FishTalk Magazine February 2018 by SpinSheet Publishing Company

RUDOWâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

C H E S A P E A K E

A N D

M I D - AT L A N T I C F I S H T A L K M A G . C O M

10 Tips

for Boat Shopping Fishing Warm-Water Discharges Winter Road Trip: NC Bluefin February 2018

FREE

Fish on

BAy Bridge BoAt Show April 27-29, 2018 Bay Bridge Marina - Stevensville, MD

More than 100 Fishing Boats from 35 Manufacturers

Something for everyone. BuY TickeTs ONliNe!

AnnapolisBoatShows.com

SPORTSMAN YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL OPEN 21’-32’ HERITAgE 21’-25’ ISLANd REEf 17’-19’

engineeRed foR stRength, safety, staBility • nMMa ceRtified using aByc standaRds dEEPER fORwARd ENTRY fOR SOfTER / dRIER RIdE • EASY ACCESS TO ALL fEATURES Best fit, finish, featuRes & value foR the Money! • SIMRAd ELECTRONICS

17’-19’ ISLANd REEf

211 HERITAgE 212 OPEN

231 HERITAgE 232 OPEN

241 HERITAgE 242 OPEN

SEE YOU AT THE BALTIMORE BOAT SHOW! 251 HERITAgE 252 OPEN

MASTERS 267 Upper Station

OPEN 282 TE Tournament Edition

f16

f18

312 OPEN

f21

ELEMENT FISH SERIES

Unbeatable Value 600 RIVERSIDE DRIVE ESSEX, MD 21221 410.686.1500 800.448.6872

www.RiveRsideMaRine.coM • sales@RiveRsideBoats.coM

IN THIS ISSUE VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 2

Features 27

10 Things to Consider When You Shop for a Boat (And our Boat-Buyer’s Comparison Cheat-Sheet) By Staff

NC Road Trip: Winter Bluefin

North Carolina’s winter bluefin fishery puts the fish of a lifetime within shooting distance. By Holly Innes

Build a Spreader Bar Just Like the Professionals Use

All spreader bars are not created equal – here’s how to build one just like the charter boats use. By John Unkart

Cold Heat

Fishing warm-water discharges for hot winter action. By Lenny Rudow

Deep Creek Lake Hotspots

These two sections of Deep Creek Lake are riddled with fish. By Lenny Rudow

Dos and Don’ts of Catch and Release

Make sure the fish you release go back into the water healthy and safe.

on the cover

By Staff

The winter bluefin bite off North Carolina is just a short drive away – and offers a chance at the fish of a lifetime.

4 February 2018 FishTalkMag.com

Departments 7

Subscriptions

Notes from the Cockpit By Lenny Rudow

10 Letters 11 Fishing News By Staff sponsored By Waterfront Marine 13 Hot New Gear By Staff 16 Calendar 20 Reader Photos sponsored By Bay Shore Marine

Have you bougHt a new/used boat in 2018?

Receive 15% off all fishing gear *Must bring in receipt of boat to Alltackle. Offer valid until April 15th, 2018.

42 Fishing Reports By Mollie Rudow 45 Tips & Tricks By Staff 46 Tides & Currents 48 Paddler’s Edge: Cold Water Kayak Fishing By Zach Ditmars

50 Biz Buzz 51 What’s New at FishTalkMag.com 51 Index of Advertisers

Mojo L

Plan Of Attack: Angling Tactics 15 Pounding for Panfish and Pin-Point Anchoring By Holly Innes

Hot New Fishboats By Lenny Rudow 24 Dueling Dual Consoles: Key West 211DC,

Robalo R247, Pursuit DC365

26 Simple Pleasures: Alumacraft Escape 14.5

Coming In March FishTalk • Spring is here! Ring in the Season with Yellow Perch • Spring Packle Prep • Fishboat Upgrades Part I: New Electronics

For more, visit FishTalkMag.com

annapoliS

2062 Somerville Road Annapolis, MD

410.571.1111

ocean city

12826 Ocean Gateway West Ocean City, MD

410.213.2840

1.888.810.7283 | info@alltackle.com Follow us!

FishTalkMag.com February 2018 5

The local shop for the local fisherman.

612 Third Street, Suite 3C, Annapolis, MD 21403 (410) 216-9309 FishTalkMag.com Angler In CHIEF Lenny Rudow, lenny@fishtalkmag.com PUBLISHER Mary Iliff Ewenson, mary@fishtalkmag.com Associate PUBLISHER Chris Charbonneau, chris@fishtalkmag.com MANAGING EDITOR Molly Winans, molly@fishtalkmag.com

Marty’s Bait and Tackle

95 Mayo Rd, Edgewater, MD 21037 Call Today! 410-956-2238 follow us on facebook

SENIOR EDITORS Beth Crabtree, beth@fishtalkmag.com Kaylie Jasinski, kaylie@fishtalkmag.com ADVERTISING SALES Holly Foster, holly@fishtalkmag.com Eric Richardson, eric@fishtalkmag.com Customer Service Manager Brooke King, brooke@fishtalkmag.com ART DIRECTOR / PRODUCTION MANAGER Zach Ditmars, zach@fishtalkmag.com Graphic Designer / Production Assistant Heather Capezio, heather@fishtalkmag.com COPY EDITOR / CLASSIFIEDS / DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Lucy Iliff, lucy@fishtalkmag.com Tactician Craig Ligibel Coastal Correspondent John Unkart

Maryland’s Newest Dealer!

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Capt. Monty Hawkins, Holly Innes, Mollie Rudow CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Jay Fleming DISTRIBUTION Paul Clagett, Bob and Cindy Daley, Dave Harlock, Jerry Harrison, Ed and Elaine Henn, Ansell Mueller, John O’Donnell, Ron Ogden, Norm Thompson Experienced Service Technicians • Outboard Sales & Service

Yamaha 5 Star Factory Certified Technicians

Rudow’s FishTalk is a monthly magazine for and about Chesapeake and Mid-Atlantic anglers. Reproduction of any part of this publication is strictly prohibited without prior consent of the officers of Rudow’s FishTalk LLC. Rudow’s FishTalk LLC accepts no responsibility for discrepancies in advertisements. Rudow’s FishTalk is available by first class subscription for $35 a year, and back issues are available for $4 each. Mail payment to Rudow’s FishTalk Subscriptions, 612 Third Street, Suite 3C, Annapolis, MD, 21403. Rudow’s FishTalk is distributed free of charge at more than 500 establishments along the shores of the Chesapeake and the DelMarVa Peninsula. Businesses or organizations wishing to distribute Rudow’s FishTalk should contact Lucy Iliff at the Rudow’s FishTalk office, (410) 216-9309 or lucy@fishtalkmag.com.

SaleS • SeRvice • PaRtS

Member Of:

Factory Certified Technicians

825 Bowleys Quarters Rd. | Middle River, MD 21220

410-335-6200

beaconlightmarina.com | sales@beaconlightmarina.com 6 February 2018 FishTalkMag.com

Rudow’s FishTalk Recycles

n o d e k o ho ? g n i h s fi

subscribe to fishtalk Just $35 for 12 issues

RUDOWâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

(cost covers first-class shipping and handling)

C H E S A P E A K E

A N D

M I D - AT L A N T I C

Pre-Season Perch

F I S H T A L K M A G . C O M

Send a Subscription to: (please print) Name: __________________________________________ Street Address:___________________________________ City:____________________State: _____ Zip: _________ Would you also like us to send a gift card? From: ____________________________________________

Cheap & Easy Ice Fishing New Kayak Fishing Section! January 2018

FREE

We accept payment by cash, check or: Account #: ________________________________________ Exp: _____ / _____ Security Code (back of card): ______ Name on Card:_____________________________________ Phone: ____________________

Complete this form and return to: 612 third St., Ste. 3C, Annapolis, mD 21403 or fax 410.216.9330

Billing Address:____________________________________ City:____________________State: _____ Zip: __________

fiShtAlkmAg.Com/SuBSCriBE-to-fiShtAlk

from the

Cockpit By Lenny Rudow

reetings, fellow FishTalkers. As I sit here at my desk I can glance out the window, but I’d rather not. There’s this offensive white stuff all over the ground, which is a strong reminder that we’re only halfway through the winter. Still, there are some good bites going on right now, and recently reader Jason Zagalsky emailed in some pictures of the beautiful fish he and his son caught while fishing in the snow. That. Is. Awesome. (And you can see them, in the Reader Photos section this month). Even though it’s winter and most of the vessels in our region are sitting on dry land, the topic we’re going to broach in this month’s Notes from the Cockpit relates to fishing from boats. For some reason it’s been coming up often in discussions lately, maybe because so many of us are sitting around thinking too much due to the weather. The question: just how often do you spook fish with your boat? Before I share my thoughts on this topic, I want to be clear that they’re developed not only through experience but also through some fairly in-depth experi-

mentation. Work has taken me south for substantial stretches of time every winter going back over two decades, and long ago I noticed that many Floridians are keen to maintain a stealthy attitude at all times. Anyone who’s been on a flats trip has surely been shushed a few times by the captain. This is because they can often see the fish they’re pursuing from 30 or 40

at different depths down to 50 feet on a half-dozen different boats, in different conditions. There was one overarching takeaway: Sounds and vibrations travel through the water at a similar intensity level as they do abovedecks. In other words, if you listen to an old rackety-clank two-stroke outboard underwater, and then listen to a whisper-quiet modern four-stroke, the difference between the two is just as significant beneath the surface as it is above. If a hatch slams with a startling, gunshot-like noise, the sound is just as startling 20 feet below your boat. And if you’re yelling to be heard over the rumble of an idling diesel, your voice is also going to be louder than that diesel when listened to from a fish’s point of view. Recently, an angler complained that someone else fishing nearby had failed to turn off his (four-stroke) engine, and as a result, killed the bite. But, had every angler on both of those boats remained mute? Had anyone aboard either boat closed a hatch, rifled through a tacklebox, smacked the hull with a jig-head, or dropped a lead weight on the deck? I’d bet my bottom dollar that any one of these factors had a

In peaceful, tranquil conditions, stealth becomes all the more imperative.

8 February 2018 FishTalkMag.com

yards away and watch them get spooked. Here, however, it’s rare we can actually see the impact we have when we make noises with something like, say, a stereo system or an outboard motor. As a result of those Florida trips I wondered for years just how much noise we make beneath the surface of the water, and to find out, I got a hydrophone (an underwater microphone) and interfaced it with a dB meter (which measures sound levels). I measured the sounds underwater

whole lot more to do with shutting down the bite than an idling four-stroke outboard – which is just as quiet underwater as it is from above, with the loudest noise it makes coming from the tell-tale squirting on the surface. A starter engaging the flywheel on any type of motor, however, does make a loud sound underwater. So it’s entirely possible that an outboard being shut off and re-started over and over again has a bigger impact than that constantly idling four-stroke, much less be overshadowed by a shout or a stomp on the deck. A few weeks ago the whole topic reared its head again while I was interviewing Dr. Arthur Popper, professor emeritus and research professor at the University of Maryland’s Department of Biology and a well-known expert on fish hearing, for an upcoming article in Sport Fishing Magazine. We talked a lot about what and how fish hear, but one comment stood out. “Almost all fish – almost all animals – use hearing to get a big-picture view of what they can’t see,” he said. “This is called the ‘acoustic scene,’ and it’s no different than the way we use our hearing to know what’s going on around us even when we can’t necessarily see it.”

Now ask yourself which is more likely to startle a deer in the woods, a bird in the tree, or a rabbit in the yard: humming softly as you walk, or walking silently and then suddenly clapping your hands? Which sets off the louder alarm bells, in the acoustic scene? What noises do you make on a boat that relate? There’s a lot more to this topic and I could go on and on, but I’ve already violated my space constraints for this column. Suffice it to say, I believe strongly in maintaining stealth whenever and however possible, but I also think many noises, engine noise among them, may often be misunderstood in this regard. Beyond this, I can’t let it go without mentioning a few other lessons learned from listening to the sounds of the underwater world: • Shifting an engine of any kind into gear makes a loud “clunk” underwater, which is very effective at scaring fish.

• The choppier it is the more background noise there is, which helps to mask the sounds you make. (Note: one of the things Dr. Popper mentioned was that the level of background noise has a big impact on how well fish hear things; in human terms he compared it to having a quiet conversation in private versus in a crowded restaurant). So the calmer it is, the more imperative stealth becomes. • Some rattling lures (Rat-L-Trap, we’re talking about you) are amazingly loud underwater. Some folks believe they can do more harm than good in tranquil conditions, and I don’t doubt it. • If your boat has hatches that slam and you want to do yourself a favor, buy some stick-on rubber bumpers and put them where the fiberglass meets; they do turn the “crack” into a “thud.”

• In most situations the noise most consistently heard underwater is created by people on the boat speaking loudly, laughing, or yelling. Yelling probably accounts for spooking more fish than any other single factor.

DesigneD for

The MosT

serious

fisherMan

24 Bay se $69,995 wiTh Trailer

The all-new 24 Bay Crevalle is equipped with 2 removable 72 qt. Coolers and In-Console Porta Pottie, removable Ski Pylon, 2 Release Wells, 1 Bait Well, Lockable Rod Storage for 10 Rods.

Test drive a Crevalle Boat today at Tradewinds Marina!

412 Armstrong roAd BAltimore, md 21220

410-335-7000

FishTalkMag.com February 2018 9

Letters Terrible Time with Tog

ear FishTalk: I’ve tried for tautog three times now, twice on my boat and once on a friend’s boat. So far I have just one keeper and three throw-backs to show for it. What am I doing wrong? Robert C, Hampton Roads, VA Dear Robert: We feel your pain, and note that tog can be an extremely difficult species to catch. While we can’t diagnose what you may be doing wrong from afar, suggestion number one is that you visit FishTalkMag. com, go to the How-To section, and read “Tautog Fishing: These Fish Like it Cold” by John Unkart. The second thing we recommend is that you take a trip with an experienced captain to learn the ropes. There are a number of good ones in the Virginia Beach area, and the education you’ll get is well worth the price of admission.

Reputation on the Line

ear FishTalk: I mostly fish the Chesapeake Bay, and sometimes at Indian River in Delaware during summer vacations. In areas like these, where the water is pretty murky, is fluorocarbon leader really necessary? -James D., via email Dear James: We don’t know of any scientific testing that’s been done to prove it one way or the other. Considering the low visibility in these areas, common sense would make one think it’s probably not as big a deal as it is when fishing in clear water for visual hunters, like when chunking for tuna miles from shore. However, why take the chance? Although it’s more expensive, floro is not only less visible than mono, it’s also more abrasion-resistant. So it seems to us like using it is a good move wherever you’re fishing.

Come see the Cape horn 27xs and pYY at the Baltimore Boat Show in Booth G1

Prop Talk (No, not that PropTalk!)

ear FishTalk: I have a 21-foot Pro-Line with a 115-horsepower outboard. It has a hard time getting onto plane, and if I have a bunch of friends onboard and full fuel tanks I have to ask people to get in the bow or it just plows along. The propeller is aluminum, and a friend suggested I tried switching to a stainless prop. Do you think that would help? Katrina D., Aberdeen, MD Dear Katrina: If it did help, the difference would be marginal. You didn’t specify that you had a three-blade prop but most people do, and a much better move in this case might be trying a four-bladed propeller. That would cut your top-end speed a hair, but four blades give you a lot more oomph when a boat is struggling getting onto plane.

Keeping your current boat? PYY has the best service and a full supply of parts to keep your current boat in top notch shape. Do you own a mid 2000’s Yamaha Four-Stroke? PYY is offering FREE exhaust system inspections!

10% off

Factory Maintenance or Serivce

Winter Service Specials

Oooh, That’s Bad

ear FishTalk: Why didn’t the fish graduate from college? Because all its work was below C-level. Anonymous, via email Send your fish photos, questions, and comments to lenny@fishtalkmag.com 10 February 2018 FishTalkMag.com

On Rock Creek | 1132 Pasadena Yacht Yard Rd | Pasadena, MD 21122

410.255.1771

| PYYMARIN E.COM

YAMAhA’S AuthORIzEd SERvICE CENtER

Fish News presented by

Waterfront Marine

443-949-9041

www.waterfrontmarine.com

2822 Solomons Island Rd, Edgewater, MD

Featuring Robalo Boats ~ Center Consoles ~ Dual Consoles ~ Walk-A-Rounds ~ Bay Boats

More Free FishTalkin’ More Better

top in at the Annapolis MSSA Offshore Expo on February 24, at the Annapolis Elks Lodge, 2517 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD, to hear the (free) panel discussion including angler in chief Lenny Rudow; other panel members include Shawn Kimbro, Chris Dollar, and Richie Gaines. You can also stop by and say hi to our FishTalk angler in chief at Lefty Kreh’s Tie Fest on the 25th (which runs February 24 and 25 at the Lowes Annapolis Hotel) and at the Virginia Beach Boat Show, February 9 to 11, at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.

New Flounder Regs for MD in 2018

he Maryland DNR has announced new regulations for flatties, which apply to all state waters. Beginning January 1 and running through December 31, the bag limit is four fish per person with a minimum size of 17 inches. There won’t be any differentiation between Chesapeake and coastal waters for this season, something we’ve seen bounce back and forth through the years. Commercial hook-and-liners are also limited to fish of 17 inches or larger, although commercial fishermen using other gear can keep flounder down to 14 inches.

Virginia Triggerfish Record Confirmed

More Boats More Better

he NMMA has compiled data through October of last year, and it seems that year over year, powerboat registrations nation-wide are up 4.7-percent overall. The outboard boats used by most of us anglers showed a 4.9-percent increase, but the biggest jump was actually in cruisers, which went up by 9.7 percent. Cruisers? How the heck do you fish from a cruiser??

n December Virginia authorities certified a six-pound, 12-ounce gray triggerfish as the new state record. There was previously no record for triggerfish, since none meeting the minimum six-pound threshold had ever been submitted for recognition. The fish was caught by Dave Walden while fishing out of Virginia Beach on the Underdog, at a wreck on the Cigar. It ate a squid strip, which the angler was using while targeting sea bass. Congratulations, Dave!

##Walden’s record-setting triggerfish measured 18.5 inches. Photo courtesy of Dave Walden.

Bomb Cyclone Temperature Drop Causes Fish Kills

nfortunately, the Arctic-like Bomb Cyclone’s chill we experienced after the holidays triggered a fish kill in the Virginia portion of the Chesapeake and along the coast all the way down into North Carolina, mostly affecting speckled trout but also with red drum and striped bass in the mix. In many areas that don’t normally freeze, like Rudee Inlet, fish could be spotted belly-up locked inside the ice. Fish kills (called “cold stuns”) like this aren’t unusual and happen every few years Follow us!

to one degree or another. But the severity changes from even to event, and this one looks to have been pretty bad. The phenomenon commonly affects smaller fish, which have a harder time dealing with sudden temperature changes. But large and even trophy-sized trout have apparently been affected, according to a report from the Virginia Pilot, in which Lynnhaven resident Mike Firestone is quoted as saying he’s seen “many of them 30 inches or longer.”

The news only grows sadder, as you head farther south. In response to confirmed cold stun kills throughout several bodies of water as far south as Topsail in eastern North Carolina, the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries issued a proclamation on Friday closing the commercial and recreational fisheries for speckled trout. It will remain shut down state-wide through mid-June, to protect the surviving fish through spawning season. FishTalkMag.com February 2018 11

Fish News presented by

Waterfront Marine

RBFF and OpenAngler.com Join Forces

he Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) has partnered up with OpenAngler.com with the goal of making it easier for prospective anglers to book charters. “This new partnership with OpenAngler provides us with valuable new data for the TakeMeFishing.org Places to Boat & Fish Map and targets a promising group of new angling recruits, providing a quality fishing experience with the potential to create lifelong anglers,” announced RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. Using OpenAngler’s tools, TakeMeFishing.org’s Places to Fish & Boat Map will provide links to fishing boats and fishing charters, allowing users to directly book whatever kind of trip they desire with the click of a button. “This is a huge win for the sport fishing industry, it marks one of the first major partnership opportunities to bring digital reservations and online booking to the community, making it easier to get more people on the water with reputable guides and charter operators,” said Alicia Aloe of OpenAngler. RBFF reports that youth participation in fishing increased by three-percent in 2016, bringing the total to 11 million. When choosing partnerships like this one, RBFF is looking for opportunities that will continue to help this number increase over the years.

Pre-Season Stocking Underway

re-season stocking has kicked off throughout the Mid-Atlantic region for 2018, with Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia programs all underway. Maryland – which has raised over 300,000 brown, rainbow, and golden trout for stocking – has expanded pre-season stocking this year to include early trout stocking in several impoundments that will receive their allotments all at once, which will provide greater fishing opportunities for anglers throughout the winter season. (Stocking schedules are available online, at dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries). Virginia doesn’t announce most of their stocking ahead of time, but they have an incredibly good interactive map you can use to check out where stockings have taken place. Color coding lets you know which areas are delayed harvest, put-and-take, etc., and when you click on a spot all the details regarding trout stocking and fishing specific to the location pop up. You’ll find it on the Trout Fishing Guide page of dgif.virginia.gov.

T o u r n a m e n t

Mid-Atlantic Rockfish Shootout

uring the weekend of December 7-9, Southern Chesapeake Bay anglers braved the rough and frigid waters to participate in the 15th Annual Mid-Atlantic Rockfish Shootout. Boats embarked from various inlets in Virginian waters before returning to the official weigh station at Oyster Farm at Kings Creek in Cape Charles, VA. This year’s total payout of $105,528 was divided out amongst the winners. Congratulations to Team Shonuf for earning first place with an aggregate weight of 135.4-pounds!

Tournament Winners

Shonuf - 135.4-pounds Underdog 1 - 126.4-pounds Underdog 2 - 85.8-pounds

Biggest Fish Calcutta Top Dog 1 56.75-pounds

12 February 2018 FishTalkMag.com

www.waterfrontmarine.com

Fisheries Frenzy

OAA released a 2017 Progress Update (we counted seven pie charts and 17 bullet points – there are those tax dollars at work!) and according to head of fisheries Chris Oliver, the department has made “substantial progress” on or completed more than 80 percent of the projects identified in the National Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Implementation Plan. We found the Mid-Atlantic data quite interesting, particularly because it places the total catch of flounder (10,866,000) and croaker (7,973,000) well above striped bass (6,358,000). This data was gathered with New Jersey and New York both considered as part of the Mid-Atlantic region, so we DelMarVians are wondering where the heck all those croaker came from and more importantly, why they’d abandon our water for the likes of Jersey and New York. Really, croaker? Really?! The break-down of economic impacts is also quite interesting, and once again argues in favor of calling out the importance of recreational angling. In Delaware it accounted for almost 104 million dollars in expenditures and 968 jobs. In Maryland, over 716 million and 6,999 jobs depend on recreational angling. And in Virginia, the tally is 466 million and 5,263 jobs. If you want to find out more details, visit nmfs.noaa.gov and go to the Mid-Atlantic Snapshot (11 pie charts, plus a cool fish graph).

N e w s

CCA Maryland Pickerel Championship

e have no tournament results to report on from January, and we have no new tournaments to let you know about this month, either. Shocker. We do, however, want to remind everyone that the CCA MD Chestertown Chapter’s 2017 Pickerel Tournament, which started back in December, is still underway and runs through the end of the month. This is a catch-photo-release tournament with separate divisions for Open, Kayak, Youth, and Fly, plus a few mini-tourney Calcutta days (including February 25). If you get in this late you’re certainly at a disadvantage as you try to put together your best “stringer” of three fish caught at any time during the tournament, but considering that the entry fee is a mere $50 per angler, why not jump on board if you’re about to go pickerel fishing? Fish caught in all waters in Delaware and Maryland are eligible. Visit the CCA MD Chestertown Chapter’s Facebook page or ianglertournament.com, to learn more.

HOT NEW GEAR

Editor’s Note: We wish we could personally test every item that appears on these pages, but that simply isn’t possible. So that you know the difference between when we’ve physically tested a piece of gear and when we’re writing about it because it’s newsworthy and we think you’ll want to know about it, we’ve developed this FishTalk Tested button. When you see it printed next to something in this section, it means we’ve personally run it through the wringer.

Abu Garcia Revo X 2X10

he smallest model in Abu Garcia’s new Revo X spinning line, we think the 2X10 will make an ideal reel for panfish and smallish gamefish up into the 10-pound range. It holds 150 yards of six-pound braid, weighs 7.5 ounces, and has six ball-bearings plus a line roller bearing. We found two big surprises while fishing this reel: it has virtually no rotor wobble, and for its size it puts out an awful lot of drag with a 10-pound maximum. The aluminum spool does have a bit of play in it, but it’s hard to find a reel in this price range that doesn’t. Larger models range include the 2X20, 2X30, and 2X40, which takes you up into the bay fishing range with a 210 capacity of 14-pound braid and a maximum drag of 13 pounds. We give it a sturdy thumbs-up (even though we hate those hexagonal screw heads, because it’s hard to turn them with the end of a rusty bait knife). Price: $99.95, abugarcia.com.

Berkley Dredger 17.5

rankbait aficionados who want to get deep with a small lure will like the 3/4 ounce Dredger 17.5, which is 2.75-inches long, comes in 15 different color patterns, and dangles a pair of standardissue Berkley Fusion nickel-plated needle-point trebles. (That means they won’t instantly selfdestruct when exposed to saltwater, but nor will they live forever if used in the brine). The “17.5” in its name comes from the fact that despite its small size, 17.5 feet is the average depth it runs. The bill isn’t overly huge, either, but gets a depth-digging boost from a small lead disc molded into its center. Dredgers are available in a number of sizes ranging from 2.0- to 3.25-inches, the smallest of which digs down to 8.5 feet and the largest of which hits 25.5 feet. We have zero negative comments about this lure, although we were disgusted to see the Facebook-Twitter-YouTube-Instagram logos on the packaging. Even on our crankbaits? Really!? Price: $8.99 Check out berkley-fishing.com to learn more.

Clarion CM-Series

f you like jamming tunes while running from hotspot to hotspot and you want your fishing boat to sport a unique look, check out Clarion’s new CM-Series marine speakers. The grill is designed to look like a propeller and is illuminated with LEDs. Both flush-mounts and fully enclosed tower models are available, both are waterproof, and both can handle 200 watts of power. Price: TBD. Visit clarion.com for more info.

SkyMate Mazu M2500

e all love to hate tech sometimes, but even the total non-geeks among us have to admit that the new Mazu M2500 is uber-cool. In a nutshell: you install a base station and an antenna on your fishboat, pay a monthly plan ranging from $9.95 to $99.95, and you get global (global!) email coverage, a SAR 911-button, weather data, SMS texting, and nav-data—all on the iPad you bring aboard. Opt for the Sport Fishing package and SST and chlorophyll charts will also appear on-screen (though SST only gets twice-daily updates, and chlorophyll, once daily). No, this little box of digital magic isn’t cheap, and signing up for a monthly payment plan is about as much fun as punching a hook-barb through your thumb. But you can’t expect satellite communications to come without a cost. Besides, being able to email and text right from your iPad is a lot easier than it is with most lowbudget satellite communications systems. Price: $995. For more info, head for mazu-marine.com. Follow us!

FishTalkMag.com February 2018 13

Hot New Gear

MyCharge Adventure Jump Start

here’s nothing worse than jumping on the boat, turning the key, and… nothing happening. (Well, okay – sparks flying out of the engine compartment might top it). If you have one of those cool new jumper packs, you can save a day of fishing from the jaws of dead battery defeat. One new jumper recently introduced is the MyCharge Adventure Jump Start, which we used to turn a pair of outboards, and then revive a dying Android. This is a 6600mAh lithium ion battery, with a 400 peak/200 amp jump starting current. It comes with a micro USB cable (even though every American household currently has about 50 of these cables currently stuffed into a kitchen drawer these days), so you can charge gadgets, too. It doesn’t include a case (many competing products do), but the bright side of that is that you don’t have to pay extra if you really don’t need or want a case. We also like the size; this jumper is smaller than most, and will literally fit in your back pocket, glove box, or tacklebox. Price: $99.99 Check out mycharge.com for more info.

Livetarget Hollow Body Popper Frog

here are a million and one rubber frogs on the market, so why should you care about the new Livetarget? One word, people: SNAKEHEADS!! Topwater frogs are a killer for the Frankenfish, and this one, which incorporates a popping cupped face, should entice the region’s newest brackish/freshwater/ who-knows-where-it-will-showup-next sportfish to strike. The soft plastic body collapses for easy hook-sets, and the Hollow Body Popper Frog is available in twoand 2.5-inch sizes and 10 color patterns. We say get the big one – them snakes like a full dinner plate. Price: $12 Visit livetargetlures. com, to learn more.

Garmin STRIKER Plus

f you want an inexpensive fishfinder that has surprisingly comprehensive capabilities, Garmin’s new STRIKER Plus might fit the bill. At $139 to $699 (depending on size, which ranges from a four-inch screen to a nine-inch version) that bill is certainly less than one would expect to pay for a new fishfinder/chartplotter. You get down- and side-scanning plus traditional down-looking sonar, pre-loaded chartography, and built-in WiFi (on seven- and nine-inch models). What you give up to get the price-point is a touch-screen, as these units have keyed interfaces. They also have one very new, very interest-

ing feature: unlike self-charting units we’ve seen in the past, as you pass over an area the STRIKER Plus uses “Quickdraw” built-in mapping software to generate contour data to one foot, essentially in real-time. (Though you’re limited to two million acres — aw, shucks!) There’s no data dump to be made, and no waiting for a download to see the contours you collect on your own LCD screen. You can also upload and/or download community-sourced Quickdraw data. Sweet. Check out garmin.com, to learn more.

Boruit RJ3000

hether you love night-fishing, you often launch in the predawn hours, or you just need to crawl into a dark bilge, a headlamp is a must. And we were pretty amazed to discover the Boruit RJ3000 (thanks to brother Bill!), which is so dang bright you might just blind a bass from 20 yards back. It has three 10,000 lumen LEDs lined up in a casing made of aluminum, a two-strap headband, and four modes: center LED, side LEDs, all three, and strobe. One glitch for boaters: it’s not IPX-rated, and Boruit says the headlamp is “rainproof, not for diving or underwater.” In our experience, that means “will fry when wet.” We also note that if you wear glasses, the forehead pad interferes a bit. Still, these things are shockingly potent. Maybe the brightest headlamps we’ve ever tested. Price: $20 boruitled.com has the details.

Weems & Plath CrewWatcher

e love MOB alert systems, but we hate the need for expensive and complex base stations (or AIS systems) that most require. Safety-lovers will be totally hip to the new Weems & Plath CrewWatcher, which only requires you to buy a relatively inexpensive do-dad that can be worn on a lanyard. If someone goes overboard, it sends out an audible alarm, latitude and longitude, and bearing to the crewmember in the drink. Activation can be triggered via either immersion or separation from the vessel. Here’s the nifty part: rather than communicating with a base station or MFD, the transmissions and alerts come right through your cell phone or tablet thanks to a free app – regardless of whether or not you’re within cell service. Price: $89.99 Visit weems-plath.com.

F or more g ear reviews , visit F ishtal k M ag . c o m 14 February 2018 FishTalkMag.com

Plan Of Attack

Pounding Winter Whites

By Holly Innes

hite perch will bite right through the winter months (even through the ice, when tidal rivers freeze over) but catching them in the winter months is often difficult because the baits they favor, bloodworms and grass shrimp, can become scarce. Yes, they’ll eat (small) bull minnow and a number of frozen baits like clam snouts or peeler crab, but not with nearly the same enthusiasm. That may limit you to lures, and when fishing for whites with artificials, remember these three important tactics that will help you catch perch aplenty.

11. Use lures of two inches or less. White perch are accustomed to taking small bites, and small offerings are in order. When you need a lot of weight to get those offerings deep, utilize tandem rigs with a heavier lure (like a Stingsilver) at the bottom, or use a weighted top-andbottom rig and replace the hooks with small jigs or streamers.

22. Give the lures a pause between jigs. During the cold months of the

year the fish will be attracted by motion, which catches their eye. But they often won’t actually hit a moving lure. Pause between jigs, and you’ll notice that this is often when you get the strike.

33. Fish right on or near bottom. Often the fish will be looking for a

depth where the temperature is to their liking (read: the warmest water currently around). When they find it they usually won’t move any deeper, but will sit right on bottom at that particular depth. ##Rainbow trout are more than willing to bite all winter long – but you will have to make some major tactical adjustments, to get them on the line.

##Swapping the hooks on a bottom rig for streamers and plastics is a good way to weigh down small lures, and get them to the fish.

Trout on Ice

rout of all varieties are perfectly happy to feed in the cold, and in fact, they prefer chillier water than most species in the Mid-Atlantic region. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that fishing for them through the ice can be productive. It is not, however, like ice fishing for other species. If you want to target salmonids while it’s snowing, you’ll need to make some major tactical adjustments. First, stick with live bait. Yes, you can catch trout while jigging artificials, but live bait simply works better. Minnow are the top choice. Strangely, even when it comes to stocked trout minnow seem to out-fish the manufactured “dough” baits which simulate the pellets many trout are raised on (and which work so well during the warmer months of the year). Second, fish near the surface. Trout often cruise just a foot or three beneath the ice, and one of the reasons many ice fishermen only encounter them on rare occasions is that they’re fishing far below most of the fish. Third, fish relatively shallow areas. Flats of four to 10 feet are plenty deep for finding trout under the ice. Tip: savvy anglers after a mix of species will find an area where a shallow flat drops off quickly, and set tip-ups both over the flat and in the deeper water. Then, they’ll set the tip-ups in the holes over the flat appropriately for trout, and set the ones in deeper waters on or near bottom, for other species. And finally, drill all your holes right at the start. Trout are easily spooked, and while many other species will bite immediately in a freshly-drilled hole, trout usually do not. So when you first arrive get to work, and pop open as many holes in as wide an area as possible. FishTalkMag.com February 2018 15

C he s a p eake C alendar Brought to you by

For Chesapeake Bay boating news, visit proptalk.com

February

AMM Winter Lecture Series 7 p.m. Annapolis Maritime Museum. $10 non-members. Speaker Dr. Anson “Tuck” Hines: The Ecology of Chesapeake Blue Crabs.

Cabin Fever Concert Series Doors open at 6:30 p.m., concert starts at 7 p.m. in the Freight Shed at Riverwalk Landing, Yorktown, VA. Space is limited; arrive early. Music by Flatland Bluegrass Band.

FSFF Club Meeting Free State Fly Fishers Club of MD. 7:30 p.m. 3789 Queen Anne Bridge RD, Davidsonville, MD. Speaker John Mullican: DNR Warm Water Species Management.

AMM Winter Lecture Series 7 p.m. Annapolis Maritime Museum. $10 non-members. Speaker: Matt Sell. Brook Trout in Maryland.

8-11

15-18

9-11

Mid-Atlantic Sports and Boat Show Virginia Beach Convention Center, Virginia Beach, VA.

15-19

On Board Safety: Systems and Mechanical Dangers Free marine seminar presented by Scandia Marine Center. 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Scandia’s Whitehall Marina location in Annapolis. Complimentary refreshments and prize raffles. Space is limited, registration required: (410) 349-1900.

16-18

2-4

Mid-Atlantic Boat Show Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, NC.

Providence Boat Show Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence, RI.

First Aid, CPR, AED 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Annapolis Elks Lodge, Edgewater, MD. Presented by CAPCA; open to the public. Upon completion of the training, students will receive an American Heart Association Course Completion Card in CPR/AED and First Aid. $115 members, $135 nonmembers. Course cost includes breakfast and lunch.

3-11

Harrisburg Great American Outdoor Show Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex, Harrisburg, PA.

Fawcett Winter Seminar Series 7 p.m. at Fawcett Boat Supplies in Annapolis (919 Bay Ridge Rd). In case of inclement weather, call (410) 2678681 to confirm. Speaker Dave Gendell (SpinSheet and PropTalk co-founder): Annapolis stories, including the demise of Schooner America, wooden boat building in Annapolis, and more.

13 - Apr 10

America’s Boating Course Tuesdays, 6:45 to 9 p.m. at Annapolis Senior High School. Upon passing the test you will get a proof of completing the course, satisfying the Maryland State requirements to operate a recreational vessel. $50. Presented by Annapolis Sail and Power Squadron.

Tri-State Marine Fisherman’s Flea Market 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Tri-State Marine, Deale, MD.

10-18

Progressive New England Boat Show Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Boston, MA.

New Jersey Boat Sale and Expo New Jersey Convention and Expo Center, Edison, NJ. Progressive Miami International Boat Show Miami Marine Stadium Park and Basin on Virginia Key, Miami, FL. 35th Annual OC Seaside Boat Show Ocean City Convention Center, Ocean City, MD.

16-18

Richmond Boat Show Richmond International Raceway Complex, Richmond, VA.

Perch and Pickerel Seminar 3 to 4 p.m. at Anglers Sport Center in Annapolis. Learn the ins and outs of catching Perch and Pickerel in the Chesapeake Bay. Alex Perez and Gregg Avedon cover the gear, locations, and best techniques to catch good size and numbers of Perch & Pickerel.

Do you have an upcoming event? Send the details to: kaylie@FishTalkMag.com 16 February 2018 FishTalkMag.com

17-18

Pasadena Sportfishing 26th Annual Fishing Expo 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days at Earleigh Heights Fire Hall, Severna Park, MD. Largest ever with more vendors and new exhibitors! Grand prize raffle. Pit beef and ham sandwiches, oysters, cold beer. $5 each day, 12 years and under free.

23-24

Practical Marine Radar 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., location TBD. Presented by CAPCA; open to the public. Designed to show practical uses of marine radar for piloting, chart navigation, and collision avoidance. $115 members, $140 non-members. Course cost includes breakfast, lunch, and textbook.

23rd Annual MSSA Annapolis Saltwater Fishing Expo 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Annapolis Elks Lodge in Edgewater, MD. Informative seminars from expert anglers throughout the day (including FishTalk editor Lenny Rudow!), tackle for sale from local dealers, charter captains, and food for sale. $5 per person, kids 14 and under free.

Critters and Cocktails Lecture Series Refreshments served at 6:30 p.m., lecture to begin at 7 p.m. at the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center’s Education building in Grasonville, MD. $10 CBEC members, $15 non-members. Online registration encouraged at bayrestoration.org. Speaker Judy Wink: Coyotes, Friend or Foe?

National Outdoor Show Friday evening show begins at 5 p.m. Saturday Matinee: doors open 10:30 a.m. Saturday evening show begins at 7 p.m. Separate admission required for each show. Located at 3485 Golden Hill Road, Church Creek, MD.

Bull and Oyster Roast CCA Baltimore and Back River Restoration Committee. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Details TBD.

Boating Safety Class Presented by U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary FLotilla 25-08. 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Washington Farm United Methodist Church, 3921 Old Mill Road, Alexandria, VA. Students who pass test receive a boater education certificate. $40 per person or $60 for two people sharing the text. (202) 616-8987.

CBEC Guided Hike A docent will lead participants on a 1.5 mile flat path around the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center’s Lake Trail. Restrooms at the half-way point. Two hour hike (subject to weather and enrollment). Pre-registration required at bayrestoration. org/hiking. 1 p.m. CBEC, Grasonville, MD. Free CBEC members, $5 nonmembers.

The 8th Annual Marine and Maritime Career Expo 12 to 3 p.m. at Annapolis High School. Presented by the Eastport Yacht Club Foundation and Anne Arundel County Public Schools. Free for all students grades 6-12+. Pre-register at eycfoundation.org.

BIGGER & BETTER Than Ever! Saturday & Sunday

February 24-25 Where else can you walk up to fly fishing legends like Bob Clouser and Bob Popovics and ask them your pressing questions about any fly fishing topic? You’ve seen them on TV; now you can shake their hands. • Two full days of tying, casting, and fly-fishing legends. • More workshops than ever before on fresh and saltwater topics. • Your chance to learn from Bob Clouser, Bob Popovics, Steve Silverio, Pat Cohen, and many, many more!

LoeWs AnnAPoLis HoteL 126 West Street | Annapolis, MD 21401 $10 admission for one day; $15 for both. Pay at the door. Photos by Austin Green

Anglers under 16 and active duty military are admitted free.

FishTalkMag.com February 2018 17

Chesapeake Calendar

March

FEBRUARY (continued)

2-4

Becoming an OutdoorsWoman Join staff at the Wisp Resort for a funfilled wintery weekend learning how to snowshoe and cross-country (Nordic) ski, discovering the winter woods, or trying your luck at ice fishing. Accommodations provided at Wisp Resort, MD. $375. Presented by MD DNR.

24-25

18th Annual Lefty Kreh Tie Fest The event will cover three floors in the Lowes Annapolis Hotel. $10 each day or $15 for both days. Anglers 16 and under and active military personnel free. Workshops, displays, fishing supplies for sale. Saturday 10-5, Sunday 10-2:30.

Jig Building 101 7 to 8 p.m. at Gunpowder VFW Post 10067 in Middle River. JR of Jigged Up Customs will go over custom jig building, when and where to use different jigs, jig materials, and much more at Perry Hall MSSA’s monthly meeting.

What’s Ahead in Nautical Charting? CAPCA monthly speaker series. Open to the public, free. Social hour begins at 6:30 p.m., meeting begins at 7:15 p.m. at Annapolis Elks Lodge, Edgewater, MD. Speaker Susan Shingledecker, member of NOAA’s Hydrographic Services Review Panel and vice president of the BoatU.S. Foundation.

28 - Mar 4

Fishing & Hunting Outdoor Show The Susquehanna chapter of MSSA brings you over 60 tables of fresh and saltwater fishing tackle, hunting equipment, and other outdoor paraphernalia. 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Irishtown Fire Company, New Oxford, PA

Spring Kickoff Sales Event and Knot Tying Seminar Get ready for the Spring season! Don’t miss this massive store-wide sale and a knot tying seminar at 3 p.m. covering the best knots for: connecting lines, tying directly to lures, and the best knots to tie your own rigs! 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Anglers Sport Center in Annapolis.

3-4

The Fly Fishing Show Lancaster County Convention Center, Lancaster, PA.

Progressive Atlantic City Boat Show Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, NJ.

##The MSSA Essex-Middle River Fishing Flea Market is March 17-18 and features vendors inside and out.

FSFF Club Meeting Free State Fly Fishers Club of MD. 7:30 p.m. 3789 Queen Anne Bridge RD, Davidsonville, MD. Speaker Rich Batiuk and other club members: New Places to Fish-Favorites from Fellow FSFF Members.

Fawcett Winter Seminar Series 7 p.m. at Fawcett Boat Supplies in Annapolis (919 Bay Ridge RD). In case of inclement weather, call (410) 267-8681 to confirm. Speaker Rachel Miller: Microfiber Pollution of the Seas.

9-11

Greater Philadelphia Boat Show Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks, PA.

9-11

National Capital Boat Show Dulles Expo Center, Chantilly, VA.

9-11

New England Saltwater Fishing Show The largest saltwater fishing show in the northeast! Presented by the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association at the Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence, RI.

Insurance Repairs: A Boatyard’s Knowledge and Experiences Free marine seminar presented by Scandia Marine Center. 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Scandia’s Whitehall Marina location in Annapolis. Complimentary refreshments and prize raffles. Space is limited, registration required: (410) 349-1900.

Marine Electronics Seminar 5 to 7 p.m. at PYY Marine in Pasadena, MD. FishTalk angler in chief Lenny Rudow will share his techniques on how to locate more fish with your electronics!

Fawcett Winter Seminar Series 7 p.m. at Fawcett’s in Annapolis (919 Bay Ridge RD). In case of inclement weather, call (410) 267-8681 to confirm. Speaker Nate Horton: Making Water at Sea. How To’s, Installation, Maintenance. 18 February 2018 FishTalkMag.com

CBEC Guided Hike A docent will lead participants on a 1.5 mile flat path around the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center’s Lake Trail. Restrooms at the half-way point. Two hour hike (subject to weather and enrollment). Pre-registration required at bayrestoration. org/hiking. 10 a.m. CBEC, Grasonville, MD. Free CBEC members, $5 nonmembers.

16-18

Progressive Saltwater Fishing Expo New location at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, Edison, NJ.

5th Annual Poquoson Kiwanis Club Boat Sale, Nautical Art Fair, and Fishing Flea Market 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Poquoson High School, Poquoson, VA. New and used boats for sale, boating gear, nautical arts and crafts, talks on boating and fishing, and food and beverages for sale. Fundraising event to benefit local Kiwanis charities. (757) 7460512.

First Annual Boatyard Boat Stuff Yard Sale 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Scandia Marine Center’s Whitehall Marina location in Annapolis. No charge to attend for buyers or sellers; all are welcome. Registration required and is limited to private sales of personal items. Businesses may not sell products on site. $5 to rent tables; no tents. Email info@scandiamarinecenter.com to register.

Maryland Fly Fishing Show 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Towson University in the University Union, Potomac Lounge. Towson, MD. New and used tackle for sale, free parking, door prizes, food and drink for sale. $7 per person, 16 and under free.

17-18

Essex-Middle River MSSA Fishing Flea Market 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1909 Old Eastern Avenue in Essex, MD.

Medical Emergencies at Sea 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Annapolis Elks Lodge, Edgewater, MD. Presented by CAPCA; open to the public. $45 members, $60 non-members. Course cost includes breakfast and lunch.

Fawcett’s Beer and Wine Tasting Night 7 p.m. at Fawcett Boat Supplies in Annapolis (919 Bay Ridge RD). In case of inclement weather, call (410) 2678681 to confirm. Beer tasting, open mike entertainment, amateur singer/songwriters encouraged to sign up early.

Fawcett Winter Seminar Series 7 p.m. at Fawcett Boat Supplies in Annapolis (919 Bay Ridge RD). In case of inclement weather, call (410) 267-8681 to confirm. Speaker Scott Noyes of Fawcett: Care of Your Outboard Motor.

Pasadena sPortfishing

26 annual fishing exPo th

Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 17- 18, 2018 8am-2pm Both Days

ADMISSION: $5 each day / 12 yrs. & under: FREE

Saltwater Fishing Expo presented by

AllTackle, PropTalk & FishTalk Magazines and MSSA Annapolis Chapter

Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018 8am-3pm

BESt pRICES On New & Used Fishing tackle & Crabbing Supplies • Nautical Crafts, Art, & Antiques • Hard to Find Items & Replacement parts

GRA ND p RIZE RAF F LE

Famous FireHouse Hot pit Beef & Ham Sandwiches Oyster on the Half Shell & Cold Beer Largest Ever with More/New Vendors! • Over 190 Tables Full Of Discount Items • Custom Built Rods & Custom Made Lures • Fly Fishing, Spinning, Conventional • Charter Boat Captains • Fishing Clubs • Knife Sharpening

Earleigh Heights Fire Hall 161 Ritchie Hwy. (Rt. 2) Severna Park, MD 21146

For More Information

Call 410-HEY-FISH (410-439-3474)

pasadenaSPortfishing.com Follow us!

Mark Your Calendar!

Annapolis Elks Lodge #622 2517 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater MD 21037

Admission is only $5 per person! Kids 14 and under are FREE! • Informative Seminars from expert anglers share their tips and techniques 8:30 AM Lisa Foxwell: Fishing 101 for Lady Anglers (but guys are welcome too) 10:00 AM Shawn Kimbro: Light Tackle Fishing 11:30 AM Captain Mark Galasso: Spring Trolling for Trophy Stripers 1:00 PM Panel Discussion: Light Tackle Fishing on the Chesapeake Bay Panel Members: Captain Chris Dollar, Lenny Rudow, Shawn Kimbro, Captain Richie Gaines

• Light Tackle Jigging, Bay Trolling and Offshore Tackle from local tackle dealers • Book a trip with our region’s top charter captains and guides • Easy Access from I-97, Route 50 and Route 2 with Free Parking • Food & beverages including Pit Beef Sandwiches, Oysters and Full Bar Service

www.saltwaterfishingexpo.com • Directions • Seminar Info • Vendor Info

www.mssaannapolis.com

I-97

Rt. 50

Rt. 2

Solomons Island Rd.

Annapolis Elks Lodge 662 Rt. 665

Aris T. Allen Blvd.

FishTalkMag.com February 2018 19

Reader Photos presented by

Marine Engine Sales, Parts & Service 410-263-8370

www.BayshoreMarineEngines.com ##Another fall fattie for Eric Olson.

##Ed Richardson pulled this fat yellow perch through the ice at Deep Creek Lake in early January. Photo courtesy of Michael Angelo Riley

##Jeff Sykes holds up the first fish he ever caught through the ice, a January walleye from Deep Creek Lake.

##Bradley Smith, his friend Daniel, and father Gary battled this 51-inch striper to the boat last November. Now THAT is a fish to remember!

20 February 2018 FishTalkMag.com

##Could this be the first ever recorded catch of a king mackerel caught off Love Point?! Nah â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Jay Bernstein took a winter fishing trip off Palm Beach, and tied into this king mackerel on a Gotcha plug.

##Mike Otto caught 40-inch pike on two consecutive days early this winter at a local reservoir. Swimbaits were the ticket. Photo courtesy of Steve Shad

##Kevin Thomas found that some stripers were still cruising around in the Severn River, in the final days of the season.

##Jack Sykes hoists a pair of beauties caught at an undisclosed Middle Bay locat… oh, never mind. Photo courtesy of Jeff Sykes ##The Zagalsky clan proves that a snow storm is no barrier, when it comes to catching chunky late-season stripers!

##Pam Jones caught this 35-incher trolling aboard the 25 Steiger Craft Bay View near Reedville last December, and was so thrilled with the catch that the chartreuse Stretch 25 she got it with ended up on the Christmas tree. Now that’s what we call holiday spirit! Photo courtesy of Jan Jamrog

##This 40-inch beauty was caught in the middle Chesapeake in early December on light tackle – in a 13-foot Boston Whaler! Photo courtesy of Eduardo Pasto

FishTalkMag.com February 2018 21

Reader Photos presented by

##Bookend wins for the Zagalskys: After taking 1st Place in the CBangler Tournament last Saturday with 11-year-old Darin Zagalsky reeling in the winning 31-inch fish, a week later in the Norm tournament 14 year old Brian Zagalsky cranked up the first place 47-incher! Photos courtesy of Jason Zagalsky

##It was a hot bite on the Rockin Robbin in the Middle Bay, just before the first snowstorm hit this winter. Photo courtesy of Greg Walker

##If the thought of fishing on a 40-degree day slowed you down late last fall, just look at what you were missing! Photo courtesy of Josh Kaltreider

##Jeff Graybill jigged up this 50-incher, just a couple weeks before the season closed out. Wowâ&#x20AC;Ś just, wowâ&#x20AC;Ś

22 February 2018 FishTalkMag.com

##Late in the fall, Martin Abel, Jay Bernstein, and Manny Miller jigged up this limit in 35 feet of water off Chesapeake Beach.

##Tony’s first light-tackle stripers came in the final days of the season. Go Tony, go! Photo courtesy of Travis Long

##Angler Edward Richardson proved that the Arctic weather of 2018 does have at least one advantage, after hitting Deep Creek Lake. Photo courtesy of Michael Angelo Riley

##Dr. Matt and his son Sam get in on the ice bite, during a recent trip out west. Photo courtesy of Matt Troshinsky

##Lenny Rudow tied into this world-class walleye through the winter ice, in Deep Creek Lake. “It hit like a Mack truck and almost ripped my shoulders out of the sockets,” Rudow reported.

##A run to Point Lookout to fish with the iFishMD crew produced a great catch just before the season shut down. Photo courtesy of Kevin Thomas

FishTalkMag.com February 2018 23

Hot New Fishboats

By Lenny Rudow

Dueling Dual Consoles

hough the dual console isn’t commonly the top fishboat design choice for die-hard angling, in reality, it’s the right pick for a huge number of bay and coastal fishermen. It gives you the flexibility to enjoy watersports with the kids (only when the bite is slow). It provides an easier-to-access head compartment (she cares, and sometimes he does too). And it offers more protection for the crew when running (which means less feedback from those not-so-hardcore anglers in the family). Truth be told, for family anglers in particular a DC is going to be the right pick. So this month, we’re going to check out three options of varying sizes which may not represent the pure fishing genetics of center consoles, but will for many of us be the best boat to buy.

Small Wonder: The Key West 211 DC

he Key West 211DC is a simple, straight-forward dual console that’s an excellent starting point for a family angler on a budget (plan on spending in the neighborhood of $40,000) or a first-time boat-buyer. It’s built with Key West’s foam-injected stringer system, Coremat and Klegecell coring, ProBoard composite or aluminum backing plates, and a high-density foam transom core. The hull design is similar to that of the Key West 219FS, with a 19/24 degree variable transom deadrise. We’ve spent extended time standing atop this hull in varying conditions, and can attest to the fact that it’s a shockingly smooth-running design for its size.

For the Fish-Heads As for fishing, the boat checks all the important boxes and then some. Most boats of this nature come with two stainlesssteel gunwale-mount rodholders, but the Key West has four standard holders

plus two more behind each aft jump seat, which do double-duty as the removable seat’s receiver mounts. There are also under-gunwale rod racks, coaming bolsters, a raw-water washdown, and a large in-deck stowage box you can use as a fishbox. Live bait anglers are in for a pleasant surprise, because the 211DC goes well beyond normal bare-necessity expectations for the livewell in this type of multi-purpose boat. It has a copious 20-gallon capacity, an 800 GPH pump mounted on a seacock, a high-speed pick-up, and it’s even lighted.

For the Family A freshwater shower, molded-in swim platform, and three-step telescopic ladder give you the basics, but to enjoy watersports you’ll want to add the optional removable ski pylon. Family members will also appreciate it if you opt for the portable MSD in the passenger’s-side console compartment. A 12-V outlet, stereo system with MP3 port and four speakers, and courtesy lighting are standard features.

We Love How the jump seats can be completely removed, not only opening up more fishing space in the cockpit but also doubling the number of rodholders. We Wish The head compartment was bigger (it’s tight in there).

Area Dealers

Annapolis Boat Sales, Chester, MD and Berlin, MD, (410) 973-2552 or annapolisboatsales.com Anchor Boats, North East, MD, (410) 287-8280, anchorboat.com Port Side Marine, Baltimore, MD, (410) 682-2998 or portsidemarine.net Gootees Marine, Church Creek, MD, (410) 397-3122 or gootees.com Bob’s Marine Service, Clarksville, DE, (302) 539-3711 or bobsmarineservice.com Garrett’s Marina, Bower’s Warf, VA, (804) 443-2573 or garrettsmarina.com

Quick Facts LOA: 21’1” Beam: 8’6” Displacement: 2300 lbs. Draft (hull): 14” Transom Deadrise: 19/24 degrees Fuel Capacity: 80 gal Max HP: 250

24 February 2018 FishTalkMag.com

Enhanced Capabilities: Robalo R247

he Robalo R247 represents a doubling in approximate cost as compared to the 211DC, but it’s also a quantum leap forward in capability. It’s large enough to head offshore for pelagic big-game species on good weather days, can be rigged with big-boat features like a hard top with rocket launchers or an anchor windlass, has a very roomy and comfortable head compartment, and can handle up to twin 200-hp outboards on the transom. The boat’s built with Kevlar reinforcement in the hull (and carries a lifetime limited hull warranty), and a poured ceramic transom core. You’ll also notice an excellent fit and finish on this model, plus plenty of high-end touches like gas-assist struts supporting the hatches and stainless-steel toe-rails in the cockpit.

For the Fish-Heads The bow is designed to allow the boat to be used for light-tackle casting; just remove the cushions, drop in the filler section, and every inch from gunwale to gunwale becomes a solid casting deck. We appreciate that the aft bench seat folds away into the transom, which also holds a 19-gallon livewell and a fishbox. Four gunwale-mount rodholders come standard, and the hard-top supports four rocket launchers and can be rigged with Taco Grand Slam outriggers. There are tube-protected under-gunwale racks for four rods, and also a raw water washdown.

For the Family Add on the optional ski pylon and this boat will have everything the kids demand for a day of play on the bay: a Bluetooth stereo system with four speakers, a 12-V power receptacle, a removable 25-quart cooler, and a walk-through transom door leading to a large swim platform with a telescopic ladder. The boat’s also ready and able for entertaining on a more adult level, with a removable pedestal-mount cocktail table (with receivers in both the bow and stern cockpits) and plenty of seating. One of the most under-rated family perks of a DC this large and the R247 in particular, however, is the ability to seal off the helm and cockpit via a swing-out door and folding windshield. This eliminates much of the flying spray and chilly breeze that can make some family members uncomfortable and even down-right miserable, when the seas and/or winds unexpectedly kick up. We Love How the boat allows not just for multiple uses but also for multiple fishing styles and situations, with features and design perks appropriate for everything from trolling at the canyons to casting topwater in the shallows of a tributary.

Quick Facts LOA: 24’0” Beam: 8’9” Displacement: 5000 lbs. Draft (hull): 1’6” Transom Deadrise: 22 degrees Fuel Capacity: 135 gal Max HP: 400

We Wish The ski pylon was a standard feature. Almost everyone will want it, and at this price-point we think it should be included.

Area Dealers

Waterfront Marine, Edgewater, MD, (443) 949-9041 or waterfrontmarine.com Cedar Creek Marina, Milford, DE, (302) 422-2040 or cedarcreekmarina.com Whelan’s Marina, Farnham, VA, (804) 394-9500 or whelansmarina.com Centerville Waterway Marina, Chesapeake, VA, (757) 547-4498 or centervillemarina.com

Grand Slam Home Run: Pursuit DC 365

ot only is the Pursuit DC 365 one of the largest dual consoles on the water, it’s also one of the newest, having just been introduced to the world a few short months ago. With a brace of triple Yamaha F300 outboards lining the transom it can cruise in the mid to upper 30s, and threatens the 50-mph mark at wide-open throttle. Construction touches include the use of infused fiberglass molding, vinylester resins, and a transom backed by a reinforcement grid. More eye-opening is the fact that the 365 DC is so utterly huge for this genre of boat that it adds an entirely new dimension to dual console versatility – add cruising and weekending to your list of possibilities. The passenger’s side console houses a full cabin Follow us!

Coaming bolsters line the cockpit. Robalo even adds rod racks in the ski locker, so you can swap out the water toys for more angling gear before heading off on a serious fishing mission.

with a settee, a 28-inch LCD TV, and two full berths that run athwartships under the deck. And while there’s a microwave oven in the cabin, the boat also has a full galley outside in the helm-deck entertainment center, including an electric grill, a sink, and a 1.3 cubic-foot refrigerator. The starboard-side console houses a full standup head with a shower and linen closet. The one area in which the boat’s sheer size doesn’t translate into added capacity is in the bow, where like the smaller DCs we’ve looked at, the arrangement is best for two people. It is, however, rather enhanced in the luxury department, as those two people will be fully reclined rather than seated upright, while enjoying fold-down arm rests with built-in cupholders, USB ports,

and a stereo remote control. More luxury can be found on the helm-deck, which can be bathed in 16,000 Btu’s of air conditioning via helm and lounge vents. Yes, that’s an option, but if you’re gong to drop close to a half a mil on a dual console boat we frankly think you’d be nuts not to get it. For the Fish-Heads It’s obvious that this boat is 100-percent capable of going wherever you wish to take it, and hunting for whatever aquatic beasts you might lay your crosshairs on. Standard features include nine flush-mounted rodholders (four in the gunwales and five in the transom), a 28-gallon livewell in the transom, an integrated tackle center, tuna-sized integrated fishboxes, and FishTalkMag.com February 2018 25

Hot New Fishboats

By Lenny Rudow

Quick Facts LOA: 37’11” Beam: 12’0” Displacement: 16,600 lbs. Draft (hull): 2’2” Transom Deadrise: 20 degrees Fuel Capacity: 320 gal Max HP: 900

interior rod-racks inside the cabin. All of the cockpit seating folds flush against the transom or inwales to maintain open deck space for battling fish, and 18 foot Revolution outriggers are an option you’ll want to have on this boat. For the Family While the one down-side to owning a dual console this large is that it becomes a bit less appropriate for some watersports, on the flip-side it’s also a competent dive boat. The DC 365 has a side-access divedoor, and dedicated tank stowage racks. The back of the boat also offers easy entry and egress, with swim platform wings that extend all the way to the back of the outboards. Whatever the adventure de jure may be, there’s enough comfortable seating to invite a huge crew. Along with the bow seating and fold-out cockpit seating, the passenger’s side of the helm deck is an L-shaped settee that can serve as forwardfacing seating for two and an aft-facing lounger for one. There’s also an aft-facing

seat for two built into the back of this lounger (which houses the tackle-center behind its backrest). All in all, a dozen people can kick back on this boat without ever feeling short on elbow-room. We Love The utterly obscene level of comfort. Oh yeah — and you can go fishing, too! We Wish There was an option to get rocket launchers across the back of the hard top. It’s instead designed to accommodate a retractable sun shade, which to our fishingfocused minds is a significant sacrifice for a small family perk. We also wish the (optional) underwater lights were green (which attracts the most life at night) as opposed to blue/white (which merely looks cool).

Area Dealer

Grande Yachts, Grasonsville, MD, (410) 286-1350 or grandeyachts.com

Simple Pleasures: Alumacraft Escape 14.5

ittle aluminum boats don’t make headlines, rarely even get mentioned in print, and frankly get zero respect – much less any fanfare. That’s a shame, because a small fishing and crabbing machine like the Alumacraft Escape 14.5 can be an absolute blast to own. First off, it’s down-right cheap. For a little over $10K you can get a brand new boat-motor-trailer package, which comes with a lot more standard features than you might expect: driver and passenger seats, safety gear, a rod box, trolling motor pre-

wiring, and an aerated livewell are all on the list. Secondly, trailering, launching, and retrieving a boat this small and light is a piece of cake, even if your tow vehicle is only slightly more powerful than a moped. Third, part of the beauty of owning a boat this simple is that you almost never have mechanical issues, because other than the engine, there’s practically nothing to break. Speaking of engines: we putted around the lake on an Escape powered by a new Yamaha F25 (you can see the video of our

Yamaha engine test on the FishTalk Magazine YouTube channel). That gave us a cruise of around 15 mph and a topend of about 25 mph. At both speeds we got over 10 miles to the gallon, which is pretty dang sweet for a boat of any sort. Nope, there’s nothing fancy about the 14.5 Escape. Yup, it’s too small for open waters in any real sea conditions. But when it comes to inexpensive and hassle-free fishing or crabbing, this is exactly the type of boat you need.

Area Dealers

Quick Facts

LOA: 14’6” | Beam: 6’4” | Displacement: 554 lbs. Draft (hull): 8” | Transom Deadrise: NA Fuel Capacity: Variable (portable tank) | Max HP: 40

26 February 2018 FishTalkMag.com

F&S Yamaha & Marine, Spring Grove, PA, (717) 632-6382 or fsyamaha.com Port Side Marine, Baltimore, MD, (410) 682-2998 or portsidemarine.net Danny’s Marine, East New Market, MD, (410) 228-0234 or dannysmarine.com Jett’s Marine, Reedville, VA, (804) 453-3611 or jettsmarine.com Rugged Marine, Chester, VA (804) 778-4191 or ruggedmarine.com Wilcox Bait & Tackle, Newport News, VA, (757) 595-5537 or wilcoxbaitandtackle.com

##Tip number one: make sure the boat you’re looking at has the right mix of fishability and comfort to fit your needs.

10 Things to Consider When You Shop for a Boat By Staff

Boat shopping is fun but also a bit daunting, so be sure to keep these 10 boat-shopping considerations in mind.

hen you shop for a new boat, you’re putting a lot on the line: your hard-earned cash, your future fishing experiences, and your sanity, for example. How can you be sure you make the ideal choice? You can’t ever be 100-percent confident – that’s a simple reality of life – but by knowing about these 10 things to consider when you go boat shopping, you should be able to make a wise choice. Maybe, just maybe, the perfect choice.

The right split between comfort and fishability. These two factors play giveand-take rolls in virtually every fishing boat you’ll look at. The most common example can be found in the seating. More seating equals more comfort, but also eats into fishing space. And not all seating is created equal. When it comes to bow seats, for example, backrests greatly increase their comfort – but they also get in the way when it’s time to fish. Another example of this give-andtake can be found in the size of a center console. A bigger console makes more room for a head compartment, but it also eats into the deck space you want for maximum fishability. So every time you look at a boat keep this fishing versus comfort tug-of-war in mind. The right dealer. The dealer you buy from is going to play a huge role in how satisfied you are, or are not, with your boat. Just like cars, virtually all new boats have a bug or two to be worked out. Will the dealership be responsive? What if there’s warranty work to be Follow us!

done in the future? And, let’s not forget about regular maintenance. Naturally, we hope you’ll start your search with one of the dealers advertising right here in FishTalk. If nothing else, you already know that they care about the angling community and they’re playing a role to help us bring you this magazine. But beyond that, we’d always recommend asking an unfamiliar dealership for a reference or two. Do your homework on Google, while remembering that there are (way too many) trolls out there, and no single review or comment should ever be taken as gospel. And spend some time just talking with a dealer, to find out whether or not you’re comfortable with him or her.

The right size. Bigger is definitely not always better. Light-tackle aficionados are often best served with a rather small boat, which can be used for shallowwater casting. Those of us who tow our boats to distant fishing grounds will find a smaller boat easier to handle. And if you want economy in your boat, size cer-

tainly matters. On the other hand, bigger boats do tend to handle rough seas better. And if you like hauling a large crew on a regular basis, you’re going to need a relatively big boat. But when it comes to LOA many people over-buy and end up moving down in size a few years later, so consider this factor carefully.

The right hull design. Many people think that deep-V hulls are the way to go, period. But, what if you don’t go out much when it’s rough, and stability is important to you? In that case, a semi-V might be a smarter choice. What if speed trumps all else? Then a stepped-bottom hull design is likely to be the best pick. We don’t have the space to get into all the different options here, but this is an aspect of a boat you should research prior to any purchase.

The right construction. Truth be told, there are very few crappy boats out there – the Great Recession weeded out most of those builders. There are, however, certainly different levels of construction FishTalkMag.com February 2018 27

10 Things to Consider When You Shop for a Boat

quality. Forget about the catch-phrases you see in all the catalogs and marketing materials like “wood free” (virtually all boats are), and “stainless-steel hardware” (virtually all boats built for saltwater have it). Instead, when looking around at a boat show, eyeball things like fit and finish, vinyl and canvas quality, and pipework quality. These details provide insight into how a manufacturer approaches boat-building in general. Then, when you’re back at home researching the construction quality of a specific model in depth, check for things like stringer construction, hull-to-deck joint type, and the varieties of resins used.

The right accessories. If you enjoy livelining, obviously, you’ll want a good livewell. If you’re a troller, the number and placement of rodholders takes on added importance. And if you want to head out into the bay or ocean weather-be-damned, radar will be an important item to consider. The list goes on and on – the key factor here is that you make sure that the boat you choose fulfills your personal needs. Wait a sec – why not buy a boat that’s more of a blank slate, and customize it yourself? That’s certainly an option, but remember that aftermarket accessories rarely fit a boat as well as those that were installed at the factory, and may not be serviced by the dealer who sold you the boat.

The right control system. Here’s another factor few people consider ahead of time, which can make a huge difference in how happy you are with a boat: For people who are a bit stressed by docking, modern joystick controls are a dream. Many of us find digital control systems vastly superior to cables and shifters. And some people prefer digital displays while others would rather have analog gauges at the helm. Yet time and again, people fail to take these factors into consideration prior to purchasing a boat.

The right powerplant. Since we could argue all day over which brand is the best, instead we’re going to focus here on size. If top-end speed isn’t the most important thing in your life, you may want to get a boat with something less than its maximum power. This will save you on up-front cost, and in most cases, maintenance and running costs. There’s a down-side to consider, though. Boats with larger powerplants tend to be easier to re-sell and bring a higher price. So if you can afford the larger engine, from an investment standpoint it may be a good move.

The right gunwale height. Those new to boating tend to get boats with very tall gunwales, because they feel safer inside. On top of that, young children are less likely to end up in the drink if they’re corralled by tall fiberglass walls. But experienced anglers know that low gunwales make landing fish a lot easier. That tall sides act like a sail, increasing drift speed and making docking tougher when there’s a breeze. That they raise a boat’s center of gravity, which lowers its stability. As with all aspects of boat design there are trade-offs to be made, so before you make them unknowingly, think through what’s best for your needs.

The right price. Naturally, everyone wants to get the best deal possible. That’s why you wander the floor at the boat show, and shop ‘till you drop. The best advice we can give you is to establish a firm budget, and be prepared to ignore it completely when you finally find the boat you love. The attached Flow Chart (which we saw on Facebook) might help.

Are You Going To Buy The Boat? NO

Yes

Do You Want To Die Alone Happily?

Is It Too Expensive? Yes

Yes

Do You Want To Die Alone? NO

Yes

Yes NO

Do They Love You? 28 February 2018 FishTalkMag.com

Do You Want To Find A Partner?

Is This About What Your Partner Will Say? Yes

Yes

Cool! Buy The Boat!

Can You Put A Price On Happiness? Yes

Buy A Car

Yes

I Lied, I’m Single

So They Want You To Be Happy?

Boat-Buyer’s Comparison Cheat-Sheet Make/Model/Powerplant

LOA/Beam

Est. Speeds Cruise:

Top-end: Price: Cruise:

Top-end:

Price: Cruise:

Top-end:

Price: Cruise:

Top-end:

Price: Cruise:

Top-end:

Price:

Accessories

Construction Quality/Notes