FishTalk Magazine October 2023

See Your Local Suzuki Marine Dealer For All the Details

All Star Marine Inc | 410-574-8281

2434 Holly Neck Rd, Essex, MD

Bob’s Marine Service, Inc. | 302-539-3711

31888 Roxana Rd, Ocean View, DE

Danny’s Marine LLC | 410-228-0234

3559 Chateau Dr, E. New Market, MD

Fawcett Boat Supplies | 410-267-8681

919 Bay Ridge Rd, Annapolis, MD

Friday’s Marine | 804-758-4131

(Malise Marine Sales & Service)

14879 GW Memorial Hwy, Saluda, VA

Galahad Marine | 410-827-7409

121 Rental Ln, Grasonville, MD

Hidden Harbour Marina | 301-261-9200

600 Cabana Blvd, Deale, MD

Intercoastal Marine | 410-335-0458

2925 Eastern Blvd, Baltimore, MD

Jett’s Marine, Inc. | 804-453-3611

18477 Northumberland Hwy, Reedville, VA

JF Marine Service LLC | 443-432-3121

138 Bugeye Sq, Prince Frederick, MD

Legasea Marine | 757-898-3000

821 Railway Rd, Yorktown, VA

Maryland Boat Sales | 410-574-3988

2426 Holly Neck Rd, Essex, MD

North Bay Marina Inc | 302-436-4211

36543 Lighthouse Rd, Selbyville, DE

Pasadena Boat Works | 443-858-2400

4425 Mountain Rd, Pasadena, MD

Pontoon Express | 302-945-0654

22572 Harbeson Rd, Harbeson, DE

Powersports of Crofton | 410-697-5965

7045 State Route 3 North, Gambrils, MD

PYY Marine | 410-255-1771

1132 Pasadena Yacht Yard Rd, Pasadena, MD

Sandpiper Marine Inc | 757-787-7783 21530 Taylor Rd, Accomac, VA

Scott’s Cove Marina | 410-784-7624

10551 Eldon Willing Rd, Chance, MD

Thornes Marine | 410-957-4481

1237 Greenbackville Rd, Stockton, MD

50

Oyster bars are about as good a fish-attracting structure as you’ll find in the Chesapeake.

By Wayne Young

Staff

All anglers need to anchor up at one time or another, but the task can be more challenging than it sometimes seems. By Staff

56

Fall Frenzy

Tips for using your electronics effectively when targeting rockfish in October.

By Greg Shute

58

7 South River Hotspots

The South River holds plenty of potential for rod-bending action. By Lenny Rudow

THE FORMULA 387 CCF IS YOUR DESTINATION for the ultimate center console fishing experience! The Formula 387 Center Console Fish offers flexibility with a trove of innovations in seating, storage and equipment options that are new to Center Consoles, while the cabin with 6’4” headroom brings unprecedented features where comfort is key.

The new 38'7" Formula with 12' beam is powered by triple Mercury Verado V8s, the newly introduced triple Mercury Verado V10s, triple Mercury Racing 450Rs or twin Mercury Verado 600 outboards.

The Formula 387 Center Console Fish builds on Formula’s rich offshore heritage in performance, styling and features, and gives you the flexibility from all-out Fish to all-out Sport and all points in between!

THE 387 CENTER CONSOLE FISH –Make

387 Center Console Sport

(Price: $6.99)

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

SENIoR EDIToRS

Beth Crabtree, beth@fishtalkmag.com

Kaylie Jasinski, kaylie@fishtalkmag.com

CoPY EDIToR

Lucy Iliff, lucy@fishtalkmag.com

FISHING REPoRTS EDIToR

Dillon Waters

ADVERTISING SALES

Eric Richardson, eric@fishtalkmag.com

CUSToMER SERVICE MANAGER

Brooke King, brooke@fishtalkmag.com

DISTRIBUTIoN / BRokERAGE / CLASSIFIEDS MANAGER

Beatrice M. Roderick, beatrice@fishtalkmag.com

ART DIRECToR / PRoDUCTIoN MANAGER

Zach Ditmars, zach@fishtalkmag.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER / PRoDUCTIoN ASSISTANT

Royal Snyder, royal@fishtalkmag.com

TACTICIAN

Craig Ligibel

CoASTAL CoRRESPoNDENT

John Unkart

CoNTRIBUTING WRITERS

Alan Battista, Jim Gronaw, Chuck Harrison, Capt. Monty Hawkins, Eric Packard, David Rudow, Wayne Young

DISTRIBUTIoN

Andy Aviles, Martin and Betty Casey, Gregory and Dorothy Greenwell, Dave Harlock, Ron and Colleen Ogden, John and Chrissy Wathen

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 $45 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 850 establishments along the shores of the Chesapeake and the DelMarVa Peninsula. Businesses or organizations wishing to distribute Rudow’s FishTalk should contact the Rudow’s FishTalk office, (410) 216-9309 or beatrice@fishtalkmag.com.

Member Of:

© 2023 Rudow’s FishTalk LLC

Rudow’s FishTalk Recycles

This book is a collection of how-to and where-to striped bass fishing articles by noted outdoors writer Lenny Rudow.

DON’T MISS THE BOAT

REGISTER OR SPONSOR TODAY

Year after year, we are humbled by the continued support of our local community. The Fish For A Cure (F4AC) Tournament, Paul C. Dettor Captain’s Challenge, and Shore Party has raised more than $4.5 million over the past 16 years, and we know that this success would not be possible without our sponsors. All funds raised directly support the Cancer Survivorship Program at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Geaton and JoAnn DeCesaris Cancer Institute, which provides support to patients and families as they navigate cancer care. Register your boat or join our growing list of sponsors for our 17th annual F4AC Tournament.

Notes from the Cockpit

Welcome to fall, FishTalkers! The cooling temps mean fish are fattening up for winter, the bird play should be heating up, and the hot bites we anglers enjoy at this time of year will surely get us all thoroughly pumped. Safety is of course always a concern, especially as water temperatures drop and hypothermia becomes a threat, but there’s something else that can also turn a good fishing trip bad in the blink of an eye: an unpleasant encounter with the watercops.

First and foremost: let’s be clear that we at FishTalk have great respect for the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP), Virginia Marine Police (VMP), and Delaware Fish and Wildlife Natural Resources Police (DENRP). We’re grateful that they’re there to provide life-saving assistance when needed and enforce the law so everyone angles on a level playing field. And having fished the Mid-Atlantic region for my entire life, in the dozens (hundreds?) of encounters I’ve had with these officers there’s only been one single time, ever, when I felt an officer treated me unreasonably (and that was in the early 90s). Recently, however, there’s been some controversy over a gray area in the law. It’s come to my attention that some people who were fishing in Maryland waters, in ways that appear to be 100 percent in accordance with the regulations, have been cited for violations — and that’s a dang shame.

Some of you may have seen the pictures circulating on social media earlier this year which seemed to show a boat casting its lines into the pound, or “crib” (the fully enclosed portion) of a pound net. Many of us, myself included, have cast around these nets for as long as we’ve fished the Bay without

By Lenny Rudow

Heart Pound Net Crib

any problems. Fishing inside the enclosed portion of the net is, obviously, not kosher — and as any reasonable person might expect, would make the watermen who work those nets quite irate.

Here’s what Maryland Code 4-505 specifically states on the matter: “A person may not molest, disturb, destroy, or catch and carry away fish belonging to another person from any boat, live box, crab pot, trot line, or the pocket or crib of any pound net or enclosed or gilled in any fish net of any kind…”

Note that this wording doesn’t specifically address the “heart” of a pound net, a distinctly separate portion which is attached to the crib but is open on both sides. Does that constitute “enclosed?” If your lure lands one inch outside of the opening, is that near enough to the heart to justify a citation? How can anyone tell exactly where said lure landed in the first place? Hence, we get into the gray.

Thanks to all the fuss kicked up by those photos, some watermen have been reporting anglers who were fishing near their nets — and multiple people have been cited for casting at the heart of the pound nets. As they had always done in the past without ever raising a hackle.

It’s an unfortunate situation. One angler appears to do something indefensible, and to prevent it from happening in the future, everyone else gets penalized. It’s not fair. But it is understandable. Unfortunately, when situations like this arise and there’s a gray area of the law, well-meaning people do get caught up in the… errr… dragnet.

The solution to this situation? We need a clearly defined regulation. I hate to lose the option of casting to the nets entirely, because I’ve fished around them with excellent results more times than I can count. But I’d rather have one less spot to cast to than risk having my day ruined by an unpleasant encounter with the law. We’ve reached out to the DNR for comment on this matter and have been advised that they are looking into it, but haven’t heard more to date. Meanwhile, I already consider fishing around the nets a matter of history. Where you cast is, of course, your own choice. But be warned, if you want your fishing days on the Chesapeake to remain pleasant and problem-free, you may want to give those nets a wide berth.

Strange Days

Dear FishTalk: I have been hearing in the reports about all the cutlassfish being caught in the Patuxent and South Rivers, areas that historically did not have these fish in them. Are these considered an invasive species? And, you must have some idea of why this is happening?

-Alan H., via email

Dear Alan, We’re not sure they could be categorized as invasive, because cutlassfish have always been in the southernmost parts of the Chesapeake Bay to one degree or another. They just never moved this far north. So, they really aren’t any more invasive than the redfish or cobia which have also been pushing farther up the Bay in recent years. As to why this is happening… nope, we have no clue!

No Joking Matter

Dear FishTalk, How do fish get to the hospital? In a clambulance.

-Anonymous

Flying Blind

Hello! I’m the fly shop manager at Tochterman’s and an avid reader of FishTalk. I noticed a few things in the August issue that needed to be addressed. In Hot New Gear, your review of the Hardy Fortuna Regent reels stated, “the 8000 holds 175 yards of nine-weight line, the 10000 holds 200 yards of 11 weight, and the 12000 holds 250 yards of 12 weight.” What should’ve been said was that those yardage figures were for backing, because fly lines, for the most part, range from 80 to 120 feet in length. Also, in your Fishing Quiz for Beginners, question nine read, “Tippet is just another word for…” The most obvious answer was A. Leader. But this is only partially correct. The leader is made up of three sections — the butt, mid-section, and tippet, the tippet being only the front third of the line. I hope this is helpful to your readers and keep up the good work!

-Henry L., via email

Hi Henry, Thanks for better explaining these fly fishing foibles for our readers!

Fi SH New S

By Lenny Rudow

The Slot Stays (For Now)

At its summer meeting the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Striped Bass Board extended the 31-inch maximum size for recreationally caught striped bass through October 28, 2024. As of now the Maryland trophy season remains unaffected, though modification through the Addendum II process is possible. Addendum II essentially offers a number of options which the board believes will allow the stock a 50 percent or better chance of rebuilding by 2029. Addendum II is expected to be brought back up at the ASMFC’s October meeting, with possible approval in time for the 2024 fishing season.

FishTalk Angler in Chief Editor’s Note: As regards Maryland anglers, among the options being considered are tight slots including maximum sizes on Chesapeake Bay fish down to 23 inches. While the desire to reduce harvest is understandable, a slot limit this tight is likely to give ammunition to those who are, in our view, unfairly blaming recreational dead discards as the root cause of the rockfish’s problems. While the MRIP numbers used to calculate dead discards are unreliable at best (remember that the very study MRIP cites for the nine percent coastwide release mortality figure states, in its conclusion, that it should not be used to calculate coastwide mortality), anglers on Maryland waters of the Bay are likely to handle large numbers of small fish in the quest to find a legal one. And as a result, those unreliable numbers claimed by MRIP are likely to balloon.

Other reduction options? That the spring trophy season should be eliminated is at this point a forgone conclusion. Trading summer season for winter season may make sense and should be considered. The proper course of action, of course, would be to invest in a study of striped bass release mortality. We have the scientific ability to perform a comprehensive study examining all the different factors coming into play—water temperature, fishing gear, salinity levels, etc.—and figure out just how many fish recreational anglers are actually responsible for killing. Then and only then could we make informed decisions that are best for both the fish populations and the fishermen. What we do not seem to have is the political will to make it happen. Nor have we seemed to have the will to address the real root cause of many of the Bay’s woes: degraded habitat and water quality. However, there is hope. See below.

Moore Promises More

Maryland Governor Wes Moore offered a renewed commitment to saving the Bay this summer, announcing a policy shift including new strategies to follow science and improve water quality. “Our administration is focused on working in new and collaborative ways to reduce the pollution reaching our bays and providing our local communities and farmers with the opportunities and resources they need to succeed,” he said. Moore signed two executive orders, one restructuring the “Bay Cabinet” to become the Governor’s Council on the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays Watershed, and the second to establish an Oyster Shell and Substrate Task Force, with the goal of developing a proactive plan to ensure the state has enough shell to increase oyster abundance.

New King of Kings

The state of Delaware has a new record king mackerel. While shark fishing near Fenwick Shoal, angler Jeff McCay hooked into the massive 52-pound, 11.2-ounce king. Despite making multiple runs and at one point tangling the line around the boat’s anchor line, McCoy managed to land the 56-inch-long fish and crush the state’s previous 31-year-old record by over four pounds. Congratulations, Jeff McCoy!

Good Morning, Star

The Maryland Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission and Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the 2023 recipient of the Maryland Sport Fisheries Achievement Award, and their choice for this year couldn’t have been any better: Captain Monty Hawkins, of the Morning Star. Captain Monty is the driving force behind the Ocean City Reef Foundation and has been working tirelessly to improve the habitat enjoyed by our coastal fisheries going all the way back to 1997. He has also introduced a person or two—maybe even three—to the joys of fishing.

The Achievement Award honors individuals who have provided sustained efforts in habitat management, conservation, education, research, or other meaningful contributions that benefit recreational fishing in Maryland. Congratulations, Captain Monty!

Snakehead Blue Catfish Flathead Catfish

# Captain Monty Hawkins, doing what he does best!

Photo courtesy of Capt. Monty Hawkins

At Your Service

Legasea Marine, formerly Dare Marine in Yorktown Virginia, is your one-stop for all things boating from the Chesapeake Bay to the Outer Banks. Factory-trained sales & service at our bayside facility off the York River is easily accessed by land or by water. Whether it’s a new-to-you dream boat, an engine repower or parts, a fuel stop, or just about anything that you may need for a great day on the water — a heritage of excellence is at your service at Legasea Marine.

Tournamen T n ews

The End of Invasives (Sort of)

October marks the end of the Great Chesapeake Invasives count for blue cats, flathead cats, and snakeheads. You still have this month to enter (it’s free), submit your pics, and walk away with cool fishing prizes awarded by the Coastal Conservation Association of Maryland. Remember: entering your catches doesn’t just put you in the running to win, it also helps build the database of where those invasives are and what they’re feeding on. Visit ccamd.org for more information or enter via the iAngler app.

Boating Safety - Starts Sept. 12, meets every Tuesday 7-9pm (4 week course)

Boating Safety - Starts Oct. 24, meets every Tuesday 7-9pm (4 week course)

Piloting - Starts Jan. 16, meets every Tuesday 7-9pm (8 week course)

Classic Competition

The OC Inshore Classic will be held October 7 and 8 this year, with 32 hours straight of unadulterated fishing. You can try your luck anywhere in Sinepuxent or Assawoman Bay, as well as up to three miles into the ocean. Rockfish, flounder, tautog, and open categories are all in play, and the scales are at Atlantic Tackle in West Ocean City. Visit fishinoc.com for all the details.

@keepersvintage

photographed by @schaunchampion

# Big Bird Cropper and Shaun Flaherty celebrated a win in the 2022 OC Inshore Classic. Could it happen again in 2023? Photo courtesy of fishinoc.com

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.

Sideways Glance

By David Rudow

Side-scan fishfinders are all the rage, a tool that many anglers have implemented and used to increase their success on the Chesapeake. But, what if you want to get side-scan without breaking the bank? The Lowrance Hook Reveal starts at a price point of $499.99 and packs quite a punch. It comes in five-, seven-, and nine-inch screen sizes, with a resolution of 800 x 480 utilizing Lowrances’ SolarMax display. There are three mapping options to choose from: 4000 US Lake Map, C-Map Contour+, and GPS only. All options have the ability to upload a new map using a Micro SD card. The Hook Reveal also has a waterproof rating of IPX7, allowing you to fish in wet conditions worry free. The Tripleshot transducer includes Downscan and Sidescan, both of which can run at either 450 or 500 kHz. It’s also equipped with a traditional chirp sonar up to 200 kHz.

I had the opportunity to test a Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 with a Tripleshot 3-in-1 transducer on my kayak over the past several months. Mounting was a piece of cake, using the gimbalbracket mount that comes with the unit. This Hook Reveal 7 is large enough to comfortably split the screen once, but I find side-scan easier to read when I use the full screen. Ease of use can be a problem with some electronics, but Lowrance made it simple with this one. I plugged in my transducer and the power cord, and was soon marking fish

without changing any settings. I found I could see about 20 times my depth to the side while using side-scan, up to about 150 feet total. So if I’m in three feet of water I can see about 60 feet out to the side while comfortably marking fish and structure. After a few trips getting used to reading it I was able to differentiate between fish and structure, and if the fish were hugging bottom or suspended. I paired this unit with a five amp-hour lithiumion battery and got around six hours of power with side-scan active the whole time and my brightness all the way up. If you’re looking to step your game up with an affordable fishfinder that has side-scan, the Hook Reveal with a Tripleshot transducer is hard to beat. Visit lowrance.com for more information.

See the Ceymar

For the 2024 model year

Okuma has announced the Ceymar, a new spinning reel that carries an extremely reasonable price tag but still incorporates many of this company’s techy touches. It has their Flite shaft system, a hollow stainless-steel spool shaft with ball bearings on the ends to reduce friction; a multi-disc oiled felt drag system; Quick-Set antireverse; and a machine-cut brass pinion gear. It also boasts seven ball bearings plus a roller bearing. The C-3000A holds 180 yards of 15-pound braid, has a 5.0:1 gear ratio, takes up 26.8 inches of line per crank, can put out 15 pounds of max drag, and weighs in at 8.3 ounces. Price: $59.99. Visit okumafishingusa.com for more information.

Bugging Out

Being swarmed by green heads or no-see-ums is one of the worst potential angling experiences possible, especially when you’re casting in uber-buggy areas like marshlands and tidal islands. And unfortunately, DEET, the active ingredient in most bug repellents, is also a proven fish-repellent. Forloh says they have a solution, with their Insect Shield apparel. Insect Shield cloths have a permethrin-based repellent (which is a synthetic version of the chemicals in chrysanthemums that naturally bugs those bugs), bonded to the fabrics. According to the manufacturer it’s odorless, safe, and works on mosquitoes, flies, ticks, ants, and other insects. The effectiveness is rated to remain through 70-plus washings. Performance shirts and pants in camo patterns and white are available. Price: $109 to $179. Visit forloh.com to learn more.

Flash and Wiggle

Spinners have been around for eons and it’s not often that a new one comes along with an interesting and unique feature, but Panther Martin is making our heads spin with their HybridHolographic series. These spinners (available in size two, four, and six in gold/pink/blue, silver/white/blue, and silver/chartreuse/white) feature hydrophobic synthetic fibers that don’t absorb any water whatsoever. Net result? The hairs stay fluffier underwater, presenting a larger, more appealing target for those predators. Price: TBD; these spinners are expected to be released in 2024. Visit panthermartin.com to learn more.

City Slicker

By Eric Packard

Rapala has partnered with Pro Angler Jacob Wheeler to produce The Mayor, one of several soft baits in their new Crushcity open water collection. Rapala uses “smart injection” technology to make a bait with the right combination of color, flake, salt, and scent. Whether you’re burning the bait through the water or are using an ultra-slow finesse presentation, their threeand four-inch bait’s slow, back and forth natural looking tail action produces. I received a pre-release press packet and tried casting them for ribbonfish and the toothy critters attacked with abandon, so if you want to crush it out there, hire The Mayor to oversee your next adventure. Price: TBD. Visit rapala.com to learn more.

New Horizons

Would you prefer to have a chartplotter with a vertical view, or does horizontal suit you better? The new Orion 10 from Si-Tex is the first chartplotter/fishfinder we’ve seen which does both. With the mere press of a key, you can change the unit’s orientation in a flash. Or, for that matter, with a swipe of the 10-inch hybrid touchscreen. Either way you look at it, the Orion 10 features a 52-channel GPS, C-Map 4D cartography, a 50/200 kHz sounder, and 340 kHz down-scanning with an optional transducer. Price: $1999. Visit si-tex.com for more information.

Banking on Brookies

Walking the bank of a mountain stream in search of native brook trout is a fine way to calm the nerves — your nerves, that is. Those brookies are as jumpy as any fish on the face of the planet, they aren’t about to chillax, and if they see you before you see them you can forget about hooking up. Hopefully, however, these tips will help the next time you’re banking on brook trout.

1. Walk softly. Your footfalls can create vibrations strong enough to put the trout on high alert. Also avoid stepping on branches that may crack, kicking loose rocks, or doing anything that can send tremors through the ground and into the water.

2. Stay low when you’re close to the water. Yes, they can see you, and the higher a profile you provide them with the more likely it is to happen.

3. Approach pools from downstream. The fish will be facing into the current, so if you approach from upstream there’s a higher likelihood of being spotted.

4. When approaching from downstream is impossible, get well above the pool (40 or 50 feet) and send back an offering you can drift in the current, like a dry fly.

Tempting with a Tandem

Jigging with a tandem rig is a great way to hook up with fall rockfish and white perch that are holding tight to deep structure and/ or in strong current, but want small baits that are otherwise too light to get all the way down there. Best of all, the tactic is super-simple as well as being super-effective.

1. Rig up a tandem rig with a slender, heavy jigging spoon on the bottom hook and a teaser or similar small offering up top. Note: don’t use a wobbling spoon or a flutter spoon, because the idea here is to get deep fast and stay there.

2. Park your boat slightly up-current or upwind (whichever is stronger) of the target to begin a drift.

3. Drop the rig straight down to bottom. As you jig be sure to drop the tip slowly enough that there’s no slack, or you’ll miss bites and risk more tangles.

4. Let out additional line if necessary to keep the spoon very close to the bottom and the structure.

5. The moment you feel a hit, whammo — set that hook!

5. If you do spook a brookie — and you will — mark the spot, continue fishing, and let at least half an hour pass. Then re-approach the spot with a little more caution and care this time. Most spooked fish will return “home” after a while and you can get a second shot.

Charters, Guides, and Headboats

One of the most difficult ways to learn how to fish the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean is trial and error. Then there’s the boat issue; we don’t all have one. Luckily, the Bay is full of knowledgeable guides and charter captains ready to show you the ropes. Below you will find a directory of professional guides, charter boats, and head boats to get you started on your quest for the perfect fish. Whether you like to fly fish, troll, or bottom fish, there’s likely a local expert who can lend a hand.

Fish With Weaver

# Snakes are still biting on Potomac Creek! Photo courtesy of Apex Predators.

C HESAPEAKE C A l ENDAR

o M

through Oct 31

the great chesapeake invasives count In this unique FREE competition platformed on the iAngler app, each time you log a snakehead, blue catfish, or flathead catfish, you get another entry in the monthly prize drawings. The data collected helps fishery managers understand which invasives are being caught and where, their sizes, and more. Register: ccamd.org

1 swim & Paddle south river

A five-mile continuous loop for swimmers and paddlers and half-mile course for breaks along the way. Presented by Crossing Currents Aquatics. Benefits Arundel River Foundation and LiveWater Foundation. Check-ins and safety briefings are staggered and begin at 7:15 a.m. for the five-mile entrants. Half-mile check-ins begin at 7:45 a.m.

4

Oct O ber

fsff monthly club meeting

7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Free State Fly Fishers Clubhouse (behind Ford Hall) at the Davidsonville Family Recreation Center in Davidsonville, MD. With Eric Zlokovitz from Maryland DNR Fisheries discussing striped bass updates, invasive species, Maryland Fly Fishing Trail, and plans for the 2024 trout stocking program. Please contact Ryan Harvey at  rybeer@gmail.com with any questions.

5 changemakers: celebrating environmental leaders 5 to 8:30 p.m. in Baltimore, MD. This year’s annual fundraising event will bring together over 350 of our state’s most influential elected officials, business leaders, and environmental advocates to celebrate clean water, healthy air, and environmental justice. Presented by Maryland League of Conservation Voters.

5 liVe with lenny

Join us on the first Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. for new episodes of LIVE with Lenny. Tune in for an interactive live stream with Angler in Chief Lenny Rudow where he discusses various seasonal fishing tips and tricks for targeting a variety of fish species. Tune in on FishTalk’s Facebook and YouTube channels.

5-8 annapolis Powerboat show

Walk the docks in Historic Annapolis and explore new boats as well as boating supplies, navigation equipment, fishing gear, clothing, and marine accessories.

5-15 Weems & Plath tent sale

Huge savings on discounted, overstock, and sample items. At 214 Eastern Avenue in Annapolis. October 5-15 from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

7 fsff club fly tying

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Free State Fly Fishers clubhouse (behind Ford Hall) at the Davidsonville Family Recreation Center in Davidsonville, MD. Patterns to be determined. All materials will be provided. Please bring your vise and tying tools if you have them. The clubhouse has some tools available for new fly tyers. Please contact Ryan Harvey at rybeer@gmail.com with any questions.

7-8 the oc inshore classic

A 32-hour inshore fishing tournament with categories for rockfish, flounder, tautog, and open. $75 registration per boat includes the captain. $50 each for each additional angler up to 5. Sign Up and captain’s meeting Friday, October 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Sunset Marina in Ocean City, MD.

# Don’t forget to stop by the FishTalk Fishing Spot at the Annapolis Powerboat Show, October 5-8.

WATERFOWL FESTIVAL®

2023

NOVEMBER 10–12, 2023 EASTON, MARYLAND

WILDLIFE AR T SHOW

Nation’s best wildlife painters, sculptors, and carvers.

TASTE THE CHESAPEAKE

Local Craft Brews & Wineries, Cooking Demos, Crab Cakes, Oysters & Stews

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Kid’s Fishing Derby, Retriever and Fly Fishing Demos, 3D Archery, Bull Riding, Corn Hole, and Birds of Prey!

BUY LOCAL

Apparel, antique decoys, and handmade crafts

EASTERN SHORE SPORTING & HUNTING TRADITIONS

Buy Sell Swap and Artifacts Exhibit features decoys, Americana folk art, and hunting memorabilia

WARD MUSEUM

CHESAPEAKE CHALLENGE

“Old Bird” Antique Decoy Competition

WORLD WATERFOWL CALLING CHAMPIONSHIPS

SPORTSMAN’S P AVILION Gear, Guides and Dock Dogs

Chesapeake Calendar

21 hart-miller island run

12-15 annapolis sailboat show

Sailors from around the globe gather on miles of docks in historic Annapolis to experience hundreds of new and premiering boats, boating gear and accessories, financing options, all while enjoying tasting tents and connecting with fellow boaters.

13-15 riverside marine Demo Weekend

20+ boats in the water and ready for demo rides at Riverside Marine in Essex, MD. Call for reservation: (410) 686-1500

Registration includes a race shirt, transportation to and from the island, and a race experience like no other. The race is limited to 120 registrants. The course is a complete loop of the island (5.3 miles). The race benefits the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Friends of Maryland State Park Foundation.

22 fly school Usa Fly School USA (FSUSA) clinics will help you master the basics or get to the next level of fly fishing. At the Rod and Reel Resort in Chesapeake Beach, MD. Combination of classroom knowledge with hands-on instruction on fly casting techniques; rods, reels, lines, and fly selection; knots and tying; hook setting and fish sighting. There’s also an option to add a guided fishing trip after your classroom session (10/23 and 10/24). Register: flyschoolusa.com

23 her helm: the oxfordbellevue ferry tale

5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s Van Lennep Auditorium in St. Michaels, MD. Captain Judy Bixler will share a bit of ferry history and stories of her experiences operating the ferry alongside her husband since 2001. $8 per person. Register: cbmm.org

24 america’s boater courseboater certification

America’s Boating Course, an eighthour presentation open to the public on boating safety, equipment, rules of the road, buoys, and safe operations. This course meets on four consecutive Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. in Pasadena, MD. Price is $35. Contact Lou Kates at lmkates@comcast.net or (410) 937-0338 or (410) 272-0079 for registration. Presented by the Patapsco River Power Squadron/America’s Boating Club Patapsco River.

27-29 sultana Downrigging festival

One of the largest annual tall ship gatherings in North America. A long weekend of Tall Ship sails, tours, live bluegrass music, lectures, exhibits, family activities, regional food, and more. Chestertown, MD.

28 cbmm oysterfest

Get ready to sip, slurp, and savor at this annual fall event, featuring live music, retriever demonstrations, oysters, and more.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, MD.

N O vember 4

17th annual fish for a cure

Catch and release fishing tournament and Paul C. Dettor

Captain’s Challenge to raise funds for Cancer Survivorship Program at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center’s (LHAAMC) Geaton and JoAnn DeCesaris Cancer Institute. Registration: $500 for a captain and three anglers (or a four-person kaykay team). Shore Party 5 to 9 p.m. at South Annapolis Yacht Centre (tickets: $150).

10-12 Waterfowl festival A three-day festival celebrating the culture of the Eastern Shore. Featuring artisans, kid’s activities, delicious food and drink, World Waterfowl Calling Championship Demonstration, DelMarVa dock dogs, retriever demonstrations, and more. In Easton, MD. $25 for all three days. Tickets: waterfowlfestival.org

N O vember

11-12 colonial Yacht club fall tournament Colonial Beach, VA.

15 facing our Unfinished challenge: saving the bay in the 21st century 5:30 p.m. at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s Van Lennep Auditorium in St. Michaels, MD. For more than 50 years, CBF has created broad understanding of the Bay’s poor health, engaged public leaders in making commitments to restore the Chesapeake, and fought successfully to create and maintain a cleanup approach that features real accountability—the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint. Tickets: $8 per person. Register: cbmm.org

16 mariners’ museum evening lecture series

7 to 8:30 p.m. virtual and in-person event at The Mariners’ Museum and Park in Newport News, VA. Topic: Churchill’s American Arsenal with Larrie D. Ferreiro - engineer, historian, and a 2017 Pulitzer Prize finalist. Free to watch online, $10 for in-person ticket (includes one drink ticket). Advanced registration required at marinersmuseum.org

18 eastern shore sea glass & coastal arts festival: holiday edition 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, MD. Artisans and craftspeople will exhibit and sell coastal and sea-glass related jewelry, home decor, art, and more.

25 colonial Yacht club lighted boat Parade 5 to 7 p.m. Potomac River, Marker #2, just off of the Colonial Beach Point, MD. Decorate your boat with festive lights and be part of this season’s holiday wonderment.

25 irvington lights on the creek lighted boat Parade Hosted by the Rappahannock River Yacht Club (RRYC) on Carters Creek in Irvington, VA. Parade forms at 5:30 p.m. near Custom Yacht Service on the eastern branch of Carters Creek. Boats will travel west passing RRYC on starboard, continuing on to Tides Inn; they will disperse a total distance of 1.7 nautical miles. Multiple prize categories. Post parade party at RRYC at 7 p.m. Open to any type or size of boat. Learn more: rryc.org

with Lenny

For links to the websites for these events and more, visit proptalk.com/calendar

# Jeff and Tom had a solid early morning bite on the upper Bay.

Photo courtesy of Brad Spittel

# ezra and Brian tempted this monster red into eating a live croaker at the CBBT.

# Taylor enjoyed some action in kent narrows, fishing from the shoreline.

# karly and Pat enjoyed some awesome Father’s Day fishing with Capt. Ritchie gaines.

# Steve tied into four specks up to 25 inches while working the waters near Smith Point.

# David picked up this beautiful speck on topwater in a Tangier tributary while fishing with Fishpit charters.

# Joe caught this pup in the shallows of the Little Choptank.

# grant caught a surprise while fishing near elkton, MD: an Atlantic stingray, which wandered a good bit farther north than usual.

# Julian got into a sweet cutlassfish bite in a creek off the Patuxent.

# William got this one on the fly rod!

# Chris battled in a 54-pound mega-red, which hit a paddletail near the fourth island at the CBBT.

# gary had a bang-up day at the mouth of the gunpowder, landing over 30 channel cats.

# elliot and Luca had a blast pier fishing off Topsail this summer.

# Aiden slammed the bass, pickerel, and crappie at St. Mary’s Lake.

# James found plenty of blues and mackerel while trolling at Windmill Point with spoons and planers.

Reader Photos presented by

# Carter caught his first striper! Carter caught his first striper! WTg, Carter!!

# John got into this beaut of a flounder while floating aboard the Creedence

# Michael tied into this mega-cat near Port Deposit.

# Steve was fishing aboard Schooled Up charters when he encountered this massive chopper blue. Photo courtesy of Travis Long

# Dax and Richard encountered this golden trout on Dax’s first fishing trip.

# Cyrus and nora Jane had a great time fishing the north east with grandpa!

# Hannah had a great sheepshead fishing adventure near york Spit this summer.

# kevin tied into a beautiful 27.5-inch speck while kayak fishing near Cape Charles.

# Fin fished late and was rewarded with a beast of a blacktip.

# Jack caught this 28-incher one morning before camp. The early bird gets the worm!

# John Patrick snapped off this awesome shot of a blue heron taking off from a Cobia 240 on k irwan Creek.

# Charleston caught this beautiful black drum on a live croaker near Onancock.

# David hooked into these two monster cats south of the Bay Bridge just 20 minutes apart.

# neal and Jodie picked up this little feller in the Washington.

# Rylan caught this 26-inch snakehead in a Pasadena pond.

Boston Whaler 280 Dauntless: Leadership Skills

Which bay boat is the king of them all? That’s debatable, but we can all agree that it’ll have to be safer than most, bigger than most, faster than most, more comfortable than most, and fish as well as any of them. And if you spend an afternoon on a Boston Whaler 280 Dauntless, you’ll also agree that this unique angling machine is going to be a top contender. Wait a sec — Boston Whalers have been around since the 50s, so how can we call the 280 Dauntless “unique”? First off, this model was just introduced last year as the largest boat ever built for the Dauntless line. Second, you can search high and low and you won’t find any other boats built in the same exact way. Boston Whaler lays up a fiberglass hull, lays up a deck and liner, puts them together in a steel mold, bolts it shut, and blasts pressurized liquid foam between them. The foam undergoes a chemical reaction and expands then solidifies as it fills every belowdecks void, bonds to the fiberglass surfaces, and essentially turns the entire structure into one big glass-foamglass sandwich. Net result? You could chop the boat into 100 pieces-parts (banish the thought!) and each and every one of them would still float. Added bonus: compartments like the fish box hold ice better than on virtually any other boat, because they’re uber-insulated. Added double-bonus: water noise and vibrations get reduced because the foam helps absorb them when the boat impacts waves, a trait evidenced by rock-solid landings as we wake-hopped across Eastern Bay. Added triple bonus:

By Lenny Rudow

can there possibly be a safer boat than one that can’t sink?!

As for the size part of the equation, with 28’ 8” of LOA and a nine-foot beam, this is one of the bigger bay boats around. What gives the 280 Dauntless an unusual edge, however, is the way that space gets used. Whaler has a knack for creating Transformer-like apparatus that allows one component to serve multiple purposes, and in this case, you’ll find a prime example in one of the leaning post options. At first glance it seems like a straightforward post. There are flip-up bolster seats at the helm and reams of tackle stowage in the back. But when you pull a pin and press a button, the seats flip over and back to convert into an aft-facing seat. It’s ideal for watching lines or, if you also flip up the doublewide

seat integrated into the aft casting deck, turning the cockpit into a social area with facing seats. Additional options include a post with a sink and cooler rigging station plus two flush-mount rodholders, tackle stowage drawers and stowage pockets in the sides, plus a second livewell. Or you can even get an optional Seakeeper gyrostabilizer underneath.

Another cool feature that comes with this much acreage is a doublewide lounger built into the front of the console. It boasts flip-down arm rests, beverage holders, and a huge stowage area underneath. Open it up, and you’ll get another look at a smart way to utilize available space; on the underside of the hatch there’s a mount that secures the cocktail table/forward casting deck insert and pedestal, while leaving

# you want easy access to the water? The swing-down gunwale on the Dauntless 28 provides it.

Hot New Fishboats

most of the area open for additional gear.

Okay: what about performance? This is one of those bay boats large enough to handle twins, yet still small enough to run with a single engine. Anglers who opt for a single engine package will probably want the single Mercury Verado V-10 400, which cruises in the mid-30s and pushes close to 60-mph at top-end, yet still attains a 2.2- to 2.5-mpg efficiency through the cruising range. Most, however, will probably be interested in twin 300s, which produce a cruise in the low-mid 40s and a top-end also close to 60 mph. Our test boat had the twins, and one big plus of this power package is enhanced maneuverability. Whether you opt for the joystick or not, putting the 280 into a slip or alongside the pier is a piece of cake with the ability to oppose the powerplants and spin on a dime.

As for the comfort factor, we’ve already hit on several of the highlights. The flip-up aft seat, tricked-out leaning post, and forward lounger are big highlights. Also note that the flanking forward seats have pop-up backrests to turn into forward-facing loungers. Add to that the head in the console, an integrated wireless phone charger, multicolor RGB LED courtesy lighting, a freshwater shower, and a hardtop tow-hitch for pulling water toys and boarders, and it should be pretty dang

QuICK FACTS

L o A: 28’8” | Beam: 9’0” | Displacement: 5495 lbs.

Draft: 1’6” | Transom Deadrise: 18 degrees

Fuel Capacity: 160 gal. | Max. Power: 600 hp

clear that the entire family will want to spend as much time as possible aboard this boat. Then add in the Vessel View Mobile system (which can beam engine data and notifications to your phone and gets you troubleshooting assistance with dealer notification), to enjoy an added level of comfort knowing that everything’s running properly.

Well. We’re running out of space and we haven’t even touched on fishing yet. We can’t neglect mentioning that there’s a 19-gallon livewell in the aft deck, three flush-mount rodholders on the transom

along with the gunwale holders, four rocket launchers on the hard top, and a forward fishbox big enough to ice down a tuna.

Is the Boston Whaler 280 Dauntless the king of all bay boats? We leave that to you to decide. But one thing is for sure: if you want to cast from your castle, this is a boat you need to take for a sea trial.

Area Dealer: Chesapeake Whalertowne, Grasonville and Annapolis, MD, (410) 827-8080 (Grasonville) and (410) 267-9731 (Annapolis), or whalertowne.com

See our video review of the Boston Whaler Dauntless 280 at youtube.com/fishtalkmagazine

Bayliner T18 Bay: Cakewalk

When Bayliner brought back the Trophy series in 2020 it generated plenty of interest but

had only two models, a 20-footer and a 22. The company keeps expanding the line, however, and now it’s up to five models ranging to 24’ long. For 2023

the smallest is the T18 Bay, and despite its diminutive nature compared to its siblings, it’s a sure bet that this boat will prove to be uber-popular.

Bayliner stayed true to the core bay boat concepts when designing this little

QuICK FACTS

L o A: 18’2” | Beam: 7’5”

Displacement: 2000 lbs.

Draft (max): 2’7”

Transom Deadrise: 17 degrees

Fuel Capacity: 33 gal.

Max. Power: 115 hp

fishing machine: it has an M-hull with 17 degrees of transom deadrise to minimize draft, while maximizing stability and providing enough of an angle to break up a chop; it has elevated fore and aft casting decks; there’s a livewell centered between flip-up jump seats in the aft casting deck plus an option for a forward livewell; and the foredeck is designed with a mounting surface ready for a bow-mount electric trolling motor. For anglers who like to fish the open Bay for stripers one day and probe the shallows for specks the next, the design and layout is right on target.

Additional fishing features include four rocket launchers on the T-top and four on the back of the leaning post, rod racks under the gunwales, six vertical flush-mount rodholders on the console, and a cooler/fishbox under the forward console seat. If you think the family might opt to sunbath over casting now and again… well, we hope you’ll set them straight. But on the off chance that you’re willing to cater to such insanity, you could opt to get the forward cushions which turn the bowdeck into a sunpad.

A final feature we find particularly attractive about this boat is its pricing. While boat prices have always varied quite a bit, since all the Covid chaos boat pricing has become so volatile it’s virtually impossible to put reliable numbers into print. That said, Bayliner advertises the boat as priced well below the cost of a new car. And note that it comes with a single-axel galvanized trailer. If you’ve looked at the pricing for new boats these days, you know that’s a rarity in the current market.

It’s true that an 18-footer isn’t big for the Chesapeake, and if you plan on fishing the open Bay you’ll want to pick your weather days. That said, there are also a lot of advantages to going with a smaller boat. It’s easier to run, easier to maintain, and easier to tow and launch. In this case, what also needs to be kept in mind is that the boat/motor/trailer package has an overall storage length of 22’6” and a width of 8’6”.

That means this is a garage-ready rig for homeowners with a common 16’ by 24’ bay just waiting to be filled up by something other than another new car. Which, we must point out once again, would cost a whole lot more — and would be a whole lot less fun to drive.

Area Dealer: Riverside Marine, Essex, MD, (410) 686-1500 or riversideboats.com

Titan 16: wuthering Heights

You say you want to get to those snakehead spots too shallow for even a kayak? A hovercraft could be the ticket since these things ride on a cushion of air and have a draft of zero. And as it turns out, there’s a hovercraft made specifically for fishing: the Titan 16. We don’t see any rodholders, livewells, or fishboxes on this thing, but it says right on the website that it’s for fishing (or bowfishing, ice fishing, duck hunting… and on and on). We’re also not sure how the neighbors will react to the noise when two air-cooled engines start spinning a six-blade, 26inch fan and a three-blade, 64-inch fan at a few thousand rpm. Price: unknown. Contact information: irrelevant.

For more fishboat reviews, visit: FishTalkMag.com/fishboat-reviews

# Jump seats on either side of the livewell fold down to create an aft casting deck.

Annapolis Powerboat Show Special

Welcome to Annapolis — now go buy a new fishing boat!

By Lenny Rudow

You say it’s time for a sweet new fishing machine, and you know that the Annapolis Powerboat Show in Annapolis, MD, is a great time and place to make it happen? Well, you’re right on both counts. But choosing which one to buy is no easy task. Ready to do some serious shopping?

Critical Features To Look For

Here, Hold My…

You know that any good fishing boat should be riddled with fishing rod holders, but how many is enough? Some people suggest three per angler capacity and that’s a pretty good rule of thumb, but die-hards say there should really be at least one rod holder per foot of boat. Note that jiggers and drifters will want a few in the bow as well as the stern, while trollers will be more interested in aft gunwale holders, transom holders, and rocket launchers. Also note that stainlesssteel holders trump the plastic variety, and under-gunwale rodracks really don’t count — they’re best used for things like scrub brushes and gaffs, unless you don’t mind people kicking your rods and reels on a regular basis.

It’s Alive!

Your bait will be, anyway, if the boat has a decent livewell or three. Bigger is generally better and there should be a halfgallon of water per live bait you intend to

haul. The interior of the livewell should be rounded to prevent the baitfish from beating themselves up and a baby-blue interior (which keeps baitfish calm) helps as well. Look out for standpipes that sit in the center of the well if they aren’t threaded at the base, because the pop-in variety can pop out in rough conditions. The hatch should be gasketed and dog down tightly to avoid spillage while running. Even then some will leak, so when you go for a sea trial be sure to fill the well up and run the boat across a few waves to see if water sloshes out.

Chill Out

If you ever plan on taking home dinner you’ll want good fishboxes. What makes ‘em good: large enough to hold the biggest fish you think you’ll catch (be realistic here, Captain Ahab); gravity drains or diaphragm Gulper pumps (macerators work, but tend to die off sooner); and thick insulation to hold your ice on a hot summer day.

Labor Saver

If you enjoy hauling a big, heavy tacklebox back and forth from the boat every time you go fishing, don’t pay any attention to onboard tackle stowage. But if you think life would be a bit easier with all your lures, hooks, gear, and tackle living in integrated compartments on the boat, make sure the tackle station is large enough for your needs.

Electrifying Experience

Unless you’re a diehard troller, look for a boat with a (modern, high-end) bowmounted electric trolling motor. These things let you sneak up on the fish in stealth-mode, hover in place via GPS Spot-Lock virtual anchoring, and slowly work your way from Point A to Point B while casting all the while. For light-tackle jiggers in particular, they’ve gone from being a luxury to a must-have. Bonus Tip: Opting for a LiFePO4 battery will cost more, but it will halve the weight and double your running time.

Details, Details

The Annapolis Powerboat Show takes place downtown in Ego Alley and on the docks surrounding it October 5 through October 8. Thursday through Saturday hours are 10 a.m. through 6:30 p.m., and Sunday the show wraps up at 5 p.m. Sign on to annapolisboatshows.com to prepurchase your tickets. Parking and shuttles into downtown are available at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (550 Taylor Ave.); remember that the local garages tend to fill up fast.

# Photo courtesy of Annapolis Boat Shows

Boat Buying Tips

Buying a boat isn’t at all like buying a car or a house — it’s far more important. Use these tips to make the right moves as you walk the docks at the boat show.

• If you plan on financing the boat, getting prequalified is a good move. Many of the dealers will finance as well, but knowing your limits before you start looking at sticker prices will help serve as a reality check.

• Keep your phone handy and take lots of pictures of the boats that interest you. After walking the entire show and checking out all your options, sit down and take a break while flipping through the gallery. Try to ID your top two or three choices, and then go back and look at them again in person before making a final call.

• Spend some time talking with the dealer and make sure you feel comfortable with them. You’ll be interacting with them for everything from warranty work to service

and maintenance. A good reputation in this regard earns a dealer serious bonus points — and if they’re a FishTalk supporter we hope you’ll give ‘em even more bonus points!

• If a boat isn’t outfitted exactly as you’d like, ask the dealer if they can

# you’ll find the latest and the greatest fishing machines at the Annapolis Powerboat Show.

order one the way you want it. This may or may not work out to your advantage financially, because some manufacturers credit dealers when they order a boat that’s already paid for. Other times, however, the dealer will be most interested in moving a boat rather than storing it all

winter. One caveat: in recent years the build/wait times have become extended for some makes and models, so if you’re going to order to spec be sure they can deliver the boat in a timeframe that you find reasonable. And remember that to some degree the exact timing of delivery may be outside of a dealer’s control.

• When you’ve identified a boat that’s of real interest, bring up FishTalkMag.com on your phone right then and there and type the boat model name into the search box to see if we’ve reviewed it. We’ve covered over 100 different models at this point, so there’s a fair chance you’ll be able to find it and gain some additional intel on the spot.

And don’t forget that we’ll be on the scene at the boat show from open to close each and every day, so swing by the FishTalk/ PropTalk booth and say hi!

Hit the Spot

corner

tel.

By Lenny Rudow

It’s the most common mistake I see people make aboard my boat: when told the fish are hugging bottom, they cast out and then retrieve without knowing exactly where in the water column that jig is. Most of the time when they aren’t catching — but other more experienced anglers are — I ask, “Are you getting down to bottom?” The answer is almost always “I don’t know.”

Well, how can you hope to catch a fish if you’re relying upon luck to put your jig where that fish is swimming?

Finding Bottom

Step one in mastering how to bounce a jig along bottom is choosing the proper jighead weight. Tail size and/or buoyancy and line diameter have an effect, too, but it’s minimal compared to head weight so put your focus there first and foremost. The deeper the water is the more weight you’ll need. But every day is different depending on current, wind, and (when drifting) speed of drift. One day half an ounce might do the trick in one specific spot, but the very next day or during a different tidal cycle you might need an ounce in the exact same place. On the flip side of the coin, as a general rule of thumb you’ll want to use the lightest head possible so you can get that jig sinking in a seductive manner while also avoiding snags — which are the common result when using an oversized jighead.

Experimentation is generally the only way to nail down exactly what size head is right in any given place at any given time. If you can’t feel bottom, swap out for a heavier head. If you feel the bottom but your lure is dragging more than bouncing, go to a lighter head. Yeah, you’ll need to stop casting for a sec to rerig but there’s a good chance you’re about to snag and lose that head anyway, so you may as well clip the thing off before it’s gone for good.

# When fish orient to bottom structure, having mastered the bounce is critical to success.

Bouncing a jig along the bottom is easier said than done.

How will you know where to start?

Here’s a rule-of-thumb table, but remember, this is just a general, broad guide to be used as a starting point of sorts.

Wind/Current Depth Head Size

Any 5 feet and under Quarter ounce or smaller

Light 5 to 10 feet

Strong 5 to 10 feet

Light 10 to 20 feet

Half-ounce

Three-quarter ounce

Three-quarter ounce

Strong 10 to 20 feet one ounce

Light 20 to 30 feet one to one and a half ounces

Strong 20 to 30 feet one and a half to two ounces

Light 30 to 40 feet one and a half to two ounces

Strong 30+ feet

Two ounces or switch to other options like heavy jigging spoons

* This is only applicable when using braid mainline. If you’re trying to jig with mono, heavier weights will be necessary. PS: you’ll catch a LOT more fish using braid with this tactic. Like… a LOT! *

# Since this angler was relatively inexperienced we up-sized his head to one ounce, even though we were only fishing in 10 feet of water. This introduces a stronger possibility of snagging, but he was able to feel bottom and as a result, caught fish.

When you’re trying to bounce along the bottom you need to be able to detect the head’s impact with bottom after each and every time you jig the rod. If that isn’t happening, it’s time to up-size or otherwise adjust.

Sticking Point

There’s one more gear element to contend with: your fishing rod. Exact rod selection is a matter of personal preference, but if you’re trying to bounce bottom with a clunky fiberglass pool cue you won’t feel that jig land on bottom even if you’re doing everything else properly. Sensitivity is key, so a high-quality graphite rod is in order. And when it comes to sensing bottom lighter rods are generally better than heavier ones; this tactic does require a level of finesse a broomstick simply can’t deliver. You also want a fast action so you can set the hook quickly and firmly.

Again, specific rod preference is a personal choice, but people always ask me what I like best so I’ll answer the question directly. My favorite rod for jigging a half to one ounce is the St. Croix Premier PS60MHF six-foot fast action, matched with a Shimano Stradic 2500 or 3000 spooled with 20-pound test Power Pro. Over an ounce, I like the Shimano Talavera TESIS66MHB six-six fast action matched with a 3000 or 3500 Stradic.

Motion of the ocean

Okay: we’ve got the gear all set, so let’s move on to the actual motions. Cast out, sweep your rod tip up high with the bail still open, then finger the line to keep more from spilling off the reel. Begin counting (one thousand one… one thousand two…) in your head and drop your rod tip to allow the jig to sink while maintaining minimal tension on the line. If your rod tip gets down near the water, release the line and swing your rod tip back up to let out additional line. Snag the line with your finger again and resume dropping the rod tip as the jig falls asap, because if the jig happens to land when you’re letting out line you’ll miss the telltale “tap” as it hits bottom. When you do feel that tap, note how high you’ve counted. You can then use the count as a reference point on future casts, so you know about when the jig should hit (assuming you continue fishing in similar depths/conditions).

If you count higher than the depth and still haven’t felt the jig hit, one of two things is likely going on. Either your jighead is way too light, or it reached bottom and you

While we’ve covered most of the bases for bouncing along the bottom, there are a few additional details and tips to keep in mind.

• When bouncing bottom around jaggy structure or shell, every fifth or sixth cast check your leader for chafe. Don’t get lazy and let it go if you detect some. Cut and retie, or you can bet you’ll hook a monster and then break it off.

• Bring multiple rods, each rigged with different sized heads. Then you can switch them out without having to re-tie and try different sizes until you nail down which will work best for the conditions.

• Stay on a hair-trigger not just for bites, but also for bottom. Often fish will follow a bouncing jig before striking and if they see it sit on bottom even for a second, they’ll turn tail and abandon the chase.

didn’t feel it hit. On your next cast try maintaining a bit more tension. If you still don’t feel it hit, you’ll probably want to upsize the head.

Of course, we all count at different paces and different variables (current, plastic type, etc.) are at play, so expect the countwindow to vary. That said, I find a oneounce head in 20 feet and a half-ounce in 10 feet usually hits in a six- or seven-count.

Now let’s say everything worked as expected and you felt that jig plink down. The very instant that happens — no waiting, no pause, no lazy reaction-time — pop the rod tip up with vigor to jerk the jig right back off bottom. When the tip gets to the top of its arc begin to slowly crank the reel and then drop the tip again, allowing the jig to sink as naturally as possible while maintaining minimal tension so you can feel it when it hits bottom aga… WHAM!

Hopefully you maintained enough tension to feel that fish, you were paying complete attention, and were on a hairtrigger, so you set the hook immediately and now you’re on.

If the wham doesn’t come, wait to feel the jig hit bottom again. The moment it does initiate the next upward snap, and repeat the process until you’ve worked the jig back near the boat and it’s getting close to vertical. At that point, reel in and start all over again.

What if you get partially through the retrieve and realize you’re no longer feeling bottom when dropping your rod tip? Stop

and wait for a few seconds, until you’re sure the jig’s on bottom. Then pop the rod tip up and drop it back without reeling. If you can’t relocate bottom, and this happens several casts in a row, you may need to up-size the head. If you do quickly relocate the bottom, you may be reeling too quickly on the drop and should try slowing your crank-speed. Or, maybe…

The Will of the Wind

A breeze, even a moderate one, can stymie the best efforts of even an experienced angler. It can grab your line, push it, and create a bow. The bigger the bow it makes, the more difficult it will be to sense bottom. So before upsizing, take the wind into account and let it dictate the direction of your cast. Throwing either directly downwind or directly upwind as opposed to across the breeze, you can prevent the bow in the line and may discover that you can feel bottom just fine. In some cases, such as Spot-Locking next to a specific piece of structure on a breezy day, repositioning the boat so everyone’s casting directly downwind or upwind to hit that structure will be a good move.

Current can have the exact same effect. It’s usually a lot less problematic than wind in the Chesapeake, where currents aren’t

too strong in most areas. But at a spot like the Bay Bridge where the water may be roaring through at times, casting crosscurrent can make it just as tough to feel bottom as casting crosswind on a breezy day.

Inexperienced anglers: if you use all of the above tactics and gear and still have difficulty, don’t let that discourage you. It takes time and experience to master the bounce, and even the best anglers out there will have a tough time staying in touch with the bottom when conditions are difficult. Also remember that as a general rule of thumb the deeper the water is the tougher it will be. So spend some time bouncing a jig along the bottom in eight or 10 feet of water to get a feel for it, before you try to detect the subtle landing of a jig 30 feet down. In fact, there’s nothing wrong with dedicating an afternoon to bouncing an ounce of lead in six or eight feet of water, even if there aren’t any fish that shallow, just to get a feel for it. Because once you do master the bounce, you absolutely, positively, will catch more and bigger fish. #

# keeping lots of rods rigged and ready with different size jigheads will allow you to try swapping them out without having to re-tie.

Oyster bars are about as good a fish-attracting structure as you'll find in the Chesapeake.

Oyster bars are the spots to go for tasty seafood. In the case of striped bass, that food is crabs, bay anchovy, Norfolk spot, and peanut bunker. Unfortunately, natural oyster bars today are but a shadow of their former dominant role as a keystone species in Chesapeake Bay. Nevertheless, live oyster bars, oyster bar remnants, and oyster replenishment and reef restoration projects such as found off Cook Point in the Choptank River are prospective hotspots for recreational light-tackle fishing. Understanding where to look for them is a steppingstone for building local knowledge and a playbook of fishing destinations.

Oysters are a form of primitive bivalve with global distribution. They are a keystone species of benthic filter feeders in temperate estuaries and coastal bays. An oyster’s filtering capabilities enables it to remove large quantities of plankton, nutrients, bacteria, and sediment from the water. A healthy adult oyster can filter 25 plus gallons of water per day. A large, healthy oyster population can improve water quality.

By Wayne Young

The Chesapeake was characterized by extensive native oyster reefs with substantial vertical relief prior to European settlement and aggressive oyster harvesting thereafter. Eastern oyster larvae have a preference for oyster shell as substrate, although they will attach to almost any hard substrate, referred to as clutch. Larvae of this oyster species swims near the surface which contributes to vertical reef development — nature’s way of keeping oysters above bottom sediments, putting them in cleaner water where nutrients essential to their growth circulate in the water column.

Oyster harvesting by Native Americans was at levels that did not adversely affect self-sustaining oyster populations. All that changed after colonization and as a consequence of aggressive commercial oyster harvesting. Today estimates are that the oyster population is only about one to two percent of the historic distribution. With a seemingly endless supply of natural resources, little to no thought was given to long-term adverse consequences. Most natural oyster reefs

composed of oyster shell substrate were progressively worn smooth by mechanical dredges.

Sedimentation and deteriorated water quality have had adverse impacts as well. For example, many old oyster reefs are buried under sediment in the upper Bay. Parasitic diseases such as Dermo and MSX have also adversely impacted oysters. Although not toxic to humans, the parasites can kill an oyster at about the time it grows to a harvestable size. Oysters are susceptible to other diseases as well and can also ingest other pathogens and toxins that are in the water. So, improving water quality is an important issue.

Massive investment in the restoration of wild oysters has begun to show some promising signs of a slow recovery. Additionally, commercial ventures have developed ways to grow oysters in floating cages, which also contributes to locally improved water quality.

Historically, oyster bars were surveyed, named, and charted. Bar names and locations can be viewed online using interactive Geographic Information System (GIS) maps at both Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) websites. However, oyster bar boundaries don’t show the actual location and configuration of oyster reefs within it. There are several ways to determine where the reefs or shell deposits are actually located and their shape.

Various field investigations and studies have been performed in Maryland and

# Cook Point historic oyster bar and restoration area. Top right – Shell piles with reef balls. Bottom right – Oyster bars constructed with alternative materials such as rock, marl, and concrete rubble. BAg Color Shaded Relief screenshots from nOAA Bathymetric Data v iewer.

Virginia for oyster propagation and restoration. Studies of interest for fishing destinations are those that map bottom composition. For example, researchers at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), College of William and Mary, mapped out the extent of oyster reefs in the James and Rappahannock Rivers. These works show where various shell deposits are located and their approximate area of coverage. In Maryland waters the DNR’s “Oyster Management Review: 2016-2020” is particularly helpful for drilling down into detail because it includes an appendix which shows oyster reef configurations inside charted oyster bar boundaries.

Another method to find bars is to scan shallow nearshore areas using Google Earth satellite imagery, including historic imagery which sometimes was taken during more favorable conditions than recent or current images. Constructed oyster bars are visible at some locations. For example, a large constructed oyster bar can be discerned in Virginia’s Yeocomico River.

The graphic of Plumb Point bar combines historic oyster bar, nautical charts, color shaded relief, and artificial reef graphics to illustrate the relationship of oyster reefs to surroundings and to highlight why certain areas become fishing hotspots. The left insert shows an overlay of a partially transparent version of the reef configuration over a nautical chart to provide a geographic frame of reference. The middle overlays a drawing of the fish haven’s artificial reef layout. The right insert is a color-enhanced screenshot of Digital Elevation Models (DEM) Color Shaded Relief and Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) under a drawing of the fish haven layout.

A traditional striped bass trolling area is sandwiched between the southwestern and southern edges of the fish haven and a bowl between two submerged points that coincide with natural shell deposits as well as artificial reef shell deposits just inside the fish haven. The trolling lane extends from there south through

another bowl between the middle and lower submerged points. The presence of oyster bars in conjunction with the bathymetric contours is a great example of what to look for when scouting for structure that’s favorable to predator foraging.

Rock deposits hold live oysters, and striped bass hunt prey at oyster reefs. So, natural rock deposits and outcroppings are also desirable features to look for. For example, there are numerous such outcroppings off the east side of Point Lookout. “Oyster rock” is an early characterization of dense concentrations of oysters in reefs with vertical relief, resembling large rock piles. Some of the named rock locations in the Bay such as Butlers Rock (northeast of Point Lookout) and Jobs Rock (in Cornfield Harbor) may be actual rock, oyster rock, or a combination of natural rock and oyster formations.

Man-O-War Shoal off southeastern Baltimore County, Gales Lumps off Tolchester, and shoals east and southeast of Pooles Island are old oyster reefs consisting of “relic” shell deposits. Though they don’t support populations

of live oysters they do provide excellent structure that attracts fish. The shoals off Pooles Island and Tolchester were a primary source of dredged shell clutch for the DNR’s oyster restoration program. Many deep dredged trenches were cut there to recover the buried oyster shell. Shell dredging for clutch was terminated after public outcry against the removal of relic shell. However, the controversy renews every few years with proposals to dredge areas like Man-OWar Shoal to support oyster replenishment of wild oysters (and subsidization of watermen in the process). Shell dredging would change the character of the last remaining large natural shoals in the upper Bay.

Editor’s note: In recent years, projects incorporating CCA Maryland reef balls seeded with oyster spat to create threedimensional oyster reefs have proved immensely successful. We’re not calling these reefs “immensely successful” merely because there are oysters thriving there, but because the fishing at these sites can be fantastic!

Wayne Young is the author of many books detailing bay and ocean structure, including “Bridges Under Troubled Waters: Upper Chesapeake and Tidal Potomac Fishing Reefs,” “Chesapeake Bay Fishing Reefs, Voyage of Discovery,” “Phantoms of the Lower Bay,” and “Hook, Line, and Slinker.” All are available at Amazon.com, and you can find his Facebook page at Chesapeake Bay Fishing Reefs.

# Oyster bar relationship to surroundings off Plum Point.

Game Day

To URNAMENT TACTICS THAT W o R k.

By Staff

You say you enjoy fishing in tournaments, and you want to win more of ‘em? While there’s always an element of luck involved in tournament fishing, skill and effort can stack the deck in your favor. And over time, you’ll see the same names pop up again and again as top contenders, if not winners, in the same tournaments year after year. Talk to those competitive anglers and a few commonalities in their tactics will become clear. If you want to join their ranks, you’ll take note of these tips:

Focus relentlessly on your target, from the moment of lines-in to the last minute of the tournament. If rockfish are the species being judged and you run into a once-ina-lifetime school of gigantic bull redfish, you need to

2 3

be willing to ignore them. If you hook into a beautiful cobia you need to crank down the drag and horse it to the boat or break it off. If there are Spanish mackerel leaping out of the water in all directions you need to leave and try a different spot. You aren’t trying to have fun — you’re trying to win, so stay serious about it.

Build a detailed plan of attack prior to the big event. Leave the dock knowing exactly where you’ll start, where you’ll try next, where you’ll try after that, and so on. Take the time to study the tides (if applicable) and weather so you know where and when to make your strongest play and have a multilayered backup plan.

Fully utilize every minute of fishing time. The start time of the tournament is when you take your

4 5

first cast, not when you leave the dock, so if lines-in is 6 a.m. you need to leave the dock early enough to be sitting at your first hotspot, waiting for the starting bell, at 5:55. And don’t even think about quitting one minute before lines-out. How many tournaments have been won in the last hour of fishing? We don’t know. But an awful lot of prize-winning fish have been caught after half the fleet is already back home.

Don’t waste one second on the water. There’s no sitting down to rest when a line needs to be rerigged, forget about sluicing away fish blood when a hot bite is on, and don’t spend one extra minute trying to recover a snagged jig. In the same vein, if you’re fishing live bait make sure you have it secured well in advance and never plan to burn precious tournament time catching it. Every. Second. Counts.

Prep is critical and gear needs to be in 100 percent ideal condition. Before tournament day respool reels with fresh line, replace old leaders, sharpen hooks and gaffs, and check, set, and recheck drags. If you’ll need dead bait, secure it well ahead of time and rig it in advance. Also run through the boat’s systems and make sure everything is functioning properly. This is not the time to lose a trophy fish to gear failure, or worse, to lose a day to boat failure.

# know the rules – photo identifiers, gear restrictions, etc., or you risk winning that prize and then giving it up.

Leave your golfing buddy Sven at home, and invite an angling sharpie instead. Setting aside kayak competitions, most fishing tournaments are team events. And you want strong team members who bring competency and knowledge to the table. Winning tournaments isn’t about taking your friends out for a day of fishing, it’s about competing, and building a strong team seriously boosts your chances of winning.

Avoid social events the night before, even if they’re part of the tournament. Nothing makes you slower on your feet than staying up and drinking until the wee hours of the morning. The serious contenders will be going to bed early and getting a good night of rest so they can function at 100-percent from lines-in to lines-out.

Pre-fish as much as possible. This doesn’t mean going fishing once the day before an event, it means fishing several days in a row so you can nail down patterns and locations. Yes, we know you have a real job, but do you want to win or not?

Ignore all intel coming from untrusted sources, and especially ignore anything you might see on social media. Sad though it may sound, people will be putting plenty of bad info on the streets in the days before a tournament, particularly when there’s serious money involved.

Study the rules. More than one tournament has been won and then hours later lost as the result of a rules infringement. Go through everything with a finetooth comb, twice.

If you’re a red-hot angler and you do all these things, will you win that next tournament? Maybe, but probably not. Remember, there is an element of luck that no one can control. But if you focus on the mission and try, try, and try again, you’ll see your rankings improve. And sooner or later, you’ll likely end up taking the prize.

# Photo courtesy of Major League Fishing.

# Crew counts; when you’re fishing in a tournament you want a crew that can function like a well-oiled machine.

Anchoring for Beginners

By Staff

Whether you plan to liveline, chum, or just keep your boat in one place, you need to be able to set an anchor so it stays put. At least, that goes for anglers who don’t enjoy the option of hovering in place with Spot Lock or a similar virtual anchoring system via their bow-mounted electric trolling motor. And if you spend enough time fishing, you’ll see anchor-fails like boats breaking free and drifting, anglers burning up their fishing time trying to set an anchor in vain, and boats wrapping the anchor line around a prop.

How To Choose the Best Anchor

Nine times out of 10, the root of the problem lies in the anchor and ground tackle that’s been chosen to do the job. Anchor types are, of course, a major factor. So let’s look at each one in turn.

• A: Danforth – This type of common anchor has two flukes that pivot on a shaft. They’re very effective in mud, sand, and other soft bottom types. But on rock and packed shell, they tend to skip along without firmly digging in. On wrecks and reefs they may grab hold, but quite commonly, the anchor will become snagged and you may not get it back.

• B: Grappling – These anchors have multiple tines poking out; think of a giant treble hook but with four or five hooks. They tend to be completely ineffective on soft bottoms but are often the best way to snag

on a wreck or reef and work well on snaggy shell such as oyster beds. Most are designed with tines that can be bent out by applying some extra pressure with the throttle of your boat, so they can be recovered after use.

• C: Plow – Plow anchors look just like, well, a plow. They have similar performance characteristics to the Danforth and do best in relatively soft bottom types. They aren’t likely to hold on wreck or reef materials and again, if they do, they’ll often become permanent additions to the structure.

• D: Mushroom – Mushroom anchors depend on their own weight and the suction of mud to hold, so they aren’t of much good for boats of any real size. However, a five or 10-pound mushroom works just fine for a Jon boat or a small skiff and their easy-to-stow nature makes them a favorite.

For many anglers, in order to anchor solidly on all the different types of bottom carrying two anchors is in order: a plow or Danforth for soft bottom, and a grappling anchor for holding tight on structure. And, of course, you’ll need to make sure that

All anglers need to anchor up at one time or another, but the task can be more challenging than it sometimes seems.

# Anchor? What anchor??

each anchor is sized properly for the boat you intend to use it with. Fortunately, this minor detail is usually well-marked on the anchor itself or is on a label when you see the anchor in the store.

Even with the proper type and size of anchor, having the appropriate ground tackle is also a must. Rope alone rarely does the trick, and having a sufficient length of chain between the rope and the anchor is imperative. Just what is that length? It depends on the size of your boat and the depth of the water you usually anchor in, but as a general rule of thumb you’ll want to use at least 10 feet of chain, having the same length of chain as your boat’s LOA is better, and the more you have the stronger the holding power.

Setting an Anchor

Okay: you have the right gear and you’re ready to anchor? Look at the depth finder and see how deep the water is, so you know how much scope (extra line) to let out after the anchor hits bottom. At a bare

minimum in calm water plan for a 3:1 ratio. If the water is 20’ deep, for example, let out at least 60 feet of line. If there’s any real wind, current, or waves, a scope of 5:1 is probably going to be necessary. And in rough conditions a 7:1 scope should be considered minimal.

Once the line is out you may need to give the boat a bump in reverse if the current or winds are light, to bring the line tight. Then give another short bump in reverse to put full tension on the line, set the anchor, and make sure it’s holding. Next, sit there and wait. Watch a landmark for a minute or two to be 100 percent sure your boat isn’t moving. You can also grab the anchor line and feel for erratic bumps and jumps that indicate the anchor is bouncing over the bottom. But don’t stare at your GPS to see if you’re moving, because the boat will swing back and forth at anchor so a GPS will almost always read some level of speed.

After You Anchor a Boat

Your own situational awareness after anchoring is just as important as everything we’ve discussed here. Becoming focused on baiting hooks, tying knots, or staring at a rod tip watching for nibbles often distracts an otherwise competent captain and as a result, he or she may not immediately notice that the anchor is dragging or has broken free. Then, it becomes a mad scramble to haul that thing up and get the engine started before something bad happens.

If your boat does break free and you have to start all over again, assess the situation and what went wrong. Was a Danforth bouncing along a shell or rocky bottom? In that case, switching to the grappling anchor might do the trick. Was a plow plowing through deep mud? Extra scope might be the answer. Consider what happened, the conditions, the bottom composition, and then try again. Or, you could always get one of those virtual anchoring systems.

# These live-liners found success by anchoring directly over a wreck.

Fall Frenzy

Tips for using your electronics effectively when targeting rockfish in October.

By Greg Shute

As water temperatures fall rockfish begin to school up as they follow the bait out of the rivers — making for some of the best light tackle fishing anywhere in the world. Knowing how to maximize the use of your electronics can greatly increase your efficiency and success rates in this fishery. Here are three tools that help me greatly.

Finding Birds

The first thing most people think of when fall approaches is looking for bird activity. While binoculars, particularly stabilizing binoculars, can be about the most effec-

tive tool for finding birds, radar is also a fantastic tool to use in locating flocks of birds over schooling fish. You do not need a high dollar open array unit to effectively use radar, either. A simple radome set at shorter ranges offers anglers the ability to keep running while looking for birds. Like most newer radar, my Furuno NXT radome offers automatic “bird mode” and when run at shorter ranges, will easily locate larger flocks of birds at up to three miles away. Even when run at the 1.5 nautical mile range, I can see birds at two miles away and this gives me a wide swath

of bird-spotting while running down the Bay — without stopping to look through binoculars.

If you do not have a modern radar with automatic bird finding features, turn down your sea clutter and gain up to just where the screen starts to fill in with feedback. This will give you the most energy on the small targets in order to get a return on your screen. Birds will be a less-dense target that rapidly changes in size on the screen. If your radar also has the ability to view trails, which display where targets were over a given period of time, I recommend turning them on to better

see the targets as they change in density. I typically set my trails to read at one minute or three minutes in order to be left with highlights to changes in target size. Where my radar really has shined is at first light or just before dark, when birds can easily go unseen viewed against the shoreline.

Finding Fish

Of course, we do not always have birds to show us the way, or even when birds do show us the way initially they can quickly stop working. This is where the traditional sounder combined with side-scan comes into play. The big game-changer for me came when I added side-scan with my Furuno TZT3 MFD, which is why it is my second tool to note. Not only could I work with my traditional sounder around ledges, particularly in mouths of rivers or in the vicinity of sitting birds, but I now could cover much greater areas of water without directly being over the fish. I typically like to run at ranges of 80 to 160 feet, which are distances I can reasonably expect to mark schools of fish or even bait balls. Even though I will occasionally run at 230 feet or further, I find that at longer ranges smaller schools of fish can become more difficult to clearly see on the screen.

Pro Tip for Reading Side Scan: don’t only look for rockfish around bait, but also look for bait balls that look like Swiss cheese on the screen. Because bait likes to school up densely, the Swiss cheese appearance usually results from predators attacking and going through the schools. These returns can often show you where the most aggressively feeding fish are.

Finding the Drift

The third tool I wanted to note for increasing your fish-finding electronics efficiency is to use the tracks on your chart plotter. Knowing where you have been while looking for fish, seeing your drifting direction as you set up drifts on ledges or schools of fish, and being able to follow schools of fish as they work their way down ledges or chase bait is invaluable. I actually have two Furuno chart plotters on my boat, a GP1971F and TZT3. I have the tracks feature set up differently on each unit. On my TZT3 I have tracks set up to change colors on every trip. This allows me to see where I have been on the current trip in relation to previous trips, which is very helpful when fishing similar areas from one day to the next.

However, I have my tracks set up to change color based on speed on the GP1971F. This allows me to see my drift track versus the tracks made when I move to set up again (since I typically drift at less than three knots, but will go back to set up another drift at above three knots). This leaves the one color to clearly separate the direction in which I am drifting so I can set up above a piece of structure, a ledge, or a school of fish, without running over them, staying on the bite longer and not scattering the school. Other brand units offer similar features. For example, one boat I occasionally run with a Garmin system was able to be set up to change track colors based on the day of the week. The Furuno also offers a variety of track recording features other than changing color based on speed or trip, such as track color changes based on bottom density (with a bottom discrimination feature compliant transducer) or water temperature change, which would be very valuable to offshore anglers.

In order to know how to take advantage of these features, you may need to explore the internal menus or manual to your particular unit. Learn how to do so and you’ll be better at finding the birds, finding the fish, and finding the drift. And you’ll also be better at catching those October rockfish.

If you have any further questions about how I use these features, feel free to contact me at ifishmd@gmail.com or (410) 533-1435. I am also available for charter at ifishmd.com.

Color-coded track lines can help in a big way.

Trails displayed on the Furuno NXT can help you determine not just where the birds are, but where they’re going.

South River 7Hotspots

By Lenny Rudow

The South River holds plenty of potential for rod-bending action.

Just south of Annapolis, MD, the South River can be a confounding place to fish. At the height of the season there’s so much weekend boat traffic, it’s rough even when the wind is dead calm. One year the South is chockfull of fish, and the next it’s as barren as the Dead Sea. This week the water looks gorgeous, and the next an algae bloom reduces visibility to nada. Of course, much of this is true of most of the middle and upper Western Shore rivers. And some seasons, the South is utterly on fire. When the reports start talking about this river, be sure to check out these top seven hotspots.

This spot is so named because when my daughter Mollie was three years old, we were cruising along and she said, “Daddy, let’s fish right here.” Purely to humor her I pulled back the throttle, dropped a resin jig over the side, and… proceeded to catch one weakfish after the next. Mollie is now 25, and I haven’t seen a good weakfish bite in the South in decades, but this spot will still produce rockfish on jigs and perch on Perch Pounders if you slide up to the point here and cast to the riprap along the southeast side, and up to the pier. The pier itself (as well as the next two piers heading up the creek) often holds fish but be careful when casting near the broken pilings on the south side because there used to be a boathouse here. It collapsed and created lots of structure — but also lots of snags.

2. The Duck Blinds

This stretch of shoreline has three duck blinds in various states of disrepair (it looks like the one farthest downriver is still in use). They don’t tend to hold a ton of rockfish but sometimes have a few on them and are a bigger draw for perch, so they’re worth checking as you move upriver or downriver.

3. Hill Point

From the cement wall at the end of the point to the mouth of Lake Hillsmere is one of my favorite stretches

for river fishing (and my good friend Brian’s, too, who will surely give me grief for even mentioning it!) It runs hot and cold but I check it throughout the year and it sometimes saves the day when it’s too windy to fish the open Bay. Rock tend to congregate along the piers and at the point itself, and perch can be found all through this zone. Interestingly, there always seems to be one or two hot piers in this stretch but which one(s) it is during any given season changes through the years. So hit these fast and stay on the move until you get some bites, then work the spot over before moving on.

1. The Mollie Spot

4. Turkey Point

From the first pier to the last one, this stretch is exactly like Hill Point: hot or cold, with standout piers that rotate through the years for rock and/or perch. That said, the very last pier and the pilings extending out into the river are unquestionably the most reliable over time.

5. The Channel

The channel is a good area to work when wind keeps you off the Bay. Try trolling one-ounce Rat-LTraps, feather jigs or bucktails, and paddletails along the edges and drop-offs for rockfish. Note that some fall seasons (maybe one in three on average) in October or November peanut bunker stage in the river before moving out into the Bay, and this area can fill up with 20-something-inch rock. You can catch them trolling, and just before sunset they often churn the water.

6. The Thomas Point Rocks

It may officially be outside of the river, but this is probably the most reliable spot anywhere in this zone

and it stays calm on a west wind. We’ve examined it in detail in the past so if you missed it, hit FishTalkMag.com and type “Thomas Point Rocks” into the search box.

7. The South-West Contour

From the South clear down to the West River a 12- to 15-foot drop-off runs off Mayo and Beverly/Triton beaches, and this is another area where rockfish will often move in during the fall to hunt peanut bunker. They could pop up any-

where clear out to open water and this is an area where you’ll want to scan with binoculars for bird play. Bonus fish: This summer, there was a swarm of cutlassfish living in this zone — an oddity for sure, but it made for an interesting bite!

Remember, this river runs hot and cold and can be downright frustrating sometimes. But, it can also be utterly fantastic. Hmmm… sounds a little bit like fishing just about anywhere, right?

Fi SH i N g F O re CAST

We all know printed fishing reports are generalized, and weeks have passed before the report gets into your hands. For timely, up-to-date reports, visit our website FishTalkMag.com. Current reports will be published every Friday by noon — just in time for your weekend fishing adventures. In the meantime, here’s our monthly prognostication.

Coastal

October on the coast is a mixed blessing — the fish are snapping but often the wind is blowing. During days with light breezes, a run to the canyon with deep-dropping gear may well result in swordfish bites. Inshore, wreck and reef fishing should be as good as it gets and remember that last October flounder fishing hit its peak this month at the sites 12 to 20 miles out. Surf fishing should be red-hot right about now, too, and hopefully we’ll see another fall run of bull reds; try casting out cut spot or mullet on a fishfinder rig.

Freshwater

Whether you hope to hit rivers for smallmouth or reservoirs for largemouth, this month is prime time for the bass bite. Topwater should be hot early and late in the day with the bite extended when it’s overcast, while subsurface lures like jerkbaits and worms will produce midday. If you’re looking for a meal consider crappie action, as the fish should be thick around structure like deadfall and timber in five to 15 feet of water. Red/white and chartreuse two-inch tubes can be deadly right about now. Despite this action many of us, of course, will be focused on getting those last snakeheads of the season into the cooler. Look for warming trends that last a couple-few days, and head out for the afternoon hours.

Way North

If you toss a chunk of fish into the water just about anywhere within sight of the Route 95 bridge and don’t catch catfish after catfish, we just don’t know what to tell you. It might be time to upsize your gear, though, because three years ago we were hearing about lots of 20 pounders, then it was 25 pounders, and now it’s 30-plus-pound fish. Of course, right about now many area anglers will be keyed in on rockfish instead, and if history is any indication this month should serve up one of the best bites of the year.

u pper Bay

Rockfish! Rockfish! Rockfish! Expect some bigger fish to start showing up and remember that any hitting the 31-inch mark must be (gently, carefully) released. Eeling in the vicinity of Pooles Island can be on fire at this time of the year so drop those slithering critters down to the bottom and hold on tight.

Gathered over the past month by Dillon Waters

# It’s fall on the Chesapeake and we know where the focus of Reports editor Dillon Waters is.

Middle Bay

It’s Rocktober, folks — where are those peanut bunker? Find them and you’ll find the stripers. Expect the mouths of the tribs to be hot zones for schools of 20-somethinginchers. Some bluefish should still be around, too, and hopefully will be churning water. Also remember that last year some redfish remained in the middle Bay zone into October and considering how many were around this summer, will hopefully remain a possibility through the month.

l ower Bay

Can you say, “best month of the season?” There’s every chance October will be, with reds, specks, and now stripers also on the menu. Rockfish season returns to Virginia waters October 4 and expands our already healthy list of options. If we get lucky, we may also see some yellow-belly spot and keeper-sized croaker on the bottom fishing front.

Tangier, Pocomoke, and l ower Shore

If you love probing the shallows, you love the Sounds and ESVA in October. This is prime topwater time especially around shallow structure, grassbeds, and creek mouths. Rockfish, reds, and specks are all on the agenda. Remember people, this is when the big specks usually show up and though their numbers were low last year we did have reports of fish in the 25- to 27-inch range.

Way South

This zone of the Bay generally has more diversity than the others and this will surely hold true through October, but remember that some of our summer visitors will likely head south this month. Bull reds will soon be moving out so now’s the time to get in your last shot at ‘em. Same goes for the sheepshead. On the flip side of the coin tautog should crank up near the CBBT, and there’s a good chance flounder fishing will kick into high gear.

# Liam was slightly surprised last fall when this mega-perch attacked his Beetle Spin.

Kayak Fishing Adventure Smith Island

By Eric Packard

Over the years I’ve always wanted to visit Smith Island, do a little fishing, and eat a slice of their famous Smith Island cake. This year I got to do just that when I was invited to be a judge for the annual Smith Island Fishing Tournament.

Getting up early, I made the three-and-a-half-hour drive from Solomons to Crisfield to meet the ferry that would take me and my gear over to the island. After arriving I boarded the Capt. Jason, and with the help of the boat’s Capt. Terry Jr., we loaded up my kayak and headed to the town of Ewell. Smith Island is an archipelago about 10 miles west of Crisfield, MD, is home to around 200 people, and Ewell is its largest village.

There are 8000 acres of marshland with 18.6 miles of water trails through “guts” that provide kayakers

an array of options for fishing, sightseeing, and bird watching. So, if the family isn’t into fishing and you are, there are plenty of things for the family to look at while you’re paddling around and taking casts for sea trout, striped bass, red drum, and flounder.

The first trail I fished was the yellow trail, Doctor’s Gut, down to Rhodes Point, where I enjoyed catching striped bass on four-inch white paddle tails dressed on a 3/8-ounce jig. Working the jetties out on the bay side of the Rhodes Point inlet with a half-ounce jig and a white BKD I caught speckled trout. There are eight water trails through various guts and channels that you can explore and fish, and you just never know what you’ll catch since Smith Island is far enough south to see a wide mix of species.

You will want to fish the jetties, because they hold fish. A lot of the water is very shallow in the guts and around the islands and there were a few times I had to exit my kayak and walk the boat on a low tide. But don’t discount fishing the shallower water around the island, there are fish that come up and feed along the sod banks and over grass.

The water trails are well marked by colored markers. Some of the trails lead to Tylerton, another of the three towns on the archipelago. You can fish the shoreline of the island along the bay side and there are channels that cut through some of the islands, too. And don’t forget to visit Goat Island. Yes, there are feral goats roaming the island. I will need to make the trip back to Smith Island so that I can fish more of the other channels and guts. And have another slice of their great cake!

Making the Trip

The cost per passenger is $25 and the cost for freight (my kayak) was another $25 for a one-way trip. During the summer season you can take a ferry out of Point Lookout State Park rather than from Crisfield. With having to load out and load back up on the ferry I’d recommend an overnight stay, since the ferry schedules will limit the time you have to fish. There are several B&Bs and VRBOs on the island. For more info on fishing and visiting here, plug “Smith Island” into the search box at fishtalkmag.com and proptalk.com

# The author with a Smith Island speck.

# To see the Smith Island water trails visit smithisland.org.

Bottom Dweller Special!

When you’re catfish fishing and you get lots of bites without hooking up, ditch the large baits and big circle hooks. Sometimes hordes of 12- to 18-inch cats peck at those big baits but won’t take them all the way down. If you go to a small hook and cut the baits into quarters, you have a better chance of getting a bend in the rod.

If you want to catch a mammoth drum like Joey’s, remember that these fish love to eat shellfish. Focus on areas where there are lots of mussels, clams, and/or crabs, and then match the hatch by offering up a bait appropriate to the surroundings. Photo courtesy of Joe Pfeiffer.

When you’re on the prowl for mega-tiles don’t go to those same-old, same-old numbers. These are very slow-growing fish and the biggest are the most aggressive, so they usually get caught at a “known” spot sooner rather than later. If you want to hunt 40-pluspounders, you’ll have to seek out new, unknown hotspots. Look for plateaus between 650 and 800 feet with muddy bottom, close to sharp dropoffs.

Wait, what? Do we really want tips on how to catch sea robins? Well… no. But if you’re searching for a good flounder spot and catching lots of robins, you may want to stick around. These fish are very active on slack tides, whereas the flounder like moving water — and they both like the same habitat so often they’re in close proximity. It may be aggravating to weed through all those sea robins, but if you stick it out there’s a good chance that as the tide changes you’ll start catching flatties in the very same spot.

BR ok ERAGE & CLASSIFIeD SeCTIOnS

yamaha

Outboard, Hours - 109, Trailer, Ice Blue Hull, T-Top, garmin echo Map Chirp 54Dv DF-FF-gPS, Cooler Seat, Leaning Post, Rod Storage, no Bottom Paint, and more! $24,995 Riverside Marine, 410.686.1500, sales@riversideboats.com www.riversideboats.com #20602

22’ Shamrock ‘96 $17,500 David Robinson 410.310.8855 david@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

NEW 2023 Sportsman open 232 CC F200XB 4S yamaha Outboard, (trailer available), explorer Blue w/ White Bottom, Polar White Upholstery, Light Hull Color, Premium Dual Chair Leaning Post w/ Flip-Up Bolsters and Arm Rest, Seakeeper Ride System, garmin gPSMap 943xsv MFD 9”, and more! $81,995 Riverside Marine, 410.686.1500, sales@riversideboats.com www.riversideboats.com #19737

$32,500 Chesapeake Whalertowne 410.827.8080 www.whalertowne.com

115 eFI Command Thrust Mercury Outboard (upgrade), karavan galvanized Trailer w/ Brakes, gray Hull w/ White Bottom, graphite Interior - gray, Stainless Steel Upgrade Package, T-Top w/ Rail Mount Rod Holders, Console/Helm Seat Cover, and more! $73,705 Riverside Marine, 410.686.1500, sales@riversideboats.com www.riversideboats.com #20046

NEW 2023 Bayliner Trophy T22CC

200 4S non-DTS Mercury Outboard

Upgrade, karavan Tandem Axle galvanized Trailer w/ Brakes, Black Hull w/ White Bottom, Coastline Interior (Tan), Stainless Steel Upgrade Package, Ski-Tow Pylon, Console/Helm Seat Cover, T-Top w/ Rail Mount Rod Holders, Simrad gPS w/ engine Data, and more! $73,705 Riverside Marine, 410.686.1500, sales@riversideboats.com www.riversideboats.com #20199

2014 Chaparral 246 SSi great family bow rider, trailer kept and super clean. 300Hp volvo Penta, never been kept in the water overnight and comes w/ a load rite trailer. Contact Jack Mcguire at 401.290.7066 or Jack@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

2019 Contender 24 S very well cared for w/ low hours on the yamaha 300 and trailer included. Contact Chris Beardsley at 804.885.4090 or Chris@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

90

until 3/2/2025, Bear galvanized Single Axle Trailer, Bimini Top w/ Boot, “electric Trolling Motor, garmin MFD DF-FF-gPS, Stereo, Rod Storage, and more! $27,995 Riverside Marine, 410.686.1500, sales@riversideboats.com www.riversideboats.com #20525

A classic 21-foot Outrage ready for the Bay in any conditions. Repowered w/ a 300Hp four stroke, only 7 hrs. $46,000 Chesapeake Whalertowne 410.827.8080 www.whalertowne.com

2021 Sportsman open 232 CC F200XB yamaha Outboard, y e.S. warranty until 3/16/2026, Hours - 377, venture Trailer, Ice Blue Hull, Ash gray Upholstery, White Powder Coat, Under Leaning Post Tackle Storage, yeti Cooler w/ Slide-out Track, garmin electronics Package, Trolling Motor System & Harness, On-Board Battery Charging System, and more! $83,995 Riverside Marine, 410.686.1500, sales@riversideboats.com www.riversideboats.com #20599

2022 Sportsman Masters 247oE 350 verado Mercury Outboard - White, venture Trailer, Shark gary Hull and Bottom, Polar White Upholstery, White Powder Coating, Dark Hull Color Upgrade, Second garmin gPSMAP 1243xsv 12” gPS, JL Audio UltraPremium M6 Upgrade, On-Board Battery Charging System (2-Bank), Under Leaning Post Tackle Storage, Slid-Out Track Only, AirMar B175M Chirp Thru-Hull Transducer Upgrade, Porta Potti. $139,995 Riverside Marine, 410.686.1500, sales@riversideboats.com www.riversideboats.com #20533

1994

outrage 19 Center Console new motor w/ low hours, perfect river boat or running across the bay on a nice day.

$62,000 Chesapeake Whalertowne 410.827.8080 www.whalertowne.com

2017 Mako 21 Pro Skiff 115 4S Mercury Outboard, Hours - 39, Mako Trail Master Trailer w/ Brakes, Bimini Top, Cooler Seat, Aerated Baitwell, garmin 9” DF/ FF/gPS, and more! $25,500 Riverside Marine, 410.686.1500, sales@riversideboats.com www.riversideboats.com #20483

2017 Boston Whaler 170 Super Sport great boat w/ a ski tower. The 17 Super Sport has more seating and a larger stern for water activities

2022 G3 18 SC CAMo

vMax yamaha, yamaha Warranty

Boston Whaler

2016 Sportsman 19’ Island Reef Clean and Sporty! F90XA

NEW 2023 Bayliner Trophy T20CC

1993 Boston Whaler 210 outrage

Another Chesapeake Bay icon of the Boston Whaler family is our 24 vantage. Perfect ski boat for the family, fits 11 people and has a top speed of nearly 50mph. Chesapeake Whalertowne 410.827.8080 www.whalertowne.com

NEW Factory Loaner 2024 Sportsman open 262CC Will be on the Demo Dock at the Annapolis Powerboat Show displayed w/ both Seakeeper and Seakeeper Ride. A great opportunity to ‘Feel the Ride’ difference! Come see us on Dock e2 at the show!

Riverside Marine, 410.686.1500, sales@riversideboats.com www.riversideboats.com #20556

Our 28 vantage is a cruising delight, dual console, twin 300Hp, plenty of room to host for any occasion or head out and catch some local rockfish out on the bay! Chesapeake Whalertowne 410.827.8080 www.whalertowne.com

1997 Tiara Yachts 2900 Coronet

Perfect boat for hours of fun w/ family and friends. Recent service on the Crusader 454 XLs w/ 1100 hours. Contact Anthony Flake at 443.994.4328 or Anthony@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

1994 Tiara Yachts 3100 open The perfect boat for any seas, whether cruising, fishing, or entertaining, she is the ideal vessel. very well maintained and lots of nice upgrades. Contact David Malkin at 443.790.2786 or David@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

(Busted Flush) 32’ Stamas ‘78 $28,500 Lars Bergstrom 910.899.7941 lars@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

225 4S non-DTS Mercury Outboard, (trailer available), gray Hull w/ White Bottom, graphite Interior, Stainless Steel Upgrade Package, Console/Helm Package & Seat Cover, Leaning Post (w/o livewell), Portable Head, Fresh Water Shower System, Simrad 9” Digital Dash w/ engine Data, and more! $80,725 Riverside Marine, 410.686.1500, sales@riversideboats.com www.riversideboats.com #20202

$54,500 Curtis Stokes 410.919.4900 curtis@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

Twin F150XCA yamaha Outboards, yamaha extended Warranty until 8/7/2024, 51 hours, new trailer available, Steel Blue w/ White Bottom, Desert Tan Upholstery, White Powder Coating, Hard Top, and more! $124,995 Riverside Marine, 410.686.1500, sales@riversideboats.com www.riversideboats.com #20367

27’

‘18 $209,000 David Robinson 410.310.8855

david@curtisstokes.net

www.curtisstokes.net

(Hot Pursuit) 30’ Pursuit 3000 ‘00 $49,000 Curtis Stokes 410.919.4900 curtis@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

2022 Pursuit DC 326 extremely good condition w/ only 100 hours. Loaded w/ options, lightly used and dealer maintained since new. Contact Chris Beardsley at 804.885.4090 or Chris@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

500 hours, eng. Warr. until 6/11/2025! Optimus power steering, Boat kept in wet slip, trailer not included, new triple axle trailer available for $9,988, Ice Blue hull color, Ash gray upholstery, garmin electronics Package, JL Audio sound system, On-Board battery charger, and more! $166,900 Riverside Marine, 410.686.1500, sales@riversideboats.com www.riversideboats.com #20500

(Sans Regret) 30’ Scout ‘20 $349,000 David Robinson 410.310.8855 david@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

2023 Boston Whaler 320 Vantage This is our 320 vantage, and comfortably fits 14 people. An adjustable port lounge gives you lots of options for your boating enjoyment. Bluetooth ready. 3/5/10 year warranty available. Chesapeake Whalertowne 410.827.8080 www.whalertowne.com

(Elba) 31’ ocean Master ‘98 $89,500 Curtis Stokes 410.919.4900 curtis@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

33’ Bertram ‘80 $45,000 David Robinson 410.310.8855 david@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

A center console favorite would be the Outrage and Dauntless series. Our 28 Dauntless here is a born fishing machine. equipped w/ the maximum horsepower (400Hp). Chesapeake Whalertowne 410.827.8080 www.whalertowne.com

(Severn Sunrise) 31’ Tiara 3100 open 1985 Dual Crusader 454, Furuno Radar, Plotter, Sounder, Digital yacht AIT 2500. $24,900 Call Charlie Iliff 410.227.1066

2004 Chaparral 350 Signature excellent cruising boat ready for the water. very well maintained and recently detailed inside and out w/ mechanical service up to date. Contact Chris Beardsley at 315.447.1251 or Chris@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

2007 Triton 351 Express Repowered in 2021 w/ Triple Mercury verado v8 300s. This sought after engine package elevates the ultimate offshore fishing machine. Contact Mike Coe at 410.387.8859 or Mike@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

2023 Boston Whaler 240 Vantage

NEW 2023 Bayliner Trophy T-24CC

(key Gull) 25’ Carolina Classic ‘06

2021 Sportsman Heritage 251 CC

Grady White

2020 Sportsman 282 TE Twin yamaha F300XCA’s under

2023 Boston Whaler 280 Dauntless

2023 Boston Whaler 280 Vantage

(All Gone Now) 36’ Hatteras ‘84 $108,000 Dennis Mancinelli 404.395.6688 dennis@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

2023 Boston Whaler 360 outrage Built for the ocean but easy enough to handle through ego alley downtown Annapolis! equipped w/ white 600 v12 engines maximize performance on our newly designed Outrage. Chesapeake Whalertowne 410.827.8080 www.whalertowne.com

2023 Boston Whaler 380 outrage The pride of our Boston Whaler line up, the 38-foot Outrage will draw attention in the best way possible! Perfectly equipped w/ twin 600 v12s and a pair of 16” screens. Chesapeake Whalertowne 410.827.8080 www.whalertowne.com

2022 Tiara Yachts 39 Coup

(Martini & Me) 42’ Post ‘81 $65,000 Andy Stratton 908.265.7670 andy@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

(My Marys) 36’ Composite Yacht ‘10 $199,000 Curtis Stokes 410.919.4900 curtis@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

2019 Tiara Sport 38 LS A reinterpretation of luxury sport yachting, a fusion of sophistication against the demands of day yachting. Contact Jack Mcguire at 401.290.7066 or Jack@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

Like new and perfect for couples cruising the great loop or a mix of family fun. Contact grady Byus at 410.533.9879 or Grady@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

1996 Tiara Yachts 4300 open Ready for cruising w/ comfortable accommodations and recent mechanical overhaul. Large cockpit, live-well and fish-boxes. Contact Chris Beardsley at 315.447.1251 or Chris@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

1981 Custom Julian Guthrie 49 A must see for wooden boat lovers. A true classical custom-built sportfish cruiser w/ single owner and 2012 repower w/ 950 hours. Contact Troy Waller at 804.885.4090 or Troy@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com For all the latest listings, visit fishtalkmag.com

(Game Hog) 40’ Robbins ‘99 $110,000 David Robinson 410.310.8855 david@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

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 WOODWORKING

HELP WANTED

Yacht Sales - Curtis Stokes and Associates, Inc. is hiring new salespeople for our Chesapeake area operation. Candidates must be honest, ethical and have boating experience. This is a commission only position. Contact Curtis Stokes at 410.919.4900 or curtis@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

Exclusive Agreement

Grady-White Boats and Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation, U.S.A have entered a new multi-year exclusive financing agreement effective October 1, 2023. Yamaha Financial Services is set to become the exclusive dealer inventory finance and retail finance provider for Grady-White Boats. The Grady-White-Yamaha partnership vows to bring forth only the best dealer and customer experiences in the industry by leveraging strong finance programs, protection products, customer relationship management (CRM), and digital platforms. “Our decades-long partnership with Yamaha has contributed to our mutual success and industry-leading customer satisfaction. This new venture with Yamaha Financial Services will continue that valuable tradition and will benefit our dealers and our customers for years to come with the synergies created,” stated Joey Weller, vice president of sales. “Grady-White’s long-term relationship with Yamaha Marine has improved our marine products, services, and our brand position,” said Ben Speciale, president of Yamaha Marine Business Unit. “This is another step that will continue to enhance our brands through better support for our valued dealers.” Craig Hewitt, president of Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation, U.S.A. says, “We are very excited to continue our journey in delivering high quality services to the marine segment with the Grady-White relationship. It’s an honor to support their incredible brand and dealer network.” gradywhite.com

Prestigious Recognition

Pocket Yacht Company announces its prestigious recognition as the world’s largest dealer for Ranger Tugs. This esteemed award was presented to Pocket Yacht Company during the dealer meeting held in Seattle, WA. Industry professionals and dealership representatives were brought together as Pocket Yacht Company was acknowledged for its exceptional commitment to delivering outstanding sales and exceptional customer service. “We are incredibly honored to receive this esteemed award,” said Mark Schulstad, owner and managing director of the Pocket Yacht Company. “Our partnership with Fluid Motion Marine has been integral to our success from the beginning, and we are proud to represent all three of their brands including Ranger Tugs, Cutwater Boats, and Solara Boats. This achievement motivates us to continue delivering exceptional service and providing boaters with memories for years to come.” The recognition of Pocket Yacht Company as the world’s largest dealer of Ranger Tugs is a testament to the company’s unwavering dedication to serving the boating community with a passion for the water and a commitment to excellence. To accompany this award, Pocket Yacht was also recognized as a top dealer for Cutwater Boats. pocketyacht.com

Welcome to the Team

S&J Yachts welcomes Jeff Nicklason to its Annapolis office team. Jeff, a lifelong Annapolis resident, has a deep connection with the Chesapeake Bay that extends to his childhood. His passion for all things nautical is obvious to anyone he meets, including his many clients. With a background in owning several successful small businesses, Jeff is well-versed in meeting the diverse needs of buyers, sellers, first-time enthusiasts, and seasoned professionals alike. Many years in the high-end sports car and yachting business have also taught him that once a transaction is complete, the relationship with his client is just getting started. To him, repeat and referral business is the highest compliment one can receive in any endeavor. When not working with his clients, Jeff can be found fly fishing the Bay, creating masterful abstract paintings, listening to vinyl, or enthusiastically playing his electric guitar. Allow Jeff to put his expertise to work and help you find the perfect boat or the ideal buyer for your current vessel. Contact Jeff at jeff@sjyachts.com or (410) 353-7423. sjyachts.com

Outstanding Achievement

Congratulations to Bob Oberg at North Point Yacht Sales (NPYS) on being awarded one of the Top Five Tiara Yachts Salespeople in the world! NPYS in Annapolis, MD, also secured a spot in the top three for CSI Achievement in customer satisfaction for both sales and service. A big shoutout to the entire team! northpointyachtsales.com

# Courtesy of north Point yacht Sales

# Courtesy of grady-White