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BIG BEND : Mike McNamara • (850) 510-7919 • captmike@coastalanglermagazine.com BREVARD : Chris Milner • (321) 631-1001 • cmilner@coastalanglermagazine.com DAYTONA/NEW SMYRNA/DELAND : Amy Chibbaro • (386) 478-3812 • achibbaro@coastalanglermagazine.com Chris Chibbaro • (386) 478-9234 • cchibbaro@coastalanglermagazine.com FLORIDA KEYS : Cliff Lumpkin • (305) 849-9093 • cliff@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT LAUDERDALE : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT MYERS : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER ORLANDO : Phillip & Giselle Wolf • (407) 790-9515 • phillip@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER MIAMI : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com LAKELAND & SUMTER : Mary Brasher • (352) 598-4219 • maryf@coastalanglermagazine.com NAPLES : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com NC FLORIDA/NATURE COAST : Cary & Lynn Crutchfield • (352) 372-4237 • crutch@coastalanglermagazine.com NE FLORIDA : Danny Patrick • (904) 742-4696 • danny@coastalanglermagazine.com PANAMA CITY/FORGOTTEN COAST : Randy Cnota • (229) 834-7880 • randyc@coastalanglermagazine.com PALM BEACH COUNTY : Barbara Ryan • (561) 373-8040 • barbara@coastalanglermagazine.com SARASOTA : Phil Prevoir • (239) 257-4684 • pprevoir@coastalanglermagazine.com TAMPA BAY : Chuck Atkins • (239) 464-5153 • chuck@coastalanglermagazine.com TREASURE COAST : Misti & Gary Guertin • (772) 285-6850 • treasurecoast@coastalanglermagazine.com flahama@coastalanglermagazine.com
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Losing Count On The Clinch River By Nick Carter
E
very now and then, there are magical days when all the variables align. It can seem almost too easy. The fish just eat what you’re throwing, and it’s glorious. Of course, these days happen more often for those who have a fishery dialed in. And for the rest of us who can’t be on the water daily to learn a river, the next best thing is to go with someone who can. That’s where Capt. Dane Law and Bill Stranahan, of Southeastern Anglers, stepped in during a recent trip on the Clinch River, northwest of Knoxville, Tenn. The Clinch is one of the Southeast’s
premier trout fisheries. It is a 13-mile tailwater fed by cold, oxygenated waters of Norris Dam. Tennessee stocks the river with rainbow and brown trout, and bank anglers line up near stocking points to pitch baits for a seven-fish limit. That’s all well and good, but for anglers in search of more than a fish dinner, the river is great because of all the trout that survive this initial onslaught. There is some natural reproduction in the river, and with a 14- to 20-inch protected length range and an allowance of one keeper fish longer than 20 inches, trout that reach the protected slot are free to grow. And they grow quickly. The Clinch has gained a reputation for being fickle and for requiring delicate presentation of tiny flies. “The Grinch or The Cinch,” is a clichéd phrase Bill related to me while launching his jet-powered G3 on a hot Tuesday morning in June. By mid-afternoon, it was difficult to imagine this river being stingy. Maybe a minute into our first drift, Dane hooked up with a gorgeous rainbow that pushed the upper end of that 20-inch slot. It was an indicator of good things to come. The action remained constant for the next five hours. We must have caught 30 or more trout, including four that measured 18 to 20 inches and a couple presumably larger fish that snapped the 6x tippet required to draw strikes. And it was simple fishing. Dane and Bill showed up armed to the teeth with 5- to 7-weight rods and reels, with everything from floating to 300-grain sinking lines. Their flies ran the gamut from tiny midges to big articulated streamers. On this day, the vast majority of their arsenal saw no action. The only thing we needed was Bill’s initial suggestion: a size 16 bead-head Prince Nymph dropped 5 feet beneath a foam hopper. Several times, Dane or Bill remarked that the river normally doesn’t fish this ridiculously well. But when it all comes together, there is nothing more fun than floating a river and losing count of the fish. Southeastern Anglers is a multi-state fly fishing outfitter. Check out all the trips they offer at www.southeasternanglers.com
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Destination: Fishing!
Using Technology For Rhode Island Stripers By Tom Schlichter
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t’s hard to find a place better suited for catching trophy striped bass than the waters surrounding Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay area. With a mix of rocky bottom, strong currents and tons of forage species in nearby ocean waters, plus miles of mud flats inside the bay, this stretch is loaded with big fish potential. Flippin Out Charters skipper BJ Silvia has mined these waters for more than 30 years. He’s boated hundreds of bass in the 40-pound class, plus five weighing 50 to 54 pounds… and he thinks the fishing here is on the verge of getting better! “The number of stripers coming through the ranks right now is amazing,” he said, “We’ve got plenty of cow bass, plus an unprecedented number of fish ranging from shorts to 20 pounds. If we protect the young year classes over the next few years, the potential is outstanding.”
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The shallow waters of Narragansett Bay receive a solid shot of big stripers each May, the 48-year old revealed. Those fish drop out of the Hudson River and spread across the mud flats, traveling in small wolf packs that most anglers target with random casting. Using the latest technology, however, gives Silvia a big edge. He’s hooked on side-scanning sonar to isolate the bass packs on the flats. “Any fishfinder can spot fish below the boat,” Silvia emphasized, “but my Humminbird Solix 15 scans the surrounding waters with super-clear images that push out several hundred feet. For the sharpest images, I set my system to scan within 100 feet. Once we spot these fish, we target them with big plugs like a Musky Mania Doc or topwater spooks. Last spring, the big bass were more spread out than usual, so my Solix proved a lifesaver. It helped get me on the fish quickly, which resulted in more fishing and less searching around.” Technology counts later in the summer as well, added Silvia. Once the stripers leave the shallows, they hold around bottom humps in ocean depths ranging from 20 to 50 feet during July and August. Here, the striper sharpie targets cows using live eels. He’ll fish one weightless rig, one with a small egg sinker, and a third with more weight based on drift speed. On tough days, he said, the biggest bass often prefer the lightest rigs. Focusing again on his technological edge, Silvia noted the bestknown striper spots see tremendous pressure, so he uses his Humminbird fishfinders (he also has a Solix 12 and Solix 10) to look for isolated pieces that don’t show up on the charts. “I use the auto-chart live feature to record them as way points,” he said. “That way, I’m hitting small spots others miss. These often hold the biggest fish.” Contact Silvia at Flippin Out Charters (Flippinoutcharters.com; 401-529-2267). To go it alone, tie-up or launch from Fort Adams State Park Newport, RI (www.dem.gov; 401-847-2400). For overnight accommodations, The Courtyard by Marriot, Middletown, RI (www. marriot.com; 401-849-8000) is reasonably priced and a five-minute drive from the water.
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America’s Boating Club Delivers Boating Education
W
hen it comes to boating education, nothing beats getting out on the water with an instructor. Whether you are learning about the subtlety of throttle control while docking or decision making based on the rules of the road while underway, having a knowledgeable instructor to guide you is irreplaceable. A good source for on-the-water boater education is United States Power Squadrons – America’s Boating Club. Your local squadron will have a schedule of courses covering topics like boat safety equipment and procedures, basic vessel operation and controls, close quarters maneuvering, operating a boat on plane, docking, anchoring, emergency maneuvers and man overboard recovery, to name a few. To bolster your on-the-water training, America’s Boating Club has released digital assets designed to enhance boating education with the Digital Media Library and America’s Boating Channel. Funded by grants from the United States Coast Guard, United States Power Squadrons – America’s Boating Club’s Digital Media Library houses multiple formats of digital media focused on boating safety and boater education including videos, slideshows, images, animations, audio presentations and instructor’s manuals. Videos have also been made available through a YouTube channel, America’s Boating Channel, to allow users to stream video content online. Videos and animations cover a wide range of topics and are organized into sections like Planning, Departure, Underway and Arrival. Each video goes into more detail tackling subjects like life jackets, vessel inspections, steering basics, anchoring, man overboard, docking, mooring and shoreline landings. “In an ongoing effort to make boater education more accessible, we have turned to digital and online resources to disseminate the latest information,” said Gary Cheney, chief commander, United States Power Squadrons. “The mission of the United States Power Squadrons is to promote safe boating through education. By offering video assets through the Digital Media Library and America’s Boating Channel, we give
individuals access to vital boating information that they can view at home or on the go. It’s all part of making it easier than ever before to become a safer and more knowledgeable boater.” Providing original multimedia content instructors can use to enhance their classroom offerings, the Digital Media Library lets individuals view videos at home to reinforce what is learned in class. Videos provide an introduction to a range of boating topics, essential skills and etiquette. Links to “Learn More” at the end of each video promote further education. New content is added regularly. A new video series currently in production includes four videos on various aspects of life jackets, six on personal watercraft operation and one each on accident reporting, frequently asked questions about navigation rules, visual distress signals and mobile maritime service identities. Videos are also available in both English and Spanish. The Digital Media Library can be accessed at uspsdml.org/videos/. America’s Boating Channel can be found at americasboatingchannel.com/. Knowledge is key to a safe and enjoyable time on the water. United States Power Squadrons – America’s Boating Club, has the materials you need to enhance your education. Find your local squadron at www. americasboatingclub.org and sign up for a class today!
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FISH & FISHING
Hunting Sharks
MARK SOSIN
M
ost anglers go out of their way to avoid hooking a shark. In their minds, anyone who actually hunts sharks doesn’t know much about fishing and has his priorities mixed up. They reason that these toothy critters don’t put up much of a battle. With sharks of any size and particularly in relatively shallow water, you’re going to have to crank the engine and chase them with the boat. Two of the toughest and most memorable battles I have ever endured involved sharks that pounced on a fish I had almost landed. In the first instance, I was leading a relatively small wahoo to the boat so we could release it. Suddenly, an oversized mako shark ate half of that fish in one bite and inadvertently got itself hooked. We chased that mako forever, and I put every ounce of pressure on it that I could until my arms and shoulders turned numb from the pain. During all that time, we hadn’t even slowed the shark down. Finally, in desperation, I purposely broke the shark off. The second battle took place over Pinas Reef in Panama, where I was getting close to landing a 250-pound black marlin. That’s when some unseen creature devoured the marlin in three bites. It took over an hour before I could bring that shark alongside the boat. It had to weigh at least 1,500 pounds and was half as long as the boat. That, by the way, was the biggest fish I’ve ever caught. Whenever and wherever you fish, keep a rod rigged and ready for sharks. It should have an abrasion leader about 10
feet long and 12 to 18 inches of single-strand wire between the abrasion leader and the hook. A circle hook should be your first choice because its hooking ratio is higher than any other type. And remember that you don’t have to set it. Unless you are only trolling, you want to be able to cast a bait in front of a cruising shark and retrieve it on the surface or close to it. A balao or a strip of natural bait should do the job. Casting to a cruising shark is exciting sport, but in areas that boast plenty of sharks, you can also anchor the boat and chum them with chunks of natural bait. You’ll need a quick release on the anchor, because a hooked shark will take off at considerable speed. Keep in mind that sharks on the flats or in relatively shallow water can be easily spooked, so your cast has to be on target. The bait should ease in front of the shark and appear as if it is getting away. Sharks do not have a bony skeleton like other fishes. They can literally turn their head and bite their tail, and their body is extremely strong. The best policy for any shark and particularly those of size is to keep them in the water and don’t bring them aboard the boat or try to handle them like other fishes. And, every shark has teeth, so be careful. If you’ve never hunted sharks, this is a good time to try. You’re going to be amazed at the battle they put up and how many times you have to follow them with the boat. Catching sharks can be exciting for anglers of any age, but if you take youngsters fishing, they’ll talk about catching it forever. Don’t pass up the opportunity to expand your fishing horizons.
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Center s Sheri Daye
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ogfish – it’s an ugly name for a pretty fish. It’s also one of the most delicious species in the world. I know some seafood shops that store hogfish fillets behind the counter and bring it out only for special customers. I’ve had chefs beg me for hogfish once they found out I was into spearfishing. One chef wrote, “Not even for fresh broiled flounder could you pry my cold, dead hands off a hogfish fillet.” Some describe it as the perfect combination of flavor and texture because they are “sweeter than grouper, flakier than mahi, and as rich as scallops.” Their unique flavor is due to their diet of small crabs, shrimp and seashells, which translates into moist, white, tasty meat. Hogfish use their elongated snouts to root around in the sand for food, like a hog. Due to this tendency of searching with nose in the sand, it is very uncommon to catch them by hook and line, although it is possible to bait them with shrimp. Hogfish are sometimes thought of as nature’s gift to spearfishers, especially for beginners, because they are relatively abundant, relatively easy to spear, and such a prized catch. Hogfish can live up to 11 years, and they all start out as females. Upon reaching about 3 years and 14 inches, they transform into males with harem groups of females dominated by a larger male. Juveniles are pale pink and attain a deep dark band spanning from the snout to the first dorsal spine as they mature and turn into males. Maximum size is about 24 pounds. They can be found on rocky bottoms, ledges and reefs throughout the western Atlantic, from North Carolina and Bermuda, south to the Gulf of Mexico and the northern coast of South America. They are very common in Florida and the Bahamas and can be
found in shallow waters, ranging from 10-100 feet. Assuming you are in the right place to find them, here are some spearfishing tips: 1) Bag/size limits ensure a healthy stock and protect it from overfishing, so respect the local laws. 2) Look on reefs and especially on sand edges for bigger hogfish. 3) They are not difficult to spear, so take your time, be selective, and don’t take long shots. 4) They are abundant in the Bahamas. This is a good fish to practice your slinging/polespearing skills. Only take the shot if you are sure you can land it. 5) If you are not seeing any, try Sheri Daye displays a stirring up the bottom and make a world-record hogfish. sand cloud. If there are any in the vicinity, they will come to investigate. 6) Do not take advantage of their nature. Take one for dinner, and respect them for the beautiful experience and the delicious meal. Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer of “The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo” in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.
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FLORIDA
By Andy Flack, Canvas Designers Inc. ell, all the boats have packed up and headed out from Old Bahama Bay to their homes. What a fantastic tournament. Congratulations to all the winners and everyone who came out and braved what has become the normal weather pattern of the Winner’s Circle Tournament. Winding up its 19th year, Winner’s Circle Charities has surpassed $2 million in funds distributed to worthwhile charities. The charity partnership that started it all—The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, in the name of Brett Weinstein, will never be forgotten. Other leaders in the community have come on board to partner with Mike in his efforts. Rob Thomson of Waterfront Properties and Steve Moynihan of HMY Yachts are now co-hosts of the Winner’s Circle Charities Fishing Tournament with Mike as well. This year’s charity partners were Richard David Kann Melanoma Foundation, Waterfront Ways and Marine Industry Education Foundation. All of them were extremely grateful for the record-breaking year on the fundraising side. The fishing was also phenomenal. The tournament had record-breaking weights in all three categories tuna, dolphin and wahoo. One boat caught a billfish slam—white, blue and a sail. The new Lady Angler category saw Debi Cantor, of Waterfront 1, take the tuna and Lynne Henderson take the dolphin trophies home. On the leaderboard, the winners caught tournament record-breaking fish. The top three boats were: No. 1-MR. LTD, a 70’ Viking, took home Grand Champion honors with a total TDW weight of 237.8 pounds, which included
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a 115.2-pound tuna as well as a 99-pound wahoo, both tourney records. No. 2-Honky Tonk, a 42’ Invincible, took second place with a total TDW weight of 117.2 pounds. No. 3-Plum Krazy, a 41’ Bahama, rounded out the top three with a total TDW Weight of 94.1 pounds, which included a 63.3-pound dolphin, another tourney record. The tournament committee and our charities would like to thank all the anglers and sponsors. Without their support and generosity, this tournament and gala would not be possible. Visit www.winnerscirclecharities.org to keep up to date and watch for next year’s events.
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Get to know the local customs.
By Sean Hascup • Photo by James Ferrera
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The beautiful seaside community of Martin County, Florida, is thrilled to welcome the new U.S. Customs Facility to Witham Field. The facility will serve marine and aviation needs, providing efficient, streamlined customs processing alongside the customized aviation services of Atlantic Aviation and Stuart Jet Center. And, of course, just around the corner is the naturally quaint beauty of Southeast Florida’s hidden gem, just begging to be explored.
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lease take a seat. I’m going to prepare you for a freedive. Concentrate on your heart rate, listening carefully to your breathing (you want to hear it), and get your breathing cycles in sync. Start with slow inhales… even slower concentrated exhales. Try filling your belly with your inhales, not your chest, keeping your shoulders low. Relax your neck, legs, arms, back and the rest of your body. Once your breathing feels relaxed and in sync, close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Do four breathing cycles as explained above before slowly opening your eyes. Once you have opened your eyes, keep up the relaxed breathing, it should be easier to have your cycles in sync now. Now I’m going to show you a simple cycle for a longer breath hold. See if you can hold your breath for the rest of the article after you combine what you have focused on from above with the next breathing cycle below; it should feel more natural to you by now. Are You Ready? If you’re not feeling comfortable, don’t worry. That is normal. See how long you can last, but don’t push it. If at any time you start feel uncomfortable or are just ready to breathe, do it! Follow This Cycle: Inhale... Slow Exhale... Inhale... Slow Exhale... Inhale… Slight Hold... Exhale... Inhale... Hold... Read! Slowly roll and break below the ocean’s surface, with wide leg kicks bringing you down to the sea floor. As you descend, you can feel your body compress as the ocean hugs you in. You gently land on the bottom, concealing yourself behind a sea fan. Your wetsuit acts as camouflage, blending in with the surroundings. Grabbing onto rocks, you slowly pull yourself across the bottom next to corals teeming with life. As you approach the ledge, you spot a sleeping sea turtle on the edge of the reef, its arms folded in and its eyes resting. When you get closer, you see how detailed its ornate shell is. You lie in the sand a few feet from your new friend. As you stare in awe, it begins to feel your presence. Opening its eyes slowly, it looks you right in the soul and gives a slight roll, as to say, “Good morning pal, what the heck are you doing here?” Then it slips away from the reef as it carves effortlessly into the sea. You realize the moment is fading, and you must return to the surface. Inhale... Slight Hold... Exhale... Inhale… Slight Hold... Exhale... Inhale... Relax. High fives to your freedive buddy, who was close by watching your dive. What an epic experience! And that was only the first dive of the day! Sean Hascup is a spearfishing and travel guide at Hascup Hunts International. See his advantures online at www.SpearfishingGuides.com, Facebook.com/HascupHuntsInternational and Instagram.com/Blood_Sweat_And_Spears. Email him at HascupHunts@Gmail.com.
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t wasn’t all that long ago that the public of perception anglers evoked images of old men in floppy brown hats. That’s no longer the case. It’s cool to fish these days, and the gear and apparel associated with the sport have seeped into the wider market of coastal life. Likewise, crossover into fishing from surf sports, diving and other recreational pursuits has created a marketplace driven more by the overall saltwater lifestyle than any particular sport. The recognition of this evolution is what led Surf Expo to unveil a new Bluewater inshore and offshore fishing category at its twice-a-year trade shows. “You look at Instagram and see surf brands on guys fishing offshore. There are inshore anglers wearing Rip Curl and Billabong,” said Surf
The show features more than 2,500 booths of apparel and hardgoods and a full line-up of special events, including fashion shows, awards ceremonies, education and demos. Average buyer and exhibitor turnout exceeds 28,600 attendees per show. The main attractions at Surf Expo have always been the hard goods, the powerboats and surfboards, kayaks, kite boards, wakesurf boards and SUPs. Everyone has seen the transition of traditional paddlesports into angling over the last decade. The rapid emergence of fishing kayaks and SUPs has proven to be much more than a flash in the pan. The soft products, the apparel and accessories, go along with the hard goods. Andres said an outfitter could fill the whole store, front to
Expo sales manager Kenneth Andres. “The same is going on with the surfers. Those guys are out there in Pelagic and Fish Hippie. We are the pivot point… you can see all of this crossover at Surf Expo. ” The largest and longest-running board sports and beach/resort lifestyle show on the planet welcomed fishing to the cool kids’ table in January 2018. Their Bluewater debut included 15 fishing exhibitors with some heavy-hitting brands like Salt Life, Heybo Outdoors, Hell’s Bay Boatworks, Hooked Soul, Bimini Bay and Calcutta Outdoors. Feedback from buyers and exhibitors was overwhelmingly positive, and the Bluewater category is growing headed into Surf Expo’s Sept. 6-8 show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. “We offer the opportunity for buyers to see the latest in trends for hard and soft goods in coastal life,” said Andres. “With our confluence from southern California, the Pacific Northwest, the Caribbean, Central and South America, the Northeast and the Southeast, this is a trend-setting show. “We’re trying to get the word out to retailers. We’re inviting outfitters to come check it out,” Andres continued. “We want fishing and boating retailers and marinas to come to the show and put product that’s going to sell into their stores. And if they’re not ready to buy, they can at least see these trends for themselves.”
back by attending Surf Expo. He said these soft goods are where a lot of the aforementioned crossover is going on. The vacation industry, with the buying power of hotels, resorts and cruise lines, is outfitting shops with the trends they see at Surf Expo. And above it all, Surf Expo is a pure, trade-only event, which eliminates the hubbub and beef-jerky hawkers of open-to-the-public trade shows. Intentionally held during retail down time—the September and January restocking periods for outdoor-sports retailers—it is a marketplace to get business done in a laid-back atmosphere. “When people come to the Surf Expo for the first time, they notice the relaxed, cool atmosphere. It’s that lifestyle we all buy into, and there are a lot of beautiful people at a surf show,” said Andres. “It’s just a great place to be if you’re in the water sports industry. If you’ve got a shop, come check it out for yourself.” The September Surf Expo kicks off with a “BBQ & Bluegrass” demo day sponsored by Costa from noon to 5 p.m. on Sept. 5. Buyers and media are invited to Turkey Lake at Bill Fredrick Park in Orlando to demo boats and products and to eat while listening to live music from the Blue Cypress Bluegrass Band.
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For more information on the Surf Expo, go to www.surfexpo.com.
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By Randy Cnota
R
esidents of Eastpoint, Fla., in Franklin County, suffered a devastating loss in the early morning hours of Sunday, June 23. More than 30 homes were destroyed when a prescribed burn raged out of control and ravaged this small town. The widespread fire moved rapidly, giving residents mere moments to escape with their lives. An estimated 200 people are now displaced as a result of this tragedy. Many lost all that they owned. It’s a hard life in Eastpoint. Most residents are seafood workers who perform the grueling task of tilling the bays for oysters. The bay system, which has for so many years produced the world’s best
oysters and allowed this community to thrive, has been plagued with disasters. Over recent years, floods, the oil spill and water-control disputes have overwhelmed this small town, making the hard living on the sea even harder. Many had to choose between paying for insurance and putting food on the table, which has made the impact of this fire all the worse. The people of this and neighboring communities have come together to help as best they can, but even this resilient bunch have been dealt a blow that seems insurmountable. Day by day, however, they go on about the business of helping each other clean-up, rebuild and get back to work. These folks are some of the toughest, kindest and hardest-working people you’ll ever meet. Perhaps there’s a reason for the many tests they’ve faced, but for now it’s plainly obvious that Eastpoint could use some help. Whether you’re an oyster-eating angler like me who appreciates what small towns like this offer our society, or if you’re just moved by the human impact of this event, your help would be greatly appreciated by so many. The Franklin Co. Sheriff ’s Office is spearheading relief efforts to assist with housing, clothing, food and even boats so these folks can get to work. The campaign has gained momentum, and we ask that you help keep it going. If you’d like to contribute, go to their Gofundme site or mail your contribution to the Franklin County Sheriff ’s Office 270 SR 65 Eastpoint, FL 32328 made payable to FCSO charity fund. For more information, contact Ginger Coulter at (850) 670-8500. Randy “C-Note” Cnota is co-publisher of the Panama City/ Forgotten Coast edition of Coastal Angler Magazine and owner of C-note Charters in Panama City, Fla. Check him out at cnotcharters.com. To donate towards the gofundme.com account, go to
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By CAM Staff
A
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.
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COOK UP THAT RED SNAPPER YOU CAUGHT DEEP FRIED GULF RED SNAPPER • Red Snapper Fillets (as many as you want) • 2 boxes Zataran’s Fish Fry • 1 gallon peanut oil • 2 bottles of Louisiana Hot Sauce This is a simple way to fry fish, but if you use fresh caught snapper/grouper or similar fish, you won’t want to eat it any other way! Trim all red meat from fillets, and cut into finger-like pieces. Place the pieces of fish in a glass bowl or container and pour the hot sauce over the fish. Put in the refrigerator while you heat up the oil and drink a couple cold beers. Heat oil in large iron or stainless pot on outdoor cooker. Heat oil to 350°F. (Wait until the oil stabilizes at 350°F before attempting to fry.) Pour Zataran’s fish fry in to gallon sized Zip-Loc Bag. Drop 5 or six pieces of fish into bag and shake to coat. Drop fillets in hot oil and fry for 1-2 minutes or until the pieces float. Remove and place on a plate with paper towels - eat while hot!
Paul Caruso
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Chappy
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Contributing Writers Capt. Charlie Gray Capt. Dan Kolenich Capt. Don McPherson Capt. Johnny Willis
Benton Parrott/Team Hobie Berkley Hartzog Kevin Freeland/Dive Pros Rich Ellison
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MOBILE / DAUPHIN ISLAND BY: CAPT. CHARLIE GRAY colors, natural, brown and the Cajun pepper or a Matrix shad in the same color patterns. I have been top water fishing a lot lately to avoid the heat. I have had a lot of success with a Yo-Zuri 3DB Pencil in Ghost Shad color. There is nothing like a blow up on a top water plug early in the morning before the sun rises. Also, another great way to catch trout and redfish is to look for diving birds and ease or drift into them casting toward the divers. Be quiet, big motor off, use stealth! Sometimes you will find the school the birds are diving on is loaded with catfish and other trash fish, but the trout may be under those trash fish. The redfish will be in their usual spots too, over oyster beds and shells and along the points of rivers and around streams that dump into the larger bodies of water; salinity and water temps don’t affect the reds like it will the trout. The big bull reds will be on Dixey Bar and around the Sand Island lighthouse. These are our breeder stock fish, so please practice “CPR”: Catch, photo and release. The triple tail or blackfish will still be here, look for floating debris as they will float along under it, and toss a big shrimp at them and hang on! We have openings still available for the late summer and fall so give us a call and Lets Go Catching! Gray Gulf Charters, Capt Charlie Gray, you call ME, you get ME! We are not a guide broker, we are local. Visit us on Facebook and Twitter and follow us on Instagram too, Until next month, Tight Lines and Good Fishing!
NG
hes
T
he thermometer is still showing as a long red stripe! It is still very hot, and the water is warm and gets warmer as the sun rises, so you will need to fish early in the morning and late in the afternoon to get the best bite for speckled trout. I will continue to use live shrimp under a popping cork in the shallow waters early. In the deeper areas you can suspend a live bait under a slip cork to find the fish. Once you locate fish, a plastic shrimp imitation or finfish imitation will also produce quality fish. I prefer the Vudu shrimp in several
Capt. Charlie Gray Gray Gulf Charters Dauphin Island / Mobile Bay / Ft Morgan Alabama 251.379.5067 Charlie@Graygulfcharters.com www.Graygulfcharters.com
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KAYAK REPORT BY: BENTON PARROTT
I
t’s time for those early mornings on the water before the sunrise. A cup of coffee and a topwater getting exploded on just sets the tone for the day. Early on calm days we have been throwing the spook jr. in bone and mullet pattern with good results. If we have a little wind we are using the Raapala skitterwalk to make a little more noise on the surface. I like working my topwaters slow but change it up a bit walking it back at different speeds to see what the fish will react to. As the sun rises switch over to suspending baits and soft plastics. Suspending baits like the Rapala shadow rap and Ripstop. I like to work at different speeds back to the kayak taking short “jerks” in burst and it letting stop and pause for a few seconds. This gives that following fish time to react to the paused bait and strike. I am catching more quality fish on the soft plastics this year. Slow rolled across the bottom, flutter bounced, or just speed ripped back to you with pauses has been producing strikes. I use Saltwater Assassin for the soft body and great action rigged on a pro elite jig head. The colors as with all baits I use depends on the water clarity I am fishing. Clear water I want a more natural presentation whereas in dirty
water with low visibility I use the louder colors or one with chartreuse tails. Not to miss in August! On August 4th the 5th annual Bayou La Batre Kayak Classic Fishing Tournament is being held in Bayou La Batre, AL.There are prizes up for grabs as long with a master angler title. Also on the 4th IFA Kayak tour will be in Houma, LA. This catch photo and release tournament is based off the length of your best combined length of 1 redfish and 1 speckled trout. You have to fish 2 IFA events to be eligible to fish the Championship this fall. For the bass guys the Kayak Bass Fishing Trail Tournament Series will be in Cedar Creek Lake, Kentucky on August 11th. Not this month but the King Of The Island Offshore tournament out of Pensacola Beach is coming up in September so mark your calendar and start getting ready for this one! Don’t forget we keep a running tab on what’s happening in the kayak community on our Facebook page Kayak Fishing U. With these longer days out in the sun take care of yourself. Wear protective clothing, a buff, and sunscreen when out fishing. It makes a huge difference in how I feel at the end of a day and how long I can stay out and fish. Remember while fishing from a kayak to always think safety. We are low to the water and not always easily seen. Keep a 360 degree light on at dark and low light conditions, wear a PFD, keep hydrated, and let someone know your float plan. Benton Parrott Hobie Regional Team / Pro Staff Fishing Guide dbparrott@bellsouth.net
NIGHT FISHING REPORT: DOCK LIGHT BLUES BY: RICH ELLISON
T
o me there is nothing pleasant about fishing in 95-degree weather. The older I get, the harder it is for me to fish in this blasted heat. Most of the time you can find me on the night shift, paddling in my Hobie Outback. There are several advantages to fishing at night. First, you aren’t subject to heat stroke. That alone is worth giving it a try. Secondly, if you can find a dock light that has been well lit in some good brackish water, you may fill your cooler rather quickly. Third, these fish are easy to harvest. If you roll up on a dock light that has fish popping the surface, there’s a better than average chance you’re going to catch
a few. If you can find a string of dock lights, well that is the ultimate night trip. June proved to be a tough month. It started off with a bang but fizzled out rather quickly. I essentially fish a handful of places. I like Daphne, Fairhope, Weeks Bay, Fish River, Bon Secour, & occasionally Little Lagoon. Under the right circumstances any of these places can fill your cooler. We had some weather that affected the fishing more than usual for this time of year. A west wind at night in Mobile Bay is best avoided. My go to lure is an 1/8 oz. jig with a Gulp swimming mullet. These tear up easily and are rather expensive, but I’ve found them to be worth the premium. If you prefer a cheaper plastic, feel free. You’ll catch fish, just not as many as me. When you approach the lights, try to keep a safe distance so you don’t spook the fish. When you do hook up, try your best to avoid disturbing the active light. If you do get pulled through a light by an uncooperative Bull Red, leave it alone immediately! The fish will return, but I’ve seen them shut down completely from overfishing. Why do I have the blues? There are no strings of good dock lights right now. The lights on the eastern shore are few and far between. When fishing from a kayak, you are obviously limited to
how much water you can cover in a night. Even worse, you find a good dock light & a discourteous boater motors right up to the action. It is hard to bite your tongue when this happens, but it is best to move along without incident. Just know that boat scared all the fish away. While we are on the topic of courtesy, I cannot overstate leaving docks alone that have people on them. If you do get on a good dock, be sure to practice ethical fishing. Once you’ve caught a limit, it’s best you move on. Staying will just educate the fish & hurt your prospects. One unnamed light in particular comes to my mind. It did my heavy lifting all month, but right now you couldn’t buy a bite. As we trudge forward into the dog days of summer, the night fishing will continue to improve. I have noticed a few speckled trout showing up North in the bay. It will be later summer before some of the bigger Bull Reds are regulars. Don’t be surprised if you catch a flounder. They are always a welcome surprise, as I have never caught one on purpose! Be sure to tell a friend your float plan, light your boat and wear your PFD. The fishing is only going to get better (provided there are no hurricanes!) Rich Ellison Outback Fishing Adventures 251-223-7085
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MOBILE BAY / EASTERN SHORE BY: CAPT. DAN KOLENICH
I
t’s the end of July and feels like the middle of August. Water temps are in the upper 80’s and will be hitting 90 degrees by the end of the month. With all the rain this year the water is looking good in the delta. So, if your looking for some trout action you better be on the water before sunrise because they will be headed for deep water as the sun comes up. Look at some of the docks on the eastern shore early or some shallow points near deeper drop offs for some top water action. Once the sun comes up focus on the deeper structure like the rigs in the south end of the bay, Middle Bay Lighthouse, or drop offs in the Mobile River. Live shrimp on slip corks is the way to go in these deep water hideouts. If your looking for redfish, look for shell bottoms in three to six feet of water along the rivers in the Delta. Docks along the shore south of the causeway and the Mobile river are worth a look too. Try soft plastics on a 1/4 or 3/8 oz jig head or my favorite Hildebrandt spinner baits with a size 41/2 gold blade. Colors I like are root beer/chartreuse,
’s Mobile ha Yama Y L N O Master ian Technic
white/chartreuse, electric chicken, natural shrimp, and chartreuse/ red. A live shrimp on a carolina rig will also be productive. Don’t be surprised if you find a flounder hanging out in these same places. If your looking for some flounder action a curly tail grub on a 3/8 oz jig head or a bull minnow on a carolina rig will help you find success. Look at the points in the delta like Tensaw Point or any of the many others that look like it. It looks like we’re in for a long hot summer, so hit it early and fish hard so you can be headed for the AC by noon.
Middle Bay Boat Company SALES, SERVICE & PARTS
6110 RANGELINE RD • THEODORE, AL 36582 251-443-6020 • middlebay@bellsouth.net
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DIVING REPORT
GET IT IN GEAR: THE TEN ESSENTIALS BY: KEVIN FREELAND / DIVE PROS
T
he underwater world is breathtaking for those getting certified to SCUBA dive. The adrenaline rush is soon channeled into excitement for planning the next adventure and getting the coolest looking scuba outfit. But instead of going for broke, go for good advice. Just finishing the Open Water Course, divers are already on their way to owning a complete set of recreational dive gear as they have usually already invested in the personal basics of the Mask, Fins, Snorkel and Boots. The parts and pieces come in a myriad of brands, colors, and styles to meet all kinds of preferences and even different kinds of diving. Gulf Coast Dive Pros SCUBA Sales Manager Kurtis Freeland lays some groundwork for getting your gear. His key advice– “It is always best to have a trained salesperson assist you with the selection process,” Freeland says. The proper gear will make for a safe and comfortable adventure. So long as you have the ten essentials, you are set to get wet. 1.Mask ($25–$140) The SCUBA mask is the diver’s window to the underwater world. All SCUBA masks come with tempered glass which is less likely to shatter. They can also be made to include corrective lenses for those with less than 20/20 vision. Firstly, fit is important. “It takes two people to make sure both the inner and outer seals are secure to the face,” Freeland says. The points to pay attention to are the bridge of the nose, around the eyes, and the upper lip. “Remember to open your mouth when trying on a mask. You don’t scuba with your mouth closed,” reminds Freeland. The majority of masks available have a notched face plate with a nose pocket that protrudes past the lens. The nose pocket should allow one to pinch the nose to help equalize the ears as needed.. Some masks include peripheral vision windows or purge valves. The second most important factor is comfort. Some people are more comfortable with added features, but there is a trade off. “A mask that sits close to the face will have a lower profile and a lower volume that makes it easier to clear,” Freeland says. “The extras
usually add volume and added volume can make mask clearing more challenging.” 2. Snorkel ($15– $60) Snorkels allow people to breathe at the surface without having to lift the head out of the water. A proper snorkel will have a large bore, or tube diameter, to make breathing easy. A good rule of thumb is that the diver should be able to insert their thumb down to about the first knuckle into the top of the snorkel. Barrel length is also an important factor. To short and there will be allot of water splashing into the barrel, If it is too long, it will be hard to clear when it gets flooded or you will re-breathe exhaled air. “A simple contoured J-shaped snorkel is all you need,” Freeland says. Many SCUBA divers choose a flex snorkel. “When you release it, it falls out of the way, so you can insert your regulator. Divers who don’t have strong watermanship skills might consider a snorkel with a purge valve or even an exclusionary device that does not allow water in,” Freeland says. 3. Fins ($60–$220) Fins allow divers to move more easily through water using the powerful leg muscles instead of the arms. Basic styles include ones with adjustable heel straps or a full foot pocket. The adjustable ones are most common and have been preferred by SCUBA divers for Power and Durability. Full foot fins are making great strides in quality and innovation and are gaining popularity again with SCUBA divers. They are more suitable for boat entries or places with sandy entrance and exit points. Designs include paddle fins and split fins. Paddle fins are generally longer and wider, displacing water on only half the kick cycle. “These are preferred by divers who work against strong currents, occasionally need fast sprint capabilities or who may be carrying a heavy load,” Freeland says. Newer on the market, the split fins work differently. “The diver gets momentum on both the up and the down kick,” Freeland says. But you must make shorter flutter style kicks to move the water properly. “This is more aerobically efficient,” Freeland says. “Excellent for long swims and typical recreational diving situations.” “You want a fin that matches your body style.” essentially divers with long legs have long leg muscles and can push larger, longer style fins, but a diver with shorter leg muscles can achieve optimum propulsion with a smaller blade fin. Fins can come with detailed features like ribs, vents, and channels. They may reduce resistance and increase efficiency but are really a matter of
personal preference. Remember, if you’re buying adjustable fins, have your boots with you to try them on together. 4. Cylinders ($145–$210 sizes. Cylinder fills and cylinder rentals are inexpensive at Tsunami Gear SCUBA Centers. Divers who may want to consider investing in their own cylinders are those without ready access to a dive center, and those who dive a lot, such as SCUBA instructors. There is annual maintenance and inspection involved with owning cylinders. The two basic styles to consider are cylinders made of aluminum and steel. Steel is more durable and less buoyant. Steel cylinders can also carry higher pressure ratings that enable a higher volume of gas to be carried in a more compact cylinder. Steel is usually quite a bit more expensive than aluminum. 5. BCDs ($400-$800) The Buoyancy Compensator Device (BCD) has three functions. At the surface, it is inflated to act as a floatation device, allowing a diver to rest. While underwater it is deflated or partially inflated in order to control buoyancy helping the diver maintain a neutral (neither rising up or sinking down) position in the water . It is also the backpack that holds the cylinder in place. “The most critical aspect is the life jacket capability,” Freeland says. “It has to be sufficient to support the diver and all his equipment with his head and chin above the water at the surface.” The two popular styles today are the jacket and the back-inflation BCDs. “The jacket style helps a diver float more upright at the surface, and it is easier to surface swim,” Freeland says. But consider the trade off. “The back inflated variety is more streamlined while swimming underwater. It’s more aqua-dynamic.” When finding the right fit, remember the BCD needs to be comfortable over various thicknesses of wetsuits. “A jacket style should come around the torso with one to two inches gap in the front. You’ve also got to be able to reach and operate all the attachments without looking. It should not ride up and down when inflated,’ Freeland adds. Many BCDs are made with integrated weight systems. “They are convenient and more comfortable,” Freeland says. “And many of the early problems with integrated weight systems have been fixed.” There is a down side though. In a stressful situation, such as when a diver is having difficulty attaining adequate buoyancy at the surface, they are taught to release and drop the weight belt. “Unless you practice [dumping your weights] with the integrated systems, there is a tendency to forget about them,” Freeland says. 6. Regulators ($370-$800) The regulator is a device consisting of two separated “stages” which are both designed to “regulate” gas flow. Gas supplies are broken down in two “stages” from the supply pressure (the gas in the cylinder) to the “ambient” pressure (the pressure that surrounds the diver at the time they breathe from the mouthpiece). While there are many factors to consider when choosing a regulator system one of the most important might be it’s warranty and dealer support network. A diver will want to consider the warranty service
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that comes with the regulator that is often built into the price. “You want a reputable brand with outlets that can service it no matter where you go diving,” Freeland says. The warranty usually covers replacement parts, so repairs and maintenance will just involve labor fees. Knowledgeable salespeople will be able to assist in selection of regulator style based on a diver’s diving habits, physiology and typical diving profiles. “Give the salesperson an honest self-evaluation,” Freeland advises. “And if you’re on a budget, don’t overpay.” 7. Exposure suit: wet suit and dry suit ($200) There are two reasons to always wear protection in the water. First is to retard heat loss. Water conducts heat away from the body 20 to 25 times faster than air at the same temperature. Wet suits put a layer of insulating foam around the skin. The cells hold water that the body heats. Wetsuits are suitable for water down to about 50-degree F. A wet suit needs to be snug. “If not, the water flushes away and the body needs to heat more,” Freeland explains. A 3-5mm suit is the most common for diving in our waters. “That will work for about 70 percent of the year,” Freeland says. Accessories like a hood can be added in cooler months. “It is most important to protect the torso, head, and back of the neck.” Dry suits provide even more insulation by keeping the diver dry. Air conducts heat more poorly than water. Additional clothing can also be easily worn inside them. Dry suits require additional training to use. The second reason to wear an exposure suit is to protect the diver from the environment. Minor scrapes, stings, abrasions, and even sun burn could ruin a diving adventure.
8. Boots/Gloves ($30–$50/$10–$45) Boots and gloves are part of the diver’s exposure protection. Boots provide both physical protection from scrapes, stings and such but also provide much needed thermal protection for our feet. The same considerations apply for hands. Holding onto anchor lines, Deco lines and climbing boat ladders require good grips and protection. Of course, wrecks, rocks and pretty much anything that is submerged in the water for very long starts to have “growth” on it. That growth is usually a critter with a sharp edge or a sting. “Early on, [inexperienced] divers will need thicker gloves, as they tend to slip more and are more likely to have to use their hands to block themselves from coming into contact with underwater obstacles.” Freeland says. 9. Gauges/instruments (Analog: $100–$200/ Computers $225–$1,200) A submersible pressure gauge (SPG) shows the gas volume in the cylinder during the dive, mandatory since you don’t want to run out of gas mid-dive. It is usually purchased with the regulator system. First, you want something from a reputable dealer. Secondly, you want something easy to read. “How much money you spend depends on the investment in the sport,” Freeland says There are many styles to choose from including high-tech dive computers. If you do want a dive computer, it should be a well researched purchase. “The kind of computer should match the diving you do,” Freeland explains. “If you tend to have complicated dive profiles with multiple dives involving multiple depths and gases, you will want a more complex computer.” Simple or complex, a diver should look for the functions that match his or her needs.
“Learn to use it before you go diving with it,” Freeland cautions. “Don’t dive on your dive computer until you understand it completely, so you understand what’s going on.” Freeland notes divers should still back up their dives using the standard dive tables. 10. Brain (Priceless!) “The very best dive equipment in the world will not keep a poorly skilled diver safe,” Freeland says. For example, the submersible gauge will only tell you if you’re running low on gas if you look at it. Quality training and basic swimming skills cannot be replaced with high tech equipment. “Knowledge, skills, and abilities beat equipment every time,” Freeland says. Consider moving on to Advanced Diver certification to build dive skills. Even with the most basic equipment, a knowledgeable diver can have a great dive, and a safe dive, with the essentials. For more information As divers gain experience, they can target their preferences when its time to update the gear. Although, taking proper care of the gear will make it last a long time. Call your local Professional Dive Center to inquire about an Equipment Specialist course for learning optimum preventive maintenance practices. Dive Pros 7203 West Highway 98 * Pensacola FL 32507 Phone: (850) 456-8845 * Fax: (850) 456-0025 florida-divepros.com
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OFFSHORE REPORT BY: CAPT. DON MCPHERSON
W
ow! The summer is flying by. July gave us some nice weather days with a few not so good days. Fishing improved after the big bright moon disappeared and the strong west current backed off. Now for August. Red snapper season for federally permitted charter boats will end on July 21st. Recreational fishing for red snapper will continue through Labor Day weekend with weekends only. The good red snapper bite should continue but will have to be released after season closes.
Triggerfish will also have to be released. Amberjack will open August 1st. On a half-day trip, you may target vermillion snapper, possibly amberjack and fish for a big bull shark. Trolling for kings, Spanish mackerel and bonita can be a fun option on a 4-hour trip. Looking for more variety and more fish to keep? A full day of fishing offshore should give you a chance at scamp grouper, red grouper, gag grouper, vermillion snapper, white snapper, Almaco jacks, amberjack, king mackerel and possibly a wahoo.
The tuna bite has been slow offshore, but will hopefully improve very soon. Throw in an extra bag of ice for August, pack plenty of cold drinks and let’s go fishing! Capt. Don McPherson 251-752-0235 Getaway Charters www.getawaycharters.com
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Boats located at: Sportsman Marina 27844 Canal Rd Orange Beach, AL CHECK AVAILABILITY & BOOK ONLINE QUICK & EASY
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Getaway Charters offers half day to full day fishing charters for Orange Beach, Perdido Key, Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan and surrounding areas. We welcome first-time anglers to the well experienced anglers. Our charters are also very family friendly. Kids as young as four years old often join us. Morning or afternoon trips are available. Looking for the more serious deep sea fishing for snapper, grouper, wahoo and more? Offshore big game trolling, deep drop fishing and offshore bottom fishing are all options. We have three beautiful fishing boats with cool a/c, comfortable seating, clean restrooms, Sirius Satellite Stereo and friendly captains and deckhands. Come join us!
8 ALABAMA / PENSACOLA, FL | AUGUST 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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FISHING FOR AMBERJACK IN ORANGE BEACH BY: CAPT. DON MCPHERSON
O
range Beach, Alabama amberjack fishing is very popular with many anglers. Everyone loves the feel and thrill of a big amberjack pulling drag and bending the rod. These big fish commonly weigh 20 to 40 pounds with some weighing near 70-100+ pounds. The federal fishing regulations are minimum length of 34 inches. We usually travel offshore to find the bigger ones. I recommend a 12-hour amberjack fishing charter to chase the larger fish. We will also fish for many other species while on the longer trips. Orange Beach amberjack season will re-open again from August 1st-October 31st. Capt. Don McPherson 251-752-0235 Getaway Charters www.getawaycharters.com
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM | AUGUST 2018 | ALABAMA / PENSACOLA, FL 9
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► Broxson Outdoors, Navarre, FL ► Blue Water Ships Store, Foley ► Goin Fishing, Pensacola, FL ► Grey's Tackle, Pensacola, FL
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ALABAMA / PENSACOLA Brag Board SPONSORED BY BRUNSON NET & SUPPLY NC. Paul Caruso shows off a beautiful Red Snapper caught off of Orange Beach.
Bill Mayo & Walt Roberts took 1st Place in the Alabama Bass Trail Series, North Division
Luiza shows off a beautiful cobia. Go to www. fishingwithluiza.com for more information of this amazing lady angler.
Even Santa Claus fished with The Chum Buddy to catch more fish.
Send in your brag board photo and have a chance to win a Bass Pro gift card!
If you have a catch to brag about, please send your information and a picture to: chappy@coastalanglermagazine.com
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7/17/2018 4:31:35 PM
OUR MISSION Pensacola Recreational Fisherman’s Association (PFRA) was established in 1999. We are a group of citizens who enjoy fishing and recognize the urgent need for recreational fisherman, private and charter, to form an organized group working to protect these rights.
The stronger our membership, the more effective our voice becomes!
JOIN US!
Next PRFA Meeting: August 14th, 6:30 PM Club Info: 850.384.7512 Event Info: 850.516.0515 www.pensacola.fish PRFA would like to thank our amazing partners!
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ORANGE BEACH BY: CAPT. JOHNNY WILLIS
T
he inshore fishing from Pensacola to Orange Beach/ Gulf Shores has been phenomenal. The warm weather and large amount of bait around the docks and grass
beds has had the trout, redfish, and flounder bite as good as it gets. Fan casting with ¼ oz. jigheads and a Matrix soft plastic is usually my fish locator working from the deep end of the duck or bed toward the shallow. If you don’t know what fan-casting is, I’ll tell you. Fan-casting is when you fish making a series of casts only a few degrees apart to cover a half circle (more or less). Often used to locate actively feeding fish. So, for now we are wishing you tight lines and good times. If you’d like to experience some great fishing fun, contact us at Lost Bay Charters. Captain Johnny Willis Lost Bay Charters 850-748-5076
41st Annual 2018 MBGFC Ladies Tournament AUGUST 3 – 5, 2018 51st Annual 2018 MBGFC Labor Day Invitational AUGUST 30 – SEPTEMBER 3, 2018
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM | AUGUST 2018 | ALABAMA / PENSACOLA, FL 17
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Pick up a copy of Coastal Angler Magazine every month at these local businesses! Grand Bay, AL
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Spanish Fort, AL Scott’s Landing Summit Shell * Bass Pro Shops
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n July, NOAA Fisheries announced a 50 percent reduction of the recreational mutton snapper bag limit for the Gulf of Mexico. The new regulations went into effect July 23. The recreational bag limit decreased from 10 mutton snapper per angler per day within the 10-snapper aggregate bag limit to 5 mutton snapper per angler per day within the 10-snapper aggregate bag limit. Minimum size limits were increased from 16 inches to 18 inches total length. The reduction was justified by a 2015 population assessment, which indicated mutton snapper are not experiencing overfishing and are not overfished, but that the adult population is smaller than was previously estimated. The reduction was deemed necessary to ensure overfishing does not occur. The new size limit also applies to the commercial sector, which will be affected by an annual catch limit reduction, as well. The annual catch limits for mutton snapper during 2018-2020 will be decreased from 203,000 pounds whole weight to: 134,424 pounds whole weight in 2018; 139,292 pounds whole weight in 2019; and 143,694 pounds whole weight in 2020 and subsequent years. The commercial minimum size limit for gag grouper was also increased from 22 to 24 inches total length to be consistent with recreational fisheries.
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AUGUST 2018
FLORIDA
13
7/18/18 9:32 AM
By Patrick Morrow From left, Tommy Holms, owner of Outcast Bait & Tackle, Kent Creel, and STAR winning angler Andrew Brown.
I
n July, a Panhandle angler won big in the state’s largest family-friendly fishing competition. CCA Florida STAR, presented by Yamaha, awarded Andrew Brown, of Pensacola, a $79,000 prize package for a tagged redfish he caught while wading Santa Rosa Bay. If you fish and haven’t yet registered for CCA Florida STAR, you could be missing out on the chance to win some huge prize packages. “Andrew is a perfect example of how it’s done,” said STAR Director Leiza Fitzgerald. “It was his first chance of the year to get on the
water after some health issues, and he made sure his membership was current and that he was registered for STAR. He shared that he was not going fishing without being registered.” Brown has been a CCA Florida member since 2015 and registered for and participated in STAR each year since the event’s inception. After catching his STAR-tagged redfish (tag #522), Brown met with CCA Florida representatives for verification on July 8 at Outcast Bait and Tackle in Pensacola. He chose a prize package that included a Contender Boats 22 Sport with a 200 HP Yamaha and a Rolls Axle Trailer. While the Tagged Redfish Division is the event’s most publicized division, with remaining prizes including a Conley Buick GMC Sierra Pickup or one of several Yamaha-powered boat packages from Hewes Boats, Carolina Skiff and Cottonmouth Boats, the event has 17 divisions and many opportunities to win, with most divisions determined by random drawing of all anglers who submit catch photos. Anglers of all ages and skill levels have opportunities to win, and kids ages 6-17 can register for free with their current ($10) CCA Florida youth membership. Registration is $40 for current CCA Florida members, or $75 for non-members, which includes CCA Florida membership. STAR runs through Labor Day, and anglers are encouraged to fish hard while there’s still a chance to get in on some awesome remaining prizes. “We’ve had 16 tagged redfish caught this season, but only two winners, simply because anglers weren’t registered and didn’t think it could happen to them,” said Brian Gorski, CCA Florida Executive Director. “And it’s not just about the tagged redfish, though prizes in that division are amazing, but there are so many ways for anglers to win in STAR, you just have to register.” All entries must be photographed with the official 2018 CCA Florida Measuring Device, which is available free of charge at various locations throughout the state, including all Florida West Marine stores, the preferred distribution location. For a full listing of measuring device locations, visit ccaflstar.com. For more information on STAR, or to register, visit ccaflstar.com.
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Take A Kid
By Cory Gurman
S
ummer is a popular time for families to take time out of their daily routines and travel near and far. Whether you are exploring new destinations or visiting relatives, there will most likely be fishing opportunities wherever you are going. Disney World in Florida, for example, has long been an icon for families who seek adventure in amusement parks; roller coasters, wet and wild rides, parades and dining all come together within this massive compound. What most people who visit these parks don’t realize is that this massive compound is dotted with hundreds of ponds that are well stocked with fish, most notably bass. You may fish on your own from the many access points or hire a guide for an awesome side adventure. This summer, I had the opportunity to travel to Panama and
visit friends as well as to tour the country. While Panama has an abundance of historic sites to visit, it’s also surrounded by both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, which made it easy to take a few days to sample their incredible fishing. My dad and I chose to chase the elusive rooster fish off the pacific coast, and we joined up with Capt. Dave Murphy in the small town of Boca Chica, Panama. Capt. Dave is formerly from the U.S. (Fla. Keys) and now owns and operates Reel Inn In Panama as a fishing guide service. Rooster fish inhabit the shallower waters of the Pacific, mostly around the rock outcroppings that protrude from the ocean floor. Our day started by filling the livewell with large blue runners we caught on sabikis. We headed to the first fishing spot and set two live baits out behind the boat. As we slow trolled the blue runners around this large rock outcropping, it became apparent just how far away from my home waters I was. The natural beauty of the Pacific Ocean is stunning. Within 40 minutes, line began to peel off one of the TLD 20s. After letting it eat for several seconds, I came tight on the fish and the rod doubled over. This fish had the tenacity of an amberjack and the running speed of a kingfish. After a long 20 minute battle, I landed a 50-plus-pound rooster fish. It was awesome! Two more days of fishing produced a total of four rooster fish and an experience of a lifetime. Capt. Dave Murphy provided lodging with first class service and a top-notch fishing experience. He can be reached through his website reelinninpanama.com. Cory Gurman is a student at Ponte Vedra High School in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Besides reveling in the great outdoors, Cory enjoys spending time with his three golden retrievers and rooting for the Atlanta Braves. Follow him on Instagram @fishhunter1119.
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FLY FISHING
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t’s summertime, and that means mako sharks on the fly in southern California! If you ever get a chance to try it, mako sharks are the premier summertime gamefish off our coast, and being able to sight fish a fly to them is an experience like no other in fly fishing. Here are some suggestions on tackle and flies to get you into the Mako shark game. Rods The fly rod used when mako shark fishing is more a fish fighting tool rather than a casting tool. Fly rods in the 12- to 15-weight range are what I recommend. These rods easily cast a large fly and have enough lifting power to fight a mako shark from deep water. For larger makos, I use one-piece custom rods that are 7 ½ feet to 8 feet in length and can cast a fly to 30 feet quickly and accurately. They are great fish-fighting tools, especially for makos in to 200- to 400-pound range. Reel The drag system must be able to apply at least 18 pounds of drag pressure at its maximum setting. Most fly reels used in the saltwater these days are designed to apply up to 20 pounds of drag pressure. The reason you want a reel to have this amount of drag pressure is to be able to apply maximum pressure on the fish when it is swimming away from the boat and during the final moments of the fight. You want to be able to “lock down” on the mako and hold it at the boat so you can get a quick release. If the drag is too light (not enough drag pressure), you will never get the mako to the boat. Line retrieval The rate at which the fly line can be retrieved depends on the size of the reel’s arbor. The larger the arbor, the more line you can retrieve in one revolution of the fly reel spool. I recommend using the largest arbor reel possible. Many fly reel companies make reels with large ar-
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bors specifically for big saltwater gamefish like makos, tuna and marlin. Flies The flies I use for mako sharks are large-profiled flies with a foam popper head. These flies are typically 8 to 12 inches long and tied on plastic tubing. I prefer tube flies because they are able to slide up and down the steel leader, saving the fly from getting eaten up by the shark. My hook size varies from 6/0 to very large 10/0. As for fly colors, red/orange combo is what I like best. This color combo is easy to see in tough lighting conditions. However, I will have one rig with a different color fly. The reason I do this is if the mako gets turned off by the red/orange color combo, a change in fly color can get the mako to react to a different color fly. Now go catch some Makos on the fly!!
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WC is reminding Florida anglers of its three Saltwater Angler Recognition programs. Anglers of all ages and skill levels can earn prizes such as certificates, shirts, hats, rods and reels, dehooking tools, rubber-coated nets and more. Successful anglers receive recognition in Florida Saltwater Recreational Fishing Regulations booklets and on the Club Members page of CatchaFloridaMemory.com, plus the chance to win monthly raffle prizes courtesy of generous program partners. Catch a Florida Memory programs also promote fisheries conservation. In addition to decreasing pressure on the most sought-after species, the photo entry process encourages catch and release and responsible fish handling. Saltwater Life List Similar to a birding life list, this program challenges anglers to track their progress at catching 71 different species of saltwater fish. Anglers who catch at least 10 different Life List species can join the Saltwater Fish Life List 10-Fish Club and receive additional prizes for 30, 50 and all 71 fish on the list. Saltwater Reel Big Fish Memorialize your Saltwater Reel Big Fish by submitting a photo of you with your catch and a photo of the fish over a measuring device. This program includes 30 different species in both adult and youth categories. Saltwater Grand Slams FWC has nine different Saltwater Grand Slams that award anglers for catching three specified fish within a 24-hour period. From the Inshore Grand Slam consisting of red drum, spotted seatrout and flounder to the Florida Grand Slam of permit, tarpon and bonefish, these challenges make you work to increase your fishing skills. Learn more about Catch a Florida Memory programs at CatchaFloridaMemory.com.
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ou don’t have to quit fishing just because it’s hot. You just have to fish at night rather than during the day. Oh yeah – and leave a light on. August is the perfect month to catch white bass, crappie and hybrid bass under lights. Young-of-the-year shad, the primary forage in many reservoirs, are just getting to “bite size” and sport fish are busy filling their bellies. To catch fish under the lights, anchor your boat in a strategic location just before dark. Your best bets are over a deep brushpile or artificial structure, creek channel ledge or mudflat. Once the sun sets, set out lanterns, floating lights or submersible halogen lights, and wait. What happens is a natural phenomenon of the aquatic food chain. The light attracts microscopic zooplankton, which attracts minnows and shad. When the lights have congregated a large school of shad, the predators show up below. Drop a jig or live bait down, and you’re in business. It might take a trip or two to become accustomed to fishing at night, and there are safety considerations to keep in mind. Once the sun sets, your boat needs to have navigation lights on. Wear your lifejacket and become familiar with the area before it gets dark. Go slow and use a hand-held spotlight to locate shorelines or obstacles while under power. Check out the July/August 2018 issue of Kansas Wildlife and Parks Magazine (ksoutdoors.com/Services/Publications/Magazine).
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lorida bass anglers might feel snubbed by the recent release of Bassmaster Magazine’s 2018 list of the country’s 100 best bass lakes. I mean, come on, don’t the editors at Bassmaster look at social media? The giant largemouth bass being caught from places like lakes Kingsley, Tohopekaliga and Istokpoga have to count for something. Run a search on the Florida TrophyCatch website, fisheries like the Ocklawaha Area waterways are producing scads of huge largemouth bass. Yet not a single Florida Mike Sabock caught this 10-pound, fishery made the top-10 of Bassmaster’s rankings, 6-ounce largemouth from Lake Hernando in July. Photo courtesy of while Michigan’s Lake St. www.TrophyCatchFlorida.com. Clair and Mille Lacs Lake in Minnesota ranked fourth and fifth, respectively. Are they trying to tell us bass fishing is better in Michigan or Minnesota, where the growing season is a fraction of what it is here in the sunshine state? In all of Minnesota, no one has ever caught a bass that weighed more than 9 pounds. The Minnesota state record largemouth, which has stood since 2005, weighed 8 pounds, 15 ounces. In Florida, a fish that size might not even warrant a photo. For decades, fisheries biologists across the country have been trying to ramp up bass fisheries in their states by introducing Florida-strain genetics. It’s all so they can give their anglers fishing almost as good as what we have in Florida. Texas is a shining example of what intensive management with Florida-strain fish can do for fisheries in producing big fish. When it comes to rankings, it all depends on how fisheries are judged. Bassmaster’s list might be better described as the nation’s best tournament bass lakes. Using statistics gathered from tournaments as well as from state biologists, ranking decisions were made by a panel, which undoubtedly needed to consider geographic distribution for the sake of their publication’s public perception. Looking at the statistics, it’s hard to argue against national rankings for lakes like Texas’ No. 1-ranked Sam Rayburn or Tennessee’s No. 2-ranked Chickamauga Lake. Those places are on fire right now. They are producing 40-pound, five-fish tournament sacks. But for raw numbers of truly big bass—those weighing more than 10 pounds—Florida must be right up there at the top of the list with California. The bone thrown to our Florida fisheries was a ranking as the No. 3 state for total number of fisheries to make the top 100. Florida ranked third behind No. 1 Texas and No. 2 California. Seven Florida fisheries ranked in the top 25 for bass lakes in the Southeast. They were: No. 4 Okeechobee, No. 5 Tohopekaliga, No. 7 Istokpoga, No. 10 Seminole, No. 11 Rodman Reservoir, No. 18 Harris Chain, and No. 24 Kenansville Reservoir. Here we’re considering decent-sized impoundments, which makes sense. But when considering Florida bass fishing as a whole, it’s important to realize the state is a web of connecting waterways that offer the right conditions for growing big bass. Overall, it can be argued that Florida has better bass fishing than any other state in the country. Where else could one catch a 14-pound largemouth from a backyard drainage ditch?
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By CAM Staff • Photo courtesy of www.BoldContentVideo.com
T
he advantage of a bird’s eye view is undeniable. From the stilt fishermen of Sri Lanka to the tuna towers on modern fishing boats, anglers have always sought an elevated view into the water. Drones are the latest tool fishermen have adopted to see farther and deeper. Drones in fishing are still relatively new and evolving, but there is already evidence it is a piece of gear worth packing in the tackle box. The first and most obvious use for video-equipped drones is reconnaissance. With technology that allows real-time viewing, it is possible to see farther out and deeper than ever before. A drone can cover more water looking for fish, bait, color changes and structure. Shore-bound or wading anglers have the ability to scout water they would have never seen before. Imagine the advantage of flying a shoreline, over a flat or even up a creek before approaching it. From the air and with moderately clear water, it is possible to eliminate unproductive water, identify likely structure and even spot individual fish or pods of bait. With just a few minutes of flying time, wading anglers or those fishing from kayaks can gather the kind of information that would require days of exploration without a drone. Even from a boat, the extended visual range gives you an advantage. Ever watch fish scatter at the sound of your motor? Using a drone to scout alerts you to the presence of fish, so you’ll know to ease up on them. Anyone who has seen videos of the guy battling bream with a hook-and-line equipped drone will recognize catching fish with a drone is nothing more than a gimmick at the moment. However, surf fishermen are effectively using drones to deliver baits much farther out than the length of a cast. Flying cut bait past the breakers is quicker and easier than paddling it out with a surfboard. And on freshwater reservoirs, bank-bound fishermen could deliver live herring to a distant river channel. This bait delivery system requires the use of a drone with the ability to carry a significant payload. The line is attached to a release clip suspended beneath the drone. With the reel on free spool, the angler flies the bait out before engaging the reel to provide tension to release the bait. There are already drone-specific release clips available, and outrigger clips and kite clips also do the job. The most important link in the system is the drone, though. You don’t want to fish with a cheap beginner’s model. For scouting, you’ll need a good camera and viewing screen. Payload-carrying capability is a must for bait delivery. With either function, extended battery life, stable hovering and the ability to fly in wind are necessary. Expect to spend at least $400 with the understanding that it is possible you’ll end up losing it in the depths. That could get expensive pretty quickly, but it’s peanuts compared to the cost of a boat.
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Bassmaster Ranks Rayburn The Best Bass Lake In The Country B.A.S.S. Photo
A
fter three years hovering in the Top 5 of Bassmaster Magazine’s 100 Best Bass Lakes rankings, Texas’ Sam Rayburn Reservoir finally took the crown as the best bass lake in the nation for 2018. Consistent production of heavy five-fish tournament limits and the potential for giant bass made this 114,500-acre reservoir northeast of Houston tops in the country this year. Rayburn started showing out in 2015, when it climbed to fifth in the rankings. In 2016 it jumped to fourth. And last year, Rayburn was the bridesmaid, sitting in second place. But, Rayburn is a bridesmaid no more, and for the first time captures the title. “Although there were some pretty spectacular numbers being produced from other lakes this year, Rayburn was a clear No. 1,” said James Hall, editor of Bassmaster Magazine. “While some lakes were boasting of a single 30-pound, five-bass limit being caught, Rayburn was spitting them out in rapid succession. And to top it off, a 40.28-pound limit was recorded in June.”
Countless limits of solid fish aren’t the only thing special about this lake. “When it comes to double-digit bass, Rayburn also seems to top the list this year,” Hall continued. “Three 10-pounders were weighed in during a one-day February derby. Plus, a 12.05 and a 13.06 were landed here in March. The lake is simply on fire right now.” The process to create the rankings takes about three months to complete. Data is received from state fisheries agencies across the U.S. This is coupled with catch data collected from dozens of tournament organizations from the past 12 months. After the numbers are crunched, a panel from the bass fishing industry debates the strength of the lakes to settle on the final rankings. The rankings identify the Top 10 lakes in the nation regardless of location, as well as the Top 25 lakes in four geographical divisions. “By dividing the Top 100 into four regions, anglers have perspective on fisheries nearby,” Hall explained. Tennessee’s Chickamauga Lake, which took the No. 2 slot this year, made a strong argument for No. 1, as it also produced 40-plus-pound limits this spring, two of them exceeding 42 pounds. Although this 36,240-acre fishery hasn’t produced quite as many big fish as Rayburn, there were two bass over 10 pounds recorded since February. The biggest weighed 11.21 pounds. California’s Clear Lake landed the No. 3 position on the strength of its production of big largemouth. Michigan’s Lake St. Clair climbed from ninth last year to the fourth in 2018, while Minnesota’s Mille Lacs Lake (last years’ No. 1 fishery) fell to No. 5. The remainder of the nation’s Top 10 are: sixth, Santee Cooper lakes (Marion/Moultrie), South Carolina; seventh, Diamond Valley Lake, California.; eighth, Thousand Islands (St. Lawrence River), New York; ninth, Lake Guntersville, Alabama; 10th, Falcon Lake, Texas. When it comes to bragging rights for the state with the most lakes to make the Top 100 list, Texas wins with 12. California boasts eight fisheries within the rankings, while Florida has the third most with seven. Complete rankings can be found in Bassmaster.com photo galleries.
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TIPS FROM A PRO
BEAT THE HEAT WITH NIGHT FISHING
BRANDON LESTER he dog days have arrived, and the lake is crowded with recreational boat traffic. The best fishing to be had during summer is after the sun goes
T
down. Around my home in Tennessee, most all of our club-level tournaments go to nighttime hours this time of year. Let’s talk about why the nighttime bite is so good, what to look for and baits that work well at night. First and foremost, if you’ve never spent a night out cruising your local lake, I think you’ll find it is the most quiet and peaceful fishing you will ever do. It’s like the whole world is asleep, and you have free rein of the lake. Baitfish often become more active at night, and the water cools just enough to get fish to come to the shallows and feed. Bass are a lot like us in that 100-degree temperatures make them want to find somewhere cool to just hang out. Their feeding windows become shorter this time of year, and mostly occur after dark. When looking for night fishing hotspots, think high percentage areas where you know bass live and feed. Keep in mind that they can’t see as well at night, so they must rely on their lateral lines to find food. Start at lighted boat docks, boat ramps, brushpiles
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WITH THE BEST & BRIGHTEST UNDERWATER LIGHTS! and points. When you find a good spot, revisit that place several times during the night because it will probably hold multiple fish. Also, don’t be afraid to fish places you wouldn’t dare fish during the day because of too much boat traffic, such as boat ramps and marinas. At night, when these places calm down, fish pull up and feed around them. You don’t need any specific gear for night fishing if you can get used to the fact that you can’t see your line. Many night fishermen use the exact same gear at night as they do during the day. Around my home lake, we fish clear blue fluorescent line at night and attach a black light to the side of the boat to see the line with ease. It helps. There’s nothing more fun than watching that line jump in the black light and knowing your bait just got hammered. Just about any bait that will catch a bass in the day will also catch one at night. The No. 1 key is to slow down. A fish’s strike zone shrinks at night because they can’t see as well. Slowing down helps put the odds in your favor. Some of my favorite baits are Texas-rigged worms (fished on an MHX NEPS 86HF), from small straight tail worms like the X-Xone Fat Finesse Worm all the way up to 11- and 12-inch worms, and even creature baits. Another great option at night is a spinnerbait. I usually throw a 3/8-ounce Kinkee Baits spinnerbait (fished on an MHX NEPS 86MHF) with a single No. 5 Colorado blade in black and blue color. The thin wire of this bait really lets it thump.
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Fish for Hungry Trout at Hunger Games Site in Western North Carolina
D
uPont State Recreational Forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Hendersonville, North Carolina, provides not only a scenic setting for trout fishing, but also a unique one. The delayed harvest waters of Little River flow through undisturbed mountains and over several notable waterfalls. Those same waters were immortalized on Hollywood’s silver screen as the backdrop for the exploits of Katniss Everdeen in the original Hunger Games movie. Movie buffs who wet a line on Little River in the DuPont Forest will no doubt recognize Triple Falls, which played a prominent role in multiple scenes in the movie. But there is good news for anglers: spending time on this stretch of Little River does not involve the life or death struggle it did in Hunger Games. Everyone is expected to come out alive. Many anglers also come out happy as this 1.8-mile stretch of Little River is stocked annually with a combination of 7,750 brook, rainbow and brown trout. North Carolina Wildlife regulations require a valid fishing license and the delayed harvest designation means it is single-hook artificial lures only with no harvesting of fish from Oct. 1 through the
first Friday in June. Starting the first Saturday in June and continuing through Sept. 30, there are no bait restrictions and a creel limit of seven trout per day with no minimum length on trout harvested. Because DuPont is a state recreational forest, there is ample parking in both the Hooker Falls Access Area and the High Falls Access Areas, with wide, easy-to-navigate trails to many of the key fishing spots. One downside to fishing this stretch of Little River is the popularity of the trails and waterfalls with those who do not fish. Expect plenty of hikers and sightseers, especially on nice weekends. And when the fishing is done, Hendersonville provides plenty of options for outdoor exploring, listening to live music, sipping craft beverages and enjoying great meals. The town’s main street has a serpentine shape surrounded by pedestrian-friendly sidewalks punctuated by planting beds, park benches and outdoor dining. The abundance of orchards makes Henderson County an ideal location for hard cider fans. Three cideries offer tasting rooms: Flat Rock Ciderworks on Main Street, Bold Rock Hard Cider in Mills River and Appalachian Ridge Artisan Ciders in a 1940s-era barn-turned-cidery. Another craft beverage experience is the East Coast location of Sierra Nevada Brewery, considered the Taj Mahal of craft breweries in the eastern U.S.
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AUGUST 2018
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“ Rainy Season ” Action Rages Out Of Playa Garza, Costa Rica By Craig Sutton
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he five-boat FishingNosara team logged 78 trips last month, and I’m stoked to announce that the marlin are here in northern Costa Rica, as our “second high season” is in full effect. The 32-foot Harvester led the charge for our Playa Garza-based fleet, with Capt. Alex going on a crazy run of marlin and sailfish releases over four days between June 9 and June 12. Jeff Broome scored the fish of a lifetime with Capt. Alex on June 10 with a black marlin weighing well over 450 pounds. The next day, Broome posted the trip of the year, to date. First off was a true double sailfish release. After the safe release of both fish, they added a third sailfish for good measure. Another monster came calling, as the Harvester reported another massive marlin release, the second
in two days. It was amazing work by Capt. Alex, Mate Wilson, and this group of Florida anglers. Here’s what Broome had to say: “Just wanted to say an enthusiastic THANK YOU for the incredible trip we had thanks to your team. In three days, we got three Marlin—two blues and a massive black—three sailfish, a huge dorado and a good deal more tuna and mahi! “Thanks to Capt. Alex and his hard-working deckhand Wilson, I was able to cross marlin off my bucket list of fish to catch. Definitely a dream for me, and I know I speak for all the guys in our group that it was definitely the fishing trip of a lifetime! “You could tell how passionate Alex was about fishing. His favorite thing to say after we brought in a catch was, ‘Let’s get another one!’” “Pura Vida!”-Jeff Broome The next day, Capt. Alex and FishingNosara Hall of Famer Chuck Harris scored another marlin release. That’s four monsters in four days. It was a truly legendary run for the Harvester. Meanwhile, Lila Weirich brought a big group of folks from Texas down in early June, so many that they need both the 32-foot Wanderer and Discoverer to hold them all. In addition to having a big time all week, these Lone Star anglers scored some fillets big as Texas. Monster mahi-mahi were abundant, and meaty yellowfin tunas added variety to the fillet bag With all the other fishing operations in Costa Rica on the hill for the summer, we have attracted adventurous anglers from all over the Pacific Coast, as well. Scott Burke drove in three hours from Tamarindo at 3 a.m., fished a full day, and went back the same day. The odyssey proved worthwhile, as the group reported three great sailfish releases. Shea Ralph is another journeyman angler who came from Jaco to Nosara, covering 140 miles on land in order to reach Costa Rica’s closest bluewater. They hooked up multiple sailfish and proved once again that the fish eat every day, even during the so-called “rainy season.”
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Teen Breaks Wyoming Green Sunfish Record
“J
Photo courtesy of Wyoming Game & Fish
ust one more cast, please,” Chris Castleman, 14, pleaded several times the evening of June 7. On the very last of the “just one more” casts, Chris hooked a new Wyoming state record green sunfish on a worm and bobber. He and his dad, Allen, knew the fish was much bigger than the panfish they’d been catching that evening at Bryan Stock Trail Pond in Casper. The next morning, the fish weighed 1-pound, 4-ounces on certified scales. It measured 12.25 inches long with an 11-inch girth. It was officially identified as a green sunfish by Fisheries Supervisor Matt Hahn, the state record form was filled out and a new record was on the books. The fish resoundingly beat the former state record caught at the Lovell Ponds in July 2010 by nearly 6 ounces. The world record weighed 2 pound, 2 ounces and was caught in Stockton Lake near Springfield, Missouri in June 1971. “This was a one in a thousand, maybe even one in 10,000 fish,” Hahn said about the frequency of a fish this size in the Wyoming green sunfish population. The green sunfish is native to middle America from the Great Lakes to Texas and as far west as Nebraska. It was introduced to Wyoming primarily as forage for bass, but also because it generally cooperates with warm-water anglers.
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