Coastal Angler Magazine | June 2019 | Greater Augusta & CSRA

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GREATER AUGUSTA & CSRA EDITION

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Inside: Boat & Motor Reviews

Bass On The Ledges

PHOTO COURTESY OF NICK CARTER VOLUME 24 • ISSUE 291

F R A N C H I S E

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THEANGLERMAG.COM O P P O R T U N I T I E S

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LIFE ON THE COAST IS BETTER WHEN YOU STAY CENTERED.

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

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TRIM

SAFETY

FROM SHIP TO SHORE AND EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN.

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The new Havalon® TalonTM Quik-Change IITM Multi-Blade Cutlery System brings together nearly 40 years of expertise in the surgical field and decades of quality time spent out in open waters.

This innovative platform features a variety of reliable add-on blades designed to make clean work of the dirty work all the way from ship to shore.

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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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© 2019 PENN is a registered trademark of Pure Fishing, Inc.

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Rupp Marine Halyard Line Retainer Excess rigging line can be a mess, and cleats have a tendency to get in the way when not in use. Rupp Marine has come up with a simple yet ingenious way to solve these problems. Their all-new, patent-pending “clamp-on” Halyard Line Retainer is an easy way to store halyard lines while telescoping outriggers are rigged and in the retracted position.

Simply clamp a set of these line cleats onto the outrigger pole at the desired distance. Excess rigging line wraps around the pop-up cleats to keep lines neat and orderly. This one-of-a-kind system allows the cleats to be folded out of the way when not in use.

Rupp’s Halyard Line Retainer system fits any 1 ½-inch diameter outrigger poles. Sold as a set of four to equip two outrigger poles, they are rugged and durable, with spring-loaded cleats for positive locking and unlocking.

Shop.ruppmarine.com

MHX Push Pole The MHX Push Pole is a game changer for shallow-water anglers. Utilizing a combination of uni-directional and off-axis carbon fibers, MHX has created a push pole that produces the greatest amount of power in each push, while maintaining excellent hoop strength under load. There’s no wasted energy, and it’s feather light for long days on the water.

When you’re sneaking up on a single shoreline tailer or positioning the boat for a shot at schooling fish, you’ll appreciate the benefits that state-of-the-art technology brings to this simple tool. The MHX push pole has been widely recognized as the best option on the market due it’s lightweight mobility, incredible durability, and superior value. At just under five pounds, you’ll be able to push all week long without the residual fatigue.

Legendary Florida angler, Capt. Keiland Smith said, “In all my years of guiding, I would have to say that I have never found a push pole to be this good. The weight of this pole and the strength of it are amazing… I would have to say I think this the best push pole ever made.”

The MHX Push Pole includes a fork, a tip, and a 316 stainless steel replacement point just in case.

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Parkit360 Electric Trailer Dolly

SeaSucker Push Pole Solution

Park trailers of any size with ease!

Parkit360’s Electric Trailer Dollies are lightweight and great for mixed terrains, tight corners and up to a 6 percent incline. With weight capacities ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 pounds, these portable powerhouses can handle the most difficult parking challenges.

Unlike a driver who relies on mirrors and backup cameras, the user faces the trailer, giving them complete visibility and control while parking. They can see exactly where the trailer is at all times and steer within inches of an obstacle if needed. The dolly’s compact design allows the user to park hitch-end forward as a serious theft deterrent, something that is nearly impossible to do with a vehicle.

Powered by a 12V trailer-mounted or dolly-mounted battery, Parkit360’s Force and Transformer dollies are simple to set up and intuitive to use. Just freewheel the dolly to the trailer and attach it with one of the provided hitch balls, or one of their special hitch adapters. Then, it’s simply a matter of using the forward/reverse thumb toggle switch on the handle to steer the trailer into place.

Have a tough parking situation? Parkit360’s Electric Trailer Dollies are a great solution!

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Looking for a better way to secure your push pole? SeaSucker has come up with the perfect solution for holding your long and inherently unwieldy push pole when it’s not in your hands .

A SeaSucker vacuum mount equipped with a rubber clamp and an adjustable strap is the perfect way to quickly and securely stow gaffs, nets and push poles.

The adjustable strap holds objects with diameters ranging from 1 to 1.95 inches, and the 4.5-inch SeaSucker has the strength to hold just about anything you choose to strap down.

Each 4.5-inch SeaSucker is pull rated at over 120 lbs, and an orange indicator band begins to appear if the vacuum mount loses some of its suction, letting you know it’s time to re-pump. There’s no licking required to attach SeaSucker products to glass, metal, fiberglass and most non-skid surfaces. The primary requirement is that the surface is non-porous, and SeaSucker will even attach to lightly curved surfaces.

Another huge benefit is that SeaSucker can be mounted or moved wherever it’s convenient, with no need to drill holes in your boat.

www.seasucker.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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Whatever happened to Sea Cat?

By Thatch Maguire

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bout 20 years ago, I had the opportunity to ride aboard a dual-hull, 21-foot center console called a Sea Cat. Like many others, I’ve been a fan of cats ever since.

The ride of a dual-hull vessel, especially in choppy seas, is dramatically different from that of a mono-hull. The stability of a two-hull system creates a cutting effect, as opposed to the bounce associated with the plaining of the mono-hull. Study after study has confirmed this effect affords “cats” substantially better fuel economy as well as a much smoother ride and shallower draft.

The “cult” of the dual-hull cat has its origins in Australia, where catamaran-style hulls have long been the choice for Australia’s working fishermen. The consistent chop in their seas requires the stability of a catamaran hull. In the United States, several companies pioneered development of the catamaran-style boats for our waters. In the late 1950s, Ray Leger began producing the Power Cat series on the West Coast and several other companies including Manacat and Ocean Star began producing cats in the East.

Years after my ride aboard the Sea Cat, I purchased a 26-foot World Cat. I was told Sea Cat was now World Cat. I visited the North Carolina World Cat factory, where I was told they no longer produced the Sea Cat. Recently, I learned the Sea Cat is still being produced in Greenville, N.C. After a few phone calls, and a little Googling, I found Forrest Munden at Sea Cat Boats.

The following interview with Mr. Munden attempts to unravel the mystery of “Whatever happened to Sea Cat?” Q: Mr. Munden, how is it you are today selling a vessel that many thought was no longer on the market? Weren’t you associated with the original Sea Cat I fell in love with?

Munden: Yes I was. Sea Cat was originally created by Graham Flanagan in 1992. I was manufacturing Leisure Cat boats with Regal Marine in Orlando, Fla., and Graham was manufacturing Sea Cat boats in Greenville, N.C. The innovations developed on the Sea Cat seemed destined to have substantial influence on the boating industry. The boats were super fuel-efficient and rode smoothly in nearly any conditions.

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Q: Well what happened?

Munden: In 1996, I purchased Sea Cat boats and its Greenville manufacturing facility. During my first year with the brand, I designed and developed the World Cat line of catamaran boats. World Cat molds were manufactured by Vectorworks Marine in Titusville, Fla. by my good friend Jeff Gray, CEO of Vectorworks.

Once we received the new World Cat molds at the plant in Greenville, we started making the World Cat and stopped making the Sea Cat. That was early in 1997.

The Sea Cat molds were stored for another year and a half until my good friend Ken Hall (previous CEO of Proline/Donzi) purchased them.

He owned the Florida boat company Sportcraft and wanted to add a catamaran line. He called the Sea Cat boat the Sportcat.

Unfortunately, Sportcat and Sportcraft did not survive the 1998 economic downturn. The next I heard of Sea Cat was when a former Sea Cat dealer and two brothers from Columbia, S.C. splashed the 19-foot Sea Cat mold. Then, Jerry Semers purchased that mold from the brothers, who had closed their business.

Mr. Semers’ started the new venture in Titusville, Fla., utilizing Vector Works Marine as a home base. He called the boat Sea Cat. After Mr. Semers passed away, the molds and tooling sat vacant for years.

In 2017, a good friend and ex-Sea Cat and World Cat dealer invited me into a venture to make a new catamaran with the Sea Cat name. I reached out to Mr. Gray at Vectorworks and proceeded to do the tooling and mold building through their team. The result, introduced in 2019, is the new 260 Sea Cat Hybrid bay boat built by our partner Pete Caldwell, Caldwell Marine Designs. The original Seacat Boat built in 1992 was built again 27 years later at the same Greenville plant. Today’s vessel is capable of power up to twin 300 horsepower.

Today’s 26-foot Sea Cat has handling characteristics far superior to the original that you fell in love with. The legend of Sea Cat continues as the most practical, smoothest-riding and fuel-efficient vessels this side of Australia.

“The Legend Returns,” Seacatboats.com

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SOUTHEAST

By Capt. Randy Cnota • Capt. Chester Reese, with Natural World Charters, out of Carrabelle, Fla., shows off a jig-caught red snapper.

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f you’ve never made your way to Florida’s Forgotten Coast to spend a day in the Gulf of Mexico catching red snapper, you owe it to yourself to have a go at it.

The red snapper is likely the most prized catch of anglers here, and for good reasons: they make most excellent table fare, they’re absolutely beautiful, they’re easy to catch most days, and it’s hard to beat snapper fishing for a day of friends and family fun.

To give you an idea about how prolific the red snapper are here, let me share a phrase commonly used by local charter captains fishing for other species of fish: “We had to leave that spot because we couldn’t get our bait past the snapper!”

Yes, FWC does tightly manage harvest seasons and bag limits, and it’s frustrating for many, but the fact is, we have a lot of red snapper here! Currently, the Gulf snapper season runs June 11 through July 12.

If you plan on bringing your own boat to the area, fear not; plenty of boat ramps and other accommodations will ensure your experience is a good one. Finding snapper can be as easy as using the many public sites available, just plug them into your GPS and go!

Rigging for snapper is very easy. I’d suggest a minimum of 30-pound-test mainline, and make your leaders with a quality 50-pound-test fluorocarbon.

If using live bait like cigar minnows or Spanish sardines, I suggest you fabricate your leader this way. Attach a swivel to your main line, use 80-pound mono to create a 6-inch leader to slide your egg sinker onto, with another swivel on the other end. Now attach a 5-foot length of fluorocarbon leader with a 3/0 to 5/0 circle hook on the business end. When fishing deep with a conventional Carolina-style rig where the weight slips, you’ll sometimes find that your weight is all the way to the bottom, but your live bait is swimming right under the boat.

Securing the weight to the leader rig ensures this doesn’t happen and gets the bait right down to the fish.

Guides here are at the ready to take you, your family and friends out for what promises to be an exceptionally good snapper season, but book early, availability can be limited once the season kicks off.

Many other species of fish are on the chew here too, folks, so don’t overlook the tarpon, redfish, AJs, king mackerel and so much more that awaits both inshore and offshore. Fishing opportunities along the Forgotten Coast are wide open!

For more info and a complete list of rentals, charters, supplies and more, visit www.floridasforgottencoast.com.

Your fish is waiting.

Florida’s Forgotten Coast

Boaters and mariners will find something to love in Franklin County.

Carrabelle features deep water access to the Gulf of Mexico and freshwater rivers. Plan a kayak or day sailing eco-adventure from Apalachicola or St. George Island. Eastpoint and Alligator Point offer direct access to the best inshore fishing on the Gulf Coast.

Bring your own boat or rent one here; there’s no better place to enjoy Florida’s Forgotten Coast.

Visit Floridasforgottencoast.com/ca for complete launch, marina, guide and tackle information.

ALLIGATOR POINT • APALACHICOLA • CARRABELLE • EASTPOINT • ST. GEORGE ISLAND COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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Visit and Explore Burnsville, NC

hether you’re hiking, exhibits. The restaurant, concesfishing or camping sion stand and gift shop are open in the mountains or May thru October. Campground

By Capt.a Cefus attending performance at Park- has 9 tent sites only.

McRae, Nuts & way Playhouse or coming to the Winding along the southern Bolts of Fishing Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair or Caro- edge of Yancey County, the Blue Series lina Mountains Literary Festival, Ridge Parkway gives travelers an there’s always a good day waiting amazing view of the Black Mounfor you in Burnsville, North Car- tains and the South Toe River olina, especially for travelers who Valley. Stretching for nearly 500 like to discover their own journey. miles through the mountains of Yancey County is home to North Carolina and Virginia – waterfalls, campgrounds, back- and not one single redlight – the roads, hiking trails, clean rivers, Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the and six of the 10 highest peaks in best scenic drives in America.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is the Eastern America. look onYancey a map, the Georgia seems pretonly accesscoastline to Mount Mitchell Locatedheninyou southern ty small.Mitchell From Cumberland Island it’smileonly ParktoatTybee Hwy Island, 128 and County, Mount (6,684 State about 100 miles. However, there are more than 3,400 miles 355. It’sestuaries five miles the feet) is the highestwhen mountain East post of tidal shoreline you include the marshes, andtotidal summit.

The Parkway was built by of the Mississippi River.

It was desrivers. That adds up to a lot of fishing possibilities for sea trout, redfish, CCC labor in the 1930s. Workers ignated the first statefinned park infoes North flounder and other that inhabit inshore areas.

And it’s not just theit“small” that hang around dynamite to these blast shallow tunnels Carolina in 1916.

Today featuresfishused backwaters and barrier islands.

You can also find bona fide through the some mountains and moncarve an observation platform on the sters prowling waist-deep water. If you can keep a secret, I’ll clue you a road through rough, remote tersummit next to Elisha Mitchell’s in on a couple of Georgia’s saltwater hot spots where you can achieve rain.

The Parkway rises to an elegrave, and an interpretive museum big-fish nirvana and also put a few tasty filets on the dinner table. with historical and environmental vation over 5,000 feet as it passes

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Richmond Hill: This historic town is home to Ft. McAllister State Park. The fort has been restored, and it’s definitely worth your time to stop by. Just before you get to the fort, you’ll find Ft. McAllister Marina through Yancey on the Ogeechee River. This is a good launch point. You’ll have miles County. of prime sea trout, redfish and flounder territory. The marina has live fun shop, plus a sling boat launch. Redbird Creek, Cane baitEnjoy and aatackle Patchday Creek and Buckhead Creek are all good spots. If you’d prefer to filled on the have someone water, catchingshow you the ropes, the local fishing guru is Capt. David Newlin. the fish native to If you want to hook up with some whoppers, here’s another secret. our The mountains.

Georgia coast is a regular stop-over for migrating tarpon! From We guarantee July through Labor Day, the silver kings come into Ossabaw Sound and the Ogeechee your fishing to feed on huge schools of menhaden. With a little patience and luck, you can find yourself connected to a 100-plustrip will be full pound tarpon. At the end of the day, you can take your flounder and of fish-catching sea trout into Fish Tales Restaurant at theatmarina, where they cook Observation platform Mount Mitchell Statewill Park. experiences! it any way you like.

Toe River, Island: This is another St. Simons small community one of Southern Appalachianon MounGeorgia’s barrier islands. sea trout and redfishing can be spectacuCarolina Hemlocks, andTheBlack More at with www.snakelar. Look at the tide tables moontains. phase to pickinfo a date a falling Mountain Campgrounds areand all lorootecotours.com. tide at daybreak and a half-moon. Get out early, and use your Navioncated off Highway 80 in the South ics charts to pinpoint draining creeks with shell bars. Toss out The nearby Burnsville-Yancey ChamToe areaunder of Yancey County. a liveRiver shrimp a Thunder Chicken cork andand hangVisitor on. ber popping of Commerce Mount Mitchell State Parkshow andup in St. Andrews Sound and AltamaIn late summer, tarpon Center locatedfishing at 106 for West Main ha SoundMeadows on eitherare side of the by island.

Whileisyou’re tarpon, Crabtree accessed Street.

Inside you’ll a helpfula youBlue willRidge probably hook up with mondo bull redfish andfind potentially the Parkway. spinner shark. Both offer a super exciting fight.

For me, the premier staff and lots of information on Snakeroot offersIsland cus- is Capt. Mark Noble. He’s based out guide service Ecotours on St. Simons attractions, lodging, shopping, tom tours of one of the wildest of Morningstar Marina. and local businesses and Ifmost corners of Westyouscenic can keep a secret, check dining, out these destinations.

They’re&a little off the beaten path, which means they don’t get a lot of fishing services.

Visitor Center and office ern North Carolina. We invite you pressure.

Just don’t tell anybody else. open Monday thru Friday 9am to into astoundingly diverse habitats and reveal the mysteries of the 5pm. Call (828) 682-7413.

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By Billy Darby • Photo by Nick Carter

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mpoundments created by damming rivers and creeks all have something in common beginning in about June. Fish head out to the ledges, and it’s this summer pattern that brings anglers to the famous offshore ledges on my home lake, Eufaula, as well as on reservoirs around the region.

Spawning is about over, and several game species, especially bass, are searching for food, cover and shade.

The sharp ledges where the river and creek banks dropped straight down before the lake was formed are the perfect spot for hide and seek.

From the headwaters, where the ledges are the shallowest, down to the dams, where ledges are sometimes too deep to be practical, there is a sweet spot that affords the perfect temperature, oxygen and other environmental necessities to maintain life and comfort. The difference in water temperatures at certain depths, generating schedule, current flow speed, lake level and many other factors determine exactly where this sweet spot is on any different day or hour.

Those with the most experience on a given reservoir have a distinct advantage, but information pertaining to these criteria is

available at most U.S. Army Corps headquarters offices as well as from the Tennessee Valley Authority. Whoever controls the dams where you fish has the information you need. For Lake Eufaula, call (866) 772-9542 ext. 244. In most cases an app is available for your favorite lake.

Ledges are nothing short of structure, and knowing where to look is a very important factor. Critical features support feeding advantages such as the sharpest of the sharp drop-offs, small ditches that intersect with such sudden drops, a rise in adjacent landscape creating a ski-jump effect, points, curvatures, and the list goes on. Some of these features create an updraft where cooler water is forced upward, and likewise, just the opposite only yards away. In all the mentioned areas, shad and other prey are disrupted by the sudden surge in water flow.

Today’s electronics, with highdefinition displays showing us where bait and bass congregate, are a huge advantage to finding the sweet spot on the ledges. But a little old-fashioned map work is also key to putting yourself where the fish are likely to be.

As always, know“ledge”—pun intended—is the key to success. Careful study of your lake master maps and identifying target returns can produce unbelievable results, not just in June, but all summer long.

Billy Darby is a retired professional guide on Lake Eufaula. He can be reached at imfishing4u@windstream.net or (229) 768-2369.

IT'S TIME TO GO BOATING! www.

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Greater Augusta & Central Savannah River Area

Proudly covering Lakes Sinclair, Oconee, Clarks Hill / Thurmond, Greenwood, Russell, Hartwell, Rabun, Burton, and the Tugaloo, Tallulah, Chatooga, and Savannah rivers

CONTACT INFORMATION Capt. Tim Sparks The Angler Magazine Greater Augusta & CSRA

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VIEW FROM THE HELM

hen I was on active duty in the United States Navy, people would often ask, “When does a boat become a ship?”

The discussion usually always centered around the length and size of vessel, and a debate would ensue when someone would argue the exact dimensions at which the transition occurs.

The easy explanation is that “boats” are the smaller vessels carried by and deployed from ships to carry out various tasks: lifeboat duty, rescue and assistance, boarding of other vessels, and of course the highly important task of carrying Sailors and Marines ashore for liberty in foreign ports. However, this simple explanation begins to quickly unravel whenever submarines and aircraft carriers are brought into the mix. Technically speaking both are ships, but if you should ever find yourself speaking with a submariner, kindly refer to their submersible home as a “boat.” And, when naval aviators speak of landing on the deck of a pitching ship, they always refer to their home upon the sea as “the boat.” It’s just the way it is.

There are people who will argue that boats are for inland and coastal waters and ships for the oceans. However, there are clearly “ships” plying the waters of the Great Lakes and many a small “boat” has circumnavigated the globe. So, this argument is no good. Perhaps an easier question to answer would be “when does a boat become a yacht?” Nope, think again.

The debate quickly swirls over size, capacity, accommodations, and cost, which are of course entirely relative to the individual owner.

Maybe instead we can attempt to answer the age-old question of when a hooked fish becomes a “monster” of legendary proportions fought in an epic battle of angler versus beast? Again, good luck trying to nail down a definitive answer and finding two people to agree on similar parameters for comparison. There are just too many variables; fish species, the body of water, age of the angler, and dare I even mention “size of the boat” as a factor.

While we are on the subject of enormous aquatic creatures, did Jonah get swallowed by a large fish or a whale?

As the saying goes, one person’s “house” is another person’s “castle” or something like that. And, so it is with boats and fish. There is a universal truth and that is that the only way to know something for certain is to experience it. So, I will leave you with this. “Boats” come in all shapes and sizes, large and small, with motors and without. Whether you borrow, rent, or own, it does not matter whether you have access to a kayak, a high-performance bass boat, a center-console, a skiff, a mega-yacht, a sailboat, or some other kind of “boat.” The point is to go use it and create memories that will last a lifetime. The boating season is in full swing now that June has arrived. Head out in your boat, go fishing, and land a monster.

Enjoy the great outdoors and see you on the water!

— Capt. Tim Sparks

Lake Report & Forecast CLARKS HILL / THURMOND LAKE STRIPED BASS, HYBRIDS AND CRAPPIE

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ummer fishing on Clarks Hill / Thurmond Lake for stripers and hybrids is truly special. We are blessed to have such a terrific resource to enjoy.

The month of June typically ushers in our summer down rod bite. The action is fast and furious throughout the main river section of the lake as post spawn fish turn their attention to packing on pounds. They will gather in large numbers and aggressively attack schools of blueback herring. The best presentation will be a lively herring on a down rod. This will consist of a one to two-ounce weight above a swivel and three to four-foot fluorocarbon leader with a properly matched hook for the size of baitfish prevalent.

The typical June surface temperatures will have driven both the bait and fish to a comfort zone of roughly 20 to 35 feet deep, and if you set up on the right hump, you can be rewarded with nonstop action well into the morning. The kids will be out of school this month and what better way to reward them than making memories on the lake with unforgettable, nonstop action. Visit our website (littleriverguideservice.

net) and give us a call to reserve your awesome adventure. No experience required and no equipment required. You only need to bring snacks, drinks and a freshwater fishing license. We look forward to spending a day on the water with you..

— Little River Guide Service Capt. Tony Shepherd and Capt. Rocky Fulmer

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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.

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Lake Report & Forecast CLARKS HILL / THURMOND LAKE CATFISH

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une can be a really good time to fill coolers with one-to 10-pound blue and channel catfish. Clarks Hill Lake has some nice-sized channel catfish and the blues are starting to thrive and spread throughout the lake pretty good. The best way to consistently fill coolers with eating-sized fish is to anchor on points and humps. Sometimes humps and points with vertical ledges produce better and sometimes gentle sloping ledges are better. You will have to diagnose that each time you’re out there. As far as the bait choice goes, cut herring is a good all-around bait to catch decent numbers and catch some large blues or flatheads on occasion as well, along with some bonus hybrids and stripers. Some of these can be quite large at times. If you are just targeting eating-sized one-to 10-pound catfish as your goal, then stinkbait is a very good choice. Use the dip bait variety of your choice.

Triple-S Channel Cat Bait, formerly known as

Sonny’s Channel Catfish bait is very reliable. Team Catfish Secret 7 dip bait is also good.

For the daytime angler, its best to stick and move. Give each spot about 35-45 minutes and if you’re not catching anything move on.

As shallow as 3 feet to as deep as 30 feet are the best depths for this method of fishing. Spots where you can cover the entire range of depths is recommended.

Nighttime fishing can yield some big blues and flatheads.

Stinkbait will still work fine for the eating-sized fish. Bigger chunks of cut bait like gizzard shad, white perch and bream are good choices for bigger blues. Live bream and white perch are best for flatheads. The night time bite for big fish requires more patience. Anchoring in a high-traveled area such as a point, hump or shallow flat close to deep water and waiting as the fish continually travel through these areas during the night can be more beneficial than moving your location a lot.

— Chris Simpson / Fightin’ Da Blues Catfish Guide Service 864-992-2352 / fightindablues.com

4738 Washington Road • Evans, Ga 30809

706-922-0930 www.PlatinumMarine.com

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Lake Report & Forecast

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

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JUNE 2019

LAKE OCONEE The Night The lights Went Out In Georgia

T

hat’s a great song by Vicki Lawrence; and the first thing that came to my mind when I headed out to fish my favorite dock at night and discovered that dock lights were not on. It seems the new owners turned them off. I fly fished this secret little gem for several years as the house had been vacant, but the previous owners left the lights on at night. Fly fishing docks with lights at night is incredible! Often you are the only person on the water; it’s cool, quiet and calm. That is… until a hybrid or striper hits, and the reel starts humming. Here are a few tips on how to go about this: • Courtesy and respect for the dock owner – approach the dock

quietly with your trolling motor from a good way out. If the owner

flashes his lights in the house or dogs are barking; leave and find

another dock.

• Don’t talk – when I have taken a customer or friend with me, I have

noticed the fish don’t bite as well when you talk.

• Know how to cast and do not get your fly on their dock. Knowing

how to roll cast and do a water haul comes in handy.

• Always get your fish on the reel as soon as possible. This is not

trout fishing and stripping in the line to bring in the fish often fails.

• Use any fly you want as long as it is a “Somethin Else” by Henry

Cowen. If you don’t tie, call The Fish Hawk in Atlanta and they will

ship some to you.

Here is what I believe June has coming our way: Hybrids / Stripers – The spoon bite will be in full swing. Many guides here will be pulling umbrella rigs. Also, down lining live shad will work well. We are all waiting to see if the famous “pump back” bite will fire up this year. Last year it only lasted for about a month, but in mid-June it was on fire. For those that don’t know, this occurs when Georgia Power pumps water up from Sinclair into Oconee.

They usually start this at 3:00 AM, but sometimes leave the pumps on until 9:00 AM. The topwater bite is off-thecharts during this time. As a general rule, of thumb when water is moving (either when they are generating and pulling water or pumping up from Sinclair) is the time to go. Some locals watch the water flow from their docks and don’t go unless water is moving.

Crappie – I recently had a striper / hybrid trip on a blue-sky day out at Richland Creek. I ran into Jody Stephens of CrappieDaze guide service when he was heading out and asked if Richland Creek was productive for crappie. Of course, he sends me a text later that morning with pictures and letting me know his group landed 75. Jody is the master of long lining and I believe he can troll a jig and eighth inch above his target. The tactics for June will be long lining over submerged timber or down lining minnows over brush piles and trees in deeper water.

Final words – I still have a few open dates in June. I offer combination trips, so you can fly fish using spinning rods for light tackle fun! E-mail me at wmoore1700 @outlook.com or call 706-816-4281 and lock in your dates.

Tight Lines, and God bless.

— Oconee on the Fly / Wayne Moore, USCG Licensed Captain

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Lake Report & Forecast

T

LAKE HARTWELL

he water level is at full pool and the water temperature is in the upper 70s. June is the perfect month to catch fish consistently. If you understand the fish transitions, it is easy to pattern most game fish. The hybrids and stripers start to group up and move down the lake out of the creeks and the upper Lake areas.

Over the years I have caught hybrids and stripers as they migrate down the lake on top of the thermocline. The thermocline develops in the upper lake and creeks first.

It will look like a fuzzy line on most sonars at about 35 to 40 feet deep. Below the thermocline is very low in oxygen and above the thermocline the water is warm. I can follow the schools as they slowly migrate toward the lower lake. The schools will ride on top of the thermocline about 30 to 40 feet deep. The fish are looking for cool, oxygenated water. By July, most big fish are in the lower half of the lake. There they can go to depths of over 100 feet and feed and stay “happy” all summer.

The bass also migrate to deeper water this time of year. Most largemouth and spotted bass leave the shallow bank and move offshore to brush piles. This can be 10 to 15 feet deep or deeper. By July, the bass can be 20 to 40 feet deep, usually found around structure.

Most of my fishing come July is with herring. I will have top water plugs at the ready, rigged with Lucky Kraft Sammys in ghost minnow. I have this top water plug ready all summer, and I will also have rods rigged with one-ounce jig heads and five-inch swim baits to power reel with.

W

ater temperature - 74 degrees | Lake level - full pool | Clarity - clear

Bass: The bass bite has been great. Most of the fish have completed spawning and are hungry. The first couple of weeks of June will be a little tough with the water temp heading towards the mid 70’s. We have been catching most of our fish up shallow throwing plastics like Zoom Frogs up in pockets and around shallow docks. The bigger fish seem to be hanging around heavy cover. With the storms we have had this year there is new brush everywhere you look. We have had good success with plastic worms and jigs in and around the downed trees. The next few weeks will be a big transition for bass. Look for these fish to go deep, 18 to 28 feet towards the end of the month.

Trout: The trout bite has been good the last few days. Most of the bigger fish are near the main river channels near the mouths of the creeks. Trolling small jerk baits and spinners has been effective the last few days. Bright colors and/or herring pattern baits have been working best. Try fishing at a depth of 14 to 18 feet and three miles-per-hour. Yo-Zuri crank bait fire tigers have produced a few bigger fish in the four to five-pound range.

Yellow Perch: The perch bite is picking up and should continue to get better over the next few weeks. We have caught some really nice fish in the shallows with jigs in seven to 15 feet. This shallow water bite is short lived.

Look for the perch to head towards deeper water in the next week or two.

June, July and August are the months to catch a mess of yellow perch.

Good Luck!

— Wes Carlton / Georgia Lake Fishing 770-318-9777 / georgialakefishing.com

Preston Harden / Bucktail Guide Service / 706-255-5622 / bucktailguideservice.com

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12

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LAKE SINCLAIR

ass fishing is good. Top water lures and spinner baits are producing during early morning from shallow cover such as blow downs, docks, rip rap, grass, and shallow points.

Anglers should experiment with varying types of baits because the best lure today may not produce tomorrow. Some excellent choices are: Super Spook Jr., Pop R, Chug Bug, Bang a Lure, buzz baits, and Baby Torpedo.

Spinner baits and weightless Flukes and Trick worms can also be the best on some mornings. Try bulging the surface with a three-eighths or half ounce spinner bait with double Colorado blades. A weightless yellow Trick worm worked well on one recent morning.

When using spinning tackle, make sure to use a swivel about eight to 10 inches above the worm to control line twist.

The shad are spawning in a few scattered areas. If shad are seen spawning, try the top water baits plus a small white spinner bait. Although some bass are still around shallow docks, more are now on deeper docks, especially those that have brush under or around them.

Catches from docks have come mostly on soft plastics; with jigs, crank baits, and spinner baits fooling a few fish. Try a Carolina rig Finesse worms along the sides and ends of docks.

A Texas rigged Dead Ringer or Trick worm can be worked along the bottom, through any brush, and dropped vertically along each post. Small groups of bass can be found on slow to medium tapering points at five to 10 feet deep. The Carolina rig is normally best, but crank baits like a Rapala DT10 or half ounce Fat Free Shad are worth a try.

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— Ken Sturdivant / southernfishing.com

S

Lake Report & Forecast CHC MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT RESULTS

129

boats registered for the 37th Annual Clark Hill Memorial Open Team Bass Tournament, presented by The Mr. Clark Hill Committee (CHC) and Columbia County. The forecast for the one-day tournament called for thunderstorms in the afternoon, but fortunately the looming bad weather held off until after the tournament concluded. By the afternoon, the air temperature was in the 80s, the wind out of the west-northwest at 6-12 miles per hour, and the sky cover partly cloudy.

Dave Drummond and Brad Collins, close friends for more than 30 years, took home the grand prize of $5500 with 19.98 pounds. Patrick McLaughlin and Al Smith came in a close second with five fish and 19.33 pounds. John Boy Long took home top honors (and $780) for the biggest fish of the day, which weighed in at a healthy 7.55 pounds.

Long said that he knew he had a big one on the line as soon as he set the hook. “The fish jumped twice and bent the hook sideways,” he commented as he described the exhilarating fight. Long is a member of the Clarks Hill Bassmasters Club, founded in the early 1970s and one of the original bass fishing clubs in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA).

The Mr. Clark Hill Committee (CHC) roster boasts 24 active local bass fishing clubs throughout the CSRA. The committee is a non-profit organization that helps promote the sport of bass fishing through its regularly scheduled tournaments and its club affiliation members who help support the work of local charities. CHC will host its next big tournaments, the Mr. Clark Hill Tournament, October 4th and 5th, and the Toys for Tots Tournament, November 23rd. All CHC events are held at Wildwood Park in Columbia County, Georgia.

— TAM Staff

Top 10 Finishers / Name 1 – Drummond / Collins 2 – McLaughlin / Smith 3 – Hadden / Hadden 4 – Gambrell / Blackburn 5 – Justin Quinn 6 – Story / Story 7 – Gould / Drummond 8 – Whitaker / Whitaker 9 – John Boy Long 10 - Hair / Rodwell

Total Weight 19.98 19.33 18.60 17.92 17.86 17.77 17.75 17.67 17.51 17.46

Biggest Fish Weight 5.40 5.46 4.73 4.53 6.15 4.38 4.87 4.89 7.55 4.12

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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM 7

Local Rivers & Fly Fishing CHATOOGA RIVER

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ay has come and gone, and late spring is in full swing headed into the summer. The rivers here in the mountains of Northeast Georgia and Western South Carolina are in great shape. The abundance of rain throughout the winter, and weather fronts coming through every four to five days giving the rivers a little refresh, have the river levels in great shape. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that we don’t have the “Big Heat” of the summer, and the trout will have another great summer season. There is nothing finer than being here on the rivers with the mountain laurels and rhododendrons in full bloom.

Hatches have been subtle at times early in the day, but late afternoon into the early evening have been much better. As the late afternoon temperatures subside, find the shaded runs and riffles to have your best success. As the daytime temperatures of late spring into early summer start to rise, we must remember that trout like colder water. Fishing from the start of daylight until midday, fishing top water will be good, but as the temperatures rise, going deeper will be more successful. Fishing midday throughout the afternoon, double nymph rigs will be the trick.

If dry flies and nymph fishing is not your cup of tea, let’s not forget about streamer fishing. There is an abundance of small baitfish in the rivers now,

and streamer fishing is excellent.

Try swinging streamers in the deeper runs, and into the heads of pools. In the larger deeper slower waters, casting out and then a slower strip and pause technique will do best.

As the water temperatures of the rivers have risen, it’s also time to think about bass and pan fish.

Fly fishing for these fine game fish can make for an exceptional day out on the rivers. If top water action fires you up, then turn up the heat with some of our bass and panfish flies. We have a full array of what you need to have a successful day. At times, down under, takes the cake, and double rigs as well. A great day of “wet wading” can cool you off from the summer heat, and catching a few fish as well, in the cool mountain streams.

Have fun, leave no trace, and we hope to see everyone in the mountains.

— Chattooga River Fly Shop / chatoogariverflyshop.com 6832-A Highlands Hwy. Mountain Rest, SC 29664 / 864-638-2806

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Lure S a 4/0 G weigh shado W the rap fight a We de curren decide straw really casts. for the threestoppe a hybr close o Savan We ar and m or on

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BroadwayTackle

Local Rivers & Fly Fishing UPPER SAVANNAH RIVER

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eather Conditions: 80 degrees, clear sky, winds light and variable Water Temperature: 58 degrees | Water Clarity: 50% stained Current speed: 3.28 mph Lure Selection: Googan Baits Bandito Bug, and Krackin Craw rigged on a 4/0 Gamakatsu offset worm hook. Weight size was 5/16-ounce bullet weight pegged with a bobber stop to keep it weedless. Jerkbait was a shadow rap by Rapala in the color carbon.

We started out fishing the upper end of the savannah river near the rapids. We quickly found out the current was much too strong to fight and fish the submerged rock piles looking for smallmouth bass.

We decided to move down to the wider sections of the river where the current was less of an obstacle. At this point, the sun was high, and we decided to rig a creature bait on a pegged Texas rig to flip around the straw grass floating near the banks of the river. This is when the fishing really picked up. We caught three consecutive bass on three consecutive casts. The biggest being 3.6 pounds. We continued to fish this pattern for the rest of the day and ended up with 14 bass, all in the one-to three-pound range. On the way back to the North Augusta boat ramp I stopped at Horse Creek to throw a jerkbait in the swift water and caught a hybrid that weighed approximately six pounds. It was a nice way to close out the day. If you have any questions about fishing the upper Savannah River, give me a call at Number One Tackle (803) 593-2930.

We are your Zoom lures headquarters with over 600 different packages and much more. Please check us out at Number One Tackle on Facebook or on Instagram @number_one_tackle.

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FLY OF THE MONTH INCH WORM

73

0

RGIA

om

n 2017

Hook: Tiemco TMC2457 size 16 Thread: UTC 70 denier (color) olive/chartreuse Body: Micro chinelle (color) “worm green” or “chartreuse” Water and air temperatures are rising which means inch worms are out and about. These little guys hang from the trees and the wind will blow them into the water. Try this pattern out next time you are on the trout stream.

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3905 Roberts Rd A, Martinez, GA | 706-830-4228

Eli Crumley | Blackhawk Fly Fishing keepemwet94@gmail.com

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High School Fishing

DOUBLEHEADER

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reenbrier High School in Evans experienced a first on May 6th, 2019. Two students, seniors Cy Casey and Jake Blumling, both signed letters of intent and accepted scholarships to attend Emmanuel College and become anglers on the newly formed Emmanuel College Lions Bass Fishing Team.

Emmanuel College, founded in 1919, is a private, four-year, liberal arts, Christian college in Franklin Springs, Georgia. Emmanuel College boasts a student-body of more than 900 students from across the country and numerous foreign countries. The addition of College Bass Fishing as a competitive sport at Emmanuel College was announced last fall by Athletic Director Nate Moorman. Leading the “Sometimes you’re the Lions Bass Fishing Team for its inaugural season windshield and sometimes in 2019 will be legendary you’re the bug.” angler Pam Martin-Wells as head coach. Martin-Wells comes to Emmanuel College following her highly successful career as a professional angler. Martin-Wells is the women’s all-time leading money winner, winner of the inaugural Women’s Bassmaster Tour Championship, and recipient of Angler of the Year honors eight times.

In the upcoming season, the Lions will compete in the FLW Outdoor College Series and Carhartt Bassmaster College Bass Fishing Series. The college is located only a short drive from world-renowned Lake Hartwell, the location for numerous professional bass fishing tournaments, and is poised to quickly become a powerhouse on the college fishing circuit, especially by adding talent like anglers Cy Casey and Jake Blumling to the Lions roster.

Not surprisingly, college-bound Blumling and Casey are extremely 10 GREATER AUGUSTA & CSRA

JUNE 2019

excited about being selected to fish for Emmanuel College and being led

by Coach Martin-Wells. Blumling commented that he looked forward to learning a lot from coach Martin-Wells. The excitement in the room expressed by the large number of people in attendance was evident.

The venue at Greenbrier was packed with teammates, family members, friends, supporters, and members of the media when Blumling and Casey made their commitments official.

The Greenbrier Fishing Team is a club sport at Greenbrier High School, although Casey was quick to point out that fishing is a “varsity sport, treated like every other sport” at Greenbrier. The team’s success with youth fishing and the competitive accomplishments of anglers on the team like Casey and Blumling are made possible by having a supportive school administration, strong coaching, dedicated parents and family members, volunteer boat captains, and financial contributions donated by local businesses.

When asked what piece of advice he would offer to a young angler or someone who is new to fishing and wants to become successful in the sport, Casey answered with “stay competitive.” As in all sports, and even more so in fishing, some days are clearly better than others.

In response to this all too well-known truth, Casey smiled and was quick to offer some additional wisdom. “Sometimes you’re the windshield and sometimes you’re the bug” he said. Separately, when asked the same question, Blumling echoed his future Lions Teammate with a simple, but poignant, piece of advice. “Keep fishing” he said with a smile.

It was a momentous and celebratory day at Greenbrier. Fishing Team Coach D.J. Hadden summed it up best for those in attendance when he remarked, “They are going to be great student-athletes.”

— TAM Staff

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Outdoor Life

L

KAYAKING AS A FAMILY

Team n he

ong before we had our daughter, we were a kayaking couple. Throwing the kayaks on the car and exploring new waterways was a favorite activity. Our kayaks have sat fairly idle for the last few years until we picked up a double kayak last year and rediscovered kayaking as a family.

We don’t go as far or as fast as we once did, but it’s outdoor fun with no possibility of screen time; which to me, makes it a great family activity.

Savannah Riverkeeper’s Paddlefest was a great opportunity to try out a slightly longer trip while also taking advantage of shuttles and support crew all along the route. We started in downtown Augusta at the Riverkeeper office and paddled 10 miles downriver to New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam. We were joined by many others in kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddleboards (SUPs). There were adults, teenagers, kids, and even a few dogs in attendance. It was a wonderful trip – the wind was light, it stayed cloudy all day, and the paddling was easy. It is a very quiet portion of the river, so Paddlefest participants were almost the only boats we saw.

There are definitely some tips that can help ensure success while kayaking as a family.

While things such as paddles, life vests, and sunscreen are important, the key to a good trip is actually having enough snacks!

A good sense of humor and some patience helps too. I asked a professional kayak tour operator what age could kids realistically start kayaking. Her recommendation was to start at about age five with the child in the boat with you.

Within a couple of years, they would naturally graduate to their own kayak. We have found kayaking to be a great family activity, no matter the age. Younger kids are open to new adventures and the teenager who would rather look at his or her phone suddenly starts reconnecting when the quiet of the water takes over. Three hours of active paddling can be a little challenging, but we found ways to pass the time (besides snacks). There may even have been some singing going on in our boat from time to time. I apologize to those nearby. Kayaking can be intimidating to those who have never tried it before, but with several operators in the Augusta area where you can rent boats and utilize their shuttles, or even go on a guided excursion, you are almost guaranteed a great time with your family. But definitely bring snacks.

M Staff

— Greta Neuman

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How to...

WHEN FISH WON’T BITE

R

aise your hand if you’ve ever spent the entire day on the water without getting a bite.

Be honest. Now look around the room at other people who are reading The Angler Magazine and see who else has their hand in the air. Probably all of them.

It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Deer hunters spend countless hours in the woods, waiting patiently for a big buck to come along, and often never get to pull the trigger. It’s certainly happened to me. But we still come back for more, and that’s a good thing.

So, what can you do on those days when the fish simply don’t want to bite? The wrong answer is, ‘Pack it up and go home.’ Before you throw in the towel, there are actually some tricks you can try that can fire up the bite, and here are a few that have helped me put a fish or two in the boat.

Now let me start of by saying some days are just going to be fishless…no matter what you do. And sometimes these tactics work, and sometimes they don’t. But remember, if you’re down to these maneuvers, you really don’t have anything to lose…do you? So, don’t complain too much if even this bag of tricks doesn’t work. You can still go home feeling good about the fact that you weren’t stuck in the office all day.

To me, there are three key components to re-igniting the bite…

Location, Presentation and Bait Choice.

The first one is pretty obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people will sit on a spot and continue to flail the water because they ‘know’ there should be fish there. Well maybe there is, but after 152

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alityatters! u Q re M Whe TEEL S 12 GREATER AUGUSTA & CSRA

JUNE 2019

casts beside the same stump, that fish is probably not going to bite on cast 153. So, move. It might mean simply re-directing your casts to a different stump, piling, rock pile, oyster bed, creek mouth or other structure. Or it could mean a major move to another likely spot where fish might be holding. If you watch The Nuts & Bolts of Fishing TV series, you know that I prefer to fish moving water. It’s been proven time and time again that fish actively feed when there is some current.

So, during slack tide, or while you’re waiting for the power company to start pulling water at the dam, take a boat ride. But before you crank the engine, get a game plan. Look at your chart-plotter and pick a spot that you feel has a high percentage of being fishy. Creek mouths, structure, river bends, etc. And then hit the throttle.

Presentation is another huge factor in triggering the bite. What worked yesterday, may not work today or tomorrow. So, you have to be flexible and willing to try different things. Fish will move based on a number of things, including water temperature, sea state, barometric pressure, day versus night, tidal state, current, forage, and even the amount of pressure they are getting from other anglers. It’s amazing how small changes in the weather can shut down the bite…or turn it on. Fish can sense barometric changes and slight changes in water temperature, and they will move up or down in the water column to find their “Comfort Zone.” As fish deal with all these changes, they can become lethargic or they can become exceptionally frisky. So, changing your speed, the cadence of the rod movement, the depth where the lure runs, and even adding a longer fluorocarbon leader can all contribute to enticing the bite.

The third piece of the puzzle is Bait Choice. I know this sounds silly, because you already think you’re throwing exactly what the fish want, right? This is the age-old question…what will they bite today?

OK, we all know fish, except for a few stupid sharks, don’t normally eat plastic or balsa wood or rubber. So why would they want to eat a piece of painted plastic with a couple hooks dangling from it? Figure out the answer to that question and you can quit your day job, by the way. Most folks agree that the artificial lures we use are meant to mimic the natural forage. With artificials you can ‘work’ the lure in ways that you could never convince an actual live bait to do. Also, artificials allow you to cover a lot more water both horizontally and vertically. But when these man-made creations cease to be effective, try serving up a different menu. Provided it’s legal, switch out to live bait, or cut bait. A live herring will often get inhaled on the way down after the bucktails have ceased to be effective.

The point to all this is simple. There are going to be days that fish won’t bite, no matter what you do. But don’t give up too easily. Try thinking outside the tackle box. Fish have to eat to survive. But they can go a long time between meals. You have to give them a reason to eat what you’re offering and to eat it now. And often times, changing it up can definitely change your luck.

Tight lines and calm seas.

— Capt. Cefus McRae, Nuts & Bolts of Fishing Series

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C

How to...

DON’T GIVE UP!

T

oo many Georgia trout anglers tend to give up when the weather begins to warm as it always does in June, but they’re missing out on some very good opportunities when they do this. Across the board, everyone at Unicoi Outfitters is a small stream addict, even us old guys who pay with aches and pains for the hiking required on these little gems. While the larger rivers and lower elevation streams are warming, the shaded, rhododendron enclosed wild trout streams are coming into their prime.

Since 1998, we have had U.S. Forest Service permits to guide on 24 of these streams in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Many a guide’s day off is spent picking the pockets for rainbows, browns and brookies, and most of the time with dry flies. You won’t encounter much in the way of hatches on these streams, but that actually works to your advantage. An attractor dry fly that you can see in low light like a Parachute Adams, Royal Wulff, or my favorite, a Trude, will summon hungry little trout to the surface. There’s no need for tiny little

Kim’s Kitchen

flies either. They’re looking for something to get them through the day, so a size 14 or even a 12 will work in most situations.

If you’ve been wanting to see what this small stream stuff is all about, our guides can provide you with the proper gear and the knowledge you need to venture out on your own. And, despite my earlier comments about the difficulty (of which there can be an abundance), many of the streams we guide on are fairly easily accessed while still providing a great fishing experience.

So, if you’ve progressed in your trout angling life through the stages of catching a trout, catching a lot of trout, catching a specific trout, and catching a monster trout, let me suggest you complete the circle with learning how to fish for wild trout on small streams. I think you’ll find a new passion. Give us a call at 706-878-3083. We would love to set up a trip for you.

— Jimmy Harris | Unicoi Outfitters

Pounders Seafood Market

Black Angus Beef and Fresh Seafood

SALTCRUSTED FISH

Beef • Pork • Seafood • Produce • Poultry • Veal and Lamb

Catering Service • Cooked to Order • 1 whole small fish, gutted and scaled • 2 sprigs tarragon • 6 egg whites • 3 cups kosher salt

• 2 bay leaves, crumbled • Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling • 1 lemon, cut into wedges • Freshly ground pepper, to taste

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Rinse the fish inside and out, and pat to dry.

Sprinkle salt and pepper into the fish’s cavity, then tuck the tarragon sprigs in there.

2. Whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then fold the salt and the bay leaves into the egg whites to form a thick paste.

3. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Spread about a third of the salt paste in the center of the parchment paper and lay the fish on the paste. With a rubber spatula, smear the paste all over the fish so that it’s completely encased. Place the pan in the oven.

4. Cook for about 25 minutes. By this time, the salt paste will have hardened into a thick crust. Allow the fish to rest for 5 to 10 minutes, then crack the crust by knocking it with the flat side of a butter knife, and remove the crust in chunks.

Scoop out the meat to serve, drizzling it with extra-virgin olive oil and giving it a squeeze or two of lemon.

Kim Nunery | Pounder’s Seafood Market GREATER AUGUSTA & CSRA

Meat And Seafood At Their Very Best 1210 Commerce Drive Suite 111 Greensboro, GA 30642

Phone:

706-453-4445 •

Fax:

706-453-2334

Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 AM to 6:00 Pm Major Credit Cards & Debit Cards

www.poundersseafoodmarket.com JUNE 2019

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM 13

Fishing and Hunting Perspective PATIENCE, PATIENCE, AND A LITTLE MORE PATIENCE

A

lot of people think they have patience until it comes time to “the only jig they’ll bite” is at the bottom of the lake and the laydown use it. Patience is one of those things that applies to every is ruined. No patience… no fish. outdoorsman out there. Whether you are an angler, a hunter, The hunting side of patience isn’t that much different. There are or enjoy anything else outdoors we all must have patience in different plenty of hunters out there that are determined to get a shot on a deer situations that we encounter. Talking to my anglers out there first, how the moment when the first, slightest opportunity arises. These are many times have you been going down the bank and seen a gorgeous the guys that usually tell you a story about the one that got away or looking tree laying in the water to flip into? That situation is pretty the ones who have the tracking dog owner on speed dial every year. common, but the temptation to not have any They get into a rush and try to take a shot on an patience in that situation is the real kicker. alert deer instead of waiting for a perfect broadside Just remember, patience is like a Let’s take a look at that situation from a bigger relaxed shot. Well, if you make a bad shot you’ve got good financial investment; the more a heck of a tracking job ahead and a bill to pay for picture, two buddies fishing down a bank in a boat see a good-looking laydown ahead that the tracking service. If you missed, then that deer is you put into it, the more you are looks like a dream to flip a jig into. No harm, no going to be blowing enough to make sure you don’t going to get out of it. foul… yet. see another thing for the rest of the day. Now I know Stepping back even farther to get a that situation doesn’t apply as much to hunting with different perspective shows us that there is so much more going on. a gun, but my bow hunters know this all too well. Wait for the right Both anglers’ minds are wondering who is going to flip first because shot folks! they each want to be the one to catch the fish that is potentially in Just remember, patience is like a good financial that laydown, but they also don’t want to lose their cool by flinging investment; the more you put into it, the more you are a rocket launcher cast at it before they get within flipping range. going to get out of it. God Bless!

Well… the lack of patience takes over and sure enough the guy up front has had enough and flings that jig as hard as he can right into the middle of the laydown. Keeping a long story short, the lure gets — Ryan Kennedy caught up in the tree and just like that, no patience in one situation Email: ryankfishing@gmail.com / YouTube: Ryan Kennedy Fishing leads to another by jerking the rod around violently trying to get Instagram: @ryankfishing / Facebook: Ryan Kennedy Fishing unsnagged before getting closer, and finally… POP! The last one of

P

Capt. Bill Wheeler (706) 914-9859 • (706) 444-6365

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JUNE 2019

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7

SUMMER IS HERE - IT’S TIME TO GET OUTSIDE & EXPLORE

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Call our Lake Oconee office at 706-485-2039 and our Atlanta office at 404-888-1648 or visit us at www.pinnaclecu.org for more information GREATER AUGUSTA & CSRA

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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM 15

Camping NORTHEAST GEORGIA, MOCCASIN CREEK STATE PARK AND LAKE BURTON Northeast Georgia

is plenty to see and do. Load up your camping gear, boats, kayaks, hunting and fishing une is the perfect time gear and head to the mountains. of year to go camping, especially in Northeast You won’t be disappointed.

There is something for Georgia where temperatures everyone in Northeast Georgia. remain cooler as the And, if you realize you forgot summer heat arrives. With something after you arrive, just kids out of school, there stop by Reeves Ace Hardware is no better way to escape and enjoy time with family. and Sporting Goods in historic downtown Clayton on Main Street.

Reeves has been a family owned business since 1928, and their Pick up the grandparents friendly and helpful staff will be sure to help you find whatever and then head into the outdoor clothing, camping, boating, hunting, or fishing items you mountains and explore all need. Be sure to visit their top-notch fly shop and archery center as the natural beauty that surrounds the nearby communities of well. The Reeves staff will even give you great recommendations for Clarkesville, Clayton, and Dillard. dining and lodging in the area. And while you are there, pick up the In addition to beautiful features like Lakes Burton, Rabun, latest copy of The Angler Magazine; you can find it at Reeves too! the Chatooga River, and Tallulah Gorge, numerous parks and attractions are only a short distance from one another, so there

J

Moccasin Creek State Park and Lake Burton

a August

RV

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Your Home Town RV Service Center Sales, Service, Storage & Parts 801 Industrial Park Dr. Evans, GA

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16 GREATER AUGUSTA & CSRA

JUNE 2019

elax in the cozy family friendly campground, cast a hook in a clear mountain stream or enjoy boating on lovely Lake Burton at Moccasin Creek State Park nestled within the Chattahoochee National Forest.”

Moccasin Creek State Park is now open year-round. Sitting on the shores of lovely Lake Burton, Moccasin Creek prides itself on being “where spring spends the summer.” Despite its mountain location, the park is relatively flat, offering easy navigation for large RVs, children’s bicycles and wheelchairs. A fully accessible fishing pier sits above a trout-filled creek open

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Reservations, Accommodations & Facilities • 32 Acres • Wildlife Observation Tower • 2,775 Acre Lake Burton • Fishing Pier — ADA accessible • 48 Tent, Trailer & RV Campsites Playground • 1 Picnic Shelter • Wi-Fi — available in the park • Boat Dock & Ramp office & campground

Family Owned & Operated

Throughout the CSRA in GA & SC

Things to Do & See • Boating —

private boats permitted • Camping • Hiking — 3 miles of trails • Lake Fishing on Lake Burton

• Stream Fishing (restricted to

seniors 65+ & children under 12) • Geocaching • Kayak, Canoe & Stand-Up Paddleboard Rental

Nearby Attractions • Alpine Village of Helen • Appalachian Trail • Black Rock Mountain State Park • Blue Ridge Mountains • Dahlonega Gold Museum

• Scenic Highway 197 Shops

& Restaurants • Smithgall Woods State Park • Southern Highroads Trail • Tallulah Gorge State Park • Unicoi State Park & Lodge State Historic Site • Don Carter State Park • Swallow Creek WMA • Chattahoochee National Forest • Burton Trout Hatchery • Hardman Farm State Historic Site Contact Information: Park Office: 706-947-3194 | Reservations: 800-864-7275 3655 Highway 197, Clarkesville, GA 30523, Habersham County www.gastateparks.org only to seniors 65 and older and children 11 and younger, as well as all ages with a Georgia disability fishing license.

At 2,800 acres, Lake Burton is a prime spot for skiing, boating and fishing. Kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and canoes can be rented during warmer months. Park visitors can tour an adjacent trout rearing station, hike on several nearby trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains or simply relax in this peaceful setting. The park’s central location makes it a perfect jumping off spot for exploring area waterfalls, mountain bike trails, shops and restaurants. The park is open from 7AM until 10PM and the park office 8AM until 4:30PM. — TAM Staff & Georgia State Parks GREATER AUGUSTA & CSRA

We Sell Fun! Travel the road with confidence. CSRA Camperland is your local choice and a proud member of the Route 66 RV Dealer Network. We offer mobile service within a 60-mile radius. Insurance quotes available.

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JUNE 2019

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM 17

Reflections A BROTHER AND A DATE GO FISHING

I

t was during my 19th summer that I decided it might be worthwhile to take my younger brother, 11 years old at the time, and my girlfriend of recent vintage out for an evening of fishing.

I was an experienced Gail and O’Neill at 18 . fisherman. Not many guys were at that age. I felt I needed to impress her with my knowledge and aptitude.

Okay! Maybe I did not think things through. It turned out to be a learning experience for us all that would foreshadow the future.

I had been catching a few crappie from around the docks at Norris Lake near Lithonia, Georgia. A short trip from 7pm to midnight did not seem too difficult. Knowing about the lake, docks, and general layout would serve us well and we soon located a small 14-foot aluminum boat at the community dock. With lanterns and gear in hand, off we

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went into the gathering darkness.

Well, first-of-all, my brother lost the only paddle overboard, never to be retrieved.

Eleven-year-old boys are rarely known for their coordination.

However, refusing to 1965 wedding departure. give in, I scrounged a lengthy two-by-four, about 12 feet long from the shoreline, and I rowed on ‘kayak’ style, toward a destination not yet realized. That necessary paddling style unfortunately wet the matches in my shirt pocket. That situation unfolded as we reached the designated dock. No matches for the lanterns. What now?

Press on; we were there, so fish anyway. As hands and feet scrambled in the darkness on the uneven planks, my tackle box was kicked into the water and floated away. This frazzled 18-year-old, trying his best to impress his beautiful date, attempted to decide who should take the blame. Well, it seemed important at the time. No light, no tackle, little resolve! Give Up! Live to fish another day. Paddle back to the dock.

As I tied a stern line to the post at the dock, I was assured by my date that the bow was likewise secured. The lone female on this little jaunt needed to visit the restroom. She and my brother hurried away. “No problem, you guys go ahead, and I’ll unload,” I said.

Alone, I placed the remaining gear on the dock and stepped out. Secured bow line? No, and I quickly did an acrobatic split and plunged into the dark water headfirst. My returning date noticed the soggy footprints on the pavement after I resurfaced and then recalled the part about the bow line. Giggles mounted into infectious laughter as she surveyed the scene. Remember now, we were only two 18-year-olds.

There I stood, no glasses (they were lost during the impromptu dive) and soaked to the bone, dignity dripping wet! Hardly the impressive conclusion I had envisioned.

Anyway, we got through that evening, sense of humor finely tuned, knowing a great deal how we would react to and eventually overcome adversity. It was kind of a rehearsal, I guess, that first fishing trip. We are still paddling, that girl and I, sometimes ill-equipped, but always willing to go back and start over, during the difficult times as in any marriage, with dedicated love and shared humor.

We have been together now for 56 years and married for 53.

— O’Neill Outside O’Neill Williams

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Fishing Event Calendar Minor League Fishing..................................................................................June 1 (Tony Couch, 706-818-4727) Lake Oconee, Sugar Creek Marina

Life comes at you fast.

American Bass Anglers, Couples................................................June 1 (americanbassanglers.com) Lake Sinclair, Bass Boat House

Rick’s

Georgia Bass Nation High School Fishing......................................June 7-8 (gabassnationhs.com) Clarks Hill Lake, Wildwood Park State Classic – Lake host: Greenbrier High School American Bass Anglers Couples.............................................................June 8 (americanbassanglers.com) Clarks Hills Lake, Hickory Knob State Park

PAINT & BODY SHOP Handling wrecks head-on Since 1976

Kids Fishing Rodeo........................................................................................June 8 (U.S. Forest Service, 706-754-6221) Registration required for children 2-15 years old Tallulah River Campground, Clayton

Rick’s Paint & Body is where collision repair know-how and experience meet top-notch customer service.

American Bass Anglers - Division 96, Bring a Youth.................. June 15 (americanbassanglers.com) Lake Greenwood, State Park Ramp Savannah River Classic............................................................................. June 15 (lowersavannahriveralliance.org) Bi-state event. Youth, Ladies and bank fishing divisions Burton’s Ferry, Savannah River Bass Fishing League - Savannah River Division............................Sept 14 (Flwfishing.com) Lake Hartwell, Green Pond Ramp Bass Fishing League - South Carolina Division..............................Sept 28 (Flwfishing.com) Lake Hartwell, Green Pond Ramp

Free Estimates | 24 hour towing www.rickspaintandbody.com | 706-868-9904 251 Bobby Jones Expwy, Martinez, GA

Three Days of

FREE FISHING

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o license is required for Georgia residents on June 1, June 8 and September 28, 2019. Georgia law requires anyone 16 and older to have a fishing license in their possession. Licenses can be purchased online at gooutdoorsgeorgia.com or by calling 1-800-366-2661. Purchasing a license supports the fisheries management and conservation of Georgia aquatic resources.

Ask any accomplished angler and they will tell you that Georgia State Parks offer some of the best fly fishing, bass fishing and trout fishing in the country. Did you know one of the largest bass ever caught in the world was caught right here in Georgia? Many bass fishermen equate “The Bass Capital of the World” with Georgia’s Lake Walter F. George. In fact, the size and variety of fish are rivaled only by the varieties of unspoiled environments.

From reservoirs, warm water streams and rivers, to lakes of all sizes and saltwater fishing, the abundant waters found in Georgia State Parks truly are an angler’s paradise.

5121 Washington Rd., Evans | 706-250-3618 2834 Washington Rd., Augusta | 706-737-0477

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Fishing Tackle Loaner Program Several Georgia parks have created programs that allow you to borrow equipment for little or no charge. The Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) of Georgia DNR provides rods, reels and tackle box equipment to participating State Parks and Historic Sites Offices. The Fishing Tackle Loaner Program is perfect for those who do not have their own equipment and provides a way for budding anglers to try fishing without having to purchase any equipment.

Interested visitors can inquire at the park office and check out the equipment for the day.

List of local area participating parks: Elijah Clark (Lincolnton) Richard B. Russell (Elberton) Mistletoe (Appling) Tugaloo (Lavonia) Moccasin Creek (Clarkesville) Victoria Bryant ( ) — Courtesy of Georgia State Parks GREATER AUGUSTA & CSRA

JUNE 2019

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM 19

a nice r with Jennife th bass u largemo Guide Service r e iv R Little

Tom show in he caught g off the crappie on Clarks Hill Lake

box h an ice it w c a Little M s and stripers of hybrid a Blues Fishing D Fightin’

Ron with a tr ophy trout from the Soq ue River

ce striper Ed caught a ni e Service id Little River Gu

Faith c aug on Cla ht a nice bas rks Hil l Lake s Send us your catch photos with details of Who, Where & What to Tim@TheAnglerMagazine.com

RIGGING & JIGGING

Fish Where Fish Live Tim Barefoot

W

hatever you fish for, be it fresh or saltwater, you know where you should be fishing. But sometimes it can be frightening to cast into the heart of a snag or brushpile where the fish are, knowing you might lose whatever you have tied on.

Here’s a simple way to avoid getting hung up. With the following snag-resistant rig, you can present a bait to the fish

where they live instead of trying to lure them out of their hiding place. I’m not saying this tackle is immune to mazes of mangrove roots or treetops, but it greatly reduces the chances of getting hung up. Protect the hook point with a fluorocarbon weed guard, and you can fish more effectively in thick cover.

This method works with J hooks, circle hooks and some lures. I’ve been using this technique to make a weedless soft-plastic shrimp, and there are countless other applications.

One of my favorite and most effective ways to use this is with a single hook, no weight and a live bait in shallow water. It also works well on a circle hook chin weight under a sliding cork over really rough bottom. Sometimes you have to go in the cover or drift just above it to get the bite.

Most gamefish attack from be-

low, so a bait on a sliding cork is the ultimate target while staying out of snags.

Here are the steps to snelling a weed guard onto the shank of the hook. I like the stiffness of Seagar 80-pound fluoro for weed guards. Depending on your application, other lines might work fine also. Make sure to choose a hook with an eye that will accept two pieces of the weed guard and the leader you are snelling.

1) Cut about 6 inches of 80-pound fluoro and bend it backward against the curve of the spool. This will mold the shape of your weed guard.

2) Insert both tag ends through the backside of the hook eye, leaving an inch of the doubled 80-pound fluoro on the shank of the hook.

3) Pass a leader line down through the eye of the hook and the center of the tag ends of the 80-pound fluoro. Pull out about 6 or 8 inches.

4) Holding the weed guard securely on the hook shank, make a 5- or 6-loop snell over the 80-pound fluoro, going forward toward the eye of the hook.

DO NOT pull down hard on it right away.

5) Keeping the 80-pound fluoro straight on the hook shank, gently roll into place and push forward BEFORE pulling down hard to “cinch” the snell.

6) After everything is pulled up tight, trim the 80-pound fluoro off just behind the barb of the hook. Also, trim the doubled 80-pound fluoro close behind the snell.

For a video tutorial on tying this rig, visit my website www. barefootcatsandtackle.com and watch the videos “Snag Resistant Circle Hook Chin Weight” or “Making The Weedless Shrimp.”

For video instructions on how to tye this rig, see:

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C-Hawk 23 Center Console

Length: 22’4” Beam: 8’ Draft: 12” Weight: 2430 lb.

Cockpit Depth: 22”

Fwd—20” Aft

Fuel Capacity: 66 Gal C-Hawk’s philosophy is to keep it simple. Many of the company’s models are workboats, built to withstand conditions harsher than most recreational boats will ever experience. Yet the design of all their boats— recreational and commercial—is enhanced by proven construction methods and craftsmanship that produce a battleship-tough vessel. The goal of each employee is to provide a quality product and many years of boating pleasure.

The C-Hawk 23 Center Console’s good looks hide the toughness of a battle-ready fishing machine. With a 14-degree deadrise hull, it shows off C-Hawk’s capabilities with a smooth ride in rough waters. This versatile boat is designed to be equally at home in bays, inlets and flats as well as offshore. It’s got an expansive casting platform and plenty of room to move around, while the large console offers a ton of storage space. The electronics box, switch panel and instrument panel give you all the control you need.

Add a T-Top and you’ve got a boat that’ll protect you from the elements, as well. The flat washboard appeals to commercial fisherman, and with a long list of optional accessories it makes for an exceptional recreational fishing boat, as well. Add a leaning post with cushion, grab bar and rod holders.

C-Hawk can even build one with a larger 95-gallon fuel tank and raw water wash down to enhance your fishing experience.

B

uffalo aren’t typically thought of as a game fish species. While they are a favorite for bowfishing, many conventional anglers might not even know they exist.

Hugh Newman, of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, would likely tell you these slow-moving bottom-feeders are well worth pursuing. He caught the new 66-pound, 3-ounce state record smallmouth buffalo in May, and the fight on 8-pound-test must have been exhilarating.

Newman’s tactics might not be the go-to if you choose to target buffalo. They are suckerfish and feed mostly on small bottom-dwelling critters and algae. Typically anglers fishing for buffalo use nightcrawlers, dough baits or cut bait. Newman caught his on a swimbait, while fishing southeast Oklahoma’s Broken Bow Lake.

The huge buffalo crushed the existing record of 44 pounds, 2 ounces, which has stood since 2007. IGFA’s All-Tackle World Record for smallmouth buffalo is 82 pounds, 3 ounces. That fish was caught from Athens Lake, Texas in 1993.

Maximum Hp: 225 H.P. Deadrise: 14 degrees Transom: 25”

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By Nick Carter

D

rift boats long ago earned their place in big-water trout fishing.

With an oarman steering anglers into range of fish as the boat hurtles downriver, they are an extremely efficient way of covering water and catching fish.

Drift boats are designed to go one direction: downstream. They track straight, and their light weight makes them agile in avoiding obstacles. They are awesome boats, an icon of the sport, but in many situations there’s a case to be made for the lowly aluminum jonboat in tailwater trout fishing.

Perhaps it’s not fair to refer to these vessels as lowly, or even as jonboats. River boats might be a better description of the tricked-out aluminum crafts on rivers these days. They might not have the classic look associated with fly fishing, but equipped correctly there are many advantages to a flat-bottomed aluminum boat.

Mobility: The most obvious advantage is the ability to move quickly upstream or down. Equipped with a conventional or jet outboard, there is no stretch of river the angler can’t reach. This removes the necessity for separate put-in and takeout locations. From a single put-in, miles of river are accessible, and if the fish aren’t biting where you are, just crank the motor and move.

Maneuverability: With its squared angles and flat bottom, a jonboat can’t match the straight-line tracking or agility of V-hulled boats on the drift. If left to its own nature, a jonboat would spin down the river. However, equipped with a rowing seat and oarlocks, it does a passable job of imitating the function of a driftboat, and that flat bottom is good in skinny situations. Let’s not forget the aluminum hull, which stands up to a serious beating.

A trolling motor at the bow can completely eliminate the need for rowing in many situations. Drifting stern-first downstream, a trolling motor with a remote can do almost anything a pair of oars can. The poor guy who was previously strapped to the oars can now fish and steer from the bow.

Stability: Leg braces are required to fly fish from drift boat. They can be equipped on a jonboat, but they’ll likely just be in the way. That wide, flat hull makes a jonboat stable. Even in rough water, it’s possible to stand on the deck and cast, turn around or do jumping jacks if you want. The ability to move around on a deck is a benefit that must be experienced to understand; it makes fishing easier and more comfortable.

Obviously, a flat-bottomed, aluminum boat isn’t suitable in all situations. But depending on where you fish, it is definitely worth considering. An added bonus is versatility. That jonboat is also perfect for throwing popping bugs at the lake.

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TIPS FROM A PRO

Finding And Fishing Summer Ledges

I

BRANDON LESTER

grew up fishing lakes known for large schools of bass that spend the summer months offshore.

When we get into the summer and the water temperature starts hitting 80 degrees, it is a safe bet that fish are going to be on offshore structure like ledges, humps and dropoffs. I start looking on main lake areas, on the lower half of the lake, where most of the good summer ledges are.

Using the mapping on my Lowrance electronics, I search for places that top out from 12 to 20 feet and drop down to anywhere from 50-60 feet.

Bass will start heading out there when the water gets to 70 degrees, but when it hits 80 they will definitely be out there. They spawn with a water temperature of 62 to 64 degrees, so as the water warms after the spawn they will start heading that way. Some fish stay shallow all year. The ones that move out will definitely be schooled up on the ledges as the temperatures approach 80 degrees.

The biggest deal is finding the depth range of the fish. When they first arrive on offshore structure, they like 12 to 17 feet.

The longer they’re there, the deeper they’ll move. It could take a week or a month, but they’ll drop down into 18 to 25 feet and

maybe even as deep as 30 feet. To find the depth range of the fish, I will graph and look for the bait and then the fish. Usually I can see the bass on my Raymarine units, but I will often fish around a big school of bait in case the bass are hiding right under the thick bait.

If I don’t see bait or bass, I won’t make a cast. Electronics are too good these days to fish places just because there were fish there at some point in the past. I always start with a moving bait, such as a deepdiving crankbait, to see if I can get the fish fired up. The biggest ones in the school will bite a crankbait.

I like a Strike King 6XD and 8XD fished on a MHX CB907 cranking rod that I built myself with supplies from Mud Hole. I always put new Mustad hooks on the baits.

I prefer #2 KVD Triple Grip trebles. I use 10- to 12-pound Vicious fluorocarbon for the 6XD and 15- to 17-pound on the 8XD. I like a slower 5:4:1 gear ratio reel to help crankbaits dive to their deepest depths.

When those fish start grouping up out on the ledges, you can really have a lot of fun. Hundred-fish days are possible, and I get excited just thinking about it. When that water temp gets close to 80, it is time to get out deep and get healthy in a hurry come tournament day.

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he big catfish are biting at Watts Bar Lake on the Tennessee River between Knoxville and Chattanooga, Tenn. Fifty-four teams of catfish anglers from 11 states converged May 3-5 to test their catfishing skills during a King Kat Tournament Trail Super Event presented by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s.

Competitors were vying for $16,000 in cash and prizes and an opportunity to qualify for the $120,000 Classic Championship to be held in November on Wheeler Lake at Decatur, Alabama.

A good bite on day one resulted in some good fish coming to the scales. The top four teams had more than 100 pounds, as Chris and David Roberson took a commanding lead with 146.56 pounds.

They also held the Big Kat lead with a 64.64-pound Tennessee River beast. The next closest team was Michael Jordan and Charlie Parsons with 117.70 pounds.

A big fish produced a come-from-behind win and back-to-back champs on Watts Bar. Mike Mitchell, Jackson Mitchell and Rick Sexton came from fifth place on day one to become repeat champions.

Last year’s winners brought a two-day total of 228.82 pounds to the scales to claim the win. Their day-two weight was aided by the second big fish of the tournament at 63.58 pounds, just a pound away from the Big Kat of the tournament.

Mike and Jackson, of Rogersville, Ala., and Rick from Helenwood, Tenn. earned $6,000 for first place.

They found their fish close to structure in the downtown Loudon area. Mike said the fish were relating to rock and wood structure where they tempted them with cut skipjack. They weighed in five flatheads and five blues for their 10-fish limit during the two-day tournament.

The runner-up spot went to Jared Coker, from Corryton, Tenn., and Terohn Heinrich, from Knoxville, Tenn. They moved up from fourth place on day one with a two-day weight of 217.98 pounds to earn a check for $2,600.

David and Darlene Hill claimed the third-place spot with 195.16 pounds. The Louisville, Tenn. team earned a check for $2,000.

Fourth place went to Chris Robinson, of Locust Grove, Ga., and David Robinson, of McDonough, Ga. They had a two-day total of 194.02 pounds that included the Big Kat of the tournament. The Big Kat was a flathead that weighed 64.64 pounds and gave Chris his new personal best. The team earned $1,100 for placing fourth, $1,100 for Big Kat, and $1,000 for the hotel bonus for staying at a Loudon County hotel.

Rounding out the top five and pulling out the comeback of the day was Carl Morris Jr., of Johnstown, Ohio, and Rob Parsons, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio. They rose from 25th place on day one with a weight of 65.22 to a two-day total weight of 180.48 pounds to earn fifth place and a check for $800.

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eff Bonawitz, of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, had already caught several 30 pounders from the Susquehanna River on April 6 and was running low on bait. He selected the biggest bluegill from the bait tank, and the fish that ate it turned out to be a 50-pound, 7-ounce new state record flathead catfish.

“I could tell it was big. It kept hanging down deep and when it finally came up to the top, we thought it might be a mermaid,” joked Bonawitz. “I’ve fished the Susquehanna for years, and I’ve never caught anything quite like it.”

It took 25 minutes to land the fish on an 8-foot, medium-action spinning rod loaded with 25-pound-test mono. Bonawitz kept the fish alive in an aerated container at his home until the following day. On April 7, the fish was officially weighed, setting a new state record for the species. The previous record, caught in 2006, weighed 48-pound, 6-ounces. There are several organizations that claim larger fish as the world record, but IGFA recognizes a 123-pound flathead caught from Elk City Reservoir in Kansas as the All-Tackle World Record.

Upon weighing the fish, Bonawitz with assistance from his nephew, Dylan, 8, released the catfish back to the Susquehanna River.

“It was such an amazing fish,” said Bonawitz. “I thought the best thing to do was put it back so that maybe the next guy could catch it. I have a feeling this record may not last very long.”

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RAPID PUMP 3 TON STEEL HEAVY DUTY LOW PROFILE FLOOR JACK Customer Rating NOW TEQ CORRECT $ 99

$ 99

MODEL: 300083999

ITEM 68146/61258/61297/63476/61840 shown

PSI

25% QUIETER

STANDARD RUN TIME

®

SAVE $ 100

COMPARE TO

99

135 Customer Rating

SUPER COUPON

$4 $

$

135 PSI 2X LIFE

STANDARD, 90 dBA

Not available in AZ, OH, OK, and VA.

ITEM 61454 69091/62803 63635/67847 shown

125 PSI STANDARD LIFE

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 10/3/19*

49

NOW

Customer Rating

20 GALLON OIL-LUBE AIR COMPRESSOR

*67122155 * 67122155

NOW

$49

189

ITEM 63584

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*67119704 * 67119704

2500 LB. ELECTRIC WINCH WITH WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL

!

COMPARE TO

*67112710 * 67112710 SUPER Customer Rating COUPON

PSI

99 $699

$ 99 ITEM 63135 61451 shown

125

NOW

$3 99

21 GALLON OIL-LUBE AIR COMPRESSOR

NOW

$1 799 $

2599

ITEM 69780/41005 shown

COMPARE TO

HIGHLAND $ 99

79

NOW

$39

99

NOW Customer Rating

SAVE 50% ITEM 69623/66983 shown59

MODEL: 1394500

$

99

COMPARE TO

EVERBILT

8

$ 97 MODEL: 18614

SAVE 66%

ITEM 61674/62761/47835 shown

$299 4

$ 99

*67170753 * 67170753

*67181384 * 67181384

*67186348 * 67186348

*67194253 * 67194253

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 10/3/19*

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 10/3/19*

LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 10/3/19*

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 10/3/19*

At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM I JUNE 2019 I past NATIONAL advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the 90 days. Prices advertised 25 by others

*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 10/3/19.

may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.

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5/1/19 3:26 PM

Start the new boating season off right with the Ultimate 4-Stroke Outboard from Suzuki. Buy during our Spring Sales Event and get Suzuki’s 3-Year Limited Warranty plus 3 years of Extended Protection at no extra charge.There are Instant Savings on select models, and Low-Rate Financing is also available. See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer for all the details.

3 Years Limited Warranty + 3 Years Extended Protection

Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 350 HP.

INST

ANT SAVIN GS SAV

SELECE RIGHT N T SUZ UKI O OW ON UTBO ARDS

REPOWER FINANCE

Instant Savings on select models when you buy during this promotion.

See your dealer for details.

Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards on approved credit.* [60 Months]

To learn more, visit www.suzukimarine.com.

Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 04/01/19 and 06/30/19 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 04/01/19 and 06/30/19. 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. (Suzuki will, in turn, credit Dealer’s parts account.) There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees.

Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 04/01/19 and 06/30/19. “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. © 2019 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

26

NATIONAL

I

JUNE 2019

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3/15/19 2:26 PM

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Access our Dealer Locator and find an authorized dealer near you today. optimusportal.com/locator-ss

Set Your

DESTINATION and

SeaWays is the autopilot upgrade to the Optimus 360 system, and is included FREE with SeaStation.

seastarsolutions.com

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