In Loving Memory of Roger S. Harbster 12/25/1929 ~ 4/24/2009
Dorothy F. Harbster 3/17/1936-4/18/2018
WRITERS:
Desiree’ Harbster
Capt. Lynda Hawkins
Tim Camp D&E Outdoors
Haley w/ Ponce Inlet Fishing Charter Network
Reel Harmony Fishing Charters Capt. Marty
Front Caption:
• Capt. Shelby Harbster Zona with Douglas Allison hunting redfish on the flats with BAJIO Sunglasses.
Quality
First Concrete, Inc.
“Our Name Says It All” Servicing All Of Volusia
• Patios
• Breakouts
VOLUSIA COUNTY
By: Desiree’ Harbster and Capt Lynda Hawkins
BOB’S DISCOUNT MARINE
* Trailer Parts & Boat Lift Supplies
The Area’s Favorite Supplier of Marine Accessories 5110 S. RIDGEWOOD AVE PORT ORANGE, FL. 32127 386-761-5378 Sandy & Kevin London www.bobsdiscountmarine.com EST. 1976
TAKE YOUR CHANCES WITH
Get an adrenaline rush at one of Florida's Atlantic hotspots! NSB Shark Hunters is headquartered on the world-famous New Smyrna Beach and has locations serving Orlando, Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, St. Augustine, Port Canaveral and Melbourne. You can meet your guide at one of our locations and take your chances with the sea legends. Join us in the evening, and relax as the sun sets to your back and the moon rises on the horizon with a rod in your hands. Target different species of sharks like Bull, Hammerhead, Blacktip, Thresher, and Tiger Shark. It’s a very exciting challenge that you surely won’t forget!
Spectating is ALWAYS free so bring your family along with you and share this once-in-a-lifetime experience with everyone! Kids of all ages are welcome to try their luck in these waters, but anglers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Since you’ll be shore fishing, there’s no need for life vests. Your excursion will be catch, tag, and release. Your guide will provide chairs and water, but you should bring some snacks to stay refreshed throughout the experience.
All equipment will be provided, including rods, rigs, and bait.
**Remember First Mates work solely on tips, please be kind. (386) 235-5573 | NSBsharkhunters.com | NSBsharkhunters@gmail.com
Things to Consider when Choosing a Fishing Charter
Written By: Captain Martin Goldys Reel Harmony Fishing Charters
If you, your friends, or family have ever attempted to book a fishing charter, you understand there are certain things to look for while shopping for your options. The cheapest and most reasonably priced fishing charters typically aren’t the best option, although most customers tend to lean this way considering their budget. Remember, you get what you pay for.
A quality fishing charter is one that offers an experienced captain, looking to customize your adventure based on the style of fishing you’re looking to experience.
The Captain
Below are some things to consider before booking your next fishing charter.
Selecting an experienced captain with extensive knowledge of the area being fished is a good place to start. If you are not familiar with an experienced captain, I’d recommend doing some light research and taking a close look at the social media profile of the captain you are considering for hire. From the photos of recent catches to descriptions of fishing styles, much can be learned from evidence of recent charter fishing experiences. Even better, be sure to search the reviews that previous customers have left for the captain you’re considering for hire. What’s better than the unbiased opinion of a recent customer?
Safety
Safety should always be of high importance when considering who you will book your next fishing charter with. Captains who take pride in safety will ensure you and the entire crew return home safe and secure after an enjoyable day on the water. Typically, a good captain will review safety policies before departing from the dock for your scheduled charter. Customers knowing where to locate life vests, PFD Type II flotation, fire extinguishers, visual distress signals (flares), sound-producing devices, navigational lights, first aid kits, and necessary tools will make a difference at the end of the day. While all charter fishing vessels are required to have US Coast Guard-approved equipment on board, not all charter captains comply. Also, check that your captain for hire has appropriate licensing, certifications, and insurance before booking your charter.
Fishing Style
Consider the type of fishing you are looking to experience. If you are looking to target a particular species of fish, you’d want to hire a captain that fishes in the prevalent areas where this desired species could be caught. While some captains specialize in fishing in-shore (backcountry) or near-shore (jetties & beaches), other captains pride themselves on offshore fishing (out at sea) only. Know what to expect from your fishing charter before you make the commitment and book your adventure.
Flexibility and Communication
An experienced charter captain will be flexible with making plans for your charter adventure and will communicate often leading up to your charter fishing experience. From determining your charter date, looking at the upcoming weather patterns, conditions, and tides, to establishing the meeting location and even creating a ‘back-up’ plan should circumstances change, these are all things customers should consider and discuss with their charter captain beforehand.
Charter Length
Most fishing charters will range from half-day to full-day to even multiday options. Be sure to clarify costs associated with all charter package options before fully committing and making your deposit/payment. Understand that it is common practice for a charter captain to request a partial deposit before officially booking your fishing charter. This helps the captain and his crew to prepare the vessel before the upcoming charter (fueling up, gathering baits, gathering equipment/terminal tackle, etc.).
What’s Included
Understand that every fishing charter experience will be completely different from the next, but knowing what is included ahead of time is critical. While some fishing charters provide the fishing gear, the bait, the fuel, and the refreshments, others might require you to bring your own. Some charter captains will offer to clean your fish at the conclusion of your fishing charter. Sometimes charters include photos of your prized catches. Be sure you are satisfied with what your charter fishing experience includes before fully committing.
Group Size
Every fishing charter vessel is of a different size and arrangement. While a smaller vessel can offer more personalization, larger vessels may offer more space and amenities for the crew. You need to identify the minimum and maximum passengers allowed on the vessel you’re considering booking. Passenger limitations are taken into consideration based on safety, law, and compliance.
Preparation
Always consider dressing in layers as your charter fishing experience could take you into a variety of settings and weather conditions. SPF/sunscreen is a must when charter fishing in Florida. Bring comfortable clothing you can get wet. Consider wearing shoes that cover your toes and offer good grip when on the boat. Plan ahead and inform your family and friends of where you are headed on your fishing charter as well as your anticipated departure and return times. Should an emergency occur, they’ll know where you were headed.
If you are looking for a 5-star family-friendly fishing experience, look no further than Reel Harmony Fishing Charters with Captain Martin Goldys. With the safety of you and your crew as our highest priority, we strive to customize your fishing charter experience while ensuring everyone on board catches fish. Reel Harmony Fishing Charters provides a hands-on approach to fishing with tutorials and guidance from your experienced captain. You’ll be learning about your surrounding environment, the species we’re targeting, and the equipment we’ll be using. This charter fishing experience is perfect for any level angler, whether novice or experienced.
Born and raised in Daytona Beach, my love of fishing started early as I tagged along with my dad (Andy Moser) and my brother, Bill. Fishing was our thing, whether it be surf fishing or offshore fishing, I would totally pout if I didn’t get to go! Bill and I would catch sandfleas and catch live bait using a seine net in the surf (not illegal at the time ) and then graduated to throwing our cast nets. Now both retired from our careers, we still love to go fishing and throwing our nets for the shrimp and mullet runs. But total retirement was not for me! I have always had a passion for fishing and art. The fate of these two things eventually turned into my dream retirement career: Just Hookin’ Fishing Jewelry!
On a slow day trolling offshore about 14 yrs ago with the girls, I made my youngest son, Kyle, a bracelet with a fishhook and some string we had on the boat. I gave it to him when I got home and the next thing I know, he posted it on this new social media site called “Instagram”. It got almost 400 likes in just a couple hours!
Kyle said “Mom, you need to make a bunch of these”! And so, it began! We started making bracelets for friends, and the more we made, the more they wanted them. We then recruited my sister Kathy to help keep up with the demand. Within a couple years we were sponsoring fishing tournaments such as Wounded Warriors, Fishstock Offshore, Inshore/ Redfish tournaments, and doing local craft shows. We had so much great local support that kept us moving forward! You’ve gotta love our local fishing community, support local! I started sketching new ideas for pendants and carving them into wax molds for casting. A client at one of the shows suggested we contact Frank Reubel Designs in Daytona Beach (https://reubeljewelry.com/) to help us with casting and production. They were a Godsend and took me under their wing. I learned so much from them and to this day thankfully they are my amazing jewelry partners and extended family.
As we stepped up our designs and inventory, we started doing more craft shows and traveled all around Florida. We started having our jewelry featured for sale at several locations and it did well. During Covid, art shows were cancelled so we ramped up our online sales. That opened up a whole new world for us, literally. Thanks to our website and our Etsy Store, we now have customers nationally and worldwide and many of them have become friends and repeat customers. We are also members and a very proud sponsor of the Halifax Sport Fishing Club. This Club does some amazing things for our local community and if you love fishing, you should consider joining. (a shameless plug for a club we believe in!)
Today locally you can find our merchandise at Off the Hook at Inlet Harbor, The Fishing Store (Outriggers), JB’s Fish Camp (Lagoon Adventures), Island Collection NSB, Cool Treats NSB, Surplus Unlimited, Tomoka Boat Club and Halifax Sport Fishing Club.
You can also find us online at www.justhookin.com or on Etsy at JustHookinLLC.etsy.com We are family run and would like to thank everyone who has helped us on this journey. I try to add at least one new design each year so keep an eye out for what’s next. A special thanks to our very valued customers and for helping supplement our fishing addiction.
When we are not working on jewelry we’re probably fishing. Hope to see you out there!
Catch ‘em up! Mary Ann White
You do not always need a big boat to catch some amazing fish. Bo Stringham caught this snook from his rigged out kayak fishing the Mosquito Lagoon area.
Ponce de Leon Inlet Tides November 2024
Live & Frozen Bait Including Ballyhoo
Live Shrimp 50-$14.99 (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
Ponce de Leon Inlet Tides December 2024
Live & Frozen Bait Including Ballyhoo
Live Shrimp 50-$14.99 (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
Fish Cleaning Station Book NOW!! 1-2-3 Bedrooms w/kitchens
Fiberglass Repairs
Bottom Painting
Tank Replacements
• Decks • Transoms
• Stringers
• Renovations Specializing in: • Gelcoat Touch Up
PUTNAM COUNTY
Governor Ron DeSantis proclaims National Hunting and Fishing Day in Florida
Governor Ron DeSantis officially proclaimed Sept. 28 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Florida. This proclamation recognizes hunters and anglers for supporting conservation efforts across the state through license purchases and excise taxes on equipment.
“Hunters and anglers are dedicated stewards of conservation, investing their time, resources and passion to protect and sustain the very habitats and species they cherish,” said the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)’s Executive Director Roger Young. “Celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day honors the rich traditions of outdoor heritage and recognizes the vital role these activities play in wildlife conservation.”
Although the FWC celebrates hunting and fishing year-round, our focus recently shifted to public safety, assisting with response and recovery efforts due to hurricanes Helene and Milton. As a result, our acknowledgment of this historic proclamation was delayed. Some wildlife management areas remain closed due to storm impacts, so visitors should check MyFWC.com/ Notices before heading to these areas.
We appreciate Governor DeSantis’ acknowledgment and invite all Floridians to celebrate by exploring and enjoying the diverse coastlines, lakes, rivers, canals and public lands that make our state unique. Participating in these activities helps conserve Florida’s natural resources for future generations.
By: Capt Lynda Hawkins
WHEREAS, Florida has a rich history of hunting and fishing that predates Florida’s statehood; and
WHEREAS, the state of Florida is committed to protecting and preserving our water and environmental resources for future generations to enjoy; and
WHEREAS, during Governor DeSantis’ first term, Florida invested $3.3 billion for the protection of our precious water resources, exceeding by $800 million his goal of $2.5 billion in four years; and
WHEREAS, in the fiscal year 202425 Focus on Florida’s Future Budget, Florida continued this historic momentum by investing $1.6 billion to protect Florida’s natural resources for future generations; and
WHEREAS, hunting and fishing continue to be integral components of the cultural fabric of communities throughout the state; and
WHEREAS, National Hunting and Fishing Day was established in 1972 to celebrate and recognize hunters and anglers for their contributions to fish and wildlife conservation and the varied social, cultural, economic, and ecological benefits of our time-honored traditions of hunting and angling.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ron DeSantis, Governor of the State of Florida, do hereby extend greetings and best wishes to all observing September 28, 2024, as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Florida.
Boating restrictions in effect due to Hurricane Milton
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is advising the public that several rivers across the state are currently experiencing significant flooding as a result of Hurricane Milton. The impacted rivers include the Suwannee/ Santa Fe, St. Johns and Withlacoochee rivers. Flooding conditions along these rivers have led to the implementation of safety measures to protect the public.
As floodwaters rise, specific areas of these rivers have reached established flood levels, triggering Idle Speed/ No Wake zones. These restrictions are enforced when NOAA and U.S. Geological Survey flood gauges indicate that water levels have reached critical points. Boaters navigating through these zones must reduce their speed to idle and ensure their wake does not create a hazard.
Portions of the Withlacoochee River
Closed to Vessel Traffic Due to extreme flooding, some sections of the Withlacoochee River are currently closed to all vessel traffic. This decision has been made for public safety as rising water levels can create dangerous conditions, such as submerged hazards, fast currents and debris, making navigation treacherous. Boaters are urged to avoid these areas entirely until water levels recede and normal conditions are restored.
To ensure safety and compliance with these restrictions, the FWC strongly encourages all boaters to stay informed about current river conditions. For the most up-to-date information on Idle Speed/No Wake zones, river closures and other important alerts, visit MyFWC.com/Boating.
SEMINOLE-ORANGE COUNTY
Calling all young artists!
Florida’s 2024-2025 Fish Art Contest begins
Announcing the 2024-25 Fish Art Contest”, A Florida Bass artwork created by last year’s 4-6th grade, freshwater runner-up, Hannah Wang.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in partnership with Wildlife Forever, is hosting the 2024-2025 Art of Conservation Fish Art Contest. The annual program invites youth from around the world to connect with nature and learn about fish and aquatic habitats while exploring creative art and writing. Since its founding in 1997, the Fish Art Contest has reached over 85,000 youth in 46 countries building future stewards of the outdoors.
The free contest is accessible to students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Each year, thousands of entries pour in from across the globe, reflecting the program’s widespread appeal and impact. Florida students can submit their artwork to Wildlife Forever using the Florida Fish Art Contest entry form page.
“We are proud to support Wildlife Forever's Fish Art Contest, a program that not only fosters creativity but also deepens young Floridians' connection
By: Capt Lynda Hawkins
to our state's rich aquatic heritage,” said FWC Commissioner Sonya Rood. “We are committed to preserving Florida’s natural resources by encouraging students K-12 to participate in this contest and celebrate the beauty of our waterways and wildlife while educating the next generation about conservation.”
One first place winner and one runner up will be selected for each grade bracket. One for illustrating the best freshwater fish species and one for the best saltwater fish species. Visit MyFWC.com/FishArt for more information on state prizing. The 2024-25 contest is open for submissions until Feb. 28, 2025. The contest is supported by The Florida Nomad. Participants can find more information, educational resources, and submission guidelines at MyFWC.com/FishArt.
Since we are all invested in the future of fisheries in the South Atlantic, we each share a responsibility to use best fishing practices when catching and releasing fish.
Whether you are releasing a fish because it’s too small, out of season, or you have reached your retention limit, follow these helpful tips below to improve that fish’s chance of survival. Make sure you know your requirements when fishing for snapper-grouper species in South Atlantic federal waters.
Requirements
Make sure to have the following required gear when fishing for or possessing snapper grouper species in South Atlantic federal waters:
Descending Device
• A descending device must be on board any recreational, for hire, and
commercial vessel fishing for or possessing snapper grouper species and is required to be readily available.
• To be considered readily available, this device must be attached to a minimum of 16 oz of weight and 60 feet of line.
• A descending device still in the package or in the console does not qualify as readily available. Getting fish back to depth quickly is key to their survival. Con’t next pg.
lower cabinets and dining area. Enjoy watching wildlife meander about from the comfort of the screened 8x12 back porch. Cabin is situated on .19 of an acre with 2 additional lots, giving you a total of .80 of an acre. Would make a great hunt camp! Located in beautiful Salt Springs near public boat ramps, the springs, and miles of trails to explore through the Ocala National Forest! $74,900
Beautiful large wooded ½ acre lot with optional access to Little Lake Kerr through community club membership ($100/ year). The Kershores Club membership provides keyed access to a new concrete boat ramp, dock, beach area, volleyball area, and use of community building with additional fee per use. Located in beautiful Salt Springs close to public ramps, the springs (Salt Springs, Silver Glen, Ginnie Springs, and Juniper), and miles of atv/utv/ hiking trails to explore through the Ocala National Forest! $28,500
Cute 2/1 HM located in the Ocala National Forest. As you walk up the brick paver sidewalk to the house, you are welcomed with a variety of flowering plants and shrubbery with a spacious 10x21 front porch. Family room offers a wood burning fireplace and is in combination with the kitchen. Has 12x19 covered patio area, great for BBQs and entertaining. Located next to the patio is a 2-3 person spa with pavers and landscaping surrounding the area, a great place to unwind after a long day! To the rear of the property is a 17x29 garage, with room for 1 car and additional storage and/or workshop area. $169,000
Dehooking Tool
• At least one dehooking device is required and must be used as needed to remove hooks embedded in South Atlantic snapper grouper with minimum damage.
• The hook removal device must be constructed to allow the hook to be secured and the barb shielded without re-engaging during the removal process.
• The dehooking end must be blunt, and all edges rounded. The device must be of a size appropriate to secure the range of hook sizes and styles used in the South Atlantic snapper grouper fishery. Con’t on pg.36
LAKE COUNTY
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
BROOKER BAIT and TACKLE
Andy Leary caught this snook using bait from Granada Pier Bait & Tackle located in Ormond Beach. This pier is fully lighted and offers amazing night time fishing for these line sides and many other species.
Non-Offset Circle Hooks
• Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks must be used when fishing for South Atlantic snapper grouper with hook-and-line gear and natural baits north of 28° N latitude.
• Circle hooks are less likely to snag a fish in a lethal area such as the eye, gills, or stomach.
Non-Stainless Steel Hooks
• Non-stainless steel hooks must be used when fishing for South Atlantic snapper grouper with hookand-line gear and natural baits.
• Non-stainless steel hooks rust out of a fish more quickly than stainless steel if the hook were to stay in the fish. Download the FishRules app to have current and location-based regulations such as season, bag limit, and size limits on your phone. Visit safmc.net/best-fishing-practices for more information.
The Rise of Japanese Fish Printing and How You Can Do it at Home
Japanese fish printing is on the rise, odds are you’ve seen it more times than you remember. It can be found hanging on restaurant walls, t-shirts, and in man cave’s across the world.
The official name is - Gyotaku, which literally translates into “fish” (gyo) and “rubbing” (taku). It originates from mid 19th century Japan and over time evolved into a contemporary art form common today.
Before photography was widely available, fisherman's tales were nothing but folk lore. With the physical fish fileted and forgotten, angler’s everywhere had trouble selling their fabricated accounts. Lifetime monsters brought back to the dock were nothing but memories believed by those onboard.
Today it remains the same. A fish without a photo is nothing but a fable. A story without documentation is easily dismissed.
So, it began. Japanese fishermen began keeping scrolls of rice paper and vats of non toxic sumi ink on board. Jaw droppers that made it over the gunnel were painted, printed, washed, and consumed. Lies were proven legitimate and angler’s everywhere kept and hung trophy prints that would stand the test of time.
This art form of printing fish became widely popular in the 1900s, and even the godly Emperor Hirohito was said to keep a collection of fish prints along his palace walls.
In the modern day, professional gyotakus can sell for thousands of dollars, with commission pieces sometimes stretching over ten feet. It's a great alternative to taxidermy and leaves room for artistic freedom when depicting your catch.
The problem with fish printing is the barriers to entry. What materials do you need? Where do you buy them? And how do you print your fish? Here at Iko Prints we did the heavy lifting with our slogan “Just. Add. Fish” Our DIY gyotaku kit includes everything you need to print your catch, all you’ve got to do is catch a fish. The Japanese term “Iko” translates to “Let’s go” resulting in our call to action “Let’s go - Print”. Follow along as we show you how to print your own fish.
Just in time for Christmas get your IKO Prints today at IKOPRINTS.COM
Tuna tail, Japanese sun, and scales to surround it. That's iko in a nutshell.
From offshore to inshore Capt Shelby Zona caught this nice snook out of the Volusia County area.
Mention this ad and receive $100 off Hog, Deer & Turkey Hunts!
DEER HUNTING SEASON
August 15th-January 1st 3 DAY HUNTS $1,295 // 5 DAY HUNTS $1,995 Meals & Lodging Included with all pricing! www.collinslowcountryhuntingclub.com • 803-267-2825 • 10640 Ehrhardt Road Ehrhardt, South Carolina
We have the longest deer season in the US August 15th-January 1st, with weapon of choice for the entire season. The velvet hunts last through Labor Day weekend and the rut is throughout the months of October and November. We hunt seven days a week and allow two bucks per day, only with one small (under 12" wide) per hunter, per season.
We have open areas where first timers can take a buck, Long Managed Trophy Areas where bucks must be a minimum of 15" outside spread. Then we have our special Big Trophy Area, where the bucks have been on strict management for only mature bucks for the past 13 seasons, the bucks there have to be 16" outside spread of 110 Boone and Crockett Score. That area will be for very serious Trophy Hunters only.
Central Florida’s Premier Archery Pro Shop!
Certified Bow Techs on hand 7 days a week (with 110 Years combined experience)
