, Proud Papa Father’s Day Promotion contest lucky winners, Michael and Ronald Rosana and Papas Pilar CEO, Stephen Groth. Below: Team First Choice, showing off their winning fish. Above: Papas Pilar’s cocktail extraordinaire Pam Obando, presenting the first place trophy to team First Choice. www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 39

This mako shark is about to be fitted with a satellite tracking tag and released. The expedition allowed anglers to fish alongside scientists from the Guy Harvey Research Institute in a coordinated research effort. Photo: GHOF.

t n u H k r a h S abo t APT. NED STONE BY C

Dr. Harvey’s passion for marine animals has led him on numerous tagging expeditions over the years with scientists from the Guy Harvey Research Institute. This year, a new concept was developed—Guy Harvey Outpost Expeditions. The idea was to bring interested anglers to ﬁsh alongside the research vessel and assist in the catch, tag and release process. The ﬁrst expedition—aimed at mako sharks—proved to be “wildly” successful.

The Keen M was fitted with a special boom and platform that allowed sharks to be examined, tagged and released as safely and quickly as possible.

To help ensure the survival of makos, the scientists at the Guy Harvey Research Institute (GHRI) want to know where mako sharks go. Where do they feed? Where do they mate? What jurisdictions do they pass through during their lives? In March of 2014, GHRI and GH Outpost (GHO) partnered on a tagging expeditions to Isla Mujeras, Mexico to help answer these questions. Captain Ned Stone, of GHO, submitted the following report: Our expedition team arrived into Cancun and quickly learned that you need to complete both the top AND THE BOTTOM of the Customs Declaration Form. After that embarrassing confusion was cleared up, our driver delivered us to the Gran Puerto Juarez ferry terminal in about 30 minutes. The ferry across to Isla Mujeres leaves on the hour and half hour and takes about 20 minutes. You can ride inside in the air conditioning or on the upper deck. We were treated to a live saxophone player who was doing his best “Gato Barbieri plays the Pops.” Rolling luggage makes the 15-minute trek along the beach and up to the Hotel Playa Media Luna—a Guy Harvey Outpost Expedition lodge—an easy walk. Pedi-cabs or taxis are also available. Life moves at a different pace on “Isla.” Sandals, golf carts and bicycles replace cars for transportation. After settling in, we regrouped at the Bally-Hoo cantina for a cold beverage. Our group included: Chris Peterson, GHO President Steve Schniedman, Mark Ellert and myself. The Keen M team included: Dr. Guy Harvey, Dr. Mahmood Shivji of GHRI, Dr. Brad Wetherbee, videographer George Schellenger and Capt. Anthony Mendillo. Also included for a couple days each were TV host Diego Toiran of Pescando en los Cayos and photographer Scott Kerrigan. We sipped our drinks and awaited the arrival of Guy and his team— who were already on the water—to hear about the day’s catch. A sense of anticipation was definitely in the air. The plan was to fish two boats and double our chances of catching enough makos to tag. The Keen M would hold Drs. Harvey and Shivji, and the rest of the tagging team. We would be onboard the Lilly M and pass off any fish we landed. Day One: Off the dock at 0700 on board the Lilly M for an hour’s run to the drop-off where we would fish. Our spread consisted of two brightly painted wooden dorado teasers and three large swimming bonitas. The teasers were made from ¾” thick planks cut to resemble the profile of a small, male dorado. The larger makos had been skyrocketing on the teasers and taking the wooden tails right off them. Around 10:30am, the Keen M had a fish in the baits and got a bite; unfortunately, they pulled the hooks shortly afterwards. At 11:30am, it was our turn, and after a 5-minute fight, we, too, were scratching our heads. The Keen M was never too far from sight, as we were both working the same rip. We had another bite early in the afternoon and Chris Peterson put his standup technique to the task. Thirty minutes later, a 125-pounder was alongside. Once you have a mako, now what do you do with it? Capt. Anthony and his

42 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

For the expedition, two boats worked together. Once a mako was caught, anglers fishing from the Lilly M would attach a line and float to the leader, then let out the drag on the reel so the Keen M crew could move in to intercept the fish and fit it with a tag. crew had worked out a simple, yet elegant, solution. The mate clips a spring clip

Harvey Research Institute plots the results on a map and keeps a special website

into the snap swivel at the leader, which is attached to 75 feet of 7/16-in. nylon

showing the tracks of each animal tagged (www.nova.edu/ocean/ghri/tracking/).

line with an 18-inch diameter fish float on the other end. The angler reduces drag

If the mako does not surface for a month, then no intermediate points are

and lets the mako back out while maintaining light drag. The captain motors

reported. When the mako next surfaces, the tracking site simply shows a straight

ahead a bit to put some distance between the angling boat and the mako. Then

line between reporting points.

the Keen M pulls up alongside of the float and hooks the line with a gaff. Once the

With our first fish tagged, we stay on the hunt. By the afternoon of the first

mate on the Keen M is wiring the mako, the angler can lessen his drag even more.

day, the Keen M had several more fish in the baits but could not keep them on the

The Keen M crew either disconnects the snap swivel from the leader or cuts the

line. We had another bite on the Lilly M as well, but could not keep it on the hook.

line at the snap swivel, allowing the angler to retrieve the line.

Day Two: Stroll down to Bally-Hoo for breakfast burritos, Mexican omelets and some fraternal rivalries between the boats. It is prettier and even a little

Tagging

calmer than the day before. The current rip is even more visible on the calm sea.

We now had a ringside seat to watch the whole process. Video and still cameras

estimated at closer to 400 pounds and has no interest in playing our game. After

were also going all over the place. Even in calm seas, handling a 150-plus-pound

40 minutes down and tight, the mako rolled up the leader to the mono wind-on. It

wild animal is a challenge. Give that animal incredibly strong jaws and a few rows

might as well have been dental floss in the mako’s mouth. Tough luck, but the big

of teeth and you understand the need to respect them.

fish do not get big by being easy to catch.

The Keen M crew tail-roped the mako and guided it to the custom cradle on

Mark Ellert is first up today and he gets a serious strike before 10 am. This fish is

I was up next up. Never having caught a mako, I wanted to be ready. I tried

her transom. Anthony designed the cradle and hoist specifically to aid in Guy’s

on the harness and adjusted both the belt and Aftco shoulder harness in case I

mako research. A saltwater hose fed raw saltwater into the mako’s mouth via a

got a chance. The edge was looking very fishy—with flying fish and frigate birds

2-in. diameter PVC pipe. A wet towel over the animal’s eyes helped keep it calm.

evident, something was bound to happen. Patience paid off—his dorsal cut the

Among the data gathered about each mako are its sex, length, time of day

surface on the left side of the spread before disappearing and then reappearing

caught and time on the cradle. Each tag is tested multiple times before it is

behind the center bait. Then he was gone again (watching some of George

installed on the shark’s dorsal fin with four nylon bolts. Whenever the shark’s

Schellenger’s video, these fish do not give up easily. One mako stayed in the

dorsal breaks the surface, the tag reports its location to the satellite. The Guy

pattern for over five minutes on the dredge cam.) Without warning, the center reel

www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 43

res e j u Isla M

d ion an servat n o c r y egula Harve , and r t Guy as well a r n e t io t t utfi sidera h the O fishing er con le sailthroug k re und d c a e a t s g t n itio ligh arran und in exped ulous an be Other are aro trips c for fab h g n s w in fi than o h d s n r fi swo spect es is k tional ter pro lin and Mujer t r e a educa la b m Is a . nd. e sorts d blu Slams ar-rou sts Re ble ye Super hite an a d W il . n a il a v Outpo r p ms M lso a ugh A e Keen and Sla g are a ry thro and th ake Gr d divin r m e n Janua a b o t g m s ber ous rkelin Septe ir fam nt num ough od sno an the ne thr ts. Go sufficie h u t o J r p s s la n t ho popu y who tion ru fishing more he Gu migra other now t ecome shark k b “ le e e a he v w h a have t rips h tpost, nual w ey Ou rip, we orkel t t v The an n r s g a 57. k in H r sha 13-52 or div t Guy whale shing (800) 5 arly. A fi e r o a k r o fleet’s m o o ady f , so b ost.co are re youtp season harve en you y h sailfish u w g o @ y.” S tions the gu eserva knows you. R e k a t to uides best g

eventually the mate grabbed the leader, clipped in the ball-float’s lead and tossed the ball over. I eased off the drag and the Keen M slid over to pick up the ball. We watched as mako #2 was fitted with new jewelry for his dorsal fin. With the baits back out, we settled into our seats, chatted and ate. The calm was quickly broken as another mako moved through the baits, disappearing and charging. Then he was gone. Our captain made another pass through the area. Bang! The left rigger went off. Steve Schniedman got suited up. As a practiced angler, he put steady pressure on his fish and had him to the boat in under 30 minutes. We had one more shot that afternoon. The fish stayed with us for a several passes but we could not quite get the bite we needed. In the meantime, the Keen M was hooked up and busy deploying one more satellite tag. We trolled over their way as the wind picked up, and the setting sun suggested we make our way back. Sharks are not always given their full due in angling circles, but makos are certainly gamefish. Consider Tags must be well secured to the mako’s dorsal fin. was screaming from a hot fish. Breathe, put on the belt, put on the harness, now pick up the rod. This fish was

these facts: makos can jump over 10 feet in the air; they are incredibly fast swimmers; they grow to over

1,200 pounds; and they travel in the same circles as blue marlin. From an angling

not going to be dissuaded by 15-plus pounds of drag. The captain turned into the

perspective, the 100- to 200-lb. fish we fought took 30–45 minutes on 30- to 50-lb.

fish so that we could run nearly parallel to him. When I could, I started gaining line.

stand-up tackle. When fishing for blue marlin, what is the typical catch? Between

When I could not, I leaned back into the harness and put the rod to work. It was a

100–200 lbs. How long does a blue marlin fight last on 30–50# stand-up? About

back and forth affair for another 20 minutes before I got the fish close enough to

20–50 min. Makos are also more readily accessible to many anglers. This is true in

see some color in the water. From there, progress was slow going to get that fish

the mid-Atlantic, and one of the reasons our other expeditions have been based in

up the last 75 feet. With short strokes and a stout rod, I made incremental gains and

Ocean City, Maryland.

44 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

iew se. A v d relea o o g g, a ecurin nsure work: s ko to e t a a m m a a he te s with s up! T y swim y hook u left: Gu G p . t o t er. a elleng the bo ise from rge Sch behind o Clockw e d e G ll : s o oto a tr camer nce. Ph from a all at o g in lm fi g and taggin

In Isla, the Outpost team finished with three makos caught and released out

the South American coast before turning around and heading back north.

of five solid bites. We had three more fish in the baits. Any time you encounter

While “Bad Guy” is just one animal, it indicates that the fish seen off the

eight fish over 100 pounds in two days on the water, well that goes in my book

eastern seaboard do overlap with those off Isla Mujeres. One hypothesis is that

as high quality fishing. Of the eight makos successfully tagged during the 2014

these animals are of a single breeding stock. More studies and DNA research will

GHRI Isla Expedition, several have ventured into the Gulf of Mexico. Over three

need to be conducted to answer that question. Makos tagged in both locations

mako-tagging trips to Isla, about half of the animals make passages into the Gulf

traveled well beyond the waters of the countries where they were tagged.

and then return to Isla. A smaller number go south or southeast but also return to

As mako populations decline, it is likely they will become more regulated. A

Isla. One fish, dubbed “Bad Guy,” left Isla Mujeres on an eastbound run past Guy’s

successful conservation program for makos of the northwestern Atlantic will

home waters of Cayman and Jamaica and headed north to the waters off the mid-

require the participation of the U.S., Mexico, Canada, the Bahamas, Cayman

Atlantic coast. Two others have since been caught and harvested in Isla Mujeres.

Islands, Jamaica and other nations as well.

Thankfully, the satellite transmitters were recovered and can be re-deployed. Success has also come in two seasons (10 days of fishing) from Ocean City.

Guy Harvey Outpost and the Guy Harvey Research Institute will return to Isla Mujeres in March 2015 and Ocean City, Maryland, in May for another round of mako

Thirteen makos have been successfully tagged. These animals largely stay in the

tagging. If you are interested in being an active participant or want to fish with the

north Atlantic, but two have cruised south to the Bahamas and one almost reached

Keen M fleet, contact Guy Harvey Outpost at (800) 513-5257.

www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 45

5 Tags, 5 Marlin, 1 Day Isla Mujeres is not just a hotspot for makos, but also sees plenty of traffic from other blue water species. In May of this year, Guy and company targeted white marlin, looking to decorate five fish with satellite tags for research. Here’s his report: We headed down to Isla Mujeres, Mexico, to try and tag some white marlin.

satellites so we can see the natural range of this fish. We headed out with Captain Anthony Mendillo, trolling behind us an impressive array of 11 lines out to attract our marlin. Starting slow with a few dolphin fish and some beautiful sailfish in the afternoon, we were in for some unexpected action. It started with a double-header. We caught and tagged two white marlin together, but the action wasn’t over. Within half an hour we had

With an average size of 45–65 lbs. they are the smaller cousin of the blue marlin,

another. All the while, our dedicated film producer George Schellenger was

but still a strong and exciting fish to catch. Our aim was to deploy pop-up archival

filming the action. With three tags out we thought we had had a pretty good day,

tags, or PAT tags, on five white marlin. Whilst on the fish, the tag collects and

but before the afternoon was out, we had caught and tagged another two white

stores data such as water depth, temperature and light levels. These streamlined

marlin, bringing our total to meet our target of five white marlin tagged—and all

tags have an antenna on one end and a dart on the other. The dart allows

on our first day! It should be noted that we caught five marlin on Cinco de Mayo—

attachment to the fish, and at a preprogrammed time (sometimes up to 12

we couldn’t have asked for more. One the way back in, we even encountered

months), the tag will detach and float to the surface to upload its stored data to

some whale sharks. It was a great day to start off the trip!

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Having deployed our tags on the first day, we spent the next few days focused on getting some great shots documenting the white marlins and sailfish. We filmed them topside doing some amazing acrobatics as well as jumping in the water at every opportunity. Up close, you can see firsthand how graceful these fish are under the water, and the range of colours they display is amazing. A great expedition all in all, five new tags out there and some great footage and photos taken. We will anxiously wait for the results from our tags. Editor’s note: Since the tags were deployed, GHRI reports at least one white marlin traveled more than 1,000 miles over 65 days to the coast of North Carolina. Tracks for multiple species and tagging projects can be seen at www.nova.edu/ocean/ghri/tracking/.

Isla Mujeres is a hot spot for many species, including white marlin. Guy and the GHRI team joined Captain Antony Mendillo in May for a white marlin tagging trip and celebrated tagging five fish in one day—Cinco de Mayo. Photos: Guy Harvey. www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 47

RICHARD GIBSON a photo portfolio

Backing Hard! This shot taken aboard Ruben "Bincho" Mansur's NAIRA during last year's Aruba Caribbean Cup Billfish Tournament.

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A high-flying Pacific sailfish that was released off Iztapa, Guatemala aboard Capt. Chris Sheeder’s Rum Line. Right: Fishing off St. Thomas on the famous “North Drop” the Double Take lets go a beautiful Virgin Islands blue marlin!

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The magnificent Atlantic blue marlin, weighing around 500-lbs. that was released off Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic. Opposite: Sunset behind the Varadero Marina on the Island of Aruba.

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Pacific blue marlin released for Alexis Chamorro aboard his XTA-SEA off Golfito, Costa Rica. Opposite: Sunset sailfish off Los Suenos, Costa Rica.

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Unforeseen and incredible thunder storms create havoc for crews fishing the marlin grounds offshore off Ghana, West Africa, this one next to Capt. Clay Hensley’s HOOKER. Left: After eating a 25-lbs. bonito this giant black marlin was released by Capt. Haydon Bell and the RELEASE off the amazing #10 Ribbon Reef, on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

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www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 61 NEW DATA NEEDED • SPACE COAST COBIA • CAPT. SCOTT WALKER • COOL FISH TECH

BY EDITOR NICK HONACHEFSKY

THE NEED FOR NEW DATA Fisheries management is a serious business, with billions of dollars hinging on the

size limits for fluke in New York. Getting the data wrong shouldn’t be an option.

outcomes of regulations. So when the National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS)

Here’s a look at some of the current data collection tools in place, as well as some

acknowledges that many of those regulations are built upon “fatally flawed” data,

contemporary ideas for improving collection methods so we can implement

as determined by the National Research Council (NRC) in 2006, there is a huge

sound and sensible fisheries regulations.

problem. How is it possible that in a day and age of meticulous monitoring of

Captains Logs—NMFS has long required that head boat captains maintain

everything from stock market trends to fashion styles that data collection can

a trip log detailing every fish caught on each trip. It is a time consuming, yet

be so shoddy and incomplete? Serious revamping of fisheries data collection is a

accurate way to measure daily catches by recreational anglers. Sounds perfect,

must, both to protect an irreplaceable natural resource and to safeguard a multi-

right? Unfortunately, NMFS is not utilizing or is under-utilizing the data. Captain

billion dollar industry.

Butch Egerter of the Dauntless, Point Pleasant, NJ, stated, “I’ve been keeping

In the United States, recreational fishing is governed by a set of laws,

these logbooks for over 10 years, and not once has NMFS ever asked for the data.

regulations, and limits that aim to protect fish stocks and to maximize the use of

What’s the point of going through all this work if they never use it? I’ve got 10

the resource, both now and for generations to come. When regulations and limits

years of logbooks that detail catches on every trip. Nobody looks at it.” One way

are set, they define how much anglers will participate in pursuing their passion.

to help recreational fishing data is to fully implement and use the tools that are

Too strict, and they will keep people at home. Too lenient, and the stocks spiral

already in place.

downward and fish populations decline. But when closures happen, or MPAs with

Smartphone Apps—Florida Division of Fish and Wildlife (DF&W) has initiated

No Take Zones are instated and fisheries shut down, business follows suit—from

new, contemporary programs for anglers to upload their catch and trip data.

tourism dollars to charter fees to fuel sales to boats and tackle and equipment

In the real-time world we live in, this can be a huge advance to help accurately

sales and even media production.

portray catch data. Of course, this means catches have to be reported honestly,

So, what data collection tools and instruments are in place to gather the data

but the bigger issue might be participation levels. It’s not too big a stretch to

that helps manage recreational fishing? What checks and balances are in place to

think of recreational anglers being required to submit catch totals just like charter

make sure the data isn’t skewed one way or the other, or just flat-out wrong? As

captains or commercial captains. The technology already exists.

recent history has reminded us, livelihoods can depend on the swing of one fish

Angler Registry—New Jersey DF&W has implemented voluntary saltwater

species being shut down for a year, or saddled with near impossible regulations,

angler surveys on their website for catch report data. Similar to the Florida DF&W

such as limiting red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico, or installing 21-inch minimum

App, this allows anglers to check in and report what is being caught on a trip-

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by-trip basis. But, again, people need to participate in order for it to have impact.

and where they’ve been; and we can get a general consensus on how to manage

Investing additional money and effort in educating the public about these tools

stocks more appropriately. This falls under the category of general research more

and promoting their use as the responsible thing to do for fishing could go a long

than data collection, but it provides critical information so regulators know how

way toward improving catch data.

to properly structure and apply regulations based on fish movements, breeding

NMFS Dock Surveys—Dockside creel surveys are a solid “boots on the

patterns and more.

ground” method already being used, but they are only effective if they are done

The bottom line is that the data collection system must be revamped and

with consistency, in a broad range of areas and at the right time. Too many times,

policies instituted to ensure consistency and improve data accuracy. I understand

NMFS goes to a dock once or twice a year to sample and survey anglers on what

that employing workers on a government level for surveying and sampling can be

they catch, and make their projections from there. That’s too thin of a slice of the

a problem with current budget cuts, but the technology available for grassroots

pie. If the conditions were horrible that day or the fish haven’t migrated to the

efforts from anglers and captains reporting their catches will be a first step in

area as of yet, the survey can be terribly misrepresented. In some cases, survey

the right direction. In this technological day and age, I think we are nearing the

takers have been known to leave the docks too early in the day, before most

time where the idea of gathering solid, reflective data on fish stocks can become

fishermen even return from their time on the water.

a reality. Maybe in 10 years or so, we can have an accurate, legitimate sampling

Acoustic Telemetry—Groups like OCEARCH, a nonprofit organization, tag

method drawing from all avenues available to us to enact sensible recreational

sharks with acoustic tags around the world to follow their migratory habits,

fisheries laws, so nothing is lost—not the fish populations or the businesses that

giving real-time data on how sharks move and where their breeding grounds

depend upon them.

are located. This is a pretty solid method to find where pelagic species are going

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www.deepglow.com | (888) 871-3334 www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 63

Right Every Time Capt. Scott Walker BY CA STAFF

Scott Walker runs Tailwalker Charters out of Duck Key and Hawk’s Cay Resort and Marina in the Middle Keys. A 30-year saltwater veteran, he is a master at kite ﬁshing for sails and has raked in more than $1 million in tournament winnings. He also co-hosts the ﬁshing show Into the Blue with master Keys guide Steve Roger. The show is now in its seventh season, and as we learned in the process of this interview, Scott is the one who is always wearing the visor (not the ball cap!).

Photo: Jason Stemple.

CA: Most of us ﬁsh for fun. You ﬁsh for a living. What inspires you to keep at it year after year?

CA: What do you do to give your team an edge in tournaments? SW: It’s really about the attention to detail. We make sure every knot is tied exactly the same. Every rig is the same and you don’t have to worry about a knot breaking or a leader coming up too long. We set the drags, and don’t

SW: I really got my start and my inspiration from my uncle.

assume their fine from the last time out. We pull a hundred

He was a hard man, but a good man. As a captain, he really

feet of line a day and re-rig. It’s all about the details.

taught me the fundamentals of the boat being right all the time. Discipline is the key and growing up with that kind of

Over time, that grind pays off, and when the money is on the

CA: You chase a lot of sailfish and that includes using kites. What advice would you give to someone kite fishing for the first time?

line, you’re already doing everything you’re supposed to do.

SW: Absolutely use the freshest bait possible. Frisky bait

regimen when I was a deck hand has made the difference. I got my captain’s license when I was 18—I’m 51 now—and today I teach the same thing to all my guys. We treat every day like it’s a tournament, even though it’s a regular charter.

wins tournaments. Besides the leaders and the kites and

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making sure the gear is ready, it’s all about the best bait possible. We fish for bait a month to two months in advance and keep them in pens, and feed them. This actually gives you stronger bait than catching it a day or two before. After we catch the bait, we also like to talk to ‘em a little bit. Tell ‘em how good they look. It helps. It’s kind of like growing tomatoes.

CA: You co-host Into the Blue, now in its seventh season and on four national channels. What are some of the challenges to ﬁshing on TV? SW: For us, the hard thing is slowing down. We’re driven, A-type personalities, but on TV, one fish done right is better than 50 you just get into the boat. The other thing is my partner and I take a lot of pride in teaching. It’s more of an instructional show. We pick a destination and then pick it apart. And, however we decide to fish it, after our show, you’re going to come out with some information about how to do the same thing. There is nothing we don’t film that we don’t teach.

CA: More than locals, your business caters to tourists coming down to enjoy the Keys. What would you tell people to look for in a good charter captain? SW: It’s not always easy for someone on vacation, because you might not have a lot of time to check things out, but if you can watch the boats for a couple of days, it can help you make a good choice. People wander to where they’re happy. If there are five boats and only one is busy, there’s probably a reason. Look at the boat. Talk to the captain, talk to the mate. And remember that a pretty boat doesn’t always mean a pretty day of fishing. Word of mouth is

Capt. Scott Walker and a brilliant mahi mahi. His

okay, but do a little homework on your own.

philosophy for fishing success? Do things the right way every time. Photo: Jason Stemple.

www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 65

Walker is a big believer in frisky bait. He likes to catch bait weeks ahead of a tournament and keep them alive and in prime condition. Photos: Jason Stemple.

CA: From inshore to offshore, you have access to a ton of different species in the Middle Keys. Any conservation issues or speciﬁc ﬁsh stocks you’re concerned about? SW: First off, in 30 years of fishing the Keys, I can say without a doubt that sailfishing is the strongest it’s ever been. The Keys’s captains embrace circle hooks and smart fishing practices and it’s paying off. The only real threat I see is from closures to the reef around Duck Key. They threatened to do it two years ago and they’re talking about it again. But the fishery is in good shape, and we’re not catering to guys who want to fill up 200-qt. coolers with fish to take home. I work for a 500-room resort, so a lot of my customers are first-timers. When they hear the limits and learn about the restrictions, everyone is thumbs up on that. We’re not putting too much pressure on the reef. Now, a captain up in Islamorada has a different clientele, and might have a different experience.

CA: Any parting thoughts? SW: I think it’s good to remember that fishing is social first and fishing second. If you’re on the water, enjoy it. You’re going to see something amazing, have a great time. Don’t go out there just hell-bent for whatever you’re after.

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coolest Gear of the Year GEARHEADS : BY FRED GARTH

It’s always fun to hang out with 10,000 fishing fanatics. That’s what the ICAST show (International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades) is all about—fun and checking out the world’s coolest new fishing products. And, unlike the millions of tourists who come to Orlando to see Mickey, we fish freaks meet each July to mingle for four days and to eat, breathe and sleep fishing. My job was to seek out the most innovative products at the show. Following are a few eye-popping products I ran across as I walked the aisles, weaving between business suits, dudes all emblemed up in their sponsored shirts, tanned fishing gurus and the requisite girls in bikinis and high heels.

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The Straightcast There are few truly new concepts in reel design. This one really is a first. It features a spool that rotates 180-degrees, so it’s kind of like a spinning reel and a bait-casting reel in one. You cast it like a spinning rig, then rotate the reel 90 degrees and reel it straight in. Then you rotate it in the opposite direction to the spinning position and cast it again. This simple process eliminates the build-up of line twist—a great evil dreaded by all spinning reel fans. The Straightcast is just in prototype stage, but I would bet that it will be on the market soon because I saw some big-wigs from a large reel maker sniffing around the booth. www.kendragear.com

iON Camera The iON camera is competing head-to-head against GoPro—not a small task. However, the tube-shaped cam is lightweight, simple to use and waterproof— things the GoPro is not. Plus, I can never tell when my GoPro is on. Too many button sequences and red lights. The iON has one simple switch and it’s on. Very cool. The company is only about a year old, but they have a full line of cameras and accessories and a slick look. Look for big things from iON. www.ioncamera.com

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Sonar Phone Sonar Phone is a free app that is a bottom tracking sonar for your Smartphone or tablet. For less than $200, Sonar Phone will sell you a transducer package to go with the free app. It’s perfect for small boats and kayaks and it’s super user-friendly. Sonar Phone’s big announcement at the show is that they just teamed up with Navionics, so you can have a split screen for navigation and bottom topography. This is another product that I predict has butt-kicking capability. www.vexilar.com

Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 17T The second day at ICAST, I didn’t have to go any further than one of my favorite booths—Hobie Kayaks. Last year, Hobie’s Pro Angler 14 won the Best of Show. For this year’s event, Hobie introduced the massive, 17-foot Mirage Pro Angler kayak. Actually, they don’t call it a kayak. They say it’s a boat. I say it’s a bo-yak. Either way, the thing is a beautiful beast. Not only is it big enough for two fishermen to spread out, but it also has room to boogie to your favorite disco song. So maybe it is a boat. I guess I’m conflicted. The bo-yak has three seat brackets and three ports for the Hobie pedal drive system so users have all kinds of configuration options. One is what they call the “social position,” which I think I saw in a Kama Sutra Sut book once. This is where the seats face each other but both people pe can still pedal and propel the yakboat forward. This very large personal per vessel takes the portable boat fi fishing shing market to a whole new level. It can be powered with an electric trolling motor via a bracket that can be mounted on the bow. It’s pre-molded for a transducer, and it has aluminum alumin rails for attaching endless accessories from cup holders to electronics electron to gardening tools, just in case you want to stop and plant some tomatoes. www.hobiecat.com

Docktail Bar Drinking and fishing go together like fishing and drinking. That’s why the Docktail Bar is a perfect invention. It will go on any boat and hold all sizes of bottles, cups and glasses. It’s everything you need to fix a drink without worrying about bottles sliding around. Just set the cup in place, fill it with ice and the liquids of your choice and Voila! Your drink is ready. It’s as simple and ingenious as a paperclip, but a lot more fun. The Docktail Bar is the second invention from Steve Fill, who also created an energy drink called Reel Adrenaline a few years ago. Now you can even use the Docktail Bar to mix up a vodka and Reel Adrenaline energy drink, so you’ll have a depressant and a stimulant all at once! www.docktailbar.com

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Snow Lizard SLXTREME First came the Lifeproof and the Otterbox waterproof cases for Smartphones. I tried them both for my iPhone and ended up abandoning them because people couldn’t hear me. And, hearing each other is one of the main reasons people talk on the phone, I think. Anyway, it was something about the membrane getting dirty. Nonetheless, I quit them. Fortunately, I discovered another case by a company called Snow Lizard. The SLXTREME looks bulletproof and is actually waterproof to six feet. But the best part is that it has a built-in solar panel and an extra battery that extends the phone charge by 150 percent. A super simple hatch opens up the top of the case and the phone just slides right in or out in two seconds. So easy. The SLXTREME works with iPhone 4 and 5 only. www.snowlizardproducts.com

Okuma Water Wolf ICAST is so huge that I scoured the aisle for three days but didn’t bump into what was the slickest product in the whole show until the end of the last day. It’s the Water Wolf camera by Okuma. It’s a bit smaller than a hot dog weenie, but a lot more durable and it won’t give you heartburn. But this HD underwater cam will make your heart palpitate when you see what it does. The unit attaches to your fishing line about two or three feet ahead of your lure so you get a close-up view of your bait zipping through the water. Then, if the fish are biting, you get to watch your lure get attacked by a hungry and, hopefully, large fish. I watched some of the footage, and it’s downright incredible to see how the fish react to the lure. Sometimes they eat it, sometimes they swerve away, but a lot times they just follow it for a while and check it out. The Water Wolf offers a new window into fish behavior and how well (or poorly) your lure works. When they roll off the production line this fall, I’m going to be first in line to buy one. Battery life is up to four hours. Just to be clear, this is not a live feed. You watch the footage after your day of fishing. Nonetheless, it’s amazing. www.okumafishing.com

X-Shield My personal ICAST award for oddest product goes to the X-Shield, a tinted full-face shield. I’m sure it has multiple and excellent applications, but I had a hard time getting over how silly it looked. Plus, it kinda made me want to rob a Jiffy Mart. If I’m doing some chain saw work in the bright sun, the X-Shield might be great. But it’s still funny looking. I had a hard time getting over that. Vanity, I guess. www.raygear.com

Next stop, the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show in October. Until then…

Note: ICAST is a trade show, not a consumer show so it’s reserved only for those in the fishing business. So don’t try this at home.

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Space coaSt cobia bIg-sHoUlDeReD cObIa aLwAyS pUt uP a gReAt fIgHt. BY NICK HONACHEFSKY

Spring is best, but cobia fishing can be productive off Florida’s central east coast all summer long.

hopped off the plane from New Jersey and stepped right onto Captain Glyn Austin’s 23’ Shoalwater at Sebastian Inlet, Florida. It was mid-May, the sun was beating down, and the mullet run was on. Mullet were everywhere, spilling out of the inlet and all along the Space Coast from Cape Canaveral down through Melbourne Beach. I unfurled my three-piece St. Croix, 7-ft. travel rod with spinning reel, fixed on a live bait slide rig, and promptly lanced on a live mullet as bait. It wasn’t tarpon, jacks or snook we were after—we had just one goal in mind…cobia! Whatever you call ‘em—brown clowns, kneebusters—any term of endearment doesn’t seem to do the species justice. Cobia are some of the hardest fighting and solid-shouldered fish in the deep blue, and I wanted a piece of the action.

Drifting live bait over near-shore wrecks usually finds hungry cobia looking for an easy meal.

the Space Shuttle launch pad. Cobia gravitate to wrecks later in the spring to feed on assorted wreck baitfish, and roving cobia will stick to structure to fatten up. “Drifting over a wreck is a top-notch tactic to find cobia that tend to stack up on the structure,” says Austin. “While migrating fish may have moved north by late May, June and July fishing will stick around the wrecks in 30- to 60-ft. depths.” Marking the structure that came 20 feet off the bottom, Glyn’s son Jesse and I dropped down fishfinder slide rigs, baited with live pogies, to see who was home. You couldn’t even crack open a beer before the first hit came hard. Bang! My rod was doubled over, bending at an angle that seemed to defy physics, and I began my battle. “Glyn! I’m on! And it’s big!” Before Glyn could acknowledge my statement, his eyes got serious when he promptly engaged his reel and set the hook back on

WReCk iT UP

something huge. “Nick! I’m really tight to something big, man!” he shouted out. It took a good 25 minutes for us to come up on the winning end of both battles, but at

The cobia grounds along Florida’s Space Coast, from Sebastian Inlet up past the

boatside, we nailed down a 35-lb. cobia and a monster 35-lb. jack crevalle. Another

Cape Canaveral seashore, are incredibly productive during the months of March

seven cobia of 20 to 40 lbs. fell to our pogy baits off that wreck.

through May. Under the shadow of the NASA launch pad, water temperatures hit the magic 69-degree mark, and cobia begin to hound the mullet and pogy

BLaCk RAyS

schools. The brown clowns usually can be found from one to six miles off the

After fighting a nice series of fish, it was time to get active and chase some rays.

shoreline, and the run will last all summer long, through the fall months.

Monstrous, yet majestic, manta rays span 10 feet across and travel in wolfpacks of

“Though many fish are in the 20- to 30-lb. class, there are always regular

three to four as they cruise the Space Coast. Believe me, it’s an unforgettable sight

catches of fish pushing past the 70-lb. mark here,” noted Austin. “And the

to witness a one-ton creature vault out of the water and gain 15 feet of air before

shipwrecks of the area are where to find those caliber fish.”

it comes crashing down like a depth charge explosion. Beauty aside, manta rays

That’s all I needed to hear. We pointed the bow to a three-mile wreck right off

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attract cobia and any single manta may have up to 15 fish gliding underneath.

It’s common to find fish in the 20- to 30-lbs. class, but a few in the 70-lb. range are landed each year.

DEtAiLs…

LUrEs: 2- to 3-oz. Spro or Williamson Lures Banjo Eye bucktails in pink or The cobia fishery is in good shape, and not only

do these fish provide great sport and sight-casting action, they are premiere table fare. Making this trip on your own or finding a local guide is easy to do. Here are the basics of our trip. Special thanks to Capt. Glyn Austin of Going Coastal Charters for an excellent excursion. Ph: 321-863-8085 or www.captainglynaustin.com.

chartreuse tipped with pink or white Hogy 7” plastics; topwater plugs like Rapala X-Rap Walk.

BAiTs: Live menhaden, croakers or mullet for live-lining on size 6/0 Gamakatsu or VMC 7385 circle hooks.

WHeN: Fishing peaks March through May, but continues through summertime.

WHeRe: The Space Coast off Florida’s East Coast, spanning the beachfront to

ROdS:

Medium- to heavy-action, 7-ft. conventional rods for live-baiting;

15 miles off, Melbourne Beach up through Cape Canaveral’s NASA

spinning rods for sight casting.

property and into New Smyrna Beach.

REeLs: Shimano Torium 20 reels or equivalent; Penn 6500SS spinning reels or equivalent.

LInEs:

30- to 50-lb. braided line with a top shot of 40- to 50-lb. fluorocarbon leader.

STaTe REcOrD: 130 lbs. 1 oz., caught near Destin, Florida. FLoRiDa rEgUlAtIoNs: Minimum length—33” fork length; Daily bag limit—1 fish per day or 6 per vessel, whichever is less.

www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 75

Austin educated me on the phenomenon. “The ray’s huge wingspan stirs up the shallow bottom, and baitfish follow the mantas primarily for cover,” says Austin. “Cobia find an easy food source, as the stirred bottom allows the cobia to ambush prey.” Without a doubt, this was sight-casting opportunity at its finest.

edges of the ray’s wings. When the first ray passed, my polarized glasses cut through the glare to see three dark shadows following underneath its body. It was go time. I placed my cast off the wingtip and witnessed a brown apparition pull off the ray, bee-lining for my presentation. Little twitch here,

Austin offered his advice: “Watch which direction the rays are swimming,

little twitch there—my bucktail was dancing a mad scene, enough to

get a compass heading and follow them. They will continue on that same

convince the shadow to rear its ugly head. Then came that magical

path,” said Glyn. “This way you can always be ahead of them, and if you

moment when a punishing jolt stopped the lure and all heck broke

happen to lose sight of them as they sound, you can make an educated

loose. The war was on. A little give, a lot of take, and my reel was

guess as to where they will pop up next.”

screeching in pain. Jesse was prepped with the net at boatside, and after

Heeding Austin’s advice, the next step was to make the proper

a 15-minute skirmish, I backed up on the boat and glided the big maw

cast. The idea was to land the lure 10 to 20 yards away from them, and

of the cobia—with a bucktail hanging out of its jaw—smack dab into

cast across the nose of a ray, timing the retrieve to intercept the nose

the net. SNAP! At that very moment my rod was done, broken from the

of the ray as it passes. Cobia hang off the wingtips of the ray, and a

pressure of a last-second mad dash by the massive fish. Thankfully, Jesse

smart presentation lands about five yards off the wingtips. We cruised

already had put the finishing touches on him.

up about 300 yards past a big black back of a ray, when Austin cut the

“Man, that one’s gotta be 45 pounds!” barked Austin.

engine and we allowed him to glide his way into our path, on a silent,

A 45-pound cobia is no doubt a treasured catch, but too bad it didn’t

yet deadly approach. Equipped with top-water poppers and bucktails

come with a refund on my $250 travel rod. Still, I’ll trade a fishing rod any

lanced with long rubber baits, we placed meticulous casts along the

day for a few succulent cobia steaks on the grill.

Cobia often shadow manta rays, and sight casting to these fish is a great strategy.

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Live bait, such as menhaden, croakers or mullet are excellent when working over a wreck.

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MEET THE CHEF

TRASH OR TREAT BY GHM STAFF

Chef Steve Phelps freely admits that a big part of the draw for his move to Sarasota 10 years ago was saltwater ﬁshing. He loves to catch as well cook the best of what the Gulf of Mexico has to offer, and his concerns and involvement in sustainability have earned him praise from conservation organizations nationwide. This summer, he and several other area chefs even collaborated on a unique event called the Trash Fish Dinner.

The event was a fundraiser for the non-profit Chef’s Collaborative, which works to promote sustainability and local food sourcing. Trash Fish Dinners are designed to introduce both chefs and the public to the delicious possibilities of fish that many anglers throw away or commercial operations might discard as bycatch, with the idea of providing alternatives to the highly pressured fish stocks of popular species like tuna.

Chef Steve Phelps | Chef, Indigenous

“It was a great night,” says Phelps. “Not only did I watch 125 people learn how to eat fish in a different way, we got to see other chefs collaborate and learn from them. We also got to hear about the issue of sustainable seafood from every end—aquariums, conservation organizations and fishermen.” The Trash Fish Dinner concept was a natural extension of the work Phelps has done in building his own restaurant in Sarasota called Indigenous. A constant educator of his guests, staff and the community, his mission is simple: good sourcing and respect for the planet. Indigenous’s menu of seasonal American cuisine changes throughout the year based on peak ingredient availability. The restaurant’s physical home also was meticulously restored to compliment its surroundings, the historic Towles Court district in downtown Sarasota. Originally from Cleveland, Phelps was fortunate to begin working in the kitchen at a young age under the guidance of his uncle, a military chef. Classically trained in France and Germany, his uncle passed on his techniques to the young Phelps, teaching him about every aspect of being a restaurateur. This turned out to be both fulfilling and fun for the rising chef, and his talents quickly blossomed, running kitchens at the prestigious Hyde Park Steakhouse entities, as well as other top Cleveland spots. Since opening Indigenous in 2011, Phelps has honed his reputation as one of the region’s most inspirational and educational chefs, earning a James Beard Foundation semi-finalist nomination for Best Chef, South in 2014.

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Trash Fish Dinners are designed to introduce both chefs and the public to the delicious possibilities of ﬁsh that many anglers throw away...

Marinated Amberjack with Preserved Lemon Celery Root Puree, Grated Purple Cauliﬂower, Squash 4, 6 oz Amberjack fillets (marinated in olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar) 2T

Olive oil

Preserved Lemon and Celery Root Puree 1

Pan Seared Open Blue Sea Farms Cobia with Jalapeño Parsley Puree, Griddled Corn Cake, Tomato Jam 4, 6 oz Open Blue Sea Farms Cobia seasoned with

1 2 lg

Basil leaves, torn in to pieces

Celery root peeled and diced (about 1½ C) Preserved lemon, seeded and diced (or 1 T grated lemon zest)

1 sprig Tarragon

1 qt Cream

¼C

Salt to taste

Sugar

2 tsp Red pepper flakes

In a small sauce pan, place celery root, lemon, cream

Place all ingredients in a non-reactive pan and

and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and then simmer

sea salt and pepper

simmer for 30–35 minutes, stirring constantly until

until celery root is soft. Puree in blender or with hand

Olive oil for searing

thick, then set aside.

blender until smooth; season with salt.

Jalapeño Parsley Puree

marinade, and season with salt and pepper. Heat

Before cooking amberjack, pat dry of excess

Griddle Corn Cakes 3C

Fresh corn kernel

Jalapeños, diced, seeded

oil in a large skillet until very hot. Sear off fillets on

Fresh corn puree ( 2 C corn pureed with

Parsley, washed, stemmed

both sides and finish in oven if necessary. Garnish

¼ C cream)

½C

Olive oil

with grated cauliflower and very thinly sliced squash;

Eggs, beaten

Salt to taste

2¼ C Queso fresco or white cheddar grated

Place all ingredients in blender and puree

2¼ C Unbleached flour sifted

until smooth.

1½ tsp Baking powder 1C

Whole milk

sprinkle with sea salt. Serve with puree.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Remove cobia

Mix corn, corn puree and beaten eggs. In a separate

from marinade; pat dry.

bowl, mix baking powder and flour; then add the

Heat oil in medium skillet

flour mixture to the corn mixture. Slowly pour in milk.

until very hot. Gently place

Season with salt and refrigerate until ready to use.

fish in oil and sauté on both sides until nicely browned.

Tomato Jam

Remove from skillet and

Tomatoes, ripe, coarsely pureed

place in oven for 5–6

Shallot, sliced thin

minutes to cook through.

Cloves garlic, sliced thin

Fry up griddle cakes and

Mustard seeds

plate with cooked fish,

Honey

tomato jam and jalapeño

Lime juice from one lime

parsley puree.

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LAST CAST

HOOKED ON THE OLD COUNTRY If you’re a goofy American trying to blend into Italian culture,

Europe. In most cases, their challenges make ours look

like I was this past summer, it’s dangerous to get preachy

simple. We complain that fishery management in the Gulf of

about conservation. After all, we have only inhabited North

Mexico is difficult because we’re trying to get five states and

America for a few hundred years. Rome’s been living the

the feds on the same page. Consider the Mediterranean,

human experiment for 3,000 years. And, in our relatively

which is bordered by 21 different countries, some of which

short time in the New World, we have a pretty crappy

actively promote illegal fishing. You know who you are

track record. After we did our best to eradicate the Native

Tunisia! A once bountiful bluefin tuna fishery was on the

Americans, we turned our destructive instincts toward

brink of extinction just 10 years ago. Aggressive action by

the environment. We created a dust bowl in the Midwest, clear-cut forests, strip-mined mountains and pumped our rivers full of industrial effluents. Florida stomped

the European Union

Consider the Mediterranean, which is bordered by 21 different countries, some of which actively promote illegal ﬁshing.

and the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) seems to have helped, and tuna in the Med

FRED GARTH

on nature, too, full of

For the past 25 years, Fred D.

industrial effluents. by

Garth’s articles have appeared in

draining the Everglades,

numerous books, magazines and

building a shrine to a cartoon mouse and abusing our

rampant illegal fishing from European and African fleets.

newspapers around the world.

nation’s only live reef system (sorry Hawaii, I’m not counting

Interesting sidenote: 80 percent of the Med’s tuna harvest

Read his blog at:

you this time). This was accelerated when Standard Oil

goes to Japan.

GuyHarveyMagazine.com.

tycoon, Henry Flagler, built his famous railroad to Key West

bouncing back. That is despite continued and

Land-based conservation in Europe is a sticky wicket

in the early 1900s. Since then, Americans have been flocking

as well because the continent is roughly the same size as

south to enjoy bountiful waters, explore great fishing

the U.S., but with twice the population, more cars on the

opportunities and build cheesy trailer parks. And, while the

road and a lot of people who don’t seem to speak English

Keys still offer amazing fishing opportunities, the islands

very well. However, there are some amazing examples of

are under siege by a growing number of sun seekers, which

conservation. Because I’m a tree hugging, recycling, solar-

generally translates into more degradation. Fortunately, the

energy freak, I Googled “sustainable farms in Tuscany” as part

irresponsible trends of the past two centuries are now being

of my routine trip planning. I found Tenuta di Spannocchia.

offset by growing awareness and new conservation groups

The place was dubbed an Agritourismo, an organic farm

that are fighting to protect special ecosystems, like the Keys,

that allows tourists to stay, relax and sample the goodies

that we invaded a mere 150 years ago. In Europe, they have

produced on site—everything from huge carrots and giant

sausages older than that.

heads of lettuce to prosciutto ham to olive oil to honey and,

This is not to say that everything is all rose petals in

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are showing signs of

to our delight, several varieties of delicious wine.

Tuscany’s Tenuta di Spannocchia is a sustainable, organic farm. The Italians call it an Agritourismo because tourists can stay and sample the local delights.

The land has been farmed since the 1100s under the mezzadria system in

After several visits, the couple shed their American existence and moved to

which peasant farmers used plots of land in return for sharing half of their crop

Italy full time to bring Spannocchia back to its former glory. Today, not only has it

(mezza is Latin for half ) with the landowner. The mezzadria worked in relative

been rebuilt, but they’ve done so with sustainability as a key tenant. Everything

harmony for almost 1,000 years but changed after World War II when industrial

is recycled and all food waste is composted into the garden. They’ve employed

agriculture blossomed. Poor farmers left their plows behind for high-paying

alternative power systems for heat and electricity. There’s a state-of-the-art, four-

factory jobs, while mega logging companies clear-cut the hills for quick profit

stage sewer system that uses settling ponds and grasses as natural filters. The final

without considering long-term sustainability. Post-war economic growth in Italy

effluent is so clean it’s used to water the fruit orchards.

and the U.S. basically ignored the toll it took on the environment because people

There are cows, chickens, fresh eggs and organic vegetables. They raise an

were more interested in eating and having shelter than saving spotted owls,

endangered breed of heritage Cinta Senese pigs and make several tasty treats

snook, whales, tarpon…uh, you get the idea.

including prosciutto, which I sampled on many occasions as part of my exhaustive

Back at Tenuta di Spannocchia, nature invaded. By the time Harvard graduate

research. It’s not that I wanted to drink the wine or eat exotic cheeses and hams,

Randall Stratton and his wife, Franchesca (the granddaughter of Spannocchia’s

but these are the lengths I will go to keep it real for Guy Harvey Magazine. It’s just

owner, Delfino Cinelli, who was a noted Italian author), intervened in 1981, the

the way I roll.

place was literally falling apart. “There was really no farming going on at all at that time,” Randall told me. “A lot of the olive orchards and vineyards were overgrown by forests, and the buildings were in desperate need of repair.”

The resurrection of Spannocchia as a sustainable farm was not only intended to produce enough food to feed the residents and guests, but also to help supply the townsfolk of the local village of Rosia with organic sustenance. “We offer our products at the farmer’s cooperative in Rosia. The whole

www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 81

Above: Bluefin tuna once roamed the Mediterranean in great numbers. Photo: NOAA. Right: Heritage Cinta Senese pigs are used for various sources of food including prosciutto.

idea behind Spannocchia’s farm is to provide a symbiotic relationship with

things toward successfully managing an entire continent. Spannocchia is just

the local city.”

one shining example. The landscape from Holland to Italy is rich with farms

I’m sure there are lots of amazing places to stay in Tuscany. But my vote

and vineyards. In Germany, almost every barn is covered in solar panels. Maybe

goes to Spannocchia—not just because the food and drink are fabulous and the

thousands of years of living in close proximity to one another has forced man and

architecture is spectacular, but because they represent responsible use of the land

land to cohabitate. Maybe it’s all the good wine they make. Maybe it’s that they

and they practice sustainability as the correct way to live.

place eating above money as their primary focus. Whatever the reason, we can

This recent European experience has given me hope that we Americans can nurse our gems back to pristine conditions because they’re doing some good

perhaps learn some lessons from our neighbors across the big water. And, for me, my hard-hitting research must continue. Somebody has to do it.

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