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CONTENTS
WINTER 2017
A TASTE OF MISSISSIPPI
24
34 40
A TASTE OF MISSISSIPPI
46
24
Squeezed into the middle of the Northern Gulf of Mexico are the
A CONVERSATION WITH JAMIE MILLER
marshy wonders of Mississippi, which give way to long barrier
We sit down with the Man-In-Charge at the MDMR and talk fishing
islands and ultimately to offshore reefs and blue water. Fishing runs
regulations, snapper management, and the balance between
deep here, and it shouldn’t be missed.
recreational and commercial fishing.
BY NICK HONACHEFSKY
BY GHM STAFF
THE CANARY IN THE MINE
48
SECRETS OF THE SAVANNA
Oysters are delicious, yes, but they are also a great gauge for the
Tucked into Mississippi’s southeast corner is a sprawling landscape so
health of inland waterways, which is why Mississippi is investing big
special it’s now a National Estuarine Research Reserve. It’s a place where
money in restoring this historic fishery.
science, fishing and community meet in the best possible way.
BY FRANK SARGEANT
BY DARYL CARSON
MISSISSIPPI SALTWATER TOURNAMENT GUIDE From big blue water events to regional inshore action, Mississippi is a
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FOUL WEATHER GEAR Don’t let sloppy weather keep you at the dock or catch you off guard when the bite is on. The latest in foul weather gear will keep
top destination for competitive anglers who can win big and do good
you fishing comfortably no matter what nature throws your way.
at the same time.
BY GHM STAFF
BY DAVE LEAR
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PHOTO PORTFOLIO
52
DEPARTMENTS
16
20
52
GUY TALK
The Science Behind Bluefin Tuna
76
MEET THE CHEF
Homegrown The three chefs we showcase this issue have a wide
The good doctor discusses his diving and fishing exploits
range of culinary influences and experiences, but today,
with giant bluefin tuna and the critical research necessary to
each one is back cooking right where they were born
protect the most expensive fish in the ocean.
and raised. Good eats, it seems, can take you home.
BY GUY HARVEY, PhD
BY GHM STAFF
THE BITE
80
News, Notes & Gear
LAST CAST
Hooked on Mississippi
Find out who fights for fishing, get the low-down on
It takes more than journalistic know-how to produce a
upcoming tournaments and check out some hot new fishing
state-themed issue of GHM. Like what, you say? We’ll let
products.
the boss explain.
BY GHM STAFF
BY FRED GARTH
PHOTO PORTFOLIO
D.S. Jones We take in the scenic Mississippi coast through the lens of native photographer and avid angler D.S. Jones.
On the Cover: Spotted Seatrout by Guy Harvey
www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 9
CONTENTS
WINTER 2017
FAST TIMES IN MEXICO
60
DOCK BUZZ
Being Social
64
66
FEATURED PRODUCTS
The Complete Offshore Angler
For all the good that social media can and does bring
Have you got what you need? We pick 15 of our favorite
in the world, it is too often a platform for the ugly
must-haves for blue water fishing from some of the sport’s
side of humanity. Enough is enough! When it comes
best brands.
to fishing, don’t be an internet troll.
BY CA STAFF
BY NICK HONACHEFSKY
62
BACKLASH
The Fishing Behind the Science
66
FEATURE
Fast Times in Mexico The northern stretch of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula is
We talk to Guy about the techniques he uses and his
known as the Riviera Maya. It’s dotted with great resorts
experiences over years of fishing and tagging marlin,
and a ton of unspoiled fishing. At the southern end is the
makos, sails and more.
inshore fishing paradise of Ascension Bay.
BY CA STAFF
BY NICK HONACHEFSKY
CompleteAngler Angler(CA) (CA) our “magazine within the magazine,” Complete is is our “magazine within the magazine,” dedicated
dedicated to fishing hard-core fishing enthusiasts & delivering to experts, to hard-core enthusiasts and delivering access toaccess experts, the the latest in fishing gear, and the hottest fishing spots on the planet. latest in fishing gear and the hottest fishing spots on the planet. 10 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com
f l u G TH E T S A T
E
MISSISSIPPI SEAFOOD stands out from the rest. Every tasty bite stems from our nutrient-rich waterways of the Gulf of Mexico. Bursting with fresh flavor, our seafood thrives with local culture and supports a unique way of life. We invite you to learn why Mississippi Gulf Fresh Seafood is some of the best seafood in the world!
WWW.MSSEAFOOD.COM
COME ON! TAKE YOUR PICK!
www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 11
GUY HARVEY MAGAZINE OFFICES: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA Fred Garth, Editor-in-Chief NEW YORK, NEW YORK Merrill Squires, Partner SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA Scott Smith, Partner
CREDITS TO: PUBLISHER
Made in USA
d
Lost Key Publishing Managing Editor Daryl Carson Art Director Carly Stone Circulation Director Penny Jones Director of Sales & Marketing JJ Waters Ad Sales Director Justin Gaudin Editor, Complete Angler Nick Honachefsky Accounting Karen Belser Copy Editor Kerrie Allen Contributing Editors Dr. Guy Harvey, Danny Thornton Contributors Edmond Boudreaux, Craig Brumfield, Julian Brunt, Alex Eaton, Chris Garrett, D.S. Jones, Dave Lear, Alex North, Lynn Patterson, Sandra Patterson, Alex Perry, Ben Raines, Fred Salinas, Frank Sargeant, George Schellenger, Erika Zambello Editorial Advisory Board Dr. Guy Harvey, Chad Henderson, Bill Shedd, Dr. Mahmood Shivji, Harvey Taulien, John Guidroz, David Wilkinson
WE’RE GREEN:
Finding an environmentally-friendly printer is important to us. That’s why this
magazine is printed at Publishers Press in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. Publishers Press recycles more than 50 million pounds of paper products each year, which saves 10 million gallons of oil, 35,000 trees and 14 million gallons of water. Publishers Press also recycles more than 300,000 pounds of aluminum printing plates annually and no hazardous wastes are ever sent to a landfill, but are recycled and reused. Additionally, they recycle
217 tons of plastic each year and have set aside 550 of the 700 acres they own to be used for
DOA 2.75 Shrimp - the totally new design is the best of both worlds – it’s like fishing a jig and a DOA Shrimp. The weighted hook is super sharp and slips seamlessly into the body of the shrimp. Slightly smaller and heavier than the Original, it has a molded in rattle cavity to easily add sound, skips well, sinks fast, and casts like a bullet.
w w w. d o a l u re s. co m
conservation and recreation. GUY HARVEY MAGAZINE, Issue 26, Winter 2017. 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. Application to mail at periodicals postage prices is pending at Pensacola, Florida and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Guy Harvey Magazine, PO Box 13274, Pensacola, FL 32591-3274. 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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CONTRIBUTOR’S PROFILE NICK AT NIGHT Regular readers of GHM should know the name Nick Honachefsky. A longtime contributor and editor of the Complete Angler, Nick’s words and smiling mug have helped us cover fishing all over the U.S. and Caribbean. Nick is a veteran fishing writer and TV host and that makes him a busy man, but in this issue, we scored a trifecta. We got him to write two features—one on the Riviera Maya (p. 66) and the other on Coastal Mississippi (p. 24)—and he penned a tirade about the fishing community’s growing number of internet trolls. It was an epic effort. What readers wouldn’t know is that Nick traveled to Mississippi and Mexico in back-to-back trips with what we hope was enough time to do a load of laundry. If not, Nick wouldn’t whine about it. He’d just buy new underwear and soldier on. That’s why we like him. We also like him because he’s from New Jersey and, while being an incredibly nice guy, he doesn’t mind getting in your face, if it’s warranted. See the above-mentioned tirade in his regular “Dock Buzz” column (p. 60). For any young anglers out there looking to follow in Nick’s footsteps, we’d just like to point out that his stories never mention sleep. In fact, if you follow him on social media, Nick is always fishing somewhere. When he’s not traveling or filming, he’s pulling all-nighters on the beach hauling in stripers and bluefish from the Jersey surf. In Mexico, he spent all day on the water and then most nights fishing the shoreline behind his bungalow. It’s either insomnia or passion. We suspect it’s the latter, and the real secret to his success.
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Check out Nick on World Fishing Network’s Hookin’ Up with Nick and Mariko at worldfishingnetwork.com.
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www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 15
GUY TALK
THE SCIENCE BEHIND BLUEFIN TUNA I was diving in the frigid, green waters of Nova Scotia as I
ritual that began with the Phoenicians and then the Romans.
turned to face a giant bluefin tuna rising out of the abyss,
Now, the captured fish are put in pens to grow so they can
gliding, silent and purposeful. Its eyes wide, mouth slightly
be sold for more profit.
agape, the dorsal fin suddenly raised, pelvic fins lowered and
Swimming with and catching bluefin tuna creates a
the gills flared, the fish inhaled a slowing sinking herring. It
rush of adrenaline like nothing else. Yet, unfortunately, their
turned sharply as the afternoon sun caught its bronze flanks.
flavor has pushed them into perilous territory. The Atlantic
The water around the fish was momentarily lit in a golden
bluefin tuna population has seen dramatic declines since
glow. Then another one rose up and another and then
the 1970s due mostly to rampant overfishing. What you may
several came in a rush to suck down the drifting herring. The
not know is that these giants spawn in only two places—the
average size of these giant bluefins was 800 lbs. Giants…
western Mediterranean and the Gulf of Mexico. The issues in
that’s the correct terminology. These fish are up to 12 ft. long
the Mediterranean are foreboding where so many nations
with a seven-foot girth. Several that swept by me were in the
share the shoreline and political chaos is the norm. However, there is good reason for optimism for the tuna
GUY HARVEY, PhD
in the gulf, and one strong reason is my friend, Jim Franks, a
is an internationally-acclaimed
longtime and highly honored researcher with the University
artist, fisherman, scientist, and
2002, I visited the Southern (and warmer) coast of Spain
of Southern Mississippi. Tall, gray and unassuming, Jim has
world traveler, who devotes
where I dived with captive tuna and witnessed the harvest
a quiet demeanor but his passion for tuna is unwavering.
much of his time and money
of more than 300 bluefins that were destined for underwater
That’s why, after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the Guy
toward ocean conservation.
traps. Tuna fishing in the Mediterranean is a 2,000 year-old
Harvey Ocean Foundation partnered with Jim to study
1,200-pound range. My video camera captured it all as they swam past gobbling up the chum. Nova Scotia was not my first brush with giants. Back in
16 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com
bluefin tuna larvae diet and habitat to better understand the future of the bluefin. Recently published research found that their diet consisted almost exclusively of crustaceans (e.g. crabs, shrimp) and varied by year and fish size. Thanks to Jim and his team’s ongoing research, we now know more about their feeding and breeding habits so that we can protect a fish that’s so delicious, so coveted and so profitable, that it continues to be overfished zealously. As we developed this issue of Guy Harvey Magazine, we discovered that Jim’s tuna research is not the only vital fishery work coming out of Mississippi, a state with approximately 70 miles of Gulf of Mexico coastline. Perhaps, the state’s most ambitious project—and one I would like to bring special attention to—is restoring a once vibrant oyster population that has fallen onto hard times due to hurricanes, the oil spill and fresh water flooding. The goal: to build the stock to a million sacks per year by 2025. Production has dropped from 490,000 sacks in 2004 to 40,000 sacks in 2015. So, yes, the fishery managers are both optimistic and ambitious. Why oysters? There are at least five reasons: they help to mitigate shoreline erosion, they filter the water, they provide critical habitat for sportfish, they create jobs and, best of all, they’re delicious. That’s a win/win/win/win/win! I hope you enjoy this issue, and are both inspired and informed. Whether in the Mediterranean or the Gulf of Mexico, the fun and the work of fishing are never done.
Fair Wind and Tight Lines!
www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 17
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NEWS, NOTES & GEAR It’s safe to say that one of the greatest things about fishing is it can be an escape from politics. No matter what side you rooted for—or railed
ASA Fights for Fishing
against—in the latest election cycle, it’s likely we all agree that prescription drug commercials took on a certain appeal after enduring all those campaign
BY GHM STAFF
ads. But like it or not, politics are a necessary part of life, and though we may not think about it when we’re doubled up on a big fish, they’re also a big part of our favorite pastime. Fortunately, there are a lot of folks out there advocating for fishing, be it in Washington or Tallahassee or Sacramento or any other state capitol. Groups like CCA (Coastal Conservation Association) do great work to represent the interests of anglers and protect recreational fishing, as does the IGFA (International Game Fish Association) and more focused groups like the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust. But one group in particular has gone to work on a national level. It’s the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) and their advocacy arm Keep America Fishing. As the recreational fishing industry’s major trade organization, ASA is able to pull together some serious political muscle. They look out for their members, the companies that sell us gear and boats and take us on charters, but they also advocate for the 46 million anglers who make up the fraternity of fishing. This includes fighting against unnecessary regulations, promoting access to waterways and pushing for smart fisheries management. If you’re not familiar with ASA, think of them as the people who help keep big brother in check. Here’s how they have been working in recent months to promote and protect the sport we love:
The ASA advocates for the full spectrum of recreational fishing issues, which recently include pushing for Everglades restoration funds and pushing against bad tuna regulations.
ASA recently joined with a number of other organizations to oppose listing Pacific bluefin tuna as endangered under the Endangered Species Act and to oppose a petition to ban all fishing, including recreational fishing, in U.S. waters. Combining commercial and recreational fishing into one user group would unduly penalize recreational fishermen and the sportfishing industry because only 1.5 percent of Pacific bluefin tuna are caught by U.S. anglers. Furthermore, according to the ASA, conservation measures implemented several years ago by the U.S. and the international organizations responsible for management of tuna—Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC)—have had a positive effect on reducing fishing pressure. A decision on the ban is likely by this summer.
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Congress recently passed, and the President signed, an ASA-supported
way as other business sectors and sportfishing’s contributions to travel and
bill that included a $1.95 billion authorization for the Central Everglades
tourism, not just the purchase of tackle, are understood.
Planning Project (CEPP). CEPP is a critical step toward facilitating the flow and treatment of water south of Lake Okeechobee in Florida into the Everglades, providing relief for the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee estuary systems by
An area of emphasis in 2017 and beyond will be recruiting new anglers to
reducing substantial freshwater releases that have caused significant habitat
the sport. Participation is trending down in younger demographics, which
and fisheries damage, and algal blooms (See GHM Fall 2016).
could impact the economy as well as conservation efforts. To address this challenge, the non-profit Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation, with the industry’s support, has launched an effort dubbed “60 in 60,” which aims
This past December, President Obama signed into law the Outdoor Recreation
to reach 60 million anglers in 60 months (2020).
Jobs and Economic Impact Act of 2016. The bill, known as the Outdoor REC Act, ensures the outdoor economy—including recreational sportfishing—and its estimated six million jobs and $646 billion impact are considered part
For more information on the outstanding efforts of the American Sportfishing
of the nation’s annual GDP (gross domestic product). It means the outdoor
Association and Keep America Fishing, and how you can do your part, visit
industry’s economic statistics will be measured in the same comprehensive
www.asafishing.org and www.keepamericafishing.com.
www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 21
Cuda Lightweight Gaffs
Cuda Adjustable Tag Stick
Made with lightweight, but incredibly strong, carbon fiber shafts, Cuda’s line of
When it comes to tag and release, Cuda has anglers covered with a telescoping
gaffs are nimble and easy to deploy when the action is fast. Patented stainless
tag stick that stretches from 35 to 73 inches. Made from aircraft aluminum, it is
steel hooks are designed for a sure
lightweight and durable and the standard tag spike works with National Marine
bite on the fish and integrated tip
Fisheries tags (not included). A non-slip grip and lanyard system help keep the
protectors help ensure it’s only the
stick in hand. Pair your Tag Stick with a special connector (sold separately) and it
fish that gets stuck. Corded grips do
can also be used as the ultimate camera pole.
their job, especially when hands are
$49.99
wet, and, our favorite feature, these
cudabrand.com
gaffs float, so you’ll never lose your investment to a clumsy friend or mate. Available in lengths of 4, 6 and 8 feet. $149.99 to 269.99 cudabrand.com
Pictured: Cuda 8 ft. Carbon Fiber Gaff
LiveWire Lures Hand crafted, tournament-grade lures from LiveWire are made for a lifetime of fishing. Formed with ultra high end industrial resin, they are built not to
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22 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com
chip, yellow or break. Available in more than 20 lure designs with hundreds of color options, anglers can customize a spread to target wahoo, mahi or billfish. Lures are available individually or in sets, along with lure bags, hook sets and terminal tackle. $29.99-79.99 (individual lures) livewiretackle.com
Upcoming Tournaments 2017 South Carolina Wahoo Series South Carolina January 29-April 17 Entry fee is $550 and there are several “tournament within the tournament” options. Categories include wahoo, amberjack, dolphin and tuna. First prize is
“Nothing renews your spirit like a sunset over the water.”
$15,000, though total payouts to the winner can be double that amount. www.scwahooseries.com
Quepos Billfish Cup Quepos, Costa Rica February 1-4 The Quepos Billfish Cup is a three-day billfish team event with top team honors going to the team that tallies the most billfish points during the tournament. Trophies and prizes also awarded for most tag releases, top angler and lady angler, junior angler and largest fish weighed. $25,000 grand prize guaranteed. www.queposbillfishcup.com
Island Time Fishing Tournament Isla Mujeres, Mexico February 6-11 All of the proceeds from this charity tournament go towards the Little Yellow School House, providing services, free of charge, to special needs children on Isla Mujeres. www.islandtimefishingtournament.com
Sea Spray Abaco Challenge Abaco, Bahamas February 9-11 This year will be the First Annual Sea Spray Abaco Challenge, an event aimed at both the sportfishing crowd and their friends, families and relatives. The three-day event includes two full days of fishing across multiple species categories. Evenings will be laid back with great entertainment and local cuisine. www.seasprayabacochallenge.com
Jimmy Johnson National Billfish Championship
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March 8-11
Y HARV
EY
Key Largo, Florida
Sponsored by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, the 6th Annual Jimmy Johnson’s “Quest for the Ring” Championship Fishing Week is a fourday event. It includes the one-day Celebrity Pro Am, two-day Billfish Championship and one-day Sportfish Championship, hosted by Contender Boats and Garmin. www.jimmyjohnsonbillfishchampionship.com
6000 Gulf Blvd. St.Pete Beach, FL 888.906.5645 GoGetOutThere.com
OUTPOST www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 23
A Taste of Mississippi Once you sample the salty side of Mississippi fishing, you won’t be able to help going back for more. BY NICK HONACHEFSKY
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Local fisherman landing a redfish at sunrise in Waveland, MS. Photo: Alex North.
A
t first, it’s ghostly quiet. Dew drips off marsh reeds shrouded in the morning fog, and the only thing to break the silence is the intermittent cackling of a crack of marsh herons. The sun begins to rise over Cat Island, one of the Mississippi barrier islands, and inches over slick-calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Eventually, we hear the hum of diesel engines from far-off shrimp boats as we make our way out of Bay St. Louis. Things are coming to life and it seems everybody gets up early here, and for good reason. I’m with Captain Sonny Schindler of Shore Thing Charters, and Mike Jones, program manager of Outdoor Recreation of the Mississippi Department of Tourism. We speed out on Schindler’s 23-ft. Hydrasport skiff, out to Biloxi Marsh. As the dew burns off, we race the sunrise to get a jump on some speckled trout and redfish. We set up in a channel, with nary a soul around in glassy, calm waters, and wait for a second or two as Schindler cuts the engine. After just a moment, we see shrimp hop-skipping clean out of the water. Behind them are boils. I launch a shrimp fly out on the fly rod and start stripping in quick, short bursts.
www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 25
It’s my first cast, and it wouldn’t be my last when my line comes tight. One after
easy, half-hour run into Louisiana waters to target fish, too, so asking your guide
another, speckled trout come over the gunnel, my shrimp fly planted firmly
beforehand where you will be fishing may warrant a Louisiana fishing license. That
between their spiked teeth, until I literally do not care if another hits or not. I am
said, my Mississippi fishing experience is already proving to be intense. I’ve never
already well over 30 specks in 40 casts. It’s that easy.
experienced such constant action on speckled sea trout before.
Mississippi’s coastline is a relatively short stretch of the Gulf Coast, but the
“We don’t get the real size of trout back here,” says Sonny, “but we do get
state and its host of experienced guides make the most of it. Most backwater
incredible numbers in Mississippi. The biggest trout you’ll see is about three
guides running out of Gulfport, Pascagoula, Biloxi, and Lakeshore will target the
to four pounds, but you’ll get hundreds of the one- to two-pounders, hands
Biloxi Marsh, Mississippi Sound and Chandeleur Sound—areas all comprised of
down.” Sonny isn’t kidding. The state has liberal limits on seatrout: 15 fish at 15 in.
muddy reed cuts and open bay channels—as well as to the out islands such as
minimum size, and you don’t have to feel bad about scoring your limit because
Cat Island and Horn Island. Depending on the season, guides will also make the
there is more than enough to go around. The backwater creeks and bays are a
Above: Redfish enjoy the distinction as the workhorse species of the Mississippi marshes. Many times, the tannic, stained waters of backwater lagoons contribute an unusual golden/orange color to their flanks. Right: Hungry Mississippi reds will eat the most unusual things, including critter-themed lures. Yes, those are ducklings.
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world-class holding pen of trout like you’ve never seen before. Sonny and Mike
Sonny puts us in stealth mode, deploying the trolling motor, and we gently
prove this point by casting clack float baits with a 3-ft. leader and loaded with
ply the coves where redfish are known to root down in one to five feet of water.
indigenous cocahoe minnows, commonly known as killifish or mud minnows. The
Mike casts his clack float with cocahoe minnow, jerks it three times to attract some
commotion of the clack float is like a signal for all trout in the area to feed.
attention and it goes down hard. “Reel up!” barks Sonny, and Mike is fast tied to a
An hour or so after peeking over the horizon, the sun loses its crimson hue and just garnered its yellow color and it is time to make a move. “Let’s go sight cast for redfish,” says Sonny. “They will be pushing along the mud marsh banks now and we’ll be able to see them.” As the sun climbs, we push into the back marshes a bit more, scoping out
big ol’ red, one that will weigh in at 12 lbs., and has beautiful black spot marks on its flagged tail. “That’s gonna be dinner. I love ’em blackened,” says Mike. After all, it is his birthday and he deserves to have a blackened redfish dinner to celebrate. Sonny keeps the trolling motor gliding through backchannels and tiny winding creeks to
marsh banks where Virginia rails and lesser yellowlegs sneak in and out of the
work the points off marsh banks where reds tend to lay in wait on outgoing tides,
tall marsh reed grasses. We patrol the sides of the muddy marsh banks, spying
sucking down unsuspecting baitfish. You never think you can sight cast to reds in
nutria huts made from marsh reeds. The big rodents are an invasive species that
muddy water, but with the right wind, you can play the sunlight and get a good
colonized the area many decades ago. Sight fishing for redfish, we see a big
bead on golden, brownish-red shadows that lumber along the mud banks. And
broomtail appear, slow and lumbering.
this is just what we do, cast after cast.
“Reds are aggressive and will feed on anything that makes a meal,” says Sonny,
Mississippi’s saltwater bounty is obvious in these shallow backwaters, but
as he rears back and launches a Savage Gear baby duck imitation lure. It is one of
it extends far beyond fishing for redfish, speckled trout and southern flounder.
the most gaudy, crazy-looking lures I have ever laid eyes on. I simply tie on a 3/8-
The state’s natural marsh and inland waterways give way to a series of long,
oz. jighead with an Electric Chicken bull minnow soft plastic and put the lure right
thin barrier islands and then the open expanses of the Gulf. The fishing is
in front of a tailing redfish in the muddy water. Before I can get three cranks on the
plentiful in each of these zones and has been bolstered by hundreds of man-
reel, it’s put to the test with an 8-lb. redfish.
made reef systems. Back bay and inshore reefs are comprised of anything from
www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 27
Bent rods are typical when plying Mississippi’s bayous and bays. Redfish and bridge rubble to oyster beds and attract redfish, sheepshead, trout and
speckled seatrout highlight the action, but keep an eye on the reedy marsh for
flounder, while the state’s 15 offshore reef systems that extend into the
other wildlife, including sea ducks, nutria and crustaceans.
Gulf of Mexico contain concrete rubble, steel hull vessels and Florida limestone reef pyramids. Mississippi’s Rigs to Reefs program also offers defunct oil rig structures in 150 to 400 ft. of water and more that attract big game species such as cobia, mahi, swordfish, yellowfin tuna, blue marlin, jacks, and sharks along with typical reef species such as snapper, triggerfish and grouper. In general, trout and redfish can be caught year-round with peak season in the summer through the fall months. Wintertime offers up sheepshead and black drum on the inshore reefs. Offshore fishing is best for cobia during the spring and early summer where all summer long mahi can be caught and yellowfin tuna go on the chew during the fall. After wearing ourselves out on bay reds, Sonny takes us to a honey hole—actually, a feeder creek—where a confluence of bay water flushes out into crooked mud creeks you can jump across with a good head of steam. We set the stick anchor down on one of these Biloxi Marsh creek junctions and Mike, Sonny and I cast out 1/2-oz. naked lead heads tipped with cocahoe minnows and begin to bounce them off the bottom. Hitting pay dirt is no play on words here, as every single one of us is quickly tied to redfish of 15 to 26 in. on nearly every cast. I decide I don’t want to leave Mississippi without crossing a flycaught red off my list, so I employ the 6-weight and shrimp fly while Sonny and Mike put their rods down and let me do my thing. A few dozen casts go out but to no avail. Sonny picks up the minnow rod again to prove a point, catching three more slot reds in succession. Not to be outdone, I keep at it. After my hundredth cast, or about there, the sinking line finally comes tight. A beautiful spotted redfish of 17 in. sucks down my fly and rips my drag, but not enough to get away. I put the red on deck and my smile goes as wide as the horizon. To finish the day, we belly up at the Blind Tiger in Bay St. Louis and receive the royal Mississippi treatment: the kitchen prepares our catch of reds and specks with Cajun spices and grills them to perfection. The redfish was, of course, blackened and served with a chutney-type sauce, paired with a side of red potatoes and corn soaked in drawn butter that made the whole Mississippi experience complete. It’s safe to say Mississippi has its down-home hold on me, and I’ll be back to the bayou again.
Special thanks to Shore Thing Charters and Captain Sonny Schindler (www. shorethingcharters.com) as well as Baytown Inn (www.baytowninn.com) and the Mississippi Department of Tourism (www.visitmississippi.org).
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B Good things are expected for fishermen as Mississippi invests more in its artificial reef program. BY BEN RAINES
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In the last year, the state of Mississippi added 7,000 tons of rubble to its offshore reef complex, signaling its commitment to the kind of game-changing habitat engineering that has proven so successful in neighboring Alabama. Mississippi’s program began in the early 1970s, when five World War II-era Liberty ships were sunk off the state’s coastline. The Liberty ship program saw a handful of the rusting vessels, long since retired, sunk off each state and repurposed as artificial reefs. These big steel ships, each about 400 feet long, provided the first significant hard structure off both Mississippi and Alabama, and in the Gulf, hard structure means marine life. Their success at attracting game fish, and fishermen, was instantaneous.
This wreck, stripped clean and prepared for reefing, is about to become the newest addition to Mississippi’s artificial reef program. Officials are pushing to build more such reefs in the next several years. Photo: Courtesy of MS DMR.
Partly, that success hinged on location. Scientists refer to the portion of the northern Gulf between the mouth of Mobile Bay and the mouth of the Mississippi River as the “Fertile Fisheries Crescent.” Thanks to the
The steel-hulled wrecks include the Liberty ships, but also decommissioned pogie (or menhaden) harvesting boats, barges and shrimp boats. “Within nine miles, where the fishermen can harvest snapper during
nutrient-laden flow from the Mississippi and the Mobile River system, this
the Mississippi season, we have eight zones,” Sanders said. “We also have
area is ultimately considered the richest, most biologically productive
some ‘Rigs to Reefs’ sites.”
section of the Gulf of Mexico, which is itself considered one of the most productive marine environments on the planet. But naturally, the bottom in this portion of the Gulf resembles a
Rigs to Reefs is a federal program that allows gas and oil companies to scuttle a platform, remove the top 60 feet or so, and leave the superstructure in place attached to the bottom. Sanders said all of those
shallow and sandy bowl, with little in the way of relief. Any fisherman can
sites are far offshore, in water that is at least 150 ft. deep. The state is also
attest that you won’t catch much fishing over a barren, sandy bottom.
stockpiling material for new deployments this year.
But plop a little bit of structure down and suddenly, a sort of watery oasis
“We are working with the city of Biloxi right now. They are doing a lot
appears, attracting all manner of life, from crabs, corals, anemones and
of construction and they are donating a lot of material to us—concrete,
shrimp to the dozens of predator species that eat those creatures.
culverts, things like that,” Sanders said. “More than likely, that will all go
Mississippi’s reef building program capitalizes on this natural
on Fish Haven 13. That’s our big site, 10,000 acres. That’s not within the 9
phenomenon, especially since the creation of the state’s Artificial Reef Plan
miles,” where fishermen taking advantage of the extended state snapper
in 1999. Today, there are more than 16,000 acres of reefs along the entire
season could fish in 2016.
Mississippi Coast, beginning with 70 nearshore reefs spread along the Mississippi Sound shoreline. “These are low profile reefs. They are designed for wade fishermen and small boats and piers. They consist of limestone and crushed concrete,”
Going forward, Sanders said the plan is to work with federal officials to open more permitted areas where reef materials can be dumped, as Alabama has done. “Nothing compares to Alabama right now in terms of artificial reefs,”
said Jimmy Sanders, director of Mississippi’s Artificial Reef Bureau.
Sanders said. “We are going to emulate that and work to get more areas
“Offshore, we have 15 permitted reef sites. They range from 8 acres to
permitted, in both state and federal waters, and then we are going to
10,000 acres. Out there, we have concrete rubble, steel-hulled vessels, and
work to continually enhance those areas. I can’t see any down side at all to
then what we call ‘materials of design,’ like pyramids and reef balls.”
expanding our reef zone. No down side at all.”
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Materials include crushed concrete and gravel (left) for many inshore reefs, while specially designed pyramids—textured with natural materials—make great offshore habitat and quickly attract snapper and other finfish. Photos: Courtesy of MS DMR.
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BY BEN RAINES Mississippi, like the rest of the Gulf states, has gone rogue when it comes to red snapper. This summer, even after the truncated nine-day federal snapper season ended, Mississippi anglers were able to catch red snapper during a state season that ran from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Oddly, the state season came courtesy of a federal budget bill, the 2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act. An add-on provision awarded Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana the right to manage red snapper in their respective state waters. The bill also extended state control in the three states out to nine miles, as Texas and Florida have always had, but only for snapper management,
determine angler effort and help set the federal season length. Mississippi’s
not other species, such as amberjack or grouper.
program represents an actual census of every angler and every trip, versus the
“Our numbers show we harvested approximately 110,000 pounds. We estimate that is 16,708 fish,” said Matt Hill, finfish director with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. Hill said his department will recommend another state season of the same
federal survey, which attempts to sample only a small fraction of fishermen and make extrapolations based on their answers. “The biggest difference is the data collection system,” Hill said. “Their phone survey is an excellent survey for year-round fisheries, for fisheries that do not
duration for 2017. Meanwhile, the state is using a grant tied to BP oil spill
close. You can get an adequate number of intercepts for those fisheries to
funding to conduct a stock assessment of its offshore reefs.
represent the whole. But when you start having compressed seasons, especially
A key component to the Mississippi snapper season was a new program called “Tails and Scales.” The goal was to keep close tabs on the number of
when you get down to a 9- or 10-day season, it is extremely difficult.” Hill said the federal reliance on the old phone survey system, compounded
anglers catching snapper and the number of fish they caught. Fishermen had
by the switch to cell phones instead of landlines, means the federal data
to register online before they headed offshore, and then report back in after
regarding angler effort and what people are actually catching, has a lot of
they docked. The program tallied how many fish were caught, how much they
holes in it.
weighed and how many folks were fishing. “They had to report back in before they would be allowed to make another trip,” Hill said. “It enabled us to know how many anglers we had and how many fish were being caught. We can do this on a daily basis and it is actually a real-time calculation.” The state is trying to get the “Tails and Scales” program certified by federal officials to replace the nationwide telephone survey presently used to
“You have so few data points there is a lot of uncertainty in that data,” Hill said. “If we can get the data portion of it in a better place, I believe we will have even longer federal seasons.” Ultimately, Hill said, the state wants to expand the number of reefs within the nine-mile area now considered state waters and develop a snapper population that can be managed with an eye toward longer seasons and sustainability.
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Photo: Craig Brumfield.
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Officials in Mississippi look to stage a dramatic turnaround in the state’s oyster production, hoping to bolster both the ecosystem and an historic industry. BY FRANK SARGEANT
Mississippi’s coast has experienced a dramatic decline in oyster production over the last decade—from 2004 to 2015 the drop was over 94 percent, according to Jamie Miller, executive director of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR). The collapse of these popular mollusks should be alarming to anglers, and not just because there are fewer oysters to slather in hot sauce and gulp down on a cracker. Why? Because oysters are a bit like the canaries in the mine when it comes to water quality— when they disappear from an area where they have historically been abundant, it means something has gone terribly wrong in the ecosystem.
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over 490,000 sacks of mature oysters. Since then, the resource has endured Hurricane Katrina, the BP oil spill, and the Bonnet Carré Spillway openings (the bypass structure that prevents flooding in New Orleans), which flooded the prime oyster areas with an excess of fresh water. Oysters do best at 15 to 18 ppt of salt in the water, but levels dropped to zero Oysters require that water be clean (but not lacking in nutrients) as well as
along much of the Louisiana and Mississippi coasts during the flush, according
having the right salinity, oxygen level, temperatures and the right amount of tidal
to MDMR. In the 2013–2014 season, oystermen harvested about 70,000 sacks of
change. And, to get started, the larval oysters need a hard substrate on which to
oysters. The 2014–2015 season was far worse, with production of less than 40,000
fix—too much detritus or soft mud is a bad deal for oyster production.
sacks. This year, it’s expected to be about 35,000 sacks.
Oysters feed by filtering plankton and algae from the surrounding water,
“The beds were coming back strong and then this summer we had very warm
ejecting the filtered water back into the sea and beneficially clarifying it in the
weather and a lot of neap tides, and the dissolved oxygen in the western part
process. Researchers say a single adult oyster can filter 50 gallons of water in
of the bay dropped to near zero, so we lost everything that had grown back on
24 hours, so the effect of large oyster beds on keeping water clear—which, in
that side—it’s a process,” says Jamie Miller, Executive Director of the Mississippi
turn, helps underwater vegetation like turtle grass and eelgrass to grow—can
Department of Marine Resources.
be enormous where they are abundant. Reportedly, Chesapeake Bay’s once-
The oyster decline is affecting more than just water quality. These rapidly-
flourishing oyster population filtered excess nutrients from the estuary’s entire
disappearing creatures are also habitat builders, an important part of the food
water volume every three to four days at the time the first English settlers arrived.
chain that creates structure and eventually results in thriving populations of
Now, with oyster populations at a fraction of what they were then, it takes a year.
spotted seatrout, red drum, sheepshead, flounder and other inshore species.
Mississippi has experienced an even more dramatic decline in oyster numbers, but not over centuries like the Chesapeake: in 2004, oystermen there harvested
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Oysters also provide a lot of space for small critters like crabs and baby fish to hide in the juvenile stages—scientists estimate that fully-developed oyster beds have
50 times the surface area of an equal acreage of flat bottom. Where there are more oyster reefs, there’s a more robust ecosystem and usually more gamefish. Last, but not least, oyster beds do an excellent job of “wave attenuation”—
Once they have attached to a solid object, usually another oyster shell, the larvae undergo a metamorphosis and become what is known as a spat. These miniature oysters will start to feed and put all their energy into shell growth by pulling calcium
basically, they’re natural breakwaters that prevent waves from roiling the
carbonate from the water column. The oyster becomes an adult at year three when
water, eroding shorelines and washing away the marsh grass that also plays an
the shell width is typically about three inches—oysters grow up to an inch per year in
important part in keeping the water clear and nutrient levels healthy. In short,
good habitat. In higher salinity areas, oysters grow faster than in lower salinity areas,
anglers clearly benefit from a strong oyster population.
but too much salinity allows invasion of oyster drills and other predators that limit their numbers, biologists say.
Oysters can spawn in their first year of life but are not fully mature until age three in most locations. They release eggs and sperm in summer, according to biologists with
The challenge in Mississippi is one that has been faced in other areas, and
the MDMR. Fertilized eggs drift in the water column, undergoing cell division until they
the state has gone to real efforts to learn from the experiences of others.
become juvenile larvae. The larvae live in the water column for the next two weeks,
Chesapeake Bay, which is estimated to have one percent of its historic numbers
maturing and feeding on phytoplankton. They primarily move with the currents. Larvae
of oysters, has had an ongoing effort to restore populations since the early
are not capable of swimming horizontally, but they can move vertically to some extent.
1990s. Most have met with very limited success, according to state biologists in
Once the larvae are approximately two weeks old, they grow a “foot,” which helps them
Maryland and Virginia. Some say this is primarily because the effort has gone
crawl around to find a suitable hard substrate to which they can attach.
to sustaining oyster harvesters rather than oysters. Creating new oyster bars in
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Oyster restoration has been a priority for numerous coastal states. In Florida, the non-profit Tampa Bay Watch hosts regular oyster reef building projects like this one to restore these environmentally useful shellfish. Photo: Tampa Bay Watch.
areas that did not historically support oyster reefs was expensive, but a lot of
siphoned off to metro Atlanta, as well as to farmers in the southeastern part
funding, both state and federal, has been poured in.
of the state. Courts ruled not long ago that the Georgia usage gets priority.
Political pressure now threatens to block at least a part of the program.
In short, oysters are not having it easy anywhere these days, and without
Contending that $26 million spent on restoration in the Harris Creek tributary
a lot of help from conservation-minded humans, the future of populations
was a colossal waste of taxpayers’ money, Maryland’s watermen last summer
does not look bright. In Mississippi, the combination of solid funding and
won a halt in reef construction in the Tred Avon River. One of the biggest
strong political pull will give restoration efforts their best chance at success.
bones of contention is that the reefs and the hatchery-produced oysters placed on them are being put in state-designated sanctuaries permanently off-limits to harvest. In Florida’s Apalachicola Bay, once a major producer of oysters, the
Mississippi has launched an ambitious restoration plan, with the goal of not
problem is lack of fresh water: the Apalachicola River’s tributaries mostly
only expanding natural oyster beds dramatically but also adding considerable
originate in north-central Georgia, and a huge portion of the flow is being
aquaculture oyster production to the mix. The effort will provide the science
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Mississippi’s restoration plans have benefited from lessons learned in other regions. In Tampa, this artificially constructed shell bar, now overgrown with live oysters, protects the marsh grass behind it as well as providing habitat for small marine life. Photo: Tampa Bay Watch.
behind future large-scale oyster restoration projects, hopefully improving the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of oyster beds. The studies include an assessment of cultch-type research into the effects of contaminated oyster shell on recruitment, and baseline water quality and benthic habitat assessments in the Mississippi Sound to identify preferred locations for future restoration. The project also includes a pilot nearshore ‘oyster gardening’ program to produce oysters for conservation purposes. The overall aim is to produce a million sacks of oysters annually by 2025—more than double the production in 2004 prior to the decline. Some $11.8 million in funding will come from the Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund, paid out in restitution for the Gulf oil spill and administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Basic aims will include restoring the barrier islands that form the Mississippi Sound, improving storm water drains and stopping point-source septic tank outfall in the watershed, and assuring an adequate—but not excessive— freshwater flow into the estuaries in the future. Controlling the way that oysters are harvested and the frequency with which the beds are worked will also be a major factor. “That’s one of our big challenges,” says Miller, “because the oystermen have mortgages and boat payments right now, and they need that continuing harvest to make it, but at the same time we have been taking too many oysters from too many areas. They can’t restore themselves unless we limit that take enough for them to mature and spread.” He said the state will be restoring historic oyster bed areas and building new ones through placement of cultch, and if everything goes well, production can go up dramatically in only a year or two, if oystermen cooperate. “Even if everything else goes well, we are going to have a tough time getting back to historic harvest levels if we don’t limit the take carefully for the next few years,” says Miller, “and that’s a political management issue instead of a biological issue.”
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MISSISSIPPI SALTWATER TOURNAMENT
GUIDE From blue marlin to speckled trout, Mississippi has hot options for competitive anglers. Have fun, win big and do good all at the same time. BY CAPT. DAVE LEAR
T
he 70-mile stretch of Gulf Coast that belongs to Mississippi is bountiful, to say the least. Visitors to the region can find plenty of cash and prizes, and we’re not even counting time spent at the casinos. We’re talking about world-class fishing tournaments— and die-hard tourney anglers have a number of events to fill their calendar throughout the year. The granddaddy of them all is the Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2017. “The rodeo is a free tournament for all participating anglers and it is the official tournament for the state of Mississippi,” says Richard Valdez, the president of the non-profit board that hosts the annual event. “It’s a way for us to give back to the fishermen all over our coastal area, in partnership with the city of Gulfport and Harrison County. We have 28 different categories with daily prizes and a special kids’ tournament on Saturday. It really is a family affair. We have a midway with arts and crafts, carnival rides, raffles and food vendors. It’s a big festival over the 4th of July holiday weekend, not just a fishing tournament.” The region’s guides and charter boats promote participation and entries can be brought in by boat or automobile. Valdez says more than 15,000 attended the rodeo’s festivities last year. Eligible targets include coastal game fish as well as popular freshwater species like largemouth bass (green trout) and bream. Big-game anglers from throughout the Gulf descend on Biloxi every June to compete for more than $1 million in overall prize money. The Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic features weight and release divisions for billfish, plus weight divisions for tuna, wahoo and dolphin. Over the course of its 21-year history, the event has set numerous records including the largest blue marlin ever landed in the Gulf (1,054.6 lbs. in 2002) and state records for yellowfin tuna (205.8), bluefin tuna (837.1) and bigeye tuna (203.9). “The Classic is considered one of the premier big-game tournaments in the world,” says Director Bobby Carter. “This kicks off our 21st season, and we’re known for our phenomenal offshore bite, record-breaking fish, millions in cash payouts, an exciting atmosphere and high energy entertainment at the host Golden Nugget Casino. We’re expecting another huge turnout in 2017 since we added a swordfish category to the mix.”
Popular Mississippi tournaments like the Carl Legett Memorial attract light-tackle and offshore enthusiasts alike.
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Above: University and state wildlife biologists take advantage of the tournament settings to conduct important scientific sampling of weighed fish.
Of course, the event is not all fun and fishing. There is also serious science
“The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) along with
on the menu. In addition to high-stakes competition, the Classic is also a
various state and federal partners attend fishing tournaments throughout the
source of important biological data on a variety of fish species, which means
year to assist with biological data collection, taxonomic identification of less
participating anglers have a hand in helping the fishery.
common species, public outreach for educational and regulatory information,
“The Large Pelagics Team is always on site sampling fish brought to the Classic weigh scales,” says Jim Franks, a senior research scientist with the University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory.
and state record certifications,” says
Of course, the event is not all fun and fishing. There is also serious science on the menu.
“This helps us and the management
Carly Somerset, a marine fisheries scientist with the MDMR. “The majority of work has focused on biological data collection,” she adds. “We’ve had teams at the Gulfport Deep Sea Rodeo to collect
agencies have a better understanding of these big-game sport fish. Last year,
samples for a variety of projects for stomach content analysis, parasitological
we focused our efforts on blue marlin and dolphin. We collected otoliths (ear
studies, and shark research. MDMR personnel have collected otoliths for
bones) to determine aging, as well as samples of the reproductive systems. Only
age analysis and assisted the other agencies with their collection efforts
a few blue marlin were brought in, so this gives us an excellent opportunity to
at the Deep Sea Rodeo. Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and
collect these vital samples. We sampled a weight range of dolphin, too, to see if
Parks (MDWFP) has collected freshwater species for genetic studies, and
we can learn more about these fish.” In addition to these academic efforts, state
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) takes samples
agencies are actively involved on the tournament circuit as well.
from pelagic species for testing of mercury and selenium.”
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Somerset says red drum samples have also been obtained from the catch
As a result, Biloxi has hosted the Southern Kingfish Association National
and release Elite Redfish Series for a red drum sampling project. Researchers are
Championships a number of years previously. The crowning event comes
present at the Carl Legett tournament and the Gorenflo’s cobia events as well.
back to the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 2017 as part of the association’s revolving
The Carl Legett Memorial Tournament, named in honor of the late builder
championship format.
and former president of the Home Builders Association of the Mississippi Coast, is
“The winners of the nine different divisions will be invited to participate in
another popular mixed bag event. Held every August, this tournament offers cash
the Nationals next fall,” says SKA Director David Worsham. “We’re also planning on
and prizes to the contestants and supports several local organizations. Categories
another Bash for Cash Pre-Game Tournament. This one-day event, sponsored by
include offshore and inshore divisions, plus catfish and green trout. A total of 437
Mercury Outboards, is a free entry tournament for anyone who qualifies for the
anglers competed in 2016 for $26,500 in prize money.
Nationals. It had $50,000 on the line for 2016. We’re also exploring new qualifying
Besides local redfish events, several other tournaments cater to speciesspecific fans as well. Gorenflo’s Bait & Tackle, the venerable shop that now
events for the central Gulf Coast to give still more teams a chance to participate.” The Redfish Elite Series is another tournament that is returning to the
calls Biloxi’s Point Cadet Marina home, hosts two popular cobia tournaments
Mississippi Gulf Coast for the 2017 season. Contestants fishing the East
every spring. The one-day Cobia Shootout typically fields 40 to 60 boats,
Division will make a final stop in D’Iberville in late July. Under this format,
with similar numbers for the Annual Cobia Tournament. Payouts are based
anglers fish for the heaviest redfish to earn points for an invitation to the
on the total number of boats fishing. The 10th annual edition in 1996 set
series championship. This popular leg is hosted by the Scarlet Pearl Casino
two marks for the tournament and state record books with a 106.8-lb. lemon
in D’Iberville. The field is limited to a maximum 40 professional anglers per
fish weighed. That catch earned a $10,000 prize and barely edged out a
division who compete solo.
105.9-pounder. Any angler breaking the existing records will win $30,000, plus a vehicle worth another 30 grand. King mackerel are yet another popular game fish along the Mississippi
No matter what you prefer to target, whether it’s seatrout and redfish on light tackle or giant apex predators like marlin, tuna and sharks, there’s a tournament along Mississippi’s prolific coast that’s tailored for you. So, rally
Gulf Coast, with some true giant “smokers” coming to the scales every season.
the team, sharpen those hooks and get ready for that next flare start. You
The nearby oil and gas rigs attract wads of bait and the kings naturally follow.
can’t win unless you have lines in the water.
Below: Battleship Row, Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic.
www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 43
2017 TOURNAMENT
CALENDAR
GORENFLO’S TACKLE COBIA SHOOTOUT April 29-30, 2017 gorenflostackle.com
GORENFLO’S TACKLE 31ST ANNUAL COBIA TOURNAMENT May 5-7, 2017 gorenflostackle.com
21ST ANNUAL MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST BILLFISH CLASSIC June 5-11, 2017 mgcbc.com
MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST BIG GAME FISHING CLUB TOURNAMENTS June 16-17, 2017 July 21-22, 2017 (Ladies’ Tournament) August 18-19, 2017 mgcbgfc.com
70TH ANNUAL MISSISSIPPI DEEP SEA FISHING RODEO June 30 to July 4, 2017 mississippideepseafishingrodeo.com
REDFISH ELITE SERIES July 27 to July 29, 2017 theredfishseries.com
CARL LEGETT MEMORIAL FISHING TOURNAMENT August 4-6, 2017 carllegett.com
SOUTHERN KINGFISH ASSOCIATION Various dates among nine regional divisions SKA National Championship in Biloxi, Fall 2017 fishska.com
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WITH LIVE ACTION IN THE CASINO & ON THE WATER
AD GOLDEN NUGGET
HOME OF THE ANNUAL MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST BILLFISH CLASSIC JUNE 5-11
CATCH THE BEST RATES ONLINE
www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 45
A Conversation With
Jamie Miller
GHM: What is unique in the Mississippi fishing experience compared to other regions of the Gulf? JM: Variety. Fishing in Mississippi is not one size fits all. Mississippi gives you a range of fishing options from inshore fishing for speckled trout to offshore fishing for red snapper and much more. We have white sand beaches and bayous and marshes for wade fishing. There are piers and jetties for anglers who want to get comfortable and enjoy the Gulf breeze. If you own a boat or have a friend who does, we have a series of inshore and offshore artificial reefs and a chain of barrier islands with surf and sea grasses.
GHM: People along the Gulf Coast are understandably obsessed with red snapper. How has cooperation among the five Gulf states benefited the fishery and how impactful has Mississippi’s role been? JM: The five Gulf states have worked together in recent years to bring attention to current management strategies by identifying what we believe are data gaps. Mississippi is one of a few Gulf states leading in the collection of data by establishing a mandatory reporting program. The results have been eye-opening and have given greater insight to red snapper pressure and landings. Good management starts with good information.
GHM: Mississippi is proposing some changes to speckled trout regulations. What does the future hold? JM: In 2016, our agency completed a peer-reviewed stock assessment of speckled trout, and the results were alarming. In the spring of 2016, we began making public announcements
There’s politics and there’s fishing. Then you have the politics of fishing, which can be very difficult waters to navigate. Balancing recreation and commercial interests, setting catch and size limits, and working toward a sustainable fishery are just a few of the challenges our regulatory agencies face. To get a bead on the big picture of Mississippi’s saltwater fishing, we sat down with Jamie Miller, Executive Director of the state’s Department of Marine Resources.
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about our findings. Since then, we have made numerous presentations and received hundreds of written comments. Our Commission on Marine Resources (CMR) established a target SPR (spawning potential ratio) of 20% and a timeline to reach the target. The CMR adopted proposed changes to the size limits from 13 in. to 15 in., and to prohibit a charter captain and crew from possessing daily bag limits. The changes become effective in January 2017. It has been a challenging but necessary process.
GHM: Through a recent restoration initiative, you’ve taken on oysters as a kind of poster child of Mississippi seafood. Why oysters?
allow us to boost recruitment by controlling
GHM: Are the local shrimpers able to compete effectively against foreign competition?
and targeting a spat set in areas with depleted
JM: At the end of the day it’s about price, and local
sustainable harvest. Finally, we also recognized the need for an oyster hatchery. A hatchery will
resources. A hatchery can also provide seed
shrimpers are at the bottom of the supply chain. Foreign
JM: Fishermen, scientists, environmentalists and
oysters for oyster farming. No single action will
shrimp have flooded the U.S. markets to keep up with
consumers all love oysters. Oyster production
get us there, but combined, I believe one million
demand, but it’s an inferior product to wild-caught Gulf
in Mississippi fell from 490,000 sacks in 2004 to
sacks is achievable.
shrimp. The industry has undergone major consolidation
just 40,000 in 2015 due to a series of natural and
over the last three decades, with fewer vessels working
and wide. We have traveled from Maryland’s
GHM: Mississippi’s casinos are a popular destination along the coast. Do they contribute to fishery management or enhancement, either through direct funds or indirect tourism?
eastern shore of Chesapeake Bay to Hoodsport in
JM: Our gaming industry plays a significant
Washington State to better understand how other
role in connecting tourists to charter-for-hire
GHM: What are the greatest threats to Mississippi’s fishery?
regions of the country are dealing with declining
fishing trips. They also support large fishing
JM: Hurricanes, oil spills and bad policy. We can’t
oyster populations. We have learned a lot and are
tournaments like the Billfish Classic held each
control the first two, but we can influence fishery
putting that knowledge to work in Mississippi.
year at the Golden Nugget. They have been good
management policies at the state and federal levels.
Our governor has set a goal of one million sacks
partners and proven to be good ambassadors for
I have been surprised by how many people who
harvested annually by 2025, and we intend to
conservation in the Gulf.
enjoy a fishing trip or seafood platter know so little
manmade disasters. Oysters transect so many environmental and economic issues in Mississippi that it just seemed right to make oysters a priority. I have learned over the last three years how difficult and elusive oyster management can be. The pure politics and traditions associated with the oyster industry in Mississippi are deep
reach it.
GHM: Wow! A million sacks is quite ambitious. How do you get there?
GHM: What’s your take on balancing recreational and commercial fishing interests? JM: There are strong opinions about recreational
and fewer dealer/processors to buy their catch. In 2000, Mississippi had over 1,000 shrimpers fishing the Mississippi Sound on opening day. Now, we are lucky to have 300. We continue to work with the industry and Congress to keep the playing field level for America’s shrimpers and processors.
about how the recreational and commercial fisheries are managed. It’s our responsibility as managers to keep stakeholders and the public informed about the health of our fisheries.
JM: The main tenants of our plan are to
versus commercial fishing and ‘balance’ can
enhance the public resource, incentivize private
be a relative term, depending on whom you ask.
production, expand into new harvest areas
I always encourage people to start with the facts
and invest in an oyster hatchery. The plan is
before jumping to conclusions. In Mississippi,
GHM: What do you see as your agency’s biggest successes, and what are you most proud of as director?
comprehensive and doable. We recognized early
we have commercial fisheries for shrimp, blue
JM: Engagement, communication and transparency.
on this would require legislative and regulatory
crab, oysters, spotted sea trout, red drum,
We listen to our stakeholders and deliver good science-
changes to current laws and rules. We are focused
flounder and menhaden. Both recreational and
based options for management. We spend a lot of time
on removing barriers and creating incentives for
commercial fisheries have a huge economic
communicating through traditional and social media
private production for on- and off-bottom oyster
impact and both play a significant role culturally
outlets. As a result, we hosted a Red Snapper Summit
leases. We have also increased our water sampling
in South Mississippi. Biloxi was once known as
in 2014, worked closely with our governor in 2015 to
program to open new areas for oyster harvest.
the seafood capital of the world, due in large
develop an Oyster Restoration and Resiliency Council
We successfully opened Biloxi Bay for the first
part to the seafood processing facilities located
and recently established a 20% spawning potential ratio
time in 50 years. We increased our reef sampling
here. I strongly believe that we do a good job of
(SPR) for spotted sea trout. These are just a few examples
program and developed annual stock estimates to
managing the resource for both recreational and
of our agency working with stakeholders to tackle
help us make informed recommendations about
commercial interests.
important issues.
Secrets of the
The marshy stretches of the Mississippi coast hold incredible treasures, and dedicated souls in Grand Bay are working to share them. BY DARYL CARSON
I live just six minutes from a NERR (pronounced “neer”), and it’s pretty sweet. In fact, you might call my family NERR nerds. A NERR, by the way, is a National Estuarine Research Reserve and there are only 28 of them around the U.S. They could easily be mistaken for a state park or Wildlife Management Area, but they’re so much more than that. A NERR is a connection point, a hub. It’s where an incredible natural resource, scientific research, smart management and the general public all converge. My NERR is the one that encompasses Weeks Bay, which is just a portion of the sprawling waterways that makeup the Mobile Bay region of Southern Alabama. I’ve spent countless hours fishing this area, and my kids love going to the fishing pier behind the Reserve’s resource building. We’ve caught everything from big bull reds and fat flounder to speckled trout and even largemouth bass. (By definition, an estuary is where fresh and saltwater mix.) There is a boat launch, which stays packed on summer weekends, along with classrooms and a big pontoon boat for taking groups out to explore the sawgrass-lined bay. Down the road is a nature trail and an interpretive center full of live and preserved flora and fauna. My kids always want to visit the baby alligators and look at the butterfly collection. The point is that I’ve come to appreciate first-hand how the NERR has connected our family and the rest of the community to the incredible estuary at our back door. 48 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com
With all this NERR experience, I also feel completely qualified to tell you about another site: the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Nestled into the southeast corner of Mississippi, it encompasses about 18,000 acres and is the nation’s last and largest remnant of wetland pine savanna. This sprawling landscape just looks “marshy” to the untrained eye, but there is much more to the story. First of all, this is ecologically a very special place, and just like the NERR in my backyard, the Grand Bay location also works hard at both studying this landscape and connecting people to it. I spoke with Grand Bay NERR Director Dr. Ayesha Gray and she confirmed this region is a biological wonderland. “I’ve studied wetlands my whole career and I can tell you there is nothing else like this. This is a fire-controlled wetland! There is a greater diversity of species in one square meter of pine savanna than in a square meter of rainforest,” she says. Let that sink in for minute. That’s a lot of living organisms. And there are some unique ones among the bunch, including the sandhill crane, which only lives in this type of environment, as well as some pretty amazing plant life. “It’s a longleaf pine forest with a grassland savanna underneath. The water table is close to the surface, so you get a lot of carnivorous plants, like pitcher plants,” explains Dr. Gray. And yes, that means plant life that feeds on animal life. “These are bug-eating plants,” she says, “but sometimes lizards, too. We like to open the pitcher plants to show the kids what they’ve been eating and sometimes we’ll find a lizard skeleton. The kids absolutely love it.” And there it is again, connecting the public to the ecological wonders of nature, even if it might inspire a few nightmares among the little ones. But to be fair, this does fit within the official mission Dr. Gray and her colleagues are tasked with, which is “to practice and promote informed stewardship of the Grand Bay NERR and Mississippi coastal resources through innovative research, education and training.” It’s a mission the folks at Grand Bay take seriously, and it begins with good science.
Research for Results The NERR System is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office for Coastal Management, and the program is a state-federal partnership. The Grand Bay site is managed by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. Other partners include Mississippi State University, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the University of Southern Mississippi and several other non-profit organizations and universities, like the Gulf of Mexico Alliance. This all allows for a high level of collaborative research. Nearly 200 research projects have been conducted at Grand Bay since it became a NERR in 1999. Those have come from the work of the staff as
Top Right: The Grand Bay NERR, designated in blue, covers 18,000 acres at the far eastern edge
well as a host of visiting scientists. One of the main research objectives is
of the Mississippi coast. Bottom Right: Pine savanna is a habitat naturally managed by fire,
environmental monitoring, which includes keeping tabs on everything from
which eliminates invasive species and allows native flora to thrive. Though trees may appear
water and air quality and biological monitoring to atmospheric mercury.
blackened, they quickly rebound. Photo: Erika Zambello. www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 49
Left: The Grand Bay NERR’s primary facility is an extraordinary example of green construction and is built specifically to fit within the natural conditions of the habitat— including hurricanes. Right: Bring your kayak or power boat and an arsenal of rods—the Grand Bay NERR is open to fishing and follows the same regulations as the rest of the state. Photos: Erika Zambello.
“Ecosystems are constantly changing, and one of the things that is really
“We take what we learn and link it into a stewardship program,” says Dr. Gray.
important is that we understand what is going on so we can build for the future
“It’s not just research that gets filed away in academic journals. We apply what we
and allow for that change,” says Dr. Gray.
learn to do land management and we also create training programs for those who
A particularly pressing issue is predicted sea level rise and its effect on coastal habitats. Grand Bay staff have installed monitoring equipment to detect changes and also conducted experiments to see what effects rising seas might have. One
might need it such as city or state coastal managers. It could be training programs for those near us locally or also on a regional or even national scale.”
concern is that as water levels increase, native black needle rush marsh, which is
Practice What You Preach
adjacent to the pine savannah, might be drowned out and the marshlands and
The NERRs don’t just do research and develop management tools; they are also
their important function as a fish and shellfish nursery lost. However, the Grand
careful to set an example of sustainability. One instance of this at Grand Bay is
Bay area has a very gentle slope and it has prompted an idea that is being tested
their facility. The location was established in 1999 and for the first 10 years, staff
with field experiments.
and visiting researchers worked out of portable buildings. A building design was
“One of the hypotheses is that if we keep the savanna open, then as sea levels rise, the marsh will naturally move up the slope,” says Dr. Gray. “If the pine savanna gets
in the works, but then everything changed when Hurricane Katrina hit. “We measured the surge that came through this area and a weather station
choked up with invasive [plant] species, this won’t happen. But if we use prescribed
was completely destroyed,” says Dr. Gray. “We found it two miles from its location.
burns, fire is the natural process that creates the savanna, to keep it open, then the
But the depth meter measured a surge of about 20 feet over two hours. That
black needle rush will naturally move up the slope as the water rises. We’ve tested
means the water level went from baseline up to 20 feet and back in just that
this using two small islands, burning one and leaving the other alone, and so far,
amount of time.”
preliminary data is confirming our hypothesis.” That’s good news, since it means there may be an effective management tool for helping to preserve valuable wetlands habitat in the future. And in the big picture, that’s the goal of research at Grand Bay and other sites in the
With that kind of storm impact, the new building design changed. It was raised seven feet higher than originally planned. Stronger windows were put in and the structure was built to withstand 150 mph winds. Of course, a number of other design elements were also important, such as
NERR system—to develop information and tools that can be useful to those
an east-west building orientation to minimize warming in the summer but still
managing coastal resources.
allow plenty of sunlight for natural lighting. Recycled building materials were
50 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com
used, such as the shakes, which are recycled tires and fire resistant. Solar panels
“This is a very underserved area, and there are a lot of underemployed.
were installed to reduce energy costs, and a gravel parking lot and driveway to
There are a lot of marshes and you need a boat to have access. One thing
minimize storm runoff. Rainwater is collected and used for things like flushing
we’ll do is community boat rides. We’ll do them in the summer and offer them
toilets, which helps reduce water consumption by 40 percent.
for free. We get people out to see the estuary, and often there is someone
These and other design elements helped the facility earn a Gold LEED
who has never seen it. I always run into people who grew up here, maybe
(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification as a green facility.
went to Moss Point High School, and never have been on the water. It’s great
In all, it’s about modeling the idea that if people are intentional, they can live in
to give them that kind of opportunity.”
harmony with their environment and both can thrive.
In addition to education programs and community boat rides, a number of
For the People
other opportunities happen through the year, including artist workshops, a “Star
The Grand Bay NERR is open to hunting and fishing and observes the same
falls in late September. It’s a time where visitors are treated to a carnival-like event,
regulations and catch limits as the rest of the state, so hunters and anglers, bird
called “Seaside with a Scientist,” and are given a chance to learn about the NERR
watchers or anyone can freely roam about and take advantage of the resource.
and travel out to the marsh to visit with scientists at their various research sites to
There are also a number of education programs where local schools bring kids out
learn what they are doing.
for presentations and field trips and even get linked up with researchers doing
Party” holiday event for stargazing and, of course, National Estuaries Day, which
current field work. It’s a wonderful opportunity for kids to learn first-hand and
Far or NERR
hopefully be inspired and gain a personal investment in the estuary.
If you live within driving distance, a visit to the Grand Bay NERR is a great way to
This kind of connection with the community is a special passion for Dr.
discover what Coastal Mississippi is really about. Pack your rod, bring your boat
Gray. She says that without the NERR, some local residents would not have the
or kayak or just come as you are. Either way, you’ll discover an amazing natural
opportunity to understand or enjoy the natural resources around them.
habitat and meet people who can help you understand it and enjoy it in a whole
“I’m an estuarine ecologist. I’ve studied estuaries my whole career, and my biggest passion is to understand what estuaries do, from offering storm surge
new way. Or, visit NOAA’s website and look for a NERR in your area. Find one and you might become a NERR nerd, too.
protection, acting as fish nurseries and all of those things, but not just from an ecological view but also from a socioeconomic view,” she says.
For more information, visit www.grandbaynerr.org or www.noaa.gov.
www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 51
D.S. JONES a photo portfolio
52 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com
A seagull catches a juvenile hardhead catfish at Ocean Springs Harbor located in the Mississippi Sound.
www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 53
Left: Our photographer casts a mullet net during the September mullet run on Fort Bayou off Biloxi’s Back Bay. Bottom: Ocean Springs Live Bait and Marine Mart sign, which sits atop their bait boat located within the harbor.
54 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com
This long exposure image captures the Biloxi Lighthouse, with the Beau Rivage Casino & Resort in the background and light trails from passing cars on Hwy. 90.
www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 55
Above: The Biloxi Small Craft Harbor. Left: A great blue heron located on the jetties of Biloxi Sound, just out of the Ocean Springs Harbor. Right: A blue crab at the new Jackson County Fishing Pier located on Biloxi’s Back Bay off Hwy. 90.
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www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 57
NEVER A SPECTATOR
VOLUME 6, ISSUE 21 WINTER 2017
www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 59 SOCIAL MEDIA ETHICS • THE FISHING BEHIND THE SCIENCE • MEXICO’S ASCENSION BAY
BY NICK HONACHEFSKY
BEING SOCIAL Some anglers love to troll—just don’t be one on social media. It’s an ever-shrinking world, and maybe too close for comfort. Facebook,
why they are implementing a certain method. I’m not oblivious to the positive
Twitter, Instagram—they are all great outlets to showcase your fishing
side of social media; it is a powerful tool for getting out information. But too
adventures, but I wonder if social media has made anglers lazy, unwilling to
many people just chase fishing reports. Fishing is not just about chasing the
learn and downright mean in our community.
bite, it’s also about learning a process. When it comes to learning something
I say this because 10 years ago, if I saw an angler on the beach, there was always a sense of camaraderie. “Catching anything? How are you making
new, try taking the long way around every once in a while: the bayou less traveled, if you will. It could be good for your soul. You may not catch fish as
out?” Now when I see people walking by on the sand, it’s usually a quick stare and a snub, because I may be fishing bait instead of plugs. We’ve begun to build walls. And I believe this can be directly attributed to the influence of social media
fast, but you will be wiser when you do.
We need to be a community that stays united and helps one another out.
The second factor I want to address is the tone of social media commentary, which, more often than not, is about bullying and promotes a separatist mentality. Case in point: the other day, I posted
platforms that foster an extremely warped
on Facebook about a 30-lb. striper I caught
sense of celebrity and egoism.
on a fresh clam in New Jersey during
Let me first address the gap in the learning process created by social media. At one time, anglers might meet local fishing legends at the tackle shop or on the beach or boat. They might talk over a cup of coffee and ask about the moon phases, the tide or baitfish. It was a personal experience and it fostered respect. On the other hand, social media drives instant gratification and an impersonal experience. Anglers hear about the latest hot spot or lure but may never learn
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September—a perfect time to dial in clamming, if you know your waters. A guy remarked, “Who uses clams to fish in the fall? There’s so much bait around. Dumb.” Even though the guy’s comment was totally inane, it still riled me up. How could an angler be so stupid? And what about others that may read his comment and be put off? Why couldn’t he have opened up a discussion and perhaps learned something? “Wow, I didn’t realize clams would catch fish in the fall,” would have done the trick.
Sadly, the “internet hero” mentality prevailed—the idea that you always have to come off with a win or look like the expert. The result is social media bullying and it’s changing the way people interact. When I see posts of a kid catching his first-ever striper there are a lot of positive remarks, but you always get a handful of people saying, “Why is that kid holding the fish vertically?” A simple negative comment can turn away those who are new to the sport, young or old. It’s wrong. Maybe all I’m asking is that we be a little more civil on social media. Traditionally, fishing is about relationships, about honor, respect and knowledge. We can’t lose that soul. We need to be a community that stays united and helps one another out. Maybe it’s time for the industry as a whole to restart the social media revolution and set an example for the rest of the world. Leave the vitriol for politics and Hollywood tabloid garbage, and let’s create a culture of respect within the sport of fishing. We are all anglers. We are one family. We should treat each other that way.
The RipCharts mobile app allows you to download satellite imagery to your device and navigate offshore.
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THE FISHING BEHIND THE SCIENCE Guy Harvey BY CA STAFF
Everyone knows there’s some real science behind fishing—understanding how fish behave and the environment they live in and then applying that knowledge to catch a particular species. But in the world of Guy Harvey, there’s also a lot of fishing behind the science. That is, to study fish—especially to tag them and track them—you first must get them to the boat. This issue, we speak to Guy about the fishing side of his research and the techniques his team employs for catching marlin, makos and other awesome species.
Above: Guy, hooked up during a tagging expedition. Right: Attaching a shark tag. Photos: George Schellenger.
CA: How much of your fishing time is purely recreational compared to time spent targeting fish for tagging studies or other research? GH: I enjoy fishing for fun, any kind of fishing really, but I prefer offshore fishing. Fishing for blue marlin out of my home island of Jamaica, but more recently Grand Cayman, can be very exciting. Some of the best days recently are taking enough dive tanks to do three dives off the north wall and then going marlin fishing during the surface interval with my kids, Alex and Jessica. I also enjoy fishing alone in my 26’ Dusky Makaira. There is no one to ask “Where are the fish?” or, “Can we go home now?” And there’s no one to instruct on how to reel in a fish! It’s just me and the screaming reel, excitement and the roar of adrenaline in my ears. Over the years, I had several blue marlin on, even a double-header once back in 2008. I have caught four blue marlin on my own, up to 300 lbs. and tagged two of them with PATs (Pop-up Archival Transmitting tags). When in Panama at Tropic Star and not filming a TV show, I enjoy taking photos of the action. One of the ultimate challenges is to get a good, crisp shot of a jumping marlin, sail or dorado. You must be dedicated—no handling rods, baits, coaching people, etc. You must be ready at all times for the bite and consequent jumps.
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CA: What steps do you take to promote a healthy release, both in getting the fish to the boat and handling it once it is alongside?
of different target species at different times of year. January and February are the months for sailfish work. March and April are the best months for makos. May and June are best for white marlin, sails and blue marlin. July and August is prime time for whale sharks and manta rays. The Gulf
GH: We use the greatest care in catching the fish. This
Stream pours north through the Yucatan Straights
includes securing, irrigating and recording length,
between Mexico and Cuba. This powerful current
taking a biopsy, then reviving and releasing the fish.
brings vast amounts of plankton for baitfish to
Obviously, the bigger the fish, the longer it takes
feed on, so there are prolific quantities of sardines,
to catch and more time required to secure the fish
bonitos and medium-sized predators on the shelf.
alongside the boat. In placing a PAT in a sailfish or
The food chain works like this: sardines eat the
white marlin, we may board the fish on a wet mat
plankton, bonitos and sailfish eat the sardines, and
to ensure perfect placement of the PAT, which costs
makos eat the bonitos and sailfish. Whale sharks
$4,000 each. Big sharks like tigers and oceanic white
and mantas feed on bonito spawn.
tips will lie quietly alongside the boat once secured with a tail rope, even while having a SPOT deployed on their dorsal fin. I usually keep the boat in idle forward so water is forced over their gills.
CA: On a mako or other tagging expedition, are you targeting fish of a particular size, age or gender? If so, how does that impact your fishing strategy?
CA: Have there been any memorable surprise catches while on a tagging expedition?
CA: Have you learned anything while fishing on tagging expeditions that you or others might apply to recreational or tournament fishing? GH: In diving and filming billfish for two decades, I have learned a lot about their behavior,
GH: There have been some oceanic white tips caught
especially how they attack prey and consume it.
that were too small to tag with a PAT. We have tagged
Sailfish, in particular, travel in small groups, so if
GH: For the last five years, the GHRI research effort
large tiger sharks up to 12 ft. (800 lbs.) and big blue
you raise one, there will be more swimming with
on mako sharks off Isla Mujeres, Yucatan, Mexico,
marlin up to 500 lbs. One of the most disappointing
it, so expect multiple bites. White marlin often
has been rewarding. Under the direction of Captain
results was to tag a 200-lb. black marlin on the Great
travel in twos and threes, so expect another fish
Anthony Mendillo, we have tagged three dozen
Barrier Reef. As Bill Boyce and I filmed the release,
to show up while you are fighting one. Release
makos from 75 to 350 lbs. They are scarce, so we
a pack of bull sharks rose from below and ate the
the fish in the best condition possible. Spend the
tagged whatever we caught. The first year, we used
marlin, tag and all, in 30 seconds.
time reviving a fish if it comes to the boat tail
live bonito baits but found this limiting. The following
wrapped or very tired. I have learned that taking
year, Anthony trolled dead swimming bonito as
hooks out can injure billfish more than if you just
traditional chumming. We now use a cage to film
CA: This issue, we are featuring the Riviera Maya region. You have conducted multiple tagging trips in the area. What makes it such a hotspot?
the makos as they come to the chum bucket really
GH: The Yucatan has become one of the main
amped up and excited, biting at everything.
research areas for GHRI because of the availability
well as skipping dorado baits with great effect. The real dorados were so effective that when they were unavailable, Anthony used cut out dorado decoys with spectacular results. We had many makos air out on the decoys. This year, we have reverted to
cut the leader as close to the hook as possible. In trying to remove the hook, the billfish struggles vigorously and may bang its head against the boat, injuring the eyes. Also, I say no photos with billfish in the boat. Use a selfie-stick or Go-Pro to take shots of the team, the boat and fish while the fish is in the water.
www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 63
So you want to fish offshore, do you? Well, there’s some essential gear you’ll need, including liquid refreshment! In this, our first installment depicting quintessential fishermen, we look at what it takes to brave the blue water, monster fish and million-dollar boats. Next issue, we’re covering the ‘Complete Inshore Angler.’ To watch a short, but clever, behind the scenes video of this photo shoot, go to www.guyharveymagazine.com.
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12. Guy Harvey “Marlin Sketch” Pro UVX Performance T-Shirt & “Castaway” Hat
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Left: Jeffrey Waters aboard the 57’ Viking Sport Fish Plumb Crazy of Gulf Breeze, FL.
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Fast Times in Mexico Our man travels to a quiet corner of the Yucatan and discovers some of the most frenzied fishing on the planet. BY NICK HONACHEFSKY
Our flight touched down at midnight in Cancun, Mexico. My girlfriend Emily and I hopped a shuttle and cruised south along the Riviera Maya, the stretch of coastline on the northeastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. Offshore lies the cruise ship hub and scuba paradise of Cozumel. Along the coast are a series of popular tourist stops, all with their own flavor. We made our way past the pool parties and spring break atmosphere of Cancun, past the beaches and golf courses of Playa Del Carmen, and then the Bohemian paradise of Tulum with its many spas. At the southern end of the coast, we finally arrived at Ascension Bay and the Pesca Maya Lodge. For anglers, this is where the real party happens. I call it piscatorial paradise.
Ascension Bay offers incredible inshore action from a boat or the beach. In some cases, wade fishing is the best option. Right: The author shows off a barracuda caught just steps from his bungalow.
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strip, strip!” commanded Daurin. I was tied tight to my first bonefish of the day, and then a dozen more, only hours after my flight landed. Daurin was anxious for me to experience some different types of fishing, so we moved on and he put the bow onto a sandspit beach— where you must be wary of saltwater crocodiles—and mate Venancio Chan, AKA Benny, and I stepped off the boat. We scurried through the palm tree underbrush looking to collect hermit crabs. We loaded a Tide detergent gallon container full and set out again to see what we could find. Emily had never seen a bonefish before, much less caught one, but that didn’t matter. Benny hooked a hermit crab on a bucktail with a shrimp fly teaser, passed it to her, and with a couple quick twitches of the wrist, she was holding up a double-header of 2-lb. bonefish. The hermit crabs caught the attention of a variety of Ascension Bay is a dreamland of bonefish, permit, tarpon and snook.
bonefish, jack crevalles, ladyfish, pufferfish and blue runners, which kept
Throwing my bags down, I grabbed a strong Mexican coffee and cast a popper
Emily busy and smiling. The shrimp fly I kept flinging out also landed
out into the Caribbean Sea, steps from my room at the lodge. Three casts out
a variety of flats species until it came tight on something with a more
and I promptly brought in a 12-lb. great barracuda. The kitchen staff kindly
pronounced wobble to its fight: an exquisitely finned palometa.
(and expertly) turned it into an afternoon meal of ceviche. It was a great way to
The day was over, with dozens of fish caught and released, but it wasn’t
settle in, and as we ate, I wondered if all the fishing was going to be this sweet.
enough. As night fell, I cast chunk baits into the Caribbean surf just from my
The answer would come soon enough.
room. Above, I could spy the Milky Way white band in full effect overhead, and I caught tarpon and blacktip sharks nearly until the sun rose.
5 SPECIES, 1 BAIT
A half hour later, we set out with local guide Daurin Xec to the
MANGROVE MADNESS
hallowed grounds of Vigia Chica. The Ascension Bay area prides itself
Day one seemed like it would be hard to beat, but Captain Daurin pointed
on its numbers of bones, not necessarily big bragging weights, but
us toward a 50-year-old shipwreck, a storm victim from the days of the
lines are tight 24/7.
bubblegum tree trade. (For centuries, the Mayans boiled tree gum into a sticky,
“Maybe you can get a 5-lb. Macabe (the Mayan name for bonefish)
multi-purpose substance called “chicle.” In the late 1860s, it was exported to the
here,” said Daurin, “but we don’t generally have trophy fish around.
U.S. and used for bubble gum, including the popular Chiclets brand). Daurin
However, if you want to cross a bonefish off your list, we have plenty
said that permit should be sticking close to the wreck.
1- to 2-lb. fish.” I picked up the 9-weight fly rod and cast a shrimp fly into a small channel that cut through a flat of slick azure waters. “Strip,
“Throw that ghost crab out there and see what happens,” said Daurin, as I lobbed the crab out on a 3/0 hook over the wreck and clicked over the
www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 67
Sleek and streamlined, bonefish use slick camouflage to blend into sunsprayed flats. Though bones rarely exceed 5 lbs. in Ascension Bay, the sheer volume of 1 to 2 pounders keeps the rod bent all day long.
bail. As I sat with the reel engaged, a massive hit left my hook empty and me and
The tarpon jumped four feet, clean out of the water, shaking its head in frustration,
my rig shell-shocked. Twenty-pound permit. Lost. I was dejected. “Oh well,” said
but I kept my rod low. In a few minutes, I had a 10-lb. tarpon boatside. I reached
Daurin. “Win some, lose some.” It was the only permit we spied on the wreck, so it
down and took my other hook out of its mouth—which it claimed only 10 minutes
was time to move on to better things, into the mangroves.
before—and we released it. I felt an immense sense of accomplishment.
“Let’s put some mojarra chunk out there, along the mangroves. We get some big fish,” said Daurin. I was in total agreement. I flipped a chunk bait straight between two mangrove roots under the canopy, and just let it sit. “Be ready, they will be here,” said Daurin confidently. In an instant, my line went slack, the bait
THE LAST STAND
The next day, we hit the flats again. On the way out, we passed pink flamingos
rushing toward me. I reeled as fast as I could and came tight, real tight, when a
sinking their curved beaks into the mud searching for crabs and shrimp. We
10-lb. tarpon jumped to its freedom, snapping my 40-lb. test.
finally cut the motor to pole around fallen logs and brush piles alongshore
Another chunk bait was cast into a shadowy hole between the mangrove roots, but this time I was deep. My drag peeled hard, this fish put the business
and sight cast for snook. “OK, there, there!” Daurin pointed toward a sunken log. Three, 10-lb.
to me, tangling my line in the mangrove roots. I released the reel into
snook were lined up lying in wait. I launched a bright yellow (Mosca)
freespool, allowing the fish to find its way out of the mangrove maze when
streamer fly, cajoling a fat, 10-lb. snook to come off his lair. I stripped. He
the net finally scooped up an 8-lb. Cubera snapper. “Dinner!” shouted Daurin
followed. I kept stripping, he followed more, right to the boat. And then he
and Benny in excited unison.
turned off. “Ahhh!” I exclaimed, exasperated.
I was pleased, but not totally satisfied just yet. Breaking off that tarpon still
I asked Daurin, “Can we cast from the beach?” Daurin obliged. “Yes, I know
had a grip on my psyche, so I sent out another chunk. This time I was prepared.
a good spot.” We gently pushed the bow onto a sandbar and broke for lunch.
68 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com
Dropping a shrimp fly in ditch channels, surprise catches always pop up, this time in the form of a lookdown. Other odd characters in ditch cuts found off sandbars include palometas, ladyfish, jacks and if Lady Luck shines upon you, permit.
Emily hopped off the boat to take a few photographs in the distance, but she was quickly waving her arms, shouting and pointing, “Two bonefish! Right here!” Daurin and I lazily ate our ham sandwiches and brushed her off, thinking we would wade over there soon enough to cast. But Emily was persistent, “They are right here!” We jumped off the boat and found out why she was so excited. Two bonefish had
my fly came tight to a mess of bonefish, jack crevalles, palometas and—a prized jewel for me—two huge, atavistic lookdowns. It doesn’t take a trophy gamefish to make me happy. Just to land a look down on fly, along with scores of bonefish and palometas was more than enough. That night, we ate dinner and prepared for the trip home the following day. But I wasn’t done fishing, of course! Around 10pm, with stars twinkling
gotten trapped by the low tide and were finning around in their own private pool of
brightly against jet black skies, I set out with my spinning gear to chunk
seawater. Daurin and I grabbed the net off the boat and in a circus-like scene chased
mojarra baits off the beach. The line went slack and then things went wild.
the bones around until we scooped them up and released them into the bay.
My reel was burning off line for about 15 seconds, and then that was it. The
Life was good, for the bones and for us. To finish the day, I planted my feet and cast into the blue waters and soaked up a little bit of fishing heaven. One strip after another,
beast on the end simply spooled me. Tarpon? Shark? Snook? I’ll never know. One thing I do know is that I’ll be back to Pesca Maya to finish the fight.
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YUCAtan peninsula gulf of mexico
COZUMEL Ascension Bay
where to, captain? The Riviera Maya corridor winds through Mexico’s Quintana Roo Province along
Pesca Maya Lodge is at the epicenter of Ascension Bay activity, offering
the Caribbean Sea, ending at Ascension Bay. Myriad mangrove islands within the
proper flycasting equipment, a storied lodge lounge and dining room, and a
bay attract snapper, grouper, tarpon and snook to hide among the roots in the
safe and secure property where you can leave your door open the entire day.
shade of the searing sun, but clear flats open up possibilities and opportunity to
Most importantly, the lodge’s rooms are a dozen steps to the Caribbean Sea
spy permit tailing, bonefish funneling down a shoreline and snook hanging tight
when you need to wet a line even after you are “done” fishing for the day.
to fallen logs and sunken tree trunks. Vigia Grande provides opportunities to target permit while bonefish schools tend to amass in the Vigia Chica proper. No one spot is more than
Special thanks to the amazing staff and guides at Pesca Maya Lodge. For more
a 45-minute to an hour run in the big bay, so charter captains can usually
information on fishing Ascension Bay, visit www.pescamaya.com. Pesca Maya
pick up and make a move to find more productive grounds if necessary.
offers services for fishing and lodging all over the Yucatan peninsula.
70 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com
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When the weather is at its worst, be sure to dress your best. GEARHEADS :
A small investment in foul weather apparel can pay big dividends in your fishing. If you haven’t checked out the latest gear in a while, you’ll be impressed with the range of BY GHM STAFF technical fabrics that combine waterproof protection with real breathability. Jacket and bib designs offer great freedom of movement and are comfortable to wear all day long. Hand warmers, gear storage and a host of other innovations have also made foul weather gear truly functional. There’s no reason to let a little rain or cooler temps keep you sidelined. Get dressed and go fishing. You won’t catch anything at the dock.
Gill FG21 – Tournament Jacket This high-performance jacket is built to keep heat in and wind and spray out so tournament anglers can put in the long hours it takes to win. When running at high speed, the hood design helps direct airflow around the head for a more comfortable ride while also keeping the hood in place. • Retractable cuff adjustors with inner seals for watertight comfort • Hand warmer pockets behind deep cargo pockets • 2-way zippers protected by a double storm flap • High cut collar with brushed lining for facial comfort and warmth MSRP $299
72 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com
www.GillFishing.com
Grundens Hooksetter Shirt Great for any weather, this technical long-sleeve shirt offers real sun protection for the nice days and dries quickly should you get caught in a summer squall. The articulated armpit design frees you up for poling and casting. • Water resistant/UPF 30 • Flap cover chest pockets • Snap chest utility pocket • Hidden shoulder blade vents MSRP $70
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Frogg Toggs Pilot Guide Jacket Second generation DriPore fabric is fully waterproof with excellent breathability, and the Pilot Guide Jacket has a rugged Teflon exterior coating and plenty of storage. It also boasts an insulated liner retention system and can be paired with the Co-Pilot Insulated Puff Jacket ($79) or Vest ($69) for extreme cold. • Vented, removable hood • Internal adjustable wrist gaskets • Beefy #8 chest zipper • Large internal dry-storage pocket MSRP $169.99
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Gill FG23 Glove Driving boats at high speeds in cold weather is tough on the hands. Gill’s FG23 gloves deliver insulated warmth and waterproof protection so drivers can keep a solid grip on the wheel. The “no-seam” fingertip design also improves dexterity. • Waterproof, breathable Porelle membrane • Thinsulate insulation works even when damp • Lens wipe on the outside of thumb • Can be layered with Gill’s FG22 Glove for extreme conditions MSRP $49.95
www.GillFishing.com
www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 73
Columbia PFG Force 12 Jacket When fishing means operating in a steady rain, the Force 12’s fully sealed seams and breathable, waterproof technology keep the weather at bay. Also notable is the waterproof pocket with a touch-screen compatible window. Secure it to the jacket’s front, the left forearm or tuck it inside. • Attached, adjustable hood
Columbia Force 12 OutDry Extreme PFG
• Abrasion-resistant overlays • Adjustable cuffs and brimmed hood • 360° reflective MSRP $500
These lightweight shoes help anglers keep their footing in sloppy
www.Columbia.com
conditions. They feature Columbia’s OutDry Extreme waterproof, breathable construction and a Vibram outsole for a solid grip on wet decks and docks. • VIBRAM PU-like midsole compound for long-lasting comfort • Special shank for torsional stability • Non-marking WAVEGRIP outsole for watersport surfaces MSRP $150
AFTCO Anhydrous 3L Waterproof Jacket Made from a 3-layer technical fabric, Aftco’s Anhydrous
AFTCO Anhydrous 3L Waterproof Bib • Two cargo pockets and two zippered chest pockets
garments form a truly waterproof barrier, yet still allow for breathability to reduce clamminess against the skin. A waterproof YKK Vislon zipper and taped seams prevent seepage at every entry point.
• Built-in suspenders keep bibs secure
• Articulated sleeves and cuff gaiters
• Water-resistant YKK zippers protect pocket contents
• Dual-zippered chest pockets with
• Rugged material resists abrasion in high-wear zones
• water-resistant zippers
MSRP $345
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• Drawcord waist cinch system MSRP $395
74 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com
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Simms Challenger Bib • Adjustable hem and suspenders for a more customized feel • Single thigh pocket with a reinforced tool sheath • Hand warmer pockets • Fully taped seams for 100% waterproof performance MSRP $199.95
www.SimmsFishing.com
Simms Challenger Jacket When you need to hunker down, the Challenger jacket protects anglers with 100% waterproof, breathable fabric and an adjustable storm hood that stows away in the collar until needed. When the weather is cold, you can warm up your hands in fleece-lined pockets. • Fully taped seams for 100% waterproof performance • YKK Vislon zipper with exterior storm flap • Dual drawcord adjustable bottom hem • Dual kill switch anchor points MSRP $199.95
Frogg Toggs Pilot Guide Bib
www.SimmsFishing.com
• Easy-access, quick-drain, expandable cargo pockets
Grundens Breakwater Pants
• Full front zip and zip-to-knee side zips for fast and easy on and off
Designed for all-day wear and perfect for fending off nasty spray
• Zippered chest storage pockets
and intermittent showers, these pants also stand up to the scales
• Multiple D-rings
and slime that come with saltwater action. Reinforced at critical
• Comfort stretch suspenders with
wear points, the Breakwater boasts 4-way stretch and articulated
locking buckles
knees for easy movement.
MSRP $149.99
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• Quick dry/UPF 50 • Mesh vent hand pockets • Flap cargo pockets • Crotch gusset MSRP $89.99
www.Grundens.com
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MEET THE CHEF
HOMEGROWN BY GHM STAFF
This issue, we feature three great chefs, all natives of Mississippi and each one turning out inspired seafood in their own hometowns.
Chris Garrett THE CHIMNEYS RESTAURANT
Trout with shrimp, crab, citrus butter
GULFPORT, MISSISSIPPI Speckled trout fillet Arrive at The Chimneys Restaurant in Gulfport and you
3
Fresh shrimp
are instantly immersed in serious Mississippi charm.
2 oz
Fresh lump crab
The building boasts big southern porches and the
1
Crushed garlic clove
white tablecloth dining room is both elegant and
1 tbsp
Olive oil
relaxed. Most importantly, the seafood is fresh from
1 oz
Dry white wine
the Gulf of Mexico and Chef Chris Garrett loves to keep
1.5 oz
Pineapple juice
both the product and the flavors local. Speckled trout,
2 oz
Orange juice
redfish, Gulf shrimp and cobia are all seasonal staples.
Bell Pepper (optional)
“We cook with a bit of New Orleans flair, but I
Red onion (optional)
don’t try to overdo a lot of products,” says Garrett, who
Salt, pepper, and cayenne to taste
advises home cooks to also take a restrained approach
Cold butter
to seafood. “If it’s a nice cut from a fresh, quality fish… salt, pepper, fresh herbs and a little lemon juice go a
Preparation
long way. Keep it easy on the seasonings and adjust as
Start with a hot pan and add oil. Allow to heat.
you go. Just let the fish work for you,” he says.
Season the fish fillet (salt, pepper, cayenne) and place
The 34-year-old Garrett cut his culinary teeth at the Chimneys as a teenager working in the kitchen and the
in pan on medium heat. Cook 2 minutes on each
self-taught cook became executive chef in 2004. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, he also served in
side, then remove fish. Add the shrimp, crab, peppers,
Iraq in both 2003 and 2005. He returned to The Chimneys full time in 2009 and continues to keep the perfect
onions, and garlic to the pan and season to taste
balance between fresh Gulf seafood and seasonal specialties.
(salt, pepper, cayenne). Add white wine and cook
From time-to-time, Garrett also hosts a “beer dinner,” where the restaurant partners with a local supplier
an additional minute. Add all the fruit juices, cook 2
and Chef Garrett prepares a 6- or 7-course meal. Dishes, including gumbos and fish or shrimp preparations, are
more minutes or until liquid reduces by half. Finally,
paired with different brews. It’s upscale dining with a relaxed, southern spin.
add butter and green onions and then ladle entire
www.chimneysrestaurant.com
contents over fish to serve.
76 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com
Alex Perry
“Most of the fine dining restaurants were New
VESTIGE RESTAURANT
Orleans-style with lots of cream sauces,” says
OCEAN SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI
Perry, “but no one was really taking advantage of what Mississippi has to offer with proteins and
If you feel like chucking southern tradition but still
vegetables with seasonal and a lighter approach.
want incredible seafood, you might put Vestige
We wanted to let the food be what it should be.”
Restaurant on your itinerary. Nestled in downtown
When it comes to seafood, Vestige sources from
Ocean Springs, Vestige offers up seafood with a
all along the Gulf Coast, including some farm-
modern American twist. Chef Alex Perry owns and
raised fish such as striped bass and redfish from
operates the popular eatery with his wife Kumi
the region. They also take advantage of local blue
Omori, and the pair strive to keep things local,
crabs, oysters and shrimp. And the key to preparing
seasonal and sustainable.
any of it, says Perry, is to avoid the unforgivable sin
Perry has a background in biology, but
of overcooking.
eventually abandoned the lab for the kitchen. After
“That’s why I enjoy cooking fish the most,” he
graduating from culinary school, he found his way
says. “It’s a finesse thing. Cooking fish perfectly over
back to Ocean Springs and opened Vestige to offer
a high volume takes some finesse and some skill.”
something unique.
www.vestigerestaurant.com
Butter Poached Shrimp 1 lb
Unpeeled, head-on Gulf shrimp
1.5 lbs
Unsalted butter
1/4 C
Dry vermouth
3
Cloves garlic
1
Bay leaf
1 tsp
Chili flakes
1
Star anise pod
1 tsp
Smoked paprika
Preparation Peel and devein shrimp and reserve the shells and heads. Heat a thin layer of canola oil in a heavy sauce pan and add shrimp shells and heads and cook until they take on a reddish color. Take care not to burn the shells. Turn the heat to low and deglaze with the vermouth. Reduce until dry. Next, add the butter, garlic and spices to the pan. Let the butter melt slowly. Once melted, cover and place it in a 200º oven for 8 hours. Remove the butter and strain through a chinois. Chill butter and reserve. Place the peeled shrimp and butter into a sous vide bag and draw a vacuum. Poach the shrimp in an immersion circulator set to 57º C for 20–25 mins, or until the shrimp are fully cooked. Remove from the bag, drain the butter, and season shrimp with Maldon salt and serve immediately.
www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 77
Jackson Shrimp with Comeback Sauce
Alex Eaton THE MANSHIP WOOD FIRED KITCHEN JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI
3 lbs
Head-on Gulf shrimp
3/4 C
Powdered shrimp boil (Zatarain’s)
5 tbsp
Salt
Though a few hours from the coast, the city of
2 gal
Water
Jackson is still home to great seafood, thanks in part
3
Lemon
to dedicated chefs such as Alex Eaton. In fact, Eaton
2
Bay leaf
holds the distinction of King of American Seafood. The lofty title was bestowed on the Mississippi
Preparation
native for winning the 2016 Great American Seafood
Bring everything except the shrimp to a boil and
Cookoff in nearby New Orleans.
let simmer for 45 minutes. Taste and make sure the
It was familiar territory for Eaton, who graduated
liquid is slightly less salty than the ocean. Bring
from culinary school and spent time in several New
pot back to a rolling boil and add shrimp. Once the
Orleans kitchens, including that of well-known Chef John Besh. But after honing his skills,
shrimp come back to a boil, cut the pot off and ice
Eaton returned to the Jackson area to open a Table 100 in Flowood and then, more recently,
the water. Depending on desired spice, let shrimp
the Manship Wood Fired Kitchen.
soak for 3–10 minutes. Remove from the water and
“Our concept is the wood fired grill,” says Eaton. “On top of the grill is a rotisserie that we
serve with comeback sauce. Cooking tip: If your
do all our meat on—chicken, pork shoulder, lamb. We also grill steaks and shrimp, and do all
shrimp are shaped like a “C,” it means they’re cooked.
kinds of whole fish and wood fired oysters.”
If they are shaped like an “O” it means overcooked.
“Jackson is very seafood intense...people crave it. And a lot of places do southern cooking, but this is more of a Mediterranean feel. I’m a Lebanese American, so we decided to mix Mediterranean cooking with southern roots. It’s cooking with a high heat, and we finish things with olive oils and vinegars and salts, as opposed to using a lot of butter. This is much cleaner.”
Comeback Sauce
Another of Eaton’s seafood strategies, especially when it comes to fish, is to use as much of the animal as possible.
1.5 C
Mayo
1C
Diced yellow onion
Great American Seafood Cookoff cooking red snapper collar (throat) and creating a broth
3 oz
Vegetable oil
using the fish bones. “I don’t think it’s something most home cooks try, so it was fun to have
6 tbsp
Chili sauce
the crowd watch and see what it’s like.”
1.5 oz
Ketchup
www.themanshipjackson.com
2 tbsp
Worcestershire
2 tbsp
Crystal’s hot sauce
3 tsp
Yellow mustard
3 tsp
Lemon juice
3 tsp
Garlic
3 tsp
Fresh black pepper
1 tsp
Paprika or smoked paprika
Preparation Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.
78 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com
“I order it whole and break it down to try and use it all,” he says, noting that he won the
www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 79
LAST CAST
HOOKED ON MISSISSIPPI The reputation artists have for being eccentric—
As it turns out, Anderson was diagnosed with a
okay, let’s just say it, weird—fits many creative types like
severe mental illness. So, he wasn’t acting odd to gain
a handmade sequin glove. However, not all artists live
attention. Even though he battled demons, he produced
in a bizarro world. Working with Guy Harvey has taught
a prodigious amount of amazing art. Today, he’s
me this. And, my wife, a lifelong artist, is one of the most
celebrated as a visionary, and Ocean Springs counts him
responsible and agreeable people on the planet. She
as one of their greatest celebrities.
forced me to say that.
After a tour of the Anderson Museum, our plan was
So when the staff here at Guy Harvey Magazine
to have an intimate gathering with some key folks in the
began our journey to produce this issue, we decided to
Mississippi fishing community. My old friend, Bobby Carter,
put on our funkiest outfits and visit the home of one of
who is the director of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish
America’s early marine artists—a man who exuded epic
Classic, agreed to organize the get together. Bobby lives
levels of weirdness: Walter Anderson. A longtime resident of Ocean Springs,
in Ocean Springs but handles
Breaking bread and trading stories with fishing legends
“player acquisition” at the Golden Nugget Resort and Casino in Biloxi, where the annual billfish tourney
FRED GARTH
Mississippi, Anderson
For the past 25 years, Fred D.
was shunned by his
Garth’s articles have appeared in
local community for
numerous books, magazines and
being downright
newspapers around the world.
strange. Beginning in the 1930s, Anderson would leave
more than 20 people at Off the Hook restaurant. When I saw
Read his blog at:
his wife and kids for days and weeks at a time and row his
the fresh red snapper and shrimp that had been caught that
GuyHarveyMagazine.com
small, wooden skiff 12 miles out into the often dangerous
day in local waters, I knew we’d be in for a feast.
is always an honor and
is held. One thing I’ve learned
usually humbling.
surprisingly, our little meeting
waters of the Gulf of Mexico. His destination was a small
evolved into a full-on shindig with
Bobby invited Jay Trochesset and Kenny Barhanovich,
barrier island—Horn Island—a place he called inhospitable.
two fishing icons who are members of the International
Nonetheless, he visited often. He’d use his overturned boat
Game Fishing Association’s “Legendary Captains and
as a tent to sleep under. He walked among the alligators,
Crew”—a group that only includes about 30 captains
great herons, blue crabs, armadillos and other island
worldwide. Folks like Bouncer Smith, Jose Wejebe and Peter
creatures—subjects he painted prolifically. The artist was
Wright are in the exclusive club, and there we were in little
more comfortable getting vampired by mosquitos than
ole Ocean Springs having dinner with two of them.
mingling the folks in his local community. Even when he
80 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com
about Bobby: he goes big. Not
Interestingly, both men began working on fishing boats
was home, he’d hide away in his “little room” and create.
in Biloxi when they were in their early teens. Both of their
(Sidenote: the Little Room is now part of the Walter
fathers were pioneers in the charter boat business. And
Anderson museum in Ocean Springs, and every inch of
after more than 50 years, both Trochesset and Barhanovich
floor, wall and ceiling is painted in colorful murals.)
are still doing what they love on the water. Breaking bread
Clockwise from Left: The “Little Room” at the Walter Anderson Museum. Brumfield’s Gyotaku art of an actual billfish. Left to right: Kenny Barhanovich, Bobby Carter, Danny Pitalo and Jay Trochesset. Awesome beer taps at Chandeleur Island Brewing Company. GHM’s intrepid road trip crew: JJ Waters, Deveaux Carter, Penny Lane Jones and Carly Stone.
and trading stories with fishing legends is always an honor and usually humbling.
Yellowmouth Tangerine Sour. After a night out with Bobby Carter, the tasting
My take away from these two gentlemen of the sea was how passionate they
definitely took the edge off.
are about protecting the fishery for future generations. It’s a common thread I’ve
Owners and brothers Cam and Cain Roberds are hardcore fishermen, which is
heard from other iconic fishermen, once again proving that the leaders in our
why they named their brewing company after their favorite fishing grounds, the
community are often the greatest advocates for conservation.
Chandeleur Islands.
After some kind of amazing shrimp-in-garlic-butter dish, a giant portion of
If you’re not familiar with the name Chandeleur, you should be. While the
delicious snapper that would feed a small fishing club and a selection of fine
islands are technically part of Louisiana, they’re are closer to mainland Mississippi.
beverages, we had bonded—the GHM staffers and the Mississippi fishing folks.
Only 50 miles from the coast, the happy place is well-known for producing
One of our newest best friends was Craig Brumfield, an artist who I would say
monster speckled trout and redfish. In addition to putting smiles on thirsty
inherited a bit of that quirky gene. Among other art forms, Craig is into Gyotaku,
fishermen, the Cain brothers have also committed part of their profits to buying
an ancient Japanese method of putting paint on the fish’s skin, then rubbing the
tags for tarpon. Conservation was turning out to be a theme.
fish with rice paper to create a mirror image of the fish (in Japanese, Gyo means
We rounded out our tour of coastal Mississippi with a oyster extravaganza
fish, and Taku means impression). Craig uses canvas instead of rice paper and
at the aptly-named Half Shell restaurant. I was reminded that the goal of the
some of his paintings are massive because he’s making Gyotaku of billfish. We
Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is to help local oystermen increase
ended the night attempting to get a photo of our eclectic crowd holding up one
their output from about 40,000 sacks in 2015 to one million sacks of oysters by the
of Craig’s huge paintings.
year 2025. I’m not an overbearing boss but, right then and there, I strongly urged
The next day in our vision quest included a tour of another kind of art gallery,
every member of my staff to put a dent in that oyster population and help create
one where the medium is cold beer. It’s accurate to say that the dedicated folks
demand. We began our show of support at the Half Shell and we will continue
at the Chandeleur Brewing Company treat their craft as fine art. We had a private
our mission with fearless determination. That’s just the way the GHM staff rolls,
tasting of several varieties of brewskis with names like Surfside Wheat Ale and
especially in Mississippi.
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