FREE
GREATER ATLANTA AREA EDITION
Boats
& Motors
Edition
Local
Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events PHOTO COURTESY OF ERICA BILLINGSLEY VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 268
F R A N C H I S E
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YOU’RE GONNA NEED A BIGGER BOAT. THIS ONE.
™
Introducing the Element F21: As low as $25,499* Our largest center console to date, we designed the new Element F21 to be three things; fishable, versatile and affordable. We started with our proven M-Hull™ design, giving it a deeper entry for even more seaworthiness. Then we gave it the features anglers demand to make sure it was serious about catching fish—plus options should you choose to expand your activities. Its most attractive feature could be its price. Shop if you must… we’re pretty sure you’ll end up here. Go to bayliner.com to learn more.
©2016 Bayliner Boats. All rights reserved.
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*All prices reflect MSRP in US dollars and apply to the US only. Dealer sets the actual price. Pricing does not include dealer preparation fees, taxes, registration fees, or other fees that may apply. Freight not included. Customers outside US must contact their local dealer to obtain applicable pricing.
5/13/17 3:04 PM 12/15/16 1:24 PM
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© 2017 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
THIS SEEMS TO BE THE PLACE WHERE ALL THE FISH HANG OUT. I THINK I’LL DROP IN.
12”
PROGRAMMABLE
HOT KEYS
PRELOADED
BUILT-IN
BLUECHART® G2 + LAKEVUU¨ HD CHIRP SONAR + CLEARVUU¨ + SIDEVU¨
GPSMAP® 1242xsv 4
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© 2017 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
Ben Martin
Editor In Chief Coastal Angler/The Angler Magazine
EDITOR IN CHIEF : Ben Martin • camads@coastalanglermagazine.com VICE PRESIDENT : Tracy Patterson • tracy@coastalanglermagazine.com ART DIRECTOR : Rebecca Snowden • graphics@coastalanglermagazine.com EDITOR : Nick Carter • editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com WEBMASTER : Dmitriy Pislyagin • webmaster@coastalanglermagazine.com
Dear Readers, This edition of the magaine that you are reading is put together by our local franchisee co-publisher. Your co-publisher’s contact information is shown in the directory adjacent to this article. We currently publish 38 separate editions of this magazine each month throughout the Continental United States, the Bahamas and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Our plan is to continue growing and to continue adding locations. If you love the outdoors and have ever considered owning your own business, you owe it to yourself to take a look at our franchise opportunities. Our franchise publishing model will enable you to make money doing what you love, being involved in the outdoor/marine industry. You don’t need to have prior publishing experience. We train you on how to do that. What you do need is a love of the outdoors and a somewhat adventurous spirit. Opening a new business is exciting and, yes, it requires hard work and commitment. But, once you bring this magazine to your community you will find it to be very rewarding and you will have created one of the best jobs and career opportunities that any angler could ever imagine. If you’re like us, owning your own fishing magazine may be an opportunity for you to be involved in an industry that you’re passionate about. Imagine never dreading to go to work but rather being excited about sharing the message of your magazine. Our ideal strategic growth would have franchise opportunities in the following locations, however, we have found that nearly any area that has an avid fishing community can be a good location for it’s own fishing magazine. GULF COAST (Available Now) • Baton Rouge, LA • Lafayette, LA • Corpus Christi, TX • Austin, TX • Mississippi FLORIDA • Okeechobee, FL
SOUTHEAST (Launch March 2017) • Raleigh, NC • Savannah, GA • Southwest Georgia • Hilton Head, SC • Columbia, SC • Myrtle Beach, SC
Come Join our Team!
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ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Corporate Headquarters info@coastalanglermagazine.com • 888-800-9794
FLORIDA
BIG BEND : Mike McNamara • (850) 510-7919 • captmike@coastalanglermagazine.com BREVARD : David String • (321) 684-5888 • dstring@coastalanglermagazine.com DAYTONA/NEW SMYRNA BEACH : Don Meadows • (321) 436-5895 • donm@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 MIAMI : Scott Deal • (561) 945-6999 • scott@coastalanglermagazine.com Monica Isaza-Deal • (561) 945-8899 • monica@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER ORLANDO : Phillip & Giselle Wolf • (407) 790-9515 • phillip@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
SOUTHEAST
ATLANTA/SW GEORGIA : Bob & Brenda Rice • (706) 614-8231 • bobr@theanglermagazine.com CHARLESTON : Jane A. Redden • (205) 725-9616 • jane@coastalanglermagazine.com Sam Buckareff • (843) 607-8629 • sam@coastalanglermagazine.com CHARLOTTE : Mark & Haley Alberghini • (704) 651-1934 • mark@coastalanglermagazine.com MYRTLE BEACH : Kenneth & Ana Moore • (843) 446-5777 • kenmoore@coastalanglermagazine.com TIDEWATER/OUTER BANKS : John Tiger • (757) 707-9654 • john.tiger@coastalanglermagazine.com Laura Seitz • (757) 707-9655 • laura@coastalanglermagazine.com SE & COASTAL GEORGIA : Tony Martin • (912) 269-9679 • tony@coastalanglermagazine.com Travis Harper • (912) 266-1430• travis@coastalanglermagazine.com UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA : Gregg Thompson • (864) 542-3112 • gregg@theanglermagazine.com WESTERN NC : Debra & Joe Woody • (828) 775-9663 • woody@theanglermagazine.com WILMINGTON/MOREHEAD : Kenny Ritter • (910) 550-9094 • kenny@theanglermagazine.com
NORTHEAST BOSTON : George Regan • (617) 488-2842 • boston@coastalanglermagazine.com LONG ISLAND : Lisa & Michael Danforth • (203) 321-7635 • lisad@coastalanglermagazine.com CONNECTICUT / RHODE ISLAND : Lisa & Michael Danforth • (203) 321-7635 lisad@coastalanglermagazine.com
GULF COAST
GALVESTON/MATAGORDA/UPPER COAST : Chanci & David Mowry • (713) 446-7395 • chancim@coastalanglermagazine.com • davidm@coastalanglermagazine.com MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST : Kevin Ogle • (850) 586-3474 • gulf@coastalanglermagazine.com NEW ORLEANS : Dr. Dave Dunaway • (225) 400-8156 • nola@coastalanglermagazine.com PENSACOLA/EMERALD COAST : Kevin Ogle • (850) 586-3474 • gulf@coastalanglermagazine.com
GREAT LAKES
UPSTATE NEW YORK : Frank Geremski • (518) 898-6484 • frankie@theanglermagazine.com WEST MICHIGAN : Phil Belsito • (616) 957-1714 • phil@theanglermagazine.com
INTERNATIONAL BAHAMAS : Misti & Gary Guertin • (772) 285-6850 • treasurecoast@coastalanglermagazine.com flahama@coastalanglermagazine.com PUERTO RICO/VIRGIN ISLANDS : Ace Bassue • (407) 285-9453 • ace@coastalanglermagazine.com © 2017. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Disclaimer: Coastal Angler Magazine / The Angler Magazine will not be held liable for injuries incurred while partaking in activities described herein, or for claims made against products or services provided by advertisers.
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HondaM
Destination Honda
For destinations found on a map, or ones that are simply a state of mind, trust a reliable Honda outboard to get you there. And back. Find out more at ca.hondamarine.com.
3.99% APR Financing On All New Honda Outboards! Ends July 6, 2017. *
APR
FINANCING*
*APR financing available on all new Honda outboard engines through American Honda Finance Corporation upon approved credit. 3.99% APR financing for 24 – 48 months, available to customers who qualify for AHFC credit tier 1. Example for new Honda outboard engines: 3.99% APR for 36 months financing at $29.52 a month for every $1,000 financed. 4.99% APR for 60 months financing at $18.87 a month for every $1,000 financed. 4.99% APR for 84 months financing at $14.13 a month for every $1,000 financed. Offer good on any new and unregistered Honda outboard engine, with a minimum amount financed of $1,000 and a minimum monthly payment of $100. Check with participating dealers for complete details. Dealers set actual sales prices. For well-qualified buyers, not all buyers may qualify. Higher rates apply for different terms and/ or buyers with lower credit rating. Lower rates may also be available. Offer valid through 07/06/17, on new and unregistered Honda outboard engines (2hp – 250hp) and only on approved credit by Honda Financial Services through participating dealers. Honda Financial Services’ standard credit criteria apply. © 2017 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM I JUNE 2017 I NATIONAL 7 Always wear a personal flotation device while boating and read your owner’s manual. All Honda outboards meet EPA and CARB emission levels.
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MOTOR REVIEW Honda Marine Debuts New
BF4, BF5 and BF6 4-stroke Engines
Portability, performance and reliability are the hallmarks of Honda Marine’s new and redesigned portable engine models, the BF4, BF5 and BF6 4-stroke outboards. Honda Marine debuts new engines with the BF4 and BF6 models, and redesigns the legendary BF5 models. Packed with the latest technology from Honda, the 127cc 4-stroke, single cylinder engines offer boaters the choice of four horsepower (BF4), five horsepower (BF5) or six horsepower (BF6). All three new engines are available with either a short (15 inch/38 cm) or long (20 inch/51 cm) shaft. “The new Honda BF4, BF5 and BF6 engines are easy to start, easy to stop and easy to carry. The new four-stroke Honda Marine engines are best-in-class performers. They are the right size for the right purpose,” said Mark DiPietro, senior manager, Honda Marine. “The new Honda BF4, BF5 and BF6 marine engines feature a new internal fuel tank and new motor mounts to run quietly and smoothly, while delivering the longest continuous running time.”
The new Honda Marine BF4, BF5 and BF6 engines provide consumers four main features—portability, performance, reliability and comfort. Portability A combination of light weight (roughly 60 pounds) and new carrying handle design make the Honda BF4, BF5 and BF6 marine engines easy to transport and store. The tiller handle fully folds out of the way, making storage options even more convenient. Performance The engines integrate a 1.5-liter, large capacity internal fuel tank, which delivers the longest continuous running time in their class—more than 40 minutes at wide-open throttle. In addition, the Honda BF5 and BF6 4-stroke engines can be connected to an external fuel tank for longer journeys. Consumers have the choice of an additional three different propeller options for the style that best fits their boating. Reliability Honda Marine’s new BF4, BF5 and BF6 models share the same, proven onecylinder, 127 cubic centimeter engine block and benefit from Honda’s 4-stroke engine technology. In case of an oil pressure drop, a new, low-oil alert system will automatically limit the engine speed to 2,300 rpm to protect the engine. Comfort The new Honda BF4, BF5 and BF6 portable engines feature a host of new technologies and features that consumers will appreciate. • A new decompression mechanism helps make all three new Honda Marine engines easy to pull start, regardless of the engine temperature. • One-push stop switch serves to shut down the engine with no chance of the engine re-starting. • The Honda Marine BF4, BF5 and BF6 portable engines feature redesigned rubber motor mounts that reduce vibration in all rpm ranges and reduce engine noise. • The BF4, BF5 and BF6 are available with an optional charging system with a capacity of 6 Amps at 12 Volts to power consumer demands for electronic devices. With a starting U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $1,875, the BF4 is a compact, lightweight engine with excellent low- to mid-range power. The new Honda BF5 delivers new features and technology at a starting price of $2,025. The starting U.S. MSRP of the new Honda Marine BF6 is $2,150. For more information, see marine.honda.com.
Promotion Ends 6/30/2017
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Using a Smartphone Isn’t Always Smart On The Water Submitted by Sea Tow
P
eople rarely go anywhere on land without their smartphones anymore, and it has become increasingly common to see boaters using cell phones when they’re out on coastal and inland waters as well. That’s fine—as long as your boat is also equipped with a VHF radio, one of the most important pieces of safety equipment you can have on board. “Your cell phone could die or you could drop it overboard. We recommend people take a 5-watt handheld VHF along on their boat, at a minimum, to use as their primary form of communication on the water,” said Capt. Ed Schrader, owner of Sea Tow Hampton Roads, Va., which serves the busy waters of Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach and Chesapeake Bay. “It’s better to have a 25-watt VHF mounted at the helm, however.”
N AU T I C A L T E R M
Capt. Sammy Royal, owner of Sea Tow Horseshoe Beach, Fla., which covers a rural stretch of the Gulf Coast on Florida’s Panhandle from Waccasassa to Keaton Beach, said boaters can’t rely on their smartphones always “having bars” in his area. “Cell phone service is very limited here. There are small fishing villages along the coast that are nine or 10 miles apart with nothing in between,” he said − making it essential to have a VHF on board. Another important benefit to using a VHF radio rather than a cell phone is that if you ever find yourself needing assistance, more than one listener can hear and respond to your call for help. “With a VHF, you are able to communicate with more people quickly on the water. Whether it’s Sea Tow, the Coast Guard, or a nearby boater, everybody’s going to hear what you’ve got to say,” said Capt. Schrader, adding, “The USCG’s Rescue 21 System also has VHF direction-finding capabilities and can obtain a relatively good location as soon as you click your mic and place that distress call. This helps greatly if you do not know your location or don’t have time to provide it.” Of course, a VHF radio can’t help you in an emergency situation if it’s not working properly. Both Captains advise using Sea Tow’s free Automated Radio Check service to quickly and easily check that your boat’s VHF is in operational prior to setting out on the water. To use the service, simply tune the VHF to the local Automated Radio Check channel, key the mic, and request a radio check. You will hear an automated response and then the call will be played back to you, confirming that your VHF radio is working and allowing you to assess transmission strength, a crucial safety check. Sea Tow Horseshoe Beach offers the Automated Radio Check service on VHF channels 26 and 27. Sea Tow Hampton Roads provides the service on channel 28. To find the Sea Tow Automated Radio Check channel in your boating area, visit https://www.seatow. com/tools-and-education/automated-radio-check. For more on Sea Tow, an international marine assistance provider, go to www.seatow.com.
# 1 7 8
full ahead: How Sea Tow Captains operate 24/7.
Running out of fuel or a conked out engine can happen to anyone. That’s why you bought ® a Sea Tow membership. They’ve got the equipment, experience and know-how to get you home quickly & safely. $10 off a Sea Tow Membership. Discount Code: CNG 800-4-SEATOW \ seatow.com
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Adjustable cap with brim UV-blocking polarized sunglasses SPF 30 bug-repellent sunscreen
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CoverAlls gives your boat the same level of protection from the heat and elements you'd give yourself. CoverAlls covers prevent expensive weather damage to your boat. They're made from tough custom material that's saltwater-proof, UV proof, and reflects 90% of radiant heat.
100% American marinegrade components like stainless grommets, braided poly draw cords, and non-metallic cam locks keep CoverAlls covers in place in all kinds of coastal weather. Give your boat CoverAlls protection.
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www.coveralls.biz COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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Boat Accessories Product Reviews AWLGRIP AWLCRAFT SE TOPCOAT With consistent technical innovation and stringent quality controls, Awlgrip’s line of topside finishing systems are the products all others are measured against. Those who take pride in the look of their vessels, whether they are dinghies or megayachts, trust in the superlative finishes provided by Awlgrip. Awlcraft SE is a revolutionary topcoat encompassing metallics, pearls and effect pigments and is fast drying with excellent opacity. It is designed to work as one layer of a multi-part system. The Awlcraft SE imparts the color and effect and is then top coated with a clear high-gloss finish topcoat to give gloss and protection. This combination forms a high-performance, high-gloss, durable topcoat system. Available for new custom or production builds, or refits, the Awlcraft SE range offers owners a great choice from more than 10,000 standard colors, as well as custom colors to match any color imaginable.
MILLENNIUM D-100 DECK CHAIR Millennium Marine has introduced the most weather resistant and durable deck chair on the market. The Millennium D-100 Deck Chair exemplifies the comfort, portability and durability Millennium has become known for. The D-100 is designed for portability and easy storage, and it is built with high strength, anodized aluminum. The anodized aluminum prevents corrosion, whether the D-100 is asked to perform under the rigorous conditions of saltwater or freshwater fishing. D-100 Deck Chairs are equipped with Millennium’s patented ComfortMax seat, which makes wet bottoms a thing of the past. They are made from a breathable fabric that won’t collect water. They are mold and mildew resistant, quick drying, and they will outlast any marine seat on the market. With 4 inches of height adjustment, and the capability to swivel 360 degrees, the D-100 Deck Chair is equipped with selfleveling feet for stability. It weighs just 12 pounds and folds up for easy transport in a nylon carrying bag.
ERGONOMICALLY ELEGANT DOCK SURFACES
WWW.AWLGRIP.COM PARKIT360 FORCE ELECTRIC TRAILER DOLLY
WWW.MILLENNIUMMARINE.COM
If you own a boat, you know the stress of backing your trailered pride and joy into a tight space. With this in mind, we took it upon ourselves to take Parkit360’s Force 10K electric trailer dolly for a test spin. Right off the bat, we were impressed. Assembly was easy, and by connecting the trailer’s power harness to the Force, we were able to control the trailer’s brakes with the Smart Brake Control System, which provides control and safety on a steep grade. Also the Bosch-designed electric motor supplied more than enough power to maneuver with little to no effort on the part of the user. The heavy-duty 4’-wide tires maintained traction on concrete as well as gravel and even in wet grass when loaded. The Force dolly proved its functionality regardless of terrain, and that could come in super handy for those parking boats, campers or anything else with a trailer ball where the concrete ends. But the most striking feature of the Force electric trailer dolly was how easy it made maneuvering the boat. With precise and easy-to-use controls, all the stress was taken out of navigating tight corners and turns in forward and reverse. We put the boat into spots we wouldn’t even attempt using a truck. Built of quality materials, powder-coated and compact enough to fit in the trunk of an SUV, Parkit360’s electric trailer dollies are a great tool for anyone who pulls a trailer.
Spider King rod holders make your fishing more productive. A modular Spider King rod holder system lets a fisherman “rig, cast and relax” with as many as eight lines in the water. And the same system can also keep a drink and tackle on hand. The plates attach to the bottom of the boat seat using existing factory holes, therefore there is no need to drill. Accessories include rod holders, drink holder, tackle holder and tackle/drink holder. We also offer outriggers by the pair in single, double and a four-rod holder gunnel-mount spider rig. Spider King products are made in the USA of 100 percent marine grade aluminum and they are powder coated so there is no maintenance or cleaning. Most items are available in black, white and argent silver. Visit the Spider King website to view all of their fine products.
WWW.PARKIT360.CA
WWW.SPIDERKINGRODHOLDERS.COM
SPIDER KING ROD HOLDERS
MARINETECH TROLLMASTER PRO 3+ Trolling is not as fun or effective for the guy tied to the motor. The world’s leading remote throttle control for gas-powered auxillary outboards is now available with wireless remote control. TROLLMaster Pro 3+ is an angler’s dream, allowing the angler to maintain optimum trolling speeds to within 1/10 mph. Slow trolling anglers understand that boat speed can make or break the day’s catch. TROLLMaster maximizes the time spent in the ‘sweet spot.’ Catch more fish with the freedom of movement that wireless control offers. Additional features include momentary ‘max throttle’ burst function for quick response or for ‘fluttering’ baits; idle/resume speed, left and right turn push button control. The hand-held remote is ergonomically designed for hours
of comfort. The remote is water resistant and comes with detachable lanyard and backlit LCD display for positive visibility in dark conditions. Engine specific throttle/hardware kits fit neatly under the cowling and are available to fit most brands of kicker motors. TROLLMaster also allows the angler to control the auxiliary 4 stroke’s steering with the addition of Panther’s Electro Steer drive units. The Panther T-4 and T-5 Electro Steer units are designed to remotely steer ‘kicker’ motors from anywhere on the boat. They mount on the tilt-tube and can be installed in minutes. Electro Steer units are available in fresh and saltwater models.
WWW.TROLLMASTERS.COM PARTNERS AND INVESTORS:
Please contact John 12 NATIONAL I JUNE 2017 CANGL_NAT3-NAT34.indd 12
Munn info@ergodockusa.com for information on how you can get engaged! I COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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N S E
NOT ALL FISH STORIES ARE EXAGGERATED.
M
We’ve all heard one. But the fact is, once in a while, life hands you a set of circumstances so astoundingly awesome, it’s hard to believe. And with the power and reliability of the Mercury 60 HP FourStroke behind you, this might happen more often than you think.
:M
Learn more at mercurymarine.com
!
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The all-electric Power-Pole Micro anchor is compact, virtually silent and drives the 3/4” Micro Spike at the push of a button. Add the rechargable Micro Battery Pak and you’re ready to go wherever adventure takes you. Get all the details and find a dealer near you at power-pole.com.
Mercury Unrolls Advanced New Features For Joystick Piloting
F
or almost 80 years, Mercury Marine has been the world’s leading manufacturer of recreational marine engines. The broad range of marine propulsion spans from 2.5hp to 1,700hp in Mercury’s new racing sterndrive engine. Over the past decade, Mercury has invested more than $800 million in research and development and expansion into its global headquarters in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. That investment has allowed the company to grow its employee base from 1,400 in 2009 to more than 3,200 in 2017—which includes more than 700 engineers. The investment has also allowed Mercury to continue its cadence of averaging one new product launch every six weeks. Today, Mercury is more than an engine company. It’s a marine propulsion solution company that not only has a portfolio of engines for any boater, but also the technology to enhance the boating experience. Mercury’s ecosystem of technology is unmatched in the marine industry and features Joystick Piloting for outboards or inboards, SkyHook virtual anchoring, Vessel View mobile and Active Trim. All four products work together with the engine to create the perfect experience on the water and allow boaters to Go Boldly. The latest innovation from Mercury is an enhancement for Mercury
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Joystick-equipped vessels. Designed for convenient purchase as downloadable content (DLC) from Mercury’s GoFree store, Skyhook Advanced Features provides Joystick vessels with even better positioning control in specific situations. Boaters and anglers who love the way Mercury’s GPS-enabled Skyhook lets their vessel maintain a steady position while waiting for a bridge opening or hold over a reef, will be sure to appreciate Skyhook Advanced Features. New Skyhook Advanced Features include: • Heading Adjust provides Joystick operators with the ability to adjust the heading lock in 1- and 10-degree increments while SkyHook is active, making vessel control even more precise. • BowHook can be used to unlock heading and just maintain position, allowing the boat to point in whatever direction the winds and currents dictate. This feature is useful when a locked-in heading is not necessary. • DriftHook lets the operator maintain heading and unlock the position of the vessel allowing winds and currents to move the vessel along. Adjustments of 1- and 10-degree increments can be made while drifting when bundled with Heading Adjust. In addition, Mercury continues to advance its Vessel View mobile technology and roll it out around the world. The VesselView Mobile app instantly provides users access to their boat’s SmartCraft digital data in the palm of their hand. SmartCraft® is a fully integrated suite of digital technologies, including marine gauges, sensors, vessel systems and computercontrolled features, that gives users a higher level of control over their boat’s propulsion and electrical systems. Now, with Mercury Marine’s VesselView Mobile, users can see SmartCraft engine data right on the screen of their mobile device. The app also includes useful new features such as Maintenance Reminders, Mapping, Performance Summary, and Fault Code Diagnostics. VesselView Mobile makes preparing for and spending a day on the water easier, safer and more enjoyable by letting users perform functions from their mobile device. For more information, visit www.mercurymarine.com.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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INSPIRED BY STRENGTH HELL-FOR-STOUT CONSTRUCTION INCLUDES STAINLESS STEEL GEARS AND UP TO 30-POUNDS OF AVAILABLE DRAG.
NEW KOMODO SS REELS & SHADOW STALKER GULF COAST RODS Powered by aluminum framing, stainless steel drive and high-output Carbonite drag, Komodo SS reels in 350 and 450 sizes are instant favorites. Compact and comfortable with enough line capacity for incredible versatility inshore and offshore. • Shadow Stalker Gulf Coast 1-piece rod actions deliver superior sensitivity and back it with OC-9 carbon reinforcement for amazing strength when the fish of a lifetime strikes. okumafishingusa.com
OVER HALF A MILLION BOATERS CHOOSE US
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5/16/17 11:52 AM
BOAT REVIEW Bayliner Element F21
in the forward section—which can also be converted to an optional livewell. The helm’s reversible seat has a cooler as its base, perfect for keeping beverages or snacks iced. The boat’s aft section features two jump seats flanking a recirculating livewell. Standard power is Mercury Marine’s 115 HP 4-Stroke outboard, with an optional 150 HP 4-Stroke also available. Anglers can also add a bow trolling motor, pedestal bow fishing seat, and an additional livewell forward of the helm console. “This boat is our largest center console model yet, and an affordable way to get out and enjoy family fishing, cruising or any number of dayboat activities,” said Bayliner’s President, Keith Yunger. “Its roominess and versatility are exceptional. When you factor in the price, it’s a value you’ll be hard pressed to beat anywhere.”
SPECIFICATIONS Continuing on the success of its innovative Element M-Hull design, Bayliner has created the Element F21, its latest and largest self-bailing center console design to-date with . The Element F21 is built for family fishing and other day-boat activities with the same clean, open layout the Element F-Series is becoming known for. It gives anglers remarkable stability provided by the M-Hull, and it has a slightly deeper entry V than its couterparts, a feature boaters interested in this size range will appreciate. The F21’s bow features an anchor locker, and two large bow storage lockers perfect for keeping a variety of gear secure. The helm has plenty of space for optional electronics and includes a storage compartment
LOA: 20’8” BEAM: 7’9” FUEL CAPACITY: 50 gallons PASSENGER CAPACITY: 10 MAX POWER: 150 hp
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UNDER THE SEA 18
FREEDIVING – TRY IT!
W
hile visiting a friend of mine about 15 years ago, I noticed a book on his coffee table. It was called “Bluewater Hunting and Freediving” by Terry Maas, and it had the photo of a diver holding a bluefin tuna on the front cover. I already enjoyed hunting on scuba for groupers and snappers in my backyard, but the thought of spearing a tuna intrigued me to no end… and the thought of freediving also caught my attention. I had a hard time finding like-minded friends to dive with at first, as freediving was not a mainstream activity in Florida at the time. After researching a bit, I found a freediving school called Performance Freediving International and signed up for a course. I also found a freedive spearfishing club, which consisted of about 10 guys and no women. To this day, I give the same advice to anyone who wants to learn: “Take a class from a freedive agency, and join a local club so you can make friends and perhaps find a mentor.” Before the class, I had never tried to hold my breath while holding still in a pool—called static apnea. I was predicting that I would be a one-minute diver, but after some instruction I held my breath for four minutes. Most importantly, I learned how to avoid a “blackout” and how to rescue a blacked-out diver. We were taught the importance of the buddy system and one-up/one-down diving. While these classes will at least double your breath-hold time, learning the safety aspects is even more important. Fifteen years later, I can look back and say that learning to freedive opened a whole new underwater world for me. Now that I’m an oldster in the sport, I marvel at the growth rate, the number of agencies offering classes, the number of clubs in the area, and the large number of people that are in those clubs. It’s wonderful to see so many young people enjoying the sport. Lest I give the impression that freediving is a young people’s activity or something that super-athletes do, let me debunk that myth. I have met overweight smokers that were very good at it, and I’ve been diving with 80 year olds who were still enjoying it. Freediving is for anyone
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who is willing to give Photo by Joe Marino it a try. Whether it’s to spearfish, experience the ocean in a different way, or simply find your inner-self at the bottom of the ocean, it’s an activity that anyone can enjoy. It’s a natural, satisfying and spiritual experience to hold one’s breath and become one with the ocean. If you have the slightest interest, do not be intimidated; it’s actually very easy. Just give it a try… you might like it! P.S. Terry Maas just came out with an updated digital version of the book, and I am honored that he featured my worldrecord yellowfin tuna. You never know what will happen when you try new things! Sheri Daye 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.
For more Sheri Daye, go to
CAMSPEARFISHING.COM
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
5/16/17 11:52 AM
SOUTHEAST
Franklin County Fla.,
A Red Snapper Paradise
T
he Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission recently announced a 78-day recreational harvest season for red snapper along Florida’s Gulf Coast. The dates include Saturdays and Sundays, starting the first Saturday in May, then daily, starting May 27 through July 9. Following that, they will be open again on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in September and October, plus Labor Day. See www.myfwc.com for more details and up-to-date information. This is exciting news for anglers who visit the Gulf Coast to catch and eat these tasty fish. Charter captains are expecting to haul many snapper from the waters along Franklin County and are no doubt pleased to have the extra days to provide more opportunities for their clients. People all across the country seem fascinated by these bright-red, beaming finfish and understandably so. If you’ve ever tasted them, you know they’re delightful. If you’ve ever caught one, you know what a fight they provide. Snapper fishing in this area is without a doubt a family oriented adventure. This is not a complicated fish to target, but they do get big so small children may require help. Drop live or cut bait in front of them in a variety of presentations and depths, and provided they’re present, they will typically pounce on your hook. A simple dropper loop rig is easy to tie and extremely effective for presenting both live or cut bait. Weight sizes will often vary depending on depth and current.
State law requires the use of circle hooks and that you have a de-hooking device on board your vessel. The requirement to have a venting tool on board has been removed, but I highly suggest you have one. Fish coming from deep water often need to be vented and you should be able to perform this duty on any fish you don’t plan to keep. Chumming for red snapper is perhaps the most fun, and the crystal clear Gulf water here is perfect for this technique. A pile of chopped cut bait thrown over the side will bring the biggest ones in the school right up to the boat. Drift a small chunk of that same bait on a 5/0 circle hook along with the next handful thrown over, and you can watch the fish you want come right up and eat it… now hold on because that fish is headed straight for the bottom! Restrictive harvest measures taken over the last several years are perhaps paying off, but some would argue that the snapper population has never been in decline. Many local anglers would tell you that there are, and always have been, plenty of them to be had. There’s no shortage of first-rate charter captains available to get you out for a red snapper adventure, but booking early is always a good idea. For more information about guides, launch sites, tackle shops and more, go to www.floridasforgottencoast.com.
Your fish is waiting. Florida’s Forgotten Coast
Boaters and mariners will find something to love in Franklin County. Carrabelle features deep water access to the Gulf of Mexico and freshwater rivers. Plan a kayak or day sailing eco-adventure from Apalachicola or St. George Island. Eastpoint and Alligator Point offer direct access to the best inshore fishing on the Gulf Coast. Bring your own boat or rent one here; there’s no better place to enjoy Florida’s Forgotten Coast.
Visit Floridasforgottencoast.com/ca for complete launch, marina, guide and tackle information.
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Cox Earns Bassmaster Classic Berth
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fter more than a decade of fishing Bassmaster Southern Open events, local Florida angler John Cox finally won his first one. The event, held on the famed Tennessee River impoundment Lake Chickamauga, was a three-day tournament that was very tough on most of the anglers including Cox. The 31-year-old angler is the reigning FLW Tour Champion and he is on a hot streak. After learning the 2018 Bassmaster Classic would be hosted at South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell, he set his sights on winning an Open event to punch his ticket for a Bassmaster Classic berth. Cox is known on the bass circuit as one of the best sight-fishing anglers. He used his keen eyesight and knowledge of spawning bass to win on Chickamauga. Cox was one of the few anglers who exclusively sight fished throughout the second Southern Open of the season. It was an effective technique for several of the tournament’s top finishers. He put himself in contention for the win with a 22-6 limit on Thursday, followed by a 25-7 bag on Friday. His two-day total of 47-13 gave him more than a 3-pound lead heading into Saturday’s action, and his 20-6 limit on Saturday was heavy enough to secure the win. The Mud Hole Custom Tackle pro, who hails from Debary, Fla., picked up a contingency berth in the 2018 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’s Sporting Goods with the victory. Fishing all three Southern Opens this season will solidify that berth. He also won more than $8,000 in cash, as well as a Triton 19 TrX and Mercury 200 Pro XS boat/motor package worth $40,000. “I’ve tried so long to win one of these Opens, it seems like forever,” Cox said. “I started fishing the Opens when I was 19. It’s where I started, really, so this definitely is a special thing for me. Building my own custom MHX rods is key for my success, because I can build technique-special rods and actions for different conditions.” Cox won the Lake Hartwell FLW Tour event last season and is excited about his chances in the Bassmaster Classic there. He won the Hartwell event last summer fishing the back of creeks getting his aluminum bass boat in places where most anglers could not go. Although the Classic will be held on Hartwell in the early spring, Cox is pleased to be fishing his first Classic event. Cox is having a decent start to the FLW Tour season, as well. Fishing in his own backyard on the third event at the Harris Chain of Lakes in Leesburg, Fla., Cox was super excited to fish his home waters. He led the event for the first three days to finish in third place and enjoy a nice payday. Cox finished in eighth in the recent FLW Event on Arkansas’ Beaver Lake after going out in fourth place on the final day. It was his second top-10 finish on the tour with just two events left this season.
For more on the 2017 Bassmaster Classic, go to
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5/16/17 11:49 AM
Providence In Trout Fishing On The Soque River
By Nick Carter
A
good day on the river is almost guaranteed when you’re fishing one of the Southeast’s premier trophy streams. It doesn’t hurt to have a little help from the man upstairs. Steve Kraftchick is a New Testament professor at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. Joel LeMon teaches Old Testament at the same Atlanta institution. They were both on Georgia’s Soque River in May for a trip Steve purchased at auction to benefit Day1, a ministry that broadcasts sermons of Protestant church leaders worldwide. It might be more than a little presumptuous to infer divine intervention in something as frivolous as fishing. But considering the company and the purpose of the trip, and after watching the net man grow weary from scooping up giant trout, it was easy to imagine someone smiling down from above. On the other hand, we are talking of the Soque River. It is a 30-mile-long tributary to the Chattahoochee River, and much of its length through Habersham County, Ga. is privately held and heav-
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ily managed for trophy brown and rainbow trout. The Soque offers the kind of fishing that lures in celebrities, CEOs and heads of state. In terms of numbers and size of trout, it is some of the best water this side of Alaska. This trip was graciously donated by Dave Sutton and Batesville Dragonfly. Guide Phil Culver showed the anglers around Dragonfly’s gorgeous expanse of river. Both Steve and Joel had nothing but praise for Phil, who worked hard and succeeded in putting his anglers on a lot of very nice fish. Dragonfly is a target-rich environment. Supplemental feeding is key to growing big-shouldered trout that are sleek, healthy and colorful. Even geared up with 6-weight rods and 3x tippet, trout weighing into the teens often make a mockery of anglers with long, line-snapping runs, violent thrashing and tarpon-esque tail walks. Shin deep in rain-stained water, Joel was taken aback when the first of many giant rainbows plucked a Pat’s Rubber Legs from the flow. The power on the other end of the line shocked him, and the outward display of emotion teetered between joy and trepidation through several blistering runs until the fish was finally landed in an oversized net. And it was just an average fish on a day that featured several longer than 25 inches. The action was astounding and included one bruiser that plucked a dry fly from beneath overhanging vegetation before launching 4 feet in the air to nearly hang itself in a tree. That fish making it to the net was a pretty solid argument for providence in trout fishing. And although Steve is a philosopher by trade, he didn’t think long or hard about fishing the Soque again. As Phil cradled that last giant rainbow in the flow, reviving it for release, Steve began asking about Dragonfly’s open dates for fall. Batesville Dragonfly offers guided trips for up to 10 anglers at a time on three gorgeous stretches of Georgia’s famous Soque River. See their website at batesvilledragonfly.wordpress.com or call 770530-1599.
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CATCHING BIGGER FISH
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t our most-recent Bassmaster Elite Series event, I was fortunate enough to bring in the Phoenix Boats Big Bass, a 7.2-pound largemouth. It helped me to a good finish at the event, and I got a $1,500 bonus check for having the largest bass of the four-day event on Ross Barnett Reservoir near Jackson, Miss. Catching larger fish was part of my plan that week because catching numbers of fish didn’t happen for me. I knew if I stuck to the game plan, the bigger bites would happen. Here’s that plan for the next time you go out and want to catch bigger fish. 1. Target The Thickest Cover: Many times big fish like to hang out in the thickest cover a fishery has to offer. This is relative to whatever part of the country you are in, but for the most part big fish do not roam around as much and tend to be pretty lazy. In shallow weed-choked reservoirs like they have in Florida, the biggest fish tend to hide in the thickest grass vegetation. In open rivers, they like to bury up in thick logjams. 2. Target Isolated Cover: Look for one single boat dock sitting off to itself or one big treetop down a bare mud bank. In my experience, big fish get territorial. I think they will set up on these places and claim them as their home, sort of. This is especially true if the place offers plenty of food for them. 3. Use Bigger Baits: This one is obvious and effective. Many times as fishermen we get way too caught up in getting bites and don’t think enough about the size of
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BRANDON LESTER the fish we are catching. I’ve been guilty of it time and again in tournaments, but the truth is you only need five bites on tournament day. So use baits that appeal to big fish. Remember, you’re not likely to see big fish schooling on 2- to 3-inch shad. Throw 6-inch and bigger swimbaits or a big jig that resembles a big crawfish or bluegill. These three tips should help you catch more big fish. Keep in mind that to actually present those bigger baits effectively and land the fish, you will need
to have the right gear. A big fish will break your heart and keep you up at night. Custom-built rods with Winn Grips from Mud Hole Custom Tackle, sturdy hooks from Mustad, and strong line from Vicious are all a must. For all the gear I recommend, visit my website www. brandonlesterfishing.com. If you have any questions, hit me up on Facebook or Instagram - @ blesterfishing.
Get more tips from Lester at
FISHINGMAGAZINE.FISHING
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5/16/17 11:16 AM
Atlanta/N. Georgia/ Lake Country June 2017 PUBLISHER: Bob Rice CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Nick Carter Henry Cowen Dr. Andrew Cox Capt. Jake Davis Jim Farmer The Fish Hawk Ronnie hall Jmmy Harris Capt. Cefus McRae Chris Scalley Gary Turner Noey Vineyard O'Neill Williams Rene J. Hesse Jimbo Mathley James Bradley David HulseY WAYNE WOOTEN Steven king ryan kennedy jay striker Graphic Design: Kathleen CARREIRO KATHLEENCARREIRO@YMAIL.COM A Free Publication The Angler Magazine Is Distributed Across The Southeast. The Angler Magazine Is Published Monthly By B & B Publishers P.O. Box 766 Madison, GA 30650 706-614-8231 www.theanglermagazine.com
To advertise in the largest free fishing publication in the U.S. with over 1 million monthly readers, call 706-614-8231
Reproduction Of Contents In Any Form Is Prohibited Bob Rice, publisher The Angler Magazine Fishing, Boating, Conservation “Find your outdoors here”
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Photo by Nick Carter
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Local Rivers & Fly Fishing
June Fly Fishing Report For fly fishermen, June can be a very transitional month in terms of fishing in North Georgia. Based on this past spring I think it is safe to say that Lake Lanier striped bass fishing will be coming to a close as the water temps start to reach 80+ degrees. It is only a matter of time before the fish start to go deep for the summer only to return to the surface in end of October. With this spring’s crazy weather pattern the summer deep water bite seems to have started in end April rather than June. For those wanting to pursue Lanier’s stripers in June, the south end will certainly be the area to concentrate on. Sinking lines will certainly be your best choice once the sun gets up. Low light can still get you a few bites tossing a Pole Dancer fly on a floating line or launching Super Spooks and Redfins on conventional tackle. After the sun gets above the tree line, it is time to start looking in the river channel off of long tapered points that kind of butt up to the deep water. June is also the BEST month for topwater spotted bass on Lanier. Go to any point during low light and toss any topwater fly like a Gurgler, Flat Fred or Crease fly and enjoy one of the Lanier’s most fiesty combatants. If you happen to see some topwater activity, then try to toss your fly or lure into the melee as spotted bass are suckers to leave a bait to grab y o u r artificial. This is just perfect for a six or seven weight outfit and this bite will continue
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throughout the entire summer. North Georgia anglers can also look to June for three things: Allatoona topwater hybrids, Chattahoochee River striped bass and Hooch carp. Fly anglers need to decide where to fish based on weather reports. If the reports are for bluebird skies and light winds, then carp needs to be in your plans for the following morning. If the reports are for fairly light winds and overcast skies, anglers need to hitch their trailer and head up to Lake Allatoona where the hybrids might be knocking bait up on the surface in gigantic schools! This is one of the most fun fishing trips a fly angler can make in North Georgia. I am particularly fond of my Albie Anchovy fly for this fishing or a Somethin’ Else as a second option. Conventional anglers can fish the same fly by affixing it to a popping cork rig or using a casting bubble filled with water on their spinning rods. It is a deadly combination that is sure to put a few fish in the boat. Finally, anglers can also start fishing the Hooch for either striped bass below Morgan Falls Dam or carp above Morgan Falls Dam. Fishing for stripers on the Hooch can be good anytime of the day, but I particularly like either the first three hours after sunrise or the last two hours before sunset. I prefer the northern breeches of the Hooch for river stripers early in the season. Carp fishing should be fished when the sun is shining high for best visibility. Small crayfish patterns as well as Damselfly nymphs are going to be your flies of choice. If you have never sight fished for carp, you do not know what you are missing. They are a spooky combatant, but for those anglers liking a challenge, this is the game fish for you. June is simply put, one of the best months to fish here in North Georgia as anglers have many choices. Hope everyone will get out and give it a try. See you on the pond (or river).
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5/16/17 6:40 AM
Local Rivers & Fly Fishing A Second Career for a Navy Vet by Angler staff
Blackhawk Flyfishing owner Abby Jackson invited the Angler Magazine staff to meet her new head guide and spend a day on the beautiful Soque River with him and trying our luck on the giant trout that live there. Enter Lewyn Poage. As a guest at Blackhawk Fly Fishing on the Soque River in North Georgia, we were introduced to the Head Guide by the name of Lewyn. I was really drawn in by the fact that he was calm and easy but had an undercurrent that was moving quickly. He had a plan for the day but let us decide when to start things. As it was still pretty cold out, we decided another cup of coffee and some conversation was just what we needed before hitting the river. We talked about guides, what was good and bad about them. Some yell, some leave you alone and others micromanage your day. Others just claim to be guides with no formal training or real skills. So I asked Lewyn how did he land at Blackhawk as a guide. Lewyn said he came to fish at Blackhawk last spring and check out every outfitter around. He decided Blackhawk is where he needed to be. Lew then went to Bozeman, Montana to be certified as a professional guide and started full-time at Blackhawk last September. As a retired naval officer and having been through multiple combat missions, Lewyn brings a unique perspective to his new career. He was in infantry school at age 17 which required his mother’s signature due to his being technically underage. He spent the last 17 of 24 years in the United States Navy in Naval Special Warfare. “Those years constitute the most meaningful and greatest experience in my life,” said Lewyn. “I am shaped today, both personally and professionally, by the honor of serving alongside America’s most elite warriors through indescribable loss and victory alike.” Fly fishing has allowed
Lewyn to continue to lead, educate and problem-solve in a healing environment. His new second career has supported his transition to civilian life. It is important that transitioning veterans, especially those with combat experience, actively seek out healing and selfcare resources. For Lewyn, fly fishing has become an integral part of his transition to civilian life. On the river, Lewyn reads people as well as he reads the water. He was never intrusive and could tell when I wanted to try and figure out the water. He knew when to break a casting streak that just wasn’t going to produce, but he made me feel like it was my idea to move on. Lew’s success, in my mind, was based on how he made me feel. I felt like it was all about me and my fishing buddy. It wasn’t a show, but more of a day with a friend that had a really good fishing spot he wanted to show us. When I asked if there would be any advice he would offer any of his guests, he said, “Be honest with your guide. Let them know if you are sick or hurt, wanting to be coached or left alone.” That’s good advice for all of us. It can save the day or even a life. My goal for the day was to get a little information about the new Head Guide at Blackhawk, do a little fishing and write an article about the experience. I think I may have done more than expected. I met an incredible man who served his country with the most elite forces, endured the horrific experiences of combat, and has now transitioned to civilian life as a fly fishing guide on the Soque River. Most importantly, I made a friend in Lewyn Poage.
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JUNE 2017
ATLANTA 3
5/16/17 6:40 AM
Local Rivers & Fly Fishing Chattooga River
by Karl Ekberg Chattooga River Fly Shop www.chattoogariverflyshop.com 864-6382806 The rivers around us here at Chattooga River Fly Shop are fishing well. Everyone from the novice to the expert has been having a great time on both the Chauga and the Chattooga rivers. There is plenty of dry fly fishing to be done, especially in the evening hours up to dark. The morning hatches have been subtle, but the use of emergers and nymphs have done the best. We have seen the first of the Golden Stone flies hatching, and there is nothing finer than seeing fish rise to the large dry flies. The Drake hatches are upon us as well, along with Yellow Sallies. Fishing the Drake nymphs from the riffles into the seams has been successful throughout the daytime hours. For the Slate Drake nymphs, casting upstream and using a dead drift and strip technique is very successful as the larger nymphs pulse through the water looking for a safe haven. Swinging these nymphs into pools and calmer water and then slow stripping them back is also another technique as well. Also, the use of Golden Stone nymphs trailing smaller nymphs has been successful. The Sulphur and Cahill hatch in the last couple of hours of daylight has been great. Soon to come in the next few weeks will be the Pale Evening
Duns. As the waters start to warm, the fish will start looking for cooler waters in the deeper pockets and pools of the rivers. The use of a pinch of split shot may be necessary, or the use of a heavier nymph with a trailing smaller nymph will do the trick. If nymph fishing is a little slow, the streamer bite has been very good. Casting upstream and mending the line so the streamer will fall further in the water column is the key. After the fly has reached the desired destination of the drift, a slower strip and pause technique will work. The rivers are loaded right now with many shiners and small baitfish. As the water temperatures rise and we leave the trout alone for survival, red eye bass and panfish is where we go on the river. The red eye bass are bedding as well as the panfish, and the bite is starting to turn on. With the water temperatures warming, this can provide a great day of fishing as well. Using small streamers, terrestrials and poppers will take care of these fine fish. We carry a full line of flies to help you have a successful day on the water. If you are not sure where to find these fine fish or what to fish with, let us take you out on a guided trip to show how much fun topwater action can be on our beautiful rivers. We hope to see everyone out on the rivers!
Professionally Guided Fly Fishing for Trout, Trophy Trout and Float Trips
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Local Rivers & Fly Fishing
The Casting Corner Rene J. Hesse Certified Casting InstructorFederation of Fly Fishers & Atlanta Fly Fishing and Camping Meetup Organizer
A Very Useful Wind Cast There are a lot of different casts to use in the wind. There are a lot of different names for the same wind cast that I am about to explain. This is a VERY useful cast that you can use for a windy day. Use it when you are on a boat and the wind is coming in to your casting arm. It’s dangerous when the wind is pushing the line at you from the side as you make your back and forward cast. This cast is also super helpful when you are on a stream and have trees scattered behind you as you try to cast to the other side of the stream. One name for the cast is a Barnegat Bay cast. Growing up in Missouri in the 60’s and 70’s and having no fly casting coaching or material to read, I just called it a back cast. In fact, I really didn’t call it anything, we just did it. I wish I knew the tweaks then that I know now. I’m going to tell you an easy way to adjust your cast by changing only one variable and then tell you a really cool way to use the cast. The main variables in a fly cast that we control are; stroke size, power application, timing and trajectory. The only one of those that we need to adjust on a back cast delivery is the trajectory. Here is how it works and how I use it quite often on our North Georgia streams. We think of this as a wind cast, however it can be used anytime. Works really good for tight places. Standing in the stream or on the
side of the stream with the water going from left to right (That is called a river right position.) and the wind is going right to left (That would be an upstream wind). For a right hand caster it would mean the wind is coming at your right arm and could cause the fly line to be coming close to your body. In this situation, turn your back to the wind so you are now facing upstream. Now you are in position to make the back cast delivery, and here is how the cast gets really cool. Pick out a hole in the trees in a place that you can cast your line through, ideally 180 degrees from your target or as close as you can to that. The goal will be to use your excellent casting skills to make a ‘forward cast’ into the empty space in the trees at an upward trajectory so you can extend line, and then don’t change anything, and deliver the fly on the back cast at a lower trajectory. Turn your back to the wind, pick out a spot or area that you can make a forward cast into and then deliver your fly to the target on the back cast. That’s it. Don’t make it any more complex. Taking time to practice that cast on land, using targets and obstructions will help a great deal. Focus on making a cast away from the target in an upward trajectory and make the back cast to the target, not up. Whatever you want to call the cast is up to you. The bigger thing is knowing when to use it and how
henrycowenflyfishing.com.
Blue Ridge Georgia June Fishing Report
To book a trip, please contact us thru our website at www.
Contributed by Capt. David Hulsey International Federation of Fly Fishers Master Certified Casting Instructor http://www.hulseyflyfishing.com 770-639-4001
The month of June is one of my favorite times of the year here in the Georgia Mountains. Trout are usually eager to crush a properly drifted terrestrial such as a hopper, beetle, ant or bee pattern. Rises aren’t gentle sips off the surface as when they are eating little Blue Winged Olives or Midges, now small explosions are the norm. Grassy areas around the stream banks, blooming shrubs or overhanging leafy branches provide the perfect place for a clumsy bug to tumble in. Splashing the fly down onto the stream’s surface is usually a good idea instead of taboo as at other times of the year! Trout hearing the plop of a juicy beetle will almost always swing out from cover to investigate. The morning and evening hours of the day seem to be the best times to sling a few bugs in early summer. Mid-day can be hot anyway and is usually better for drinking beer. The water temperatures are usually in good shape and the rainbows and browns are more active then. Big foam fly patterns float great and
provide bulk to your offerings. Add a few rubber or flexy-floss legs to the pattern and you have the illusion of movement too. Terrestrials are fairly easy to tie if you care to, and fly tying materials from the Hareline Company are hard to beat. The Toccoa River tailwater in Blue Ridge, Georgia and the private waters of Noontootla Creek Farms are the best fly fishing around in early summer, and a trip to either can be a blast! The tailwater runs through a low elevation lush green valley for much of its 15 mile length from the dam to McCaysville, Ga. It’s a bugarama during the summer, and the hungry trout take advantage of this. Noontootla Creek Farms’ trout population will simply destroy a big hopper pattern during the early summer. The water levels are starting to get low, but if you’re sneaky and can cast decent you have a real chance at a true trophy on a dry fly. Check out our website at www.ncfga.net, then give us a call to book your North Georgia fly fishing adventure.
by Kevin Penley Alpharetta Outfitters Alpharettaoutfitters@yahoo.com
DIY Popper
Materials List Wapsi Perfect Popper Head #1 or #2 (any color) Surface Seducer Popper Hooks #2 Danville 3/0 thread (color to match paint) Hareline Adhesive Eyes 3/16 - Silver Black Hareline Marabou - Black Krystal Flash - Black Saddle Hack 5-7” - Black Hareline Magnum Predator Legs Grizzly Barred - Fluorescent Orange
Special Tools Testors Spray Enamel - Black Metallic shown • Zap Z-Poxy 30 Minute Formula• Toothpick • Wapsi Rotary Fly Drye• Hareline Leg Puller It’s spring, and that means that topwater bite is coming on strong in our lakes and warm water streams! Have you ever been curious about making your own poppers? We’ve had fun experimenting with some pre-made heads and making a different popper variations. Wapsi “Perfect Popper” packs as well as Surface Seducer Double Barrel popper bodies give a good starting point for creating your ultimate dry fly. The great thing about these pre-made heads is you can stay simple keeping the original color from the package or you can tap into your creative side. I’ve enjoyed adding variety to my popper patterns using Sharpie, spray paint and epoxy, while also varying my rubber leg, krystal flash, and marabou combinations. The options are endless. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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Local Rivers & Fly Fishing
The Guide's Angle
Contributed By: Chris Scalley River Through Atlanta Guide Service
Transition Time
June is the transition period from spring to summer food sources for tailwater trout. The “spring abundance” of mayflies, caddisflies and stoneflies is over, and now trout are switching to alternative food sources. In many southern tailwater rivers, aquatic vegetation is prevalent, which is perfect habitat for crustaceans such as crayfish, sow bugs and scuds. Keep in mind too that this moss is home to a small mayfly nymph called a BWO or blue-winged-olive which hatches all summer in the evenings. Another overlooked aquatic insect that anglers should imitate is the larvae and adult stages of the cranefly. There are other fish species like darters or sculpin and even juvenile trout which large brown trout prey upon. Summertime is also terrestrial time when land-based insects proliferate such as ants, beetles, grasshoppers and crickets which fall from the overhanging vegetation of the stream banks. With our current drought situation, tailwaters may be your only option for trout this summer in Georgia.
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Local Rivers & Fly Fishing CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER WARMWATER SLAM Contributed By: Jimmy Harris
www.unicoioutfitters.com
One of my best friends is a fish snob. He’s a very good angler but he has a blind spot when it comes to fishing for anything other than smallmouth bass. Living in Northeast Georgia, that means he generally has to travel a little to get to them. Me, I’m more bourgeoisie. Give me a pole, some bait and a puddle of water. I’ll spend the day right there; fly rod, spinning rod, cane pole, whatever. That’s why June is a prime month for me. First of all, I can shed the waders because the water has warmed to the point it doesn’t coagulate my old blood when I wet wade. More importantly, it’s the opening of slam season. Every species that swims is now fair game. Those who know me well will attest that shoal bass fishing the Chattahoochee River is my passion
in the summer. They’re my local version of smallmouth and, to me, are every bit as feisty. The icing on the cake for river fishing in June is the variety of species you can target. Shoalies are at the top of the pyramid, but there are abundant options as the river warms. In no particular order, here are some of my favorites: Carp. Probably the most challenging quarry in the river, particularly with a fly. If you’ve never hooked into one, let me tell you, it’s a rush. There’s a reason some anglers refer to them as the freshwater bonefish. When hooked, they leave that place! I have caught them on Clousers, but you’re more likely to have success in shallow backwater eddies sight fishing with a fly imitating a hellgrammite or dragonfly nymph.
Gar. If carp are the bonefish of fresh water, gar are the tarpon. The go-to fly, if you want to call it that, is a nice 8 – 12 inch piece of nylon rope that’s been shredded and tied securely to a swivel. Gar will slash at the “fly” as if it was a baitfish and their teeth become entangled in the rope. At this point, you hang on. They’re usually good for a couple of aerial acrobatics and, I don’t care who you are, a four-foot fish clearing the water is impressive. If you decide to target a gar with a real fly, one with a hook, you can expect one good leap before that hard bony mouth spits it back at you. The upside is you don’t have to remove
rope fibers from the fish’s teeth. The downside is your fly may be toast. Redbreast Bream. Granted, most river redbreast are not particularly large, but they’re aggressive and can make your day if nothing else is biting. And now and then you’ll find a place that has some good size fish that you can enjoy and release or take home for dinner. If you want to go for the grand slam, you can target spotted bass, largemouth and redeye which are all residents of the upper Chattahoochee River. To take it a step further, keep an eye out for a striper now and then or maybe a white sucker. Now you’re talking!
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Local Lakes & Forecasts The Use of Electrofishing to Manage a Fishery
Contributed By: Steven King sking@ilmenvironments.com Field Manager at SOLitude Lake Management Whether you’re interested in creating a prized trophy fishery or just want to improve the health and longevity of your fishing pond, electrofishing is an essential tool for fisheries managers. This method is the primary sampling technique used to gather necessary information about the current state of a waterbody and determine what can be done to meet or exceed the goals of the specific fishery. What exactly is electrofishing? Electrofishing helps biologists track reproductive success and survival rates of fish species. The assessment is performed by sending an electric current into the water in order to safely stun any nearby fish. Stunned fish can then be easily scooped up in a net and placed in a temporary holding tank where they can revive and be observed for data collection. Most
often, fish are measured, weighed and marked with PIT or Floy tags, which are used to determine the health and growth of the fish year over year. Then, they are released back into the water completely unharmed. How does it work? Electrofishing requires a crew of properly trained and licensed professionals as well as a specialized boat, which is often custom built. While electrofishing boats can vary in design, they are all outfitted with the same equipment, including a generator and redundant safety features. The generator directs an AC electric current to a specialized box where it is converted to a DC current—which is much safer for the fish—and then to two nodes overhanging the water. The box operator is able to dial in on specific pattern and strength settings based on the conductivity of the particular
waterbody. What are the benefits of an electrofishing assessment? First, this method captures a large and diverse sample of fish in a short period of time, without the need to catch every fish in the waterbody. By using information from this sample, biologists can collect data on species abundance, size structure and condition—which, in turn, can be used to determine which strategies could be implemented to meet the goals of the fishery. These strategies may include, but are not limited to stocking, harvest restrictions, water quality improvements, fertilization, feeding and habitat management. Biologists can use this method to inspect each fish for the presence of sores or parasites, and identify any prevalent problems throughout the fish populations that would otherwise go unnoticed. Electrofishing can also help expose any unwanted or invasive fish species that are causing harm to the beneficial fish populations or impeding the long-term goals of the fishery. In some cases, the removal of nuisance or invasive species is necessary to most effectively meet the
management plan of a lake or pond. These unwanted fish can be removed through electrofishing. An electrofishing assessment should always be considered at the beginning of a new lake, pond or fisheries management plan, and later implemented on a 1- to 5-year basis depending on the goals of the fishery. Lakes and ponds are constantly changing from year to year, and regular assessments will make it possible to consistently implement the best management practices and make necessary adaptations to the plan when needed. So, whether you’re looking to manage your body of water for prized catches, casual fishing, or just want to know what kind of fish are present, your lake management specialist can assess the wildlife in your waterbody and help you make the best decisions for the growth and enhancement of your lake or pond. Steven King is a Field Manager at SOLitude Lake Management, an environmental firm providing full service lake, pond, and fisheries management services throughout the United States. He can be reached through the website, www.solitudelakemanagement.com.
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Local Lakes & Forecasts Happy Hybrid Happenings! By Dickelsby Finn
Recently, the Angler staff had the pleasure of joining Captain Billy Wheeler for an early morning trip at Lake Oconee to see if we could benefit from all the spawning going on by the dam. Yep, the stripers and the hybrids were all there egg [roe] dropping while an enormous amount of shad were visiting for the same purpose. Of course the shad will reproduce while the big fish just go through the motions. Enough of the marine biology stuff, let’s meet Capt Billy! He is a great guy who is a great bundle of energy catching bait, putting out rods, attaching terminal tackle, baiting hooks and sweeping up fish brought to the side of the boat with some very athletic netting techniques! This guy is all over the boat like it was his own personal elliptical machine. Also along for the adventure was Bob Rice, Atlanta Angler Publisher and special guest Matt Selke, Head Honcho at Pinnacle Credit Union. Matt is enjoying some really good results from his decision to use The Angler Magazine to spread the word about helping folks finance their boats and recreational vehicles that help make the great outdoors so meaningful. Give them a call if you would like to explore your finance options, 706-4852039 for the Lake Oconee group and 404-888-1648 for the Atlanta office. Back to catching fish. We are now heading over toward the dam with all lines trolling at different depths and different sized baits. We are closing in on the rock lined bank where the birds are swooping down capturing the unfortunate surface dwelling shad. The excitement began with the rig nearest Matt. The rod was bending over almost double as he deftly lifted it out from the holder, and then began the great fun you have when fishing with a pro. The fight was terrific before finally a beautiful hybrid was thrashing about in the net and went directly to the photo-op in the front of the boat. Little time elapsed before the wonderful process was again repeated by Bob Rice. Then another with your humble correspondent getting into
the act! Holy Hybrid Batman!! This was some terrific action! There was a short break in the fish catching as we moved about trolling at different depths and adding two planer boards. The next ginourmous hit [don’t look it up] was Matt back in play with a great fight with a large toothy garfish. Capt. Billy quickly had a loud conversation with the intruder who was immediately asked to leave! Then boom it happened again! These large gars are pretty scary looking and ruin a lot of tackle, but Mother Nature put them there to make it interesting for humans who think they are into a glorious fighting striper! In just a few minutes a large crappie hit our bait….looks like we are into a seafood platter! And then a nice catfish was added to complete the dish! Yikes this is great fishing and you can easily become part of the crew by contacting Captain Billy Wheeler at his website www.gonefishingstriper. com His phone is 706-914-9859 or 706 444-6365. He also guides some at Lake Sinclair and is thinking about “noodling” trips for large catfish which are abundant in both lakes. Another neat thing about fishing with Captain Billy is the great tunes he plays during the trip on his ‘Serious Radio’…Ok it is not spelled that way but that’s the way it sounds and I have to admit my experience with 50’s music just made everything more entertaining for me especially when it came to identifying the artists……Trivia Karaoke anyone? In closing, we would like to invite any of you business leaders who would like to attract more new customers to your business to contact us at 404-427-3286 or Dickg@theanglermagazine.com
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Local Lakes & Forecasts Lake Blue Ridge Smallmouth and Spotted Bass By: Shane Goebel Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service & The Angler Magazine Fishing Team www.bigolfish.com 828-361-2021, 1-844-4-ANGLER
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Located about two hours north of Atlanta, Lake Blue Ridge plays host to some of North Georgia’s best smallmouth bass fishing. This beautiful 3,300-acre body of water produces some awesome trophy smallmouth, and June is a great month to hit the water. Currently, Lake Blue Ridge is 3 feet below full pool. Water temperatures are in the mid 70’s. Water clarity is clear in the main lake and stained in the creeks and rivers. Not a lot has changed out here. We are still catching a lot of smallmouth and spotted bass all over the lake, with the majority of our smallmouth being caught in the Toccoa River area. Target these fish off rocky points, ledges and shallow humps around the lake. Also, focus on working the banks that the early morning sun hits first. We are also catching some nice fish under the docks. We are still pulling planer boards with live blueback herring early. It’s also a great idea to set out a couple of free lines 100 to 120 feet behind the boat while you pull planer boards. When the sun really comes up in the mid-morning hours, we’ll switch to downlining live blueback herring. Most of our fish have been caught in the 15 to 25-foot range. This really seems to be the best technique for the larger smallmouth but not until the sun really gets up. Look for large schools of smallmouths in the Toccoa River and Star Creek area. Live bait seems to be the key out here lately, but a jigging spoon and shaky head can’t be ruled out this time of
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year. Towards the end of this month these spotted bass will really start to school up and be feeding strong. Also watch for an exciting topwater bite. When they start busting on the surface, they will hit just about anything you can throw at them. In June the walleye will start heading for deeper water. Look for these guys to be suspended off rocky points and on steep ledges throughout the lake. You can also find some stray wanderers on shallow humps. Downlining live bluebcks will work the best to target these guys. You can even bounce a few nightcrawlers 6 to 12 inches from the bottom. Also trolling crankbaits and jerkbaits will get you hooked up. When I decide to pull artificial baits, I always go to my Yo-Zuri Deep Diver, Shad Raps or Smithwick deep divers. Just remember to make some good S turns and keep your speeds around 2 to 3 mph. June is a fantastic month for catching some very big fish on this lake. Give Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service a call and let the area’s #1 guide service put you on some of Lake Blue Ridge’s best trophy fish. And, for all your live bait and tackle needs, go check out Hughes General Store in Blairsville, GA. They carry everything you need for a successful day of fishing. Now go hit the water and go “get your fish on”! Good luck!
JUNE 2017
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Local Lakes & Forecasts lake lanier STRIPER
NOBODY SAID IT HAD TO BE FAIR FOR THE
FISH
Forecast By: Steve Scott http://TeamLanier.wordpress.com Traditionally the month of May would bring us an extreme topwater bite every year. But this year it has been very different with the lake not recovering to its full pool and the unseasonable weather bringing in colder temps, then warm days, then more rainy days keeping temperatures from the high 60s to low 70s. I believe this has caused the stripers to be confused about their trek to spawn up the rivers leaving most of them scattered in mid-lake. So, the topwater bite has only lasted about 2 weeks this year. Other baits used to catch these nomads has moved from medium shiners to the larger baits like blueback herring and medium gizzard shad. June is expected to settle down as the lake should come up slowly to full pool. Downlines are back in full swing as well as the Ben Parker spoon and umbrella rigs. Stagger your downlines in 80 to 100’ of water. On a clean bottom, drop one of them to the bottom and crank it up a few turns regardless if fish are seen on the screen using a 12” gizzard shad. Be sure to use a sizeable clip-on weight, say 3-4 ounces to get to the bottom quickly. Use anchor lock so as not to tangle with other downlines while hovering over those 100’ depths. Another deep-water method is using the Ben Parker spoon. While over those depths and anchored, drop the spoon all the way to the bottom then power reel it back to the surface is one method. Another method with
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the spoon is getting the bite on the fall. Be aware of the bite on the fall by holding the line between your fingers as it drops or you may miss the bite. You can also use the War Eagle spoon on an 80’ bottom. A third method is fancasting the Ben Parker spoon at 1, 2 and 3 o’clock and let it fall beneath the boat then power reel it or use a jigging action to get a strike. Finally, use the umbrella rig with dark colors on cloudy days and light colors on sunny days with curly tails, paddle tails or a combination of both. The umbrella rig is a reactionary bite. Maybe add a little noise with some glass rattles embedded in one of the paddle tails if the water is a little stained. Fish the umbrella rigs 75’ back over 30’ points and river bends in main channel, in the mouth of creeks and over main lake points. Update your log. TIP OF THE MONTH: When a fish shops your bait, start power reeling one of your downlines. For more detailed information visit http://TeamLanier. worpress.com/menu.
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Some Other Things to Enjoy While Fishing Contributed By: Dr. Andrew Cox Professor at Troy University, Phenix City, Alabama. andrewtrout@aol.com. This is an unusual article to find in an angling publication. This topic deals with the other sights and sounds that may be encountered with the angling experience. These involve plants and at times animals that you may see during a day’s fishing. Late March, April, May, and June are ideal months to see flora that may be growing around your favorite fishing waters. I enjoy fishing area lakes as well as streams and rivers found in the headwaters of these lakes. Many times during these months, I find myself distracted from fishing by the flowering plants and trees found along these water’s surrounding banks. I have to admit that I have missed strikes and lost fish due to my distractions in viewing surrounding plants and trees. Many of these plants and trees are native species, some being rare and endangered found only within these watery locations. Though I have some knowledge of plant and tree names, each year I see species that I am not familiar. I will take pictures of flowering plants with my cell telephone so that I can consult internet sources or published books to locate the name of a particular plant species. During the early spring months, the angler can find Piedmont azaleas growing along the shorelines of area waters in both Georgia and Alabama. These shrubs usually have pink blooms during this time of year; sometimes the angler may see the rarer red Piedmont azalea. These are beautiful shrubs often overhanging the water in their growth pattern. Later in the spring season, the angler can view Oakleaf Hydrangeas, a native shrub species with unique shaped leaves and a white bloom. These are often found in woodlands surrounding the headwaters of area lakes. Various vines with attractive flowers are also found along our waterways during this time of year. Honeysuckle and Confederate Jasmine vines can be spectacular in their display of colors. In North Georgia waters,
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flowering Rhododendron can be viewed. A variety of flowering wild flowers can also be viewed along the banks of our waterways. Though I am most struck with native plants and trees, fishing the developed shorelines of lakes can also be spectacular. During this season, many lakeside homes have outstanding plantings of azaleas, forsythia, flowering almond, and various flowering plants. I was once fishing Lake Harding on the Georgia/Alabama border and noticed a lakeside home with a waterfront shoreline filled with Ginger Lilies. Luckily, I was able to locate and return to this home via land and asked the landowner for a small piece of this flowering plant for my own garden. This small piece from Lake Harding has now expanded in my garden, filled with white blooms each year. I have also taken cuttings from blooming roses found in lakeside landscapes while fishing a particular shoreline or cove. Animals also can be seen in this angling setting. I have viewed multiple animals and their interesting antics in the natural setting over my years of angling. These include deer, wild hogs, squirrels, chipmunks, skunks, as well as many bird species. In some waters, alligators can be viewed. Though trying to catch fish is my primary focus in spending time on our lakes, streams, and rivers, viewing nature’s bounty of plants and animals is an added bonus to being outdoors. Taking in the interplay of nature’s work between the water and surrounding lands makes the angler appreciative of nature’s work and our environment. Author’s Note: Dr. Andrew Cox is a contributing writer to outdoor publications and newspapers. He is a member of the Georgia Outdoor Writer’s Association. Dr. Cox financially supports his fishing habits as Professor Emeritus at Troy University, Phenix City, Alabama. He may be contacted at andrewtrout@ aol.com. JUNE 2017
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Local Lakes & Forecasts June is Topwater Time on Lanier! Contributed By: Jim “Jimbo” Mathley www.jimboonlanier.com
swimbaits, I like to present the larger, heavier, mechanical type swimbaits on a heavy action rod that is at least 7 feet long, and I will utilize 20-pound test monofilament or Seaguar Fluorocarbon line. My big swimbait rod is a G-Loomis Swimbait Rod which is perfectly matched for these baits. I appreciate the extra rod strength to cast these big baits and manage the big fish you will catch on them. As far as the many other soft and hard swimbait options, you can scale back to a medium-heavy rod if you prefer, but I recommend keeping the length at 7 feet or more. G-Loomis also offers some outstanding topwater rods from which to choose. Check out the options at Gloomis.com. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy some of the best fishing on Lake Lanier during the month of June. I still have some dates available in June, so
It is hard to beat the topwater bite in June on Lake Lanier. Spotted bass chasing a topwater bait in wolfpacks is about the most fun a human can have. In this month’s installment, we will review the different options to take advantage of the incredible topwater fishing on Lake Lanier in June. Location: In June, most of the spotted bass have completed the spawn and have transitioned into replenish mode. Many fish will be relating to key features at the mouths of the major creeks as well as main lake areas and can be found on key structure such as long running points and humps. Locating these areas and the manmade cover that is often found on them (Example – brush piles), which will often concentrate the fish, will be important to your success. I recommend LanierMAPPED.com to get started. The site provides an opportunity to purchase narrated video and GPS Coordinates for over 800 different fish-attracting features in the lake that were filmed when the lake was 20 feet below fullpool during the historic draught of 2007-2008. Even today this is very valuable information as it will lead you to the hidden off-shore structure that is such an important part of the awesome topwater bite on Lake Lanier. Lures and Presentation: Now let’s examine some of the techniques and lures that can be used to catch these fish in June. 1. Topwater – There are many bait choices in the topwater category; poppers, walkers, wakers, etc. The preference of the fish will change day to day, so make sure to experiment daily to identify the mood of the fish as well as their preference in presentation. Excellent topwater baits for Lake Lanier include: Lucky Craft Sammy, Heddon Zara Spook, Storm Chug-Bug and a Cotton Cordell Redfin. These lures as well as all the rods and reels you will need to present them can be purchased at local tackle shops such as Hammond’s Fishing in Cumming, GA. The friendly staff at Hammond’s Fishing will be happy to help you make the proper selection and match
the rod and reel to the presentation you are seeking. Make sure to check out those G Loomis rods and Shimano reels - truly world class tackle! 2 Swimbait – Swimbaits offer great versatility as they can be fished at any depth you wish. As far as the mechanical type swimbaits, my favorite is the brand new Sweet Herring from the Sweet Bait Company. Solid design along with laborious handcrafted work and acute attention to detail make this bait the top of its class. Vary your retrieve speed and depth with this bait until you find the retrieve for which the fish are searching. Look for these baits to be a big producer of monster spotted bass in June. 3. SuperSpin from Super Fish – We have talked about this bait in previous articles. When the topwater/ swimbait bite is tough, pick up your SuperSpin and go to work. Fish the bait over and around brush for your best success, especially when the sun is out. The sun will concentrate the fish in this type of cover and the SuperSpin offers the perfect solution for the finicky fish that won’t come up. 4. Worm and Jig – When the topwater/swimbait action slows, and you see fish in the brush on your Lowrance, try the worm and jig. I like the Davis offerings, especially their original Shaky Heads. As far as jigs go, I prefer Chattahoochee Jigs. Explore different worm and jig sizes, shapes, textures and colors when you are fishing. Something different presented appropriately can make a big difference on certain days. Keep trying until you find the presentation for which the fish are searching that day. Tackle: For topwater action, you should utilize either a medium to medium-heavy bait-casting or spin-casting outfit, rigged with 12-17 pound monofilament line. Monofilament fishing line floats which makes either monofilament or braided line the best option for presenting topwater baits correctly. Lighter poppers and smaller walking baits are often better presented on spinning gear which allows for easier casting of smaller baits. For
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call me or drop me a line to experience some of this incredible topwater action. See you on the water! Jimbo is a full-time, yearround spotted bass guide on Lake Lanier. Contact him today to book a trip at 770-542-7764 or at www. jimboonlanier.com
6 AM to 6 PM Monday Thru Sunday
2595 Buford Dam Rd, Cumming, GA We carry a large selection of live bait; Night Crawlers, Baby Night Crawlers, Green Night Crawlers, Big Reds, Wax Worms, Meal Worms, Crickets, Minnows (small, medium and large), and Blueback Herring. We also have a large selection of brand name artificial bait and an assortment of Rods, Reels and Combos. Adjacent Chevron Foodmart has a deli, snacks, drinks, gas, beer and wine. Striper guides with charters and needing bait early can call 706-429-7211 to make arrangements.
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Local Lakes & Forecasts carters lakE
Forecast By: Eric Crowley Lake & Stream Guide Service (706) 669-4973
lakeandstreamguideservice@gmail.com
June signifies the beginning of the good ole summer pattern on Carters. The striped fish are heading a little deeper, feeding early in the day and at night when it’s a little cooler, as well as orienting more on deep structure rather than chasing bait up shallow like they were last month. Some of their favorite spots in June can be the humps, long lake points and the dropoffs by the big island in the mouth of the river. As far as rigging and techniques go, keep it simple: 1.5 to 2.0 ounce egg sinker, 12 to 17 pound leader about 8 feet long and circle hooks up to a 2/0. Live alewife or threadfin are the go-to bait in the summer time. Watch the sonar looking for schools of fish pinned to the bottom in the 30-60 foot range. You may have to hit them in the face with it a few times, but eventually
these fish will eat. The summer time walleye bite is a night bite, and it’s in full swing. We are catching a few nice fish every week on live baits fished in the 20 to 50 foot range under the Hydro Glow Lights. Live baits on a small hook or live baits fished on a 3/8 ounce yellow, red or white jig head have been the way to go. Keep the baits on the bottom or just off the bottom. For artificials, the best results have been 3 inch spoons in perch color fished on 10 pound braid with a 6 pound leader. Fish in the 4-7 pound class have been the norm. The spotted bass bite is pretty predictable in June with the fish not moving very far from key feeding locations throughout the day. They move more up and down then cruising the banks . The big spots are held up in 20-30 feet waiting on the bait schools to come by. If you find a good spot visit it several times throughout the day as it will more then likely have multiple fish holding on it. Live baits on light rods with a single split shot is a perfect option.
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Local Lakes & Forecasts Give Your Boat or Car the Protection It Deserves You have invested your hard earned dollars in your boat that’s headed to the lake or ocean this summer. You need to protect your investment with the most advanced coating system in the marine industry, Ceramic Pro. With the use of advanced nano-technology, Ceramic Pro delivers a product that will improve your vessels performance while protecting it from the elements. This product cannot be compared to anything currently on the market. Once the Ceramic Pro marine system has been applied to a surface, the need for waxes and other off-theshelf protective products becomes obsolete. Ceramic Pro is a clear, non-yellowing, liquid nano-ceramic coating. When cured, this technology will transform itself on the surface to become a rigid, flexible superslick glass shield, bonding to and protecting the substrate. Consider the advantages of using Ceramic Pro: UV Protection: The UV protection built inside of Ceramic Pro protects gelcoat, paint, rubbers and plastics against aging and fading colors. With Ceramic Pro your boat
will sustain that “brand new” appeal with minimal future maintenance. Scratch and Scuff Resistance: Ceramic Pro brings strength to the table. This nano-ceramic coating can fortify any surface against scuffs and scratches. Even damage to the coating can be quickly and easily remedied. This comes in very handy on expensive enclosures and electronic screens. Less Maintenance: Once cured, the coating gets very hydrophobic (water repellent); water rolls off the surface and grabs dirt and grime. This is known as the self-cleaning effect. Hand washing will be extremely easy and the need for heavy detergents and chemicals are now, in most cases, obsolete. Ultimate Gloss & Shine: Once coated with Ceramic Pro your boat will stand out from all others. The shine and color depth on a Ceramic Pro vessel is something to behold. Ceramic Pro, unlike wax, provides a permanent shine. The results are truly eye-catching. Barrier against Saltwater, Scum, Oxidation, Exhaust, Stains & Chemicals: This nano-ceramic creates a smooth hydrophobic surface. This
creates a consistent anti-stick factor making it easy to clean away fish gunk or other contaminants without hard scrubbing. Dirt, exhaust, and salt collect at a minimum keeping your vessel cleaner much longer. Metals are better protected against spots and corrosion. Soap and water can be used instead of specialty chemicals when cleaning. Flexibility: Ceramic Pro has proven to be a perfect coating for surfaces exposed to expansion and deformation such as the flexing of a fiberglass hull. The coating wont crack or flake like acrylic sealants. This also allows Ceramic Pro to be applied to upholstery and roll-up enclosures. Bottom Line – Increased Top Speed & Fuel Economy: The most unique function of the Ceramic Pro Marine System is the ability to reduce drag when applied to the hull bottom. This coating reduces surface tensions, creating higher speeds at cruising RPM’s. Less fuel use is a side-effect. Ceramic Pro increases a vessels top speed and acceleration. Works great on cars too: Ceramic Pro can be described as an additional clear coat, with 3 times
the hardness and self-cleaning properties. The coating will protect the vehicles exterior and interior from deteriorating for a lifetime. The resale market value will therefore be substantially higher! Once the coating is applied you will see a mirror effect, glossiness and color depth, incomparable to anything else! With proper maintenance your car’s finish will shine for many years to come. The slickness of the coated surface doesn’t allow dirt, brake dust and tar to stick to your car’s paint, wheels or glass. This makes washing your vehicle less labor intensive and less frequent. Waxing is now obsolete. Protect your investment today. To get a quote on your boat or car, contact Keith at Waterboys Automotive and Marine Detailing at 404-618-7071 or at waterboysdetail@ gmail.com.
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Local Lakes & Forecasts Lake Allatoona Forecast By: Capt. Robert Eidson First Bite Guide Service 770-827-6282 eidson6260@att.net www.firstbiteguideservice.com Lineside fishing is excellent and the fishing is on fire. The white bass bite is dying off, but both the Little River and Etowah River runs are good for hybrids and stripers. Cut shad seems to be working best, but live shad and chicken liver will also work well. If the river isn’t your thing, the
Allatoona Creek arm is producing very good numbers of stripers and hybrids. Tanyard Creek, Clark Creek, Iron Hill and from the 75 bridge to the spillway are all good places to look. Every hump and point should have some fish on them. We are having our best luck pulling hand sized gizzard shad on flat lines and planer boards early, and then switching to downlines once that bite slows. After about 10 AM, start pulling a umbrella rig. Chartreuse has been the best color for bucktails on the umbrella rig. Pull them 120 feet behind the boat at 3.1 mph.
lake lanier striperS Forecast by: Clay Cunningham www.catchingnotfishing.com 770-630-2673 The stripers on Lake Lanier have skipped spring and went straight to summer. The water temperature has already moved into the 70s. The stripes have already made the spawning run and grouped up to head south. Concerning location, the bulk of the stripers will be relating to points most of the month of June. With each passing week, the fish will pull further and further off the points. During the latter part of June, if the weather continues to be hot, look for the stripers to leave the points for the open water. Either way, downlines will be the primary method to catch the stripers. The downline is more or less a Carolina rig with a live bait hook. Use a 1 1/2 ounce Capt. Mack swivel sinker, a 5 foot section of 15 pound Trilene 100 percent
Flourocarbon and a Gamakatsu 1/0 or 2/0 Finesse Wide Gap hook. If the herring are smaller, use the 1/0 and if they are running larger, go to a 2/0. If any doubt, the smaller the hook the better to increase bites. These hooks are incredibly strong. The best rod and reel for this set up is a Penn Squall 20 Linecounter reel paired with a Shakespeare 7’ 6” ML Striper rod. The light action of the striper rod will increase your bites and hook up ratio. Lastly, be sure to keep a chrome Super Spook or similar topwater walking bait for any last topwater action you see especially early in the morning. Change the hooks to Gamakatsu Magic Eye Trebles to make sure they stay hooked. Factory hooks on baits tend to be on the fair side. An extra dollar or two in exchange of not losing the fish of a lifetime is a good investment. See you on the water. Summer fishing on Lanier for stripers is good as it gets on Lanier.
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Local Lakes & Forecasts Gather Up the Kids for a Summer Fishing Trip by O’Neill Williams It’s not many days until the neighborhood children will begin summer vacation. Seems a whole lot shorter now than when you were a kid doesn’t it? Well, with the few remaining days of school left before the bunch scatters, round up some of the neighborhood yard apes while school is still in session so they can talk about it, encourage each other, and then you stake them all to a fishing trip. It may be that their dads aren’t fishermen, or maybe their dads do not even live at home. With a divorce rate pushing 50% and home family time at a low ebb, a planned fishing trip with their buddies will light up some eyes and create smiles galore. Some might be in a day care center for the summer while the parents work. You never can tell. Anyway, I’m sure that with a little effort and a telephone call or two, you can round up a small group for a trip to the local fishing hole. You can probably handle three or four can’t you? That won’t be too many. Maybe you can get one or two of your fishing buddies to help. A couple of things though. Be sure that the equipment works. Children have no patience or skill to deal with tangles, backlashes or unworkable gear. The Georgia DNR actually has loaner programs to equip the needy. I’m sure you can gather up some stuff between you and your friends. Secondly, use live bait. With the absence of learned or practiced fishing techniques with plastics and
such, live bait is heartily suggested. The deal is that even if the fish aren’t biting, a sleeve of crickets, a box of worms or a paper sack of spring lizards will entertain your wards for hours. A company in Madison, GA has a product called ‘Fisher’s Choice’ with product that you can buy online. They are little cans of dried crickets, shrimp and worms. They work just like live bait and will be perfect for your little rascal fishermen. How about the destination? Pick a state park by reaching out to the Georgia DNR. They have lakes at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center near Covington, GA that are stocked heavily with catchable critters and are reserved just for children groups. Remember too, you don’t have to try for a state record bass; a few tugs from a bream or catfish will suffice nicely. Your best headquarters will be the bank of or pier on a pond. Boats are ill advised for this type of trip. Take a little grill and heat up hot dogs for lunch. The little fishermen will get hungry and will not want to stop fishing to eat. Lastly, don’t make it all day. A few hours one morning before it gets too hot will do. Four hours at the most will do nicely. It’s likely that the three or four children you sacrifice a morning for will never have gone fishing before and may not again until you take them. With a catch or two, they’ll proudly tell everyone at school when they return, and will feel like their summer was worthwhile and that you thought they were worth it.
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Local Lakes & Forecasts Lake chatuge
Eric Welch Welch’s Guide Service www.welchsguideservice. com 706-455-2323 Water temperature: 68-71 degrees, lake level: 1 feet below full pool, water clarity: clear. The lake is just a foot below full pool and the fish have started moving to their summer areas. Right now you can catch fish around brush with a fluke or a trick warm, and the same technique will work around docks. Some of the fish are starting to move out deep off the long points on the
main body. We’ve been targeting them with dropshot 4.5” worms and green pumpkin shaky heads. The first couple hours in the morning I’m targeting flats and long pockets where the spotted bass have pushed the blue backs in during the night. I’m throwing a Strike King Sexy Dawg making long casts. You can also catch these fish using a fluke on a jig head and just swimming it slowly. There is still a jig bite around docks and brush. Just try a pb/j in a 3/8 ounce. The topwater bite should pick up the next couple months. Give us a call and we’ll get out on the water.
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Local Lakes & Forecasts
The Fish
Contributed By: Noey Vinyard
defile this magnificent fish. I then surprised myself by cutting the line and leaving the gold hook I had been using embedded in her upper jaw, a shiny new addition to her already impressive collection. Maybe I left it there because her days in the pond were probably few. Maybe I didn’t think she’d survive another winter or maybe I thought she had earned it and about how she seemed to wear all her medals with pride. As I eased her into the water and watched her swim away with slow, dignified tail strokes and watched as the surface
I sat on the bank of the old pond and felt the morning chill on my nose and fingers. It was the kind of chill you felt only in the early spring, the kind that gives way to a pleasant warmth around noon. I wondered how many times I had sat on this bank since early childhood and how many of life’s problems had I solved sitting in this very spot. I suppose that the pressures of life had driven me to the solitude of this place or one like it on more than one occasion. It didn’t matter. Fishing was the best cure I know of for life’s problems, and today I needed a double dose. I settled into my place on the bank and the world seemed to fall in place around me. A chill went up my arm as I stuck my hand in the minnow bucket to grab one of the shiners that darted through the cold water. As I hooked the flopping fish behind the dorsal fin, I thought about how if my brother had been there he would have rolled his eyes and said I was cheating by using live bait. He would already be casting one of his many artificial lures, then he would say that if he were to stoop low enough to fish live bait, the proper way to hook a shiner was through the lips. Yea, I guess we both had our way of doing things, but we had one thing in common, we both knew the secret of fishing. We both knew fishing was not about expensive boots or fancy gear or really even catching fish. Fishing was a way of life, a level of awareness that came only with true appreciation of the art of fishing. The world was weighing pretty heavy on my shoulders these days, but as I cast the old Mitchell spinning reel, I could feel the burdens slip away from me like the ripples away from my bait. This was a different world, one with its own priorities and rules. One of the rules was that although I was allowed to exist here, my problems were not. So they vanished from my thoughts, and I was welcomed into a world of peace and tranquility. I propped my rod in the crook of a stick that I’d sunk into the ground, tightened my line, sat back and enjoyed the morning. Not long after I’d sat down, I was brought out of my reverie by a twitching of my
rod caught out of the corner of my eye. I leaned over, and when the rod tip twitched again, I snatched the rod and set the hook all in one swift motion. At first I thought maybe I had hooked a log or perhaps the shiner had managed to tangle on a snag, but then the rod bent double and the game was on. The reel screamed as the fish made a run for deep water. This worried me. The fish and I both knew that safety lay in the stumps and snags in the deep part of the pond. If she made it, she was gone. I did the only thing I could, I tightened the drag and watched the rod bend double. For a moment I thought either the hook would pull free or the line would snap, but they held, and I turned the fish back toward the bank. That didn’t mean she was out of tricks. The old Mitchell worked smoothly as the fish came towards me. I watched as the line moved to the top of the water and held my breath as the big fish tail danced across the water trying in vain to dislodge the hook. As the fish surfaced, I thought I caught a glimpse of some unusual colors for a bass, but I wasn’t sure. The large mouth went one way then another, but I could feel the fish give ground. I coaxed this fish into the bank and stared in wonder as I pulled the big fish out of the water. It was not the age or size of the fish that held me in awe. Hanging from her lower jaw were four different lures. All a different color, size and style, but each with a short length of line attached. I suppose that each one had its own story and maybe at one time there had been more. The colors were very faded and the hooks, although buried deep, were in varied stages of rust. I smiled, and I thought about how the old girl had obviously made the deep end of the pond more than once. As I looked at the old fish, she didn’t flap or struggle and seemed ready to accept whatever fate life had given her. I thought about how these lures looked like badges of honor, medals of valor earned through the years. When I released the fish, I left the lures in place. I thought about cutting them out, but then I thought that to do so would be to
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of the pond went still again. I didn’t re-bait my hook, instead I went and sat and watched as the sun made its presence known. My heart felt lighter than it had in a long time. That’s the way fishing is. It gives you the unexpected. It had given me exactly what I needed. Yep, summer was coming, and in a little while I’d have to pack up my gear, go back to the real world, live by its rules and deal with its problems. For now though, just for a little while, on the bank of that pond, I lay my hands behind my head and was warm in the sun.
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Local Lakes & Forecasts Lake NOTTELY STRIPER By: Shane Goebel Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service & The Angler Magazine Fishing Team www.bigolfish.com 828-361-2021, 1-844-4-ANGLER Summer is finally here. The weather is beautiful, the water is warmer, and the fish are going crazy— it’s the perfect time to hit the lake and catch some amazing fish! What’s the best way to do that? By booking a trip with Blairsville, GA’s #1 striper guide: Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. Currently, Lake Nottely is 4 feet below full pool but is expected to be full by June 1st. Water clarity is clear and slightly stained in the backs of creeks, and water temps are in the mid to upper 70s. Striper fishing remains excellent. We have been loading the boat with some big fish in good quantities. The early-morning and evening bites are your best times to see action. In the early-morning hours, we are still pulling planer boards and free lines with live blueback herring. Keep your free lines 100-150 feet behind the boat, and stagger your baits behind the boards. As the sun comes up in the later morning hours, start to focus on deeper water. Switch to downlines and add a little split shot to your free lines. Target creek mouths and points off the main channel. As the topwater bite has also been excellent, keep a Spook or a RedFin at the ready to snag those surface-busting fish. By mid-month these fish will really start to school up and we’ll switch to all an all down line bite. Just remember to keep an eye on your electronics and
watch for schools of stripers. Also remember to try to get the fish back into the water as quickly as possible. Spotted bass fishing has been outstanding, too. These fish are finally off the beds and are schooled up. We’ve been wearing out some nice spots every trip lately. Work shallow humps, creek mouths and clay banks. Also, target brush piles throughout the lake. Downlining blueback herring has worked best for us, but we are also picking up some quality fish on jerkbaits, flukes and Spooks. Look for these bass to continue to school through the rest of next month. June is a fantastic month for catching some monster stripers and bass on this North Georgia lake. Give Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service a call and let the area’s #1 rated guide service put you on some of Lake Nottely’s best trophy fish during the fishing trip of a lifetime. We are Blairsville, GA’s only full-time guide service, specializing in striped and hybrid bass. We also serve Lake Apalachia for huge lake trout, and Lakes Nottely, Chatuge and Blue Ridge. And for all your live bait and tackle needs, check out Hughes General Store in Blairsville, GA. They carry everything you need for a successful day of fishing and the best live herring around. So, come fish with the pros for the opportunity to be featured in Angler Magazine. Let us help you get your fish on!
Jackson Lake
Water temperature: 74-78 degrees, water level: full pool, water clarity: stained/clear. The dog days of summer are here. This can be one of the hardest times to catch bass on Jackson. Topwater is the key early morning, so run and gun as the fish will be eating. As the sun gets up, stay on the shady banks fishing topwater. Some big bags can be caught early.
Once the sun is high, start looking offshore or points. Schools of spotted bass can be found out deep with some largemouths mixed in. Any deep brush can be golden. Deep diving crankbaits or a big worm Texas rigged will catch them. A variety of baits will produce fish. It’s just a matter if you pull up on the right bank. Don’t be afraid to burn some gas looking for the active fish in the morning. Till next month, tight lines and remember to take the time to take a child so they too can enjoy the outdoors.
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Book the Fishing Trip of a Lifetime in the Beautiful Mountains of North Georgia and Western North Carolina with the Area’s Top Rated Guide Service. Fish with the Pros and Get Featured in The Angler Magazine
Serving Lakes Nottely, Hiawassee, Chatuge, Blue Ridge and more. We run trips 365 days a year. Book your trip now!
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Local Lakes & Forecasts Ledge Fishing Contributed By: Jay Striker www.jaystriker.com Fishing ledges in mid-May to early June can provide some excellent fishing if you understand three things: how to fish ledges and how to set up on them and what baits to throw. Back in 2011 one of my bass club members asked me how he should fish ledges and what part should I fish. What baits to throw? I decided to take him to the lake and show him the basics of ledge fishing. What is a ledge and how to fish them? A ledge is a permanent piece of structure in a body of water that is usually marked by buoys on both sides of a channel that can run the length of the lake. On the edge of the channel you will find shallow water that will help you easily identify where the drop of the flat will be into deeper water channel (ledge).
When I set up on the ledge, I like to fish it from all different angles, be it deep to shallow, from shallow to deep or just throwing my bait parallel to the ledge. What I’m looking for is something irregular on the ledge to concentrate on as the structure will be key to finding bass. You have to have plenty of time as it may take some to find that one spot that looks good enough to warrant a cast to. Throwing the right baits on the ledges are key also. The ledge bite on a few of the lakes in the South can start any time after fish have spawned. One of the keys to finding a lot of bass is to locate the baitfish. Because of the shad spawn taking place right after the spawn, the big bass are feeding heavily on shad. I like to throw deep diving crankbaits,
Carolina rigs, swim jigs; and big football head jigs. When throwing these baits I will usually have the deep diving crankbait tied on 12 pound test Suffix Tritium line with a Denali 7 foot cranking rod and allow my bait to run to the max depth on a 6:8:1 gear ratio reel. On my swim bait and jig I will have on 20 pound test line with a little bit stiffer rod which gives me more confidence and control. Ledge fishing can be a very productive pattern here within the next few weeks because the shad spawn and the spawning fish have starting their move back to deeper water. So get to the lake early and put some of the baits as described in your hand and hold on. fish. Thanks to everyone who reads and be Till next time, fish some sure to look out for my new FB page “The ledges and catch some big Striker Nation” coming June 1st.
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Local Lakes & Forecasts lake lanier crappie Forecast By: Dan Saknini, Lanier Crappie Angler’s Club. www.laniercrappieanglers.net Water temperature is currently about 72 degrees. For now, we recommend that you concentrate on deeper submerged brush piles, using your downscan to locate your brush. Throw your marker down and give the fish a few minutes to regroup from your arrival. Fish the brush pile from a distance that you can cast past the brush pile to the other side of it, and retrieve it slowly toward the boat. If you’re interested in catching fish in larger numbers, zero in on submerged brush piles in 20-25 foot depths. However, docks with brush piles are also producing bigger fish, but not in the larger numbers. Both hair jigs and soft body jigs are working well. The lake traffic is definitely increasing, so be mindful that other
fishermen may also be fishing the same spots. If you don’t get bites immediately, move on. Chances are very good that you will find alternate brush piles that will put fish in the boat. If you see a fisherman fishing one of your favorite docks, my advice is to skip it, and go to a different spot. Once you get the fish to bite, the entire school will shallow up as they chase the bait. The night bite remains fair at best, as night temperatures remain cooler. As the evenings warm up, so will the night bite. As always, our recommended line is 4 pound test, high visibility line; not because the fish like it, but because it is easier for you to see the line movement and set the hook. 1/24 ounce jig heads are recommended, or 1/16 ounce, if you feel like the fish are deeper in the water column, or if the wind is working against you. If you like a challenge, use a double jigged rig. Keep them about 16-18 inches apart. In my opinion, hair jigs work best in that application. Stay safe on the water and wear your life jacket; it can save your life!
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Local Lakes & Forecasts Lake Burton
Lake SINCLAIR BASS
Contributed by Matt Henry www.sinclairmarina.com 478-451-0167 Lake Sinclair is down 1.4 feet, clear, with the water temperatures in the 70’s. Bass fishing is good. Bass are after topwater lures and spinnerbaits during early morning and late afternoon. PopR’s and similar baits have worked well along seawalls and rocks, mostly near the mouth of coves along the main river runs. Buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, and weightless trick worms are catching a few fish from grass and blow downs. A few shad are still spawning near the upper end of the Oconee River. Any of these baits
can draw strikes, along with a ¼ ounce Rat L Trap, Zoom flukes and small crankbaits. Boat houses and docks are still holding fish, especially those that have brush and located very near deep water. Soft plastics are usually the ticket for fishing docks. Also try a trick worm rigged Texas style with a 1/16 or 1/8 ounce weight. The weight should be pegged with a toothpick or Peg It if skipping under the docks is necessary. More fish are now holding on main lake open water structure like points, flats and humps. Depths are varying from 6 feet to over 20 feet. Crankbaits like a Rapala DT10 and DT16 should draw a few bites, especially during power generation. Carolina rigs, Texas rigs and jig head and worm are good choices during slack water.
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Forecast by: Capt. Wes Carlton Georgia Lake Fishing 770-318-9777 www.georgialakefishing.com Water temperature: 63 degrees, lake level: full pool, clarity: slight stain. Bass: The bass bite has been good the last few weeks. Most of the bass have finished spawning. We have been catching some really nice post-spawn female spotted bass. These fish are real hungry and have been feeding most of the day. We have been catching a lot of them on jerkbaits and underspins tipped with white flukes. This pattern should continue for the next couple of weeks unless the water temps rise rapidly. An early summer pattern may be in sight soon with the unseasonably warm weather we’ve had this year. Trout: The brown trout have left the creeks and are all over the main lake
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channels. Try trolling over long points or main lake humps. We have had good success lately with small perch patterned jerkbaits trolled at 3 mph in the 20 foot depth range. These fish are very healthy this year, and we have caught some big browns the last few days. This bite should continue for the next few weeks. Look for the fish to be a little deeper as we near the end of June. Good Luck!
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Local Lakes & Forecasts People… Just the People By: Ryan Kennedy YouTube: Ryan Kennedy Fishing Instagram: ryankfishing ryankfishing@gmail.com
As a collegiate angler, I am blessed to be able to travel all around the country and experience all sorts of new places, fish new lakes and meet new people everywhere I go. With that in mind I got to thinking about what really makes bass fishing and the entire fishing industry so great. The first things that come to mind are the thrill of competition at tournaments, learning about and trying out new products from different companies and enjoying the fellowship of other anglers that all “suffer” from the addictive fish-catching disease that we all do. What do all of these things have in common? The people. There is no competition without other people. Companies cannot create new products for us to enjoy without people, and we cannot fellowship amongst other anglers without people. I am in my sophomore year of college at Kennesaw State University, and I am in the middle of my second year competing on the collegiate fishing trails. I will never forget the memories with people I have already made in these two short years. Whether it’s showing up at the hotel and talking to guys from other colleges, shooting the bull at the boat ramp about that 8 pounder you broke off that we all know was a stump, or simply just sitting down after weigh-in and hearing about everyone’s day, I love every minute of
it. Even on a tough day of fishing it gives you something to look forward too. Interactions with other people in the fishing industry can lead to one of your new friends, a future contact for a business opportunity or simply someone to talk to. I say all of this for us to be thankful for the one thing that gets taken for granted over everything else in this industry… the people. Truth be told, sometimes after a long day on the water while I’m on the road practicing for a tournament, I want nothing more than to go lay down for some sleep, but I gain a lot of relaxation going out to the boats and just enjoying my fellow angler’s company. Now sure, I run into the occasional jack wagon who thinks he’s all that and is too good to talk to anybody, but give him some time and he’ll come around. Every person has their limit of solitude and has to break down and talk to others some time or another. Be the person that people want to see show up at the hotel or the boat ramp, the person who can talk to anyone and is approachable. We are all human beings, and companionship is in our nature. Now go ahead and call your fishing buddy, get ready for a relaxing day out on the water, enjoy each other’s company and make sure you talk to somebody new. You never know when you’ll make a new friend or connection. Tight lines and God bless
Lake MARTIN Forecast By: Capt David Hare 256-401-3089 Alex City Guide Service Surface temperature: 75 degrees, full pool (490.4), clarity: clear to very clear Summer is right here on us! June striper fishing is normally good to fantastic. I personally like it because you still can catch stripers at daylight or at night. I offer two different trips in June. The most popular trip is the night trip which starts at 6:30 PM and ends at 12:30 AM. The night trip is a live bait trip that offers lots of action and is much more comfortable weather wise than the daytime trip. Our boats have state of the art LED underwater light systems to draw the fish to us plus amber caution light systems for your safety. We also have low amp floor lightning for your convenience as well as your safety. All of the boats have spreader lights that light up 360 degrees around the boat for filming videos while you’re fighting these huge stripers. Yes, you could say if it helps the client, the guide and for sure the fishing, then it is on our fleet of guide boats. Try a night trip with us. I think you will love it! Don’t forget that we offer dockside pick up, lakeside
restaurant transportation during your trip or pretty much can customize your trip to your own needs. Our other trip we offer in June is an early morning trip. The morning trip offers both live baiting and down rigger trolling with artificial lures. The artificial trolling may not produce as good a quality fish as live baiting, but it can at times produce a lot of action real quick and sometimes the quantity is awesome. So if you’re an early riser, then this trip may be for you! Our morning trips start at 4:30 AM and are over at 10:00 AM. Now, to tell you some areas to fish in June if you are fishing on your own. I suggest for night trips the pier lights that are in deeper areas of the lake and casting multiple types of crankbaits. I personally like Shad Raps in June for the day trips. Again, I highly suggest early morning, then by mid-morning give it to pleasure boaters and the Sun Gods. Try trolling with down riggers and or deep running baits at 2-3 mph. The fish will let you know which they prefer that day. You are going to need to run the major channels where the water is deep, cool and clear. If you haven’t done this before, you can find several trolling videos on the internet that have lots of good information.
lake Oconee
by Mark Smith Reel Time Service at 404-803-0741 or reeltime@bellsouth.net Lake Oconee is full, clear on the south end, stained to muddy up the lake into the river. Water temperature is 73-76 degrees. Striper fishing is good. Use your Lowrance to locate the schools of fish in the mouths of the coves and on the humps on the south end of the lake. Live bait (shad) have been the best over the past week. You can also pick up some fish on the pipeline 28 ATLANTA
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with a spoon when Georgia Power is pulling water. Crappie fishing is good. The fish are moving into the timber on an early summer pattern. Long lining jigs over timber from 8 to 15 feet deep have been the best producers over the past week. Match your color to the color of the water. Make sure you stop by Sugar Creek Marina and pick up your spoons and all your tackle needs. You can also book your crappie and striper trips as well as on the water Lowrance classes, with Reel Time Service at 404-803-0741 or reeltime@bellsouth.net.
Mike Moore catches a 36 pounder with Capt David Hare
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Local Lakes & Forecasts
Sleepers In The Live Well By Capt. Cefus McRae Nuts & Bolts Fishing Series I had this happen last fall. It’s something I hope never to do again. Before I relate the details of this incident, it’s probably appropriate to provide a little background. For those of you that know me, you’re aware that I’m pretty meticulous when it comes to taking care of my tackle and my boat. Prerigging rods, re-arranging tackle trays and loading gear on the boat is part of the fun for me. At the end of the day, cleaning the boat in 98 degree weather isn’t exactly a fun chore. But it has to be done, so I endure the sweat and look forward to a cool misting from the hose, and the opportunity to crack open a cold beer afterwards. Last fall, we were filming the final TV episode for the season in Fernandina Beach. The weather and the fish were cooperating. On the final day of the shoot, we caught bull redfish, sharks and even had a shot at a tarpon. Every fish was caught using the same kind of bait: Menhaden, or pogies as they’re called on the Atlantic coast. Pogies are usually
pretty easy to find and catch. You simply look for diving pelicans, idle over to the general vicinity and throw the cast net when the water starts erupting beside the boat. Pogies are a very versatile bait. You can use them live on a free line, rigged with a weight or trolled slowly. You can also use them once they’ve expired. They are a very oily fish and produce a lot of scent, especially when you’re using them as cut bait. You have to keep your bait cutting board cleaned during the day, because all that oil and goo has a powerful smell that somehow seems to ‘blossom’ in the hot sun. Never spend 20 minutes cutting chum and then grab a sandwich without thoroughly washing your hands. I’ve done that once. Won’t happen again. Now, back to my story. As we finished up the last day, I netted up the remaining live pogies in the livewell, and liberated them back to the briny depths. The ‘expired’ pogies went into a zip top bag to be frozen and used as chum on a future adventure. We headed in, cleaned the
boat and gear, loaded the trailer and drove home. Back in Atlanta, I did a complete wash on the boat, ran the Honda on the flushing ears and added a little bearing grease to the trailer wheels. Good to go. Now it was pretty hot back in September with a few 90 degree days. About a week after that trip, I walked past the Wide Open II and noticed a foul odor in the air. My first thought was Buck had dispatched a squirrel or a chipmunk, and it was laid to rest by the fence. After a quick ‘search’ with my nose, I discovered the offensive perfume was emanating from the transom of the boat. I checked all the compartments and found nothing. Finally, I followed my proboscis to the overboard drain for the livewell. Yep. That was it. We had a Sleeper! A “Sleeper” is a bait that gets stuck in the livewell drain pipe or winds up in the bilge, and is then forgotten until it’s too late. In this case, the Sleeper was a medium-sized pogy that had evaded the bait net when I was cleaning out the livewell. When I removed the standpipe, the pogy was sucked down the drain, but was apparently too big to be flushed out the side thru-hull outlet. So, it sat there for a week baking in the drain hose. It was impossible to actually see the
stuck pogy by visual inspection. Therefore, it had to be about halfway down the drain pipe. Being the smart guy that I am, I grabbed the garden hose, pushed it into the livewell drain and turned on the water, intending to let water pressure and gravity eliminate the blockage. Results were not immediate, so I figured I’d help things along a little. A coat hanger was acquired and used to probe the drain from the outside. It only took a couple pokes. I’m sure you know what happened next. About 10 gallons of backed-up water, accompanied by the less-than-pleasant remains of not one, but four pogies, proceeded to blast out the side of the boat, right on me. Miss Beth wouldn’t let me in the house. I had to shower in the yard. Looking back, this was probably an America’s Home Video $10,000 winning entry. It was one of those moments when you look around to see if anyone was watching the dumb thing you just did. The lesson I learned, and want to pass on to you, is simple. Never, ever leave the boat ramp without checking for Sleeper Pogies.
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Wall of Fame
Win A Free Angler Magazine Cap! A Angler Magazine cap will be given away each month for the best reader submitted photo!
Benn Irwin with his Lake Lanier triple treat, a spot, striper and largemouth
Anthony Van De Ryt with a massive 34 pound striper from Lake Allatoona.
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Larry Frazier with the North Ga. Crappie Anglers Club caught this big 10 pound rainbow fishing with Unicoi Outfitters on the Soque River
Greg Hebert from Marietta with a big crappie caught on Santee Cooper
Sharlena Thomas from Asheville, NC caught this red tagged 18 inch speckled trout at Yacht Basin Carolina Beach, NC with MR-17
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Carter Albury and Parker Dowd both age 12 caught this giant 44 pound catfish on Lake Oconee MarineTech’s Barret Dickenson with a pair of big Lanier Spotted Bass
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FLY OF THE MONTH HIDALGO’S HOOCHIE MOMMA By Carlos Hidalgo I love fishing streamers for trout. This may be leftover from my days fly fishing for peacock bass and saltwater species in Florida. It may also be because casting and stripping is just more fun than high-sticking a nymph. Or maybe it’s because streamers attract the biggest trout. For these reasons, and probably a few others, you should carry a few streamers in your trout boxes, and the Hoochie Momma should definitely be one of them. I think two keys make this fly effective. The oversized head pushes water and emits vibrations that fish sense with their lateral lines, and the UV Krystal Flash presents very interesting visual effects. The Hoochie Momma can be stripped quickly, stripped slowly with occasional dead drifts, like a dying minnow, or even allowed to dead drift. Hook - streamer hook, downturned eye, 4x long, size 12-6 Thread - brown Underbody - lead wire (optional, but recommended in strong currents) Body - tan diamond braid Wing - red squirrel tail topped with a few strands of tan/UV Krystal Flash Head - reddish brown chenille Eyes - gold 3-D molded stick-on eyes, glued with five-minute epoxy Contact Carlos Hidalgo at cah6620@gmail.com if you would like to submit a pattern for consideration in this column. Also, email Carlos to purchase a copy of his book “South Florida’s Peacock Bass.”
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YAMAHA
Rolls Out Exciting Developments For Offshore Anglers
Y
amaha has some exciting new developments in the marketplace this summer that should catch the eye of offshore anglers. The latest version of the venerable F350 outboard now offers five full years of limited warranty protection. Also, Yamaha’s Helm Master Integrated Boat Control System has a new feature that will make large boats powered by big outboards even easier to control. The newest version of Yamaha’s most powerful outboard, the new 5.3-liter F350C now provides five full years of limited warranty coverage, wrapping a refined outboard package with a list of benefits and features that are still unique in the marketplace nine years after the debut of the original F350. “The inclusion of five years of limited warranty coverage with the F350C underscores the reliability of the F350,” said Ben Speciale, president, Yamaha Marine Group. “We are confident that this benefit for our 5.3-liter V8 customers builds in exceptional value for Yamaha’s most powerful outboard on the market.” Yamaha’s F350 redefined offshore power in 2007 and still has little competition in its class. The first F350 offered an outboard capable of the raw thrust necessary for pushing larger and heavier offshore boats. Thousands of F350s later, there is still nothing like it. And for boaters looking to control all that power, the new and improved Helm Master Integrated Boat Control System makes fishing from and docking big boats a breeze. Yamaha Marine Group recently announced a new feature that gives its Helm Master Integrated Boat Control System even greater levels of control. With the Set Point boat positioning function, boaters now have the capability to integrate all boat control systems and then guide them with GPS navigation technology. “The introduction of Helm Master changed the way boaters think about controlling larger outboard-powered boats,” said Speciale. “Helm Master made docking less stressful and fishing on the open water more enjoyable. Set Point takes that functionality and precision to the next level.” Set Point is comprised of a suite of satellite-guided capabilities designed to improve the boater’s ability to fish, maneuver and simply enjoy life on the water. Using a unique dual-antenna GPS to provide Helm Master’s operating system more navigational information, the Set Point function provides even greater and more precise control. Set Point has three primary modes: Stay Point, Fish Point and Drift Point. Each Set Point mode provides a solution to the tricky maneuvering challenges boaters encounter every day. Stay Point keeps the boat positioned near a particular spot; it maintains a selected position and heading. This mode is particularly helpful when a boat must hold a position and heading, for example at a fuel dock or at a bridge opening. In adverse weather or high currents, Helm Master uses higher RPM and greater engine activity to keep the boat as close to the mark as possible, within a 75-foot circle of the set point. Fish Point enhances fishing options; it maintains a selected position, but not a heading, and primarily uses only idle RPM to do so. The Fish Point mode makes use of a captain’s knowledge in heading a boat into the current or wind, bow upstream or downstream, to maintain a heading. Under normal condi-
tions, the Set Point function will use no more than idle RPM to hold the Fish Point position, which means Fish Point operation is less likely to scare the fish. In stronger seas, Fish Point will attempt to keep the boat on the point selected using no more than the requested Fish Point RPM to do so, up to 2,500 RPM. Yamaha’s Shift Dampener System propellers play a role in keeping the boat on point quietly, too. Drift Point allows the boater to drift the boat with the wind or the current; it maintains a selected heading, but not a position. Drift Point mode is particularly useful to maintain a heading when drift fishing or kite fishing. Drift Point allows the boat to drift with the wind or current, but stay pointed in the heading chosen. Each Set Point mode is activated with the touch of a button. The Set Point control buttons are integrated into the new Helm Master joystick and use Yamaha’s new CL7 touch screen display to initially configure the operator’s preferences. Each Set Point mode is user-defined for the needs of individual boaters. Helm Master Set Point hardware includes a dual-antenna GPS and stern-mounted lighting that illuminates any time any mode of the SetPoint system is active. The Yamaha CL7 display has a 7-inch touch panel screen with full multi-function display (MFD) capability and connectivity. The display offers precise engine and boat systems data for up to four outboards on one screen, along with other MFD functions such as maps, fishfinder, and graphing capabilities using its built-in 10 MHz GPS. It is the primary display for Yamaha’s fully integrated Helm Master boat control system, and is the required point of access to configure Set Point. Contact your dealer about the latest version of the Helm Master or for information about a retrofit kit that will bring earlier Helm Master-equipped boats up to date with the new technology. For information on all of Yamaha’s industry-leading products, go to www.yamahaoutboards.com.
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MOTOR REVIEW Tohatsu Introduces New Colors For MFS40 and MFS50
In 2014, Tohatsu brought to market some of its most popular outboards to date with its 40 and 50hp four strokes, the MFS40 and the MFS50. Weighing less than any other outboard in their class, they have experienced tremendous success in the mid-range market. New for 2017, Tohatsu is offering these in-demand outboards in a new color, Beluga White. One of the coolest looking outboards on the market is now offered in both Aqua Marine Blue and Beluga White. Boaters now have the option to choose which color best fits with their boat. The MFS40 starts at just 209 pounds. This outboard is equipped with proven technology, including electronic fuel injection (EFI) and digital CD ignition, which provides quick throttle response, excellent fuel economy and very smooth rides on the water. The MFS40 also has a high output 21 amp alternator for superior battery charging. The adjustable steering friction and trim tab reduces your amount of steering effort, making for an easier and more enjoyable boating experience. Convenience is also covered with the 40hp four stroke’s
built-in freshwater flushing system, making routine flushing quick and easy. The 40hp EFI four stroke not only offers a more powerful ride while using less fuel, but is among the lightest on the water in its class. With proven reliability and performance, the MFS40 is every boater’s versatile choice for work, play or even once-in-a-lifetime memory making. Many of the same things can be said of the MFS50. It is the lightest weight motor possible, and it has been upgraded with an improved gear case with a lower gear ratio, giving you the increased low end torque your boat needs. This outboard also has variable idling speed control from 650 to 950 rpms. And the MFS50’s stainless steel water pump housing liner gives you outstanding durability. With the 50hp four stroke’s power to quickly reach your destination, exceptional fuel performance to keep gas costs down and proven electronic fuel injection technology for worry-free boating, you’ve never had a day on the water quite like this.
For more on Tohatsu’s complete lineup of outboards, see www.tohatsu.com/outboards/.
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BOAT REVIEW Piranha F2000
underway and the breeze out of your face. The incorporated padded cooler seat offers insulated storage for you meals and drinks or today’s catch. Built into the hull design is our transom pocket tunnel that allows you to get the engine jacked up or down to allow for a smooth dry ride in either shallow or deeper water. The F2000 deck design includes built in toe kick and spray chine to keep you on the boat and the water out. The F2000 is the ultimate fishing platform. Designed by Jesse Rhodes, of Rhodes Yacht Design, an avid inshore fisherman, it takes advantage of the newest hydrodynamics with simplistic style.
SPECIFICATIONS Piranha Boatworks of Sanford, Fla. has designed the ultimate fishing platform with its F2000 Flats/Bay boat. Drafting 6 to 8 inches, with a maximum of 150 hp, this sleek hull can get you to and from your favorite fishing grounds in short order. It offers all that Piranha Boatworks is famous for, a large forward casting deck, plenty of storage fore and aft and 6 under-gunnel rod holders. The deck is laid out with a large dry storage compartment forward and three storage wells aft. The aft wells are comprised of an aerated live well, release well and dry storage in a saddle bag configuration. The F2000’s large center console has space for all your flush mount electronics. The console grab rail and wind screen keep you steady while
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LENGTH: 19’6” BEAM: 7’8” DEADRISE: 7 Degrees DRAFT: 6’-8” WEIGHT: 1,250 lbs. MAX HP: 150 FUEL CAPACITY: 30 gallons
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MOTOR REVIEW Suzuki Marine Introduces New Models To Outboard Lines
Suzuki Marine is expanding two of its most popular lines of outboards with new models to fill the needs of boaters and anglers. New SS-Series Models The performance-oriented SS-Series, with its signature matte-black paint job and distinctive graphics, is growing with a new 200hp four stroke and the availability of a 25-inch shaft length on its premier 250 SS V6. “People really like the performance matte black look and have been asking us to expand the line,” said Gus Blakely, vice president of sales for Suzuki Marine. “We’re happy to do that by adding the 200SS and making the 250SS available for more kinds of boats.” The Suzuki 200SS features Suzuki’s 200-horsepower inline 4-cylinder powerhead, with 175.0 cubic inch displacement, dual overhead cams and a 10.2:1 compression ratio for increased power and performance. Engine operations are managed by an onboard Engine Control Module and an array of sensors that control the engine’s multi-point sequential electronic fuel injection system and Lean Burn Control technology. The 200SS will come with conventional mechanical throttle and shift control and will be available in 20-inch and 25-inch shaft models. At just 518 lbs, this 4-cylinder outboard delivers V6 like performance in a more compact, lightweight package.
The availability of a 25-inch shaft model for the popular 250SS has been eagerly awaited. The V6 4-Stroke 250SS, with 4.0 liter displacement and a powerful 2.08:1 gear ratio, has built a solid reputation on the pro-bass circuit. With the addition of a 25-inch shaft length model, this high-powered outboard will find new application on bay boats, walleye boats, even the new breed of performance pontoon boats. New AP Advanced Series Models Suzuki has every right to be proud of the DF150AP and DF175AP, two new models in their toptier AP-Series. In addition to a long list of advanced features, these new 150- and 175-hp inline four cylinder outboards feature Suzuki Precision Control drive-by-wire throttle and shift, as well as Suzuki’s innovative Selective Rotation gear case. These outboards share their engineering DNA with Suzuki’s popular DF200AP 200-horsepower inline-four cylinder outboard. All three engines are built off of the same 175 cubic inch displacement inlinefour cylinder engine block. The new DF150AP and DF175AP boast the largest displacement in their respective horsepower classes. Engine performance is enhanced by a 10.2:1 compression ratio that generates optimal power, contributing to an impressive hole-shot and mid-range acceleration. A newly developed Semi-Direct Air Intake System further boosts power by providing cooler airflow to each cylinder. With the addition of these two models, Suzuki offers a wide range of new generation lightweight, compact, yet powerful inline four cylinder 4-stroke outboards. For more information on Suzuki’s full line of 4-stroke outboard motors, visit www.suzukimarine.com or call 714-996-7040.
MUDHOLE.COM/SALT-KIT Build Your Own Custom Saltwater Rod With This Turnkey Kit 24
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(866) 790-RODS
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SZ_Q2
suzuki spring savings Three Limited Time Offers Make A Good Deal Even Better Suzuki Gives You All Three So You Don’t Have To Choose One Or The Other
Buy a new Suzuki outboard from 25 to 300 horsepower and take advantage of not just one, but ALL THREE Suzuki Spring promotional offers.
Add cash rebates on select models and you can get up to $800 cash back. Plus our Repower Financing is available at attractive interest rates (on approved credit.*)
Just say, “Gimme Six!” and you’ll get six years of product protection. That’s right, you’ll get Suzuki’s three-year limited warranty and Suzuki’s 3-Year Extended Protection Plan at no extra charge.
See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer today and find out how you can get the ultimate deal on the Ultimate 4-Stroke Outboard.
Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 300 HP.
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Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards (OAC).*
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For details and the name of your nearest participating Suzuki Marine dealer, visit www.suzukimarine.com
Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 300 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 4/01/17 and 6/30/17 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Cash Rebates apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 4/01/17 and 6/30/17. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Customer and participating Dealer must fill out the appropriate rebate form at time of sale. Customer will have the choice to either apply the cash rebate against the original dealer invoice (Suzuki will credit Dealer parts account) or have a check sent directly to the customer. There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 4/01/17 and 6/30/17. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2017 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
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BOAT REVIEW CustomBilt Pondtoon
The Pondtoon is the perfect small-water boat for the avid river and pond angler, duck and bow hunter, as well as the family with children or grandchildren. All boats are all-welded aluminum construction made in the USA with premium options to meet every fisherman’s needs in boating. There are several styles to choose from that include: Fishing Series, Hunting Series, Pleasure Series, Farm/Pond Workboats, Search and Rescue and our new Camo boat. There are even wheelchair-accessible models Pondtoon boats are factory assembled in three standard sizes with options and additional features that allow you to equip the boat for your fishing and hunting style at a very affordable price. Contact us at 334-684-2210 or pondtoons@gmail.com with any questions to help you “customize” your very own CustomBilt Pondtoon boat.
SPECIFICATIONS LENGTH: 14’16” BEAM: 5’ to 6’ MAX HP: 9.9
CONSTRUCTION: .090 marine-grade aluminum BUILDER: Custombilt Pondtoons
WWW.BOATSANDFISHING.COM
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FIELD TEST
Sea Eagle FishSUP FS126
Standup paddleboard fishing is trending, so we eagerly tested Sea Eagle’s new inflatable FishSUP FS126. Sea Eagle calls it super stable. We were super impressed. With a length of 12’6” and a width of 40”, it’s a spacious platform that’s tough enough to work hardened shorelines. Heavy duty .90 drop-stitch material covers the top, bottom and sides for superior protection against punctures and a 90” by 18” thick, camouflage EVA pad adds additional buffering while providing a non-slip footbed. An integral 36-inch ruler makes fish measurement a snap. We packed this rig in the trunk, hit the beach, and fully inflated it in less than 10 minutes. Smartly positioned D-rings tightly secured optional accessories including a swivel seat with Scotty rod holders, battery, 34-lb. thrust electric motor and forward mesh storage box with tube-style rod holders. An SUP paddle, kayak paddle, backpack, hand pump and repair kit come with the basic package. Price: $1099. For more information, call Sea Eagle at 800748-8066 M-F, 9-5 EST, or check out their website.
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Record Channel Cat Caught In N.Y. Reported by Justin Walts
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ric Scordo, of Watertown, N.Y., is a trophy catfish hunter. On April 30, he achieved a long-held dream of breaking the New York state record for channel catfish when he boated a massive 35.25-pounder from Lake Ontario’s Chaumont Bay. Caught on live bait using an Okuma reel paired with an Ugly Stick rod and an Addya hook, the beast smashed the existing record by more than 3 pounds. The previous record, which stood since 2002, weighed 32.12 pounds and was caught from Brant Lake, a 1,300acre reservoir in the Hudson River drainage. Scordo is a little bit of a fanatic about catch and release. The philosophy makes sense for someone specializing in large catfish, as it can take these fish decades to grow to state record size. Scordo was determined to release his record fish alive. So after it was weighed on a certified scale at Chaumont Hardware, the fish was taken to Chaumont Bay Marina where assistance was provided in keeping the fish alive and healthy. It was kept in a bait tank for a full day before a state biologist made it out for verification. After the record was verified, Scordo nurtured the fish to recovery and released it back into Chaumont Bay. An impressive gathering of local media were on-hand to video the fish’s release. Check out Chaumont Bay Marina on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/chaumontbaymarina/?rf=120452787968030
For more on this record catch, go to
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$439
$
TORQUE WRENCHES • Accuracy within ±4% Customer Rating
99
3999 $62.27
Compare
ITEM 69729/63080/69676/63079 shown ITEM 69675/69728/63090/63089 CALIFORNIA ONLY
S
SUPER COUPON
DRIVE ITEM 1/4" 2696/61277/63881 3/8" 807/61276/63880 1/2" 62431/239/63882
32999
• Weighs 73 lbs.
SUPER COUPON
Item 239 shown
$29
$
45 WATT SOLAR PANEL SAVE $83 10 PIECE KIT
SAVE $190
$7999
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 10/1/17*
7" VARIABLE SPEED Customer Rating POLISHER/SANDER
$28999
20"
SUPER COUPON
$
RAPID PUMP® 3 TON LOW PROFILE HEAVY DUTY STEEL FLOOR JACK
SAVE 296
$
10 hrs. run-time 212 CC engine 70 db Ultra Quiet Weighs 100 lbs.
SUPER COUPON
JACKS IN AMERICA
Customer Rating
$14999
Compare $ 99 $15.99
# 1 SELLING
• Air delivery: 5.8 CFM @ 40 PSI, 4.7 CFM $ @ 90 PSI
SAVE 62%
1 M
SAVE $149
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 10/1/17*
2599 $39.94
Customer Rating • • • •
$1799 $
SUPER COUPON
AMERICA'S BEST GENERATOR
Limit 1 - Coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trenchers, welders, Admiral, Bauer, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Earthquake, Hercules, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, StormCat, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 10/1/17.
1000 LB. CAPACITY SWING-BACK TRAILER JACK SAVE • Height range: 12-1/2" to 24" Customer Rating
SUPER COUPON
Compare
$79
SUPER COUPON
72" x 80" MOVING BLANKET Customer Rating
SAVE 66%
$599 ITEM 69505/62418/66537 shown
8
Compare $ 99 $17 .97
Us
LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 10/1/17*
5/16/17 11:52 AM
N
g
SUPER COUPON
10" SLIDING COMPOUND MITER SAW
Customer Rating
SAVE $94
WITH ANY PURCHASE 3-1/2" SUPER BRIGHT NINE LED ALUMINUM FLASHLIGHT
• Makes precision cross, bevel and miter cuts • Powerful 15 amp motor
ITEM 65020/69111 63599/62522/62573 63875/63884/63886 63888/69052 shown
39
wn
ITEM 61971/61972 98199 shown
10 FT. x 20 FT. SAVE PORTABLE CAR CANOPY $106
6.5 HP (212 CC) OHV HORIZONTAL SHAFT GAS ENGINE
LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 10/1/17*
SUPER COUPON 29 PIECE TITANIUM DRILL BIT SET
Customer Rating
SAVE 83%
2000 WATT CONTINUOUS/ 4000 WATT PEAK Customer Rating POWER INVERTER
$999
ITEM 62281/61637 shown
$
1699
Compare
$59.98
LIMIT 8 - Coupon valid through 10/1/17*
SUPER COUPON
MULTI-USE TRANSFER PUMP
SAVE $290
SAVE 59%
$9999
Customer Rating
Customer Rating
ITEM 60363/69730 ITEM 68121/69727 shown CALIFORNIA ONLY
$
119
Compare 99 $389.99
$
99
$99
12999 $205.99
Compare
SAVE $95 ITEM 60432 69662 shown
ITEM 63054/60728/69034/62858 shown
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 10/1/17*
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 10/1/17*
$
13999
Compare
$215.41
SUPER COUPON
HEAVY DUTY Customer Rating TRAILER DOLLY
3/8" x 50 FT. RETRACTABLE AIR
500 LB. CAPACITY ALUMINUM CARGO CARRIER
SAVE 46%
• 600 lb. capacity
SAVE $138
HOSE REEL
Customer Rating
99
$39
"The Ideal Trailer Dolly" – RV Magazine
$
ITEM 60533 69898 37510 shown
59
Compare
ITEM 69265/62344 93897 shown
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 10/1/17*
SAVE $64
ITEM 62502 97181 shown
$
$
8999 $198.45
Customer Rating
Customer Rating
60", 4 DRAWER HARDWOOD WORKBENCH
ITEM 93454/69054 63395/62603 shown
$5999
7499 $124.51
Compare
$12999 Tools sold separately.
SAVE $265
$
15999
$
7999
Compare
Compare
$395
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 10/1/17*
.97
CANGL_NAT3-NAT34.indd 33
11 FT. 4" x 18 FT. 6" REFLECTIVE HEAVY DUTY SILVER TARP
SAVE 30%
Customer Rating
$1999 ITEM 69120/69127/69135 69211/69256/47676 shown
$
2399 $28.77
Compare
LIMIT 6 - Coupon valid through 10/1/17*
MAGNETIC TRAILER ALIGNMENT KIT
Customer Rating
ITEM 69778
$599
SUPER COUPON
1750 PSI PRESSURE WASHER
Customer Rating
8
Compare $ 99 $19 .99
LIMIT 7 - Coupon valid through 10/1/17* At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare” or “comp at” price means that the same item or a similar functioning item was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare” or “comp at” price by another retailer in the U.S. within the past 180 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare” or "comp at" should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.
Use Coupons: In-Store, HarborFreight.com orCOASTALANGLERMAG.COM 1-800-423-2567 • THEANGLERMAG.COM I *Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 10/1/17.
SUPER COUPON
$179.99
SUPER COUPON
SAVE 70%
LIMIT 7 - Coupon valid through 10/1/17*
$6499
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 10/1/17*
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 10/1/17*
Compare
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 10/1/17*
SUPER COUPON 4" x 36" BELT/ 6" DISC SANDER
ITEM 92655 shown 69688/60771
$5999
99
$74.95
SAVE $115
6
Compare $ 99 $12.39
ITEM 62961/63144/63591 61364/66418 shown
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 10/1/17*
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating
$499
$11999
SUPER COUPON
ER PON
pare
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON ™
pare
95
17
VALUE
Compare
$999
Compare 99 $34.95
LIMIT 1 - Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or prior purchase. Coupon good at our stores, HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Offer good while supplies last. Shipping & Handling charges may apply if not picked up in-store. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 10/1/17. Limit one FREE GIFT coupon per customer per day.
11499 $179
SUPER COUPON
ER PON
g
$
ITEM 69626 63100 shown
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 10/1/17*
ER ON
E
SAVE 71%
4
$8499 $
12 VOLT MAGNETIC Customer Rating TOWING LIGHT KIT
$ 97
9 Blade sold separately.
SUPER COUPON
FREE
SUPER COUPON
$7999
• 1.3 GPM
$
9999
ITEM 63255/63254 shown
JUNE 2017
I
NATIONAL
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 10/1/17*
33
5/16/17 AM 5/9/17 11:52 4:00 PM
UR-Cut
Fishmaster Launches Best Catch Contest for Customers Nationwide
F
i s h m a s t e r, creators of the first universal folding T-Top, has launched the Fishmaster Best Catch Contest. This contest offers Fishmaster customers and anglers throughout the U.S the opportunity to win a custom fiberglass reproduction of their award-winning catch crafted by American Fish Taxidermy. Contestants can submit unlimited pictures of their catch for a chance to win monthly prizes and to become eligible to win this grand prize, valued at $500 to $1,000. Entrants are encouraged to submit as many photos of different catches as possible. The contest kicked off Saturday, April 1, 2017 and ends on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017. “We design our products with the ultimate goal of helping our fellow anglers reel in the perfect catch,” said Greg Spivia of Fishmaster. “We want to showcase our loyal customers with the fish they caught in a way they can remember forever, through partnering with the most talented fish taxidermist in the U.S.—American Fish Taxidermy.” Through the contest, Fishmaster is awarding monthly prizes through September. Monthly prizes will be announced via email and Facebook on the first Monday of each month. The Grand Prize Winner will be announced on Oct. 15 via email with public notice on Fishmaster’s Facebook page. Monthly winners are eligible for the Grand Prize; however, our independent team of anglers will review all submissions before naming the big winner. Fishmaster encourages all interested parties to learn more about the Best Catch Contest, official rules, and how to enter at https://fishmaster. com/bestcatch.
BIG ICE
MAKE YOUR OWN ICE!
TRAYS
-Makes six 4” Cubes -10 lbs. of Ice per Tray -Last twice as long! -No more plastic bags -Save money by easily reusing
Ergonomically perfect. Virtually non-slip. Unmatched comfort. Unmatched control. Takes minutes to do.
UR-Cut features the same legendary DEXSTEEL, super-sharp edge, and just-right flexibility that you are used to with Dexter... 1.Dip handle in boiling water for 2 minutes. 2. Dip in cold water for 1 second. 3. Grip and form handle for 10 seconds. 4. Put back in cold water for 10 seconds and your done.
dexteroutdoors.com
BOAT REVIEW Mitzi Skiffs Mitzi 17
bigice.com contact@bigice.com
contact@bigice.com | 504-710-7766
JOIN
ONLINE
• Regional Reports • Featured Articles • Fishing Tips • Giveaways
If you shallow-water fish and need a flats boat, Mitzi Skiff is the boat for you. All Mitzi Skiff models float very shallow, they pole easily and track straight. With a minimum of horsepower, they are quick and provide a very smooth and dry ride. Mitzi Skiffs offers several models to fit an angler’s needs and budget. Their Mitzi 17 is perfect for the most demanding shallow-water anglers and charter captains. From its ability to get you home comfortably to its ultra-stealthy, no-hull-slap hull, it’s truly an angler’s boat. The 17’s CAD-designed hull has performance unmatched by any other shallow-draft skiff, at any price. It will do 45mph with a 60 hp engine, and it is capable of fishing 3 or 4 people. It offers lots of storage, easy maintenance and is remarkably dry. With a wide bow area and 11-degree deadrise hull, these boats take you to the shallow areas to find the fish and across open water as well. Mitzi Skiffs came from the idea that flats fishing didn’t have to be a rich man’s sport. Mitzi skiff is a boat that all of us can afford. They are lightweight, all composite, shallow water workhorses. There are many options available including center consoles, live wells, built-in tanks, Power Poles and much more. Professional captains guide out of Mitzi Skiffs every day, even days that are less ideal conditions.
SPECIFICATIONS
www.COASTALANGLERMAG.COM 34
NATIONAL
I
JUNE 2017
CANGL_NAT3-NAT34.indd 34
Fillet Knives
The only custom moldable handle fillet knife.
I
LENGTH: 16’10” BEAM: 77” DRAFT: 7”
WEIGHT: 550 lbs. FUEL: 12 gallons MAX HP: 70
WWW.MITZISKIFFS.COM
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
5/16/17 11:52 AM
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YAMAHA OUTBOARD’S
SEASON OF SAVINGS SALES EVENT
OFFER VALID FROM
MAY 1, 2017–JUNE 16, 2017 Get the season started with a reliable Yamaha four-stroke outboard. For a limited time, purchase an eligible, select, new Yamaha 2.5-hp to 175-hp† four-stroke outboard, and receive:
750
$ ELIGIBLE FOUR-STROKE OUTBOARDS
DEALERSHIP CREDIT TOWARD THE PURCHASE OF GOODS/SERVICES
175 HP†
$750 based on MSRP
115-150 HP†
$500 based on MSRP
60-90 HP
$400 based on MSRP
30-50 HP
$300 based on MSRP
20-25 HP
$200 based on MSRP
8-15 HP
$150 based on MSRP
2.5-6 HP
$125 based on MSRP
†
†
†
UP TO
The following four-stroke models are NOT eligible for this promotion: VF175XA, VF115XA, F90LB, F90XB, F90JB, F75LB, F25SMHC, F25LMHC, F25SWHC, F25LWHC, F25SWC, F25LWC, F25LC and F25LWTC.
IN DEALER CREDIT
Toward the purchase of additional goods or services from your authorized, participating Yamaha outboard dealer.*
See your authorized participating Yamaha outboard dealer today for details! Other restrictions and conditions may apply. *PROGRAM TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Consumer benefit for purchasing a new (unused not previously warranty registered) eligible Yamaha 2.5 to 175 HP four-stroke outboard is a credit based on MSRP toward the purchase of goods and/or services at the authorized, participating dealer that sold the outboard, at no extra cost to consumer. NO BENEFIT SUBSTITUTIONS. The following four-stroke models are NOT eligible for this promotion: VF175XA, VF115XA, F90LB, F90XB, F90JB, F75LB, F25SMHC, F25LMHC, F25SWHC, F25LWHC, F25SWC, F25LWC, F25LC and F25LWTC. To be eligible, outboards must also have been manufactured since January 2010. Promotion is only applicable from authorized participating Yamaha Outboard dealers in the U.S.A. sold to purchasing consumers residing in the U.S.A. Promotion is limited to available stock in dealer inventory that is sold, PDI completed, delivered and warranty registered on YMBS by the dealer in accordance with Yamaha’s promotion and warranty registration requirements during applicable dates. No model substitutions, benefit substitutions, extensions or rain checks will be allowed. Outboards sold or provided for commercial, camp, resort, rental, promotional/demo, scratch-and-dent, government agency, competition, tournament or sponsorship use are not eligible. This promotion cannot be used in conjunction with any other Yamaha offer. Some exceptions may apply. See authorized, participating Yamaha dealer for complete details. Yamaha reserves the right to change or cancel this promotion at any time. Other restrictions and conditions apply. REMEMBER to always observe all applicable boating laws. Never drink and drive. Dress properly with a USCG-approved personal floatation device and protective gear. © 2017 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved.
YamahaOutboards.com
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