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FROM THE EDITOR Fishing is a big part of what makes Florida such a special place. In our early stages of developing Fluid Magazine, we were trying to find out what our identity was. Were we a surf magazine, a culture magazine or what? After a while it became clear where we got the best feedback from readers and advertisers. We are a water magazine! It’s in our name. It’s been there from the beginning. Fluid Magazine is anything that is involved with our beloved coastline, makes for a great feature and keeps us passionate about the story we are covering. Our two main focuses have been and will always be surfing and fishing. Fishermen around the world come to Central Florida. We live in a fisherman’s paradise! Unlike the cold northern states, our weather is pretty much warm year round, so you can fish virtually any day of the year. Florida has over 8,000 miles of shoreline, if you count inlets, bays, and capes. Central Florida has lakes that are used in the largest tournament series in North America. Not to mention, we have the world famous Mosquito Lagoon in our back yard, and just offshore, our coast is home to some of the best big game catches in the world. Whether you’re a novice or expert fisherman/lady angler, make sure to never forget how lucky we are to live in this place we call home. Most importantly, get out on the water today! BRYAN FORAND - Founder / Editor

| JASON ARNOLD

CONTENTS

IN S IDE TH IS IS S U E issue 3. volume 5 . May - June 2016

miss sunshine

v iv ia n be nite z

14 behind the lens PHOTO: DOMINIC AGOSTINI

j a s o n a r no ld

16 The art of fly fishing 19

uncharted waters

with tupat

20 blood lines with pat preston PHOTO: RUDDY

24 transitions with c.j. ho bg o o d

Freedom boat club 30

Algae bloom PHOTO: DOMINIC AGOSTINI

Nu r tu r ing Natu r e bac k to he a lth

32 Gromstop Ha nna h G r ace Ble v ins

Behind THE COVER Jason Arnold, is t he k ing of t he under wat er fish port rait.

W W W . F L O M O T I O N . C O M

PHOTO BY Jason Arnold

FLU I D M AGA Z I N E CREDI T S EDITOR

ART DIRECTOR

BRYAN FORAND BRYAN@THEFLUIDMAG.COM

LANCE DRAKE LANCEDRAKE4@GMAIL.COM

PHOTO EDITOR

JACK OF ALL TRADES

PATRICK RUDDY PATRICK@THEFLUIDMAG.COM

TIM TRUELOVE TIM@THEFLUIDMAG.COM

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTO ASSISTANTS

AJ NESTE | AJNESTE@GMAIL.COM GUNNER HUGHES | GUNNERHUGHES@GMAIL.COM

COREY CHARTERS LAUREN WHITFILL JESSI PERKINS

EXECUTIVE SALES MARKETING

MAKE-UP ARTIST

TRAVIS AJAY

CORRIE NEWHOOK REANNA HARDOCK

SALES

CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS JEFF LASTINGER | MYLAN DAVICH | JULIANA MAIA | DYANNA MORENO

ADVE RT I S E / C O N TACT 386.679.2399

SALES@THEFLUIDMAG.COM

FLUID Magazine is Central Florida’s premiere publication dedicated to celebrating our culture and lifestyle. From fashion to art, entertainment to events, action sports to culture, FLUID Magazine covers everything our community needs to know through high profile interviews, mind-blowing photography, and in depth editorial coverage. The only publication of its kind in our area, FLUID Magazine focuses on the positive influences that entertainment, action sports, music, art, and fashion has on our community. Unlike any other magazine of its kind in Central Florida, we will reach all target markets through wide distribution channels. Not only will we focus on our local lifestyles, but from our staff’s extensive background as retailers, we know how much business is captured from tourism. Our free full color publication can be found all over Central Florida at colleges, key retailers, high traffic areas, hotels, and area restaurants. Our mission is to showcase the amazing talent, culture, and lifestyles of Central Florida. From our enticing profiles, in depth community coverage, fashion tips, and amazing photography staff, FLUID readers will be positively influenced by our topics covered and trending advertisers. Essentially making FLUID Magazine the most effective marketing tool for brand connectivity with consumers in our area. FLUID MAGAZINE, LLC D.B.A. FLUID MAGAZINE 1 SWAN AVE, NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FL 32168 386.679.2399 | THEFLUIDMAG.COM

ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL

PEOPLE. ALL FRIENDS. ALL TOGETHER. ALL WELCOME. ALL NEW. COMMUNITY. ALL LOVE. ALL LIGHT. ALL GRACE. ALL GOOD. WAYS. ALL FAMILY. ALL PASSION. ALL ONE. ALL BODIES. MOVEMENT. ALL BREATH. ALL HEALTHY. ALL HEALING. STRENGTH. ALL DAY. ALL NIGHT. ALL YOU. ALL ME. ALL TIMES. CLARITY. ALL PLAYFUL. ALL POSES. ALL TIMES. ALL NEW. PEOPLE. ALL FRIENDS. ALL TOGETHER. ALL WELCOME. COMMUNITY. ALL LOVE. ALL LIGHT. ALL GRACE. ALL GOOD. WAYS. ALL FAMILY. ALL PASSION. ALL ONE. ALL BODIES. MOVEMENT. ALL BREATH. ALL HEALTHY. ALL HEALING. STRENGTH. ALL DAY. ALL NIGHT. ALL YOU. ALL ME. ALL TIMES. CLARITY. ALL PLAYFUL. ALL POSES. ALL TIMES. ALL YOGA. FAMILY. ALL PASSION. ALL ONE. ALL BODIES. ALL MOVEMENT. NIGHT. ALL YOU. ALL ME. ALL TIMES.ALL CLARITY. PLAYFUL. ALL POSES. ALL TIMES. ALL NEW. ALL PEOPLE. LOVE. ALL LIGHT. ALL GRACE. ALL GOOD. ALL WAYS. FAMILY. ALL PASSION. ALL ONE. ALL SPORT. ALL COMMUNITY. STRENGTH..................................................................ALL MOVEMENT. BODIES. ALL BREATH. ALL HEALTH. ALL HEALING. ALL YOGA.

ALL PEOPLE. ALL FRIENDS. ALL TOGETHER. ALL WELCOME. ALL NEW. ALL COMMUNITY. ALL LOVE. ALL LIGHT. ALL GRACE. ALL GOOD. ALL WAYS. ALL FAMILY. ALL PASSION. ALL ONE. ALL BODIES. ALL MOVEMENT. ALL BREATH. ALL HEALTHY. ALL HEALING. ALL STRENGTH. ALL DAY. ALL NIGHT. ALL YOU. ALL ME. ALL TIMES. ALL CLARITY. ALL PLAYFUL. ALL POSES. ALL TIMES. ALL NEW. ALL PEOPLE. ALL FRIENDS. ALL TOGETHER. ALL WELCOME. ALL COMMUNITY. ALL LOVE. ALL LIGHT. ALL GRACE. ALL GOOD. ALL WAYS. ALL FAMILY. ALL PASSION. ALL ONE. ALL BODIES. ALL MOVEMENT. ALL BREATH. ALL HEALTHY. ALL HEALING. ALL STRENGTH. ALL DAY. ALL NIGHT. ALL YOU. ALL ME. ALL TIMES. ALL CLARITY. ALL PLAYFUL. ALL POSES. ALL TIMES. ALL YOGA. ALL FAMILY. ALL PASSION. ALL ONE. ALL BODIES. ALL MOVEMENT. ALL NIGHT. ALL YOU. ALL ME. ALL TIMES.ALL CLARITY. ALL PLAYFUL. ALL POSES. ALL TIMES. ALL NEW. ALL PEOPLE. ALL LOVE. ALL LIGHT. ALL GRACE. ALL GOOD. ALL WAYS. MENTION FLUID MAG AND GET A 10% DISCOUNT IN OUR YOGA BOUTIQUE ALL FAMILY. ALL PASSION. ALL ONE. ALL SPORT. ALL COMMUNITY. ALL STRENGTH..................................................................ALL MOVEMENT. ALL BODIES. ALL BREATH. ALL HEALTH. ALL HEALING. ALL YOGA.

MISS SUNSHINE

VIVIAN BENITEZ Where do you live? I am currently bi-coastal between NYC and LA Originally from? NYC Occupation? Actress How is the city life treating you compared to living in a small town like NSB? City life is rad! It gets me high, the constant energy... I always go to bed feeling like I accomplished a great deal even if the only thing I did that day was get out of bed. It's hard to feel that in a small town. Who would you take on a date to space and why? Does it have to be someone that’s alive? Heath Ledger. I will go anywhere with Heath Ledger. How many times a day do you use social media? (tell us the truth) Depends on how busy I am or how interesting my company is. If I am bored, I check it incessantly. if I am in good company, I can go days without. Do you believe in love at first sight? Unequivocally, yes! Worst Pickup Line? "Where did you get that blonde hair? Your mom's side, your dad's side, or peroxide?” (Yes some dude really came up to me with that.) Best Beach in Florida? I have to say Miami. I like to see everything lurking underneath me. Who’s the hottest- Surfers, Skaters, Wakeboarder, Musicians or Artist? Artists are the best of that list, but the real hottest are the writers. I want to go back in time and marry Kurt Vonnegut or Ernest Hemingway. Favorite Spot to have a good night out? I'm very low key. To be honest, my favorite at night here is just chilling outside at Thirdwave, good vibes. Best cure for a bad hangover? I’m Not sure. I don't drink, makes things messy. I love Fluid magazine because? Fluid holds a special place in my heart. You guys have always been on my team. My fondest memory of living in NSB is doing a Thanksgiving shoot for you guys like 4 years ago where we just ate and danced all night. You guys are family, for sure. What does the future hold for the lovely Vivian? Who knows… If you told me 3 years ago that I would be where I am today, I wouldn't believe you and probably start crying. My life is crazy, man. I'm grateful for every second I get to keep going on this adventure. But in the near future? Coming to a theater near you ;)

PHOTO: RUDDY

Sponsored by:

Behind The Lens Photographer Profile: Jason Arnold Being a third generation commercial fisherman, award-winning photographer, Jason Arnold has learned to respect marine wildlife at a very young age. Like a true waterman, he earned his sea legs almost as soon as he could walk. Throughout high school and college, Arnold first fell in love with the sea through surfing professionally. He was a fierce competitor and worked his way up the ranks as East Coast champion and placed in many international pro contests. Jason has shot everything from well known celebrities to top athletes. While that world is action packed, he never lost his attachment to the sea. He is the go to photographer for some of the top fishing and diving companies in the world, such as Cressi Dive Gear, Yeti, Yo-Zuri lures, Shimano, Okuma and many more. Through his photography, Jason Arnold captures the life and essence of the marine world through his one-of-a-kind fish portraits.

Photos: Jason Arnold

month. Some of my recent explorations have taken me to Fiji, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico and Maine. What has been your most memorable assignment and why? I'm directing a web series of short films for Aftco Clothing in association with Shimano and Yeti coolers. It’s been my first leap into directing and it’s been pretty exciting so far. How would you describe your style of shooting? I focus on outdoor adventure photography. Whether I am shooting underwater portraits of fish or a commercial shoot, I focus on the moment. For commercial shoots, it’s more than just taking pictures of products. I capture moments that represent the lifestyle of the brand. A photographer who inspires you? Without a doubt, Chase Jarvis. A great photographer and an even more inspiring entrepreneur. What is your favorite location for diving? I have been on several trips to Panama and I plan on visiting there many more times. The remote areas of Panama are home to some of the biggest fish I have ever seen, because these areas have not been overfished. Being able to see a wide range of different species of fish grow into their natural sizes is nothing short of extraordinary.

How did you first get involved in photography? During my teenage years and early twenties, I was a pro surfer. I began taking pictures of my friends and places I would travel. My passion for photography eventually cultivated into a career. What type of gear do you shoot with? Nikon cameras and Ikelite water housings. What is your favorite photography accessory, other than your camera? I do a lot of underwater photography, so my Ikelite waterhousing is my go-to accessory. The Inspire DJI Drone is another accessory in my repertoire that I can’t live without. It captures some amazing footage for the videos that I create for clients. Where have you traveled for your photography? I typically take between one and two trips per

Have you had any serious encounters with sharks or other large fish while trying to get the perfect shot? Most of my encounters have been with nonaggressive sharks. However, while shooting a video recently, my buddy and I were attacked by a couple of bull sharks. Luckily, we were able to fend them off, but it was an intense few minutes until the sportfish we were on was able to turn around and rescue us. Any last words or shout outs? On a daily basis, I have a very supportive family who allows me to go off on wild adventures. I don’t think I would be able to do what I do without the support of my parents and my wife. My son, who is still a toddler, serves as a daily inspiration for me to be a better person. I am lucky to be surrounded by such awesome people.

Photo: Trey Edwards

Photos by: Dominic Agostini | dominicphoto.com

THE ART OF

don't use bait though, only artificial lures. It's all about fooling the fish with an imitation. That's what I like.

FLY

What are a few misconceptions that most beginners have about Fly Fishing? I'd say most beginners will think it's hard. It's not hard, it just takes time and lots of practice. The hard part is just trying to relax when there are fish in front of you. Most people will get so excited when they see a fish and just forget everything they learned about casting, rush it and flail. If you just breathe, relax, take your time, make your cast like you were practicing in the yard, and everything will come together, hopefully…

FISHING

Who do you look up to in the Fly Fishing world and why? Flip Pallot. I grew up watching his show "Walkers Cay Chronicles" every Saturday morning and just got amped up while watching it. Flip is the reason I got into fly fishing after meeting him in person. Watching him cast a fly rod and catch fish on it in real life, and not on a TV screen, was art in motion. He is also the one who persuaded me into becoming a fly fishing guide. Thanks Flip!

with Capt. Willy Le In most cases, the desire of a fly fisherman is to challenge themselves with a more difficult form of fishing and catch as many fish as possible during the experience. For Florida Anglers, this idea of challenging yourself is a core idea of fly fishing. It is more peaceful and has been branded as a more pure way to catch a fish in the waters surrounding Florida. Many fish will prefer insect imitations most times, and using lures with spin fishing just doesn’t give you as many options to catch fish. Recently, fly fishermen have been trying to catch anything and everything on a fly rod and are able to do so in most cases. So to say fly fishing is just for a particular fish is really false these days. In Florida we are blessed with an anglers paradise. It offers just about every type of saltwater fly fishing there is; from sight fishing on flats, to mangrove swamps, bays, estuaries, and offshore casting for a monster fish. Let’s hear more about what we need to know about Fly Fishing Guide and Expert, Captain Willy Le.

Why did you get into fly fishing? I got into fly fishing because it's a fun challenge. First, you locate a fish, then you make the right cast and try to land the fly close enough to the fish without it spooking. Then you make the right presentation by stripping the fly line in to make the fly come alive and hope that the fish falls for it. The best part is watching the fish eat, and you have to do all this while staying calm. It's also super fun to

What are three items you don’t leave the dock without? RCI Optics "Monster Holes", Coconut water, DSLR Cameras

just cast a fly rod whether on the water or in the field. It's addicting. You have a knack of putting people on their first fish caught on fly. What’s your secret? It's mostly luck, haha! Nah, but I think I have a good understanding of what the fish like to eat at certain times and what presentations they prefer. So I'll design a fly pattern that I think will do the trick. By dedicating a lot of time on the water on my days off, I learned when to use a specific fly pattern for different situations and seasons. Also, the boat I use is a huge advantage. The hull on a 17' Maverick HPX-V is specially designed to be a very stealthy boat in any wind condition. It allows me to pole & position the boat quietly to put my anglers in range and to make a cast without spooking fish. Do you still fish spinning reels, or is that just lazy? I still love to spin fish for sure. I am no fly snob. Fishing is fishing, and it's fun either way. I

Where else, besides Florida, have you fly fished? I've only been to Louisiana a few times, but I feel I don't really need to travel anywhere else to fly fish. We have it all here in Florida. Do you have any general advice for fly fishers? Keep practicing, keep your mind right, don't get frustrated, and don't be a fly snob. Have fun! Do you have any concerns about the future of fly fishing? Saltwater fly fishing has become a very popular sport. I just hope it doesn't become an act of discrimination between fly fishermen and spin fishermen, which is what I'm already seeing in the younger generations of fly fishers. Any last shout outs? Much thanks to Fluid Mag, Maverick Boat Company, Nautilus Fly Reels, Cortland Lines, G.Loomis Rods, RCI Optics, Patagonia, HooRag, family and friends. - Words by: Capt. Willy Le | Native Fly Charters

Uncharted Waters

with Patrick 'Tupat' Eichstaedt Photos: Courtesy of Tupat

Patrick “Tupat” Eichstaedt started fishing the back waters of Bethune Beach, located on the island of New Smyrna Beach, when he was the ripe age of 4 years old in 1978. His dad, Steve Eichstaedt would take him out in their canoe. Years later they upgraded to a flat bottom and then scored a fiberglass v-bottom that they could only use at high tide. For years they would clam, shuck oysters, dip shrimp, and catch fish right behind their house on Bluefish Avenue. Fast forward to 2012, and that is when the game changed to SUP fishing. They started working for Wavejet / Pau Hana and the doors flew wide open for them. It became a whole new way of fishing. They were getting much closer to their catch, easier to get into the skinny, and honestly the most fun they had

ever had. Eichstaedt says, “The way you set your paddle down, the set-up of your board, and how quiet you can be, are all facets to this evolving new way of catching fish.” They’ve also been able to get as close to nature as you can possibly be. Dolphins coming up and are checking them out. Snakes, otters, manatees, birds, bobcats and many others live in our beautiful habitat. If you’re looking for a fun filled adventure that is healthy and active then you've found the right way to do it. Is the board that you fish off of motorized? If so, please elaborate. I started using the motorized Wavejet, but it became too loud once I realized how close I could actually get to my catch. Also, I will go for

6 plus hours sometimes and trying to carry the board with the motor at the end of the session is very tiring. I'm all about the paddle these days and keeping as stealth as possible. My Pau Hana Big EZ is 11 feet long, 36 inches wide, and 5 inches thick. How shallow of water can you go in? I can fish in about 3-4 inches of water. If I stand closer to the nose and lift the tail, I can almost scoot across about 1-2 inches of water. About a month ago I was with Gorkin and he was ahead of me pushing thru a shallow zone, when all of a sudden a school of Reds just came wildly swimming down the shallow creek. A few of them actually got stuck under his paddle board. It was really cool to be that close to the action.

Do you use spinning reels or a fly rod? I'm all spinning reel. I've fished with Eddie Oliveras in the back creeks and watched him pull a few lips.

Casey Collins, My brother Hopper, Gorkin, Trey Peterson, and myself have done this so many times that we have our routes and, obviously, our

What are three items you never leave the dock without? Water, jighwads and snacks. Do you tend to catch more fish in the shallow uncharted backwaters? Yes and No on this. You can have an amazing day in the lagoon out of a boat, but also the same satisfaction on the SUP boards in the back creeks. I'm definitely more into being on my SUP.

What type of species is the bite hot for summer 2016? All species will bite in the summer in my areas. Snook, Trout, Reds, Flounder, Mangrove Snapper, Tarpon, Ladyfish, even a few grouper here and there.

What type of bait or lures? I like jighwads with any Gulps, preferably Mantis shrimp. I also like using live mullet or cut mullet. Walk us through your typical day on the water. Well, depending on the tide and wind, we will either go north towards the more open areas or south/southwest to the shallow back creeks. Once in the creeks, it's game on and time to be as stealth as possible. The Reds like to hang on the banks in the creeks this time of the year and also along the oyster beds in the more open water. If we are using live mullet, we usually catch them right at my lift off area at Bluefish Avenue.

just took a break for a snack & drink when I saw these oversized bank loafers (Mullet) milling down the bank towards us. As they started to get closer I realized a Mogan Red was swimming in-between these Mullet. Collins acted fast and slung a quick cast and instantly hooked up - See Photo. Really, no day is alike. It's just all one hell of an adventure that keeps me inspired to come back for more and free my mind.

Who do you normally fish with and why? I usually always fish with Casey Collins, Gorkin, Trey Peterson and my brother Hopper when he is in town. I just really enjoy sharing our little piece of paradise with people that hit me up and appreciate a good time and beautiful arena for fishing.

go to spots. Really you never know what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to see or catch. It's such an adventure. One of the coolest catches I've ever seen was a day that Casey Collins and I were out. We had

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Any last words? If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re at the beach or river, please throw away your trash and keep our waters clean. As for the fishing, have fun, be safe, and enjoy what mother nature has to offer.

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here is always that one person where things seem to go there way. Whenever I think about fishing, Pat "Sport" Preston is the guy that I have always seen as the fishing guru. I am very fortunate to call Pat one of my best friends. Every since we were kids he was catching way more fish than anyone else. His luck wasn't by coincidence. It steamed from knowledge passed down from his dad and other elder anglers who saw the potential that Sport possessed. The older salty crew were always there for him, showing him the way, and, of course, terrorizing him along the way. Fast forward to the present day, and Sport is one of the most well known guides in Central Florida. With a solid cliental, that can't get enough of the amount of fish they catch on his boat, to all the top finishes in tournaments, Pat has done well for himself in the fishing world. Let's sit down with one of the funniest buddies I have and hear more about his adventures. - Intro: Bryan Forand

Blood Lines with Pat Preston Photos by: Patrick Ruddy

When did you first start fishing? I started fishing with my dad when I was probably 4 or so. We would fish from the bank down in Mosquito Lagoon. I remember catching really big trout with him all the time. You’d be lucky to see anyone else out there fishing back then. What are three items you never leave the dock without? Sunglasses, sunscreen, and rain gear. Who is your favorite person to fish with and why?

Definitely my family, but right now it is my 3 year old son, Colton. He loves it! Not only does he love reeling in the fish, but he loves playing in the live well and snack time on the boat. Now I see what my dad had to deal with. Tell me about how you got into guiding and how you got to where you are today? I grew up fishing in Mosquito Lagoon but felt like I needed to do something with my Bachelor’s Degree from UCF. I got a job for an insurance company right out of college, and after a year of suit and tie, I realized I wasn’t cut out for the corporate world. I put in my two

I got a job for an insurance company right out of college, and after a year of suit and tie, I realized I wasn’t cut out for the corporate world. I put in my two weeks, and three weeks later I found myself in St. Thomas working on a Blue Marlin Boat.

weeks, and three weeks later I found myself in St. Thomas working on a Blue Marlin Boat. I spent that summer navigating and fishing all the Caribbean. It was an unforgettable experience. When I came home, I knew I needed to pursue my own Fishing Charter’s. Building the charter business took a lot of time on the water, knowing the right people, and believing in my craft and passion. My wife stood behind me the whole way, even before word of mouth caught on. I wouldn’t have been able to have done it without her support. The rest is all history. What has been your most memorable win in a fish tournament? There’s two that come to mind. The first was my first tournament win. It was a spots tournament, cash prize. After I collected the money, I went out to the boat to make a celebratory drink. Soon after, I realized I had lost the money. It had fallen out of my pocket. Luckily, I eventually found it. That tournament definitely tested my luck. The second one was JB’s First Annual Gator Trout Shoot Out. I fished it with my dad and brother. We must have caught a dozen trout, all over 5 pounds that day. I got first, my brother got 2nd, and my dad got 4th. God bless JB for all the memories made at the Fish Camp! How do you prepare in the week or so leading up to an event?

Putting the time in on the water is key. Exploring areas away from people that also have the right size fish. A big factor for planning is tide, water levels, and knowing what the fish are feeding on and where they move to when things change. Do you have a rival when it comes to fishing competitively? Anyone who’s not on my boat is a rival.

guys backing the boat trailer up for me, while I circled the boat to drain the water, and their overall flexibility to stay along for the charter while I got my buddies boat to use instead. Man, I felt like such a moron. Once we actually got on the water to fish, I found a giant school of reds, and we caught well over 50 that day. Fortunately, those guys have stuck around with me since to see that I’m not as rookie as my moves were that day. What is your favorite species to target? Snook and cobia.

Where else, besides Florida, have you had the opportunity to fish? Costa Rica, Nicaragua, St. Thomas, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and New Zealand. What’s your most embarrassing fishing story/ memory? Hands down, one of my first charters. I was fishing 2 guys from New York. I forgot to put the plugs in the boat, and by the time I realized it, the back hatch was full of water. It was a group effort at that point, between one of the

What are your thoughts on the algae in the lagoon. Is it as bad as everyone makes it out to be? It isn’t a good thing. Hopefully we don’t get it as bad as Indian River Lagoon got it this year. We have the brown water, and it certainly doesn’t make for fun fishing, but I haven’t seen any dead species as of yet. Hopefully the problem gets taken care of, so we don’t lose this beautiful habitat, which we’re lucky enough to have in our backyards. Any last words or people to thank? Thanks to all my friends and family, and the Fluid Crew. Go fish, have fun, and tight lines.

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Transitions

with C.J. Hobgood

n almost all circumstances, transitions are never easy. Hitting the streets representing a brand is the polar opposite from being a competitor on the dream tour, known as the World Surf League. Last year CJ Hobgood made the decision to retire from the World Tour and become a brand ambassador and representative for the brand Salty Crew. In 2014 Hobgood partnered with like-minded individuals who want to encourage our industry to get back to the beach, and take care of the salt; Salvaging A Lifestyle for Tomorrow’s Youth, or S-A-L-T-Y. Their goal is to encourage everyone to get back to the beach when there’s waves, when it’s flat to fish and dive, and if the wind picks up, sail—but never get out of the water. That story has and will never change for us. They strive to be a microcosm for the industry, too, and is seeing this happen on a daily basis. Let’s dig deeper into what CJ has been up to and what he foresees in the future.

Tell us about Salty Crew. So are you a part owner? Yes, along with some other dudes who I've learned so much from; Jared Lane, Milo Myers, and Tom Ruiz. Do you have team riders in Florida? If so, who? Yeah, Logan Stern, a spear grom from Ft Laudy, Robert Rohman, a fish guide from Sat Beach, and do I count?! We started hooking up a few groms, Ben Wingate from your guys area and Shawn Arthur in St Aug. Mostly flow program, but Salty is only 2 years old. I really want to grow, I enjoy being small, and the relationships we have made. I know as we continue to grow we"ll look back and say this was some of the raddest times, cause we learned so much.

"I look up to everyone and honestly... every single person has helped not only me, but Salty get to where we are at. It's because others want to help out and see us succeed. That's the most humbling thing."

When you were planning to make the career change, who did you go to for advice? Amongst many other people the person I really sought out was Bob Hurley. I really wanted to pick his brain on everything. I'm thankful I can talk to these guys about things. What has the transition been like so far? All transitions in life aren't meant to be that easy, that's cause it's a time of a lot of growth. With that said, when things seem overwhelming, the pulse check is how much time I got to spend with my family before, and now I've prob spent more time with my wife & kids this year alone then I have in the last 2! What are you going to miss the most about being on the WCT? The friendships for sure. I did life with guys like Taj, Mick, and Brett. We experienced highs and lows in life, and that made the bond stronger. Will the Salty Crew be exhibiting at the Surf Expo in September? Yeah, we were at January Expo and are hoping to be there in September. What do you like the most about being back in Florida full time? (besides the obvious answer: Family time) Good question, cause Family is the main reason and friends that I have time to hang out with. The guys I grew up with before life on the road. Are there certain reps that you look up to and have been guiding you through the process? I look up to everyone and honestly...every single person has helped not only me, but Salty get to where we are at. It's because others want to help out and see us succeed. That's the most humbling thing. If I had to name names I'd say Phillip + Logan Watters, Rob Byruns, and Rick Zappone to name names. You've always been known for your love of fishing. Are you an inshore guy or offshore? I'm a Bass guy. That's what gets me frothing the most right now prob because I live in Orlando too. Which groms do you see as the future of surfing for Florida? Caroline Marks and Tommy Coleman. I really hope they can be on tour for some time. I'm sure there'll

be a grom that comes out of nowhere and goes big! That's the beauty of the sport. Any trips planned? We know you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sit still for too long. I go to Tavi early June and Maldives in Aug. Any last words or shout outs? Always a thank you for people believing.

Photos by: Ryan Miller

Planning for a Better Future with Robbie Kennerson

Planning for retirement is the key to enjoying life in your later years. Our good friend, Robbie Kennerson, is a financial advisor here in Central Florida. Kennerson’s team at RLK Advisory Group adds a broader perspective to portfolios and provides increased benefits to his clients, and they specialize in creating an approach that is designed to address each individual’s situation. Robbie’s expertise focuses on investing principles, retirement investment, distribution strategies, estate conversation, and risk management. Over the years, Robbie’s retirement presentations have been attended by retirees of Lockheed Martin, NASA, Disney, and FP&L just to mention a few. He’s developed a specialty for advising pre-retirees and retirees, and also those who want to protect their principle to help insure that their money lasts. In addition, Robbie has assisted investors by teaching them proven methods to help avoid the mistakes and pitfalls made by many retirees. If there’s one workshop to attend this year to learn how one can protect their capital, don't miss Robbie's next presentation. Let’s hear more about Robbie and the benefits of planning ahead:

clients’ fees anywhere from 30% to 70%.

How did you get started in the Financial Planning Industry? When most college students were looking for summer jobs, I had secured both my health and life insurance licenses by the age of 20. After six months with my first agency, I became the top producer in the agency, as helping people with money has always intrigued me and came naturally. With that said it was important for me to get my securities license and begin counseling clients’ needs with their investments.

What is the biggest misconception about planning for retirement? Many people don’t think about their retirement, and will not have an adequate amount of money to retire with. The earlier a person starts saving, the better.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Being able to assist investors and navigate through turbulent market conditions, even when the economy is going through a severe decline. What’s also rewarding is being able to cut our

What other activities do you enjoy besides helping people plan for their future? I really enjoy being on my Jet Ski, offshore fishing, and pretty much anything that involves water activities. Something I feel very strong about is giving back to our community. It’s been a pleasure serving on a variety of boards for several organizations in the area for the past decade.

Can you clue us in on any insider tips to building a successful portfolio? One of the biggest tips that anybody can use is having a buy-and-hold approach, and focusing on companies that pay a nice dividend. One of the biggest things we consistently address when analyzing investments, is not how companies or investments do during a good market, but how they perform in a bad market. That is extremely critical.

What trends do you foresee in the investment world in the next few years? People are living a lot longer and we're starting to see more retirees have more of an emphasis on growth. This is based simply on the fact that if somebody is 65 years old, and they have a life expectancy to age 90 or 95, that is 30 years that their portfolio has time to grow. How can people find out more about you and your service? RLK Advisory Group is located in Port Orange, approximately a quarter mile south of Dunlawton Avenue, on US 1. Be sure to find us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for daily updates on many topics pertaining to retirement planning investment, estate planning, and Social Security distribution, amongst many other topics. Plus you can find us at www.rlkadvisorygroup.com Any last words for our reader? If it sounds too good to be true, than most likely it probably is. I would make sure to use a highly reputable company to plan your retirement, that has a proven track record of consistent highperforming results over the long-term. One thing we see often when meeting with new clients at RLK Advisory Group, is that they’re under the impression that there are no fees involved. Once we’ve gone thoroughly through their portfolio, they are shocked to see the hidden fees they are paying. By having a conversation with us, more often than not we’ll be able to identify these hidden fees and charges that these clients were never aware of. It’s a win-win.

in your membership. They can also expect first class service, plenty of availability of a variety of new or like new boats, and a state of the art reservation system. And the membership works all over the USA in over 100 locations correct? That is correct! Freedom is currently at 110 locations nation wide and Canada. As a member, you get access to all of them!

Freedom Boat Club Freedom Boat Club was first founded in 1989 in Sarasota, FL. It is the oldest and largest boat club in the nation. The vision and purpose in establishing the boat club model was simple and straightforward … to provide an affordable option to boat ownership and to deliver a hassle-free recreational boating experience for its’ members. Boat clubs are appealing both to older boaters seeking fewer headaches and millennials who may not have the money to buy a boat or simply don't want to. Members not only have a choice of multiple boats at each location but avoid the typical frustrations associated with boat ownership: maintenance, repair, storage, cleaning, towing trailers, etc. They're mobilizing new technologies to make it simpler for users to book, pay, and search for boats online. Between Freedom Boats locations in New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach and Palm Coast, owner, Bobby Parker, offers more than 25 privately owned boats in the fleet and growing in Central Florida. Let's hear more about why Freedom Boats is the perfect option for you and your family. Educate us. What is the benefit of having a Freedom Boat membership opposed to owning a boat? It’s simple. We take the negative part of boating out and provide a fun filled day on the water without the hassle of boat ramps, cleaning, maintenance, storage and repairs. I ‘d say 80% of our members have owned boats in the past, and they tell us they boat four times more now than when they owned a boat because of the convenience. Tell us about your family's history in the boating world? My Grandfather started in the boat business in 1927. Parker Boats grew to be the largest boat dealer in Central Florida and one of the oldest family owned boat dealers in the country. We sold top boat lines like Sea Ray, Boston Whaler and Grady White. We had two freeway locations on I-4, near Winter Park, and I-95, near the Auto Mall in Daytona Beach. In 2013 we sold Parker Boats to Marine Max, and I opened a Parker Yacht Sales office at Halifax Harbor Marina, which soon expanded into a freedom Boat Club Location in Spring of 2014 with 5 boats. Two years later we have three locations, 25 boats, and growing. In 2014 we received the "Rooking of the Year" franchise

What do you see for the future of Freedom Boat Club? I believe the future of Freedom is very bright. I see the trend to share rather than own growing in todays market. Just look at other successful industries like Uber, AirB&B, and Net Jets. Any last words? We simplify your recreational experiences while building relationships and memories that last a lifetime. VISIT 3 LOCATIONS NEAR YOU : New Smyrna Beach 177 N. Causeway, New Smyrna Beach, FL Daytona Beach 125 Basin Street, Daytona Beach, FL Palm Coast 200 Clubhouse Dr., Palm Coast, FL m

award, and in 2015 we earned the Top honors as "Franchise of the Year” for all of Freedom Boat Club.

Photos by: Patrick Ruddy

Are there certain boats that you always keep in the fleet? Which are most sought after? We purchase our boats direct from the manufacturer and typically keep them only one to two years, so members always have the latest model fleet at there disposal. Our most popular boats are center consoles, deck boats, and pontoon boats. We also purchase new boats according to member usage and demand for a certain model. Describe a typical Freedom Boat Club experience for a member. When you arrive at the dock your boat is clean, full of fuel, coast guard gear and ice. Also, a dock staff member is on site to help you load your things on the boat, answer any questions, and get you safely on your way. What should a new member expect? All new members go through an on water and classroom training course with a licensed captain, plus additional offshore training is included

(386) 295-3696

www.Freedomboatclub.com

Photos by: Dominic Agostini | dominicphoto.com

Algae Bloom

Nurturing Nature Back to Health "As our lagoon system continues to decline, recent events both locally and around the state have led to an awakening of sorts. The unbelievable fish kill in the Banana River Lagoon has prompted many locals to call for actions to remedy the lagoons ongoing problems. The degradation of the lagoon has been painful for those who remember how incredible it was. Miles of crystal clear grass flats with some of the largest redfish and sea trout in the world, among many other fish. How did it get this bad? It's hard to pick out one exact cause. The issues at hand seem to be a medley of many influences that have loaded the lagoon with more nutrients than it can handle. Nutrients like fertilizers and runoff from septic tanks and leaky sewage systems have built up in the enclosed lagoon to the point which has lead to the bloom of a brown tide, mainly composed of a phytoplankton called Aureoumbra lagunensis. So tiny that it would take a couple hundred to line up across the period at the end of this sentence, but in such high concentrations that it can block out light to the seagrass, causing it to die. How's the algae bloom damaging the lagoon?

The loss of seagrass means the loss of the base of the entire lagoon ecosystem, which has triggered the decline we are seeing. Seagrass provides critical habitat for vast amounts of microorganisms like worms, crustaceans, and juvenile fish species, but also provides suitable hunting areas for predatory species, all the way up to the lagoons apex predators like bottle nose dolphins. It stabilizes the bottom during windy conditions and filters the water keeping it crystal clear. But seagrass is a plant, so it requires sunlight for photosynthesis, and with the algae blocking light to all but the shallowest flats, up to 60-70% of seagrass has been lost in many areas. Recently, the algae bloom became so dense in the Banana River that it starved itself out, leading to a mass die off. This triggered a drop in dissolved oxygen and led to the death of hundreds of thousands of fish, from tiny baitfish to decades old redfish and drum. This is a fate the Indian River and Mosquito lagoon must be spared. How can we fix it? A combination of remedial actions both short and long term seem to be the most widely agreed upon solution to the lagoons issues. Fertilizer bans, the continued elimination of septic systems, better control of all runoff, and removal of muck from the central part of the lagoon are critical long term solutions. The lagoon might need more immediate help to avoid future fish kills, which have led to many

suggesting the addition of seawater to the lagoon to help clear it up. This may work, but must be done very carefully. An open inlet could be more damaging than helpful in the extremely shallow sections of the upper lagoon, and to the south Sebastian Inlet has not helped clear the algae bloom down there. One way tidal powered culverts could add seawater in a controlled manner and at minimal cost, and offer maximum dilution. Pumping systems are another option, but are much more expensive. Either way, studies have shown that the addition of seawater could clear Mosquito Lagoon in approximately 60-90 days. We can all do our part individually by taking care to avoid damaging the remaining sea grass, practicing catch and release until our fish populations and the lagoon are healthy again, and by spreading the word and encouraging the lagoons recovery. The time has come for us to really help the lagoon, it's too important to be lost. - Words by: Billy Rotne | Tail Hunter Charters

StayPut Anchor: The Original Manual Shallow Water Anchor The Stayput Shallow Water Spike™ was invented by Mike Schaler, in Daytona Beach, Florida. His inspiration to invent the company was to make fishing easier and catch more fish! In 2012, the company was purchased by Port Orange local Matt Fretwell. Fretwell has experienced huge growth with the brand, and the biggest hurdle is keeping up with the large demand they've created in need of their top of the line product. Why have these become such a highly sought after item? For all of us who enjoy fishing, it can be frustrating using a noisy trolling motor to keep your boat positioned, or staking your boat out with a push pole while it drifted all over the place. Many of us are familiar with other

overpriced hydraulic systems, but aren’t willing to pay for it, and worried about maintenance on the hydraulics or additional weight on our boats. Thankfully we have an innovative solution at a reasonable price. The Stayput Shallow Water Spike™, is proven to stay still, stay quiet, and catch more fish. Let’s hear more about this amazing product and what the future holds for Stayput Shallow Water Spike™.

Educate us. What is the benefit of having a StayPut Anchor opposed to a traditional anchor? Our system (Stayput anchor spike and mount) gives any angler or pleasure boater the ability to anchor their vessel in a matter of seconds. With the light weight pole, it provides easy and quick deployment. All you need to do is stick the anchor through the mount, push it into the

bottom, and you’re anchored. How are you able to offer the Stayput Anchors at such a discounted price compared to other Anchor Systems? (*available starting at $200 compared to other brands that are in the range of $1,600) We made the decision to bring everything in house. We make our products right here in Daytona Beach, thus giving us control of our pricing. We work very hard on our quality of handcrafting each aluminum mounting bracket. How is your product distributed and sold? Mainly Stores or Online? We mainly sell through our online website. We are growing into retail stores very quickly. Locals do have the ability to pick it up directly from our facility in Daytona Beach. What is the main difference and benefits for the bow mount VS. the stern mount? The difference between the two gives the boater their best options on how they want their setup to be. The bow mount is for your trolling motor users that work the boat from the front, especially if you are out by yourself, you are always looking for ways to make your experience easier. The stern mount is geared toward the boater that push poles their boat from the back. But getting both setups is by far our fishing

guides best tools, when trying to give their customers the best and most enjoyable experience. Guides can position the boat however they need to regardless of the wind and current. This lets their customers comfortably fish off the sides of the boat, instead of off the back. Do you do all your product testing right here in Central Florida? We actually try and take it all over the state of Florida and to other states as well. Bottoms change area to area. It maybe sandy in one and mucky in another. Overall we have been able to try it out on all types of bottoms. Solid rock is the only place it won’t hold so well, but what anchor can?

the water. We stand behind our products and if something is not right, we fix it. Stayput Anchor has had its fair share of adversity, just like any small business, but we are here to last and are not going anywhere. Any last words? Feedback from our customers is our best tool. We would like to encourage anyone interested in making their boating life simpler to let us know how they feel about our product and what we can do to make their life on the water much more enjoyable.

What do you see for the future of Stayput Anchors? The sky is the limit for us. Through brand awareness and great customer service, we aim to be a “Must have” tool when you are out on

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Do they work on paddle boards also? Paddle boards, kayaks, john boats. Really anything under 24 feet. We just did our first paddle board test a while back and the results were amazing. We are in the middle of developing a full system for paddle boards. Follow us on social media to get the latest when those products are released. We are looking to release them in the beginning of 2017, but our latest product, The “Stayput Super Handle”, has been our improved multi-functional handle for the pole. This handle really makes SUP riders lives easier if they want to anchor.

Stay still.

Stay quiet.

see what you’re missing at

stayputanchor.com

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Poke for Two

BROUGHT TO YOU BY NSB BITES | PHOTOS: JESSICA BICKMEYER

If you've come to NSB in the last few years, you've probably noticed the influx of poke-themed dishes at almost all of our local restaurants. And although this craze has been present here for some time now, the rest of the country is just now catching on - with poke shops popping up everywhere from Los Angeles, to Chicago to Brooklyn. So what is poke exactly? Poke (correctly pronounced po-kay) comes from the Hawaiian word "to cut" and is a traditional dish of marinated fresh fish that is similar to ceviche (except that is not cooked through the acidic properties of citrus). And because NSB can easily be marked as the forerunner of the Eastern seaboard poke movement, we can examine a few key elements that have helped us get ahead of the curve. The first one being the fact that our quaint little beach town is packed full of island-hopping world-class surfers who have subsequently brought back globally inspired tropical dishes, which have helped shape our local food scene. And two, as with Hawaii and the Pacific Ocean, our proximity to the subtropical waters of the Atlantic creates the perfect environment for yellowfin tuna to grow and flourish. So to demystify this infamous no-frills Hawaiian classic, we've created a quick, simple, and relatively cheap poke bowl recipe that you can make in under an hour.

2 tbsp soy sauce 1 tsp sesame oil 1/2 tbsp seasoned rice wine vinegar 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce 2 tbsp green onion, diced 1 tsp cilantro, chopped 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds 4 oz seaweed salad 1/4 cup shaved vidalia onion 1/2 lb fresh, raw tuna 1/2 avocado, diced 4 cups sushi rice, prepare with 1 tbsp coconut oil

I NSTR UCT IO NS In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, seasoned rice wine vinegar, sweet chili sauce, green onion, cilantro, and sesame seeds. Add in the diced tuna, vidalia onion & avocado and gently toss to coat. Next, place the coconut infused sushi rice in a large bowl, and use the back of a spoon to create a hollow center. Top with a layer of the seaweed salad and lastly, the poke mixture. Serve and enjoy!

GROMSTOP HANNAH GRACE BLEVINS 14 YRS OLD Nickname: Squeaks or Chanchita Homebase: Flagler Beach Sponsors: RVCA, Xcel, SunBum, Crush, Futures, Freestyle, PomPom, Carver, Simbi, & Pit Surf Shop Crew: CJ Garren, Ryan Huckabee, Robbie Goodwin, Kelsea McCormick & Olivia. Your dream trip takes you where and with whom? The Maldives with my friends Maddie from Puerto Rico and Malia from Cali accompanied with our surf guide John John Florence! Where do you see yourself in 5 yrs? Well, since I am realistic about my surfing keeping it all in perspective, I think a realistic goal is the US

Photo: Ruddy

Surf Team, hopefully competing in the 1st Olympics, starting college, and competing in World Qualifying Series events. Favorite things about living in Flagler Beach? It has a certain small town charm with a consistent beach break and good vibes. What type of music do you listen to? Pop Favorite non surf movie? Paper Towns Have you ever been star struck? If you count chasing John John Florence from pipe to his house to take a pic, then yes! Best Place around Flagler Beach for Breakfast?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Hands down, FRIENDS Cafe!

If you count chasing John John Florence from pipe to his house to take a pic, then yes!

What is your instagram name? @SurfGypsy Favorite app and why?

YouTube. I'm addicted to vlogs! If you had to compare your surfing style to anyone

Photo: Brian Scott/NicaSurfShots

who would it be? Where do you go to school?

Thanks to?

My 4 siblings and I have been Home Schooled our

Thanks to, of course my parents, who sacrifice to help

Big airs or Deep pits? Deep pits

whole lives.

me succeed in my love of surfing. Jimmy Blumenfeld,

Best advice an old person has ever given you?

Who will win the world title in 2016?

the surfer I am now, my sponsors for standing behind

Stay young

Matt Wilkinson and Courtney Conlogue

me and believing in my surfing and, last but not least,

Favorite book? Hunger games

If you owned a restaurant what would you make?

Ive been told I surf a lot like Layne Beachley

Bubba Tyson and Frieda Zamba for shaping me into

my favorite photographer Jim Dunn! Does Peanut butter pie count? Favorite cartoon character? Winnie the Pooh

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PHOTO: RUDDY

PHOTO: ANDREW GILBERT

PHOTO: RUDDY

PHOTO: ANDREW GILBERT

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5. THOSE SEI MODELS ARE HOT, BUT CHECK OUT THE EMPLOYEE ROSTER. #SQUADGOALS 6. WHAT CAN I SEI? MISS SUNSHINE VIVIAN 7. THE BACK CREEK BANDIT, TUPAT, FINDS A NICE REDFISH. 8. FILL ER' UP FRIEND! COASTAL CRAFT BEER & ART FESTIVAL AT OUTRIGGERS TIKI BAR & GRILLE. 9. NEW SMYRNA LEGEND JIMMY LANE, INSPIRING US IN AND OUT OF THE WATER. 10. THIS IS ONE FOR THE RECORD BOOKS. THE CREW FROM BID TIME DOING SOME SERIOUS WORK! YELLOWFIN AND MAHI GALORE.

PHOTO: KAITLYN TOWER

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King of the Inlet On April 25, 2016, we put the first round of the seventh annual King of the Inlet in the books. The initial date to run the tournament was postponed, and today’s weather was still on the rough side. The tournament directors, Pete and Ann Richardson, decided to make T#1 a captain’s choice, with the option for each boat to fish on Saturday or Sunday. From there 44 boats decided to declare Saturday and 28 boats decided on Sunday fishing, with a total of 72 boats entered in. The majority of the boats put their focus on catching Wahoo, which was paying double the money. Team Reel Crazy was the victorious, putting 55.4 lbs. of Wahoo meat on the Inlet Harbor dock Saturday afternoon. Landing them easily in 1st Place Wahoo, Heaviest fish category and tournament within a tournament category with a solid take home pay of $5,410. Not a bad way to start off the season with a nice chunk of change and the lead for points. Other Notable News: Team Shore Bet got a slam (Wahoo 12.6lbs, Dolphin 15.5lbs and King Mackerel 46.9lbs), but it came with some bad news. The wahoo was under legal weight by only 2.4 lbs., which destroyed their hopes of a $500 bonus. Minimum weigh is 10 lbs. for Dolphin, 10 lbs. for King and 15 lbs. for Wahoo. The $500 First Quality Plumbing Slam Challenge for

T#1 will roll over to T#2, making the payout $1000 if any team hits the minimum weight for the slam. Team Sudden Strike landed 2nd place with a nice 19.2 pound Wahoo and Team Missin the Buck landed 3rd Place, right behind them with a 19.1 pounder. In the kingfish category, Team In-Season held the leader board on Saturday with a 32.2 pound fish, but Sunday, Team Shore Bet ended up on top of the leaderboard with a king weighing in at 46.9 lbs., landing them 1st place spot. They were followed by Team Second Chance with a 37.7 pound fish and knocking In-Season all the way down to 3rd place. In 2015, King of the Inlet paid out more than $60,000 in cash and prizes, and organizers think they will top that record mark this season. Here is the update for the leaderboard. After the first of three rounds in the 2016 King of the Inlet series, Team Reel Crazy leads the standings, followed by Shore Bet, Second Chance, Mama Sea and In-Season. Round 2 of the King of the Inlet series is scheduled for May 20-22 with the final June 10-12. All of the weigh-ins are open to the public and start at 4:00 p.m. at Inlet Harbor Restaurant. You don’t want to miss this great event. Visit kingoftheinlet.com for more information.

Photos: Desiree Harbster/Courtesy of kingoftheinlet.com

PHOTO: KAITLYN TOWER

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