The Angler Magazine | March 2020 | Greater Atlanta Edition

GREATER ATLANTA AREA EDITION

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Outdoor Apparel Review

PHOTO BY TRAVIS POOLE, COURTESY OF CAPT. RANDY CNOTA VOLUME 25 • ISSUE 300

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MARCH 2020

THE STRONGEST SPINFISHER YET!!!

The 6th generation Spinfisher is now stronger and more water resistant than ever. With machined CNC gearing and an IPX5 water resistant rating, the newest Spinfisher is ready for anything.

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Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. Annual premium for a basic liability policy not available all states. Prices vary based on how you buy.

There’s a reason they say, Curse like a sailor.

That’s why we offer basic plans starting at $100 a year and options with On-Water Towing.

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The easiest way to find bait when you’re ready to go fishing is by using the new Baitfinder App available for free download on both Apple and Android devices. Bait shops are the best possible resource for local information from what’s biting, and on what bait, to ensure you have the right equipment and knowledge before you head out to target a specific species of fish. Everything about Baitfinder is designed for anglers, by anglers, allowing all bait shops in your area to advertise their bait availability in real-time. There’s no more last-minute anxiety about locating bait or driving all over to locate the bait you’re looking for.

Anglers can reserve their bait of choice prior to getting to their favorite bait shop to pick it up and it’s all easily done on the app! Let your friends know of this free app and encourage all your local bait shops to enroll at: WWW.BAITFINDER.COM

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OUTDOOR APPAREL REVIEW Gillz 2020 Tournament Series Shirt

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illz has re-invented the original vented fishing shirt, and if you liked the original, you’ll love the new 2020 Tournament Series Shirt.

They took the best features from the original and added a few sweet twists. First, the side vents were re-engineered to pull cooling air more efficiently through and around your body, keeping you cooler than ever.

On top of that, it’s made from the proprietary and innovative GillzTec fabric. This interlocking fabric is engineered to quickly distribute moisture 360 degrees across the garment for better cooling.

Since the moisture spreads throughout the garment, it dries and evaporates much faster, keeping you cool and comfortable and essentially eliminates any sweat spots that would normally appear. In fact, it’s 30 percent cooler than competitors!

Lightweight and providing UPF 50+ protection, the shirt blocks 98 percent of UVA/UVB rays. Plus, it’s chemical free and looks pretty awesome. Gillz. The coolest gear on the planet.

Pelagic Blue Water Fishing Short

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esigned at sea, the Blue Water Fishing Short is your offshore hombre for all things fish. It has four-way stretch for maneuverability, a TightLines internal drawcord for a custom fit, and water repellency with stain guard for the inevitable elements.

Made with REPREVE recycled fibers, this is the gateway short to your bluewater addiction.

Features: • 21” Outseam • 4-Way Stretch Fabric • REPREVE Recycled Fibers • Tightlines Adjustable Waistband • Water Repellency & Stain Guard • Side Zip Cargo Pocket W/ Reinforced Tool Pocket • Mesh Lined Back Zip Pockets

pelagicgear.com

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Reel Angler Saltwater Arm Sleeves

Frogg Toggs Pilot Pro Jacket in Realtree Fishing

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he Frogg Toggs Realtree Pilot PRO Jacket in the Realtree Fishing pattern is designed to handle whatever Mother Nature throws at you.

Internal zips hold the Co-Pilot liner, while the full-front zip closure with splash-proof YKK zippers and internal storm flap keep you dry and warm. A fitted, three-way adjustable and removable hood with full-face closure protects your head and face with the help of the integrated fleece-lined, high-rise collar. An internal storm flap and two-way splash-proof front closure keeps water at bay.

The jacket features an internal, zippered storage pocket and chest storage pockets, as well as zippered, oversized, fleece-lined handwarmer pockets.

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nglers need protection from the sun more than just about anyone. With Real Angler Saltwater Arm Sleeves from Solar Sleeves, you can protect your arms from the sun’s damaging rays and look cool doing it.

With UPF factor of 40+, these sleeves offer excellent solar protection. They are made of super-comfortable stretch fabric that resists slipping for all day comfort on the water. If that wasn’t enough, you can represent your passion while protecting yourself. The vivid sublimation print is sure to be an eye catcher. Go fishing or spend the day on the boat in style with Reel Angler Arm Sleeves in Saltwater print. Retail stores shop online at capsmith.com.

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EXO-TECH HOODED PERFORMANCE FISHING SHIRT •86% POLYESTER, 14% ELASTANE •UPF 50+ SUN PROTECTION •ANTI-MICROBIAL •MESH SIDE PANELS FOR VENTILATION •VENTED MESH HOODIE •QUICK DRYING

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Secrets of a Billionaire Revealed “Price is what you pay; value is what you get.

Whether we’re talking about socks or stocks, I like buying quality merchandise when it is marked down.”

— wisdom from the most successful investor of all time

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e’re going to let you in on a secret. Billionaires have billions because they know value is not increased by an inflated price.

They avoid big name markups, and aren’t swayed by flashy advertising.

When you look on their wrist you’ll find a classic timepiece, not a cry for attention–– because they know true value comes from keeping more money in their pocket.

We agree with this thinking wholeheartedly. And, so do our two-and-a-half million clients. It’s time you got in on the secret too. The Jet-Setter Chronograph can go up against the best chronographs in the market, deliver more accuracy and style than the “luxury” brands, and all for far, far less. $1,150 is what the Jet-Setter Chronograph would cost you with nothing more than a different name on the face.

With over two million timepieces sold (and counting), we know a thing or two about creating watches people love. The Jet-Setter Chronograph gives you what you need to master time and keeps the superfluous stuff out of the equation. A classic in the looks department and a stainless steel power tool of construction, this is all the watch you need. And, then some.

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Hook, Line & Sea Eagle Inflatable Sea Eagle FishSkiff™ 16

The super sleek, super stable inflatable FishSkiff™ 16 holds 1-3 anglers and all their gear. It’s low profile with nearly zero draft make landing fish & shallow water fishing easier and quicker. With a 6hp motor, it can reach 17 mph. Catch fish all day with 1 tank of gas. Add a bow mounted trolling motor for stealthy maneuverability. On shore just deflate & fold it up. Packs small to fit in a car trunk, SUV or RV and stores in a closet.

* 16’ long x 54” wide * Weighs just 99 lbs. (hull only) * Holds up to 3 people or 1765 lbs of people & gear * Inflates & sets up in 17 minutes

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ach year, millions of collectors and silver stackers around the world secure freshly struck American Eagle Silver Dollars. They are perhaps the most widely collected silver bullion coins in the world, and right now, you can be among the first to secure coins from the U.S. Mint’s brand-new 2020 mintage!

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3 6 0 - D E G R E E AC C E S S TO AN OCE AN OF POSSIBILITIES The engineless design of the FSH Series gives owners a spacious stern area, as well as 360-degree uninterrupted access to the water. With enhanced saltwater corrosion protection and a host of fishing and family-friendly features, Yamaha’s 2020 FSH Series is the best way to experience everything the coast has to offer.

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©2020 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. Follow instructional materials and obey all laws. Drive responsibly, wearing protective apparel.

Always drive within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvers, and respect others around you. Don’t drink and drive.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR WEBSITE COASTALANGLERMAG.COM AT YAMAHABOATS.COM OR CALL 1.800.88.YAMAHA. NATIONAL MARCH 2020 • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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he International Game Fish Association (IGFA) tracks record fish catches around the globe, and they have been busy. Since December, they have approved 65 new entries, including line class, fly-caught and youth records for different species. More than 30 of those records are all-tackle records, which means they are the largest individuals ever documented with IGFA. Here’s a quick look at some highlights: Tan’s Nile Perch Christopher Tan of Malaysia caught and released an incredible 146-centimeter (4.8-foot) Nile perch to set the IGFA All-Tackle Length World Record. In early August, Tan was casting a Halco Laser Pro 190 in Murchison Falls, Uganda.

Pitman’s Golden Trevally Aussie angler Sahra Pitman caught a beautiful 12.25-kilogram (27-pound, 1-ounce) golden trevally to set the new IGFA Women’s 6-kg (12-lb.) Line Class World Record while fishing in Shark Bay, Western Australia. The record fish hit a McCarthy soft plastic and put up a 20-minute fight. It is currently the largest Line Class record of any received for golden trevally.

Weeks’ Green Humphead Parrotfish Mark Weeks set the bar high with the first green humphead parrotfish submitted for an IGFA All-Tackle World Record, with a massive 46.35-kilogram (102-pound, 3-ounce) fish he caught and released while fly fishing the flats of Providence, Seychelles. The record parrotfish sucked up a crab pattern and took off across the flat.

Christopher Tan with the nearly 5-foot Nile perch he caught in Uganda.

Allum’s Rainbow Trout Emily Allum caught and released an impressive 13.30-kilogram (29-pound, 5-ounce) rainbow trout to set the new IGFA Women’s 4-kg (8-lb.) Line Class World Record. Allum was casting a Glo Bug in the Tekapo Canal, New Zealand, and fought the record trout for 10-minutes prior to weighing and releasing it.

Schmid’s Arctic Char James Schmid recently set the new IGFA All-Tackle Length World Record for Arctic char with a gorgeous 93-centimeter (nearly 17-inch) fish. The char ate a Vibrax Blue Fox spinner in the Red Belly Lake, Victoria Island, Canada. After an 8-minute fight, James took the required measurement and released the fish.

(Left) Mark Weeks’ Seychelles parrotfish weighed more than 100 pounds.

(Right) Emily Allum’s New Zealand rainbow is a new line-class record.

The U.S. Coast Guard recently approved the use of Serious Signal’s flagship electronic visual distress signal device as a nighttime distress signal. The C-1002 is the industry’s first and only two-color distress light approved for carriage, which completely and legally replaces the need to carry marine pyrotechnic flares. The C-1002 also includes features that enhance its functionality to the level of an alert and notification system.

“We’re thrilled that the C-1002 Electronic LED Flare passed the extremely challenging laboratory testing required by the Coast Guard,” said Anthony Covelli, Sirius Signal CEO. “It’s the brightest multi-LED handheld SOS device on the planet—one that required sophisticated engineering and many new innovative solutions to overcome daunting challenges.”

The C-1002 flashes the SOS distress signal—three short flashes, three long flashes, three short flashes, using a two-color plus infrared SOS flash pattern (red/ orange and cyan) that has been found more effective against shoreline background light clutter, according to studies conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard R&D Center. The C-1002 is also Bluetooth-enabled with advanced mobile app connectivity, providing an additional layer of protection and communication for recreational boaters— and its infrared signal will be recognized by SAR aircraft from miles overhead.

“Based on our review… we acknowledge that the subject device, as tested, meets the performance criteria as specified in the policy letter and may be carried to meet regulatory requirements as a nighttime distress signal per 33 CFR 175.130,” noted the letter Sirius Signal received from the Coast Guard.

In time for the 2020 boating season, the C-1002 will be available for purchase on the Sirius Signal website and Amazon.com, as well as at premier marine distributors.

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Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. In the state of CA, program provided through Boat Association Insurance Services, license #0H87086. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. Š 2019 GEICO

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MARCH 2020 PUBLISHER: BOB RICE

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 REPRODUCTION OF CONTENTS IN ANY FORM IS PROHIBITED BOB RICE, PUBLISHER THE ANGLER MAGAZINE FISHING, BOATING, CONSERVATION “FIND YOUR OUTDOORS HERE”

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: HENRY COWEN DR. ANDREW COX JIMMY HARRIS CAPT. CEFUS MCRAE CHRIS SCALLEY GARY TURNER NOEY VINEYARD O'NEILL WILLIAMS RENE J. HESSE JIMBO MATHLEY JAMES BRADLEY DAVID HULSEY WAYNE WOOTEN JAY STRIKER WAYNE MOORE RYAN KENNEDY DICKLESBY KIM NUNERY CAPT. DAVID HARE GRAPHIC DESIGN: KATHLEEN CARREIRO PHOTO BY KENNY SIMMONS, FROG HOLLOW FLY FISHING

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2/16/20 3:57 PM

LOCAL RIVERS & FLY FISHING WHAT’S A TROPHY? Contributed By: Jimmy Harris www.unicoioutfitters.com Unicoi Outfitters, Orvis 2018 Fly Shop of the Year

Guided Fly Fishing and Conventional Tackle Trips for Hybrids, Stripers, and Crappie

Today, I received an email listing new Georgia lake and river fishing records. Twenty-seven fortunate, lucky or skilled anglers caught fish that were big enough to be considered the largest ever recorded caught in the state. I, like most other anglers, get a kick out of seeing a truly out-sized fish that just makes your eyes pop out. But the article got me to thinking about what a trophy fish is and is recognition important or is it just as important to know you caught a fish that was probably larger than anything anyone else has ever caught since records have been kept. I’m pretty sure we have clients who have caught shoal bass that were larger than the 5 lb. 3 oz. upper Chattahoochee River record.

This doesn’t diminish the quality of that record fish at all. It’s just cool to know there are other fish that size in the river.

If you’re one of my grandsons, I can tell you a trophy fish has a lot fewer restrictions on it. In fact, they sometimes catch multiple trophies in a day; even multiple species. If they think it’s a trophy, then to me it’s a trophy also.

My old friend Earl Palmer, who grew up in White County and floated the Hooch for shoal bass most of his life, told me of his son landing a 6-pounder many years ago, and I have no doubt that story is true.

Earl has passed on now, and I am certain he is still floating the river these days in his old flat bottomed jon boat that was more Bondo® than aluminum from 50 plus years of banging through the shoals. Maybe these days all of the fish are trophies.

My point is, unless you’re a subsistence angler, trophy status can be whatever you want it to be. A 10” wild brookie is an awesome fish, but I catch a lot more 5 and 6-inch fish that give me lots of “trophy” days. I hear tarpon anglers tell me that they would rather catch 60 and 70-pound fish multiple times a day than fight one 150-pounder for 6 hours. Likewise, peacock bass are reported over 20-pounds, but I landed a 14-pound Asu when I was fishing the Amazon, and I’m pretty sure I could not have put a 20-pound fish in the boat. In my mind, I still had a trophy fish.

Booking now, novice or experienced anglers. On the water instruction, top of the line fly gear!

Mix it up with light spinning tackle as well for a great combo trip!

Captain Wayne Moore - Oconee On The Fly, Inc (706)-816-4281 www.oconeeonthefly.com / wmoore1700@outlook.com 2 ATLANTA

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LOCAL RIVERS & FLY FISHING MARCH FLY FISHING REPORT

Contributed By: Henry Cowen www.henrycowenflyfishing.com February was an interesting month in that the fish finally did start to respond some but the wet weather is making trying to find the fish near impossible. Every time we get a few days of being dialed in the rain comes and changes their location due to cold muddy water.

This has been the most goofy season to date as it is near impossible to predict what our March weather will look like. Predicting what happens in March is all based on our lake’s water temperature, and so far it appears we will be a little warmer than normal. If it stays warm, the bite should be pretty good! If it doesn’t, then we will wait toward the latter half of the month to begin the spring run and the highly coveted “pre-spawn” striped bass bite.

Probably the best advice I can give anglers fishing the lakes in North GA during the month of March is twofold: take advantage of the moon phases and take advantage of the pre-frontal systems. Try to plan your trip around both the full and new moon phases for best results. Fish will respond well to both of those moon phases. Also, if you are going to fish before a front moves through the region, in all likelihood you will be rewarded. If you choose to fish post-frontal, you better be happy to just be alive and out on the water rather than sitting behind your desk in the office.

We actually have two types of patterns that exist for March. The first is the pre-spawn, which is a big fish pattern. This can take place during the entire month of March.

However, this could be delayed if temps stay cool. If someone is going to land a trophy on Lake Lanier (or any North GA impoundment), it is usually done during this time period. Striped bass are seen crashing threadfin shad on the surface in the coves all over the lake. Our bird life on the lake will take you to the fish.

Look for small gulls picking shad off the surface. You have a chance to encounter some of the most epic surface feeding of the season.

While the fish can be caught on both the north end as well as the

south end, I would always give the nod to the north end for this pattern. However, three years ago the pre-spawn was off the charts on the very south end of Lanier. They can be in the backs of the coves in very shallow water or in the mouths of the coves over a 30-40 foot bottom.

Either way, they will be feeding on threadfin shad in the 2 to 3” size and possibly herring in the 4-5” size range. So far this year, the shad has been mostly in the 3-3 ½” range.

Fly anglers need be prepared with both a sinking line as well as an intermediate (slow sinking line) in order to cover both just subsurface as well as to twenty feet down.

The sinking line comes in handy if you cannot get to the fish while they are on top. The fish on top will make toilet flush type boils on the surface. Some folks have likened it to tossing a cinder block into the water from two stories high. Fish up into the mid-teens and even pushing into the twenty plus pound range can be seen on the surface at this time of year. While Lanier has lost much of its big fish (fish over twenty pounds), the females are fattening up for their spawning run up the river and this is the beginning of what I call trophy season.

Somethin’ Else, Coyotes, Game Changers, Clouser’s and baitfish patterns can all be the ticket this time of year. If you start with the bigger flies and get refusals, then simply size down until you get a bite! Look for fish feeding best around first light and last light and as stated earlier, during cloudy days and pre-frontal conditions.

The second half of the month offers a slightly different pattern to watch for especially if the water temps warms up to near sixty degrees. Now the stripers, largemouth and spots will be feeding in the coves and you will come away with a mixed bag of fish. What I love about the second half of March is the sheer number of bites an angler tossing flies can expect. Dock light fishing is in full swing too! All the lake’s dock lights will be full of fish. This pattern will exist on all our North GA lakes as the stripers

do not know where they live.

For conventional anglers, it’s hard to beat either a 3/8 ounce Fish Head Spin with a Fluke attached or simply a weightless Fluke thrown on a spinning rod. Also try tossing a Little Cleo to surface feeding fish.

Remember, these fish are NOT eating on the surface but rather one to three feet under the surface. The blow ups you visually see on top

March 9th Worm Moon What Could Be Better Than Catching The Trout of a Lifetime AND Buying Your Own Mountain Property??

Selling and Listing: Trout Stream Properties, Raw Land AND Amazing Homes Gene Rutkowski

Professional Realtor & Sport Fishing Guide 16th Season of Guiding and Teaching Fly Fishing

www.cabinsonthestream.com www.flyfishblueridge.com generut@tds.net

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are just the fish giving a kick with its tail to go back down.

For those anglers who have been sitting in their recliners the past two months, now is the time to clean the equipment in preparation of some HOPEFULLY fabulous March fishing. Get the honeydo list completed and make the time to get out on our area lakes.

See you on the pond.

706-455-5640

MARCH 2020

ATLANTA 3

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LOCAL RIVERS & FLY FISHING THE GUIDES ANGLE EARLY SPRING ON THE HOOCH

Contributed By: Chris Scalley River Through Atlanta Guide Service

Despite all the crazy winter weather, the trout on the Chattahoochee seem to be doing just fine.

Lots of nice healthy fish have been netted and released. We can only hope the Corps of Engineers can gain control of the lake levels as we approach 1077 feet above sea level on February 17th!

Look for some great early spring nymph fishing with most species of stonefly, caddisfly and mayfly larvae in the river with peaking population densities with their final instar before the emergence of the adults. Little winter stones have been hatching all win-

North GA’s Full Service Fly Shop

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ter, and anglers should keep their favorite “pet dry fly rod” loaded with a #16 stimulator dry fly to imitate the adults laying eggs or dying on the surface

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MARCH 2020

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LOCAL RIVERS & FLY FISHING THE CASTING CORNER

WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL ABOUT FLY FISHING? Contributed By: Rene J. Hesse Certified Casting InstructorFederation of Fly Fishers & Atlanta Fly Fishing and Camping Meetup Organizer

Have you ever had a time in your life that you wonder if it could get any worse or what could happen next? Do you know what it’s like to sit and think about what can I do to be productive or stay busy?

How can I get away from everything? How can I find people to be around?

These days, there are so many things that can play with our emotions. Finding a way to deal with the stress, loneliness or direction in life often leads people to fly fishing. If that sounds strange to you, read on.

You may need it later. If you understand what I am talking about, see what applies to you, and if you can help someone in their fly fishing journey.

The Casting Corner is supposed to be about fly casting, and it is.

Here is your tip for the day: If you are going to go fly fishing, learn to fly cast. That may sound obvious, but there are so many reasons to learn the essentials of casting. Reading and watching videos is a great start, but you have to feel it. Learning a few different types of casts will really expand your enjoyment of fly fishing. Start reading and watching videos on casting, fly tying, bug life,

reading the stream, equipment and locations. They all combine to be what fly fishing is all about.

It will not be hard to find fly fishing information, and the best place to start is the Fly Fishers International website. It will open up a whole new world for you if you are new to it and answer any questions you have. If you are experienced and just need a reminder, for example what the rule of 3’s or how to apply the rule of 9’s, you can find it there. They can introduce you to all aspects of fly fishing.

But what’s the big deal about fly fishing? Let me tell you, it is something to look forward to doing. You can do it with someone or alone.

You can put yourself in a peaceful place mentally in the middle of stressful times. You can fill holes in your life with a place to go, something to do. When you have your life in order and understand the benefits of fly fishing, you may find that sharing it with others is even more rewarding than keeping it to yourself. I speak from experience, as fly fishing has changed my life and many, many others that I know.

But in the end, it’s just another way to fish.

Fly of the Month

MARCH MUSINGS

Contributed by David Hulsey International Federation of Fly Fishers Master Certified Casting Instructor http://www.hulseyflyfishing.com 770-639-4001

The transition month of March is usually famous for its unrelenting wind, the occasional tornado, freezing blizzard or soggy flood or two. Not only can this time of year be crazy weather wise, but it can blow in some great days on the water. If you’re able to dodge all of these and a day or so of work, you can get in on some of the best fly fishing of the year!

March ushers in some real match-the-hatch fishing for us in the Southern Appalachians. It’s big bug time on almost all the trout streams, and the fish know it. Good hatches of Quill Gordon and March Brown Mayflies, both about size 12 and 14, can make fish get a little selective on certain streams here in North Georgia and far Western North Carolina. Both bugs can stretch their emergence dates into April sometimes too. Carrying both in Catskill patterns are usually sufficient to entice a nice wild trout or two to the net. Make sure to keep a lookout for redds while wading, being this is prime spawning time for our rainbows. Try not to step on a bed, as they have a hard enough time as it is.

Delayed Harvest Streams in both Georgia and North Carolina will receive big stockings this month, and the fishing is usually

off the chain! You can pretty much throw just about anything that is in the ballpark of food to these guys, and a strike is pretty much going to happen sooner or later. You can dry fly fish, nymph fish or streamer fish, and even not too well, and score a few. It’s a perfect time to get a beginner out on the creek and catch a few, weather permitting. The air temperature can be 70 or 20, so if you have someone new to the sport, make sure to get them to bring appropriate gear. A frozen friend isn’t as likely to let you talk them into going out on-stream the next time you ask.

Tailwater fishing on the Toccoa River near Blue Ridge, Georgia is usually starting to crank up a little bit this month with the hopefully warmer days. Dry-dropper fishing is great fun here, especially during our float trips. Early spring trips here help to avoid the throngs of tubers that can drive a fisherman nuts.

Trophy trout fishing on Noontootla Creek Farms is usually awesome right now with big specimens being caught every day. These fish are highly educated, and it takes some doing to catch them sometimes, but the reward is great! Give me a call, and we’ll set up a day to explore all the things March has to offer!

by Eli Crumley Blackhawk Fly Fishing keepemwet94@gmail.com

RS2 Emerger Hook: Daiichi 1530 (size) 18 Thread: UTC 140 Denier (color) Black Body: Superfine Dubbing (color) Black Tails: Two White Microfibets Wing: CDC (color) Grey This is a great midge/mayfly emerger. You can fish it in the film, on the surface or subsurface. Throw a few of these in your box in various colors.

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MARCH 2020

ATLANTA 5

2/16/20 3:58 PM

LOCAL RIVERS & FLY FISHING CHATTOOGA RIVER

OCONEE ON THE FLY-FEBRUARY FORECAST

WHEN, WHERE, AND HOW

Contributed By Capt. Wayne Moore USCG www.oconeeonthefly.com Crappie fishing on Lake Oconee is almost a religious pursuit among anglers. Recently, Master Captain and venerable guide Doug Nelms held the first annual “4 Seasons Seminar” with experts detailing how to catch crappie year-round on Lake Oconee. It was hands down the best seminar on the subject I have ever attended. The seminar was held at The Lodge on Lake Oconee on Saturday February 1st. The room was sold out with 50 or more attendees. Just check out the agenda and you will see why: • 8:15 - 8:45 Capt. Doug Nelms - “The Art of Pushing” Winter/Early Spring • 9:00 - 9:30 Capt. Jody Stephens - “The LongLining Guru” Spring/ Fall Long Line Trolling • 9:45 - 10:15 Joe “Ninja” Partenza - “Master of Dock Shooting” Spring/Summer • 10:30 - 11:00 Bill Carson - “All Things Hummingbird” • 11:15 - 11:45 Capt. Doug Nelms “Dipping on the Brushpiles” Summer/Fall The good news is this will be an annual event, so be sure to sign up for next year. Also, one thing I can tell you about Capt. Doug is he loves sharing his knowledge. Just go to his website https://bigfishheads.com/ and you will see podcasts that are very informative.

So, here’s what is happening now on Oconee: Hybrids/Stripers – The heavy rains have stained the lake heav-

ily above highway 44, and as of this writing, the water is stained somewhat all the way down to the dam.

However, fish are still being caught on spoons, and we got a report from Capt. Jody Stephens from Crappiedaze Guide Service of a large number of fish being taken trolling Shad Raps. As we move into March, I expect the live bait bite to be off the charts. Bass minnows can be used up until the shad spawn. I will be breaking out the fly rod at first light and late in the day looking for surface feeding fish. From now until late June the hybrid/striper bite will get better and better!

Crappie – Okay, I’ll have to quote Capt. Doug here; “when the Bradford Pear trees are white the bite is off the charts. Don’t wait until the dogwoods bloom.” This means be fishing now when it is still cold. If you fish above I-20, just look for the boats. Some will be pushing jigs out of the front of the boat, others pulling out of the back. This is when the largest fish of the year are caught.

Final words – I have been blessed to learn so much from the other guides and captains here on Oconee.

I’ll share that knowledge with you with a twist of my own; combination trips, so you can try fly fishing, and we can use spinning rods for light tackle fun. Months of great fishing are ahead! Email me at wmoore1700 @outlook.com or call 404-317-9556 and lock in your dates. Tight lines and God bless.

As we prepare for the spring hatches here at Chattooga River Fly Shop, February has graced us with some spring weather and very heavy rains. We are sure that Old Man Winter still has a little cold weather left in store for us here in the South, especially having received snow this February. The temperatures will surely dip below freezing in March, and our winter fishing techniques will have to be in place. Low and slow with nymph rigs will be the trick, along with slower retrievals of steamers.

As the waters start their warming trend, the first emergence of the mayflies and caddis start to appear on the rivers. As everyone enjoys the topwater dry fly fishing, let’s remember that there are a lot more fish feeding on nymphs and emergers “down under”. Fishing a tandem rig with a nymph and an emerger while awaiting the hatch will be very productive. When fishing these tandem rigs, a cast upstream and mend of the line for a “dead drift” is key. After the flies have drifted past your stance on the river, let them swing downstream and let your line

straighten which allows the flies to rise to the surface, as the naturals do. Once you see a few of these flies in the air and a few rises, switch to a dry fly and drift your fly to these rising fish.

Let’s not forget that streamer fishing is still very productive as well. Lately, with the colder water temperatures and higher water conditions, sink tips or weight pinched on to the leader has been necessary to keep the streamers down in the water column. Many large fish have been caught in the delayed harvest sections of both the Chattooga and Chauga Rivers using these on the dead drift and twitch technique and by stripping the streamers back through the pools and seams. As the water temperatures rise and water levels decrease, floating lines will be adequate.

We have great fly tying materials, whether you are tying for trout, bass, or panfish, and we have a wide array of materials to do the trick. We offer hands on, one-onone fly tying classes to help you along in your journey of tying here at the Fly Shop. You will receive expert advice on what to tie, when to fish the bug you are tying and other tips and techniques. We look forward to seeing everyone out on the rivers, and let’s remember to “Leave No Trace”.

Mason Tubb with a beautiful Chattooga River brook trout.

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MARCH 2020

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2/16/20 3:58 PM

LOCAL RIVERS & FLY FISHING THE ATLANTA SALTWATER SPORTSMAN CLUB

By Chuck Alford, President ASWSC chuckalford@comcast.net The 33rd Annual Atlanta Saltwater Sportsman Club Sailfish Tournament out of the legendary Sailfish Marina in West Palm Beach was held Jan 30th through Feb 1st with Keith Mozena as the Tournament Director and 5 boats competing.

While the fishing wasn’t on fire this year, everyone had a great time with a total of 6 sailfish released during the three days of the tournament, with one more released ahead of time. The wind was changing the whole time clocking around from different directions and at times made kite fishing difficult. The rest of the local fleet were not flying any more release flags than we were, so we did pretty darn well for a bunch of out-of-towners.

The tournament was won by Knot Online captained by Jeff Harvey. The Knot Online crew released a double on the second day and then had the only release on day three to take the win. They also caught a blackfin tuna, a 30-pound king mackerel and played with a few sharks to round out the week. Knot Online was awarded the beautiful trophy provided by Top Dog Trophies.

Second place was taken by Rent Money, captained by Bill Brooker.

These guys joined the club a couple weeks earlier at the Atlanta Boat Show and had never fished for sailfish or kite fished, so they watched YouTube videos to get ready. They hooked up a double 17 minutes before lines out on day one and got a release on both. That was pretty impressive!

Pegasus captained by Chuck Alford came in third with one release on day one. We also caught an 8-pound dolphin that same day and a 17-pound cobia prior to the tournament.

Where to Next, captained by Keith Mozena, did not have any releases during the tournament but released a very large sailfish prior to the tournament. They were also joined on a “pre-fish” day by the Darcizzle Offshore team and you can see the video on YouTube “Kitefishing for Kingfish!”

Bo Kat, captained by Bo Dunn, fished the tournament out of Stuart, north of WPB, but was really hampered by worse weather up that way.

Bo Kat turned to plan B and went to

FULL SERVICE OUTFITTER an area called Peck’s Lake and had a great time with Spanish mackerel, including one that really was a monster.

The captain’s meeting on Wednesday night was fun with hamburgers and sausage dogs at the Sailfish House. The awards banquet was also held there, recapping the tournament, awarding the trophy and feasting on low country boil.

We had our share of bad luck this year. Knot Online and Bo Kat had flat tires on the way down, and Rent Money blew out a hub. Ward Lang took a tumble in the parking lot and broke the radius in his right arm after day two, but toughed it out and fished the third day before going home to check it out. Also, Rent Money started taking on water and called the Coast Guard but made it to the ramp without sinking. It was impressive the way Sea Tow, Tow Boat US and the USCG all responded to the call for help. Luckily, it was not needed. This is one of the best things about our club as we had member boats stop fishing ready to support Rent Money.

This was my first trip to the Sailfish Tournament, and I had a great time and am ready to go back, especially since it was my wife Leslie who caught her first sailfish. Now I need to get mine!

The Atlanta Saltwater Sportsman Club (ASWSC) is for saltwater lovers in the metro area (and beyond). For more information about ASWSC: www.aswsc.org, info@ aswsc.org, and like us on Facebook “Atlanta Saltwater Sportsman Club”.

• Fly Fishing Trips • Rentals • Clinics & Classes • Apparel

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MARCH 2020

ATLANTA 7

2/16/20 4:00 PM

LOCAL RIVERS & FLY FISHING FULL MOON, HIGH WATER, SNOW AND JOE!

By Gary Turner

I know most of you have heard that full moons, high water and catching fish don’t really go together. Well, if you haven’t been able to get out fishing for four months, you are willing to try just about anything to get out on the water. Add in the fact that six inches of snow is melting, we are having torrential flooding and the moon is full, and we have the fishing gauntlet. I called up my good friend Joe and asked if we could go fishing. His reply was, “Well yeah, bring your rain gear and layer up. It’s going to be cold.” Besides being an awesome guide, he could be the best weatherman ever!

When I got up at 5:00 am, it was a peachy 32°F and the full moon was high in the sky. By 5:30 I had run into the rain. As I rolled slowly through the hills, I could see the remnants of the snow storm. I could feel in my bones it was going

to be a cold and wet day. I had not been able to locate where I put my Mucks, so my footwear was a little lacking.

I met Joe at a little after 8:00 at Horseshoe Bend. We launched the boat at Curtis Switch in the pouring rain, and headed down the Toccoa River. Shortly, we had our first rainbow trout. He wasn’t gigantic, but he was a live wire in that cold, fresh water. Usually it’s Joe and one of my friends or daughter on these fishing trips, but today with this crazy weather, it was just me and my friend and amazing trout guide Joe DiPietro. We have fished it together many times over the years, and I am always awed by how serene the river is. Even when the water is high and running fast, there is a majestic feel to it.

We worked our way down the river with Joe setting me up on the

seams and holes. If there was a seam that he said looked really good, he would tell me there is a fish there and to keep casting back at that seam.

Sure enough, I would get it right eventually, and a rainbow would respond with a bite.

We did this all day. I did break off a lot of tackle on rocks and a couple of well-placed tree shots. We had a great time in spite of the cold and pouring rain. It did eventually warm up to 45°F, and even though my feet were numb, we had a great time catching up and catching fish. I did lose one of pretty good size, but I was happy with the ones we did catch, and we released them all.

Joe fishes this river over 200 days a year and releases nearly all of his catches, so he has a very good idea where fish will be hanging out. With the water as high as it was, it took real experience on the river to put us in the spots and seams. If you have never been on a trip like this, I highly recommend you find a buddy and take one. The scenery is amazing too.

Joe is a great guide. He will show you how to use fly rods and go over the basics of what you need to do to catch fish. He will also show you spinning rod techniques to use if so desired. A day trip from Curtis Switch Park to Horseshoe Bend Park is about 7 miles, so figure 6-8 hours. You can get more information on fishing with Joe DiPietro by calling 706-851-4001, at FanninTrout@ gmail.com, or by Facebook at Facebook.com/TroutFishingNorthGeorgia and tell him Gary sent you. His website is http://NorthGeorgiaTroutFishing.com.

If you want to fish the Toccoa River on your own, wading is the favored way, but please read all of the warning signs that are posted along the river. Prior to your day of fishing, remember to always check the dam release schedule @ 1-800-238-2264, then 4, 23 or www.tva.com or the

Blue Ridge Dam on this page http:// www.tva.com/river/lakeinfo/index. htm. Unscheduled water releases are common, so be prepared at all times. A quick rule of thumb about the rising river; mark a rock that is 1-2” out of the water, and when that rock gets covered up, you will know the river has begun to rise. Also, if you start to smell fresh water or start seeing debris coming off the bottom and the river is clouding up, the water will be rising soon. These are all warning signs to get out of the river.

If you find yourself trapped out in the river, let your gear go. No gear is worth your life. Float down current like you are sitting in a chair, working your way to an eddy or bank, and get out. The best thing to do is always wear a PFD. I’m not sure what next month’s article will be on, but remember, if you have an empty seat on your boat that needs filling, shoot me an email and maybe it will be about fishing with you! You can reach me at gary@ purgeright.com.

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8 ATLANTA

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MARCH 2020

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2/16/20 4:01 PM

LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST BUNDLE UP FOR GREAT FISHING

By Capt. Cefus McRae Nuts & Bolts Fishing Series Someone once asked me, “When is your favorite time to go fishing?”

My answer was prompt and succinct…”Anytime.” But when I pondered the question a little deeper, it occurred to me there is actually a more precise answer. In reality, I’d have to say spring is my favorite time for fishing. There’s a multitude of reasons why, but for the sake of brevity, here are my top 5 reasons why springtime is my favorite time.

5: It’s been a long cold winter, and I’m ready to get out of the house.

4: I don’t have to wear eight layers of clothes to go fishing.

3: The water temps are starting to rise, and the fish are getting active for the spawn.

2: The topwater bite can be off the chain.

1: Virtually every species, both freshwater and saltwater, are ready to eat.

In the spring, just about everything with gills is coming out of their wintertime sluggish pattern and they’re priming for the seasonal spawn. They sense the warming trend of the water, longer daylight hours, and they morph back into the finned foes we did battle with back in the fall.

On a sunny day, redfish will roam the dark sand flats along the coast. The sand holds the heat from the sun and warms the surrounding water. Now is the time to sight-cast with topwater plugs, like MirroLures and Chug Bugs, to cruising reds. Spring also brings large schools of Spanish mackerel to the coastline. These hardcharging, toothy critters will attack a Johnson Silver Minnow, Clark Spoon or Gotcha Plug.Tie one on behind a bubble cork and hang on, or fast-troll a McDonald’s Straw Rig with up to six hooks along the beach and catch up to six fish at a time. Tripletail will be spawning off the Georgia coast. Never caught a tripletail? Imagine catching a 15 pound bream. That’s a blast! Starting to get the picture?

On the freshwater side, bass will be moving shallow to do the dance, and big spinnerbaits will convince

them to pause for a quick meal.

Topwater offerings like Redfins and Zara Spooks in blue/chrome will draw explosive strikes, totally knocking the plug out of the water.

That will get your adrenaline going.

Stripers and hybrids are also eager to slam one of these plugs as well.

Fish these around shoal markers, shallow humps and long points.

One of my most favorite ways to spend a spring day is on the full moons of April and May. Shellcrackers and bluegill go on bed during the moon, and with a tube of crickets, a tub of red wigglers and a hook under a cork, you can fill a bucket with fine filets in short order. Another fun way to target these tasty, but tenacious, fish is with a 2 or 3 weight fly rod and small poppers or foam ants. The take can either be a quick sip or a thunderous eruption. Either way, fly fishing for panfish is super fun and super productive.

And finally, the crappie bite can be spectacular. Fishing bridges, submerged treelines, or bushy outcroppings along the bank is bound to produce slabs by fishing with minnows or jigs. The key is extremely light line, and I mean 2 to 4-pound test.

All this has got me hankering to get out on the water, and I hope it’s done the same for you. I’ll see you out there!

Tight lines and calm seas.

For info, contact the Lake Chatuge Chamber Bit.ly/GetOutdoorsExpo 706-896-4966

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MARCH 2020

ATLANTA 9

2/16/20 4:02 PM

LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST LAKE ALLATOONA Contributed

by Joseph Martinelli Heron Outdoor Adventures www.heronoutdooradventures.com 404-919-4918 Lake Allatoona water levels have risen rapidly this past month. The heavy rains brought us above full pool and loaded all the creeks with water again. Water temps are rising thanks to the influx of warmer waters from upstream.

There is no slowdown on the striper and hybrid bite for the dedicated angler. The fish activity is naturally a little up and down with the barometer and other fluctuations, but we even caught some pretty decent linesides when the barometer tanked on a recent weekend and brought some nice fluffy snow with it.

Downlines have been the most consistent method for hook-ups with threadfin shad and medium shiners as well as small to medium gizzards getting the bite. Placing your bait at the correct depths is important and a line counter is as practical as tires on your trailer. Depth ranges can often vary and electronics will typically tell the tale. 17’ and 22’ are typically good depth ranges to be at when scouting or trolling from hole to hole. Active fish may be seen at 35-40’ down or you may find the fish in less than 15’ of water, even this time of year.

Both casting and jigging with a Flex It Spoon, Steel-Shad or bucktail with trailer has produced fish, and sometimes this method will out-produce live bait. This can often happen in instances where fish are spread out and covering more water proves beneficial, as well as when they are stacked and more easily enticed by a dancing flash. Conversely, sometimes the water conditions and fish activity call for a very slow-moving presentation. Sometimes we just drop into them with a small spoon or even a 1/16 oz. jig to entice the bite.

A small A-Rig can outshine the live presentation in many situations.

Again, fan casting while working a point or break can help to easily lo-

cate active fish and then a decision to move in with live bait can be made if preferred. Do not discount the effectiveness of such a tool.

The spotted bass and largemouth bite has been quite fantastic. We are catching a slew of these critters both on live bait as well as artificial presentations. They will chase and strike that small school of shad represented by your A-Rig. They are eating and know that their spawn is soon upon them.

The crappie bite has been quite decent overall. Trolling jigs behind the boat has proved effective, especially when water conditions of limited topwater debris are found.

Pitching a small jig (or tiering 2-4 of them) on light line (4-6#) has been our favorite method as we like to feel the bump when possible. These fish can still be targeted in and around structure such as marinas and brush piles as well as bridge abutments.

Their spawn is upon us and these fish are definitely staged up in the creek channels and over flats just looking for a nice jig or minnow-tipped jig to cruise by them at around 1 mph.

Now, let’s go fishing! If you choose to not go it alone, or simply want a day to be catered to and soak in some new spots and techniques, please reach out to us. Your Adventure awaits.

“The spotted bass and largemouth bite has been quite fantastic.”

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MARCH 2020

WEST POINT LAKE

Water temps are mostly in the upper 50’s and low 60’s and rising. The lake is still heavily stained and near full pool. Of course, they will pull it back down if we get a break in the rain!

Bass: Good. Expect big changes as we move toward and on into March.

Warming weather and a stained lake should move many of the largemouth shallow quickly, especially after a late February warming trend. Expect the largemouth bite to continue to be good around any shallow wood or brush, rip-rap rocks or around shallow baitfish schools. Shallow-water baits such as chatterbaits, square-bill crankbaits and Rat-L-Traps should work effectively. Spinnerbaits and jig ‘n pigs are also producing some fish around wood and rip-rap. It’s a good time to catch a big fish. One of the main keys to this type of shallow fishing is to look for warmer stained water. A ditch or creek run sometimes helps to bring warmer water into an area, especially after a warm rain. Dark chunk rock and red clay retain heat and attract bass. Fishing for spots can be awesome as they will start to bed in March as well. Small crankbaits or Carolina rigged finesse worms will catch fish on almost any gravel bank.

Linesides: Good. The river run cranks up in March, and how good it gets usually depends on weather and water conditions. What you don’t want is really muddy and cold water below 50 degrees. I usually start out with cut bait soaked in garlic spray in water temps around 60 or lower. Live shad usually work better in water temps of 60 or higher. Start around Ringer Access and follow the fish upstream as the water warms. Stripers mixed with hybrids and white bass can continue to school on top throughout early spring as well. The schooling fish are mostly less than 3 pounds or so, but there are some bigger fish mixed in as well. The mouths of Yellow Jacket, Wehadkee and Maple Creeks have all been producing some fish. Downlining with live shiners will also work. Target drop-offs

near the channel or the top of humps.

Trolling with mid-depth crankbaits, Alabama Rigs, bucktail jigs and vertical jigging with spoons have also been producing some fish in these same areas. The key is finding a little clearer water.

Please don’t forget to book your striper trips for this upcoming spring!

Please feel free to contact me at my email at HudsonsProBass@gmail.com to reserve your day!

Crappie: Excellent. A few warm days in a row will drastically improve the crappie fishing in March. Good numbers of crappie are being caught in the shallows by bank fisherman on minnows and jigs under a float, especially in the afternoons. Blow-down trees and brush piles in 3 to 6 feet of water are holding fish as well. Trolling for crappie usually kicks into high gear soon as well. Whitewater and Yellow Jacket Creeks almost always seem to turn on strong this month. Expect the shallow bite to turn off in the event of an extended cold snap or get even better with an extended warming trend. Hopefully, the water will continue to clear up a little as we move into March. Trolling always seems to work better in clearer water. Overall, March is probably the BEST month for size and numbers of crappie. Expect many of the crappie to bed on the full moon cycle in March.

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LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST FISH FINDING ELECTRONICS…..

BLESSING OR A CURSE Contributed By: Jay Striker www.jaystriker.com Have you seen a bass boat with 2 or 3 large fish-finding electronics on the console and just as many on the front deck? There are reasons for having these electronics, and then there is such thing as overkill, I believe. As a tournament bass angler, having good electronics allows you to compete against the fish in ways that did not exist in the past.

Although sonar capability has been around for decades, using this technology to locate fish and eventually catch them is a game-changer. Let’s discuss the benefits of having electronics on your boat, how much you need, and the cost associated with them.

Benefits of having electronics: Competitive bass anglers are accustomed to making split-second decisions. Many of the decisions are made based on the data being

picked up from the electronics on their boat. When I’m pre-fishing, I’m really trying to cover water in my boat using side imaging, which higher-end electronics will provide.

It allows you to see out to the side of your boat underwater upwards of 180 feet on either side, allowing you to locate targets and fish that you would not otherwise see using the standard down-pointing sonar. It will enable me to discover the most productive potential areas without making a cast. Gone are the days of fishing every inch of a lake and spending three weeks doing so. With functional electronics, you cut off a lot of time searching and can focus on productive areas for success in a quarter of the time.

How much you need: A tournament angler may find that they need all the bells and whistles to

be a success on the water and have upwards of 6 graphs on their boat.

That’s ok, but it can be overkill for someone who is just recreational fishing. Some basic features are a must-have for your electronics such as navigation, mapping systems, speed, time, temps, color, and perhaps in a size of 9 inches or more, or a size one can feel comfortable with using. I would choose one with a few buttons and smooth functionality. Any of the notable three brands will suffice. However, having too much information can be overwhelming.

Paying the price: When you see the bass boats with four 16 inch TV’s on the console and on the front deck of the boat, rest assured that those will set you back a bit and leave a hole in the wallet if you are not careful. I believe that it is essential to buy what you need, not what you see. For a few hundred bucks, you can get a pretty decent sonar fish finder and will cover your basic needs. However, if you find that you need an upgrade, there are units out there that cost more than a small compact car. But really ask yourself; Do you need the electronics to play YouTube videos or do you

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Capt. Joseph Martinelli

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need them to navigate, locate, and catch fish? It’s purely personal and a choice for each to make.

If you have been thinking about purchasing a set of fish finders to support your passion, I invite you to ask; What are the benefits of having them? How much do you need?

Consider the cost of what you need and what you want. Electronics can be an excellent tool to help you catch more fish and be much more enjoyable if you have a full understanding of what you want and need.

Please take the time to follow me on social media @JayStriker52 on IG or check me out at www.jaystriker.com.

Water temperature: 46 degrees, lake level: 1 foot down, clarity: stained.

Bass: The bass bite has been great the last few weeks. Most of our fish have been caught on topwater and jerkbaits. The spotted bass seemed to be piled up towards the backs of the creeks. They are aggressive and will bite about any color lure. White or chrome jerk baits seems to be the goto colors. This bite should continue for the next few weeks. The swimbait bite should also pick up.

Brown Trout: The trout bite

has been slow the last week or so.

We have caught a few smaller fish trolling small Loco Spoons and Shad Raps (natural color). This bite should continue to get better in the next few weeks if the rain subsidies. I like to see the water temps in the mid 50’s to 60’s for the optimum trout bite.

Walleye: The walleye bite has been slow this month. Look for these fish to head to the spawning grounds over the next couple of weeks. The bite will definitely pick up during spawn and post-spawn. Try casting 4 inch Rapalas towards the banks and downed brush. These fish will be up in the creeks and river channels. The few fish we gave caught over the last week or so have been healthy!

Good luck!

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LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST HARTWELL

LAKE LANIER STRIPERS Forecast By: Steve Scott http://TeamLanier.wordpress.com/menu While February striper fishing was a bit slow, we discovered that the stripers were out for the smaller baits like medium minnows and especially threadfin shad. I believe this is why the bladed Mini Mack lure was so popular with catching stripers. The blade action mimicked the threads and brought more bites whether the rod was just sitting in the water ready to be casted, used on a planer board or just downlined. On some of the catches with the Mini Mack, the stripers were caught in the side of the head or in the face. These stripers literally attacked the blades because they thought they were threads.

Now that March is approaching, I think that it’s a good idea to continue this strategy with the Mini Macks but used on just four rods. When the threadfin bite slows down, you also want to be ready

with some bigger baits as the trophy striper season will be upon us soon.

Have a good spread with multiple baits, but keep in mind, it would be very stressful and daunting to cast out the entire tackle box at them.

And what a tangled mess that could be.

Your plan should include a few Mini Mack’s fished differently, a few big baits down-lined above where you are marking fish and some surface baits depending on the weather and using planer boards and free-lines. The point is, even if you go out there with the entire arsenal of live baits and artificials, take care as to how many rods you deploy on each trip. Have the confidence to only use a few techniques until you see what the stripers want. Then, you can switch your techniques and you will have all you need on your boat.

Tip of the month: once you have spot locked the boat over the fish, turn off or stop your sonar. This will keep some stripers under you a little longer. Steve Scott, TeamLanier.com

by Preston Harden Bucktail Guide Service 706-255-5622 bucktailguideservice.net Water temperature: 51 degrees, lake level: 4 feet over full pool.

As I sit here listening to the rain, I am looking forward to March.

March is one of my favorite months of the year. The water will start to warm and the fish will move shallow to the warmer water. I like to start later and fish later. The warm days will warm the water and the best action will be late afternoon till dark. I look for fish on windblown banks in the major creeks.

I like to throw small jigs with a small fluke to imitate a threadfin shad. I am fishing like a bass fisherman, but I expect to catch not only largemouth and spotted bass, but also striped bass and hybrids. Big striped bass are also caught by pull-

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ing big baits such as trout and gizzard shad on free lines and planer boards in the backs of creeks.

Bass fishing turns on in March as they will be shallow and more active.

Crappie will also move shallower and move farther back in the creeks in preparation to spawn.

In summary, March is the best month to fish artificials in shallow water.

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LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST POSSIBLE EARLY PRE-SPAWN ON LAKE LANIER Contributed By: Jim “Jimbo” Mathley www.jimboonlanier.com

Fishing during March can provide some interesting opportunities. The largemouth will be soon to spawn, and the spots will begin to stage in preparation for the spawn. The lake level is well above full pool as we head out of February, and the temperatures have been far above normal so far this winter, which could mean an early spawn if this trend continues. This will provide some different opportunities for this March as we should find different trends and patterns this spring as a result of the warmer-than-normal weather trends. Let’s explore how to address this important month on Lanier in these unusual weather and water conditions.

Optimal Conditions: There are a few things to consider when fishing during this time of year.

You will be fishing the pre-spawn in March, and maybe an advanced pre-spawn based on the weather, so let’s start with the end in mind and review the spawning habits of both the largemouth and spots. The largemouth in the lake will physically go on the bed at water temperatures of 56-58 degrees. The spotted bass will spawn a bit later when the water temperatures reach 62 degrees or above. Typically, the fish spawn in “waves”, rather than all at once. After the first “wave” of fish completes their spawning routine, there will be fish in all stages of the spawn for the next 30-45 days, depending on the weather conditions and water temperatures. It is important to understand that many fish that spawn in “waves” as mentioned above, do so during a favorable moon phase, given the noted water temperature requirements are met. Until those conditions are met, fish will be staging and feeding up in preparation for this process. So, where do we need to look?

Location: The largemouth in Lake Lanier tend to spawn shallower than do the spotted bass. The largemouth can be found bedding in creek pockets, often in the back of these pockets in a protected area. They will position themselves next to a piece of cover such as a blow down tree or stump for security and are often in 16 ATLANTA

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3 feet of water or less. Look around docks in shallow water for these fish as well as stumps and adjacent blow downs. The spotted bass can frequently be found in similar areas, but often prefer a hard bottom type area, such as that a clay flat can provide. Again, the spots will typically spawn deeper than do the largemouth and can be found in 6-15 feet of water and even deeper. Unlike most largemouth, there are a contingency of the spotted bass that will spawn on the main lake. These fish can be found on or around humps, points, and sandy saddles between islands on the main lake. Until the time when the fish spawn in these areas, fish key features adjacent to these spawning areas. Secondary points and docks often provide great staging areas for these fish and become a prime target this time of year.

Lures and Presentation: Now that we have explored the location that fish can be found during the spawn, let’s examine some of the techniques and lures that can be used to catch these fish.

1. Jerkbaits - A great choice as the water warms up though the 50’s.

Work these baits around docks, points, and over humps. A SPRO McStick is a good option. Experiment with cadence to find the right retrieve speed and pause cycle. The colder the water, the longer the pause.

2. SuperSpin – This bait from SuperFish Baits in the ¼ oz. size is an excellent choice to work in shallow creek ditches as well as in and around secondary points and docks. Experiment with trailer size and type. Either a Super Fluke Jr. or a boot-tail type trailer such as a Zoom Swimming Fluke are good places to start.

3. Crankbait – Excellent choice to cover water in the back of creeks and pockets as well as around secondary point, docks and flats. Try the SPRO Rock Crawler Series in varying depth ranges and at variable speeds and colors until you find the best one for the day’s conditions.

4. Worm/jig – Always an option in the springtime. A Chattahoochee Jig on rocky/clay secondary points and around docks is always a good

choice for spots or largemouth. If the fish are ultra-finicky, don’t forget the old Carolina Rig to present your soft-plastics. Drag or drift this rig slowly over secondary points or spawning flats for some potentially awesome results. Also, when fishing a Castleberry Performance Lures shaky head and worm combo, consider using a lighter jig-head. I often choose a 1/8 oz. head or lighter to target spawning fish. I will often tip this with a 4-inch worm from Lanier Baits, as opposed to a traditional offering of 6 inches or more. I often work the baits slowly in this situation to trigger strikes.

While the winter to spring/early spawn can be a challenging time of year to catch fish, it can be awesome if you remain versatile and openminded in your approach. Use the tips

and techniques noted above to guide your fishing during the spawn and you will enjoy some great success.

Jimbo is a full-time, year-round spotted bass guide on Lake Lanier.

For more information or to book your spring trip, contact Jimbo on Lanier!

770-542-7764. Jimbo’s website: www. jimboonlanier.com.

LANIER STRIPERS Forecast by: Clay Cunningham www.catchingnotfishing.com 770-630-2673 Lake Lanier is absolutely full of water. With the heavy rains in February, the water clarity is all over the place. In March, look for the warmest stable water. The water temperature is also changing fast, so it’s hard to give a good water temperature. So far, the water temperature as a whole has been above average in the low fifties. As spring arrives, warm water is a plus.

The stripers have been very deep up to this point. That being said, look for the fish to move shallow in March.

Free-lines will become the primary tactic in March. Rig up a Penn Fathom Linecounter reel with 15-pound Trilene Big Game line, a Trilene

100% Flourocarbon leader, a Spro 80-pound Power Swivel, and a Gamakatsu 1/0 Octopus hook tipped with the herring. This setup is the Lanier staple. The Penn Fathom Linecounter really helps your success rate as you are able to know exactly how far back your baits are behind the boat. Start at 120 feet and make changes as necessary. A small split shot or an additional 30 feet of line can make a huge difference from day to day. Pull the free-lines at 1 mph across humps and points and in some cases over open water.

If the fish move to the banks, keep a Penn Battalion 7’ medium light spinning rod paired with a Penn Conflict with light line on the deck. Tie on a Capt. Mack 1/4 ounce bucktail in white or chartreuse. On some days the bucktail outperforms live bait.

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LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST BEEN THERE DONE THAT

KIM’S KITCHEN

By: Ryan Kennedy

YouTube: Ryan Kennedy Fishing Instagram: ryankfishing ryankfishing@gmail.com

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Grilled Apple Cinnamon Marinated Venison Steak Ingredients 8 oz. venison steak Marinade 1/2 can frozen concentrate apple juice (6 oz.)

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon ground onion powder 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper Preparation In a microwave safe bowl, mix together the marinade ingredients. Microwave on high for 15 seconds to allow the cinnamon to dissolve.

Put the steak into a sealable container and pour the marinade over it. Marinade for at least 8 hours.

Grill the steak over a medium hot grill. This won’t take long, as venison cooks quickly.

Note: To grill venison - Sear the steak on one side, then flip it and cook the steak without flipping it again. Venison is extremely lean, so it won’t take but maybe 3 to 5 minutes to be done, depending on how hot your grill is. Please don’t overcook it. It should be nice and pink in the center!

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Slow as molasses, there he is. Every day, the same old man takes a seat on the exact park bench as the day before and works on his newest whittling project before eating a fresh apple, slice by slice. His only tool for the job is the same pocketknife that wore a hole in his father’s pocket long before he came around.

It may not be the fastest way to carve a piece of wood, and it may not be the quickest way to eat an apple, but it gets the job done… every time.

He’s the one in your bass club that everyone seems to think is just adding money to the pot. Chances are, he’s one of the first to get there in the morning after sitting down at a local breakfast hole just down the street for an hour before everyone else is even up. It may not be the best breakfast in the world, but it gets the job done… every time.

It’s the 1982 Tracker boat that everyone passes at blast off. The old man knows his way around that boat like the back of his hand.

It probably hasn’t seen wide open throttle for a decade or so, but twenty-five miles per hour suits him just fine. It may not be the best-looking boat, but it gets the job done… every time.

On the deck of the boat, a couple of old rod and reel setups can be found, and they haven’t been replaced because, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” One rod is ready to go with a Texas-rigged motor oil

worm, and the other? You guessed it, the ball and chain. The fish may be up shallow crushing a Chatterbait or out deep on the ledges ready to be caught on a deep-diving crankbait, but you better believe those fish are going to see a Texas Rig and a Carolina rig, all day. It may not be the hottest technique in the fishing industry, but it gets the job done… every time.

The tournament concludes as the young guns bring plenty of hefty bags to the scales. Each angler arrives with a bundle of rods strapped to their boat decks with enough lures tied on to stock a tackle shop.

As the chatter goes on about who will take home top honors, the old man puts his fish on the scale and takes the win by a clean two-pound margin. With jaws on the floor and feelings of absolute disbelief, the other anglers stare in shock. He may have not had the most actionpacked day in the world, but as always, he gets the job done… every time.

So, if you’re ever taking a stroll in the park and see an old man going to town on a stick or an apple with his pocketknife, I recommend taking a seat next to him. From stories of the past to the wisdom he can share, it won’t take long before you realize that he’s been there and done that. Lessons will be learned, and good times will be had… every time. God bless and tight lines!

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LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST LAKE CHATUGE in red crawler on deep long points and deep rocky banks, A shaky head with a Strike King 6.5” green pumpkin finesse worm will work also. Try throwing a Strike King 1.5 square bill and a ½ oz. Red Eyed Shad. If you find any fish bunched up, try a 1/2 oz. white or chrome spoon and a Strike King KVD series 200 jerkbait in clear water minnow. On a sunny day, an ARig around docks, points and flats will work for some good size largemouth.

Come check us out at the BassMaster Classic in Birmingham, AL, March 6th-7th in the St. Croix booth.

We guide on 8 different lakes, so if you’re looking for some great fishing, give Welch’s Guide Service a call.

We’re your #1 guide service, and we’ve been doing this since 2001. Good luck.

Eric Welch Welch’s Guide Service www.welchsguideservice. com 706-455-2323 Water temperature: 47-48 degrees, lake level: 4.5 feet low, clarity: clear.

The bite has been fair with the crazy weather we’ve been having.

My best days have been sunny days, and I’ve not been seeing any topwater action. Most of the fish have been 12’ - 45’ deep on points and deep rocky banks.

We have been catching some good spotted bass on a Z-Man Ned rig with a green pumpkin TRD. There has also been a good bite on a drop-shot with a 4.5” Roboworm

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LAKE SEMINOLE Forecast By:

by Paul Tyre paultyrefishing@yahoo.com The bass fishing on Lake Seminole has been very good through February. As we move into March, the bass will be in their spawning cycle. Lake Seminole is nationally known for its incredible springtime bass and panfishing! Lake Seminole has thousands of acres of shallow flats that the bass love to spawn on.

If planning a trip to Lake Seminole, there are some lures you will not want to leave home without!

Spinnerbaits are a must to have on Lake Seminole in March, especially on those windy days. My goto spinnerbait is a Tandem Booyah Covert series in 3/8 oz. with a chartreuse and white skirt. This spinnerbait is made with excellent components, has a great hook and Hildebrandt blades which attract the big bass! This bait is excellent for covering water to find productive areas holding bass on the large flats.

A swim jig is an excellent choice for covering shallow heavy cover especially when the bass start guarding fry. One of my favorite swim jigs is the Punisher made by Untamed Tackle. This heavy cover swim jig comes with an Owner Jungle flip-

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Mason White from Moultrie, Georgia ping hook that can handle heavy braid or can be used with fluorocarbon. Another unique feature of this swim jig is it can be used in the heaviest of cover, and with the patent-pending quad keeper, no super glue is required to keep your trailer up on the jig!

Soft plastics are also a musthave if coming to Lake Seminole in March! Stick worms like Yum Dingers in green pumpkin and June bug are great choices fished along the edges of the grass lines.

For a Lake Seminole Fishing Adventure, email me at lakeseminolefishingadventures@gmail.com or call at (850)264-7534. Follow me on Instagram @lakeseminolefishingadventures and Facebook @lakeseminolefishingadventures!

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LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST

PROP TALK

by Bobby Snellgrove Dothan Prop Shop Customizing Your Prop

It Possible My Hub Is Slipping on my Propeller?

It is possible but it does not occur very often. In most cases when you are taking off, you will experience an engine rev with the rpm’s going very high and the boat not moving forward. In most cases the boat will idle along at a very slow pace.

Take a look at your prop. If the blades are visually bent or distorted, you are very likely experiencing cavitation and cavitation is often mistaken for a slipping hub. Have it checked by a reliable prop shop. The hub can be replaced or the blades can be restored to proper accuracy to eliminate the condition.

If you have a prop that needs repair or if you are in the market for a new propeller for a small fishing boat or an offshore cruiser, we have the perfect selection of boat propellers for you. Whether you have an outboard motor or stern drive boat, we can help you select the right propeller for your boat. Give us a call at 334-792-5798 or send an email to dothanpropshop@ yahoo.com and we will give you the help you need to get back on the water.

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LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST REEL TIME

by Regina Dyer Gainesville CVB

REEL in some REAL fun in Gainesville! Lake Lanier is definitely one of the top destinations for spotted bass fishing, but also some other really great activities too! The Gainesville Upper Lanier Water Trail is a kayaker’s delight. This 14 mile water trail is easy to navigate, even for beginner paddlers, and offers many put in/take out locations that are easily marked.

If you want to row in the waters where Olympians have competed and STILL train today, then Lake Lanier Olympic Park is another location you’ll want to check out. It’s the sight of the 1996 Olympics and one of the last remaining venues from the Olympics that year that still stands. Each year thousands of rowers compete in this channel located on Clarks Bridge, and you may even see some of the US Rowing team training in these waters.

For land lovers, there are also

hundreds of miles of walking trails and paths in and around Gainesville. The Highlands to Islands walking trail is a project that in the future will eventually become a 15 mile loop connecting Gainesville to the campus of University of North Georgia. If you are looking for something that you can enjoy with the kids, check out the Solar System Walking trail. This trail is a 1.8 mile scale model of the solar system that winds through the downtown area and to the lake and begins at the SUN located on the Square. This is one of 13 in existence, and we think it is out of this world!

While planning your fishing trip to Gainesville, make sure to add a few extra days to check out all the other exciting outdoor activities. There are hundreds of great hotel accommodations within minutes of the lake and great attractions. Gainesville is definitely a place where you can CATCH some fun! For more information, contact the Gainesville CVB or visit us at www.exploregainesville.org

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by Darren Hughes Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service 828-361-2021 706-897-3292 Nestled in the mountains of North Georgia lies one of the best crappie fishing lakes around: Lake Nottely. Loaded with plenty of brush and timber, it makes a perfect habitat for some very nice crappie populations. From the months of February to April, this mountain lake comes to life with an outstanding black crappie harvest. So dust off those old fishing poles and panfish jigs and hit the water or book a trip with us and let Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service help you load the boat with tons of crappie.

Currently Lake Nottely is 6 feet below full pool and water temps are steady around 51 degrees. Water clarity is stained in the creeks and clear from mid-lake to the dam.

Crappie fishing has been great the past month. Fish are schooling tight to the banks in the mouths and backs of creeks. Most underwater brush piles have been holding some good numbers. Fish are also suspending along the river chan-

nels in the lower end of the lake.

Most of the nicer crappie have been caught on live crappie minnows and jigs under slip floats. This pattern should last for the next couple of months as they get ready for the spring spawn.

March is a fantastic month for catching a lot of crappie 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 crappie and stripers. We also serve Lakes Hiwassee, Chatuge and Lake 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 have the best live herring around. So, come fish with the pros and let us help you get your fish on!

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LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST TIPS FOR PREPARING FOR EARLY SPRING FISHING Dr. Andrew Cox March is a transition month. A series of warm days will trick you into thinking that spring has arrived.

Unfortunately, cold weather invariably returns over the course of this month, reminding us that winter is still here.

The variable weather found during this month impacts fishing on area waters. A series of warm days will have the fish returning into shallow water, making them easier to locate and catch. However, the return of cold weather fronts will send the fish into deeper water once again.

With some good angling days to be found during this month, and spring fishing just around the corner, we need to have our equipment in working order. This is particularly true for our boating equipment.

Your boat and engine are an important fishing investment allowing you to access waters that would other-

wise be inaccessible. Your boat may have sat up for awhile. Preventative maintenance is essential during the fishing and boating off season. You should have an established routine to ensure that your boat and motor is operable when you want it to be operable. There are many simple things that you can do that are inexpensive and can be completed with limited mechanical expertise to insure the reliable operation of your fishing vessel.

During this month, if not earlier, run some gasoline through your outboard engine making sure that it starts up. Hopefully, you put some gasoline stabilizer into your boat’s gas tanks, making sure that the gasoline has not destabilized and gummed up your engine. Though I attempt to use non-ethanol gasoline in my outboard motors, such is not always available. Therefore, attention

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er lights? Ensure that the trailer’s winch is working and effectively winches and holds the boat on your trailer. This may protect your boat and motor when encountering sudden and dangerous traffic situations while trailering your boat.

A good boating checklist starts in your driveway or carport before the boat enters the water. It is important to keep abreast of minor maintenance activities to ensure the reliable operation of your boat and motor. Having a reliable, easily accessible marine mechanic with a good turnaround time in providing marine repairs is indispensable. These services are essential for the long term maintenance and operation of your boat and motor.

Enjoy the early spring fishing season. Be safe on the water.

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. He has been fishing the waters of Georgia, Alabama, and north Florida for over forty years. Dr. Cox financially supports his fishing habits as Professor Emeritus at Troy University, Phenix City, Alabama. He may be contacted at andrewtrout@aol.com.

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to the quality and stability of fuel remaining in your boat and engine after use is required. Make sure that your outboard gas line primes and has no gasoline leaks. During this start up routine, ensure that the engine’s water pump is pumping water. Check the various engine gauges to ensure that they are operational. Check the trolling motor and cranking batteries to ensure that they are holding an electrical charge. I have found that the extremely cold weather encountered in Georgia and Alabama during late December and January took its toll on marine and automobile batteries.

Other marine maintenance tasks that you should complete include maintaining a charge on all marine batteries. Check the operation of your trolling motor, bilge and livewell pumps. Ensure that marine accessories such as depth finders, PowerPole, and similar devices are operational. Make sure that your boat’s navigational lights are functioning.

Don’t forget about your boat’s trailer. Check to ensure that the tires are in good condition with greased and sound wheel bearings. Are all your trailer’s bolts and screws tight with operational trail-

MARCH 2020

ATLANTA 23

2/16/20 4:05 PM

LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST LAKE EUFAULA

By Capt Sam Williams hawk184@earthlink.net 334-687-6266

Competitively priced full-day fishing charters for all levels of experience, equipment, bait, tackle and fish cleaning provided.

Fish from the most comfortable, safe and stable boat on the lake.

Little River Guide Service is a three boat operation targeting stripers and hybrid bass on Clarks Hill Lake.

Capt Tony Shepherd and Capt Rocky Fulmer.

(706) 210- 3474

Water temperature: upper 50’s, lake level: 188.38 msl, clarity: muddy.

The constant rains have caused a major fluctuation in the lake level. Over the past week or so we have seen a little over a three foot change. The river remains very dirty. The rains up north have Lanier and West Point even higher and muddy.

While the water was at its peak, the fish were tight in the new cover and punching with jigs and creature baits was doing very well.

The water has been moving constantly resulting in a good bite on the deeper ledges as the bass wait to ambush the baitfish coming by.

These fish are in great shape, and our spring fishing promises to be really hot. Chatterbaits, noisy ‘Traps and red colored plastics are the bait of choice in this muddy water. The pumps on the refuge

areas have been running and keeping the baitfish active.

These areas are great for bladed jigs and ripping lipless crankbaits. Watch for the birds as the fish are pushing these bait schools up as they feed under them.

Crappie are still deep on trash piles eating minnows. Catfish are always hungry and cut bait on jugs will keep you busy and put a great meal on the table. There’s nothing better than a mess of fresh caught river cats with the family sitting around the table.

Tournament fishermen be sure and check out www.albanybassclub,com for information about the Scott Woodruff Heart Transplant Tournament March 28th and www.alabamachildrensclassic.org for information about our June 13th event. Check out the new payouts.

Get your family on the water and make memories in the outdoors God has blessed us with. Keep a close eye on the weather and be safe. God Bless and good fishing.

CLARKS HILL LAKE

by Capt Tony Shepherd and Capt Rocky Fulmer Little River Guide Service lrguideservice@gmail.com (706) 210-3474

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001_ATL March.indd 24

MARCH 2020

Excessive rain and cooler temperatures have dominated the winter outlook, however, spring is just around the corner. The lake is currently 2 feet over full pool and surface temperatures are still in the mid-50s. The increased daylight heading into spring will warm the water and usher in great fishing. The bite will get progressively shallower as the water warms. That will be true for most every species in the lake.

Our most sought after target species will be striped bass and hybrid striped bass. These fish fight hard, provide lots of action and are excellent table fare. We will have the most success presenting live blueback herring to the hungry fish, but artificial baits can shine in the spring. Always keep a Fluke on

hand and perhaps a topwater that imitates a fleeing herring.

We would love to become part of your new family fishing expedition. Give us a call if you have any questions or visit our website for further information on how to reserve your spot on board one of our boats. Contact us at 706 210-3474 or.www. littleriverguideservice.net.

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2/16/20 4:06 PM

LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST Capt. Bill Wheeler (706) 914-9859 (706) 444-6365 Capt. Bill Wheeler (706) 914-9859 • (706)

THE FISH

Contributed By: Noey Vinyard

This was a Friday afternoon and I had a big fishing trip planned with two of my hunting buddies for the following morning. Incidentally, hunting buddies change with the season and become fishing buddies.

As I was putting my gear together, my 3-year-old son, Trey, who was busy getting into everything asked, “Daddy, can I go with you?”

As I untangled him from the dip net, I said, “No, not tomorrow, buddy, but next time you can.”

“OK” he said, then he set out with fierce determination to try to land our dog, Otis in the dip net That night as I kissed my son goodnight and told him that I loved him, he said, “Good night, Dad.” As I started to leave the room, I looked down at my son. Suddenly, I wondered how many “next times” there had been for him and how many more there were to come. He just smiled up at me and I knew the answer to the last part.

I went straight to the phone and called my buddies and canceled out on our fishing trip. Then I went and added another piece of gear to my pile; the Zebco 33 my son’s grandfather had given him. As I got my things together, I had a feeling that the next day was going to be very special for the two of us.

I only wish that I could describe the glow on my son’s face when I woke him up the next morning and asked him if he wanted to go fishing. He had the excitement that only a 3-year-old can have. He immediately started with a stream of questions about fishing that even Roland Martin would have found difficult to answer. Immediately, he shucked his Mickey Mouse pajamas and donned proper “fishin” attire:

overalls, T-shirt and a fishing hat that was five times too big.

We stopped at a gas station and got a proper fishing breakfast which this morning was a pint of chocolate milk and a box of Krispy Kreme doughnuts that we shared on the drive.

For those of you who don’t know, fishing encompasses a great many activities. We threw rocks, turned over logs and we talked of things that are important for little boys, and the more we talked, the more I found that they were important to me as well. The fishing that we were doing was very simple, a minnow on a hook set about a foot and a half down from a cork.

And about 10:30 that morning I got a memory that I would carry in a special place for the rest of my life. We were talking about who would win in a fight, Ironman or the Wolverine, and suddenly Trey’s bobber disappeared. I helped him set the hook and it was on. About 2 minutes into the fight the fish broke the water for the first time, and we saw the 3-pound bass that had his little rod bent double.

That little boy fought that fish for all he was worth keeping his rod tip up exactly the way I had taught him. I knelt down beside him and quietly spoke words of encouragement and advice into his ear. Finally, the fish had exhausted himself, and I reached down and pulled the fish from the water.

Something very special happened between father and son that day and has for over 30 years.

I would offer this advice when it comes to doing things with your kids; don’t let the words “next time” be part of your vocabulary.

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“I went straight to the phone and called my buddies and canceled out on our fishing trip.”

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MARCH 2020

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2/16/20 4:06 PM

LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST LAKE MARTIN

CARTERS LAKE Forecast By: Eric Crowley Lake & Stream Guide Service (706) 669-4973

lakeandstreamguideservice@gmail.com

I don’t care what the weatherman says, it’s spring. The striped fish are moving but still pretty deep on most days. We are easing into spring with planers and flat-lines, but the down-line rods are still a must. I keep one at 30 feet and one at 50 feet at all times. I tend to fish fast until I see a more promising area and then slow down and let the fish have a chance to make their

move. We fish long banks between pockets where the bait is. Both hybrids and stripers will use these areas to push bait against structure.

The walleye bite is getting better all the time. We like to target them with live and artificial baits early in the season. Daybreak till 9:30am is about the best time of the day to try to find active fish. Until the water warms up, I won’t be doing much night fishing. Target rocky points with any kind of current. Even the mildest amount of moving water can hold schools of fish right now.

Stay warm and good luck out there.

When you visit or call one of our advertisers, or fish with one of our captains, make sure to tell them you saw their ad in:

26 ATLANTA

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MARCH 2020

Provided By: David Hare Alex City Guide Service 256-401-3089 Water temperature: 55 degrees, lake level: 488+, clarity: very stained north to stained south.

I was out today in between all the storms and boated some very nice stripers once I located some clean water. Stripers were a lot deeper than usual, as deep as 60 feet. February weather wise and catching wise has been very unpredictable, but for the most part we’ve had some very successful trips.

Moving on to March, it’s the beginning of some very busy days ahead for us here at Alex City Guide Service. We will be running multiple boats to handle all the springtime trips. If you haven’t booked yours yet, now is the time to pick up that phone and call or text me at 256401-3089 and get on the calendar!

Wind Creek State Park and Campground will be filling up with crappie fishing people both camping or just launching boats. If you are looking for a good getaway with your camper and never visited us at Lake Martin, then reserve a camp spot and come on over. You will be pleasantly surprised at how nice the grounds are.

If camping isn’t your style, Lake Martin is absolutely full of vacation rental properties including the

apartments at the marina that we launch from: Lake Side at Bay Pines Marina. Step out the door onto our guide boats.

Several big time tournaments will be going on this spring including the well-known FLW out of Wind Creek during March. It takes a lot more pounds of bass these days on Lake Martin to win a tournament than 5-6 years ago thanks to the herring putting big time weight on the bass, stripers and even the crappie and catfish.

Yes, crappie will eat herring.

You’re going to see a lot of boats trolling and or strolling for crappie in all the creeks during this month, striper boats pulling planer boards trying to catch that trophy, catfish boats anchored out or drifting for those whiskered giants, and bass boats jumping from spot to spot at very high speeds. In saying this, everyone needs to have respect for other fishing boats and stay a safe distance while under power. Keep alert for others and practice defensive driving. Water temps are still very cold in March, so be on the safe side and wear a PFD. Rising waters could have debris floating most anywhere on the water, so stay alert!

Start expecting to see a little topwater action this month, so always be prepared to sling your favorite artificial topwater plug at that one that shows up next to your boat. Until next time, be careful and catch one for me!

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2/16/20 4:06 PM

LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST LAKE NOTTELY STRIPER NOBODY SAID IT HAD TO By: Shane Goebel Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service & The Angler Magazine Fishing Team www.bigolfish.com 828-361-2021, 1-844-4-ANGLER As I write this report, I can’t help to think that this weather pattern is exactly like the previous year with tons and tons of rain, with the exception of 4 inches of snow the other day. However, don’t let this rain fool you. We’ve been absolutely crushing the stripers here lately! So, if it’s anything like 2019, this month should be amazing! March has always been the kickoff to some awesome spring striper fishing. With its warmer weather and longer days, it’s my favorite month for fishing.

With that said, give Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service a call and book those trips. Let us put you on some of the biggest fish the mountains have to offer.

Currently, Lake Nottely is 6 feet below full pool. Water temperatures have been in the low 50’s. Due to all the recent rains, water clarity is stained in the river and creeks and slightly clear towards the dam.

Striper fishing has been super out here lately. We’ve had a very successful January and February. Most of the stripers we are catching have been in the 15 to 35-pound range, and we’re averaging about 10 to 20 stripers a trip. The warmer water temps have played a big role in the increase in numbers this year. So, this spring should be amazing! This pattern should continue into the

month of March and increase as the stripers start their pre-spawn.

Continue the same techniques as the previous months, pulling planer boards with live herring and shad in the backs of creeks and around shallow, sloping banks. As you pull boards, it’s always a good idea to work the banks by casting a Zara Spook or a Red Fin. As the sun comes up, turn your focus to fishing the mouths of creeks, as the stripers will follow bait to deeper water. With pre-spawn in mind, more and more stripers will start to stage in the mouths of creeks in March. Keep an eye on your electronics for schooling stripers, and pay attention to where the bait balls are. I guarantee you, if you find the bait, the stripers will be close by.

March is a fantastic month for catching a lot of stripers 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 stripers during the fishing trip of a lifetime. We are Blairsville GA’s premier fulltime guide service, specializing in striped and hybrid bass. We also serve Lakes Hiwassee Lake Chatuge and Lake 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 have the best live herring around.

So, come fish with the pros for the opportunity to be featured in Angler Magazine, and let us help you get your fish on!

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MARCH 2020

ATLANTA 27

2/16/20 4:06 PM

Wall of Fame WIN A FREE ANGLER MAGAZINE CAP! One will be given away each month for the best reader submitted photo!

Hosted by Rene Hesse, Bill Angelu with a beautiful rainbow taken on a veterans fly fishing day at Frog Hollow.

Bradley Cohen from Thomasville,GA fishing Lake Eufaula with Capt Joe Dudawicz.

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WINNER!

Local Orvis Rep, Park Burson, with a nice spotted bass from Lake Lanier on the fly.

Bryan Watson with a big early spring bass from a Johns Creek lake.

Doug Geyer caught this gorgeous male rainbow fishing with Reel Em In Guide Service.

001_ATL March.indd 28

Up and coming North GA Crappie Angler Eric Thornton with a big Lanier crappie.

Wow! A 2 pound 7 oz. crappie caught by Cayden Gibbs on a spoon 40 feet deep fishing for bass!.

2/16/20 4:06 PM

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Great Streams and Craft Beverages Await in Hendersonville, N.C. Photo by Nick Carter

I

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

This North Carolina town, about 22 miles south of Asheville, offers miles of stocked trout waters, as well as the popular Hendersonville Cheers! Trail. The two resources make it possible to spend the day catching three types of trout – rainbow, brown and brook – while spending an evening exploring three types of craft beverages – beer, wine and hard cider.

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

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

Other lesser-known spots for fishing near Hendersonville include

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three streams on the eastern side of Henderson County, about 20 to 30 minutes from downtown. Rocky Broad River has a 1.2-mile stretch of hatchery support waters from Rocky River Lane to the Rutherford County line near Chimney Rock, while Cane Creek, near the Fletcher community, has 1.5-mile stretch of hatchery supported waters.

For those who really want a unique experience, Little River in DuPont State Recreational Forest provides not only a scenic setting for trout fishing, but also a unique one. Delayed harvest waters flow through undisturbed mountains and over several notable waterfalls.

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

When the fishing is done, the Cheers! Trail awaits. The trail is one of North Carolina’s best, featuring 16 craft producers offering a variety of experiences. Beer fans love Sierra Nevada’s tasting room, which is one of the largest on the East Coast and features an expansive patio and outdoor amphitheater, while Bold Rock Hard Cider has emerged as a national leader in the hard cider industry and regularly hosts live music (indoors and outdoors), along with cidery tours and a food truck.

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

Three wineries produce high-quality wines from European varietals.

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

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

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MARK SOSIN

othing is more demanding in light-tackle fishing than to spot a fish and make a cast to it without much time to get ready. Speed and accuracy are the keys to a perfect presentation that results in a strike.

Several species of gamefish invade relatively shallow water in search of food as the incoming tide floods an area.

Catching them sometimes requires you to see them so you can present a bait or lure.

Your target species might be striped bass in San Francisco Bay or in coastal areas throughout the northeast. Jumbo bluefish charge across the skinny portions of Chesapeake Bay each spring because the menhaden are there. Redfish might be your target in Texas and along the Gulf Coast.

Down in Florida, the shallows are full of life with species such as bonefish, permit, tarpon, jacks, sharks and other critters.

Concentration is critical in spotting fish or in determining signs of fish. It’s a mental discipline as well as a physical one. If you’re working off-color water, start by scouting the surface for any signs of activity. It could be a swirl or a boil or surface water being pushed by moving fish. Your goal is to identify anything different from the surrounding water.

Expand your search area to waters a considerable distance away. Don’t overlook slicks, muds or anything else out of the ordinary.

When the water is shallow and a fish noses down to eat something on or near the bottom, its tail often lifts above the surface and can be spotted at a significant distance. Species such as redfish may lift their caudal fin in the air and it, too, can be seen. Tails or fins may only show for a moment or two, but if you are concentrating, you should be able to spot them.

It takes practice to see fish, even in clear water. The trick involves staring through the surface of the water as if it were a pane of glass. Focus on the bottom or just above it. Your eyes should scan the area as if they were a radar antenna, moving right, left and center. And don’t forget to look far out across the water to detect the flash of a tail, wakes, birds or any other signs of activity.

Some species may lie motionless waiting to ambush a tasty meal, while others keep moving. As you scan through the surface, a silver colored fish might look black. When a fish picks a morsel off the bottom, it creates a small puff of mud.

Experienced eyes identify this very slight discoloration in the water, and the angler knows that something was just there. If you continue to see fresh puffs, cast a bait or lure in the area.

The results could be impressive.

Presenting a bait or lure to a fish you can see is certainly the ultimate angling challenge. Putting yourself in those situations can be very demanding, requires total concentration, and, at times can prove frustrating. At the end of the day, you might be tired, but the successful experience will brighten your memory for days to come.

For more from Mark Sosin, visit

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• 21" L x 10-1/8" H

SAVE $421 COMPARE TO

WARN $ 99

Customer Rating

720

$

MODEL: 96820

NOW

39999 $299

99

ITEM 64045/64046/63770 shown

COMPARE TO

29

MODEL: IK-233131

COMPARE TO

HUSKY $ 97

MODEL: H2DTWA

99

$1 4

17

CLICK-TYPE TORQUE WRENCHES • Reversible Item 239 shown

E YOUR CHOIC

SAVE $ 99 88% 19

$9

99

ITEM 5154/64778/97181 shown

COMPARE TO

RYOBI $

SAVE 149 $84

MODEL: BD4601G

MIBRO

ITEM 56176/63629 shown

Tool Only. Battery and charger sold separately.

64

99

MODEL: 426920

$1 9

SAVE 69%

$

ITEM 40462/60658/97711 shown

*93864321 * 93864321

LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*

Customer Rating

YOUR CHOIRCE OF COLO

$1 999

$

2999

BLUE

COMPARE TO

GREEN

SAVE 50%

ITEM 56719 ITEM 63066/62314 shown

3

COMPARE TO

PROMIER $ 99

MODEL: 635394

MODEL: SW-SWITCH-12/24

39

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*

4

NOW

9 $3299

SAVE $360 $36999

SAVE 60%

COMPARE TO

ITEM 64189/64723/63922 shown

34

MODEL: 1007102

ITEM 69597/62392/61196 shown

hft_coastalangler_0320_spread_M-REG1710121.indd 2

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*

68999

MODEL: GX390UT2QAA2

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

SAVE 99 COMPARE TO

SHELTER LOGIC

$

199

MODEL: 23522

$

11999

ITEM 63054/62858 shown

LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*

K $

1

MO

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$

NOW

$9999

$

CO

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10 FT. x 20 FT. 30" x 18" HARDWOOD DOLLY PORTABLE CAR CANOPY • 1000 lb. capacity Customer Rating

$

S

ITEM 60349/60340 shown ITEM 69736 CALIFORNIA ONLY

SUPER COUPON

*93867943 * *93867398 * *93868653 * 93867943 93867398 93868653 NATIONAL I MARCH 2020 I COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*

$

*93866853 * 93866853

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SAVE 45%

HONDA

*93866187 * 93866187

• Adjust from 11-3/4" to 16-3/8"

TORIN JACK $ 99

13 HP (420 CC) OHV HORIZONTAL SHAFT GAS ENGINE

Customer Rating

• Includes electric start

$1 99

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*93865360 * 93865360

COMPARE TO

SUPER COUPON

NOW

$ 99

99

RA LI FL

3999

*93864114 * 93864114

$ 99 OW $6479 23 $N1 8 99

99

COMPARE TO $

• Wireless, tool-free and easy installation

• Folding side table • 3 side pockets

4" x 36" BELT/ 3 TON HEAVY DUTY 6" DISC SANDER STEEL JACK STANDS

77

SAVE $20

200 LUMEN LED SUPER BRIGHT FLIP LIGHT

SUPER COUPON

$

• 5400 lb. capacity

NOW

11999

Contents not included.

HEAVY DUTY FOLDABLE ALUMINUM SPORTS CHAIRS

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*

NOW

3/8" x 14 FT., GRADE 43 TOWING CHAIN

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$

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ITEM 61277/63881/2696 61276/63880/807 62431/63882/239

NOW

99

ITEM 64079

Customer Rating

$9999

*93860433 * 93860433

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*

DRIVE 1/4" 3/8" 1/2"

$

STACK-ON $ 97

SUPER COUPON

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20V LITHIUM-ION 1/2" IMPACT WRENCH

• Meets TSA guidelines Customer Rating

PE

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LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*

PERSONAL PORTABLE SECURITY SAFE

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8 GALLON, 150 PSI OIL-FREE AIR COMPRESSOR • Air delivery: NOW 4.1 SCFM @ 90 PSI

99

ITEM 37050, 64417, 64418, 61363, 68497, 61360, 61359, 68498, 68496 shown

• 5 • 1 • 5

Customer Rating

SUPER COUPON

$ 99

MODEL: VEN4145

WE PR

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, safes, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, welders, Admiral, Ames, Atlas, Bauer, Central Machinery, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Diamondback, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases.

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*93854226 * 93854226

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89

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Valid through 5/3/20 while supplies last. Limit 1 FREE GIFT per customer per day.

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ALL IN A SINGLE SUPER POWERFUL LIGHT

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MILWAUKEE $ 97

19

MODEL: 33700

$

1599 SAVE 39%

NOW

$1 1

99

ITEM 38970/92486/39757/60496/62398/61897 shown

*93868710 * 93868710 LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*

1

SA

CO

W

ITEM

N

%

F

Y LE M*

• 50-3/8" L • 13-5/8" W • 5-1/8" H

$ $

COMPARE TO

PELICAN

269

ITEM 64520 Case contents not included.

b. ty

9

tart

99

n

6

SAVE $ 99

1499 66%

ITEM 64110

*93870636 * 93870636 LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

NOW

COMPARE TO

19

MODEL: 77280

$5 99

ITEM 69505/62418/66537 shown

8

$ 99

$

Customer Rating COMPARE TO

NOISE LEVEL

59 dB

WEIGHT

45.6 LBS.

TANK SIZE

.95 GAL

STACK-ON $ 57

564

3

OUTLETS OVERLOAD PROTECTION

YES

79.7 cc

ENGINE SIZE

98.5 cc

YES

LOW OIL ALERT

YES

YES

PARALLEL CAPABLE

YES

YES

POWER SAVER

$

4998

Contents not included.

45" x 69" TRI-FOLD ALUMINUM LOADING RAMP • 1500 lb. combined NOW

SAVE $ 99 $61 99

141

COMPARE TO $ 08 REESE MODEL: 74554700 TOWPOWER

ITEM 69595/60334/90018 shown

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LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*

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SUPER COUPON 20-60 x 60mm SPOTTING SCOPE Customer Rating WITH TRIPOD 4 PIECE, 1" x 15 FT. RATCHETING TIE DOWNS

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COMPARE TO

MODEL: 72304

SAVE 66% $499

ITEM 61674/62761/47835 shown

SAVE 69%

$3999

$2

COMPARE TO

$7999

capacity

ITEM 47902/975/61328/63015/62843 shown

99

ITEM 64552/64832/64980/64545 shown

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SAVE $599 90%

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151

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$

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ITEM 62523

COMPARE TO

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*

K TOOL $ 42

YES

1,009

PRICE

$499

*93875197 * 93875197

$5999

SAVE $559

$449

99 $499 99

3

NOW

SAVE $284

ITEM 64008/64011 shown

79

NOW

PREDATOR 2000

1600

YES

$27999

MODEL: SS-16-MB-E

RAPID PUMP® 1.5 TON LIGHTWEIGHT ALUMINUM FLOOR JACK • Weighs 33 lbs.

99 NOW $

COMPARE TO

$

CELESTRON

SAVE $

72 99 45%

MODEL: 14593491

49

99

ITEM 62774

$

12

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COMPARE TO

KEEPER $ 80

99

22

$6

39

MODEL: 5505

ITEM 90984/63056/63057/63150/56668/63094 shown

*93878291 * 93878291

*93878566 * 93878566

*93880516 * 93880516

*93880742 * 93880742

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*

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80 PIECE ROTARY TOOL KIT

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8" HUNTING KNIFE 2 HP GAS POWERED EARTH AUGER WITH SURVIVAL KIT WITH 6" BIT • Drill speeds up to 320 RPM

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COMPARE TO

$6

22

31"

9

Customer Rating

161

ITEM 63471/44836/60237 shown

$

99

$6

WHETSTONE MODEL:25-87612

SAVE 53%

9

$ 99

ITEM 61501/61733/90714 shown

COMPARE TO

DEWALT

$

15499 NOW

199 SAVE $

MODEL: DCBL790B

69

ITEM 64716/64481/63284 shown

$12999

*93887223 * 93887223

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14 92

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97

$

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SUPER COUPON

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43998

ITEM 56257/63022 shown

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*

COMPARE TO

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EARTHQUAKE MODEL: E43 AND EA6F

*93883931 * 93883931

99 13999 $

$1 7999

COMPARE TO

$ 99

ITEM 63235/63292/97626 shown

$

40V LITHIUM-ION BRUSHLESS BLOWER

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SUPER COUPON

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own

ng

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9

V T E

COMPARE TO

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SAVE 70%

RUN-TIME

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SAVE $155

99

4.7 HOURS

99

14999

MODEL: DOUBLE RIFLE

BLUE HAWK $ 99

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99

$1 1 4

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d y.

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ON

SUPER COUPON

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• 350 lb. capacity

NOW COMPARE TO

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9

MODEL: 7870

99¢

SAVE 90%

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$ 49

ITEM 69457/63733/66560 shown

*93888042 * 93888042

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LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 5/3/20*

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39

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Item 42305 shown

YOUR CHOICE

$5 99

$ 99 SAVE 66%

7

COMPARE TO

HUSKY

$

17 97

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TYPE ITEM SAE 69043/63282/42304 METRIC 69044/63171/42305

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At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was 1,000+ Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com advertised for sale at or • above the “Compare to” price by another national Iretailer in the U.S. 2020 within the past I 90NATIONAL days. Prices advertised by 19 others COASTALANGLERMAG.COM THEANGLERMAG.COM MARCH *Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 5/3/20. may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.

2/6/20 4:01 PM

WAHOO “COWBELLS’’ & ‘’SNAGGER’’ DOLPHIN LURES

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I

t’s official! After years of drastically curtailed federal seasons and bag limits, NOAA fisheries voted in February to implement state management for private anglers fishing for red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico.

Under an exempted fishing permit (EFP), the five Gulf Coast states—Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas— managed the private recreational Photo courtesy of Capt. Chester Reese, red snapper fishery in the Gulf Natural World Charters. of Mexico for the 2018 and 2019 fishing seasons and saw remarkable success. The EFP was the result of a multi-year effort to give the states control after the status quo federal management approach reduced the Gulf red snapper season to an astounding three days for private anglers in federal waters.

“State management of Gulf red snapper has been a game-changer for anglers,” said Kellie Ralston, with the American Sportfishing Association. “Because of their targeted data collection and their ability to quickly respond to what’s going on inseason, each of the Gulf states has been able to provide substantial red snapper seasons for the private recreational sector. None of this would have been possible without the leadership of the states, the Secretary of Commerce and our Congressional champions. Making this management a long-term reality through the formal approval of Amendment 50 ensures this great success story will continue for years to come.”

At the Gulf Council meeting in January, each state gave a report on their data collection program and emphasized their ability to incorporate local factors to ground-truth the harvest data and to nimbly adjust the season. This state-level approach provides far greater flexibility in fishery management versus the federal one-size-fits-all, static regulations. Anglers trust the state systems because they are responsive and the regulations match the conditions seen on the water. With an independent analysis of red snapper populations set to be released in the next few months, anglers are hopeful for continued gains in the management of the Gulf red snapper fishery.

20

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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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To learn more, visit www.suzukimarine.com.

Gimme Six Extended Protection promotion applies to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 01/01/20 and 03/31/20 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. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings applies to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 01/01/20 and 03/31/20. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Instant Savings must be applied against the agreed-upon selling price of the outboard motor and reflected in the bill of sale. 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 creditworthiness. $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 01/01/20 and 03/31/20. “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. © 2020 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

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êêêêê

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*

*At participating dealers only. Qualifying retail customers may receive instant savings off the selling price of a Honda powered boat package or Honda Marine engine(s) sold for repower. This promotion is limited to new Honda Marine 40 HP through 250 HP outboard engines, 2014 and newer models, sold and delivered between January 2, 2020 and March 31, 2020 and registered by the Dealer in accordance with American Honda Motor Co., Inc.’s sales registration requirements. Only Honda Marine outboard engines sold for personal use qualify for this promotion. Fleet, commercial & government sales are ineligible. Engines sold under special pricing / promotions including (but not limited to) demo and tournament fisherman engines are also excluded. Honda Marine reserves the right to modify, amend, cancel or revoke, in whole or in part, this promotion at any time without prior notice. © 2020 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Always wear a personal flotation device while boating and read your owner’s manual. All Honda outboards meet EPA and CARB emission levels.

HondaMarine_TheAngler_2020_700Off_8.125x10.875.indd 1

1/17/20 9:01 AM