Sept/Oct 2019
LOCAL
• Fishing Reports • Tide Tables • Feeding Times • News & Events
• NSB Redfish Tour 3 • FOWA Professional Development Day 36-38
FREE Since 1965
Supporting Epic Flight Academy’s 2019 Aviation Scholarships
SSFHMagazine Sept/Oct 2019 Page 2
SSFHMagazine Sept/Oct 2019 Page 3
Where You’ll Never “Sea” it all on one voyage.... Come In And See What We Mean!
BE HURRICANE READY Stock up on your docklines now!
AT 82 JACK’S SPLICE IS NICE AND HIS PRICES ARE RIGHT!
Docklines 3/8, 1/2, 5/8 & 3/4
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 SSFHMagazine Sept/Oct 2019 Page 4
NEW DECOR & OR EC D JEWELRY W E N ELRY & JEW
Manufactured Battery Cables Black & Red Different Sizes Available.
Starboard 1/4”, 1/2” & 3/4”
Stainless Steel Skillet Sizes 8” $12.95 ~ 9” $14.95 10” $16.95 ~ 11” $20.95 12” $24.95
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• Safety Equipment • Electronics Let Us Hook • Dock Lines You Up On • Hose Discounted • Electrical Fishing Tackle! • Starboard • Boat Fenders • Marine Tinned Wire • LED Lighting • Saltwater Fishing Supplies • Pumps Bilge, Aerator, Washdown, Fresh Water • and so much more.......
Store Hours: 8:30-5:00 M-F • 9-4 Sat • Closed Sunday SSFHMagazine Sept/Oct 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:
Desiree’ Harbster ~ FOWA Capt. Lynda Hawkins Capt. Billy Pettigrew Tony Young-FWC Tim Camp
Front Captions • A new species for Erik Perna a black drum caught on a fly in the backwaters of New Smyrna Beach. • Vance Habuagh caught and released this 12.2 pound bass during a tournament fishing the Harris Chain.
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
W
ith Fall approaching and the Fall bait run is about to take off. Make sure you are ready for the running of the Bulls at Ponce Inlet. The bull reds will be moving 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. Along with the big reds and the Fall bait run have the snook and tarpon lined up on the bridges, jetties and deeper docks near the channel. Free line a live mullet, pinfish or jumbo shrimp around Big Redfish by Bryan Fisher of Palm Coast the structure. Getting in to the back waters and flats in the Greater Daytona Beach area you are going to look for the under sized and slot snook in the feeder creeks of the flats. The slot reds are going to be cruising the flats feeding on shrimp, finger mullet and crabs in the mornings and around dusk. This is a great time to get them on top water spooks and skitter walks. I like to use a more natural color but this is your time to experiment with a bunch of different colors. The trout are also going to start moving into the flats. You should be able to find them in the deeper creeks that lead in the flats. A popping cork with a live shrimp or small finger mullet should do the trick for them. For the bass guys looking to get that good ol’ biggin, this is your time to shine. Fall months are one of the best times to find them big girls next to the spawn. These fish are going to start moving up to feed and feed heavy before winter. A top water or buzz bait is always fun but a big wild shiner under a float is the 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 the big girls in the St. Johns River or any of the lakes and ponds in the Daytona Beach area. Speck fishermen I know are getting excited for that first cool/cold front this fall. This will trigger the specks to get ready for their annual spawn. You can slow troll minnows and or little grub style baits at the edge of grass lines or pads or flip 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
Savannah Miller and Capt. Billy Pettigrew SSFHMagazine Sept/Oct 2019 Page 6
$595.00
This nice redfish was caught on bait from Donald’s Bait & Tackle in Port Orange.
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 Justin and Maverick caught these red snappers during the 5 day season on live pinfish from Donald’s Bait & Tackle in Port Orange.
• Cargo Trailers • Dump Trailers • Utility Trailers • Motorcycle Trailers • Boat Trailers
(386) 317-6295
www.gatorbacktrailer.com 5481 S Ridgewood Ave, Port Orange, FL 32127
Expert Free Advice & Friendly Service with a smile!!
Mark Lamkin reeled in this beautiful redfish using bait from Donald’s Bait & Tackle in Port Orange.
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 Sept/Oct 2019 Page 7
Expires 06/15/2020
You can catch fish like this aboard the Sea Spirit they specialize in off- shore Deep Sea Fishing Excursions” “Deep Sea Fishing at its best” Customers are treated like family! Half-day & Full-day/Excursions are available. Deep Sea Fishing fun for all ages. The Sea Spirit staff will make you feel like you are part of the crew. If you are visiting Daytona Beach get in on the action & Call Sea Spirit Fishing Today!” (386) 763- 4388. Don’t forget to cut out the coupon below and save $5!
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 Sept/Oct 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
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Happy angler fishing aboard the Vulcan with Capt. Rick Trussell caught this big Atlantic Red Snapper during the 5 day snapper season.
386-252-9804
450 N. Beach Street • Downtown Daytona Beach
Light House Marina
E FRE E C I ADV
This impressive 44” Yellowtail Jack was caught offshore Ponce Inlet while fishing with Capt Rick Trussell of the Vulcan Fishing Charters.
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 Sept/Oct 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
What Kind of Fish is This? Fish ID Help with Tackle Box I.D. Fish Identification Products Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World. Many of our anglers are visitors to the state and are not very familiar with the great variety of fish in our waters. “What kind of fish is this?” is a very commonly heard question out there. It is always followed by “Can I keep it?”
4894 Front Street, Ponce Inlet 386-761-4831 www.downthehatchseafood.com
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
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 Sept/Oct 2019 Page 10
A product published by Tackle Box I.D Products, the Florida Saltwater Fish Jumbo Edition fish identification card, fills the need for a handy and convenient resource to aid anglers in identifying what they’ve caught and helping them learn the rules associated with that species at the same time. The Florida Saltwater Fish Jumbo Edition fish identification card shows 60 commonly caught Florida saltwater fish in high resolution photographs for easy, at-a-glance identification. Just beneath each photograph are the basic current FWC regulations associated with the species. The 8 1⁄2” x 11” card shows not only regulated species like red drum, spotted seatrout, and snook, but also but also unregulated species such as whiting and crevalle jack which are equally important to know. The Tackle Box I.D. concept was created by Eric Sander. Eric is an avid fisherman himself and a former research biologist for FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. “I am always answering questions about fish. I developed the card in response to the need for something inexpensive, durable, yet simple enough to help anglers know what they are catching” says Eric. “The FWC regulation book does not show you how to identify a spot or croaker or whiting. This one card does. Cont on pg. 12
2 Yamaha Master Tech’s on site!
Sportsman Premium Bay Boats & Center Consoles
Bennington Luxury & Performance Stumpnocker Skiffs
“Consignments Wanted”
Boat Rentals Sept/Oct Special
Bring In Your Repairs Now There Is No Wait!
Florida’s Largest Trailer Dealer
Large Selection of Used Trailers
B & G TRAILERS INC. 386-734-5244 • www.bgtrailers.com
2340 International Speedway Hwy 92 Deland Fl. SSFHMagazine Sept/Oct 2019 Page 11
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
Now there is no need to carry a library out fishing with you.” The Florida Saltwater Fish Jumbo Edition fish identification card can be found at many of your favorite local bait and tackle shops throughout Florida or on Amazon.com (search Tackle Box I.D.) Inquiries about retail and distributor opportunities on the west coast are welcome and should be directed to: Eric Sander; (386) 852-8588, email ericsshark guide@yahoo.com.
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 Sept/Oct 2019 Page 12
Ronald caught this Amberjack on a trip to Marathon located in the keys. Photo courtesy of Bob’s Discount Marine in Deland.
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
Deep Sea Fishing Charters Capt Tony Varano Over 25 Years Experience!
34’ Pro Sport Center Console www.bluewatercharter.net
Inshore and Offshore Charters
5-10 hour trips • Up to 6 passengers Liscensed & Insured Everything Furnished Except Food & Drink SSFHMagazine Sept/Oct 2019 Page 13
Ponce de Leon Inlet Tides September 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 Sept/Oct 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 Sept/Oct 2019 Page 15
Ponce de Leon Inlet Tides October 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 Sept/Oct 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
By: Roger S. Harbster Over 40 years of knowledge!
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 FW#203 Lake George FW#204 Lake George to Jacksonville FW#205 Lake Crescent 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
$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 Sept/Oct 2019 Page 17
Code Red Fishing Charters Capt. Matt Lee 386-214-3530
www.CodeRedFishingCharters.net SSFHMagazine Sept/Oct 2019 Page 18
BREVARD COUNTY It’s that time of year again!
The woods are lined with a hint of Themacell, there’s giant tin cans slinging kernels of gold, and its as if the woods have turned into a redneck high rise condo complex with ladder stands going up everywhere faster then you can blink an eye. With seemingly everyone getting geared up for this archery season, if you haven’t gotten the chance to take that old bow out of the closet and sling a few down range you’re behind the eight ball. That’s right boy and girls, children of all ages....It’s Bow Season!!! We are in the Zone C in Brevard county so our deer hunting season opens up on September 14th and runs through October 13th. Don’t forget to stay up on your local deer regulations and bag limits as it seems
By: Tim Camp
Custom Aluminum Work 735 Airpark Rd Hanger B-3 Edgewater 386-957-3756
there is always something new to pay attention to. You can get all the information you need at Myfwc.com. Well I can’t say I’m shedding any tears over here, but with summer officially coming to an end within the month (September 23rd) you can almost feel a little coolness in the air in the evenings... some evenings, and like very little, BUT out on the water in the evenings the air feels great out cashing in on your 2019 gator tags. There has been a number of 11 foot plus gators caught around our area from Lake Poinsett to Lake Harney. If you’ve ever been interested in getting your own lake lizard check it out for next season. There is a number of different techniques to lure them in and bag’em
for yourself. Two tags will cost you about $250 if you’re thinking about getting into it. Well that’s it for now! Until next time High Tines & Tight Lines Tim Camp For advertising information in the Brevard County area email timothycamp23@yahoo.com
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 Sept/Oct 2019 Page 19
FRESHWATER FREELINE The Fishing Book
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. Save the S&H Fee By: Roger S. Harbster Over 40 years of knowledge!
This book can be purchased at Williams Tackle in Holly Hill.
Other Features include: •Knot Tying •Fish Recipes •How to Fillet Fish •Do It Yourself Smokehouse
$AVE $2.00
Mail Order Only! Reg $9.95
Name___________________________________________________ Address_________________________________________________ City__________________________State________Zip___________
ONLY $7.95
+ 6.5% Sales Tax and $1.95 S & H (Total $10.42)
Send Check or Money Order to: SSFHMagazine P.O. Box 290002 Port Orange, Fl. 32127 SSFHMagazine Sept/Oct 2019 Page 20
*YOUR FRESHWATER* *FISHING HEADQUARTERS* 1861 North Nova Rd. Holly Hill, Fl.
386-677-7863 •LIVE BAIT
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LIVE BLUE CRABS AND J.O. #2 CRAB SEASONING
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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 Sept/Oct 2019 Page 21
2018 Landau 192
Island Breeze Cruise Pontoon Boat
2020 DLX Bay Series Sea Pro 208
SSFHMagazine Sept/Oct 2019 Page 22
SSFHMagazine Sept/Oct 2019 Page 23
PUTNAM COUNTY
By: Capt Lynda Hawkins
According to Lafon at BASS WORLD LODGE @866-522-FISH (3474) reports small and medium shrimp are being caught off the dock at Bass World. The water is very high right now. He is catching some nice palm sized bluegill using red wigglers and crickets. Some other people in the camp are catching some nice bream. MESSER’S EAST-WEST BAIT & TACKLE @386-328-4035 Jimmy tells us the River is high and full of shrimp. They are catching stripers and bluegill at the dam. The River is producing some nice bass and shellcracker are starting to bite. A bunch of red fish are coming out of the River as well.
Bluegill have shown up using worms and crickets. Topwater baits are also working fairly well and they are also getting some nice catfish. B & G TRAILERS in DeLand @386-734-5244 is running a September and October special!!! Bring in your repairs now as THERE IS NO WAIT during these months. They now carry a huge selection of new & used boat trailers as well as jet ski, cycle and pontoon boat trailers.
GEORGETOWN MARINA & LODGE @ 386-467-2002 L.J. tells us they are still catching bluegill and bream hot and heavy. Shrimp are running early this year. A lot of their customers have caught their limit of shrimp. Bass fishing has been decent using artificials. Some nice stripers have been caught north on the River towards Welaka.
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
Camaron Greenlund and friend with some big lobsters harvested while diving off Ponce Inlet.
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 Sept/Oct 2019 Page 24
POLK COUNTY
By: Capt Lynda Hawkins
Reef Pasternak 5 y/o with his personal best an 8 pound flounder caught out of Ponce Inlet on hook and line.
Bubba Texter with a Ponce Inlet Cobia. from team Topless Hooker Gear.
Dustin Fornari with an Atlantic Red Snapper caught during the 5 day season from team Topless Hooker Gear.
SSFHMagazine Sept/Oct 2019 Page 25
SEMINOLE-ORANGE COUNTY Atlantic Snook Season Opens September 1, 2019 Regulations (state and adjacent federal waters, includes Lake Okeechobee and Kissimmee River) Season: Closed Dec. 15-Jan. 31 and June 1-Aug. 31 Slot Limit: Not less than 28” or more than 32” total length Daily Bag Limit: 1 per harvester per day; zero captain and crew for-hire limit License Requirements: Snook permit and recreational fishing license Allowable Gear: Hook and line only Habitat: Inshore in coastal waters, including mangrove shorelines, seagrass beds, beaches and around structure. Behavior: Begin life as males, but between 18 and 22 inches long some become females. Form schools during spawning season. Feed on fish and large crustaceans. Cannot tolerate water temperatures below 60° F. Can tolerate freshwater. Additional Information: State Record: 44 lb 3 oz, caught near Ft. Myers Fishing Tips and Facts: They orient themselves to face moving water and wait for prey to be carried down the current. Snook jump clear of the water, and burst into long runs. Use live pinfish, small mullet, shrimp, or sardines free-lined or fished off the bottom with a fish finder rig. They take a large variety of lures based on water conditions. Beware of the snook’s razorsharp gill covers! Snook make excellent table fare.
SSFHMagazine Sept/Oct 2019 Page 26
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)
BOAT-SALES & SERVICE 407-905-0003 AHOY MARINE, INC. @407-323-8373 – Tina and Steve said reds and trout are being caught out of the Lagoon.
AHOY
Marine, Inc.
KEL’S ROD & REEL SERVICE in Casselberry at 407-834-3008, is a warranty center for Shimano, Penn, Minnkota and Motorguide. David at DAVIDS TRAILERS @407-293-2922 has one of the largest inventories of trailer parts in Central Florida with over 200 trailers in stock.
Over 200 Trailers in stock!
511 E. 25th. St. Sanford, Florida 32773
Steve Meadors, President
407-323-8373
Continental Boat Trailers SSFHMagazine Sept/Oct 2019 Page 27
MARION-CITRUS COUNTY
By: Capt Lynda Hawkins
FWC extends red tide fisheries conservation measures in SW Florida At its May meeting in Tallahassee, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) extended several fisheries management conservation measures for red drum, snook and spotted seatrout in areas of southwest Florida impacted by a prolonged red tide that occurred from November 2017 through mid-February 2019. The extension for red drum, snook and spotted seatrout will go into effect May 11 and will apply from the Pasco-Hernando county line south (including all waters of Tampa Bay) through Gordon Pass in Collier County.
Changes effective May 11:
Snook and red drum will remain catch-and-release only for an additional year through May 31, 2020. Spotted seatrout will be catch-and-release only, including no commercial harvest through May 31, 2020. The approved changes will give these important fisheries additional time to recover from red tide. Staff will continue monthly monitoring of local red drum, snook and spotted seatrout populations throughout the coming year to help determine whether these species are rebuilding under the temporary management measures. Staff will also revisit the snook extension in early 2020 to determine if that species may be reopened to harvest earlier than May 31, 2020. Staff has been working with partners including Coastal Conservation Association Florida, Duke Energy and Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium to raise and release red drum and snook into southwest Florida waters to help address red tide impacts. Learn more about these and other fisheries at MyFWC.com/Marine.
The Gator Den
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 Sept/Oct 2019 Page 28
ANGLER’S FAMILY RESORT @352489-2397 John tells us the bass fishing up the Withlacoochee River towards Lake Rosseau has been producing lots of bass, bluegill and catfish. Shiners and night crawlers are both producing some nice bass. One of their customers has been catching bluegill over towards Lake Rosseau. They are also doing well on the Rainbow catching bluegill using crickets. Stop in and visit, you’ll love the friendly staff and beautiful River. Take a few minutes and enjoy a wonderful meal right on the River at the Blue Gator Tiki Bar the food is absolutely delicious. CATFISH JOHNNY’S RESTAURANT @352-793-2083 is a beautiful, restaurant with delicious fresh food. You owe it to yourself to take a trip to Lake Panasoffkee just to enjoy the wonderful alligator and seafood. The service and atmosphere is enjoyed by all. You will feel like you’ve been coming there for years.
ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT-CATFISH
EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT!
View our full menu online at CatfishJohnnysRestaurant.com
2396 N. C-470, Lake Panasoffkee, Fl. 33538
352-793-2083 Closed Sundays & Mondays
Austin and Jonathan with a 10.64 and 9.88 pound bass caught from Orange Lake. Photo courtesy of Brooker Bait & Tackle in Leesburg.
Tim at COMO RV @352-344-1411 Invites you all to come in and check out their new and pre-owned RV’s. They have a large inventory in stock.
50 Over V’s R Used
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SSFHMagazine Sept/Oct 2019 Page 29
1601 W. Main Street INVERNESS, FL
352-344-1411
3335 S. Suncoast Blvd. HOMOSASSA, FL
352-628-1411
LAKE COUNTY BASS N GAL GUIDE SERVICE @ 352-267-0062 Reports some huge bass are showing up for this time of year. A 12 pound lunker was recently caught out of the Harris Chain by Vance Habuagh during a tournament. He weighed it in and released it. The private lake we fish is all catch and release but is loaded with some big bass. The baits that work well for my customers on this lake are drop shots with a Junebug 4 inch worm, watermelon red Producto’s Hot Rod fished weightless and of course shiners, (freelined and with bobbers). 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. For the fishing trip you’ve dreamed of give me a call @ 352-267-0062. Jake at ASTOR BAIT & TACKLE @352-759-2600 tells us bluegill and shellcracker are being caught on redworms and crickets. They are still catching some specks in Lake Woodriff jiggin. Bobby Garlin’s MoGlow jigs are working well. Devil’s Grin and the Electric Chicken are two great colors to use. 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. Stop in and see him, he has plenty of archery equipment for sale and he also does bow repairs. Gordie at BROOKER BAIT & TACKLE @352-460-0695 said Vance Haughball caught a 12 pound bass this past Sun. out of the Harris Chain, which he weighed in then released. It took 15 pounds to win the Wednesday night tournament this past week. The shellcracker and bluegill are being caught on redworms and crickets out of the lily pads and the grass. Some snapper and trout are being caught over on the coast.
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
352-742-4400
ur way
with 3
sides!
HARRIS OIL @352-383-0922 is located at 21901 US Hwy. 441, Mt. Dora. They carry 100% non ethanol gasoline for your boats, mowers and chain saws. They also have gated self storage. We have been using Harris Oil non ethanol gas in our boat for 10 years now and have had great success with it. Mark and Heidi of LAKESIDE BAIT & TACKLE @352-742-3336 tell us open water hydrilla in Lake Eustis and Lake Harris using magnum worms dragging them real slow across the bottom is producing some nice fish. Tommy Sayers won big bass during yesterdays tournament – it weighed 7.59 pounds. Fishing any grass clumps on the bottom in 8 to 11 feet work good. Bluegill and shellcrackers are doing very well in the grass and pads and a lot are being caught from Big Lake Harris using crickets and redworms. Bass are being caught using spinnerbaits and chatter baits fishing the outside of pads and grass lines. Frogs are working well in the morning. 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. Mark & Heidi of GET WET WATERSPORTS which is next door to LAKESIDE BAIT & TACKLE @ 352-253-0585 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. Jim from FISH CAMP ON LAKE EUSTIS @352-742-4400 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. On Saturdays they do a 1⁄2 pound ShrimpFest fixed your way with 3 sides for only $12.99.
ASTOR BAIT & TACKLE
•OUTDOOR ARCHERY RANGE
Live Bait SSFHMagazine Sept/Oct 2019 Page 30
•ARCHERY ACCESSORIES
frontstreetbait.com@kvcom.net
23835 Hwy. 40, Astor Florida
352-759-2600
Valid ONLY Monday-Thursday 9/1-9/15 Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 9/15/19
Not including Tax & Tip Valid ONLY Monday-Thursday 9/16-9/30 Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 9/30/19
Not including Tax & Tip Valid ONLY Monday-Thursday10/1-10/30 Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 10/30/19
Kevin of EATON’S BEACH at 352-2592444 is located in Weirsdale, Fl. This is a great restaurant to enjoy a nice lunch or dinner. They are right on Lake Weir and have a beautiful white sand swim beach with a bar and grill as well. This is a fun place and super dining spot.
You can park your boat in their boat slips which are conveniently located close to your room and easily accessible.
MIDWAY MARINE @352-759-3838 has a complete diagnostic service available for your engine repairs. They have a friendly staff and are open 6 days a week from 8 to 5 but closed on Wed. Stop in and say “Hi”. They are located right on the St. John’s River in Astor.
www.blackwaterinn.com
THE CASTAWAYS ON THE RIVER @ 352-759-3422. Sarah tells us they are catching some nice bluegill and shellcracker out of the River, out of Lake Dexter and Lake Woodriff as well. For a wonderful get away you should try Castaways which is comfortable, clean and surrounded with natural beauty, the rooms are well maintained and the staff is extremely polite and helpful. Good food and a beautiful view of the St. John’s are within walking distance of the units.
ASTOR MARINE @352-759-3655. Georgia carries Sylvan pontoon boats, Sunchaser pontoon boats and is a dealer for Mercury, Yamaha, Suzuki and Honda. Stop in and take a look around they have been in business for 29 years and are the friendliest people you’d want to meet.
“Off the River, or Off the Road” It’s Your Choice
*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 Hwy 40 & the St. Johns River in Beautiful Astor, Fl.
352-759-2802 SSFHMagazine Sept/Oct 2019 Page 31
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
55716 Front St. Astor
Gordon Ball caught and released this 48” Redfish fishing from the Mosquito Lagoon with Capt. David Robinson.
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.
Lakeside Bait & Tackle (352) 742-3336 Mark & Heidi Bass, Owners
Located on Lake Eustis Tommy Sayer won big fish with this 7.59 pound bass. Photo courtesy of Lakeside Bait & Tackle located in Tavares.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Sept/Oct 2019 Page 32
Florida’s Largest Volume Pontoon Dealer All 2018 Models On Sale 2019 Models In Stock
Sales & Service 352-759-3655
www.astormarine.com email: sales@astormarine.com
24535 HWY. 40, Astor, Fl 32102
Bass N Gal Guide Service *Central Florida Lakes* *PRIVATE LAKES*
Chris Blum and Kyle Gibbons with 2 Ponce Inlet hog fish and lobster.
BROOKER
BAIT & TACKLE
Owners Bill & Natalie Brooker 1351 A. W. North Blvd. Leesburg, Fl. 34748 352-460-0695 BrookerBait@gmail.com
All Tackle Included 1/2 Day $300.00 Cell 352-267-0062 Email llh30@comcast.net
Capt. Lynda Hawkins Over 30 Years Experience
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
SSFHMagazine Sept/Oct 2019 Page 33
TOURNAMENT NEWS The Halifax Sport Fishing Club welcomes back Captain Marshal Wallot for the September 19th seminar. He is the owner and operator of New Legacy Fishing Charters and will be speaking on fall/winter inshore fishing. Capt. Wallot was born and raised in Volusia County and has over 25 years experience fishing the inshore waters of Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, Port Orange, New Smyrna and Edgewater. He specializes in a number of inshore and nearshore species such as redfish, trout, snook, tarpon, and flounder. Doors open at 6:30 pm, a brief business meeting at 7pm, and a seminar at 7:30 pm at 3431 S. Ridgewood Avenue, Port Orange. All seminars are free and open to the public. For more information go to the HSFC website, facebook or contact David Rittweger programs director at 386-334-9038 or online at www.hsfc.com under programs.
Team Flyer Wins 2019 Bermuda Big Game Classic More than 330 anglers competing on 43 teams experienced Bermuda’s famous marlin fishing, catching 55 blue and six white marlin. A fleet of 43 teams put on an exciting show at the weigh-ins during the Bermuda Big Game Classic held from July 13 – 17, 2019. Three days of competitive tournament fishing produced high numbers of blue marlin qualifying catches, with seven fish brought to the scales surpassing 500 pounds. A total of 61 billfish were caught, including 55 blue and six white marlin. After lines out on day three, Team Flyer totaled five blue marlin releases, scoring 2,500 points across three days of fishing to win the 2019 Bermuda Big Game Classic, with winnings totaling $122,700. Team Overproof also scored big, landing a 697-pound blue marlin on Photo Credit: Michelle Gaylord/Out Your Front Door day three, winning the Day Three Largest Marlin and Winner-Take-All Largest Marlin jackpots for $129,900 in total winnings. As the competition intensified each day, more and more 500-plus-pound blue marlin moved onto the fishing grounds. The scales at Barr’s Bay Park in Hamilton, Bermuda, were especially busy on day two of fishing. Day one recorded a 594-pound blue marlin (Auspicious); day two saw a 518-pounder (Sea Angel), 525-pounder (Sweetums), 550-pounder (Blank Check), and 616-pounder (American Beauty); and day three produced a 608-pounder (Hot Spot) and 697-pound blue marlin (Overproof). Blue marlin must weigh at least 500 pounds to be eligible for points at the Bermuda Big Game Classic.
Rob Every landed and released this 13” 3 pound 2 oz. snook while fishing off the Seabreeze Bridge. He was using a chartreuse and gold square paddle tail.
Wahooooo..... this 74 pounder was caught by Pete Richardson and Chris Blum. SSFHMagazine Sept/Oct 2019 Page 34
BRAGGING BOARD CATCH PHOTOS
Shane Murray with family and friends fishing aboard Team Total Vision
Rick Mock, Melissa Hicks, Megan Mock, Dustin Mock and Daniel Mock fishing on the last day out of Ponce Inlet.
ear
oker G
Ho opless Team T
Megan Mock with her first ever 15 pound red snapper and she is 7 months pregnant.
Jacob Gillespie caught this 12 pounder out of Ponce Inlet.
To see your photo here please send your catch photos to sfandginc@yahoo.com include names, species, size and location caught. Tony Magone, Mike Schaler and friends caught these fishing out of Off The Hook at Inlet Harbor
Amanda Speidel and friends
Atlantic Red Snapper Season 2019 SSFHMagazine Sept/Oct 2019 Page 35
Open to the public!
2019 FOWA Professional Development Day Saturday, September 21, 2019
El Caribe Resort and Conference Center 2125 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach, FL Speakers and workshops have been specially selected to provide information relevant to challenges in today’s outdoors marketplace. We will begin our meeting in the Caribbean Ballroom at the El Caribe Resort and Conference Center, situated right on the beach in sunny Daytona Beach.
Who will want to attend?
• Full-time or part-time outdoor communicators and travel writers • Bloggers/Vloggers and Digital Content Creators • Public information officers with natural resource agencies and environmental NGOs •Journalists with public interest or reporting responsibilities on Florida’s environmental issues • Scientists and researchers wanting to improve their communication skills
Event registration for non-members:
Registration for non-members is $52 for the day and includes the program, lunch, and attendance at the T.J. Stallings Corporate/ Tourism Showcase. If you wish to join FOWA, the $52 registration fee will count towards a FOWA membership for the remainder of 2019.
Thinking of becoming a corporate/tourism member, but want to give FOWA a test drive first?
Reserve a vendor table at the T.J. Stallings Corporate/Tourism Showcase (3-5 pm) for just $100. You do not need to be a current FOWA Corporate/Tourism member to purchase a table. This is a great chance for prospective corporate/tourism members to see what our organization is all about! RSVP TODAY! Email Butch Newell, Executive Director, bnewell@fowa.org to reserve your table.
AGENDA
There will be multiple Seminars and Workshops during the day from 8:00 am-2:55 pm followed by the TJ Stallings Corporate/ Tourism Showcase 3:00 pm-5:00 pm. Be sure to check the agenda in your welcome bag for specific room locations and times. The event will open at 7:15 am – 8:00 am for Registration, Welcome, Coffee and Tea located in the Caribbean Ballroom. The guest speakers are as followed:
•Repurposing Content Across Platforms
The Marjorie team invites you to this hands-on session to learn how to reframe your latest story and turn it into posts for Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the DIY graphics tool, Canva. We encourage you to come prepared with a laptop or tablet and a story example to work with. Attendees will leave this session with some shiny new graphics that are bound to dazzle their followers. Hannah Brown
Becca Burton
•Introduction to Surf Fishing with Patrick Sebile
Patrick Sebile
Patrick Sebile is one of the most accomplished anglers in the history of the world! Join him for an informative session on why selecting the right gear is so important when fighting monster fish from the surf. After spending time in the classroom, it’s time to hit the beach from some hands-on surfcasting experience. SSFHMagazine Sept/Oct 2019 Page 36
•Best way to Partner with a Destination with Misty Wells
Misty Wells, Radio/TV host of Let’s Take it Outside, will offer insights on working with destinations and share information on what those destinations need from you. Misty Wells
•Good Enough to Eat? Food Writing and Food Photography
Tommy Thompson has been a photographer for over 50 years and outdoor writer and fishing book author 20 years. Tommy is a regional editor and food writer for Florida Sportsman and an Adjunct Lecturer at UF college of journalism. Join Tommy while he discusses writing styles, presentation of food stories and common newbie mistakes. Tommy Thompson
•Hands on Fly Casting , Fly Tying Demo and Casting Games
Joe Mahler is a professional fly casting instructor, author, and exceptional fly tyer. His works have appeared in many outdoor publications and as one of the nation’s leading fly casting instructors, Joe has been seen casting away in national television commercials for Bass Pro Shops, Tracker and Mako Boats. You will not want to miss this opportunity to learn from a legend. Joe Mahler
•Birding Photography
Rick Davidson
Rick Davidson has been a FOWA member for more than 10 years. A retired UF faculty member, he began doing photography in the early 1970’s for Nashville publishing houses. A collection of his photos taken in Appalachia are part of the permanent collection of the Southern Historical Collection at the University of North Carolina. His discussion will include: appropriate equipment for a variety of budgets; what you need to know about settings, including birds in flight; lenses and crop factor; RAW files vs JPEGs; and software for post-processing.
•Secrets for Catching More & Bigger Largemouth Bass
Captain Debbie Hanson is an award-winning outdoor writer and freshwater charter guide living in Estero, FL. Hanson’s written work has appeared in publications such as Florida Game & Fish Magazine, BoatUS Magazine, and USA Today Hunt & Fish. She is also a weekly contract blogger for TakeMeFishing.org. Capt. Debbie Hanson
•Including Climate Science In Outdoor Stories
Dinah Pulver
Dinah Voyles-Pulver, Environment Writer with Gatehouse Media and the Daytona Beach News-Journal, has covered environmental issues at the newspaper for more than 20 years. She is a three-time recipient of the Waldo Proffitt Award for Excellence in Environmental Journalism and has received a Gold Medal for Public Service from the Florida Society of News Editors and a national award of merit from the Grantham Prize for Excellence in Reporting on the Environment. Join her as she talks about some of her encounters with the Florida outdoors as a sixth-generation Floridian and the environment writer of the Daytona Beach News-Journal for more than 20 years and the role outdoors writers can play in helping people be aware of environmental issues.
•Exploring Central Florida’s Trails
Sandra Friend and John Keatley
Florida’s natural beauty is only glimpsed when you travel by car. Go by foot, bike, or paddle to explore places of phenomenal beauty. With a lifetime’s worth of experience on the trails of Central Florida, authors Sandra Friend and John Keatley will discuss and show you the best-of-the-best destinations for backpacking, biking, day hiking, paddling, birding, and nature photography in the central portion of peninsular Florida. Learn about dozens of off-the-beaten-path destinations along the region’s trails, including the high bluffs of Spruce Creek, the yawning caverns of Inverness, the open prairies of Kenansville, and the giant cypresses of the Withlacoochee River.
Con’t on next page SSFHMagazine Sept/Oct 2019 Page 37
•Volusia County Trails
Tim Baylie, Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture is going to be present to discuss the latest hot spots and trails in Volusia County. Whether you want to take a nature walk, see historic sites, learn more about the environment, or take part in cultural opportunities, Volusia County has it all. You also can boat, fish, camp, observe wildlife in its natural habitat, sunbathe and participate in active recreational activities in Volusia County.
•WordPress Happiness Bar
WordPress Developers, SEO Consultants and Content Marketers will be available to answer questions concerning your website.
•CCA Florida will host the Lunchtime Presentation •3pm – 5pm
TJ Stallings Corporate/Tourism Showcase and Social
We cordially invite you to unwind from the day’s sessions, have a little fun, and mingle with very interesting people among the exhibits that feature our state’s top vacation destinations and premier outdoor gear suppliers. Need an idea for a getaway destination? You’ll find it here and much, much more, plus lots of information on products from our corporate sponsors. No one has ever walked away disappointed from our corporate showcase!
For more Information email Butch Newell at bnewell@fowa.org or visit Florida Outdoor Writers website at www.fowa.org
Who Can Join FOWA? Media Members: Digital Content Creators, YouTubers, Travel & Outdoor Bloggers/Vloggers, Outdoor Writers, Photographers and Videographers
Who is FOWA?
Chartered in 1946, FOWA is a not-for-profit 501(C)3 statewide paid professional communicators organization made up of outdoor communicators with the goals to:
•Educate the public through print and electronic media, public discussion groups, seminars,
workshops, forums, panels, and lectures, in the best and wisest management of our unique outdoor heritage, and to focus the public’s attention on the science of conservation
•To improve knowledge and skill
in the art of communication in order to enhance public awareness, appreciation and understanding of our outdoor heritage
•To support the best use and wise management of all natural resources by increasing public awareness, appreciation and understanding of our outdoor heritage
•To maintain the highest standards of professional competence and ethics in communications about the outdoors and conservation
•To get the facts and to disseminate them in a thorough, fair and objective manner •To motivate and encourage young people to promote the outdoors and conservation and to support the best use and wise management of all natural resources by increasing public awareness, appreciation and understanding of our outdoor heritage.
JOIN FOWA TODAY! VISIT WWW.FOWA.ORG SSFHMagazine Sept/Oct 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.
Mention this ad and receive $100 off
Hog, Deer & Turkey Hunts! **************** Deer Hunting $1295 - 3 Day Hunt August 15th January 1st
Wild Hog Hunts Year Round $1,095 - 3 Day Hunt
Meals & Lodging Included with all pricing!
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 Sept/Oct 2019 Page 39
Hunting News By Tony Young
Media Relations Coordinator for the Division of Hunting and Game Management.
New annual bag limit for deer
Deer season opens with new annual bag limit and harvest reporting requirement The 2019-2020 archery and crossbow seasons are already underway in south Florida’s Zone A and will soon be opening in the other three hunting zones. This season, there are new statewide rule changes that hunters need to understand, especially when it comes to hunting deer.
“There is now a five-deer annual bag limit, of which no more than two may be antlerless. This applies to all hunters and is the maximum number of deer that any one hunter may take in the state throughout the entire deer hunting season,” said Cory Morea, FWC biologist and deer management program coordinator. Deer harvested on licensed game farms/hunting preserves and those taken through the deer depredation program, private lands deer management program, and antlerless deer program permits do not count as part of a hunter’s five-deer annual bag limit. However, antlerless deer taken on wildlife management areas using antlerless deer quota permits/tags do count toward a hunter’s five deer (of which two may be antlerless) annual bag limit. “This annual bag limit was developed through extensive collaboration with staff and stakeholders and aligns with the goals and objectives outlined in our Commission-approved strategic plan for deer management,” Morea said. “It is intended to improve hunting opportunities by encouraging harvest among more hunters as well as greater selectivity while helping maintain a healthy and reasonably balanced deer herd.” Until now, Florida was the only state in the Southeast without a specified annual bag limit.
New harvest reporting requirement for deer hunters All hunters, regardless of age or license requirement, must now log their harvested deer prior to moving the deer from the point where the hunter located it. They can do so using the new FWC Deer Harvest Reporting App or a paper deer harvest log. The app is called “Survey123 for ArcGIS” and can be downloaded for free onto a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store or Amazon AppStore. At MyFWC.com/HarvestReport, hunters can learn how to find and download the app and install the FWC Deer Harvest Report Form. In addition, there’s a separate set of instructions-for-usingapp. Once a hunter inputs the required data in the app and successfully submits the harvest record, a confirmation number will be saved in the hunter’s “sent” folder within the app, and the log/reporting process is complete. If no cell service or Wi-fi is available, the harvest record will be saved in the “outbox” folder and the hunter may send the report once service is available. If hunters do not have a mobile device or, if hunters prefer, they may choose to log their harvest on a paper deer harvest log. The FWC provides a courtesy deer harvest log that hunters can print from MyFWC.com/HarvestReport. If hunters use a paper harvest log, they will need to report their harvest by either calling the toll-free Deer Harvest Reporting Hotline at 844-392-DEER (3337) between 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. ET or by using the FWC Deer Harvest Reporting App. A confirmation number will be given once successful submission is completed, and hunters must write that number on their paper harvest log to complete the harvest reporting process. The reporting step must be done within 24 hours of harvest, before final processing of the deer, before any of the deer is transferred to a meat processor or taxidermist, or before leaving the state with the deer. Deer harvested on licensed game farms/hunting preserves or those possessed that were killed by motor vehicles do not have to be reported. “When hunting deer, hunters are encouraged to keep their harvest log or mobile device with them to avoid delays in moving their harvested deer,” Morea said. Having an FWC customer ID number is helpful when reporting a harvested deer. Hunters exempt from license requirements who do not have a customer ID number can obtain one by going to GoOutdoorsFlorida.com and clicking “Create Customer Account” before going hunting. “The harvest reporting system will foster bag-limit compliance and give us another source of deer harvest data,” Morea said. “In addition, we will continue conducting our annual hunter phone survey after the end of each season.” SSFHMagazine Sept/Oct 2019 Page 40
Change to youth APR exemption Youth age 15 and younger are now limited to harvesting only one antlered deer annually that does not meet deer management unit antler point regulations, so long as it has an antler that is at least 5 inches in length. “Our deer hunting stakeholders believe limiting youth to one antlered deer annually that doesn’t meet antler point regulations will allow more youth to be able to see and harvest antlered deer, while developing a better understanding of DMU antler regulations,” Morea said.
WMAs that don’t require a quota permit Florida has one of the largest WMA systems in the country at nearly 6 million acres and offers a wide range of hunting opportunities from quota/ limited entry hunts, special-opportunity hunts and walk-on areas. There are nearly 60 public hunting areas statewide where hunters don’t need a quota permit to hunt some or all of the archery season. If you didn’t apply or get drawn for an archery quota hunt, you can still find hunting opportunities at WMAs that don’t require a quota permit by visiting MyFWC.com/WMAbrochures.
Season dates by zone Archery and crossbow seasons in Zone A opened Aug. 3 and run through Sept. 1 and Sept. 6, respectively. In Zone C, archery and crossbow seasons open Sept. 14. Archery and crossbow seasons in Zone B start Oct. 19. And in Zone D, archery and crossbow seasons begin Oct. 26.
Legal to take During archery season and that part of crossbow season that runs concurrent with archery, you may harvest legal-to-take antlered deer (as defined by the regulations for the DMU in which you’re hunting) and antlerless deer, which are deer with less than 5-inch antlers. However, no antlerless deer may be taken in DMU A1, and antlerless deer may only be taken during archery and crossbows seasons Aug. 3-11 in DMU A2 and Aug. 3-18 in DMU A3. Beginning this year, a new rule requires all antlerless deer taken on private lands receiving antlerless deer tags must be tagged, even if they are harvested during days when antlerless deer are legal during the season. After archery ends, during the remaining portion of the crossbow season, you may only harvest legal-to-take antlered deer according to the specific DMU antler rules. The daily bag limit for deer is two, and bag limits for deer on WMAs can differ, so check the specifics of the area before you hunt. You may hunt wild hogs on private lands year-round with no bag or size limits. On most WMAs, there’s also no bag or size limits, and hogs are legal to take during most hunting seasons except spring turkey. But on a few WMAs, bag and size limits do apply, so to be certain, check the brochure for the specific area. In addition to hunting big game, it’s also legal to shoot gobblers and bearded turkeys during archery and crossbow seasons. You may take two turkeys in a single day on private lands, but the two-bird combined fall-season limit still applies. The daily bag is one on WMAs, however, on many of them, you may take hen turkeys during the archery season. It’s against the law to shoot turkeys while they’re on the roost, when you’re within 100 yards of a game-feeding station when bait is present or with the aid of recorded turkey calls. It’s also unlawful to hunt turkeys in Holmes County in the fall. SSFHMagazine Sept/Oct 2019 Page 41
Additional regulations you need to know All bows must have a minimum draw weight of 35 pounds, and hand-held releases are permitted. For hunting deer, hogs and turkeys, broadheads must have at least two sharpened edges with a minimum width of 7/8 inch. New this year, bows equipped with electronic computational (rangefinders) or light projection (laser) sights are allowed during archery season. As far as legal shooting hours, you’re allowed to let your arrow fly between a half-hour before sunrise and a half-hour after sunset. Except for turkeys, you’re permitted to take resident game over feeding stations on private property. It’s against the law to feed or use bait on WMAs. You may not use dogs to hunt deer or turkeys during archery season, but you may use bird dogs if you’re quail hunting. However, you may use a dog on a leash to help you trail any wounded game.
License and permit requirements Before you go, make sure your license and required permits are up to date. To hunt during archery season, you may hunt only with a bow and you must have a Florida hunting license and an archery permit. During crossbow season, you may use either a crossbow or bow, but you must have a crossbow permit along with your hunting license. On WMAs, only hunters with a persons-with-disabilities crossbow permit are allowed to use crossbows during archery season. If you’re a Florida resident, an annual hunting license costs $17. Nonresidents have the choice of paying $46.50 for a 10-day license or $151.50 for 12 months. Archery and crossbow permits are $5 each, deer hunters must have the $5 deer permit and, if you’re hunting turkeys, you need a turkey permit ($10 for residents, $125 for nonresidents). Anyone planning on hunting one of Florida’s many WMAs must purchase a management area permit for $26.50. And don’t forget to study up on the rules and regulations for the area you wish to hunt. You can download these brochures at MyFWC.com/ WMAbrochures. You can obtain all the licenses and permits you’ll need online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or at a county tax collector’s office, retail outlets that sell hunting and fishing supplies, or by calling 888-HUNT-FLORIDA.
Resources to help you get ready for hunting seasons The FWC manages archery and shooting ranges across the state where you can practice for upcoming hunting seasons. Information about these public ranges is at MyFWC.com/Ranges. Also, the FWC offers a bowhunter education course and information on treestand safety. You can register and get more information at MyFWC.com/HunterSafety. For those new to hunting, learn how to get started at MyFWC.com/NewHunter. Another great resource for teens and young adults is Bowhunting360.com. This website features articles and videos on how to shoot, hunting basics, scouting, shot placement and field dressing. It also has a bowhunting 101 checklist. Stay informed about Florida hunting opportunities and regulation changes by following the “HuntFlorida” social media pages at Facebook.com/HGM.FWC and youtube.com/HuntFloridaTV, and sign up to receive the monthly Hunting Hot Sheet. As always, have fun, hunt safely and responsibly, and we’ll see you in the woods! SSFHMagazine Sept/Oct 2019 Page 42
SSFHMagazine Sept/Oct 2019 Page 43
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SSFHMagazine Sept/Oct 2019 Page 44
BRAGGING BOARD HUNTING GAME
Jennifer Edwards harvested her first gator opening day on Lake Seminole. This monster measured 11 1/2 feet long.
To see your photo here please send your hunting photos to sfandginc@yahoo.com include names, species, size and location harvested. Your hunting photos can be from anywhere you hunt!
Stephen Edwards bagged this nice 8 point opening day hunting South Florida in the Everglades.
Photo on the left: Mike Marsden and his son Gunner harvested this 10’6� gator. Photo on the right: Mike Hoolsema and Ryan Lakeman with a big 11 footer harvested opening of gator season. Gators are being captured from Lake Poinsett to Lake Harney. SSFHMagazine Sept/Oct 2019 Page 45
BEST FEEDING TIMES FOR FISH AND GAME
SSFHMagazine Sept/Oct 2019 Page 46
THE PIERFECT MEAL AWAITS YOU WHILE YOU ESCAPE TO UNBELIEVABLE VIEWS AND TERRIFIC FISHING!
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www.freddiezfishing.com SSFHMagazine Sept/Oct 2019 Page 47