Nov/Dec 2019
LOCAL
• Fishing Reports • Tide Tables • Feeding Times • News & Events • Tournaments • Hunting News
FREE Since 1965
Happy Holidays!
SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 2
1 year Subscription (6 issues) mailed directly to you for only $20! Each issue contains 2 months of Ponce Inlet tide tables and best feeding times. Stay Up To Date on Fishing and Hunting Florida. Name____________________________________________________ Mailing Address___________________________________________ City__________________________State________Zip____________ Send check or money order to: SSFHMagazine P.O. Box 290002, Port Orange Fl. 32128
SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 3
Where You’ll Never “Sea” it all on one voyage.... Come In And See What We Mean! NEW DECOR & OR EC D JEWELRY NEW ELRY & JEW
AT 82 JACK’S SPLICE IS NICE AND HIS PRICES ARE RIGHT!
Holiday Gift Certificates Available!!
Consoles, Leaning Post and Dockladders in stock! while quantities last!
SPF 40 Sun Shields Protects from Sun, Wind, Dust & Bugs only $4.95
386-252-5019 • www.surplusunlimited.com 613 International Speedway Blvd. West • Daytona Beach
Store Hours: 8:30-5:00 M-F • 9-4 Sat • Closed Sunday SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 4
Refres Door Phments r Lots o f Giveizes aways
9th 2 r e b Novem m- 5pm 8:30 a
This Year’s Holiday Tradition will help support
LOCAL Developmentally Disabled Adults
Bring in a NEW Item for Male or Female and receive a prize drawing ticket for each item. (Do not have to be present to win!)
Example of Items needed: Personal Care Items (Bath Items, General Hygene) Socks, Shoes (Tennis Shoes, Sandels, Slippers) Games, Puzzels, Books & Electronics Cloths (Sweat Pants/Shirts, Shorts, T-Shirts, Jeans Night Clothing, Sweaters, Jackets
Thank you for your Continued Support of our Charitable Events!! SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 5
VOLUSIA COUNTY P.O. Box 290002 Port Orange, Fl. 32127 386-478-3725 Email sfandginc@yahoo.com
Published By: Desiree’ Harbster In memory of Roger S. Harbster 12/25/1929 ~ 4/24/2009 Dorothy F. Harbster 3/17/1936-4/18/2018
WRITERS:
W
ith the cooler weather approaching and water temperature is dropping. This always makes for a great time of the year to be fishing. Make sure you are ready for the Bulls at Ponce Inlet. The Bull Reds have moved in the inlet to feed and spawn. Now these are the breeders and we want to take care of them so we can keep catching them in the future. They are too big to keep, so handle with the best care possible. Do not gaff these fish or fight them on such light tackle that they become so exhausted they can not swim off. The best way to get them is with fresh cut bait or live bait. Make sure you are fishing the tide swings for the best results. Crab, Mullet, and Pinfish are the best way to get a bite from one of these Redfish. Also large shrimp, large mud minnows, cut ladyfish and bluefish Max from Wisconsin with a nice Snook. can be used as well.
Desiree’ Harbster ~ FOWA Capt. Lynda Hawkins Capt. Billy Pettigrew Tony Young-FWC Tim Camp
Front Captions Mike Brasol Jr. with a 49” Bull Redfish caught with a bluecrab. Bass caught by a happy angler fishing around Eaton’s Beach in Weirsdale. Enjoy a great meal after fishing.
Southern States Fishn’ & Huntn’ Magazine reserves the right to edit any an all copy submitted for publication. We are only responsible for the space occupied by errors, all special’s, prices, contract deals are final NO REFUNDS. All prices, offers, deals & circulation are subject to change with out notice. Neither our publications or our advertisers are responsible for typographical errors, misprints or misinformation or errors of any kind. Our sales persons are non-employees and work on commission (outside Sales). This publication is (R) and fully (C). The magazine welcomes stories, articles, artwork and pictures but are not responsible for unsolicited material. Magazine retains reprint rights on articles and photo’s forever. All return checks will be charged $25.00 due at once. Advertisers are responsible for checking their advertisements for mistakes after each printing. We are not responsible for long running mistakes. Circulation quotes are based on readers. Photo’s in our magazine are a free service. CO-OP is a free service, It is the responsibility of the advertiser to collect merchandise. We are not responsible for CO-OP Merchandise. We print 6 times per year. (Bi-Monthly) Close out is the 15th. of the month prior to print date.
By: Desiree’ Harbster and Capt Lynda Hawkins
Jacob from Ohio with a redfish.
The back waters, creeks and flats of Daytona Beach area you are going to look for Snook and Flounder in the feeder creeks of the flats. The reds are going to be cruising around the shallows feeding on shrimp, finger mullet and crabs at the bottom of the tide. This is a great time to get them on soft plastic baits such as Gulp shrimp, Bass Assassin shads and or Zoom jerk bait. I like to use a more natural color in the swim and jerk baits and new penny is always a good color for the gulp. If you want to use live bait, try free lining or a popping cork with a live shrimp, mud minnow or small finger mullet should do the trick for them.
The main river will be holding Pompano, Jacks, Bluefish and Ladyfish in November and December. All will eat shrimp and small jigs. Fish the channel bends that have hard bottom. Jacks, Blues, and Ladyfish will also chase any spoon, top water, and fast moving bait. This is a great time to take the kids to catch a lot of fish in a short period of time. Bass guys should be hunting down some big girls this time of the year. Fall months are one of the best times to find them big girls next to the spawn. These fish are moving up to feed and feed heavy before it gets cold well cold in Florida standards. Big wild shiner under a float will be key for the big ones. Fish the shiners near cover that has deep water near by. Pads, docks, and lay downs are a great place to start looking for them in the St. Johns River and other fresh water bodies of water. Speck fishermen are ready for that first cool/cold front this fall. Once this happens it will trigger the specks to move and start feeding. You can slow troll minnows and or little grub style baits. You can also fish the pads by flipping in the holes of pads with a little jig to catch them on the St. Johns River and the lakes attached to it. Capt. Billy 386-316-0136 www.redfishtails.com SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 6
$595.00 Kevin from Ormond with a bass caught while fishing with Capt Billy from Com ’N’ Getit Charters.
We can service, repair and weld any steel or aluminum trailer! BOAT TRAILER SERVICE & REPAIRS! • Homesteader • Rance Renegade/Lightning • Anderson Trailers • Bad Boy Mowers • Husqvarna Lawn & Garden Equipment
• Cargo Trailers • Dump Trailers • Utility Trailers • Motorcycle Trailers • Boat Trailers
(386) 317-6295
www.gatorbacktrailer.com 5481 S Ridgewood Ave, Port Orange, FL 32127 Brad Peterkin with a nice 25” flounder caught on a live shrimp from Donalds Bait & Tackle in Port Orange.
Ashley and Danny of South Daytona with 2 Red Snapper caught on sardines from Donalds Bait & Tackle in Port Orange during the RS season.
Expert Free Advice & Friendly Service with a smile!!
Live & Frozen Bait - Shrimp-Mud Minnows-Fiddle Crabs Tackle-Rods & Reels-and much more!
Closest & Easy Access to the Boat Ramp! 96 Dunlawton Ave Port Orange, Fl. • 386-760-1871 SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 7
Results from the Cypress Creek Elementary 2019 Fall Fishing Tournament. Sponsored in part by Donalds Bait & Tackle in Port Orange.
Jonesey and his papa with a redfish caught on bait from E&J Bait and Tackle. Expires 06/15/2020
Coupon Good for all in Party
$5 OFF Regular Adult or Child Ticket
Expires 6/15/20
Call For Reservations, Details & Trip Times
Located at: Down The Hatch Restaurant Ponce Inlet, Fl.
386•763•4388 SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 8
We have GIFT Ideas for the fishing person in your life!
OFFSHORE AND INSHORE TACKLE EXPERT ROD AND REEL REPAIR AYS LIVE AND FROZEN BAIT N7D
OPE EEK AW
386-252-9804
450 N. Beach Street • Downtown Daytona Beach
Results from the Cypress Creek Elementary 2019 Fall Fishing Tournament. Sponsored in part by Donalds Bait & Tackle in Port Orange.
Light House Marina
Fire fighter Beau and Joseph with a redfish and snook caught on bait from E&J Bait and Tackle.
E FRE E C I ADV
Andrew Givens with a fat snook caught from the North Palm Spillway.
S EEL S ~ R LE ROD ~ TACK AIR P BAIT EEL RE R & ROD
386-788-2120
3514 S. Atlantic Ave. Daytona Beach Shores SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 9
OVERLOOKING THE SCENIC WATER OF PONCE DE LEON INLET Serving Fresh Seafood & Fine Steaks Daily Accessible By Floating Docks A Locals Favorite Dine Inside Along The Halifax River
4894 Front Street, Ponce Inlet 386-761-4831 www.downthehatchseafood.com
Riley and her daddy playing around with shrimp from E&J Bait & Tackle when they caught this sheepshead.
HOME TO THE
Country Store
1871 West Hwy 44 Deland, Florida
LIVE BAIT & TACKLE Feed-Beer-Soda-Snacks Refill Propane Gas & Cylinders Open 7 Days 5:30 am 10# Bag of Ice $1.09
386-736-4117
www.bobsdiscountmarine.com
Nautic al Gifts Scoot with a big black drum and nice trout caught on bait from Donald’s Bait and Tackle.
Granada Pier
e’s i n Lin ous Fam Dip h Fis
Bait & Tackle Open 7 Days a Week
•Live Bait •Tackle •Gear •Maps & Advice •Smoked Fish
One South Beach St. Ormond Beach
386-676-9078 • www.granadapier.com
“Your Surf Fishing Headquarters”
“FREE” Lighted Fishing Pier for Night Time Enjoyment SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 10
Artist Rick Hardy 386-228-3525
2 Yamaha Master Tech’s on site!
Bennington Luxury & Performance
$25 OFF
$50 OFF
Expires 12/31/2019
Expires 12/31/2019
on 20-50 Hour Service
on 100 Hour Service
Nov/Dec Special
Bring In Your Repairs Now There Is No Wait!
Sportsman Premium Bay Boats & Center Consoles
“Consignments Wanted”
386-428-2341
Boat Rental s
179 North Causeway, New Smyrna Beach
www.gerrysmarina.net
Florida’s Largest Trailer Dealer
d perate O y l i “Fam 32 years” s er ce for ov & Best Pri uality Top Q
B & G TRAILERS INC. 386-734-5244 • www.bgtrailers.com
2340 International Speedway Hwy 92 Deland Fl. SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 11
Large Selection of Used Trailers
www.AnchorHardwareandStorage.com Open 6am-6pm 7 days a week!
Anchor Hardware And Storage
726 North U.S. 1, Oak Hill, Fl “You name it we got it!”
•TACKLE •FROZEN BAITS •LIVE BAIT EVERYDAY •CALCUTTA DEALER •MARINE & TRAILER SUPPLIES •SHRIMPING NETS, LIGHTS & ACCESSORIES •STAR FIRE UNDERWATER LIGHTS IN STOCK •REPLACEMENT HALOGEN BULBS •STAINLESS STEEL FLOUNDER JIGS •CLAM & OYSTER STEAMERS •SHRIMP NETS-FRAME NETS
386-345-0746
Mercury • Mercruiser
Call Now (386) 214-3530 and reserve your spot for a fun filled day on the water! Your photo could be the next one in the magazine.
THE COMPLETE HARDWARE STORE
•Bait & Tackle •Fishing Supplies •Surf Rod Combo’s •Tide Clocks •Crab Traps •Cast Nets •Shrimp Nets
•Beach Supplies •Umbrellas •Body Boards •Wind Stocks •Chairs •Kites •Flags
Coronado Hardware PLUMBING - ELECTRICAL PAINT-GARDEN SUPPLIES KEYS MADE ON SITE
716 3RD. AVENUE (BEACHSIDE) NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FL.
386-427-0746
Hours: Monday-Saturday 7:00am-5:30pm / Sunday 9:00am-2:00pm
SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 12
My name is Captain Matt Lee and I have owned and operated Code Red Fishing Charters for 9 years. Growing up I always loved fishing. I started fishing with my grandfather when I was 5 years old in the back country and Mosquito Lagoon. When I was 10, my Grandmother took me on a charter boat, I realized that being a Captain was what I really wanted to do. My parents printed me some t-shirts that read “Captain Matt - Code Red Fishing.” My fate was sealed. My friends and I entered multiple tournaments, winning some, placing in some and sometimes walking away just happy to have been on the water. At the moment, we’re catching bull reds in the Indian River by throwing a number of different baits on the bottom, reds ranging from 30 to 50 inches. We’re catching black drum in the lagoon along with speckled trout and slot size red fish. As the cooler weather approaches, the water clears, the reds school and we might pull in a few pompano. We are also on Facebook and Instagram at Code Red Fishing Charters or log onto my website at www.CodeRedFishingCh arters.net.
We are Celebrating 46 Years of Award-Winning Sales & Service
386-255-2345
1700 N. Nova Road, Holly Hill
Mon-Fri 8:30am-6pm • Sat 8:30am-5pm • Open 24/7 at AlohaMarine.com
NEW & PRE OWNED BOATS
www.AlohaMarine.com 40’ Custom Sportfisher
Half Day • Full Day • Gulf Stream
www.freddiezfishing.com SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 13
Ponce de Leon Inlet Tides November 2019 Live & Frozen Bait Including Ballyhoo
Live Shrimp 50-$12.99 (per customer)
Reserve your Selects (Shrimp) by calling ahead! Minutes from 3 Bridges and the Dunlawton Bridge Open Mon-Fri 6am-10pm/Sat 5am-10pm/Sun 5am-8pm
To calculate Mosquito Lagoon (Oak Hill) tides add 6 hours to Ponce Inlet Tides
SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 14
New Smyrna Outfitters New Location 223A Canal St. New Smyrna Beach 386-402-8853 • NewSmyrnaOutfitters.com • Mon-Sat 9am-6pm Closed Sunday OWNED BY THIRD GENERATION FISHERMAN CODY MOORE
INSHORE • OFFSHORE • FLY FISHING • APPAREL
New Smyrna Outfitters now specializes in offshore bait and tackle as well as clothing, fly fishing and inshore tackle. We have the equipment, knowledge and experience to guide you through any type of fishing you enjoy. Come see our new and improved store.
Reel Strung Out Fishing Charters • • • • • • • •
Half Day Trips Shark Fishing Morning Trips Mid Day Trips Evening Trips Kids Welcome! Mosquito Lagoon Docks & Bridges
BOOK NOW!! Capt. TJ 386-405-7894 www.reelstrungoutfishingcharters.com SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 15
Ponce de Leon Inlet Tides December 2019 Live & Frozen Bait Including Ballyhoo
Live Shrimp 50-$12.99 (per customer)
Reserve your Selects (Shrimp) by calling ahead! Minutes from 3 Bridges and the Dunlawton Bridge Open Mon-Fri 6am-10pm/Sat 5am-10pm/Sun 5am-8pm
To calculate Mosquito Lagoon (Oak Hill) tides add 6 hours to Ponce Inlet Tides
SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 16
SALT & FRESHWATER FISHING MAPS 8 1/2 X 14 LAMINATED WITH HOT SPOTS MARKED AND EXPLAINED .
Saltwater East Coast
SW#101 Edgewater Ramp to Turtle mound SW#102 Turtle Mound to Oak Hill SW#103 S. Bridge to Eldora Turtle Mound & Government Cut SW#104 Port Orange Bridge to Ponce Inlet SW#105 Oak Hill to Haul Over Canal SW#106 Mosquito Lagoon to Haul Over Canal SW#107 Ormond to Tomoka Basin SW#108 New Smyrna Beach Bridges North & South SW#109 Mosquito Lagoon Merritt Island Refuge to Haul Over Canal SW#110 Sebastian Inlet North & South Backcountry SW#111 Port Orange Bridge Mill Creek North to Ormond Beach SW#112 Palm Bay to Sebastian SW#113 Merritt Island to Palm Bay SW#114 Haul Over Canal area Indian River City to Titusville SW#115 Matanzas Inlet
HOLIDAY SPECIAL $5.00 EACH Includes S & H + Sales Tax
Saltwater West Coast
WC#401 Suwannee River to the Gulf WC#402 Cedar Key WC#403 Crystal River WC#404 Steinhatchee
Freshwater Lakes, Rivers & Streams
FW#201 Lake Dexter to Lake George FW#202 Lake Beresford to Lake Dexter By: FW#203 Lake George Roger S. Harbster FW#204 Lake George to Jacksonville Over 40 years of FW#205 Lake Crescent knowledge! FW#206 Rodman Reservoir & Dam (Backcountry) FW#207 Lake Beresford to Brevard County Sawgrass Lake FW#208 Lake Okeechobee
KH#301 How to Shrimp Dip Netting Freelining & Shrimping
Special Rate Expires Dec 31, 2019
Regular price: $4.95 per map plus $1.50 Postage & Handling & 6.5% sales tax total $6.87 per map
Send check or money order to: SSFHMagazine P.O. Box 290002 Port Orange, Fl. 32128 SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 17
Code Red Fishing Charters Capt. Matt Lee 386-214-3530
www.CodeRedFishingCharters.net SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 18
BREVARD COUNTY
By: Tim Camp
Hey there again from Brevard county! The weather has given us some reprieve from the heat as of recent and has lead to some beautifully comfortable mornings out on the waters, and out in the woods. Fishing in the flats has been amazing as of late with lots of early risers completing inshore slams with the snook bite going off. Most seemingly having the best luck with soft plastics or top water early. This years hunting season was off to a slow start as we are pretty accustom to with our lovely hot weather, but with cooler nights setting in and allowing for brisk mornings it seems to have our deer population, along with the hunting population stirring. Many hunters have had great success this year harvesting their “hit list” bucks during the ladder part of archery season, and now set their sights on those elusive deer that seem to just stay out of archery range as muzzle loading season approaches. Soon enough it will be general gun season and then all bets are off. It is time to fill the freezer! I like to thank all the people that took the time to offer there pictures for the magazine, that was awesome and if they are not in this time and or didn’t win the $20 gift card to D&E Outdoors, don’t worry there is always other issues. And the Gift Card goes to Carson Bundy with his early teal duck hunting picture, showing every duck caller out there how to get it done. Way to Go! Until next time, High Tines, & tight Lines!
Custom Aluminum Work Harvested by HoJo, Stinky The Outdoors Man & Elvis SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 19
735 Airpark Rd Hanger B-3 Edgewater 386-957-3756
FRESHWATER FREELINE The Fishing Book This book can be purchased at Williams Tackle in Holly Hill. Area Guide to Florida Freshwater Fishing from Rivers, Lakes & Streams. Over 300 miles of Freshwater and Backcountry Maps, with the areas Fishing Hot Spots Marked. Where, When and How to Fish these Hot Spots. By: Roger S. Harbster Over 40 years of knowledge!
Other Features include: •Knot Tying •Fish Recipes •How to Fillet Fish •Do It Yourself Smokehouse
HOLIDAY SPECIAL $5.00 EACH
Includes S & H + Sales Tax Regular Price $7.95
Name___________________________________________________ Address_________________________________________________ City__________________________State________Zip___________
Special Rate Expires Dec 31, 2019
Send check or money order to: SSFHMagazine P.O. Box 290002 Port Orange, Fl. 32128 SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 20
*YOUR FRESHWATER* *FISHING HEADQUARTERS* 1861 North Nova Rd. Holly Hill, Fl.
386-677-7863 •LIVE BAIT
•SHINERS •MINNOWS •WORMS •CRICKETS •BLUE CRABS
LIVE BLUE CRABS AND J.O. #2 CRAB SEASONING
•FROZEN BAIT
•SHRIMP •MULLET •BLUE CRABS
FRESHWATER FREELINE Sold Here!
•FULL LINE OF ARTIFICIAL WORMS AND LURES •CULPRIT BAIT •CHARLIE’S SPECIAL 100 LIVE •BASS ASSASSIN MINNOWS •HAL-FLY $15.00 + TAX •BEETLE SPINS •BAGLEY •HEDDON •LEWIS RAT-L-TRAP •SMITHWICK AND MORE •ICE-SNACKS-DRINKS
HOURS: TUESDAY-FRIDAY 6AM-5:30PM / SATURDAY 5AM-5:30PM / SUNDAY 5AM-12 NOON / CLOSED MONDAY
WILLIAMS
SOUTHEASTERN TACKLE SHOP SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 21
2018 Landau 192
Island Breeze Cruise Pontoon Boat
2020 DLX Bay Series Sea Pro 208
SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 22
SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 23
PUTNAM COUNTY
By: Capt Lynda Hawkins
MESSER’S EAST-WEST BAIT & TACKLE at 386-328-4035 Jimmy tells us the River is high and shrimp are still being caught. They are catching stripers and redfish. Rodman is producing some specs using small minnows. Shellcrackers and stripers are also being caught at the dam. GEORGETOWN MARINA & LODGE at 386-467-2002 Justin tells us they are doing pretty good catching speckled perch using minnows and also jigging around the docks. Largemouth are being caught around the docks while fishing for specks. They are still catching a few shrimp. Bass fishing has been decent using artificial. Some nice stripers have been caught. Bluegill have shown up using crickets and they are also getting some nice catfish. To see pictures go to their face book page.
Many of their customers are getting 3 or 4 gallons daily. The water is still very high right now. He and Shirley are catching some nice catfish using grass shrimp. Mark and Blonde have been fishing Little Lake George using spinner baits and catching some nice bass and stripers.
WELAKA FISH & CRAB – Randy at 386-467-9776 is located across the street from Welaka Marine on Walnut Street. Stop in and get your fresh seafood and to visit with them.
BASS WORLD LODGE at 866-522FISH (3474) According to Lafon good sized shrimp are being caught off the dock at Bass World.
MESSER’S
WEST SIDE BAIT & TACKLE
Open 5am-9pm 7 Days A Week Fishing & Hunting Licenses-Ice-Beer Sandwiches-Snacks Complete Supplies for Fisherman & Hunters Since 1974 Rod & Reel Repair
Palatka Westside Corner of Hwy 19 & Moody Road
386-328-4035
Kelly Gualandi caught this 45” redfish weighing 40 pounds from Ponce Inlet. She was fishing with a blue crab cut in half.
PO BOX 171 , 1533 COUNTY ROAD 309 GEORGETOWN , FL 32139
386-467-2002
• cabins • rv sites • ramp •COVERED DOCKS • FREE CABLE • bait & tackle • fishing license • WI-FI • OPEN 7 DAYS MARKER 72 ON ST. JOHNS RIVER @ MOUTH OF BIG LAKE GEORGE
MONITOR CHANNEL 16
NON-ETHANOL • MARINE FUEL & DIESEL
www.georgetownmarina.com
SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 24
POLK COUNTY
By: Capt Lynda Hawkins
Hank Hanzak caught and released this 31” 10 plus pound redfish while fishing with live bait. Hank was fishing the back waters of New Smyrna Beach with Capt John Frazier of Inland Fishing Charters. HOPPY’S MARINE at 863-439-7616 Tracy & Mickey are a Tracker Marine dealer and have Tracker Aluminum Boats in stock. Also in stock are: Nitro Boats, Mako Boats and Tracker Pontoons. Stop in and visit with them and catch up on all the local fishing news.
SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 25
SEMINOLE-ORANGE COUNTY Kamron Gardner caught this redfish with Justin Spicer while fishing the Mosquito Lagoon area.
By: Capt Lynda Hawkins Kel’s Rod & Reel Service Rods, Reels, Troilling Motor Parts & Service 430 Hwy 436 #105, Casselberry 407-834-3008 Warranty Center For: Shimano, Penn, Minnkota, Motorguide
www.kelsrodreel.com Hours: Tues-Fri 9-5 Sat 9-3 (Closed Sun & Mon)
3701 South Atlantic Ave. Daytona Beach
SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 26
BOAT-SALES & SERVICE 407-905-0003
AHOY
Marine, Inc.
Over 200 Trailers in stock!
511 E. 25th. St. Sanford, Florida 32773
Steve Meadors, President
407-323-8373
Continental Boat Trailers SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 27
MARION-CITRUS COUNTY
By: Capt Lynda Hawkins
Greater amberjack closes Nov. 1 in Gulf state waters The recreational harvest of greater amberjack in Gulf of Mexico state and federal waters closes Nov. 1 and will remain closed through April 30, 2020. The season is scheduled to reopen May 1-31, 2020. FWC begins habitat enhancement project on East Lake Toho These management activities will enhance fish and wildlife habitat that has degraded over decades due to stabilized water levels as a result of flood control. FWC conducts Lake Okeechobee plant treatment The FWC plans to conduct aquatic plant treatments on Lake Okeechobee from Thursday, Oct. 24 through Friday, Nov. 1. No treatments will be conducted during the weekend. Bowhunting course offered in Miami-Dade County Those interested in attending a course can register online and obtain information about future hunter safety classes at MyFWC.com/HunterSafety or by calling the FWC’s regional office in West Palm Beach at 561-625-5122. Hunter safety courses offered in 5 counties Those interested in attending a course can register online and obtain information about future hunter safety classes at MyFWC.com/HunterSafety or by calling the FWC’s regional office in West Palm Beach at 561-625-5122.
The Gator Den
Big Bull Redfish
NOW OPE N!
Capt Bob’s
On Beautiful Rainbow and Withlacoochee River Where Fishing is Always Great!
PONTOON BOAT AND JON BOAT RENTALS GUIDE SERVICE - TACKLE SHOP - BOAT & MOTORS Come Catch a Smile!
352-489-2397 • www.anglersresort.us SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 28
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2396 N. C-470, Lake Panasoffkee, Fl. 33538
352-793-2083 Closed Sundays & Mondays
Back Country Snook Amberjack
Redfish was caught offshore.
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LAKE COUNTY BASS N GAL GUIDE SERVICE @ 352-267-0062 reports the Harris Chain is doing well right now with lots of mid sized bass being caught. Lake Griffin and Lake Eustis are very productive. A plastic worm in dark colors is working well. Either swimming it or fishing on bottom. The local small lakes are producing some nice sized bass. Freelining a shiner (without a bobber or weight) is still producing some of the bigger fish. A slow falling sinking weightless worm (Producto’s Hot Rod) or a white and chartreuse spinner bait reeled in as slowly as possible, are both working quite well. ASTOR BAIT & TACKLE @352-7592600 Jake tells us that on Nov. 16th they will be holding a tournament to benefit Emmarie Wells out of Powels Fish Camp in Astor. Also they will be holding a tournament for the kids up to 15 years old on the same day from 10 to 12. They will be having music, food and raffles. This is a family event and all are invited. Crappie are starting to bite out of both the St. John’s River and the lakes. Jigs and minnows are both working well. They have a new line of jigs, Gill Reaper lures which are working well right now. He has set up a station where you can build your own jigs, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and chatterbaits. Be sure to check out www.outdoorswithJake.com. His shop is located just off State Rd. 40 on River Road in Astor. Stop in and see him, he has plenty of archery equipment for sale. He also does bow repairs. BROOKER BAIT & TACKLE @352460-0695 Bill said they are catching some bass. Mike Hawkins and his sons have been catching some nice ones out of Lake Griffin and Lake Eustis. One of his customers caught 11 nice sized specks this past week and they are still catching a few bluegill on crickets and worms. Natalie and Bill caught a bunch of redfish at Crystal River. Brookers has a well stocked shop and expert knowledge on the current fishing, both freshwater and saltwater.
By: Capt Lynda Hawkins
Great Local Food Menu Featuring:
• Groveland Gator Bites • Swamp Cabbage Ceviche • Blackened Grouper Reuben • Locally Sourced Produce and Meats • Craft Beers - Wine & Spirits • Open 11am-9pm Daily
Shri
Saturd mpFest ays-1/2 p $12.99 ound 901 Lakeshore Blvd. Tavares, Fl. 32778 Yo On the East Shore of Lake Eustis
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ur way
with 3
sides!
HARRIS OIL @352-383-0922 is located at 21901 US Hwy. 441, Mt. Dora. They carry 100% non ethanol sburg.for your boats, mowers and chain saws. They also have gated self storage. have been using Harris Oil non ethanol gas in our boat for 10 years now and have had great success with it. Stop in and visit with them, they have the friendliest staff imaginable. LAKESIDE BAIT & TACKLE @352742-3336 Mark and Heidi tell us the crappie have turned on already fishing Lake Beauclair and Lake Dora in 10 to 11 ft. of water using minnows in open water. One of their customers caught 17 yesterday. Bass fishing is good in all canals in 3 to 4 feet of water swimming darker colored worms, candybug or Junebug or black with blue tail. Lakeside Bait and Tackle is located right on Lake Eustis and you can buy your fresh bait from your boat or from Hwy 441 in Tavares.
Nice snook from Brookers Bait & Tackle in Leesburg.
ASTOR BAIT & TACKLE
•OUTDOOR ARCHERY RANGE
Live Bait SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 30
•ARCHERY ACCESSORIES
frontstreetbait.com@kvcom.net
23835 Hwy. 40, Astor Florida
352-759-2600
GET WET WATERSPORTS which is next door to LAKESIDE BAIT & TACKLE @352-253-0585 Mark & Heidi would like to invite you all down to rent a pontoon boat, which can comfortably seat up to 10 passengers, a jet ski or a Kayak. Stop in and experience the real Florida from the water. FISH CAMP ON LAKE EUSTIS @352-742-4400 Jim tells us they are now open from 11 to 9 daily. They carry local produce, local meats, local craft beers and wines. You owe it to yourself to stop in and check them out. They are located right on Lake Eustis next door to LAKESIDE BAIT AND TACKLE and are easy to find from the water or the highway. Lunch or dinner at FISH CAMP on LAKE EUSTIS is an excellent choice. On Saturdays they do a 1⁄2 pound ShrimpFest fixed your way with 3 sides for only $12.99. Great food and great service. TOW BOAT U.S. @407-929-2740 Captain John and Jo Anne are always on call 24/7 to assist boaters on the Harris Chain of Lakes. They live on the chain which makes the response time so much quicker as they don’t have to launch a boat since it is parked in the water and ready to go in a flash. Towboat US will help any boater who has a breakdown, needs a jump start, runs out of fuel or needs help getting off a sandbar anywhere on the entire Harris Chain of Lakes. You can call them or reach them on VHF Channel 16. Super nice people and the price is right for this much needed service.
Take a look at the Black Drum from Brookers Bait & Tackle in Leesburg.
www.blackwaterinn.com
“Off the River, or Off the Road” It’s Your Choice
Big Sheepshead from Brookers Bait & Tackle in Leesburg.
*Casual or Formal Dining *Daily Additions to our Full Menu *Petite Dinners for the Light Appetite *Unlimited Fresh Salad Bar Open Tuesday-Sunday Call For Hours Closed Mondays Reservations Honored Every Friday It’s Happy Hour 6-8 Upstairs WE CAN ACCOMMODATE ANY OCCASION
Atop Blackwater Inn
A fun, casual place overlooking the picturesque setting of the beautiful St. Johns River where you can relax in the cool river breeze and visit with friends old and new.
Daily Lunch Specials ~ Munchies & Starters ~ Sandwiches & Fun
352-759-2802 SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 31
Harris Chain of Lakes Towing and Recovery
Captain John Davis Membership and Unlimited Towing Services
MAPS • REFERRALS • FUEL • BOAT SLIPS
towboatlakeharris@gmail.com (407) 929-2740 BoatU.S. 24 Hr. Dispatch (800) 391-4869 • VHF CH 16 TowBoatU.S.
BROOKER
BAIT & TACKLE
Owners Bill & Natalie Brooker 1351 A. W. North Blvd. Leesburg, Fl. 34748 352-460-0695 BrookerBait@gmail.com
Florida’s Largest Volume Pontoon Dealer All 2018 Models On Sale 2019 Models In Stock
Sales & Service 352-759-3655
386-228-3525
Astor/Pierson Citgo
Cheapest Gas in Town! LIVE BAIT & TACKLE Wine-Beer-Cigs-Soda-Ice Snacks-Groceries-Refill Propane Hot Pizza & Chicken Wings
Open 7 Days Sun-Thur 6am-10pm Fri-Sat 6am-11pm 1380 W. St Rd. 40, Pierson 386-749-0180
This bass was caught while fishing with Capt Mark of Lakeside Guide Service in Tavares.
www.astormarine.com email: sales@astormarine.com
24535 HWY. 40, Astor, Fl 32102
Lakeside Bait & Tackle (352) 742-3336 Mark & Heidi Bass, Owners
Located on Lake Eustis ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lakeside Guide Service with Captain Mark
352-255-9706
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
•Jet Skis •Pontoon Boats •Paddle Boards •Kayaks
•Tubing
R
•Wake Boards ENTALS •Hydra Slides
•Fishing Tours
7 Days A Week-9am to Dusk Call For Availability! www.TavaresWaterSports.com
352-253-0585
All Located At: 1000 W. Burleigh Blvd, Tavares, Florida SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 32
Bass N Gal Guide Service *Central Florida Lakes* *PRIVATE LAKES*
Another nice bass was caught while fishing with Capt Mark of Lakeside Guide Service in Tavares.
386-228-3525
All Tackle Included 1/2 Day $300.00 Cell 352-267-0062 Email llh30@comcast.net
Capt. Lynda Hawkins Over 30 Years Experience
SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 33
TOURNAMENT NEWS Surf Fishing Academy for Women Nov. 23, 2019 St. Augustine Catch the Holiday Spirit! Historic St. Augustine, FL Saturday Nov. 23 Surf Fishing Academy with Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts & Ladies Let’s Go Fishing! Optional evening luxury golf cart tour of the fantastic Night of Lights on opening day! Space is limited to 10! At the fabulous Guy Harvey Outpost Resort, with the surf fishing right behind the hotel on St. Augustine Beach! The Catch: Instructions and surf fishing on the beach: 7 – 11 am. Registration of $85 includes a free pack of Fish Bites & coozies! Instructed by Guy Harvey Resort Pro Guide Noel Kuhn. The Holiday Spirit: Night of Lights Tour Evening Optional Excursion: View glistening lights from ground to rooftops on a luxury golf cart, with a stop to grab a beverage! Tour fee of $25 includes a beverage. Escape from Thanksgiving preparations for a day! Register at guyharveyoutpost.com. Info for this and other events also available on LLGF website ladiesletsgofishing.com.
SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 34
BRAGGING BOARD CATCH PHOTOS
9 year old Jaxx Bock fishing with Capt. Aaron Highers from Top Notch Adventures caught this beautiful 30� snook on a live shrimp fishing on the inside of Ponce Inlet. Jaxx faught this fish all by himself and released it to fight another day.
To see your photo here please send your catch photos to sfandginc@yahoo.com include names, species, size and location caught. Teach a kid to Fish & Hunt so they can teach their kids! SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 35
Team El Suertudo Wins the 2019 Los Cabos Billfish Tournament CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO A shortened 2019 Los Cabos Billfish Tournament was wildly successful, with the tournament fleet of 51 teams catching 117 billfish across two days of fishing, including 36 blue marlin, 73 striped marlin, 3 black marlin and 5 sailfish. One qualifying black marlin, weighing 440 pounds, was caught by Team Wild Hooker on the first day of fishing. Fishing teams were competing for $785,550 in cash, plus prizes. The overall winner of the 21st Annual Los Cabos Billfish Tournament was Team El Suertudo, scoring 1,300 points. El Suertudo didn’t weigh any fish, but a prosperous second day of fishing saw them catch four blue marlin, two striped marlin and a Pacific sailfish for 1,275 points. El Suertudo won the Overall Team Division and Overall Release Points Jackpot plus they won the Day Two Release Points Jackpot. The team, consisting of Capt. Greg Distefano, Guy Yocom, Jeff Richardson, Christian Lopez, Bruce McDonald, Adam Flores, Oswaldo Ortego and Alfonso Ortego, earned $117,350 for their efforts and an invitation to the 2020 Costa Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica. The Los Cabos Billfish Tournament awards 300 points for black and blue marlin releases, while striped marlin, sailfish and spearfish are just 25 points. Marlin weighed over the 300-pound minimum are awarded points based on their weight. In 2019, each pound was worth 1.5 points, so a 500-pound black marlin catch earned 750 points. The Los Cabos Billfish Tournament point system weigh-in.
Team El Suertudo has a blistering final day of fishing, to help win first place team overall, day two daily release points jackpot and first place overall release points jackpot. favors blue and black marlin releases, or catching a monster marlin for
Team Wild Hooker took advantage of their lone black marlin catch. Angler Guy Arrington caught a 440-pound black marlin on the first day of fishing for a total of 660 points. Their fish was the only marlin brought to the scales and, therefore, the only qualifying marlin all tournament long. Their team won all the Daily Marlin Jackpots and the Overall Marlin Jackpot for total earnings of $483,750. Second-place in the Overall Team Division went to Team Sneak Attack with 975 points. Sneak Attack also won the Second Place Overall Release Points Jackpot. The team released two blue marlin, one black marlin and three striped marlin over two days of fishing. The team, consisting of Capt. Vicente Bojorquez, mate Rene Moreno, Chip Wagner, Shawn Guttersen, Guillermo Bojorquez, David Rosenthal, Daniel Rosenthal and Christopher Chay, earned $72,790. Third-place in the Overall Team Division was secured by Team Buenaventura with 950 points with three blue marlin and two striped marlin. The team also scored the Third Place Overall Release Jackpot. Their efforts earned them $44,610 in total. The Buenaventura team consisted of Capt. Dylan Kerwin, Chris Watts, Brad Terry, Shawn Dale, Darren Wright, Javier Octavio and Derek Williams. Team Pocket Aces had a strong first day of fishing, taking the Day One Release Points Jackpot. Their two blue marlin releases were tied with Quitena, but Pocket Aces won out because their catches were earlier in the day. Team Pocket Aces consisted of Capt. Angel Salvatierra, Mark Hinkle, Steve Hayashi, Julio Fiol, Chris Smith and Abmando Zabate. In total, the team won a check worth $11,700. Teams entered in the Tuna/Wahoo/Dorado Jackpot who weighed gamefish species were also able to get on the winner’s stage and receive cash prizes. No qualifying dorado were landed over the three days of fishing so that prize money was distributed to the tuna and wahoo winners. On day three, no qualifying tuna were caught, so that purse was rolled back to the first day’s winner. SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 36
Day One Angler Mike Darden, of Team Tejas, landed a 158.6-pound yellowfin tuna to win the Largest Tuna Daily Jackpot. The fish won Team Tejas $24,600. The team consisted of Capt. Hernando Gonzalez, Mike Darden, Eddie Cobb, David Copoton, Lalo Eduardo, Julian Liquideno, Paul Thrane and Hernando Gonzales. Angler Mark Chiavetta, of Team Bill Collector II, landed a 29.2-pound wahoo to win the Largest Wahoo Daily Jackpot. The fish won Team Bill Collector II $15,375. The team consisted of Capt. Gilberto Castro, Esteban Banderas, Mark Chiavetta, Rick Sangetta, Juan Carlos Lopez, Juan Carlos Martinez, and Ronaldo Castro. Day Two Angler Ken Eberle, of Auriga, landed a 35.5-pound wahoo to win the Largest Wahoo Daily Jackpot. The fish won Team Auriga $15,375. The team consisted of Capt. Jose Alvarez, Ken Eberle, Bill Nadeau, Jesse Cox, Ronald Weisfeld, Joe Assenza, Kevin Sensmeier and Luis Rentero. A total of $785,550 was awarded to the winning teams, plus lots of great prizes from tournament sponsors. King Sailfish Mounts provided custom trophies. Garmin awarded a Quatix watch to the top captain. Maui Jim attended the event and provided sunglasses. YETI offered up both Ramblers and coolers to winners. Accurate, PENN and Shimano provided high-quality offshore reels. Marine artist Carey Chen couldn’t make the event this year, but provided prints for the winners. Soundview Millworks provided custom cutting boards. Lucas Oil provided a load of different marine products for tournament anglers. JABSCO and Rule brands attended the event and provided washdown pumps to winners. AFTCO was the official apparel sponsor for the 2019 Los Cabos Billfish, so winners received AFTCO performance clothing. AFTCO also provided rod belts, gaffs, gloves and championship team apparel for the winning team. Hiltons provided one year subscriptions. BFD Big Game Lures provided custom lures for the winners. Day one of fishing at the 2019 Los Cabos Billfish Tournament was canceled due to dangerous weather conditions, leaving teams to battle it out over two days instead of three. The tournament awarded more than $780,000 in cash and prizes to fishing teams catching the largest marlin, tuna, wahoo and dorado, as well as the top three billfish-release-points teams and daily high-pointrelease teams.
2019 FINAL RESULTS Overall Team Division First Place: El Suertudo Second Place: Sneak Attack Third Place: Buenaventura Overall Release Points Jackpot First Place: El Suertudo Second Place: Sneak Attack Third Place: Buenaventura Overall Largest Jackpot and Daily Jackpots Marlin Winner First Place: Wild Hooker Day 1 Billfish Release Jackpot – Pocket Aces Day 2 Billfish Release Jackpot – El Suertudo Largest Wahoo Daily Jackpot Day One: Bill Collector II Day Two: Auriga
Angler Guy Arrington, of Team Wild Hooker, caught a 440-pound black marlin on day one. For their catch, they won all four levels of the Daily Marlin Jackpot.
Largest Tuna Daily Jackpot Day One: Tejas SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 37
Eszter Keresztes caught these good eaters from the Ponce Inlet area. Sheepshead, Flounder, Redfish and Lane Snapper. Eszter enjoys fishing and works at Bob’s Discount Marine in Port Orange stop in and share fishing stories while you are shopping for boat supplies.
SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 38
Collins Low Country Hunt Club is second to none in low country South Carolina guided hunting trips. As one of the longest running and most successful operations in the area, we continue to stay ahead of the competition by expanding our services and hunting plans to exceed our guest’s expectations. Our hunting opportunity remains the same to all, utilizing all 7,500 acres of our managed lands to provide the best low country South Carolina hunting available. Please feel free to contact us so that we can help you choose the best fitting package for you and your hunting group.
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10640 Ehrhardt Road Ehrhardt , South Carolina 803-267-2825~w w w . c o l l i n s l o w c o u n t r y h u n t i n g c l u b . c o m SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 39
Hunting News By Tony Young
Media Relations Coordinator for the Division of Hunting and Game Management.
Youth waterfowl day in November and general gun season
S
tarting this hunting season, youth may take part in a Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day occurring the Saturday before the start of the first phase of the regular waterfowl season, which is Nov. 16, and another one held the second Saturday after the second phase of the season closes, Feb. 8. Previously, youth waterfowl hunting days were a Saturday-Sunday hunt in February. “Federal rules allow each state to pick their youth hunt days, as long as they fall within two weeks of open migratory bird hunting seasons,” said Andrew Fanning, FWC’s waterfowl and small-game management program coordinator. “So, we surveyed Florida’s waterfowl hunters to see what they preferred, and they chose breaking up the two days.” Youth 15 and younger may hunt ducks, light geese, Canada geese, mergansers, coots and common moorhens while being supervised by an adult (18 years or older). Only the kids may hunt – adults may only assist, and no licenses or permits are needed, including federal duck stamps. “I believe splitting up the hunt days is a good choice for several reasons. It may better accommodate people’s busy schedules and provides an alternative in case of bad weather,” Fanning said. “Another important consideration is it can help youth hunters be more successful. Having a youth day in front of the season gives kids a chance at resident mottled ducks and whistling ducks before these species have experienced any hunting pressure. It also promotes added participation since the whole regular season lies ahead. “Pushing the second Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day to two weeks after the regular duck season closes allows for a different type of hunt, when the weather is cooler and species such as scaup and ring-necked ducks are more abundant. Plus, the two-week break gives the birds a rest.” Bag limits for each species are the same as during the regular season. Shooting hours are a half-hour before sunrise to sunset. All shotguns must be plugged to a 3-shell capacity, and only nontoxic (steel, iron, bismuth-tin, tungsten-alloy) shot may be used or in your possession. If you’re not a duck hunter but your child is showing an interest in trying it, the FWC has online information to assist you – visit and check out the Guide to Waterfowl Hunting in Florida FWC-managed youth waterfowl hunts. The FWC hosts managed youth waterfowl hunts at Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area and Guana River Wildlife Management Area. These fun, family-oriented events include raffles, free food and opportunities to hunt waterfowl. For more information on the Guana River hunt, call 904-825-6877. For more information on the T.M. Goodwin and STA 1W hunts, call 321-726-2862. Waterfowl hunting season dates The regular duck season as well as coot, light geese and merganser seasons open Nov. 23 and run through Dec. 1. Canada goose season also opens on Nov. 23 and runs through Jan. 30, with snipe season running Nov. 1 – Feb. 15. General gun season General gun season runs Nov. 2 – Jan. 19 in Zone C, and Dec. 7 – Feb. 23 in Zone B. In Zone A, the second phase of general gun season is Nov. 23 – Jan. 5. In Zone D, the first phase always starts Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 28) and lasts four days (until Dec. 1). During general gun season, legal-to-take antlered deer as they are defined in each deer management unit may be harvested. Antlerless deer may still only be harvested: 1) during seasons when they are legal to take, such as during archery season, 2) on antlerless deer days and 3) under permit i.e., antlerless deer permit issued on land in the wildlife management area. Private Lands Deer Management Program permit. Don’t forget you need to purchase a $5 deer permit, and there’s the new statewide annual bag limit of five deer, of which two may be antlerless – and the new deer harvest reporting requirement. Learn more about these new rules at MyFWC.com/Deer. On private land, the daily bag limit for deer is two. Bag limits and other regulations for deer on WMAs can differ, so before you hunt download the specific WMA brochure only available at myfwc.com/License. SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 40
You may hunt wild hogs on private lands year-round with no bag or size limits. Similarly, on most areas that offer public hunting opportunities, there are no bag or size limits, and hogs are legal to take during most hunting seasons except spring turkey. On a few WMAs, specific bag and size limits do apply, so check the WMA brochure to be certain. Hunters are allowed to take deer and wild hogs over feeding stations on private land, but that’s not the case on WMAs, no matter the season or game species. It’s illegal to take deer using rimfire cartridges or non-expanding, full-metal case ammunition. Antlerless deer days While most WMAs do not allow harvest of antlerless deer, antlerless deer days are available during the general gun season on lands outside the WMA system. These dates differ for each of the state’s 12 DMUs. To learn when these antlerless deer opportunities occur in your DMU, refer to the 2019-2020 Florida Hunting Regulations handbook, which you can pick up at your tax collector’s office, FWC regional office or by downloading it online at MyFWC.com/Hunting. During these antlerless deer days, the daily bag limit is one legal antlered deer and one antlerless deer, or two legal antlered deer. Unlike archery season, you may not take two antlerless deer in one day, unless you have antlerless deer tags issued for the private land you hunt. Deer-dog hunting All free-running dogs used in pursuing or hunting deer must wear a collar or tag displaying the name and address of the dog’s owner. Hunters must contain their dogs to the tract of land they have permission to hunt. There are several ways to accomplish that: Equip and monitor dogs with devices that allow remote tracking and behavior correction; only deer-dog hunt on large tracts of land; make sure there are adequate cut-off roads that will enable you to keep in front of the dogs; and don’t turn out more dogs than your hunting party can manage. Hunters using dogs to take deer on private lands must register that property before doing so. No-cost, statewide deer-dog registration is required during all open deer-hunting and training seasons when taking or running deer with dogs is permitted. However, this registration doesn’t apply to hunters hunting or training with deer dogs on areas within the WMA system. This mandatory registration may be issued to hunting clubs, landowners or anyone who has permission to hunt deer with dogs on a particular tract of land as long as the required application is completed and approved. Application forms are available at all regional Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) offices and online at MyFWC.com/Deer. Applications should include proof of landowner permission or a copy of the written hunting-lease agreement, and a general map of the property showing boundaries and a legal description. Once you’ve registered with the FWC, you’ll be issued a unique registration number that must be attached to the collars of all dogs used to pursue deer on registered properties during any open deer-hunting or deer-dog training season when taking or running deer with dogs is permitted. Hunters must possess copies of their registration while they’re hunting or training with their dogs. WMAs that don’t require a quota permit Florida’s WMAs offer a wide range of hunting opportunities from quota/limited entry hunts, special-opportunity hunts, and public hunting areas where hunters can walk on to hunt. There are more than 40 WMAs where hunters don’t need a quota permit to hunt some or all of the general gun season. You can find those at MyFWC.com/WMAbrochures at the bottom of the webpage. Fall turkey Fall turkey season starts on the same date as general gun season in zones B, C and D but ends a little earlier. It runs from Dec. 7 – Feb. 2 in Zone B; Nov. 2 – Dec. 29 in Zone C; and Nov. 28 – Dec. 1 and Dec. 14 – Jan. 19 in Zone D. In Zone A, the second phase of fall turkey season is the same as the zone’s second phase of general gun: Nov. 23 – Jan. 5. Hunters may only take bearded turkeys and gobblers, and they must have a turkey permit ($10 for residents, $125 for nonresidents) to hunt them. You may harvest up to two turkeys per day on private land, if you’d like, but that would tag you out for the entire fall season because you’re only allowed to harvest a total of two turkeys during the archery, crossbow, muzzleloading gun and fall turkey seasons combined. In Holmes County, the harvest of fall turkeys is not allowed at all. And there’s not a fall turkey season on WMAs, however, on a half-dozen areas, turkeys are legal to take during general gun season. You’re not permitted to hunt turkeys with dogs or with recorded turkey calls, and you’re not permitted to shoot them while they’re on the roost or when you’re within 100 yards of a game-feeding station when feed is present. Miscellaneous regulations Shooting hours for deer and fall turkeys are a half-hour before sunrise to a half-hour after sunset. All legal rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, air guns (PCP .30 caliber for deer, .20 caliber for turkeys), bows, crossbows and handguns may be used to take each of these resident game animals during the general gun and fall turkey seasons. Illegal firearms and ammunition are defined as centerfire, semiautomatic rifles having magazine capacities of more than five rounds, and fully automatic firearms. Other prohibited methods for taking game include shooting from a moving vehicle and herding or driving game with a vehicle. Con’t on next page SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 41
License and permit requirements The first thing you’ll need to participate in one or more of these hunting opportunities is a Florida hunting license. Residents pay just $17. Nonresidents have the choice of paying $46.50 for a 10-day license or $151.50 for 12 months. If you want to hunt on a WMA, you also must purchase a management area permit for $26.50. And don’t forget to obtain the brochure about the WMA you’re going to hunt because dates, bag limits and rules differ greatly for each area. These are available only online at myfwc.com/License. All necessary licenses and permits are available online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, at your tax collector’s office, retail outlets that sell hunting and fishing gear, and by calling toll-free 888-HUNT-FLORIDA (4868356). Here’s wishing you a happy Thanksgiving and a successful hunting season. Remember: Take a kid hunting or introduce an adult to hunting when you can. As always, have fun, hunt safely and responsibly, and we’ll see you in the woods!
Cole Texter shot this hog while hunting in Georgia.
HUNTING IS A TRADITION TO BRING TOGETHER FAMILY AND FRIENDS. DON’T LET ANYONE TAKE THAT AWAY FROM YOU!! SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 42
Jennifer Suntich loves to fish and she is pretty darn good at it! Pictured with a Bull Redfish, Black Drum, Snook and Trout all caught in the Volusia County area.
SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 43
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SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 44
BRAGGING BOARD GATOR HARVEST
Eric Rutkosky and Matt Preston lead some friends to this 12’ alligator harvested on a lottery draw for Volusia County.
Susan and Casey Fort were gator hunting the Withlacoochee River when they harvested an 11’1” and 9’ gators with Gary Mills.
To see your photo here please send your photos to sfandginc@yahoo.com include names, species, size and location caught. SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 45
BEST FEEDING TIMES FOR FISH AND GAME
SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 46
THE PIERFECT MEAL AWAITS YOU WHILE YOU ESCAPE TO UNBELIEVABLE VIEWS AND TERRIFIC FISHING!
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SSFHMagazine Nov/Dec 2019 Page 47
2019 Sea-Doo GTX Limited 230 $14,999
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