The Angler Video Magazine | March 2022 Edition

@CAMTAMagazine

SPRING OFFSHORE TUNAS, SAILS, KINGS & MORE! WATCH VIDEO

JURASSIC BASS PHOTO COURTESY OF: ABSOLUTE ACTION SPORTFISHING ABSOLUTEACTIONFISHING.COM IG: @ABSOLUTEACTIONFISHING

INSHORE TRANSITIONS

VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 8

F R A N C H I S E

MARCH 2022

O P P O R T U N I T I E S

A V A I L A B L E

W O R L D W I D E

Contents

VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 8

MARCH 2022

Get Ready 'Cause Here We Come!

5

Palm Beach Delivers Absolute Action

8

Product Spotlight: Dometic Marine's New Megaplate

15

The 'Hoos Are Still Out There

16

Monster Bass on Jurassic Lake

20

Product Spotlight: Lawless Lures' Recoil Baits

25

46

By Englis Glover

By Nick Carter

Salinity and Inshore Fishing

29

Approaching the Spring Transition

34

2022 Bassmaster Classic is Back

41

Gulf Council Mulling Limit Cuts for Kings, AJs and Gags By CAM Staff

45

Permit Me to Introduce You to Spring in the Florida Keys

46

Largemouth Bass: Florida's Gift to the World By Rex Hannon

54

Catch High Season for Marlin in The Bahamas

58

Backwater Fishing Lessons By RJ Smiley

60

By Tobin Strickland

By CAM Staff

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

By Paul MacInnis

By CAM Staff

8

By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

BOAT REVIEW: Yamaha 210 FSH

67

Take a Kid Fishing

69

The 'Greatest' Fisherman

70

DIY Alaska Adventure

74

Early Spring River Bassing By Garner Reid

78

Wild Salmon Threatened By TAM Staff

82

Sturgeon Season Ends in 36 Minutes By TAM Staff

85

By CAM Staff

By Tobin Strickland

By Peter Cammann

By Christopher Batin

81

Columns Fly Fishing

30

Rigging & Jigging

81

By Capt. Conway Bowman

By Tim Barefoot

Contest

80

888-800-9794 | info@vidmag.com www.VidMag.com EDITOR IN CHIEF : Ben Martin • camads@coastalanglermagazine.com COO : Tracy Patterson • tracy@coastalanglermagazine.com ART DIRECTOR : Laura Kelly • graphics@coastalanglermagazine.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR : Nick Carter • editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com WEBMASTER : Ryan Clapper • webmaster@coastalanglermagazine.com

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KEEP IT GENUINE PRECISION PROTECTION

Whether you take your boat out to the lake or the ocean, your 4-stroke outboard needs ECSTAR Suzuki Semi-Synthetic Engine Oil so it can run long and strong.

ECSTAR features special additives that protect the engine in harsh salt and fresh water environments, advanced detergents that keep engine parts clean, and viscosity index improvements that help the engine start in cold conditions.

No matter where your next boat ride takes you, go confidently with ECSTAR.

RUN LONG. RUN CLEAN. RUN STRONG.

Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-Approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. Suzuki, the Suzuki “S” ECSTAR and Suzuki model and product names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. © 2021 Suzuki Marine USA, LLC.

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MARCH 2022

THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

7/16/2021 9:56:33 AM

GET READY ‘CAUSE

WATCH

HERE WE COME!

W

ell, it is finally here. I can already hear the drag screamin’ on a big bull dolphin. I mean, how can we not be excited to come out of another colder than normal winter? I also bet most of us are probably suffering from cabin fever. This winter has been a great time for me to do some organization of my fishing tackle and supplies. I am going to start my spring with as much organization as I have had in years.

One new organizational thing that I have done this year is invest in organizers for the boat. I purchased inexpensive Ziploc containers to put throughout my Key West 230 Bay/Reef.

Not only will my tackle and supplies be kept in better shape, everything will be easily accessible.

When I am running and come up on some blitzing Spanish mackerel, I’ll be able to find my casting jigs or trolling spoons. When these fish are on top feeding, you have to take advantage of them. I store my trolling spoons and planer set-ups on leader wheels. With a quick switch of swivels, I can have two lines in the water in five minutes. These leader wheels are great as long as you use them. As someone who is the poster child for ADHD, I admit that too many times I use them once before they find their way somewhere in the boat without a rig on them. They store easily in larger waterproof containers, and as long as you

rinse the salt off before storing, your rigs will last as long as you want them too.

In recent winters, I have dedicated one day a week to tying king mackerel rigs as well as Carolina-rig leaders so that I am ready for the spring. I store all my Carolina rigs on a piece of pipe insulation that I cut into 6-inch pieces.

I will have as light as 12-pound fluorocarbon leaders for flounder in the inlet to as big as 30-pound for fishing nearshore reefs and jetties for flounder and reds. I simply take the leaders, insert the first hook on one of end of the insulation and wrap the leader with the swivel end

VIDEO

By Englis Glover

being attached to the next rig by anchoring the hook through the swivel. I repeat until there are 25 or so leaders on each piece of insulation. A pool noodle can be used the same way.

Lastly, remember to check your safety equipment, from your flair guns to your lifejackets. These things can expire, and you should always be aware of where they are on the boat. Be sure if you have VHFs with DSC or EPIRBS that you have them registered with the authorities.

I hope you are all as excited as I am to watch spring come. Please always be safe on the boat. If you decide to enjoy adult beverages, remember to keep someone sober for the ride home.

We enjoy having all of you read our articles every month and want everyone to return safely from fishing trips.

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S R E V I L E D H C A E B PALM

By Nick Carter

t was a good winter in the Atlantic off south Florida’s Palm Beach County. Capt. Austin Rowe said that bodes well for the spring season, when a convergence of several different bites typically makes for some of the best action of the year.

“March, April and May are by far my favorite time of year around here,” he said in mid-February.

“We’re already starting to see some blackfin tunas right now, which is kind of uncommon. It was a crazy-good winter for mahi, and it was a good for sailfish, as well. I’ve got my fingers crossed that the fish stick around for spring, and we can really put a hurting on them.”

Rowe is a young captain who grew up fishing here, where the Gulf Stream sweeps warm nutrient-rich waters northward just a few miles offshore. He captains “Angler Management,” a 34’ Legend center console with twin 300s.

With a crew of up to six clients, it is a perfect ride for making the short runs out of Singer Island’s Sailfish Marina quickly and comfortably.

“One of the really beautiful things about fishing around here is you don’t have to go very far to get to the fish,” he said. “A full tank of gas lasts a long time.”

Most spring mornings start for clients with a run of just 3 or 4 miles out of the inlet with tanks pre-loaded with live threadfin herring and/or goggle eyes. Kite fishing is the preferred method in this part of the world, and that’s exactly what Rowe does when conditions are right.

“I’m looking at water color, temperature and moving water. I’m also looking for bait,” Rowe said.

“I’m a big fan of charts, and I study them religiously looking for eddies and things, but keeping your eyes open is the biggest thing when you’re out there. If you see live water, with birds diving, it’s probably time to pick up and go see what’s happening over there.”

With kites—or drifting with flatlines when THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

MARCH 2022

9

conditions call for them—you’re targeting anything that will eat live baits at the surface. That can produce some pretty exciting mixed bags.

“We see a lot of blackfin tunas. There should still be some sailfish around. The kingfish start to show up pretty thick this time of year, and there are also mahi,” Rowe said. “And don’t forget wahoo. Wahoo can get really good around the full moon in March.”

If all else fails, or if his clients just want some more meat, the reef is just a couple miles from the kite-fishing grounds, and it’s usually no problem to load up a cooler full of snappers in short order. Big African Pompano also make regular appearances on the reef.

Rowe said that by the end of the day, if his anglers aren’t too worn out, he’ll stop in the inlet and let them test their strength

against some hard-pulling jack crevalle. You can pack a whole lot of fishing into a full day when you don’t have to run far to find fish.

Check out Austin Rowe and Absolute Action Sportfishing Charters at absoluteactionfishing.com.

10

MARCH 2022

THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

Smith

MARCH 24-27 2022 WEST PALM BEACH WATERFRONT ALONG FLAGLER DRIVE FOR TICKETS OR INFO

MARCH 24-27 2022 WEST PALM BEACH WATERFRONT ALONG FLAGLER DRIVE FOR TICKETS OR INFO

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GILLZ took its Pro Series UV Hoodie to the next level. They went one step further and provided anglers with a built-in mesh mask to go along with the 3-piece hood construction.

Now, you’re able to keep your gear organized in one place for when that unexpected pull on the reel turns into a clash of strength.

Brand new to this collection is the Pro Series Board Shorts. Made of recycled quickdry polyester, the 9-inch inseam gives you the freedom to move without worry, and the secure cellphone hip pocket keeps your devices safe from any damage. This time, Gillz introduces anglers to a new design feature: a no-sew fabrication. This means no chafing or irritation as you charge headfirst against the waves.

The Contenders Series, delivers an amazing fit and feel for each and every angler. With the Contender Series Long-Sleeve or Hoodie, you’re guaranteed to have 360-degree cooling and 170 GSM interlocking polyester that gives you perfect performance every single time. Moreover, you’re given an extended range of motion that allows every angler to move freely.

When facing the unpredictable outdoors, GILLZ Gear and the new Spring 2022 Collection will give you the power to perform at your best, no matter where you and Mother Nature meet.

With prices starting at $39.99, there’s and Hoodies fit every angler to perfection. something for every angler from the Atlantic Plus, when you add on UPF 50+, ultra to the Pacific and every waterway in between! cooling, a single seam underarm mesh gusset, Check out the Gillz Spring 2022 Collection at and complete 360-degree ventilation, you’ll conquer every battle, every day.

TAKE YOUR GEAR TO THE NEXT LEVEL

M

other Nature isn’t known for her gentle reputation. She’s known for how she changes the direction of the boat, how she pushes the wind into your skin and lets the sun beat down through clear skies.

But, as you sail the rough waters or sit, breathing the fresh air, GILLZ Gear’s new Spring 2022 Collection is at your side for anything that’s thrown your way.

Their Pro Series collection is for serious anglers who want to face the elements headon. With our GILLZTEC proprietary fabric, 4-way stretch, and the ability to modify with shoulder shape, the Pro Series Long-Sleeves

GILLZ-GEAR.COM

GEAR UP FOR SUMMER

ENGINEERED TO HANDLE THE STRONGEST OUTBOARD ENGINES ON THE MARKET Today’s engine manufacturers are building engines that are more powerful and heavier than ever before. Dometic’s new Mega Jackplate has been developed to withstand the power of high performance engines and provide boaters with the ability to maximize the output of their engines while offering more flexibility in shallow water. The Mega Jackplate is rated to 600 HP and is an extension of our existing product line. It will be offered in 6”, 8” and 10” setbacks. There will be 2 versions available, a standard bolt pattern designed to fit engines like Yamaha XTO and a wide bolt pattern designed to fit Merc 500/600.

www.dometic.com

DOMETIC MARINE’S NEW MEGAPLATE DESIGNED FOR HIGH-POWERED OUTBOARD BOATS

D

ometic Marine now offers its new Mega Plate — a meticulously engineered and robustly built electro-hydraulic jack plate system designed for today’s large, heavy and powerful outboard motors. This includes the new V12 600 horsepower engine from Mercury.

Dometic’s Mega Plate expands the company’s jack plate offerings to cover gasoline engines over 400HP rating. It will be offered in 6-inch, 8-inch and 10-inch setbacks to accommodate a range of installations and will come in two versions: A standard bolt pattern for Yamaha XTO and Mercury 450R engines, and a wide bolt pattern for Mercury 500 and 600 horsepower outboards.

This new system brings the many advantages of jack plate engine height control — including better top speed, fuel economy and shallow

water hole shot performance — to today’s large offshore center consoles, power catamarans and other fishing boats. Hull performance and ride comfort for passengers can also be fine-tuned by precisely adjusting the height of the engine(s) on a boat’s transom.

Mega Plate has been rigorously cycle tested by Dometic engineers to ensure product longevity and robustness. Mega Plate includes four sacrificial Novalloy anodes to minimize corrosion in the harsh saltwater environment. It also includes the built-in ability to mount Power Pole shallow water anchor systems directly to the sides of the plate.

Mega Plate brings smooth, rigid control of the ride experience to this popular class of boats, but that’s just the beginning. A builtin Smartstick linear position sensor and the

ability to easily integrate with Dometic Digital Switching technology compatible with all HTML5 capable MFDs give boaters complete control of multiple engine height positions just with the touch of a finger.

Dometic’s Mega Plate will be a must-have performance accessory for this extremely popular category of saltwater boats.

Learn more about the new Mega Plate for outboard motors up to 600 horsepower, or Dometic Marine’s Xtreme Jackplate for “smaller” outboards up to 400 horsepower, or the company’s complete line of advanced products for today’s fishing boats, visit www.dometic.com.

WWW.DOMETIC.COM

By CAM Staff

THE ‘HOOS

ARE STILL OUT THERE WATCH

W

VIDEO

ahoo are a favorite fish of any angler who has ever been hooked up to one. They are incredibly fast, sleek and powerful. The initial blistering run is enough to hook anyone. With line pouring off the reel, instinct begs you to stanch the flow. Just hold on. The fight is predictable. After that run, the fish will most likely turn back to the boat, shaking its head to throw the hook. Then it’s a sprint to pick up line.

In the boat, the beauty of the fish will amaze you. Perfectly camouflaged in blue water, a wahoo’s silvery belly gives way to a dark blue back with undulating cobalt blue bars falling vertically down its sides. If you can look past that weird toothy beak, it is a gorgeous fish. Photos never do it justice, as the color fades as soon as you take them from the water.

What doesn’t fade is the excitement this species brings to the table. They are mackerel, but they don’t taste like it. Wahoo meat is snow white, firm and has a mild taste sometimes compared to albacore.

It’s a tremendous sportfish that travels in loose schools and sometimes feeds in packs. Find one and you’ll likely find several hanging and feeding near blue water structure. They move and feed with the bait, migrating to stay in the water temps they prefer, 70 degrees and higher.

Wahoo are notoriously unpredictable. They are streaky feeders, and might not eat unless time of day, tides and moon phases align just right.

Late winter is the best time to catch them off northeast Florida, when they will be feeding on the ledges with a bite that sometimes lasts into April. Expect decent numbers of fish from 35 to 60 pounds, and every year a few fish show up heavier than 80 pounds. Down in South Florida, wahoo can be found on the edge of the Gulf Stream, with peak fishing occurring late spring through summer. During that same time period, anglers in the Keys will be targeting smaller wahoo, averaging 25 pounds, on floating debris.

But arguably the best wahoo fishing in this part of the world is the Bahamas. Here there is a shot at triple-digit fish, and good numbers of fish in the 40-pound range are the norm. Winter is best from the northern Bahamas around the Abacos and farther south, around the San Salvador humps.

In the Gulf, wahoo season is also in winter, but winter brings with it foul weather. Early spring is a favorite time of many captains because the fish are still around and you can actually get to them. They’ll be hunting in packs and following baitfish. There’s a good chance at some 30- to 50-pounders this time of year, and 80- or 90-pound fish are not unheard of.

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MUDHOLE.COM 18

MARCH 2022

THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

MLF PRO MATT STEFAN & MUD HOLE CUSTOM TACKLE JOIN FORCES

Sponsorship Agreement Includes Branding, Product Endorsement, and Content Development

M

ud Hole Custom Tackle, the world leader in rod building and custom tackle crafting, and Matt Stefan, established Major League Fishing professional and custom rod builder, have agreed to an exclusive sponsorship for the 2022 MLF season.

The agreement includes representation of Mud Hole and its affiliated brands across a variety of Matt Stefan marketing assets, co-development of online fishing and custom rod building content, and Mud Hole-provided rod building products to be used throughout Mr. Stefan’s 2022 season.

“On the water and off, Matt Stefan is a true professional and has really established himself as one of Major League Fishing’s top contenders” said Steve Sweeney, Managing Director of Marketing & Communications at Mud Hole Custom Tackle. “The fact that Matt has proven great success on the water with his own custom-built rods makes him an ideal angler to promote our core business. We are so pleased to grow our relationship with Matt and we look forward to an amazing 2022 season.”

Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Matt Stefan is a 7-time FLW Forrest Wood Cup/MLF Title Championship qualifier with three (3) top ten (10) placements in MLF competition and over $500,000 in career earnings. When not tackling largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass on the tour with his custom-built rods, Matt enjoys following the stock market and fishing for fun with his wife and two sons in their hometown of Junction City, WI. “I’m really excited about collaborating with the Mud Hole team and taking our relationship to the next level” said Matt Stefan as he prepared for the March 13th tour stop on the Harris Chain of Lakes in Leesburg, FL. “I’ve been building custom rods with Mud Hole, MHX, and CRB for years and have enjoyed incremental success every season. I’m looking forward to sharing my passion for professional fishing and for custom rod building with anglers everywhere.”

Building on a years-long working relationship, the Mud Hole/Matt Stefan sponsorship agreement will continue through

2022 with each party given the opportunity to extend into 2023 and beyond.

About Mud Hole Custom Tackle Mud Hole Custom Tackle, based in Oviedo, Florida, is the world’s largest supplier of rod building & tackle crafting goods and instruction. From rod building and repairing, to fly tying and lure building, Mud Hole is the leading e-retailer and mail order supplier to hobbyists, small manufacturers, and large OEMs, worldwide. Offering a superior shopping experience at mudhole.com, rapid fulfillment, stellar customer service, and world class online content and instruction, Mud Hole Custom Tackle is the trusted source for the rod building and tackle crafting community.

Learn More at mudhole.com.

THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

MARCH 2022

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MONSTER BASS ON

JURASSIC LAKE

By Paul MacInnis

I

t piques my interest when “Jurassic” appears in a nickname. So is the case with Jurassic Lake, a 10,000-acre reservoir in Fellsmere, Florida, officially known has Headwaters Lake. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) had a goal to turn Headwaters into a world-class trophy bass fishery. By all accounts, they succeeded.

Just a little over 10 years ago, this bass-fishing mecca was farmlands, cattle pastures and orange groves. The

St. Johns River Water Management District purchased the lands from Sun-Ag to build a reservoir intended to provide a water supply for surrounding communities and flood control for the St. Johns River. The FWC saw an opportunity and invested $1.35 million in bass fishing “enhancements.” Prior to the reservoir’s flooding in 2015, the FWC constructed fish habitat in the form of winding channels, dredge holes, flats, islands and more, with the goal of providing the optimum combination of structure, depth and spawning habitat. The FWC planted 15,000 bald cypress and red maple trees on the numerous islands, and they stocked over a million bass, bream and crappie. If there is a downside to Headwaters, it’s that there is so much awesome, fishy-looking habitat that it can be a little overwhelming trying to figure out where to fish.

Since August 2020, when the Headwaters Lake boat ramp opened, 103 trophy bass (bass eight pounds or larger) have been registered into FWC’s Trophy Catch program from Headwaters. Who knows how many other giants were caught that were never entered into Trophy Catch? The biggest registered catch is a 13-pound, 1-ounce monster caught by kayak angler Mary Kelly on January 24, 2022. Those are pretty impressive THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

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results for a reservoir that is not even seven years old.

Jim Fallon, the Godfather of Headwaters, has probably fished these waters more than anybody.

“I love this lake because of the design of the habitats, the natural beauty and all the great fishing,” said Fallon. You’ll find Fallon on the reservoir three to five times a week. He’s been fishing there since 2018, before the boat ramp opened, when he’d drag a kayak into the reservoir from the bank. Fallon says a competent bass angler

should catch 15 to 40 bass on an average day with a decent shot at a trophy fish every trip. Fallon has caught almost 50 bass over eight pounds from Headwaters, including 13 in the double digits, all on artificial baits.

The address for the Headwaters Lake boat ramp is 16245 Fellsmere Grade Road, Fellsmere, Fla. Headwaters is an hour and a half drive from Orlando, making it a great diversion on a central Florida vacation.

The nearby city of Palm Bay has convenient hotels, many with bass boat friendly parking lots.

An internet search will bring up several Headwaters guides who can put you on a bass of a lifetime.

For more information, visit MyFWC.com.

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WHETHER SINGLE OR WIRED IN SERIES OR PARALLEL, OUR 100AH WILL POWER YOUR PASSION THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

MARCH 2022

23

LURES SO DEADLY THEY SHOULD BE ILLEGAL.

Lawless Lures Recoil Baits employ a patented state of the art slip mechanism, which creates a twitching action mimicking the distressed movements of dying prey.

Years of experimenting, designing, molding and testing have culminated in the engineering of the ultimate device for catching almost every species of fish.

L WLESSLURES.COM

LAWLESS LURES’ RECOIL BAITS

W

hen was the last time you saw a truly original idea for a fishing lure? With the invention of the new Recoil Baits fishing lure, Lawless Lures has brought something truly innovative to a market that has been stagnant for years.

Lawless Lures Recoil Baits are something completely different from the same old redesigned or repackaged lures that litter the aisles of your favorite tackle shop. You definitely won’t find anything like it in your grandpa’s tackle box, and that gives you an edge over other anglers who have been showing fish the same thing over and over again for years.

Touted as “Lures So Deadly They Should Be Illegal,” Lawless Lures Recoil Baits employ a patented state-of-theart slip mechanism that produces a twitching action not possible in a fishing lure prior to this Lawless design. Years of experimentation, design, molding and testing have culminated in a lure that

accurately mimics the distressed movements of dying prey. With a twitch of the rod, the recoil baits twist and convulse like a baitfish in distress. Seriously, you’ve got to see it to understand. These lures behave just like a minnow in its death throes. To predatory fish species, there is no easier meal than a prey item struggling to survive.

Effective on a wide range of species, and really any fish that eats smaller fish, there is nothing else like the recoil baits. It’s the kind of innovation that you can expect from Lawless Lures.

Recoil Baits 9-Piece Kit The Lawless Lures Recoil Baits 9-piece kit has everything you need to discover the effectiveness of this innovative new lure. It includes three Rogue Lures, three Outlaw Lures, three Ladrón Lures and three T-hooks specially designed for the lures.

WWW.LAWLESSLURES.COM THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

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KEEP YOUR FEET COMFORTABLE AND BONE DRY WITH FROGG TOGGS’ BROAD FOOTWEAR LINE

I

nFirst introduced in 2006, frogg toggs’ comfortable and rugged line of huntingfocused footwear has long been a favorite among hunting enthusiasts. But as we all know, the adventures of passionate outdoorsmen and women go well beyond the field and the forest.

And that’s is exactly why frogg toggs decided in 2019 to expand its footwear line, stepping into an array of additional styles and functions. Today’s wide-ranging frogg toggs footwear portfolio covers everything from casual waterproof shoe options to wading shoes, flip-flops, sandals and hiking and hunting boots — along with options for the entire family.

PERFECT OPTIONS FOR WATER-DRIVEN FUN Looking for a built-to-last shoe that can keep your feet dry and comfortable during your days in and on the water? Check out some of these watersports-friendly highlights from the newly expanded frogg toggs footwear lineup: • Skipper Wading Shoes — Available in men’s, women’s and kids’ styles, these shoes offer premium water-drainage technology and quick-drying air mesh breathable uppers.

Other water-ready features include cushioned midsoles with water-expulsion release

holes, lightweight outsoles with slip-grip rubber inserts, and FTX Aquaclearz bottom construction for ultimate drainage.

• Java Casual Lace-Up — With styles made for men and women, this is one of frogg toggs’ most popular casual waterproof shoes.

The soft and comfortable footwear features DriPore®Gen 2 waterproof technology, plus an ultra-lightweight, laid-back design.

• Travelers Women’s Slip-On and LaceUp — With slip-on and lace-up options, this shoe offers the perfect combination of style and comfort. Its features include luxurious microfiber uppers, full-length memory foam insoles, and flexible, articulated outsoles that move and bend with your foot.

• Men’s Grinder Deck Shoe and Women’s Splish Splash Slip-On — Great for a rainyday outings, boat trips and walks with the dog, the waterproof men’s Grinder Deck Shoe and women’s Splish Splash Slip On offer slip-resistant maritime outsoles, rubber and neoprene uppers, and pull tabs for easy on and off.

• Men’s and Women’s Ocean Grip Sandals — Perfect for the beach, the pool, the boat or just enjoying being outdoors, the men’s and women’s Ocean Grip Sandals offer firmgrip designs to minimize slippage on wet

surfaces. The men’s sandal features form-fitting TPU upper straps, an ultra-cushioned EVA footbed, and dual-density rubber outsoles.

And the women’s sparkling glitter thongs offer Oceangrip™ anti-fatigue EVA outsoles.

Skipper Men’s Shoe

Looking for comfortable shoes that can keep up with your outdoor pursuits, from hunting and fishing to biking, hiking and more? Explore frogg toggs’ entire footwear lineup today at:

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SALINITY AND INSHORE FISHING WATCH

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By Tobin Strickland

VIDEO

e’ve had a wet winter this year.

Many anglers who are unaware of how salinity plays a factor in fish location have already been hindered by shifting salinity levels in coastal bays. If you learn how salt and fresh water mix, it will take you a long way toward finding fish in your local bay.

Speckled trout and redfish tend to favor two slightly different salinity ranges.

Truth be told, the fish can handle a wide range of salinities; speckled trout can even

temporarily handle salinity less than 5 PSU (Practical Salinity Units/ppt) but don’t prefer it. They also have no problem handling salinity in hyper-saline lagoons near 45 PSU. Redfish can handle slightly lower salinities than trout, and this gives redfish an advantage to be able to spread into more marsh areas that may be receiving higher freshwater flows.

Super low salinity events due to storm flood flows tend to first ride on top of saltwater in bays and will slowly mix into the water column as the tide moves back and forth. Many times

the fish can remain in their seasonal areas for longer periods of time than anglers realize. However, continued, consistent heavy rains or other consistent fresh flows in high amounts will lower the salinity and move the fish to higher salinities.

Tobin Strickland created TroutSupport.com – Tech Support for Speckled Trout and Redfish Anglers looking to ‘Up’ their game. YouTube/TroutSupport.

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FLY FISHING 30

HOW TO FIND FISH IN THE SPRINGTIME SURF ZONE!

S

pringtime is the kickoff to the fishing season for most saltwater anglers. The surf zone is a great starting point to get into the swing of fishing season.

The surf zone in the spring is a great place to start saltwater fly fishing. Whether targeting stripers in the Northeast or corbina on the West Coast, anglers who live in close proximity to the surf zone have the opportunity to catch some great gamefish on the fly without having to travel halfway around the word. However, to fly fishermen unfamiliar with the surf zone, this bewildering area of crashing surf, rips, rock piles and sandbars can be intimidating. Don’t be intimidated. Here are two simple clues about surf zone structure to help ease your doubts.

Rip Currents Fish that live along the beaches love structure. The structures they love most are rip currents. These are small channels, usually about 20 to 30 feet wide, created by the wave action washing on shore and then needing some place to get back out to sea. These river-like indentations run perpendicular through the surf zone.

Fish congregate on the edges or even in the rip to feed on baitfish, crabs and shrimp. Rips can be very productive on both incoming and outgoing tides and can be found on the edges of reef structures, along side pier pilings and randomly along sandy beaches.

Channels or Pot Holes Where you find rip currents you’ll also find pot holes, which are holes carved by rip currents that stand out when viewed from the beach especially at low tide. They are dark indentations located a few feet or a few hundred feet from the shoreline. When observing

MARCH 2022

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a beach at low tide, it’s a good idea to remember where they are because as the tide rises and covers them with water, the fish will stack up or concentrate in these areas looking for food.

Once these features are located, the beach and fishing the surf zone will seem less intimidating.

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Pontoon Boat Owners Just Want to Have Fun! Turn to Fiberglass Hulls to Meet This Goal

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ore pontoon boat owners are turning to fiberglass hulls. They look great, all the time. Shiny and bright, StyleCraft fiberglass hulls won’t lose color, won’t rust and can easily be repaired to look like new.

Aluminum just can’t do it.

Taking a closer look, aluminum welds can fail with repairs, weakening the hull. Boats striking a submerged obstacle, a dock or anything either cause an ugly dent, or worse a gouge, that must be repaired. Take a look at aluminum hulls, and repairs are obvious and not that attractive. Additionally, aluminum hulls are round and inefficient in the water.

Aluminum weld repairs are unsightly and can fail, weakening the hull.

Now look at StyleCraft fiberglass hulls. They are all fiberglass, sealed to not leak, take much more abuse without damage and can easily be repaired to the original look. Their proprietary

design includes a flat surface on the bottom creating a shallower draft, with faster planing and a smoother ride. These benefits result in more efficiency, thus less horsepower for better fuel efficiency and money saved.

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WATCH

VIDEO

APPROACHING THE

TRANSITION

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

A

s I type this article in early February, the temperature is 38 and the forecasted lows across the Texas coast will dip into the mid to upper twenties for a few nights. This should place larger seatrout into full-blown winter mode, which is a great thing. It might not be so cold where you fish, but similar patterns should exist wherever there are big trout.

Predicting movements and habits is always easier when the seasons are typical. This tells me where I should start in early March versus where I should fish later in the month.

In early March, I look for shallow areas with irregular soft mud and grass bottoms. I particularly like these areas adjacent to deeper water, as the night temps will still cool flats to less favorable temps for large trout. The term “deeper” will be different for each area. So, as you plan your trip, you should focus on deeper pockets in relation to the overall area.

Early in the month, I will stick to a larger profile lure like a 5-inch paddletail.

The trout will still be feeding on mature mullet, and the 5-inch swimbait is a great imitation. These lures are versatile, and they are ideal due to the finicky nature of trout

during the transition from winter to spring. A slow roll can be deadly when trout move onto a flat to warm and feed.

Depending on the conditions, a slow roll just under the surface that creates a slight ripple can trigger an aggressive strike. If the bait is down, I will slow roll the lure in the mid to lower water portion of the water column. The versatility of these lures also allows them to be jigged and twitched; however, I prefer to do that in a little deeper water.

As the water temps rise later in the month, fish become more difficult to pattern. Although high temps warm the water faster, persistent cool fronts still chill the waters, and the wind shifts can wreak havoc on the pattern. It keeps fish and anglers confused.

During this part of the season, I tend to move often, not devoting too much time to a location or pattern. Changing things up often until you find them is more effective than banging it out in a spot like I would do in early March.

Lures to choose from are wide open here.

Small and large soft plastics in the twitch or paddletail style can all be effective.

Topwaters and slow sinking hard baits can also produce.

Keep moving and changing lure styles, sizes, colors and action until you find the bite.

Don’t forget to take a kid fishing. You will be surprised what they can teach you when they put the electronics down.

Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures, Controlled Descent Lures, and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

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Cherokee County, situated in Western North Carolina encompasses the communities of Murphy, Andrews and Brasstown, where forested mountains seem to touch the sky, lakes sparkle like jewels in the sun and the air is crisp and clean. It is a quiet area located in the south western corner of North Carolina and has come to be known as the “Gateway to the Smoky Mountains.”

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Find your next catch at L ake Hartwell.

2022 BASSMASTER CLASSIC

F

or months the field has been set for the big show. From March 4-6, some of the world’s top professional bass anglers will fish South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell, vying for a championship in the 2022 Bassmaster Classic.

Upstate South Carolina will play host to the field of 55 professional anglers as well as hordes of fans, who will attend daily weigh-ins at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville and morning takeoffs at Green Pond Landing & Event Center, near Anderson. The annual Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo will take place each day at the Greenville Convention Center.

As for the fishing, Hartwell is familiar to the anglers. The 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk will mark the fourth time the tournament has been held on the 56,000-acre reservoir. The fishery is renowned for excellent spotted and largemouth bass fishing.

Early March is typically a transition period on upstate lakes, when bass begin moving up in preparation for the spawn. Weather will have everything

to do with how successful anglers will fish.

The two normal patterns that set up that time of year are either a deeper bite on ditches and points in 30 to 60 feet of water, or a shallower bite when bass move up into the 5- to 20-foot range to stage next to the spawning flats.

The pre-spawn bite can provide excellent numbers of fish as well as some solid size, which could potentially produce fast action and heavy sacks for Classic competitors.

Lake Hartwell’s bass eat a lot of blueback herring, and Hartwell tournaments are responsible for the rise of the underspin as popular bass lure. If the fish are deep, it’s likely underspins, shaky heads and football jigs will see a lot of time in the

water. If fish are shallow, jerkbaits, jigs and red crankbaits are Hartwell staples.

Each of the three previous Classics have provided action-packed finishes. In 2008, Texas pro Alton Jones Sr. went into the final day with little more than a pound lead, but managed to hold off the rest of the field and claim his only Classic trophy. In 2015, when temperatures dipped as low as 9 degrees, hometown favorite Casey Ashley, of South Carolina, came from behind on the final day to win his only title. Then in 2018, young Alabama pro Jordan Lee jumped from sixth place on the final day to win his second-straight Classic. Fans turned out in droves for all three visits, creating an electric atmosphere for the weigh-ins and packing the Expo all three days.

For information on fishing Upcountry South Carolina, visit FishUpcountrySC.com.

Y

ou don’t need an invitation to have fun in Upcountry South Carolina: Come kayak crys-tal blue lakes, hike to rushing waterfalls, dig into local cuisine, attend family oriented events and breathe fresh mountain air. But when you hold a South Carolina fishing license, it feels like an official ticket to enjoy the great outdoors.

Fish bite year-round in the lakes, rivers and streams of Upcountry South Carolina, which is located in the state’s northwest corner in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Devils Fork State Park in Salem is a great place to access Lake Jocassee, which holds state records for rainbow trout, brown trout, redeye bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass and yellow perch. Or try your luck at Lake Hartwell, at Lake Hartwell State Park in Fair Play and Sadlers Creek State Park in Anderson, three-time host of the Bassmaster Classic.

The Chattooga River boasts healthy wild trout populations and is also regularly stocked by Oconee County’s Walhalla State Fish Hatchery. The Whitewater River above Lower White-water Falls is another great option for wild trout. Lake Keowee, at Keowee-Toxaway State Park in Pickens County, swims with largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, crappie, bluegill, yel-low perch, catfish, brown and rainbow trout.

Pick up everything you need—including advice— at local fly shops or book a guided fish-ing trip. Sam Jones, of Jocassee Charters, puts anglers on trophy trout. Buster Green’s Guide Ser-vice reels in stripers,

THE BEST PLACE TO DROP A FISHING LINE

hybrids and bass on Hartwell and Keowee. Chattooga River Fly Shop leads fly fishing trips on the Chattooga and Chauga rivers.

Even if you don’t fish, you can still get on the water. Jocassee Lake Tours offers tours of the lake and of Jocassee Gorges, which National Geographic called a “destination of a Lifetime.”

Some amazing spots can only be reached by boat. Several tours are offered, so you can learn from a naturalist while riding on a pontoon or paddle a kayak through coves and under waterfalls.

Prefer to captain your own boat?

There are several rental companies, including Tri-County Boat Rental, on Keowee, Jocassee, Hartwell and other lakes.

If you’d rather be under the water, Jocassee is a world-renowned freshwater diving desti-nation that boasts visibility of more than 50 feet at depth. Lake Jocassee Dive Shop offers lessons and guided trips to see “The Wall,” where a section of mountain was blasted to build the dam, or a 40-foot swim-through wooden sailboat.

From fishing to boating, hiking to camping, biking to bird watching and more, the Up-country’s state parks are a great place to play. Dip into the swimming hole at Oconee State Park. Hike to the tops of Pinnacle and Table Rock mountains at Table Rock State Park.

Explore the 13,000-acre Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area at Caesars Head State Park. Or create your own adventure at any of the Upcountry’s 13 state parks.

Visit UpcountrySC.com to learn more.

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Lake Hartwell, host of the 2008, 2015, 2018, and 2022 Academy Sports & Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk

CROCODILE BAY The Ultimate Fishing Experience C

rocodile Bay boasts the largest professional sport fishing fleet in Central America with in-house captains and mates able to cater to all skill levels. At the helm stands Diego Camacho, Director of Fishing and expert fisherman. Anglers will enjoy offshore, inshore, as well as the now all-new kayak and shore fishing excursions. Each is uniquely challenging and equally rewarding. The fleet of 24 and 25-foot center consoles Boston Whalers and 33 and 35-foot tower Strike are easily accessed from the 800-foot private pier.

Crocodile Bay offers world-class catch and release bill fishing in the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy going after sailfish, striped, blue and black marlin, dorado, tuna and wahoo. And when fishing in Costa Rica’s Golfo Dulce (Sweet Gulf) you will find roosterfish, cubera snapper, jack trevalle, bluefin trevally, sierra mackerel, tripletail, and grouper to be excellent throughout the year. Are you ready to strap in and reel in a yellowfin tuna that can reach up to 300 lbs? Do you think you have what it takes to beat the Roosterfish resort record at 106 lbs?

So what are you waiting for? Visit Crocodile Bay for an adventure of a lifetime and experience the incredible transformation to Crocodile Bay Marina and Botánika Osa Peninsula, Curio Collection by Hilton. Botánika will provide unparalleled services and amenities, including the clubhouse, a lagoon-shaped pool, several restaurants and bars, a fully equipped state-of-the-art fitness center, and nature trails right on property. With the Pacific Ocean in the front yard, and Corcovado National Park in the backyard, guests can participate in a wide array of land and water based ecoadventures. With the adjacent Crocodile Bay Marina, Botánika guests will continue to enjoy marine adventures, such as worldclass sport fishing, whale and dolphin watching, and snorkeling.

Just as Crocodile Bay Resort, Botánika is destined to become a world-class vacation destination and a new Costa Rican legacy.

GULF COUNCIL MULLING LIMIT CUTS FOR KINGS, AJS AND GAGS WATCH

T

he Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council met virtually in January to make decisions that will affect Gulf anglers.

The council is the regional authority charged with managing fisheries in federal waters of the Gulf. Here’s a brief overview of what was decided.

VERMILION SNAPPER After hearing a summary of public comments and recommendations from its Reef Fish Advisory Panel, the Gulf Council took final action to increase the vermilion snapper overfishing limit, acceptable biological catch, and annual catch limit. The most recent stock assessment determined the stock is not overfished nor experiencing overfishing. This change will increase the total annual catch limit, but it will not change the daily catch limit of 10 fish.

KING MACKEREL A recent update stock assessment for king mackerel determined that king mackerel is

VIDEO

not overfished or experiencing overfishing.

However, the spawning stock biomass was found to be below the biomass necessary to achieve maximum sustainable yield.

The Gulf Council must work with the South Atlantic Council on actions for this highly migratory fish, and both are still considering options. They have both removed alternatives that would reduce the recreational and commercial minimum size limit for Atlantic king mackerel and will retain the 24-inch minimum size limit. Also, they both opted to allow for the retention of cut-off/damaged Atlantic migratory group king mackerel caught under the recreational bag limit that comply with minimum size limits. The South Atlantic Council is expected to take final action in March meeting. The Gulf Council is expected to take final action in April.

experiencing overfishing, and that recent average recruitment is lower than it has ever been. The Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee recommended new overfishing limit and acceptable biological catch recommendations for greater amberjack.

These recommendations require a significant decrease in harvest.

GAG GROUPER The most recent gag grouper stock assessment determined that the stock is overfished and experiencing overfishing.

Additionally, the assessment identified there is a low proportion of males in the gag grouper population (less than 2%), which impacts the stock’s ability to reproduce.

The Council is obligated to end overfishing and develop a rebuilding plan for gag grouper, and initiated the development GREATER AMBERJACK of a plan amendment to revise catch The most recent assessment shows that limits, accountability measures, and other greater amberjack is both overfished and management measures.

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By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

To Introduce You to Spring in the Keys

T

he transition into spring can be unpredictable, as it brings dramatic changes to the fishery and obeys no written calendar. Migration, water temperatures and spawning create unique variables this time of year.

As the exchange of targeted species swings from winter to spring, each day can be an opportunity to pioneer the new season. The fishery can change overnight in the coming weeks, and you never know when you will stumble across an abundance of fish that 46

MARCH 2022

haven’t been seen in months.

The Florida Keys, this month, will see more permit, cobia and pompano, while also welcoming the start of our world-class tarpon fishery.

During the seasonal transition, there will be an overlap, when iconic spring species, such as permit and tarpon, will be chewing along with the sailfish that favor the shallow reefs in winter.

Permit harvest season closes in the Keys at the end of March. Although the permit

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is respected as a game fish, and socially encouraged to be released, it does yield fillets of decent size and of excellent tablefare.

Targeting permit can be a little more of a challenge than your average “send-out-theshrimp” fishing. Whether you are sight casting to a school of them or floating a crab over a wreck, their bite is a little bit different than most fish.

For a drag-screaming, hard-fighting fish, such as the mighty permit, one might expect them to crush the bait with force. However,

permit can suck a hook clean, like a ninja cowfish, without drawing much attention.

Learning their bite, especially when free-lining in heavy current, can take a bit of practice, but it is absolutely worth the investment.

Targeting this species offers a little extra for the angler who has it all. They definitely aren’t top of the beginner’s list, but they absolutely should be top of the bucket list.

Crabs are king for permit fishing. Hook a crab on the edge of its shell, avoiding any interference with its back two legs, the

swimmerets, so that it can move naturally in the water.

Sight casting can be productive with a crab on a jighead, but if you just want to soak a crab over a wreck while fishing for other species, skip the jighead and affix a float up the leader. Put the float as far up the leader as you can stand to have it for casting, and I mean the standing-on-the-bow, swingingthe-momentum-like-you’re-fly fishing kind of casting. Combat different current scenarios by adding split-shot to the leader.

No matter what time of year, the Florida Keys always have an incredible fishery. Each day can produce once-in-a-lifetime sightings of epic species. It is worth noting that regardless of weather, season, time of day, bananas on the boat, or a small zombie apocalypse, the snapper are always snapping!

Quinlyn Haddon captains boats with Blue Magic Charters, in Marathon, Florida.

Call her at (504) 920-6342 and check her out on social media @captainquinlyn.

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Find new fishing spots

Download the Fishbrain app for free to access Florida's best fishing maps, trusted by 500,000+ anglers across the state. Inshore or offshore, you can always find new places to target your favorite species.

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Must-Have Fishing Maps for Florida Anglers

W

hen a devastating red tide hit Tampa Bay in the summer of 2021, finding fish was nearly impossible. The bay was a dead zone and the effects spread up and down Florida’s west coast. Not being from the area, I was already facing steep odds and this made it even worse. My only hope for finding clean water and fish was with the Fishbrain app on my phone.

When I opened the map in Fishbrain, a sea of catch reports appeared as waypoints in the palm of my hand. I quickly filtered these to show only catches from July, and scanned the coast until I started finding pockets of recent catches. Soon I was heading south, toward clean water and some of the last healthy populations of snook, redfish and seatrout.

Fishbrain’s core mission is to remove the boundaries that prevent people from reaching their fishing goals, while helping new anglers discover a passion for fishing. The Fishbrain app has thoroughly analyzed and solved this problem for anglers all over the country. No matter where you fish, what you target, or what

kind of conditions you face - Fishbrain can help you find productive fishing spots.

Don’t like sharing your favorite fishing locations? Trust us, we get it. That’s why you control your own privacy settings on any catches you log, so you can always keep your favorite spots locked down.

When exploring the Fishbrain map, you’ll find much more than just public catch reports.

You’ll also find bait and tackle recommendations for any body of water, local weather forecasts and tide charts, and BiteTime predictions for all your favorite saltwater species. Over

14 million anglers worldwide trust Fishbrain to help them select the right time, place and bait to go fishing.

Apart from helping new anglers, Fishbrain has all the necessary tools that the seasoned veteran will appreciate.

Navionics depth maps help anglers locate channels, flats, potholes and other important bottom features. Fishbrain has also partnered with Fish Rules to ensure anglers always have the local regulation info they need to fish responsibly.

For Fishbrain, preserving the future of fishing is just as important as cherishing the present. We look for any ways to remove obstacles and help conservation-minded anglers get out on the water and achieve their fishing goals.

We want every angler to not only fish harder, but also fish smarter.

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MARCH 2022

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Largemouth Bass: FLORIDA’S GIFT TO THE WORLD

By Rex Hannon

F

lorida is the land of sunshine and hurricanes. If you stopped random people on the street in any other location in the world and asked them what first comes to mind about Florida, most would offer something about places like Daytona Beach, Disney World or the beaches of Miami.

Florida is also the second largest producer of beef in the U.S., and of course Florida oranges and Indian River grapefruit. If that person you stopped fishes, they would likely talk about the Florida Keys, tarpon, or any of the other soughtafter saltwater fish. But, for the freshwater angler, Lake Okeechobee largemouth bass are what dreams are made of. “Lake O” needs no introduction for those familiar with the bass fishing world.

Black bass in Florida have a long and storied history. Bass anglers across the country can thank Florida and those early fishery managers who had the foresight to protect largemouth bass. The early years of the 20th century saw bass population depleted due to their importance as a food source and no regulations. As a result, the 1926 Black Bass THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

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55

Act was passed to restrict interstate commerce of bass and allowed states to designate them as a gamefish. These restrictions and future regulations limited commercial harvest and sale and increased their value as a sport fish.

By mid-century, large reservoirs across the U.S. were built to accommodate the growing need for electric power. These were prime locations for bass stocking and management programs. Today, largemouth bass have been successfully exported worldwide. The economic impact is impressive; bass fishing is a $60 billion industry.

Today’s Florida offers the best bass fishing on the planet. Lake Okeechobee is considered the pinnacle here, but trophy fish can be found in the countless lakes, ponds and canals that are readily available to any angler almost everywhere in the state. There is no need to travel to exotic locations or plan a vacation around fishing for monster largemouths. With a little research and some scouting, you can

find them in your hometown, and often in your own neighborhood.

Florida largemouth bass are a hardy species, and you can target them in a wide range of habitat and water qualities. I have caught largemouths and snook in the same canals and ponds. This speaks to the adaptability of both species.

There has never been a better time to be an angler. Anglers today have access to many species that in 56

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the past would have required a trip to far away and exotic locations. Native Florida bass have not only become a sought-after species for sport, they are an economic generator for future generations.

There are anglers worldwide who dream of fishing Florida for a trophy bass of a lifetime. Whether you’re an avid angler or just someone who wets a line when time permits, today’s Florida offers something for everyone.

IntroducIng Captain

DJ timms

“

H

ey all, my name is Captain DJ Timms. I just wanted to introduce myself and tell y’all a little about me.

I am a full-time guide on Lake Okeechobee in Clewiston Florida. I grew up here in South Florida where my dad and grandpa started taking me fishing at a young age.

In 2011 I joined the Marines where I ended up stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. During my military career I was fortunate enough to fish many different lakes from South Carolina to Virginia with most of those lakes being in North Carolina. I learned a lot about tidal fishing and even fishing extremely clear water which I never had a chance of learning here in South Florida.

I feel those experiences have made me an overall better fisherman. I moved back to South Florida in July of 2018 with dreams of becoming a full-time guide. I currently guide on Lake Okeechobee for trophy sized largemouth. I also guide on Lake Ida, Lake Osbourne and the Everglades for Peacock Bass and other exotic fish. Looking forward to next month’s article.

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook at DJTIMMSFISHING.

I guide out of Clewiston, Belle glade and Okeechobee.

My boat is a Big O custom 20’8” bass boat with a Yamaha SHO 250, 10 ft power poles, 2 lowrance HDS 12”, Lowrance live 9” with active target, humminbird helix 10 with mega 360. Your choice of wild shiners or artificial baits. I use only the best Powell rods and 13 fishing reels set up for the best techniques on Lake Okeechobee.

910-546-2688 www.DJTimmsFishing.com

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Catch High Season For Marlin in the Bahamas

I

f a big blue marlin is on your bucket list, there’s no better time to visit The Bahamas than over the next few months, when high season for billfish brings giant pelagics to the deep blue waters off the islands.

Bahamian waters are the birthplace of big-game sportfishing. Back in the 1930s, the world was introduced to adventure like no other when anglers like Ernest Hemingway and Michael Lerner did battle with giant marlin and big bluefin tuna off Bimini.

The fishing is still ridiculously good.

Marlin season in the Bahamas begins in March

or April, when the white marlin arrive, and by June or July things get into full swing when big blue marlin show up. They come in numbers to feed off the islands, and throughout summer it is not unusual to have days with multiple bites on the same trip.

In recent years, far-flung destinations like Africa and Australia might have come to the forefront as the best places to tie into granders (blue marlin that weigh in excess of 1,000 pounds). Yet, The Bahamas remain one of, if not the best place, in the world to actually

catch blue marlin. It’s worth noting that the Out Islands of The Bahamas are a quick and easy trip for anglers in the eastern U.S. White and blue marlin are the marquee species when trolling off The Bahamas, and there’s also a good chance other highly sought after gamefish will crash into the spread. When the outrigger snaps, you might be reeling in wahoo, tuna or mahi for dinner.

Check out all the action the Out Islands of The Bahamas have to offer at www.outislandsanglers.com.

WATCH

VIDEO

By RJ Smiley

BACKWATER

I

FISHING LESSONS

stepped aboard Capt. Tim’s 22’ Pathfinder and gave a mock salute… which he smartly returned.

“What do you want to fish for today?” he asked.

“I am a rookie,” I replied. “You tell me.”

“Good, after that storm the water is like chocolate milk and the snook and redfish are hard to find. I thought we would try to catch a tarpon, a once in a lifetime fish, but first we need to catch some bait.”

We entered the river channel as the brilliant orange sun became fully visible. Tim let the 200-horse Yamaha run. I learned my first backwater fishing lesson: Wear a windbreaker and zip-off pants.

In less than a mile, the Minn Kota trolling motor slid silently along one of the thousand islands. Tim handed me one of the six identical Penn 3000 Battle spinning outfits equipped with 10-lb. braid and a red 3/8-oz. jig with a 3-inch Shad Tail soft plastic.

“Before we can catch a tarpon, we need to

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catch some bait,” said Capt. Tim. “Just flip that jig in toward shore and bounce it off the bottom as you retrieve it—at about this pace.” He began a series of short quick jerks as he retrieved the jig. A silvery ladyfish, about 15 inches long, came out of the water with a frantic, head-thrashing motion and spit the jig back at the boat. Capt.

Tim looked at me with a sly grin, “try to keep them in the water and not let them jump; better chance of getting them in the boat.”

“Bait?” I said. “Back home that fish was a keeper.”

“Got to have big bait to catch big fish!” he answered. (Backwater lesson No. 2.)

Lesson No. 3: Get my fish near the boat, point the rod tip toward Capt. Tim, who would grab the line and guide the fish into the livewell in one continuous motion.

Bait secure, we blasted about 2 miles downriver, where Tim dropped the trolling motor. Without a word, he grabbed one of two matching heavy duty 6000 Penn Battle spinning

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outfits with 50-lb. braid. He hooked the ladyfish through the membrane in it its nose. (Lesson No. 4.)

Then he flipped the fish about 20 feet away from the boat. As the baitfish swam away, Tim said, “I will bait the other rod and we will let Rodney, the rod holder, do the fishing for us.

We’ll cast jigs toward along shore. Let your jig sink to the bottom, this water drops off fast, it will take longer to sink with each pull.” (Lesson No. 5.)

Over the next 40 minutes, we caught a dozen beautiful trout, keeping two for the dinner I had promised my wife. Like all good guides, Tim fed me the line, “You should have been here yesterday.” Just last week on this very spot, a client landed a 100-pound tarpon. “Yeah,” I thought. Then, he produced a picture to prove it.

Rodney caught no fish.

Check out Captain Tim Daugherty at www.fishthesalt.com.

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AT RANGER OUTDOORS

IT TAKES A TEAM

T

he Great Smoky Mountains echo with the stories of our ancestors and traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. The fly fishing tradition, itself, has unique roots that are entwined within these hills.

Insert Ranger Outdoors, LLC. At Ranger, we understand the task of preserving a rich history of tradition, while modernizing products to propel them into their current environment.

A few of Ranger’s holdings are brands you may recognize: TNFLYCO, Chota® Outdoor Gear, and Miss Mayfly. Each of these brands have their own story to tell, yet carry the common thread of great gear, at an affordable price, with even better service.

TN FLY CO

Nestled in a small corner on the edge of the Hiwassee River, TNFLYCO has become a local leader in the fly fishing community.

Originally an exclusively digital company, TNFLYCO has transitioned from a clothing brand to a fully functioning in-person fly shop.

The company supplies waders, wading boots, fly tying material, and various flies. Founder and passionate angler Caleb Luzader alongside Shop Associate, Brett Patterson, offer down to earth advice and tips for fishing in the cold waters of southeastern Tennessee.

TNFLYCO pours into its roots by establishing and maintaining a local community of anglers. Most Friday evenings, you will find anglers of all skill levels gathering around a table for an evening of fly tying, using our favorite Daiichi® hooks. Ultimately, TNFLYCO cares about its community, the traditions surrounding the community,and seeks to promote this tradition of fly fishing through education and affordable products.

CHOTA® OUTDOOR GEAR

Chota® Outdoor gear has been designing and distributing high quality outdoor gear to meet the real world challenges of outdoor enthusiasts since 1974. Personal experience and love for the outdoors has led the company to evolve with its customers. Chota® takes on an innovative approach to boots, hippies, and waders, establishing the company as a respected and recognizable brand among elite outdoor enthusiasts.

In October, as part of their “Chota®: The New Generation” product line release, the Rough Ridge boot was introduced. The Rough Ridge is equipped with upper rubber-coated polyurethane and is extra abrasion resistant.

Tough to the core and made for comfort, the boot is constructed with an EVA midsole and relaxed synthetic inner lining. It is versatile, comfortable, and made for any type of water wear.

Chota® is also releasing a brand new wader with a REEL- FITT™ sizing system that will offer a reliable and relaxed fit in height, boot size, and body type.

The Blueline Wader will be hitting the market in early summer.

MISS MAYFLY

Founder of Miss Mayfly, Kim Ranalla, fell in love with river fishing while recovering from injuries sustained in an accident.

She found the sport was accessible and supported her love of nature, but struggled to find gear that consistently fit well, performed, and looked flattering. In early 2016, she decided to find a solution to this problem, and designed a unique line of products in thirteen specialized sizes- now known as the REEL- FITT™ sizing system.

For the first time, waders were designed for women to fit in height, boot size, and body shape.

In 2021, Miss Mayfly introduced the “Moxie” line of chest waders and high-waisted wading pants that not only featured the REELFITT™ sizing system, but also introduced a Chameleon Color Technology™ that provided tonal adaptation to the surrounding environment.

The Smoky Mountains are our Ranger home.

Just as we believe in the tradition of fly fishing, we also believe in the importance of innovation.

Join us as we continue on this journey. Find us online at www.rangeroutdoorsllc.com and at www.tnflyco.com.

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NATURE'S PARADISE Franklin & Nantahala, North Carolina

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ocated in the southern Appalachian Mountains, in the foothills of The Great Smoky Mountains, lie the communities of Franklin and Nantahala. We are an area rich in outdoor adventure opportunities as well as fantastic local shopping, dining, and museums. Franklin and Nantahala are home to some of the oldest mountains in world.

Tucked away in those mountains are two very popular hiking trails: The Appalachian Trail and the Bartram Trail. If you want to get out and see the mountains but don't want to hike, a scenic drive up to Wayah Bald will put you at nearly one-mile-high elevation and there's

a paved path that leads you to an enchanting view in all directions. Travel the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway and visit the waterfalls of the Cullasaja and Nantahala River Gorges.

Franklin and Nantahala are towns born from gem mining and agriculture, and over the years have transformed from the small rural areas, into outdoor adventure towns, inviting people of all ages to set out into the hills and valleys of the Nantahala National Forest. What was once known as the “Gem Capitol of the World”, we are still home to active gem mines where you can still sit down with a bucket of dirt and sift for precious gems and minerals that are still

abundant to this day. Generations of families come each year to share in the experience of Gem Mining.

If you’re looking for exciting adventures?

Look no further than the Nantahala River where you can test your skill on the white water, wade into the river for some world-class fly-fishing or soar above the trees with a ziplining experience.

Discover Nature’s Paradise in Franklin and Nantahala, North Carolina and get to know your mountain side!

For more information visit ExploringWNC.com

T

here’s something unmistakably cool about the iconic design of center console boats. They are the sports utility vehicle of the boating world.

Yamaha’s 210 FSH center console boats are a modern take on the classic center console design, focusing on greater versatility made possible by Yamaha’s patented jet-drive technology.

Unlike other center console brands with outboard motors that dominate the stern, the 210’s dual engines and driveline are housed in the hull underneath the captain’s leaning post, providing a true 360-degree experience perfect for fishing. And because no outboard motor lower units are protruding under the boat, the shallow draft can get you and out of places that other center console boats can’t.

These boats include all the features that fishing enthusiasts require and family features that are perfect for an entire day out on the water to include watersports, swimming, and lounging – all in the same boat and at a competitive price starting under $46,000.

The 210 FSH is available in two variations, the 210 FSH Deluxe and 210 FSH Sport.

The 210 FSH Deluxe comes with wiring for dual batteries, stainless steel rub-rail, head compartment curtain, a trolling motor mount, and premium seating/cushions. The 210 FSH Sport comes with Deluxe features and the addition of a custom T-top.

Both models come with Yamaha’s awardwinning TR-1™ High Output marine engines.

Located under the starboard bow seat

YAMAHA 210 FSH

is an insulated fish locker, and there is a dedicated locker for a full-size Danforth® anchor. There is more storage below the port bow seat, in the sole, and inside two large consoles.

In front of the helm console is more seating, and the console lifts to reveal an extra deep, large storage area that can also serve as a changing room or a head compartment.

The helm is thoughtfully designed with convenient access to all boat control switches, a locking glove box, and an open area to flush mount electronics such as a fish finder, a GPS unit, and other marine electronics.

The 210 FSH comes equipped with Yamaha’s 4.3” Connext Touchscreen Display, which is NMEA® compatible to send vital engine information to third-party electronics.

The transom area on the FSH Series is

unlike any other center console boat on the market. Since the engine and drive train are mounted in the hull, the entire back of the boat is open for unobstructed casting, towing, and enjoying activities at the stern.

Moreover, the boats’ lean post is convertible and can be flipped back toward the helm for added comfort and versatility.

The 210 FSH features Yamaha’s signature two-tier swim platform that sits low at the water’s edge. A retractable stern ladder makes reboarding after swimming a breeze.

The transom also includes a tow eye for watersports.

And like all Yamaha boats, the 210 FSH features Yamaha’s patented clean-out ports that allow for removing debris from the jet pump without having to get in the water or swim under the boat.

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THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

Take A Kid Fishing WATCH

By Tobin Strickland

VIDEO

I

think just about every one of us has at some time had an adult fishing mentor, or even a family friend that offered to take us fishing. I know my life wouldn’t be the same without my Dad who started us off fishing; heck I was in diapers holding a Snoopy rod and 303. Later as we got old enough to handle fishing out of the boat, my dad would take us with numerous fishing guides, both inland and inshore saltwater fishing.

Even if you don’t have children yourself, you can take part in expanding and growing as an angler by taking a kid fishing just once. Another option is to contact Big Brother/Big Sisters or any orphanage or foster kids and play it forward by getting to know a kid by taking them fishing. You never know, that one act of kindness and generosity could be a lifechanging experience, and they may stick with it for their entire lives. I know that my life would be entirely different without having been mentored by several outdoorsmen over my life like my dad, a couple of dad’s friends, Capt. Steve Hillman, Capt.

Steve Soule, Capt. Chuck Uzzle and Capt. Ernest Cisneros as well as some others.

Here are some pointers to simplify getting a kid started. Have your trip be more about giggling, laughing and telling stories than it is about catching a limit of fish. If the child’s age is less than 8 or if they have not done much fishing at all, then take them to a farm pond, stock tank, creek, canal or even a catfish tank so they will catch some fish.

Perch (sunfish) are typically always ready to eat a cricket, corn-nibblet or piece of a hot dog on a small light-wire hook. Keep it simple with the rod and reel choice; you don’t have to run out to BAAD Marine Supply to buy a new rig or anything. A small 4 ½-foot-long, light-action rod with a closedface reel is a good starting point. Bobbers are fun to watch and take out the guesswork. Sometimes knowing what not to do is also important. This is not the time to take the kid out for a long grind with lures; that’s a good way to make it boring for a kid and have them want a video game.

If a kid has been started correctly and he’s bored with farm ponds, then it’s time to get him on the boat looking for numbers of fish. Cherry pick your days and take him during the summer months using live bait for the first couple of times until he’s confident. As he grows, you can start to bring in the lures. Now this is the point to book a trip with a guide and allow them to be your partner in his mentoring process as well.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SCOTT AND SKYLER TERRELL.

THE ‘GREATEST’ FISHERMAN

By Peter Cammann

I

met Dan Swindell when he was in his teens.

His home was on the Massachusetts coast, but his uncle lived right down the road from my friend Mike Russo in Fayston, Vermont.

Dan went on a few fishing trips with Mike and I where we lived in the Mad River Valley, and we all became friends. He in turn introduced us to Jack Knisely, who was a mate he knew on a tuna boat. When Jack asked Mike and I to join them fishing for striped bass one weekend several years ago, we happily accepted.

We met at the launch at the mouth of the Ipswich River and loaded Jack’s boat with piles of spinning and fly gear. The deck was crowded with so much equipment that there didn’t appear to be room for the four of us, let alone a stray fish or two. We set out to the mouth of the river, where we saw a guy in a small boat drifting cut bait and watched as he successfully boated several under-sized bass.

“He’s chunking,” Dan said. “We need to get some bait and go chunking.”

Jack trolled an umbrella rig behind us and caught some mackerel, which he set about cutting into pieces. I’m not much of a bait fisherman, and I proved it in short order. After baiting my hook and tossing it into the current, I watched as my rod tip gently dipped for just a half second.

Jack asked me why I hadn’t set the hook.

“The tip barely moved,” I replied. “I was waiting for the fish come back and take it.”

“Pull in your line and see what’s there,” he advised.

I did and was met with the sight of a bare hook. Clearly I had a lot to learn about chunking.

Mike managed to boat a 2-foot-long bass while jigging a plastic grub, and shortly thereafter, I boated one as well while chunking,

even though I’m pretty sure I did so by accident rather than actually knowing what the hell I was doing. Jack laced into a truly enormous fish, and it ran quickly against the incoming tide, taking huge amounts of line with it. As it approached a moored sailboat about 50 yards away from us, it lunged and broke off. We never actually saw it, but there was no question it had been the largest bass that any of us had been into.

In spite of the undersized fish, lost fish and other mishaps we encountered that day, there was one real success story. In the late afternoon, Dan boated a 29-inch striper, a legal-size keeper. He held his fish up for all of us to admire. He grinned in triumph and shouted, “I’m the greatest fisherman in Ipswich!”

I peeked around at Jack and Mike. As none of the rest of us had caught a keeper, I suppose at that moment, on that boat, he was.

SUZUKI DEVELOPS WORLD’S FIRST MICRO-PLASTICS COLLECTING SYSTEM FOR OUTBOARD MOTORS

Innovative Device Removes Micro-Plastics, Other Pollutants From Engine Cooling Water Before Returning to Ocean

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eading innovator Suzuki Marine has developed the world’s first micro-plastics collecting system designed to be installed on outboard motors. The device is designed for easy installation under the cowling of selected Suzuki outboard models 40 HP and up, and works by filtering water after it has passed through the engine’s cooling system and before it is returned to the ocean.

Because of its innovative design, the system does not impact the driving performance or cooling efficiency of the engine.

Tested extensively aboard Suzukipowered boats in Japan and proven to be highly effective, research has now been expanded into the U.S., as the Suzukipowered L’Attitude Lindsey—a unique water taxi powered by twin Suzuki DF140 outboards—has been testing Suzuki’s micro-plastics filters throughout Tampa Bay, Florida’s downtown waterfront since June 2021. This boat runs about 3,000 hours per year, making it an ideal platform to collect not only micro-plastic pollution around Tampa Bay, but also important test data Suzuki can use to refine and perfect this system in preparation for it’s eventual release to the boating public.

The filtering system has already demonstrated its ability to collect a wide variety of microparticle pollution, including urethane, nylon and wood chips, among other materials. Marine biologists and the scientific community have

long recognized the dangers these microscopic bits of pollution—known collectively as microplastics—pose to fish, marine mammals and

other aquatic life. It is worsening problem that doesn’t recognize national borders and is negatively impacting oceans around the planet. Combating this problem will require a cooperative effort by industry, the scientific community and outdoor enthusiasts around the world. Suzuki sees this new technology developed for its outboard motors as a positive first step in such a collaborative effort.

The micro-plastics collecting system is but one part of the company’s larger Clean Oceans Project initiative which focuses on reducing

plastic waste and its harmful effects on the marine environment. As part of this effort, Suzuki is now reducing the use of plastics in the packaging materials of its outboard motors and parts—changes that should reduce plastic waste from business activities by approximately 2.3 tons annually.

“Protecting the marine environment for future generations has always been important to Suzuki,” said George “Gus” Blakely, Vice President of Suzuki Marine.

“Whether by innovating new technology, reducing the use of plastics in our products, packaging and shipping, or putting on gloves and rolling up our sleeves to pick up trash off the beach, Suzuki Marine is committed to keeping our waters and shorelines clean and healthy. When it becomes available to the boating public, this new filtering system will allow our customers to join our effort, simply through the act of using their boats,” added Blakely.

Suzuki plans to make the micro-plastics filter available as an optional accessory for selected models beginning in early 2022, with plans to make it standard equipment in the future.

To learn more about this new micro-plastics collecting device for Suzuki outboard motors or the company’s complete line of clean-running 4-stroke outboards from 2.5 to 350 horsepower, visit www.suzukimarine.com or call (714) 996-7040.

HOOKED ON™ A CLEAN OCEAN

CLEANING OUR OCEANS FOR A BETTER

TOMORROW

SUZUKI’S CLEAN OCEAN PROJECT If you’re going to claim to be “The Ultimate Outboard Motor,” you’d better do more than just build great engines. This is why, for the past 10 years, Suzuki has been committed to cleaning up the marine environment through voluntary “Clean Up The World” activities around the globe.

Through the recently launched CLEAN OCEAN PROJECT, Suzuki Marine is committed to reducing the use of plastics in packaging materials to its consumers which has led to eliminating 2.3 tons of plastic waste annually. Suzuki is continually finding ways to reduce plastic waste while educating and informing the boating industry about this critical issue. This is only the beginning and Suzuki is pledging itself to the important cause of protecting our planet’s waters, coastal environments, and marine ecosystems for future generations to enjoy.

YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

5 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY applies to qualifying purchases of Suzuki outboard motors sold and delivered to the retail purchaser, for pleasure (non-commercial) use only, from April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022. See Suzuki Limited Warranty for additional details. Suzuki, the “S” logo, and Suzuki model and product names are Suzuki Trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2021 Suzuki Marine USA, LLC. All rights reserved.

ALASKA

adventure

By Christopher Batin

P

lanning your Alaska fishing trip is easy… if you know where to go and what to do.

Can’t afford the lowest-cost charter? Rent a wilderness cabin with boat for $35 a night on blue-ribbon trout and salmon streams. Want a guide, but not the expense? Try one of the lower-priced lodges that offer superb fishing at about half the cost of remote lodges. No matter what your budget, there is an Alaska fishing adventure for you.

Be wary, however, of false economy. Don’t nickel and dime it trying to fish the shoulderto-shoulder road system hotspots. Although a fly-out or boat charter may cost $300, it’s a minor expense when you budget time, travel costs to Alaska and overall trip expenses.

Careful planning is necessary to achieve what I call angling optimization. Alaska is 585,000 square miles, and each area, river and species has its own timetable for optimum success. This is called the period of peak abundance or availability.

For instance, if silver salmon is the species you wish to pursue, you’ll only find them in freshwater in August and September. Once you’ve earmarked the week of peak abundance in an area, choose the best waters in that area.

It’s important to understand what you are paying for with each category of fishing.

Anglers pay $5,000 a week to a lodge for service. They are paying for five-course dinners, liability insurance for aircraft, to have sheets turned back, to fly into wilderness areas and to have fish unhooked. If you’re capable of grabbing a guidebook, catching and cleaning

your own fish, cooking your own meals and hiking miles of established trails in a wilderness environment, then you’re a prime candidate for a do-it-yourself Alaska adventure.

Alaska’s national forests are this country’s best-kept fishing secret for the do-ityourselfer. The 17 million-acre Tongass

of lakes and 8,000 miles of streams.

At the heart of this Alaska adventuring are the U.S. Forest Service recreation cabins. At the current rate of $35 per day, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy cabins nestled away in isolated saltwater bays or on remote streams filled with migrating salmon. Some are located in remote

National Forest offers more than 120,000 acres of fish-bearing lakes and 23,000 miles of streams. The 5.9 million-acre Chugach National Forest contains about 70,000 acres

mountain passes in designated wilderness areas, where cutthroat and rainbows abound, and the only company you’ll see are mountain goats, brown and black bear, deer and moose.

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Chances are you’ll have the stream or lake all to yourself.

Don’t expect run-down shacks crawling with rodents, but rather modern, wellmaintained cabins with furnishings that include oil or wood-burning stoves, a table, benches, a boat, oars, an outhouse and a firewood supply.

At Kegan Creek cabin, anglers can catch four of the five species of Pacific salmon in August. Fishing is often a fish a cast, especially where the creek enters saltwater. There are also rainbow and cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden char in the upper stream and lake, along with steelhead in April. The excellent silver salmon fishing yields fish averaging 8 to 12 pounds.

You’ll enjoy the same fishing that others at lodges on the northern part of the island are paying thousands a week to enjoy. The charter plane flight to and from the $35-a-night cabin can run from $400 to $1,200 or more, depending on distance. Divided among a group of four anglers, the trip is still very affordable.

One of the best do-it-yourself fishing adventures is the Alaska Marine Highway.

Drive your vehicle, and car-top boat or boat

and trailer onboard the ferry in Bellingham, Wash. Cruise and fish your way up the Inside Passage, stopping at fisheries along the way. The trip can be as budget conscious or expensive as you desire, depending on time of year and fishing opportunities. If you have a camper for accommodations and you’re trailering your own boat, you can enjoy fabulous fishing and adventuring opportunities. Because of the ferry cost, the trip is only cost-effective if you plan to take several weeks to fish the Inside Passage. A caveat here: Alaska waters are not for the inexperienced, with tidal bores, extreme currents and other dangers in offshore waters.

Outfitted camps and road-accessible lodges offer superb fishing without major expense in Alaska’s Prince William Sound and Gulf of Alaska. Hike game trails to nearby streams and feeder creeks that receive little if any fishing pressure for cutthroat and resident Dolly Varden. The fly-outs, guide, food and accommodations cost as low as $2,400 for a six-day package. It’s some of the best fishing I’ve found in Alaska waters.

Battling barn-door-sized halibut is grunt

fishing. Fish to 450 pounds makes this a sport for the strong of heart and arm. Wrangell, Petersburg, Dutch Harbor, Homer, Seward, Valdez and Kodiak are a few of the major coastal cities that offer day charters. While all offer the opportunity for great halibut fishing, the sleeper here is away from the mainland crowds at Kodiak Island. Anglers who can operate an outboard can rent a fully equipped cabin or houseboat in Kodiak. Halibut run about 30 to 50 pounds on average, with fish up to 400 pounds. King, pink, chum and silver salmon, rockfish and ling cod provide great adventure fishing, even for youngsters.

These are just a few of the opportunities that await adventuresome anglers willing to do the research and legwork for a do-it-yourself fishing vacation to Alaska. High priced lodges certainly make it easier, but just about anyone can afford the Alaska fishing experience.

Christopher Batin is editor and publisher of The Alaska Angler, the author of Fishing Alaska on Dollars a Day and other books and DVDs available through www.AlaskaAngler.com.

Unlimited Fishing Range NEW Sea Eagle® PaddleSki™ 437ps

With the new inflatable PaddleSki™ 473ps kayak you can go 17 mph with a 6 hp outboard and motor 70 miles on just a 3 gallon tank of gas. That means this unique catamaran kayak can get you to fishing spots that no other fishing kayak can get to! And when you get there, you can fish in ways no other fishing kayak can...you can stand up and cast with the sure knowledge that you are stable and safe. You can sit for hours fishing on the swivel seat and enjoy 360° views in total comfort.

GET TO THE FISH!

800-944-7496 For a FREE Catalog • SeaEagle.com for info

Dept. CS032B, 19 N Columbia St., Ste 1, Port Jefferson, NY 11777 THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

MARCH 2022

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Early Spring

RIVER BASSING

By Garner Reid

WATCH

VIDEO

M

arch can be a magical time of year to be on the water in the South. Longer days and warmer temperatures bring on a much-needed thaw from the doldrums of winter.

If you are one of the more dedicated winter anglers, you probably start seeing an influx of cars and boat trailers at the parking areas of your favorite waters. This shouldn’t discourage you too much. There’s still plenty of water and fish to go around.

March brings on the hatches on trout streams, and it is also the kick off for some of the best warm-water fly fishing of the year. Late February and early March are generally the time frame when our area reservoirs begin to fill back up and water conditions begin to stabilize producing nice water clarity and flows in our rivers that either feed into or come out of reservoirs.

The coupling of warmer temperatures and good water flows really turn on the bite in warm water fisheries. Most warm-water species such as spotted bass, white bass and stripers are transitioning out of a winter cycle into a

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prespawn mode, when their primary goal is to eat as much as possible.

Here on Georgia’s Etowah River, we begin to see the white bass and hybrids really show up in numbers on top of the residential spotted bass. Fishing for these species this time of year can also afford us some very high catch rates.

Fish can be found congregated in areas like creek mouths, submerged timber and in current breaks below shoals.

Finding a school of big hungry white bass

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will give your 6- or 7-weight a serious work out! Don’t be surprised, either, if you happen to get sucker punched by an early arrival hybrid or stripe lingering in the mix. You might want to have your drag knob set a little tighter for insurance.

Spotted bass shouldn’t be left out of the conversation. March can be a great time to catch a true trophy spot as well. The variety of species and aggressiveness of the fish are something not to be missed.

Flies and gear for type of fishing is pretty straightforward. I prefer a 6to 7-weight rod with either a floating or intermediate-tip line paired with an 8- to 12-pound fluorocarbon leader. A plethora of streamers will get an eat, but I tend to favor any Clouser-style fly such as a Cowen’s Coyote or one of my White Trash Baitfish.

There is nothing more fun than having enough daylight after work to slide out on the water and catch a big old river bass!

Garner Reid guides with Cohutta Fishing Company. See the website at www.cohuttafishingco.com.

don't stop reeLing Alex Kendrick reel salty www.reelsaltydestin.com

season and is only going to get better. Trolling lures 10-15 knots is ideal starting around the 90’ mark. Keep an eye out for weed lines and large patches of grass, you never know what’s below them. Whenever I see grass patches I like to stop and sight fish for Mahi, Tuna, Wahoo, and Triple tail.

For Mahi I like to keep a light pitch rod with 20# fluorocarbon and 2/0 Owner circle hook. Live bait works really well on the larger bulls and cut squid works better on the smaller chicken dolphins. If lures are your thing I prefer Yozuri Crystal Minnows and honestly color doesn’t matter. Pitch around the weed lines or patches and look deeper down for the bigger Mahi. As for Tuna with all the chumming going on, I like to send down a vertical jig on 60#-80# test at least 100’ below the boat. Working your jig through the water column is a good way to fire up any kind of fish that may be lurking around in the shadows. If you have a large diamond jig I’d put some heavy wire in front of it for a chance at a wahoo. Triple Tail are amazing fish on light tackle and I recommend 15#-20# fluorocarbon and #2 Owner hook. Live shrimp work really well along with small cuts of squid.

If bottom fishing is your go to joy Vermillion snappers, Groupers, and Rock salmon is my target. For Vermillion snappers I like using a 2-3 hook chicken rig mixed with cut squid and Boston mackerel. Let your weight sit right on the bottom and wait for those 2-3 light bites. Rock salmon and Groupers like to hide out in the rocks and caves, so a slip lead is what I like to use. Heavier leader line for Groupers and larger baits close to the bottom. Feel the bite and start cranking. The first 20’-30’ are the most important so DON’T STOP reeling.

When it comes to offshore fishing don’t give up. There’s a lot of trial and error. Figure out what works best for you and as always keep your lines out and keep them tight.

Bowfishing rod and reel fishing • trips to craB island

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september 2021

THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

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MARCH 2022

79

MARCH APPAREL

GIVEAWAY ALL MONTH LONG! MARCH

1-15

PILOT PRO JACKET HIGH AND DRY SHOES

MARCH

16-31 ANKLE DECK BOOTS

ENTER TO WIN!

MARCH IS THE TURN-AROUND MONTH

T

his has been a winter for the books, with cold temps, constant wind and sometimes too much rain keeping us from the offshore grounds weekend after weekend. In light of this, let’s talk about some of the things that brought a lot of us to the dance, the anadromous fish that are coming home in the month of March.

If you live on the East Coast, white and hickory shad, striped bass and sturgeon are coming back to the place they were born to spawn. March is traditionally a very windy month, so on the days we can’t get offshore, there is a safe haven up in the river for some entertainment. Truly, some of the best memories I have were made up the river. While not the best table fare, white and hickory shad are right up there at the top of the entertainment list. Other fish that have always been at the top of my favorite spring entertainment list are striped bass (rock) and blue catfish. They come back to the upper reaches of the river to spawn in large numbers.

The early part of the month will feature very cold water temps around the inlets

daylight in the beginning of the month, but water temps do come into play by the end of March.

Tim Barefoot The end of March will see the big and river mouths, and keep spawning female speckled trout arriving at the trout, drum (redfish) the inlets and river mouths, and the drum and flounder a little on the bite will be on fire. This is the time of year sluggish side, but that doesn’t seem to bother when you stand to catch an egg-filled gator trout, but for goodness sakes, take some good photos and dimensions/weight and let her go do her spawn. This can be the time of year for some great topwater/popping cork trout and drum bites. There are bites, then there are topwater bites. It’s exciting fishing to say the least.

March will also produce tuna, dolphin and wahoo when you can get to them. The wind will keep us inside a lot during March, but whenever the seas lay down enough to get offshore, go for it. This can be the time to catch a stud wahoo and numbers of tuna.

Find a temperature break and/or the bait, and you’ll find the wahoo and tuna. They are on the move and chewing.

I don’t care what the wind is doing, I can always find somewhere to get a bite and grin in this turn-around month we call March. the shad, rock and cats. As a matter of fact, it kicks them into overdrive. It’s not water See more from Capt. Tim Barefoot at temperature so much as it is the length of barefootcatsandtackle.com and rigandjig.com.

WATCH

VIDEO

Wild Salmon Threatened by Interbreeding with Farmed Fish

I

nterbreeding between farmed salmon and wild populations in Norway is changing the lifecycle of wild salmon, according to a report from the website Phys.org.

Researchers with the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research and Rådgivende Biologer studied scale growth patterns in thousands of salmon taken from rivers in Norway from 2010 to 2017. They looked at the impact of escaped farmed salmon breeding with wild

A Norwegian salmon farm.

salmon by collecting scales from 6,900 adult wild Atlantic salmon in 105 Norwegian rivers.

The researchers conducted genetic tests on the scales to learn the genetic history of the fish.

The researchers found that both farmed salmon and wild salmon with farmed ancestry mature and age at a faster rate and return to rivers earlier to spawn. It was hypothesized this accelerated maturation process puts salmon at a higher risk of predation because they venture

into saltwater earlier, when they are less likely to evade capture by sharks and halibut.

Prior studies have indicated that salmon with farmed ancestry are less afraid of predators.

The study suggests interbreeding of farmed and wild salmon will result in reductions in wild populations, which has already been observed in some areas.

To read the entire report, see phys.org

IN WASHINGTON STATE

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STURGEON SEASON ENDS IN 36 MINUTES

WATCH

VIDEO

E

ach year, it’s fun to see how quickly the Blake Lake, Michigan sturgeon season closes. This year, 565 registered anglers flocked to the ice on this 10,000-acre lake in Cheboygan and Presque Isle counties. The season lasted just 36 minutes before the harvest limit of six lake sturgeon was caught.

The season, which included spearing and hook-and-line fishing, began at 8 a.m. on Feb. 5. At 8:36 a.m., cell phones across the ice began pinging with the text that the season was over. For those without cell phones, Michigan DNR personnel made visits to ice shanties to spread the news.

Lake sturgeon caught this year ranged in length from 46 to 62 inches and in weight from 23 to 67 pounds. All six harvested fish had been previously captured by Michigan State University and the DNR during spring spawning runs in the Black River or from past surveys of Black Lake. Several of the fish had been previously captured numerous times.

DNR law enforcement officials and other department personnel were embedded, as usual, in the on-ice fishing communities and were able to quickly and safely report harvested fish this year, as well as to quickly contact all lake sturgeon anglers on the ice and close the season.

Rehabilitation of lake sturgeon in the Cheboygan River watershed is an ongoing and tightly controlled effort. This limited harvest is an event anglers look forward to every winter.

For more information on lake sturgeon in Michigan, visit michigan.gov/sturgeon.

To learn more about all fishing opportunities statewide, go to michigan.gov/fishing.

THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

MARCH 2022

85

Llebroc Builds Better Boat Seats

L

lebroc Industries began business in 1981 as a medium to high-end seat manufacturing company. During the 80s they evolved into a front-line manufacturer of a diverse group of automotive products for pickups, Suburbans and SUVs. But, in 1997 Llebroc switched primary focus to marine seating. Their first customers were Champion and Skeeter, both manufacturers of bass boats.

Since then, the company rapidly expanded their scope of operations to include seating for boats and ships of every size and description.To accomplish this in such a short span of time, they exercised extensive experience in automotive seating, and now, just 24 years later, Llebroc is creating the most innovative concepts and designs in seating for the marine industry.

Their Series 1 line, for use in an enclosed helm with limited exposure to the weather, currently features eight models with standard features that include: power coasted 1-inch square tube steel; molded foam seat cushions, armrests and headrests; Modern Allante vinyl upholstery; and a 24-month warranty.

The Series 2 line for both indoor and outdoor use currently numbers 14 models with an array of standard features that include all-aluminum construction; UV texture powder coating; UltraLeather material (standard); dual positive lock seat-back adjusters; multi-position arms; Llebroc’s AquaFlex Mitigating System, which provides a level of compact and safety previously unavailable in marine seating; and a three-year warranty.

All Llebroc seats offer free shipping in the continental United States.

Llebroc also produces all-weather seating (11 models), bass boat seating (7 models), seat accessories and all the necessary hardware required for proper installation and utilization. Simply stated, Llebroc creates the highest quality marine seating that can be found on today’s market. It begins with initial concept drawings and proceeds on through each stage of production. In addition, every effort is enhanced by dedication to superior customer service. Each Helm Chair features rugged durability, extraordinary comfort, functional design, an impressive list of standard features and, perhaps best of all, an affordable price.

For information about Llebroc products and services, visit www.llebroc.com or call Toll Free: 800-284-5771 • Fax: 817-831-3623.

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