The Angler Video Magazine October 2020

@CAMTAMagazine

The World's

BEST FLATS FISHING

Running Of The Bulls

WATCH VIDEO

PHOTO COURTESY OF GILLZ GEAR VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 3

F R A N C H I S E

all FIGRATIONS OCTOBER 2020

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

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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uzuki has developed the world’s first microplastics 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. It 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.

This system has been tested extensively aboard Suzuki-powered boats in Japan, and has proven to be highly effective. Research has been expanded abroad and further improvements will be made based on these findings. The filtering system has already demonstrated its ability to collect a wide variety of micro-particle 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 micro-plastics—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 unveiling of this device coincides with the launch of Suzuki’s Clean Ocean Project—a

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new, broad based initiative focused 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.

Suzuki micro-plastics collecting device installed on motor.

Suzuki has a long-standing tradition of working to protect the aquatic environment. The company has long been conducting voluntary cleanup activities in seas, rivers, lakes and ponds where outboards are being used. The first such activity was initiated in 2010 in Hamamatsu, Japan, and subsequently held globally as Suzuki’s Clean Up The World campaign from 2011 to

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present. To date, more than 8,000 people from 26 countries have participated in a variety of cleanup and habitat restoration projects around the world.

These efforts will continue and strengthen in the future with new programs like the Clean Ocean Project.

This new filtering technology, together with Suzuki’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness and participation among outboard users, dealers, boat builders, business partners and other industry stakeholders, is part of an ongoing campaign to benefit the environment.

“We are excited about taking this significant step, where our motors can actually be part of a solution for a critical environmental issue,” said Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. President Max Yamamoto. “We have long recognized that Suzuki customers are avid fishermen and boaters who care about the environment. This is something we can do together to protect our oceans, lakes and rivers so that future generations can enjoy them,” added Mr. Yamamoto.

This new device is scheduled to be available as an optional accessory beginning in 2021, 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.

ULTIMATE

INNOVATION

Remember, drinking and driving don’t mix. Always wear a USCG-Approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual.

Suzuki, the Suzuki S and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. © 2020 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

You didn’t see it coming.

Neither did the fish.

Discover the unique FISH PRO™.

The world’s first personal watercraft designed for fishing will bring you closer to the action for an experience like never before.

Discover yours at Sea-Doo.com

®

© 2020 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. , TM and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. In the U.S.A., products are distributed by BRP US Inc. Carefully read the operator’s guide and safety instructions. Observe applicable laws and regulations. Always wear appropriate protective clothing, including a personal flotation device and wetsuit bottoms.

SEA DOO FISH PRO:

DOES IT FISH? S

hort answer: a resounding yes, but to really appreciate the fishability of this fun and efficient vessel, you’ve got to give one a try. We did, and fishing on this sleek powerful personal watercraft is more fun than you can imagine. Everything about this little vessel is fun, fun, fun and user friendly. We trailered it with a Honda Civic and launched at a “kayak ramp.”

The detachable rear cooler easily converts to a great livewell, and the positioning of the rear rod holders enables a nice spread for trolling. And everything’s within easy reach of the driver or passenger.

While the recommended navigational depth is officially 3 feet or deeper, the actual draft of this angler-friendly vessel is only 11 inches. We had no problem drifting and poling through very shallow water chasing bait. Yes, you can definitely cast a net from this vessel, which we did, and there’s ample storage for your net in one of the front hatches.

The modifications on the Sea Doo Fish Pro are definitely angler intuitive. As early owners of Sea Doos pioneered its use as a fishing vessel, the standards required became somewhat universal.

The Sea Doo Fish Pro is the result of careful attention to the details these innovators added to their early Sea Doo models. If there are two words that sum up this sporty little vessel, they are “fun” and “efficient.” The Garmin electronics screen is easy to view and access while driving, and the achievable speeds on this powerhouse personal watercraft will blow your hat off.

With a suggested retail price of only $14,999, the Fish Pro is a lot of vessel and years of fun on the water for the price.

Another important attribute of this class of personal watercraft

By CAM Staff

is access. Its small footprint give you access to launch spots that would not be accessible by most traditional motorized watercraft.

Again, if you really want to know how much fun this vessel can bring to your fishing endeavors, just test drive one for yourself. We did, and we’re convinced the Fish Pro fishes!

To learn more, visit: www.sea-doo.com.

Choosing Scout Means You’ve Made the Decision to Be Aboard the Elite.

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cout is recognized the world over for building luxury sportfishing center console, luxury crossover, dual console and inshore/bay boat models ranging from 17’ to 53’. Since our founding over three decades ago, our company’s goal has been to manufacture the best-built boats in their distinctive sportfishing niches. Each Scout hull is a true original, as our in-house research and design team works closely with engineering to take concepts from blueprint to production more efficiently, growing our company’s worldclass reputation for quality, strength, durability and value.

From our design to your destination, there’s nothing like a Scout. Industry-first innovations, uncompromising build quality and precise attention to detail are fused into each model. Alluring lines that perform on top of the water like the prize catch you’re chasing under it. Experiences waiting to be had. Lasting memories to be made. Heads to turn.

Creating award-winning models that separate us from the industry mediocrity first starts with having the finest craftsmanship; unparalleled boat building experience that spans our entire manufacturing facility.

Knowledge to know how to do things the right way. Talent to know how to do those things better. Courage to do the old things a new way.

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Every Scout team member that has a hand on your boat has pride and precision in what they’re building, and for whom they’re building. Glide your fingertips anywhere across the model.

Feel 100% hand-laid fiberglass construction, the luxury of the upholstery, the richness in the accents. Feel the clean design inside and out, all the way to the completely-finished bilges and underside of all doors, lids and hatches. Bow to stern, port to starboard, above deck and below, everywhere you look and touch you’re experiencing the Scout difference.

Timeless styling and painstaking perfection

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are fused into every model our Scout family builds. We continue to be first-to-market with our industry-leading innovations and groundbreaking ideas. We are a fresh, vibrant company that’s changing the history of boating by bringing you the future of boating.

Our Scout customer family continues to spread across the world, and with our model size range, you’re sure to find the perfect model.

If you’re ready to upgrade and join our growing family…then you’re ready to Discover More.

Visit scoutboats.com for more information.

Four Destinations To Get Your

Flats Fishing Fix

By CAM Staff

WATCH

VIDEO

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALPHONSE FISHING COMPANY/WWW.ALPHONSE-ISLAND.COM

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here’s no experience in fly fishing like standing on the deck of a skiff and watching for shadows that belie cruising fish. Sight casting saltwater flats is a pursuit that lies somewhere between biggame hunting and angling. For many anglers it is the ultimate expression of the sport.

The following are four destinations that offer some of the best flats fishing in the world. Whether you seek the visceral thrill of leaping tarpon, the bone-jarring speed of giant trevally or the finesse and skill it takes to hook bonefish and permit, these places should be part of every angler’s bucket-list.

The Bahamas

No other island chain in the world has so completely associated itself with a single species of fish as the Bahamas. This 1,000-mile-long archipelago is bonefish heaven, and it has supported generations of famous fly fishing guides on more than 500 square miles of mostly hard-bottomed flats.

There’s a reason the Bahamas are so famous for bonefishing. From Grand Bahama and the Abacos in the north all the way down to Long Island and Acklins in the south, there are more than 700 islands. Each little cay supports its own flats, which all offer perfect habitat for bones and perfect environs for fly fishing.

Another great thing about bonefishing the Bahamas is easy access to the fishery. The islands are a quick hop from southern Florida, and every inhabited island has its own bonefish lodges. From swanky resorts to beachfront huts, there’s something for every type of angler, and the fishing is varied as well. Whether you seek the challenge of big wary fish or you’d rather have fun catching numbers, you’ll find it somewhere in the islands—and Bahamian guides are legendary for their skill and hospitality.

Seychelles

Out in the middle of the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa, the Seychelles are an 8

OCTOBER 2020

archipelago of 115 islands that offer some of the most remote and beautiful flats in the world.

With a strictly managed fishery, the atolls of the Seychelles are teeming with fish, and the out islands offer flats that few anglers have ever seen.

It’s one of the few remaining destinations where the fishing experience cannot be oversold.

Bonefish are big, numerous and lightly pressured, so they will readily take a fly. But traveling anglers should go geared up for multiple other exciting flats inhabitants. From high-flying milkfish to powerful giant trevally, there’s really no place on the planet that offers such a diverse and exotic cast of characters.

And you’ll be sight fishing for all of them, either wading or poling gorgeous shallow-water flats.

Belize

If permit are your passion, you’d be hard pressed to find a better place to chase them than Belize. This little English-speaking nation,

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wedged in on the Caribbean between Mexico and Honduras, lays claim to what just might be the world’s best permit fishery.

Belize is small. You could fit the entire country within Florida six times, and its population density is the lowest in all of Central America. These statistics explain the unspoiled nature of Belize’s forests, flats and beaches.

Punta Gorda, on the southern coast, is the headliner destination for permit devotees. Yes, there are opportunities for tarpon, snook, bonefish and jacks, but the abundance and size of permit is astounding. Now, that abundance doesn’t make individual permit any easier to catch.

It does, however, mean an angler will have numerous shots to get everything just right, which is a necessity when it comes to hooking permit on a fly.

The Florida Keys

No such list would be complete without mention of the Keys. The Florida Keys are the birthplace of backcountry fly fishing, and for decades the waters within the Gulf-side curve of this island chain have provided some of the best shallow-water fishing in the world.

The more than 1,000-square-mile expanse of Florida Bay is a vast shelf lagoon, where bays, channels, flats and small islands exist in the mix of warm Gulf waters and freshwater seeping in from the Everglades. A skiff with a captain opens up a world of mud and grass flats to spot and cast to fish. Even an angler in a kayak could explore the mazes of mangrove islands.

And there’s no telling what fish you might encounter. The summertime tarpon run is legendary. Bonefish and ever-difficult permit cruise the flats. Big snook and redfish are also potential sight-fishing targets. It’s a place where even big sharks have been known to take a fly.

From the eastern United States, the Florida Keys are a no-hassle flats experience, and the fishing can be spectacular.

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OCTOBER 2020

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TOTAL CONTROL AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

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uruno’s NavNet TZtouch, TZtouch2, and TZtouch3 deliver a huge step forward in touch screen technology. LED backlighting pushes light through every pixel for remarkable brightness and clarity. Anti-reflective glass coating makes your display viewable in any lighting conditions. Configure your system with a wide variety of sensors, and build a navigation suite that meets all of your needs.

Nothing Is Faster Than TimeZero NavNet's TimeZero™ technology delivers chart processing like you’ve never seen before – seamless chart handling, zooming and panning without the screen disappearing. TimeZero™ technology will completely transform the way you navigate.

Scroll, pan, and zoom in/out with a smooth, fast and seamless graphics engine - TimeZero technology updates the information

on your screen with virtually no redraw. Timezero also facilitates simplified route planning, because Navigating in a fully 3D environment offers you a true perspective and wider area of view around the ship.

Multi Touch Control NavNet TZtouch, TZtouch2, and TZtouch3 deliver intuitive Multi Touch capability for the most intuitive navigation experience. You'll have full control of each component connected to the network right at your fingertips. As soon as your fingers touch the display, taps, pinches and swipes are instantly transformed into action. You will learn your controls so quickly that you'll be up and running in no time.

For more information, visit furuno.com.

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GERBER CONTROLLER FOLDING FILLET KNIFE

Extreme Portability, Excellent Function

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erber was thinking of kayak anglers and pack-in anglers when they designed their new Controller Folding Fillet knife. But the functionality and feel of this sweet little knife make it a useful addition to any angler’s tool kit in freshwater or salt.

This compact addition to Gerber’s Controller series of fine fillet knives folds down to a little longer than 7 inches. It is absolutely the solution for anglers who need a good blade that is easily stowable. In the space-limited confines of a kayak or tucked into the inside pocket of a chest pack, it is there when you need it but safely folds down out of the way while you’re fishing or paddling.

It is compact and portable, as promised, but what Coastal Angler noticed when we got our hands on one of these knives is the hand feel.

The large locking mechanism is easy to operate, and it is solid. Folded out, this knife might as well be a fixed blade. It delivers with the same smooth cuts and just the right amount of flexibility as the fixed blades in the Controller saltwater series.

With a 6-inch blade, it is perfect for lopping beautiful

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fillets off small- to medium-sized fish, and for safety reasons it’s probably the best knife to keep on deck for chunking cut bait and chum.

It has the same high-quality cutting edge of the fixed blades in the series. Guide fins on the handle provide superior control. The grip is super sticky under wet and slimy conditions. Unless you just need a longer blade for bigger fish, there is no drop-off in functionality to the folding blade.

“Love this fillet knife! Ultra compact and fits with my gear perfectly.

Very grippy and has a great feel in the hand,” wrote one 5-star reviewer.

We are in total agreement. There’s a spot for Gerber’s Controller Folding Fillet knife in your beach or pier buggy, in your fly vest, your backpack, on the center console or anywhere else you might need a highquality fillet knife on the go.

www.gerbergear.com

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INTELLIGENT DESIGN ON EVERY HORIZON

JOYSTICK CONTROL SYSTEM Optimus 360 gives your boat a whole new dimension of control. By developing the joystick function to be intuitive, Optimus 360 allows you to move your boat not only forward and back, but also sideways, a dime, all with a simple twist of the joystick.

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TAKE COMMAND OF YOUR VESSEL WITH DOMETIC'S OPTIMUS 360 ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM Optimus 360 gives your boat a whole new dimension of control.

By developing the joystick function to be intuitive, Optimus 360 allows you to move your boat not only forward and back, but also sideways, by pushing the joystick to the left, or to the right, and even, rotate on a dime, all with a simple twist of the joystick.

Optimus 360 is designed for low speed maneuvering, and really excels in the marina, when pulling in and out of your slip, or when docking. Intelligent programming minimizes the amount of shifting required to complete a maneuver.

With progressive throttling, the joystick becomes a natural extension of your hand. A light push on the joystick provides minimal thrust while more thrust can be applied by pushing harder on the joystick. The boost mode increases the RPM to give you more thrust when needed.

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FOUR FOR

all F TIPS WATCH

VIDEO

TROUT

By CAM Staff

PHOTO BY NICK CARTER

E

very river is its own enclosed ecosystem. The specifics rarely translate from one fishery to the next when it comes to trout fishing. But there’s at least one thing you can count on when the first cold fronts roll in and autumn leaves color the banks of our mountain trout streams: the fishing will be good.

The small window between hot summer and cold winter is a trout’s opportunity to fatten up for the lean months. But nature is not kind. Fall does not bring massive hatches of meaty mayflies like spring. Feeding opportunities can be sparse, which forces trout to be opportunistic. It is advantageous for anglers.

Here are some general guidelines to remember when you’re fishing for trout in fall: 1) CONDITIONS: Although water temperatures are cooling, levels remain low and clear in most streams. This makes trout wary. Wade stealthily and use longer, thinner leaders to avoid spooking fish.

2) MEAT THEORY: Trout pack on weight in fall, particularly brown trout, which are also fueling up for the spawn. Consider fishing larger flies than you normally would to give them a mouthful they can’t refuse.

Streamers target the largest, most aggressive fish in a run. Large articulated streamers might seem outlandish, but they’re the deal if you’re willing to sacrifice numbers for size. Use a loop knot to tie streamers to tippet, it’ll give your fly more action, and consider an intermediate sinking line or a sink-tip to get your streamers down.

Fluorocarbon leaders are also a good idea for stripping big streamers or drifting heavy stonefly nymphs through deep holes. Fluorocarbon sinks, and its abrasion resistance helps your rig stand up to the rock and wood you’ll encounter.

3) SPAWNING BROWNS: Brown trout run upstream to spawn this time of year. That means big browns show up in places you wouldn’t normally expect. Go

ahead and fish the deep undercut at the tailout of a pool, but look to the head of the run, too. There might be a giant butterbelly up in the riffles getting ready to move up the creek.

4) DRY FLIES: If you just have to fish a dry fly, most of the topwater action will go on in the afternoon and evening. Terrestrials that carried fish through the summer are still a primary food source until the first hard frost. Be sure to carry hoppers, beetles and ants.

Some areas see hatches of October Caddis, also called Autumn Sedge. These big orange bugs are mostly nocturnal, but trout will be looking for them.

Other than that, most fall insect life is small. Blue-winged olives and midges are what trout rise to when cool weather settles in. Bring your box of size 18-24 BWOs and Griffith’s Gnats. Try fishing them behind a large, high-floating attractor pattern so you can track those tiny flies on the water.

The Return of a Legend

By CAM Staff

L

egendary boat builder Forrest Munden’s re-entry into the boating industry has caused quite a stir. With his history as managing partner at Sea Cat in the 90s to his leadership role at World Cat, there’s no doubt Munden knows the cat-hull space.

Last year’s introduction of the “new-andimproved” Sea Cat was the correct choice for numerous well-informed boat buyers in 2019 and so far in 2020. The stability and fuel economy that comes from a dual-hull vessel has certainly begun to take hold within the U.S. boating market.

Long established as the hull of choice in Australia’s consistently choppy seas, the dual-hull concept and the original Sea Cat

introduced to the U.S. market in the 90s took some time for boaters to recognize. Today dual-hull boats are available throughout the country. You’ll find most boat tow services utilize cat-hull boats because they are extremely stable and have superior fuel economy.

If you haven’t sea trialed a cat-hull boat, you owe it to yourself to see how they ride in a 2- to 3-foot or 3- to 5-foot chop. There is no more pounding. Cat hulls don’t require a plane, instead they effortlessly cut through the chop. This eliminates the pounding effect experienced with more conventional hulls.

The Sea Cat 26 is no exception.

Coastal Angler Magazine purchased the

second boat off the Sea Cat production line in early 2019.

“This vessel rides like a dream,” said Coastal Angler Editor in Chief Ben Martin. “I couldn’t be more pleased.”

While Sea Cat has definitely re-entered the boat market with their 26-foot, Hybrid 260 model, word on the street is a 36-foot model capable of speeds in excess of 90 mph is currently being prototyped for production in 2021. Imagine a center console fishing boat that can achieve speeds of 90-plus mph.

It might just be the fastest center-console fishing boat on planet Earth.

Look for more news on this revolutionary vessel in the future.

Learn more at www.seacatboats.com

ned To Last g i s e D Wa

r ra nted for Lif e

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HAVALON TALON:

CUTTING EDGE INNOVATION A

By CAM Staff

ny surgeon or taxidermist will tell you the best tool for cutting flesh is a scalpel. And that’s where knife-maker Havalon got its start. Their parent company, Havel’s, is a medical device company that supplies scalpels for surgical use. When the idea arose to bring the same incredibly sharp blades to the outdoors, it gave tools to outdoorsmen that are more precise than any hunting or fillet knife ever invented.

The first Havalon Piranta was a blade modeled after an autopsy scalpel that folded into a sturdy handle. It offered all sorts of outdoorsmen the benefits of an ultra-sharp scalpel blade in the form of a pocketknife.

But the blade itself was not built to handle the rigors of everyday use.

That’s when Havalon began tinkering to find the best combination of sharpness and strength. The resulting innovation has made Havalon one of the top-selling knife companies in the country and the leader in the hunting industry.

“We have always felt—that a sharp blade does not need to be used with

any excessive force,” said Havalon Marketing Director Ryan Cull. “This is still a core belief of our company, but we know there is a segment of consumers that want to have sturdier blades.”

The need for a sturdier blade that retains Havalon-level sharpness launched the Talon project. Designers set out to create a knife handle that accommodates an entire collection of different ultra-sharp blade styles.

With a 3-inch serrated blade, a 3-inch gut hook combo blade and fillet blades of 5, 7 and 9 inches, it is the only knife you’ll ever need at the cutting board or skinning pole.

This all-in-one precision cutting tool was three years in the making.

Designing a handle mechanism to swap out blades quickly and easily was achieved with the ingeniously simple push-button Quik Change II system. Finding the sweet spot between scalpel sharp and durable was the next step, and the blades also needed to be tailored to their particular uses.

Through more tinkering and testing, Havalon landed on AUS-8

steel—the gold standard—which offers the best combination of edge retention and strength. Thickness and shapes of the different blades were custom designed. Fillet knives require flexibility; gut hooks do not. Each blade type was carefully considered and rigorously tested to achieve optimal performance for its intended use. The final result is a single knife kit that outperforms a whole cutlery set of traditional knives.

Extreme sharpness is something Havalon users have come to expect with blades intended for replacement when they lose their edge. Talon blades are different. They are scalpel

sharp, yet they are strong enough to be resharpened.

“So long as users don’t pry on the blades with extreme force or damage them in some other unforeseeable way, they should be able to go years without buying replacements,” said Cull. “The versatility of the blade styles along with the strength and sharpness of the blades make the Talon one of the most innovative products to come out in the industry in years.”

To see all the features of the Talon and all of Havalon’s other scalpel-sharp knives, go to www.havalon.com.

Advantages of JetDock Boat Lifts and Floating Docks

J

etDock systems make boating easier and more enjoyable with their ease of customization and operation. A JetDock solution has many advantages over other lift options including their versatility, durability, boat accommodation, and safety. Spend less time turning cranks and more time on the water with our simple and safe drive-on lift system. JetDock owners estimate that they find themselves being able to use their watercraft up to 3 times more after purchase due to the ease of use and ownership of our drive-on lift systems and floating dock solutions.

JetDock systems are versatile JetDocks can be used for as walkways or drive-on docks that are both extremely lightweight and durable - making traditional boat lift technology obsolete. Fully portable, modular, and interchangable, our floating boat lifts operate in any water conditions including deep or shallow water and saltwater or freshwater. JetDock boat lifts are designed to work effectively in any kind of tide, current change, or even waves.

Our boat lifts and floating dock systems are durable and virtually maintenance free All JetDock systems are made with quality materials that are nonpolluting, resistant to utlraviolet damage, require no electricity, and are non-corroding. JetDock’s design also makes them easy to transport without the use of a trailer. Spend more time enjoying life on the water and less time maintaining and hauling your boat lift with JetDock.

Owning a JetDock system makes maintaining your boat easier With a 270° walk-around platform, JetDock systems make fueling, servicing, covering, and securing your boat a breeze! Safely perform maintenance on your boat without worrying about your footing.

JetDock works with a variety of watercraft Whether your prized boat is a powerboat, dinghy, kayak, Jet Ski, sea plane, or pontoon boat - a JetDock boat lift is the solution for you. We offer different systems for different boat styles including static, air-assisted, and multi-hull. Our custom-designed boat lifts can also accommodate most boat lengths, making them one of the most versatile boat lift options in the world!

Customize your JetDock With JetDock, your floating boat dock and boat lift systems are designed to suit your watercraft needs.

With its modular design, JetDock systems are available in any size, arrangement, or shape. Need to change your floating walkway to accommodate more boats?

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BULL REDFISH On theFly I

By CAM Staff

t’s a special time of year for anglers who specialize in redfish on fly tackle. For the next couple of months, bull reds from the Carolinas to the Texas Gulf Coast will be on the move. Invigorated by cooling waters and the spawn, they run inshore to stack up in the passes and along the beaches.

They’ll even push up into the marshes to feed with their smaller cousins.

It’s the time of year to trade your 7-weight fly rod for a 9-weight, because the chance of hooking into a 20- to 40-pound redfish is better now than at any other time.

In the South Carolina Lowcountry, big reds are herding adult shrimp on shallow mud flats. In the world famous Louisiana bayous, bulls are visible cruising and crunching crabs on the bottom. All along the Gulf and southern Atlantic coasts, anglers seek diving birds with binoculars. The schools of hungry redfish pushing baitfish from beneath are primed and ready to eat a fly.

Those new to saltwater fly fishing will find that redfish are a very good place to start. Although the pursuit requires some stealth in terms of boat handling or wading, the fish are not leader shy and rarely spook at errant casts or line hitting the water. These are not wary bonefish that run from shadows. Catching red drum does require quick, accurate casts, but this time of year generally provides anglers with numerous shots at fish.

One of the great thing about reds is they are aggressive and opportunistic feeders. Fly selection is a matter of matching the predominant forage where

WATCH

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THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

you’re fishing, but generally they will eat most anything that runs away. Crab, spoon, shrimp and baitfish patterns all work, and the local fly shop will clue you in to the top producers. These flies are frequently tied in highly visible colors with flash and rattles.

The key is put your fly in front of a redfish and then get its attention. You have to provide action for the fish to take notice, and seeing a fish react to your bait is extremely exciting. It’s one of the things that make reds on a fly so much fun, even for veterans of the mud flats. As a rule, you’ll want to keep the fly moving with short, quick strips. Let sinking flies bounce on the bottom to kick up mud.

Whether it’s a waking dorsal fin, the violent parting of marsh grass or a shadow streaking across the bottom, you’ll know it when a big redfish homes in on your fly. At that point, you can slow it down, but keep that bait twitching. Let the rattles, flash and undulating feathers do their work.

Strip-set hard on the take and PHOTOS BY NICK CARTER let the fish put a bow in the rod before giving another jolt to make sure the hook is home. You’ll soon realize why you needed a large arbor reel with a smooth drag and 100 yards of backing.

A 20-pound bull red is going to seriously test a 9-foot leader tapered from 40 down to 15 or 20 pounds. It’s the kind of struggle that’ll bring you back for more.

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FREE-FALL U.S.A. The Rebel Series from the Last Frontier to the Southernmost Point

T

he Rebel series’ reputation for being the ultimate Alaskan anchoring machine precedes itself. Churning out ultra-thin dyneema cord at impressive free-fall speeds in the North Pacific from Oregon to Alaska, the “Alaskan-tough” anchoring solution is not isolated to the rugged beauty of America’s last frontier where it was made most famous; its true free-fall capabilities are utilized for charter businesses and recreational boaters who set sail from the extreme north of Fairbanks all the way down to the southernmost islands of the Florida Keys.

One example rests in Paul Plascjak, who splits his time between Maryland and Florida. No stranger to boating, the retiree docks his 1985 Bertram 30 Flybridge Cruiser at his Key Colony Beach residence where the Rebel EZ-5 drum anchor winch is comfortably perched on the bow of the 31-foot vessel.

“All of us old guys with bad backs are sick and tired of all the old piece of crap windlasses that we have had to repair and cuss at all these years,” Plascjak said. “We just want to go fishing and keep the kids safe!”

Proudly nestled at the front of the bow, the complete stainless steel anchor winch simply requires a two-second push from the helm or wireless remote.

Gravity does the rest! Paul’s installation consists of 230’ of ⅝” rope combined with a homemade rock anchor. He says that the Rebel EZ-5 could “easily take another 60’ to 70’ of line,” if needed.

It’s no wonder Paul’s neighbors are absolutely “envious” of the ease of use Paul experiences when they inspect the “beautiful” jam-free, time-saving anchoring installation.

“A friend across the canal was hammering on his windlass last night trying to get it to grip the chain,” Plascjak emphasized in a summer e-mail to the E-Z Anchor Puller team. “I loudly expounded on the virtues of your reliable drum winch with the free-fall capability [and] it’s looking prettier to the neighbors every day!”

The Rebel’s spool design and internal spring around it’s drive shaft provides

constant pressure on the braking plate, so Paul never has to worry about rope backlash or tangling while his Rebel churns out the anchor, rope and chain combination down to the seabed. Paul says E-Z Anchor Puller has greatly improved his recreational experiences and that the manufacturing company makes safe boating and fishing in the Florida Keys possible.

Paul’s personal installation is right in the ballpark of the 2020 manual recommendation for rope and chain configuration: the EZ-5 is conservatively rated for 275’ of ⅝” rope plus an additional 20’ of ⅜” chain by the company.

THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2020

31

Catch More Fish with Happy Bait!

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OCTOBER 2020

THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

2’x2’ 9/19/20 7:34 AM

THE BASICS FOR

A BETTER DAY

OFFSHORE

By CAM Staff

T

PHOTO COURTESY OF FISHINGNOSARA.COM

he habits you bring to the boat can be as important as all the gear and knowledge in the world when it comes to catching fish.

Whether you’re the guy with a new boat just figuring it out or a seasoned tournament captain whose main duty is to shout at the crew, developing good routines and fishing with the right mindset leads to better days on the water.

Here are a few tips that might help: GET ORGANIZED. We all know the gear guy who loads everything and the kitchen sink in the boat. We’ve also been with this same guy when the last 8/0 circle hook breaks off in a big gag grouper.

He’s got a fresh pack of 4/0 hooks under the seat from the last time he went scamp fishing with sardines, but that just won’t do for the big pinfish in the baitwell. You’re left looking in the cup holders for an appropriate hook while the fish are down there waiting to be caught.

Keeping your tackle—and all your other gear—well organized makes you a better angler because you’ll have what you need when you need it.

Not only will your tackle remain rust free longer in waterproof storage boxes with compartments, these handy trays tell you at a glance when you need to restock the items you use most.

BE PREPARED. Pre-rig leaders and ready the gear you plan to use the night before a trip. Check the latest reports, gather local intel, follow the weather and use a service like Sirius XM’s Fish Mapping to keep up with what’s going on before you leave the dock. Having a plan puts you on the fish quicker so you’ll be there when the bite turns on.

But offshore fishing is also about adapting to circumstances on the water. The best anglers recognize and react to opportunities as they arise.

This requires planning for what might happen on top of what is expected.

Make sure you’ve got rigs, tackle and lures handy for when bottom fishing becomes chasing birds.

KEEP IT SIMPLE. Whether you’re trolling or sinking baits, know the limits of your crew. More lines in the water does not always equate to more fish on the deck.

It takes an experienced and aware bunch of anglers to deploy and man complicated trolling spreads. Even a simple drop can come confusing when there are multiple fish on the line and unmanned rigs on the rails.

One of the best ways to have an enjoyable and productive day on the water is to spend less time untangling snarls and more time fishing.

Knowing how to avoid aggravation and wasted time is a skill in itself, and the first step is to keep it simple.

THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2020

33

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Ballyhood’s New Mini Cowbells Catch

TOURNAMENT WINNING FISH

B

allyhood International has been producing tour nament-winning trolling lures since 1992, and their new 8-ounce Mini Cowbell is already becoming a favorite in the arsenals of serious anglers.

Specializing in big-game trolling lures for tuna, marlin, shark and wahoo, Ballyhood’s custom lures are sold manufacturer direct, although you’ll also find their lures at some of the better offshore outfitters.

Ballyhood’s “Mini Bells” are wahoo and dolphin magnets, perfect for use with 30-pound outfits. The carefully designed rattle jet head is constructed of polished stainless steel and produces irresistible action when trolled at the normal 2 to 10 miles per hour. Water pours through the Mini Cowbell’s head to spew out a sporadic bubble trail and rattling vibration that rings the dinner bell for gamefish.

No bait is required with this kind of action. What’s more, Mini Bells are light enough to be casted when the need arises.

At 7-inches long, Mini Cowbells are backed with triple mylar skirts and are available in Tiger/Orange, Red/Black, Purple/Black, Pink Lightning, Flying Fish Blue, Mahi Mahi (Green/Gold/Blue), Green/Black and Solid Silver. They are built solid, and like all Ballyhood lures they come

professionally “tournament rigged” with cable, stainless steel hooks and a ball-bearing swivel.

The Mini Cowbell is the latest innovation for a company that has made a name for itself crafting trolling lures that produce results in high-stakes tournament competition.

At last count several years ago, Ballyhood Lures were responsible for 47 tournament wins around the world and there’s no doubt that number is rising.

It’s what you would expect from a manufacturer headed up by an experienced offshore captain. Darrell Primrose, former owner operator of the Finisterra Tortuga sport fishing fleet in Cabo San Lucas, takes great care to ensure his customers receive the highest quality lures possible.

You might find Ballyhood Lures at some of the better offshore tackle shops, but most of the company’s sales are manufacturer direct to happy repeat customers, which speaks volumes about the quality and productivity of their product lines.

Check out the new Mini Cowbell and all of Ballyhood International’s offerings at www.ballyhood.com.

THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2020

35

THE TIME IS

NOW

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

This 18-pound Everglades snook is proof that big fish eat artificials. It ate a Chicken on a Chain-colored Knockin Tail Lure.

O

ctober is one of the best months to fish in the southern United States.

This transition month signals the migration of marine life along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, creating a feeding frenzy and a great opportunity for anglers in more ways than one.

The obvious opportunity is an abundance of feeding fish congregating in the path of schools of bait. From the mullet run on the Atlantic to the shrimp migration of the Texas and Louisiana marsh, these two annual migrations give anglers the opportunity to catch any native fish they desire. Some of the more popular game fish include snook, tarpon, speckled trout, redfish and flounder.

The flounder will also be making their annual voyage to spawn in open water, which makes them extremely easy to target.

In addition to making fish easier to locate, and catch, the second opportunity is not as obvious. However, I feel it is one of equal importance to hone your fishing skills. The

WATCH

VIDEO

time is now to learn or fine-tune your skills fishing with lures. With aggressively feeding fish, this is the best time to gain confidence throwing plastic, and as the saying goes, “fool’em, don’t feed’em.”

As a lifelong angler, I’ve utilized just about every legal means to catch fish, but none are more rewarding than tricking them into eating something that is not natural. Sure, as a youngster I just wanted to catch and that was very rewarding, but until you make the switch you will never know the feeling I am referring to.

Soft plastics will pay the most dividends when it comes to artificials. They are tried and true lures and some of the easiest to use. They will also save you money because, unlike a live or dead shrimp, you can catch several fish on one lure.

To hone this down even more, paddlestyle lures, or swimbaits as they are often called, are the most simple to use for the novice angler. Depending on the area and

structure you are fishing near as well as the strength of the current, you will either choose to rig these on a jig head or a weighted weedless hook.

A great attribute of the swimbait is it can be very effective on a steady retrieve. For the beginner, you can just cast, reel and catch. It can literally be that simple.

The jerk-style or “fluke” soft plastic is also very effective, but takes more effort to fish and you will need to develop “the touch” when working the lure. It’s is not that difficult, but it does take a little practice to produce that erratic action fish love.

This fall, pick up a few packs of soft plastic lures, grab a few jig heads, and leave the bait bucket and stinky dead bait at home. The time is now to catch fish, gain confidence in something new, and save money doing it.

Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures with the built-in tail rattle, Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2020

37

Pro Topwater Strategies for Redfish & Seatrout

P

ENN Fleet Capt. Chris Condon fishes the shallows around Charleston, South Carolina, where redfish are suckers for topwater lures.

Low-light is the best time to throw a topwater, but Condon also employs the technique any time of day when fishing over oyster bars.

“Topwater is the only way to fish without getting snagged,” he explained. He especially likes topwater fishing in calm conditions with no wind, when the lure has the best chance to get a fish’s attention.

Condon’s favorite application is when a school of reds is crashing shrimp along a marsh bank. Condon will toss a Berkley J-Walker 100 a few feet ahead of the pack and wait for them to get close to start twitching the lure.

For increased accuracy, Condon likes a 7-foot, fast-action, medium power Fenwick HMG Inshore. The rod is well suited to heavier lures and allows him to walk the dog with a tight pattern.

Condon matches the rod to a PENN Clash II 2500 reel. The reel is

lightweight, with a full metal body to reduce flex. He said the HT-100 drag picks up smoothly, without sticking or surging, which could pull the hook.

700 miles away, Capt. CT Williams, a PENN Fleet Captain from Shell Beach, Louisiana, turns to topwater lures for gator trout.

Williams likes a Berkley J-Walker 120. He fishes reflective lures—such as the blue and chrome “Blue Bullet” color—in low-light, and he’ll switch to Bone colored bait during the brighter part of the day.

Williams said the biggest challenge to topwater fishing is hooking the fish. A big trout strikes with a violent explosion, shaking its head, and throwing water everywhere. It can be tough, but anglers should wait for the fish to start pulling the lure away before setting the hook. A trout’s paper-thin mouth requires a delicate touch.

Williams suggested letting the tackle do the work. He likes a softer, parabolic rod with a long, slow bend.

The rod absorbs the shock of the strike and prevents the angler from jerking the

lure out of the fish’s mouth.

Once the fish takes off, Williams relies on a PENN Clash II with super smooth drag. With trout, the lower end of the drag pressure is more important than maximum drag.

“Smooth drag through the range applies steady pressure through the fight,” Williams said. A lighter drag setting keeps the hook from pulling, while the softer rod absorbs the headshakes.

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The excitement of watching a predator attack its prey gets the heart racing and blood flowing.

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SEA EAGLE 285FPB FRAMELESS PONTOON BOAT

ONE MAN FISHING MACHINE F

or over 10 years, the Sea Eagle 285fpb Frameless Pontoon Boat has been a winner for anglers everywhere. The unique U-hull configuration of this one-man fishing boat provides the maximum fishing space with the least amount of hull. At just 9’ x 4’, with a hull weight of only 30 pounds (42 pounds with the floorboard and motor mount), it’s small but mighty.

Three large air chambers allow the boat to support an incredible amount of weight (up to 450 pounds), yet the boat drafts as little as 4 inches of water, allowing access to shallows where heavier boats cannot go. The 285fpb is great for rivers, bays, lakes, creeks, ponds, almost any type of water.

The stealthy hunter green 1000 denier reinforced PVC tubes and black bottom

make this boat perfect for fishing or hunting.

It’s easy to get anywhere quietly with the included oars, or use a small gas engine or electric trolling motor that easily attach to the included motor mount.

The padded, swivel seat gives you a full 360-degree view of the water. The wooden floorboard provides a stable platform from which to safely stand and cast. And, because they are equipped with universal Scotty Mounts, you can customize the 285fpb Frameless Pontoon Boat as you wish! Outfit the boat with multiple rod holders, sounder mount, anchor lock, running lights, bait board or cup holders. Sea Eagle offers an assortment of Scotty accessories to suit your needs.

The best part is the 285fpb packs down to just 24” x 14” x 12”, so it fits in small spaces and can be thrown in a trunk, in a motor home storage bin or truck bed. It’s perfect for a long fishing or camping trip.

Sea Eagle offers four ready-to-go packages starting at $599. All come standard with the 285fpb hull, oars, motor mount, foot pump, repair kit and storage bag.

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BUBBA MULTI FLEX KNIFE

By Brett Cannon

PHOTOS BY BRETT CANNON

serrated and then core it with the 9-inch stiff.

As for freshwater, when the first cold front hits of the year, I like to go to Lake Okeechobee and catch crappie. The 8-inch Ultra Flex helps me get every inch of meat off of the bones of the smaller crappie.

Here is a list of the fish I target each year, and the blades I like to use for each.

T

he ultimate knife for the multifaceted angler, the Bubba Multi-Flex Knife is my new go-to knife. For me, I love to fish all seasons of fresh and saltwater. Since the knife has four interchangeable blades, it fits my lifestyle. Living in South Florida, we are able to target all kinds of species.

In the summer time we chase mahi, kingfish, deep drop for rosie, and go yellow-tailing. Having multiple blades makes it convenient because, for instance, I can use the 7-inch tapered flex on smaller mahi’s and yellowtail. I like to filet my 42

OCTOBER 2020

kingfish into steaks, so the 9-inch stiff or serrated is perfect for cutting through the bone. I like to use the 8-inch Ultra Flex on more delicate fish, such as rosies.

When fall comes around, I like to get out to the sword grounds and go deep dropping. Having this knife on board is a total game changer! When catching fresh mahi or bonito, I like to cut the belly to make a fresh bait. The 7-inch Tapered Flex is perfect for this! Another great use of these knives are for when we catch swordfish over 200lbs. We have to cut off the swordfish bill with the 9-inch

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• Yellowfin Tuna: 9-inch Stiff • Blackfin Tuna: 9-inch Stiff (over 20lbs), 7-inch Tapered Flex (under 20lbs) • Mahi: 9-inch Stiff Blade on bigger bulls, and 7-inch Tapered on shoolies • Kingfish: 9-inch Serrated (for steaks) and the 7-inch Tapered regular filets on smaller fish • Wahoo: I like to use the 8-inch Ultra Flex, depending on the fish size and since this is a very soft meat • Swordfish: 9-inch Serrated (to cut the bill) and the 9-inch Stiff to core and steak the meat.

Snapper- 7 inch tapered • Grouper: 7-inch Tapered or 9-inch Stiff (depending on the size) • Blackbelly Rosefish: 8-inch Ultra Flex • Snook: 7-inch Tapered Flex • Redfish: 7-inch Tapered • Trout: 7-inch Tapered or 8-inch Ultra Flex • Crappie: 8-inch Ultra Flex I’ve been fileting fish since I was a child and have never come across a knife set that fits my every need like the Multi Flex. I like it so much that I have two sets that never leave my truck or boat!

Learn more at www.bubba.com.

GO TOPLESS OUT OF BILOXI

G

et your mind out of the gutter. Go Topless Fishing Charters is a family friendly charter service out of Biloxi, Mississippi that runs some jam-up trips to the barrier islands this time of year.

Go Topless owner/operator Matt Westover said fall offers some of the best fishing of the year for slot reds and the occasional bull redfish.

Anglers seeking the excitement of sight fishing for big, hard-pulling cobia will find it right now, as the autumn migration is on.

Great nearshore action off Mississippi coast is the result of six barrier islands that separate murky Biloxi Bay from the clear-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. A short 20-minute ride from the docks on Capt. Matt’s 25-foot Pro-Line powered by a Yamaha 300 puts you into this mixing ground where baitfish swarm to keep the predators fat and happy.

Along with redfish and seatrout, Capt. Matt said big jacks, and sharks are in the area right now, so he goes out geared up for whatever might be going on. Except when a storm system rolls through, clear-water days are the norm this time of year, making sight casting to any of these species a definite possibility. The close proximity of the fishery makes for some very productive half-day trips.

Capt. Matt said live croakers are the go-to bait for much of the year, but the cooling waters

WATCH

By CAM Staff

VIDEO

PHOTO COURTESY OF FISHINGNOSARA.COM

move progressively farther inshore.

Anglers interested in cobia-specific trips will have to get a little more serious. Capt. Matt said a six- or eight-hour trip is required to get outside the islands and patrol the beaches for cruising cobia. They’re moving west to east, headed down to their wintering grounds near the Florida Keys right now, and intercepting them is a matter of are full of shrimp right now. The abundance of keeping eyes peeled and putting in the time on available forage makes huge numbers of fish days when the water is clear enough to spot them. available to anglers tossing live shrimp to the grass To book a trip with Go Topless Fishing beds and drop-offs. Right now, most of the action Charters, visit gotoplessfishing.com is centered on the islands, but as we move into the or call (228) 217-3045. cooler weather of November, the seatrout bite will THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2020

43

WATCH

VIDEO

SHRIMP BOATS AND OIL RIGS

OUT OF GRAND ISLE P

By Dana Burkhart

erched on the outer edge of the bayous south of New Orleans, Grand Isle, Louisiana, is like a whole other world to outsiders. Last year, my husband and I entered the Battle at Bridge Side tournament with the Atlanta Saltwater Sportsman’s Club, simply because neither of us had ever fished Louisiana.

Arriving over the bayous hinted at the otherworldliness of this excursion. We had entered a realm where time didn’t hurry or run out; it ebbed and flowed as it pleased, just like the creole accent dripping from every local’s greeting.

Our first adventure invoked scenes from Forrest Gump as we prepared to fish the shrimp boats. A line of smaller vessels patiently waited for turns behind Miss Geraldine. While we were waiting, Capt. Ward Lang informed us it would go incredibly fast. We cut up small porgy in anxious preparation.

When it was our boat’s turn, I squelched the urge to declare we were WAY too close—I could see the boots of Miss Geraldine’s crew!

We inched 5 feet behind Geraldine’s prop wash and threw out fistfuls of porgy parts as we drifted. The fish popped hard for what seemed like a split second, and then it was over.

My husband, George, reeled in a 25-pound 44

OCTOBER 2020

tuna on the first pass before the rest of us got sharked on the second and third passes. The fish fight coupled with the urgency of this maneuver gave a great shot of adrenaline. All I could say for the next few hours was, “That was awesome!”

Ten miles from Bridge Side Marina, we used sabikis weighted with 8 ounces of lead to fill baitwells with blue runners. That bait would fuel an overnight excursion to a deep-water rig. I bowed out; my husband did not.

A day and a half later, I welcomed him back, along with his play-by-play account of a bucket-list night. The teenage grin was still on his face as he began: “Once we finally got 100 miles out there, we waited for the sun to go down and the action to pick up. We circled ‘Brutus’ (the rig’s nickname). I caught a beautiful yellowfin head, and a shark got its tail. You know how it goes!

“Two of Brutus’ support ships shielded us from the weather, and our captains’ Rhodan spot locks did the rest of the anchor work. We were in 3,000 feet of water with vertical jigs, and the bite was around 350 feet. By 6:30 the next morning, only one person was awake in each boat. We hauled in 31 blackfin with the help of an electric reel. I helped position the outriggers for morning trolling back to the

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docks and caught a nice mahi. Then I caught a nice snooze in the beanbag. It was amazing!”

I rejoined the team on the last day of the tournament. We dropped baits 60 feet around a system of ocean-floor oil pipes and pulled up some nice red snapper. It was nice of the DNR to give us an additional weekend of open season right at the last minute.

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HENDERSONVILLE, NC: Great Streams (and Craft Beverages) Await

I

f you’re an angler who enjoys following up a day on mountain trout streams with a refreshing craft beverage or two, cast your attention to the Blue Ridge mountain town of Hendersonville.

This North Carolina town, about 22 miles south of Asheville, offers miles of stocked trout waters, as well as the popular Hendersonville Cheers!

Trail. The two resources make it possible to spend the day catching three types of trout – rainbow, brown and brook – while spending an evening exploring three types of craft beverages – beer, wine and hard cider.

First, the fishing part. North Mills River is the prime trout stream in the Hendersonville area. The river’s 4-mile section of delayed harvest waters receives an annual infusion of 11,000 trout from N.C. Wildlife. Spring is a great time to fly fish the delayed harvest waters of North Mills River because no trout have been harvested since Sept. 30.

Another hot spot for trout fishing is just across the Henderson County line toward Brevard. The Davidson River offers miles of public trout waters that receive annual stockings of 16,500 fish.

Other lesser-known fishing spots near Hendersonville include three streams on the eastern side of Henderson County, about 20 to 30 minutes from downtown. Rocky Broad River has a 1.2-mile stretch of hatchery support waters, while Cane Creek, near the Fletcher community, has 1.5-mile stretch of hatchery supported waters.

For those who really want a unique experience, Little River in DuPont State Recreational Forest provides a scenic setting for trout fishing. Delayed harvest waters flow through undisturbed mountains and over several notable

waterfalls. Those waterfalls were immortalized on Hollywood’s silver screen in The Last of the Mohicans, as well as the backdrop for the exploits of Katniss Everdeen in the original Hunger Games movie.

When the fishing is done, the Cheers! Trail awaits. The trail is one of North Carolina’s best, featuring 16 craft producers offering a variety of experiences.

Beer fans love Sierra Nevada’s tasting room, which is one of the largest on the East Coast and features an expansive patio and outdoor amphitheater, while Bold Rock Hard Cider has emerged as a national leader in the hard cider industry and regularly hosts live music (indoors and outdoors), along with cidery tours and a food truck.

Several craft producers on the trail create small-batch beverages prized for their quality and originality. Three breweries – Southern Appalachian, Triskelion and Guidon – are within a few blocks of each other in the Depot District, while Sanctuary Brewing Co. is only a few blocks away on Main Street.

Three wineries produce high-quality wines from European varietals. The newest – Point Lookout Vineyards – is located atop a 3,000-foot mountain with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards is on farmland that’s been in the family for more than nine generations. And two miles from Saint Paul, Burntshirt Vineyards offers tastings in its renovated farmhouse overlooking rolling hills of vines.

For complete Hendersonville information and lodging details, call 800-828-4244 or visit www.VisitHendersonvilleNC.org.

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