Coastal Angler Magazine | July 2022 | Boston Edition

BOSTON EDITION

George K. Regan, Jr. Publisher Boston Edition

FREE

Julie Kahn Executive Vice President/ Strategy, Sports & Media

SUNGLASSES • LOCAL FISHING REPORTS & CATCH PHOTOS VOLUME 11 • ISSUE 113

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/BOSTON

JULY 2022

Experience Watauga River Home of world class fishing on the beautiful Watauga Lake, rugged Doe River and designated trophy trout stream, Watauga River

Watauga Lake Doe River PLAN YOUR TRIP AT TOURCARTERCOUNTY.COM

Protect your baby (and their toys) with coverage for fishing gear and personal property too.

1- 8 0 0 -PROG RE S S IVE / PROG RE S S IVE .COM

Progressive Casualty Insurance Co. & affiliates. Additional charge may apply. Prices vary based on how you buy.

Shhhhh. No wake zone.

Im

Join peo

P360-COAS-FP-JAN-2021-OUTLINED.indd 1

1/12/2021 12:00:28 PM

12:00:28 PM

For the Man Who Gives Everything and Expects Nothing I

f you’re anything like my dad, you give your family everything.

Your name, your time, your values — the people in your life know they can depend on you for practically anything. In exchange for imparting all of this energy and experience, you expect nothing in return.

® Staueler Price

ImpossibLY ON

$79

The point? You deserve to treat yourself once in a while.

You do so much for the people you care about. Now it’s time to focus on you for just a few minutes. That’s where the Men’s Due Volta Watch comes in. This astonishing innovation provides a digital readout that’s powered by a precise quartz engine, combining both analog and digital timekeeping.

Outfitted with a stopwatch, alarm, a.m./ p.m. settings, and day, date and month complications, this timepiece stands out from the crowd. With its large face and handsome, masculine design, this watch is perfect for the back nine and the happy hour afterwards. Water-resistant up to 3 ATM, this timepiece won’t wimp out if you have a run-in with a water hazard.

Other hybrid watches can sell for thousands of dollars, but because we’ve built more than 1 million watches, we know how to create real value. That’s why we can offer this timepiece for just $79! If you’re not completely satisfied with this watch, return it for a full refund.

Act quickly! This one-of-a-kind watch has been one of our fastest sellers this year. Of our original run of 2,872, we only have 389 left for this ad! In the last couple of years there’s been a watch shortage, but Stauer has got you covered. If you’re the kind of man who gives everything and expects nothing in return, it’s time to treat yourself.

Watch Specifications: •Complications: stopwatch, alarm, a.m./p.m. settings, and day, date and month • Precision movement chronograph • Stainless steel caseback and crown • Water-resistant to 3 ATM

Join more than 1 million smart people who own stauer watches

Men’s Due Volta Watch $399

$79* + S&P Save $320

*Special price only for customers using the offer code.

1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Offer Code: DVW137-01 Stauer, 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. DVW137-01, Burnsville, MN 55337 www.stauer.com

Stauer® |

AFFORD THE EXTRAORDINARY

®

FRANCHISOR-CORPORATE DIRECTORY

EDITOR IN CHIEF : Ben Martin • camads@coastalanglermagazine.com COO : Tracy Patterson • tracy@coastalanglermagazine.com ART DIRECTOR : Laura Kelly • graphics@coastalanglermagazine.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR : Nick Carter • editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com WEBMASTER : Ryan Clapper • webmaster@coastalanglermagazine.com ADVERTISING & FRANCHISE INQUIRIES:

info@coastalanglermagazine.com • 321.777.2773 FRANCHISE DIRECTORY LINK

www.coastalanglermag.com/directory

Franchise Opportunities Now Available If you love the outdoors and dream of being in business for yourself, now is the time to choose a Coastal Angler or The Angler Magazine Franchise.

Established Brand • Proven Systems Training & Ongoing Support Work From Home • Be Your Own Boss • • • • • • • • • •

Alabama Connecticut/Rhode Island Charlotte, NC Destin/Pensacola, FL - SOLD! Georgia (Coastline, Savannah) Lake Erie, Ohio - SOLD! Lake Michigan Long Island, NY New Jersey Okeechobee, FL - SOLD!

• • • • • •

Miami, FL - SOLD! Panama City, FL - SOLD! Tallahassee, FL/SW GA New Hampshire New Orleans, LA North Carolina (Raleigh, Wilmington) • South Carolina (Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach) • Texas (Coastal, Houston) • ...YOUR HOMETOWN!

Don’t see your location? Ask one of our specialists about franchise availability in your area.

321.777.2773

info@coastalanglermagazine.com

franchise.coastalanglermag.com

4 NATIONAL

JULY 2022

’GILLS, ERS ’CRACK

e m i t r e Summ AND

By Nick Carter

E

!

N U F

very now and then, it’s good to rediscover what ushered you into fishing in the first place. For many of us, it all began with small ponds and eager bream. The simplicity of just catching fish, without concern for size or species, is a pursuit that brings back a certain child-like joy. It’s even more fun when you take a kid. Witnessing the light of discovery and pride pass over a child’s face turns untangling lines and dodging errant casts into a labor of love.

It doesn’t need to be difficult.

If you time it right and have a good place to go, it’s easy to load a stringer full of fat bluegills or redear sunfish in a hurry. They are easy to clean, and they are delicious dredged in a seasoned cornmeal-flour mixture and fried crispy.

The traditional preparation is to behead them, gut them and scale them, which yields those great crunchy fins. They can also be filleted for folks who don’t like picking through bones, and the resulting bream nuggets make tasty fish sandwiches or tacos.

Throughout the spring and summer, bluegills return to the beds to spawn around each full moon. They spawn in groups, so their fanned-out beds look like honeycombs on the shallow bottom. Shallow flats with a sand or gravel bottom are the preferred areas, and they pile up on these beds for three days or so on either side of the full moon. In all but the most dingy water, you can see the beds on the bottom. Once you find them, the same spots will provide fast action year after year.

A cricket under a bobber and a long cane pole is probably the way your grandfather yanked ’gills off the beds. If your young angler is competent with an ultralight spinning combo, a 1/32-oz. crappie jig can also be deadly when reeled steadily across the beds. Fly rodders can wear them out with a small popping bug or small streamer.

Redear sunfish, also known as shellcrackers, can be more difficult to locate and catch than bluegills, but it’s worth it once you find them. They are the heavyweights of the bream world and regularly grow up to a pound or two.

They fight very hard on light tackle.

Shellcrackers spawn in early spring and prefer similar areas to bluegills, only deeper. Their beds can be difficult to find because they are usually too deep to see, and they don’t spawn throughout the summer. When they are on the beds they are very aggressive and will hit small jigs, spinners and flies.

When they move off the beds, it’s time to switch to live bait.

Shellcrackers feed near the bottom on snails and mollusks. After the spawn, they move off the banks to feed around grass or submerged structure like stumps and treetops. A red-wiggler, either slowly dragged across the bottom with some split-shot or a lightweight dropshot rig are both effective for ’crackers. Once you find one, you can usually find several.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

e

fishing d eager size or ore fun over a of love.

ringer d they crispy. which o don’t ty fish

spawn ds look gravel e days ou can rovide

y your nt with when small

locate are the or two.

uegills, lly too ey are d flies.

er the ucture ss the ffective

Red Snapper

The Official Fish of Summer Vacation

By CAM Staff

R

ed snapper should be the official fish of summer vacation. These hard-fighting and delicious reef fish are the traditional driving force behind the Gulf of Mexico charter fishing industry. The season dates are set to align with the arrival of tourists seeking fun in the sun, and whether you’re pulling your own boat to the Gulf for a week-long fishing expedition or you plan to hire a captain for a day on the water with the kids, here’s a state-by-state look at what you need to know to get in on the action.

Non-stainless steel circle hooks are required when fishing with natural baits. At least one de-hooking device is required and must be used to remove hooks. A descending device or venting tool that is rigged and ready for use is required when fishing for reef fish in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Federal For-Hire Season

TESY OF MAND Y TILLMAN

Gear

PHOTO COUR

Gulf-wide, most of the recreational catch of Gulf red snapper comes from federal waters, which begin 9 miles offshore for purposes of reef fish management. Charter operations targeting red snapper and other reef fish in federal waters must have a federal for-hire reef fish permit to fish federal waters.

The 2022 red snapper season for federally permitted vessels began June 1 and will close on Aug. 19. The bag limit is two fish per person with a 16-inch minimum length limit. Captain and crew may not retain a bag limit.

Each state sets its own regulations for private anglers in state and federal waters as well as for charter boats in state waters.

FLORIDA: Florida’s season opened June 17 and will run through July 31. Florida has also set aside the following weekends for snapper harvest in fall: Oct. 8-9, Oct. 15-16, Oct. 22-23, Nov. 11-13 and Nov. 25-27. The bag limit is two fish per person, per day with a 16-inch minimum length.

The open season includes the These seasons apply to recreational anglers fishing from private vessels Monday of Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. The season in Florida Gulf state and federal waters. For-hire operations that do not have will remain open until recreational landings approach Louisiana’s allocation. a federal reef fish permit may also participate in the season but are limited to Anglers must have a Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP) to fishing for red snapper in state waters only. All anglers who intend to fish for fish for or possess red snapper and electronically report their catch via the or harvest certain reef fish, including red snapper, from a private vessel are ROLP app or the ROLP website. required to obtain the State Reef Fish Angler designation.

MISSISSIPPI: Mississippi’s red snapper season opened for private ALABAMA: The season for private and state-licensed charter vessels recreational anglers and state for-hire vessels on May 27, with a mid-season opened May 27 in Alabama state and federal waters. The season consists of closure date of July 4. The mid-season closure allows for compilation of four-day weekends, Friday through Monday, until the private angler quota landings to examine a potential season extension. is projected to be met. The daily bag limit is two per person, per day with a The season will be open seven days a week in both state and federal waters minimum size limit of 16 inches. and will close if the annual catch target for recreational anglers is reached.

One angler per vessel, per trip is required to report through the MDMR Alabama uses Snapper Check to monitor landings during the season and provide weekly updates at outdooralabama.com. Anglers must have an Tails n’ Scales system. The daily bag limit is two fish per person with a 16-inch length limit.

Alabama Gulf Reef Fish Endorsement.

The owner or operator of each vessel is required to complete one landing TEXAS: The private recreational angler red snapper season in federal report per trip through Snapper Check prior to removing red snapper from waters of Texas opened June 1. Red snapper fishing is open year-round in the boat or the boat from the water. Red snapper caught from non-powered state waters. The bag limit in federal waters is two fish per person daily, with vessels, piers and the shoreline are also required to be reported through a 16-inch minimum size limit. In state waters, the limit is four fish per person Snapper Check. A landing report may be submitted through Snapper Check daily with a 15-inch minimum. Red snapper caught in federal waters count in the Outdoor AL app, which is available at outdooralabama.com. as part of the state bag limit. No more than two red snapper in federal waters LOUISIANA: The season opened May 27 in state and federal waters of and four red snapper in state waters may be in your possession while fishing.

Louisiana. It will run weekends only (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) with a For more information, go to gulfcouncil.org. daily bag limit of three per person and a 16-inch minimum size limit.

6 NATIONAL JULYfish 2022 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

90

f

A True American Classic!

Get Morgan Silver Dollars by the Pound!

It’s been more than 100 years since the last Morgan Silver Dollar was struck for circulation. The most revered, most-collected vintage U.S. Silver Dollars ever, the Morgan had a well-earned reputation as the coin that helped build the Wild West. Cowboys, ranchers, outlaws... they all preferred “hard currency” Morgan Silver Dollars in their saddle bags, to flimsy paper money favored by Easterners at the time.

These 90% Silver Dollars were minted from 1878 to 1904, then again in 1921. They came to be known by the name of their designer, George T. Morgan, and they were also nicknamed “cartwheels” because of their large weight and size.

Fewer Than 15% of Morgans Still Exist

Sadly, coin experts estimate that fewer than 15% of all Morgan Silver Dollars ever minted still exist today, due to the ravages of time and to U.S. government legislation that authorized the melting of hundreds of millions of Morgan Silver Dollars for their fine silver.

Our buyers are constantly on the lookout for Morgans and we’ve assembled a limited supply of these desirable Silver Dollars. Which is how we’re able to give you the opportunity to add them to your collection...by the pound!

Get Morgan Silver Dollars by the Pound!

That’s right! You can get a full pound of 1878 to 1921 classic American Morgan Silver Dollars—all in very good collector condition, with fully-visible dates and mint marks—GUARANTEED! Simply call 1-877-564-6468 to learn more and secure collector-grade U.S. Morgan Silver Dollars, the coins that built the Wild West, by the pound. PLUS, receive a BONUS American Collectors Pack, valued at $25, FREE with every order. Call now, before our limited supply is gone, gone, gone!

FREE SHIPPING! Limited time only. Standard domestic shipping only.

Not valid on previous purchases.

SPECIAL CALL-IN ONLY OFFER

Call 877-564-6468 Offer Code PKA149-01 GovMint.com • 1300 Corporate Center Curve , Dept PKA149-01, Eagan, MN 55121 Dates will vary. GovMint.com® is a retail distributor of coin and currency issues and is not affiliated with the U.S. government. The collectible coin market is unregulated, highly speculative and involves risk. GovMint.com reserves the right to decline to consummate any sale, within its discretion, including due to pricing errors. Prices, facts, figures and populations deemed accurate as of the date of publication but may change significantly over time. All purchases are expressly conditioned upon your acceptance of GovMint.com’s Terms and Conditions (www.govmint.com/ terms-conditions or call 1-800-721-0320); to decline, return your purchase pursuant to GovMint. com’s Return Policy. © 2022 GovMint.com. All rights reserved.

Actual size is 38.1 mm

r Dollars 90% Silve ound! by the P

BONUS

American Collectors Pack $25 Value–FREE with every order

A+

A DV E N T U R E R WA T C H W I T H F R E E S U N G L A S S E S ADVENTURER RED THUNDER OR BLUE LIGHTNING

•Stylish Sports Watch •Comfortable Silicone Band •Chronograph Quartz MVMT •Matching UV400 Sunglasses •Presentation Case

W I T H F R E E UV400 SUNGLASSES

This is just the thing to keep you, prompt, punctual, and always in style. A comfort silicone strap with a textured dial and multi-leveled minutes, hours, and seconds subdials, adds the designer edge to this timepiece.

Our Adventurer set wouldn’t be complete without the complimentary UV400 aviator style sunglasses. This marries designer sports styling with excellent quality and luxurious detailing.

Available in Red or Blue with FREE matching sunglasses.

MAIN FEATURED WATCH ADVENTURER: RED THUNDER WATCH WITH FREE SUNGLASSES $99 PLUS S&H

4 interest-free payments of with

ALSO AVAILIBLE ADVENTURER: BLUE LIGHTNING WATCH WITH FREE SUNGLASSES $99 PLUS S&H

T H E P E R F EC T WATC H W I T H M ATC H I N G F R E E S U N G L A SS N OW O N SP EC I A L O F F E R !

FO R

O N LY $ 99

The Daniel Steiger

ADVENTURER MEN'S WATCH & SUNGLASSES NON OFFER PRICE $599 (WITHOUT PROMO CODE)

83% OFF NOW ONLY $99 PLUS S&H (WITH PROMO CA2JAD) ORDER NOW TOLL FREE 24/7 ON

1-800 733 8463

PROMO CODE: CA2JAD

OR ORDER ONLINE AT timepiecesusa.com/ca2jad

Timepieces Int Inc, 10701 NW 140th Street, Suite 1, Hialeah Gardens, Fl. 33018

LURES

T H E S PI R I T OF ADVENTURE

R N-

LURES

TYPES OF LONG-DISTANCE LURES

L

ong-casting lures are not limited to one shape or style, and that is a good thing.

Distance is sometimes important in reaching fish, and a specific action or type of lure is important in convincing them to bite. Here’s a look at several lure styles and the pros and cons of fishing them.

Diamond Jig: The first longdistance lure ever was likely the diamond jig and other elongated metal spoons. Originally designed for handline jigging, it just turned out that this lure’s shape allows it to cut through the air to reach great distances.

This one is always worth carrying.

It allows you to cover a lot of water and cast in high winds pretty well.

This said, the diamond jig being made of metal makes the lure size relatively small compared to its weight. It’s not the best option when fish are looking for larger prey.

Topwater: Nothing is more exciting and eye opening than topwater action. When water explodes with snapping mouths as predators gobble prey on top, it gives you an obvious target to cast a lure to. Poppers, pencils, chuggers and walkers all belong to the noble

TEE H

or a fast retrieve. In most situations, I prefer topwaters that sink at rest. They draw those exciting topwater strikes, and they regularly achieve 50 percent or longer cast distance than PATRICK SEBILE floating lures.

Swimming Plugs: This category includes race of lures that we all love just about anything with swimming action. I to fish because they are fun, group billed minnows, hard swimbaits, darters, especially when you can cast bottleneck swimplugs and others into this to fish that are feeding actively and visibly. category. I do not, however, consider soft-plastic swimbaits such as a paddletail/jigheads to be distancecasting lures.

Like topwaters, floating versions of these plugs are common, but they limit the distance you can cast. Longdistance “rocket” or “bullet” models are typically heavier and sink at rest.

They have the ability to reach fish far from the boat or shore, and they will also draw strikes right at your feet.

A key point about sinking distance-dedicated lures is they cast much better into wind than floating models, and this matters because the bite is often best—especially for large fish—when the wind is in your face and the water is white.

Next issue we’ll dig into the Floating topwater lures are traditional, but appendices and lure designs for long distance. they don’t cast the farthest. Some topwaters Legendary angler Patrick Sebile is a world are designed to be fished at the surface, rather than on top of it. These sinking and/or heavily record holder and an award-winning designer loaded lures significantly improve range, and of innovative lures and fishing gear. Check out his creations at abandofanglers.com. they can be worked on top thanks to design

YOUR RODS. YOUR WAY. Elevate your fishing game with custom built rods.

MUDHOLE.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JULY 2022

NATIONAL 9

B

39TH NASSAU SPORT FISHING ASSOCIATION KINGFISH TOURNEY IS AUG. 6

ig-time kingfish tournament action returns to Fernandina Beach, Fla. this August with the 39th Annual Nassau Sport Fishing Association Kingfish Tournament and Fishing Rodeo. This Southern Kingfish Association-sanctioned event is slated for Saturday, Aug. 6 with Fernandina Harbor Marina as headquarters.

There’s up to $10,000 on the line for first place in the Kingfish Division, and with eight different species in inshore and offshore divisions of the rodeo, there’s a shot at the leaderboard no matter what style of fishing you prefer. There are also Single Engine Boat,HOURS: Lady Angler and Youth Angler Divisions.

FISHING For Division, early bird entry is just $350 6:30the AM Kingfish – 5 PM through July2-5 15.

WEIGH-IN: WEIGH 5 PMThe entry fee rises to $400 from July 16 through AWARDS:Aug. 7 PM4. The on-site fee is $450. For the Rodeo Division, early bird entry is just $100 through July 15. Then it’s PUBLIC INVITED/FOOD NVITED/FOOD $125 through Aug. 4 and $150 on-site. Anglers may choose to ENTERTAINMENT fish either division or both, so make your plans and get ready for SILENT AUCTION one of the hottest tournaments of the season.

Boat numbers will be issued Friday Aug. 5 from 3 to 7 p.m., and then $ at 7 p.m. at Fernandina Harbor ST will be held INGFISH a mandatory IVISIONcaptains meeting LACE (BASED ON 100 PAID BOATS WITH 80% PAYOUTa.m. ) Marina.

Fishing begins at 6:30 on Saturday, Aug. 6, with all boats SINGLE ENGINErequired BOATback , LADY NGLER OUTH ANGLER at theAdocks

by AND 5 p.m.YThe public is invited to come take part in THROUGH food, live entertainment and Asilent as boats EARLY BIRD ENTRY IS $350 JULY 15 TH . T HEN $400 THROUGH UGUST 4auctions TH , T HEN $450 ON-SITE.and fish return to the docks for the weigh-in. The scales open at 2 p.m. The awards ceremony will begin after weigh-ins.

ODEO IVISION PECIES AID Proceeds from the tournament go to benefit the Nassau Sport Fishing (BASED ON 100 PAID BOATS WITH 80% PAYOUT) Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and ST ND in the Nassau County promoting area while adhering to $ saltwater fishing $ LACE LACE state, federal and local regulations, to encourage compliance with rules of EARLY BIRD ENTRY IS $100 THROUGH JULY 15 . THEN members $125 THROUGHand AUGUST , THEN $150 ON-SITEand . to promote youth water safety byTHclub the4THgeneral public, related community activities. If you or your company are interested in becoming a sponsor for this event, contact NSFA at Info@nsfafish.net.

NSFA meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at Kraft Athletic Club on Amelia Island. Anyone interested in joining should visit the website at NSFAFISH.net.

K

D

–1 P

10,000

R

D

–8S

P

1 P

- 650 2

P

- 350

For more information or to register for the tournament, go to NSAFISH.net.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DEANNA PRITCHARD MORTGAGE SERVCES

For details and to register visit www.nsfafish.net/rodeo Pick upNS your boat August MPA 5 from 3 to 7 p.m.

YOUR C E N TE R CO Onumber L EFriday,CO N ION Mandatory Captains Meeting at 7 p.m. at Fernandina Harbor Marina

TWICE-FOLDING T-TOPS

Scan to re ! mo learn

10 NATIONAL

JULY 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

GEICO.COM/BOAT • 1-800-865-4846 • LOCAL OFFICE GREAT LOW RATES | MULTI-VEHICLE DISCOUNT | SPECIALIZED AGENTS Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2022 GEICO. 21_782312631

BAMA BOAT THREE-PEATS AT MGCBC

By Capt. Dave Lear

O

wner/angler Nick Pratt, Capt. Chris Hood and the It Just Takes Time team swept the blue marlin divisions by weighing the only qualifier during the 2022 Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic. The 763.6-pound blue gave the team an unprecedented third consecutive win.

That feat has never been accomplished in the 26-year history of the Classic or in any other Gulf Coast big game tournament.

It Just Takes Time, a 72 Viking based in Orange Beach, Ala., took home a payout of $630,985 for the marlin tournament award, crew division and all

marlin optional entry categories. The total prize purse this year’s event was $1.36 million.

Quantified, a 64 Spencer with Capt. Justin Drummond at the helm, had an impressive showing, too. Angler Cyler Pape wound in the top dolphin at 37 pounds and the team released three sailfish and three white marlin to score 1,500 points in the release division. With tournament and optional entries, the team earned a payout of $140,060.

The top release boat with four blue marlin on its ledger (2,400 points) was Ramble On, a 67 Billy Horton run by Capt. Shannon Allman. With an optional dolphin entry (25.9 pounds), the team won $120,170 for the tournament.

Shock Wave, a 69 Spencer with Capt. Shelby Johnson on the throttles, scored three blue marlin in the release division, good for a check totaling $47,025 in optional entries.

Sunrise, a 53 Guthrie (Capt. Billy Blount) also had three blue marlin releases, along with the third-place dolphin (Chris King/32.8 pounds), a 102.4-pound tuna and a wahoo optional, good for a $42,065 payout.

Angler Drew Phillips outlasted a yellowfin tuna weighing 206.9 pounds after a 45-minute fight. Phillips was fishing aboard Second Wind, a 72 F&S run by Capt. Marlin Brown. The team earned $36,695 for that record catch.

Rising Sons’ two optional entry tuna (52.1 and 50.9 pounds) paid out $34,650 for angler Evan Crochet and Capt. Toby Berthelot and the team.

Rising Sons is a 58 Viking based in Orange Beach.

Capt. Dennis Bennett and the Destin team aboard Salt Shaker (58 Viking) capitalized on two blues and a white marlin release in the Catch and Release Division. That score earned the team $32,760.

Owner/angler Timothy O’Brien on Panhandler scored the second-place dolphin at 36.1 pounds. Capt. Nick Millsap was at the helm of the 63 Hatteras.

With the tournament award and optional entries, that fish was worth $22,864.

Iona Louise was the first boat to weigh on Saturday and the 52.5-pound wahoo they hoisted aloft held on to take first place in the division. Capt. Clip Hopkins runs the 58 Hatteras and Christopher Nolan for the angler.

A total of 73 boats and 360 anglers competed in the 2022 MGCBC. The fleet caught 56 blue marlin, eight white marlin and three sailfish. In the game fish categories, 29 yellowfin tuna were weighed, along with eight dolphin and five wahoo.

For complete results, see mgcbc.com.

Confidence at hand

Utilizing wireless communication between wearable fobs, an engine hub and your mobile device, the 1st Mate system combines boat safety with convenience while providing a safe alternative to the traditional mechanical emergency stop switch and lanyard.

Winner of two CES Innovation Awards!

Use promocode CA2022 at Fellmarine.com to receive a special offer!

Complies with new USCG regulation regarding mandatory emergency lanyard use 12 NATIONAL

JULY 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

George K. Regan, Jr. Publisher Boston Edition

Julie Kahn President, Regan Marketing & Media

You Might Be a Canal Rat If...

By East End Eddie

www.johndoblephotography.com

The legendary Cape Cod Canal has long been famous for striped bass fishing where generations of surfcasters have wet a line for well over a century.

A special breed of angler fishes these tides in an extremely unique location featuring swift current in deep water within casting distance from shore, thus You might be a Canal Rat if…

You check the tide tables before confirming an RSVP for a family cookout The girl at the Dunkin Donuts drive thru near Red Top has your order memorized

You can’t remember your social Most family photos show you security number, but you do wearing a headlamp know what time Maco’s opens in the morning You go to bed on winter nights and close your eyes thinking You know all the words to the about the first cast of spring chants recited by the Mass Maritime cadets running behind The Center for Disease Control you on the service road reports an outbreak of mono, but you think it’s some kind of a Somehow you have convinced your wife that the best place in problem with fishing line America to buy a house is right on the Cape Cod Canal

You keep forgetting your zip code, but you never forget to bring your tape measure The song “Will the Circle be Unbroken” conjures up images of circle hooks The sight of your 4 year old granddaughter’s hair in a braid reminds you to buy some 40 pound test

The noise from a screaming drag with a heavy fish on the line You wonder why the heavy rain Vacationers at the Bourne Sce- sounds better to you than just and 60 MPH wind is making about anything nic Park see you so often that other guys give up, leave their they invite you in for breakfast fishing spots and go home You don’t know your own blood You yearn to hear the cry of the type, but you do know when the Sunglasses are stored in your proud rooster in the west end tide will be turning east surf bag for later because you announcing sun up just don’t need them at 2AM Math wasn’t your best subject in If somebody parks in your usu- school, but you are sure of the Canal Bait & Tackle is your al spot at the Herring Run other gear ratio and line retrieve rate anglers wonder where you are home away from home for your spinning reel Your wife accepts that the left side of the freezer is reserved for frozen bait

A presidential candidate hailed as a strong leader makes you think of 50 pound fluorocarbon

New bridge construction plans bring joy to those sick of traffic, Meeting a new guy named Leo causes you to think of bacon and but your first thoughts are of eggs You don’t know your own blood potential fishing disruption pressure, but you do know the Your 3 year old grandson ring- Breaking news on TV is never Canal spots that get the most ing a bell makes you to think of as good as breaking fish on the pressure Bell Road ditch You schedule all physician and Your family ran out of little Your surfcasting rod is suspenddental appointments for the wire hooks to hang Christmas ed on the inside of your vehicle winter months tree ornaments, but you saved to protect the guides when you the day by handing out VMCs hit a bump in the road You can carry on a conversation with a buddy safely as you Your vehicle is so full of fishing Your idea of a cow has nothing descend down along the rip rap gear that there is no room for to do with a farm slippery rocks to the water any passengers

Your car was stolen, but you were more upset that there was a new bag of Hurley Canal Killers sitting on the front seat You have already asked your wife to have your cremated remains relinquished into the Canal on a west tide so that the current will bring you into Buzzards Bay to greet the migrating stripers in spring Doherty, a retired Massachusetts District Court Clerk-Magistrate, surf casts for striped bass along the Canal and is the author of SEVEN MILES AFTER SUNDOWN.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

|

JULY 2022

|

BOSTON 1

EDITORIAL

(Cont

Striper Summer Patterns

By Jared Wood

July is upon us and the cows are beginning to take up residence in their local haunts.

Last month we saw veracious feeds up and down the coast as the fish marched northward. The recipe for success in July is finding the magic window of when those bass want to feed whereas the month prior almost any stage of the tide you could find fish willing to take your offering.

This month I go through my prior years' logs to formulate a plan to put myself in the best position to catch. My log is detail oriented with the stage of the tide, wind, water temperature, weather, location, size of bass, bait, and plugs used. All of these key details allow you to put a game plan together that will hopefully be rewarded with the fish of a lifetime.

When keying into the summer feeding patterns you can dial in productive times to be on the water. Some instances the window these fish come in to feed can be short lived

result. The same holds true for striper fishing with figuring out if the wind is blowing south west on an incoming tide the bass will be staging behind the boulders tucked out of the current and if I cast my darter digging it into the current it will sweep right over the boulder to bass looking for a meal. Every time you hit the surf it is a new puzzle to solve. Don’t just cast blindly in hopes of hooking up. Use the details laid before and make a well executed cast that you expect to have results with.

Granted not every cast is going to catch a fish but having the confidence that you are throwing your best presentaand others it can be drawn tion into the right scenarios out through the tide. Having is going to increase your surf multiple spots that you can success. hit during your time in the surf will benefit you. Finding Fishing at night or the early these locations sometimes morning hours before the sun takes a few years of trial and comes up will benefit your error with a little luck thrown success in the surf during the in to be able to have a few summer. When the sun is high spots. Some areas have mul- the water close to shore heats tiple spots that the fish will up quickly. As soon as the sun stage and take advantage of sets the water temp will drop. the tide and structure. Other Even a degree or two in temspots are a spot within a spot perature change will entice the such as an exposed mussel bass to come in tight to shore. bed, a reef, a couple of boul- Big bass use the cover of darkders along a sandy stretch. ness to pick off unsuspecting Find that spot by reading the prey in the shallows. They will water and mapping it out. use the cuts, troughs, sandWatching how the current bars, and rocks as ambush flows, the wave action, and plugs swim around it will help you decide the best spot to fish it from. These observations will aid you in packing your plug bag so that you are not too overloaded and have the right tools for the night.

The summer feeding pattern is like solving a puzzle. When you are putting the pieces together you can see the end

22 BOSTON JULY 2022 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM BOSTON | JULY 2022 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

points. The best time to find these areas is during the daylight hours scouting out your location. At low tide you can find the structure to come back and focus your efforts under the cover of darkness.

The full moon July 13th and new moon July 28th are times to devote to your time in the surf. Fishing 3 days prior through the new or full moon phase to 3 days after will put you in a position to find fish.

These tides are stronger and move a lot of water, opening different structures for the bass to take a position to crush unsuspecting prey. Use a couple of vacation days to spend some quality time on the water. Make the most of the time that you have fishing during the month around the moon phases.

Be mobile the best that you can. Lay out a plan to hit certain spots during certain phases of the tide. Working your way around a boulder field can be difficult at night but those bass love the boulders. Dissect the section of water in front of you making sure you have covered every boulder or hole that you have found. If nothing happens, move down and repeat the process. Fishing

the i those strip the s bass ing and w with cover

The great sun ing y troug a goo durin der t move ing o any ing r Fishi to co work utes

We fish

Me 43

6:4 $5.

ww

o find dayyour u can come fforts ness.

h and times n the prior moon ll put d fish. r and opens for on to y. Use ys to me on ost of shing d the

t you o hit ertain rking ulder night boulon of makvered that thing and shing

EDITORIAL (Continued from Page 2)

the incoming tide covers up those boulders allowing the stripers to come in and hunt the shallows. I have seen the bass come in and out weaving through the boulders and weeds searching for food with barely enough water to cover them.

The open sand beaches are great areas to target when the sun has gone down. Working your way along the cuts, troughs, bars as you walk is a good way to find the bass during the moon phases. Under the cover of dark the bass move into the shallows feeding on sand eels, crabs, and any unsuspecting fish seeking refuge tight to the beach.

Fishing the sand allows you to cover a lot of ground. I will work in an area for 15 minutes and if nothing happens I

will make my way down the beach. Watching how the water is moving and listening to it can reveal where you should make your next cast.

Try to keep the use of your lights to a minimum. If you need light shine it away from the water or use a red light.

When the bass are in tight to the beach even a brief blast of light on the water can scatter the fish ending any chance you might have had.

a danny plug because those nights when bass want a slow rolled danny on the surface it is a violent hit. Needlefish are great fish catchers and you can fit 3 or 4 in a tube in your bag allowing you to have a few color options.

Minnow plugs are great fish catchers. They have a tight wiggle, hold pretty well in the current, and match a wide variety of baitfish. Rounding out the plug is a smattering of bucktails and rubbers on lead heads. By keeping your bag light and simple it will allow you to focus your fishing efforts and not change plugs as often. There are multiple retrieves to each of the plugs in the bag. Just changing the retrieve allows for different presentations for each plug.

of July switching from fishing to night time you will see an increase in the size of the stripers you are targeting.

Those daytime surface feeds are fun and fish them until your arms fall off. If you really want to target large stripers, switching the time of day you fish puts you into a better position to tangle with the fish of a lifetime.

Forgo staying in that nice comfy bed and put some miles on your boots.

Packing your plug bag for the moon phases and areas you Jared Wood is a surfcaster fish can sometimes be stresswho fishes from Maine to ful. Keeping simple with Connecticut. Targeti Striped plugs you have confidence Bass, Bluefish, Albies, and in as well as matching the Bonito in the surf. He can be forage in the area is a start. found on Instagram as My plug bag for July always surfcaste`r_jared. For any has two Super Strike darters questions he can bereached at opposite ends of the colat jaredwood25@gmail.com. or spectrum. I always have When it comes to the month

Plum Island Surfcasters

Sales Representative Coastal Angler Magazine, Boston

We take the summer off from club meetings and will be out fishing. Meetings will resume on September 20, 2022.

Meet at Salisbury Hilton Senior Center (behind the fire station), 43 Lafayette Road (Route 1), Salisbury, MA 01952

JOB TYPE: PART-TIME REQUIRED EXPERIENCE: FISHING & SALES Coastal Angler Magazine, Boston, a company of Regan Communications Group, has an immediate opening for a Sales Representative for our Boston location.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

6:45 pm | fishing seminar at 8:00 pm $5.00 Admission for Public | Free for All Club Members

• • • • • • •

www.plumislandsurfcasters.org

REQUIREMENTS: • • •

Selling all advertising (both print and web) Directing content development (for print, website and social media) Procuring and editing copy from 5-8 writers monthly Managing the layout and collaborating on graphic design Creating concept and copy for print ads Delivering and managing the distribution of 10,000 copies monthly Maintaining all vendor/client relationships

A keen knowledge of the fishing industry.

At least two years of sales experience.

Candidate must be able to work effectively in a demanding and fast-paced environment.

For more details contact: Ashley Boiardi aboiardi@regancomm.com 617-488-2842

Now Hiring COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

| JULY JULY2022 2022 |

BOSTON 33 BOSTON

B O S T O N I M A R T H A’ S V I N E YA R D I N A N T U C K E T

LOOKING FOR THE BEST WAY TO EXPERIENCE BOSTON THIS SUMMER? ON THE WATER OF COURSE! BLOCK ISLAND I PROVINCETOWN B O S T O N I M A R T H A’ S V I N E YA R D I N A N T U C K E T NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND BLOCK ISLAND I PROVINCETOWN

“Fish ways given stepd four for th the b know and s not k

NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND

The PR PRINCESS is a luxurious 44 foot Jeanneau Sun Odyssey with more than 328 The PR PRINCESS is a luxurious 44 foot square feet of sail, she sleeps 6 and is perfect Jeanneau Sun Odyssey with more than 328 for up to 8 guests. A thoroughbred from stem to square feet of sail, she sleeps 6 and is perfect stern, she is fast while still providing generous for up to 8 guests. A thoroughbred from stem to space above and below deck. Once aboard, stern, she is fast while still providing generous you will find warm teak and plush leather space above and below deck. Once aboard, appointments. The sleek hull lines and sharpyou will find warm teak and plush leather built forefoot exude a hora of speed, while the appointments. The sleek hull lines and sharpdisplacement and well-designed open tranbuilt forefoot exude a hora of speed, while the som extension are proof that aboard the PR displacement and well-designed open tranPRINCESS, sailing and comfort go hand in hand. som extension are proof that aboard the PR PRINCESS, sailing and comfort go hand in hand.

CHARTER OPTIONS: CHARTER OPTIONS: Weekend: $1,600 Half Day: $500 Week: $4,000 Full Weekend: $1,600 HalfDay: Day:$900 $500 All fees exclude the cost $4,000 of a captain.

Week: Full Day: $900

Custom also available request.

All packages fees exclude the cost of aupon captain.

Custom packages also available upon request.

For more specific information please contact,

617-488-2848 617-488-2848

For more specific information please contact,

AN OCEAN AN OCEAN

TO EXPLORE TO EXPLORE Boston’s Premier Sailboat Charter Aboard the Luxury Sailing Yacht PRCharter Princess Boston’s Premier Sailboat Aboard the Luxury Sailing Yacht PR Princess

For More Information Call: 617-488-2848

For More Information Call: 617-488-2848

STILL ACCEPTING SUMMER CHARTERS.

Equipped for long-range cruising, accommodations for a luxurious local adventure.

LENGTH OVERALL 13.41 M / 44’

Fresh Fresh air, air, calm waters & adventure adventuresawait await

DRAUGHT 1.95 M / 6’5”

FEATURES & ACCOMMODATIONS • • • • • • • • • • • •

4 BOSTON

JULY 2022

Large three-part cockpit with ample space for lounging, dining and sail handling Fully equipped galley Raised saloon 3 cabins/staterooms 1 head Air conditioning and heat Yanmar diesel engine Bow thruster Wireless Anchor Windlass w/Remote 30Amp & 12V systems In-Mast Roller Furling Main & Roller Furling Jib Entertainment system

BEAM 3.88 M / 12’9”

ACCOMMODATES 8

3 CABINS/STATEROOMS

1 HEAD

COASTALANGLERMAG.COMCOASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

|

JULY 2022

|

BOSTON 4

ON 4

EDITORIAL Keri Carlo “Fishing in Alaska was an unforgettable, beautiful experience. I was introduced to so many new species. I love learning new ways of fishing and learning about habitats, bait, rigs, seasons, weather, time of day etc. for different species. When I was given the opportunity to fish Alaska, I didn’t hesitate. The ride out was roughly an hour long. The views were incredible. My stepdad and I dropped lines about 250 feet down. After close to three hours of fishing, two silver-gray rockfish, one cod, and four halibut were landed. The halibut was so strong. It felt like forever before I finally had it in the boat. I have a lot of respect for the fight they have in them. I know Halibut gets massive, and I like a challenge so fishing Alaska again will definitely be in the books for me. Hopefully the next one landed will be a lot bigger. I would love to try to target different fish there, and gain knowledge on fishing Alaskan waters. Although most of the fishing I do is catch and release, all of the fish caught were filleted and shipped home. It was an absolutely incredible trip, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me. The excitement of not knowing what could be at the end of my line next, will never get old.”

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

| JULY JULY2022 2022 |

BOSTON 55 BOSTON

CATCH OF THE MONTH Catch of the Month Sponsored by: Salt Warrior • thesaltwarrior.com This Month's Prize: $50 Gift Certificate for a Personalized Tackle Box Enter to be next month's winner: Option 1: Submit a photo of your catch at thesaltwarrior.com/giveaway Option 2: Submit a photo of your catch on the Catch of the Month page (Bragboard).

Contact: aboiardi@regancomm.com

A big THANK YOU to all who submitted your catch photos!

We are happy to announce this month’s winner!

Congratulations to Brian Christie, great catch!

Enjoy your complimentary $50 Tackle Kit.

66 BOSTON JULY 2022 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM BOSTON | JULY 2022 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

7 BO

CATCH OF THE MONTH

Enter for your chance to win this $50 Blitz Box

7 BOSTON | JULY 2022

|

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JULY 2022

BOSTON 7

DECADES OF BUILDING NATIONAL BRANDS

We Deliver Results. www.regancomm.com • 617-488-2800 BOSTON | NEW YORK | WASHINGTON DC | NEW LONDON | PROVIDENCE | CAPE COD | FLORIDA | CHARLESTON

8 BOSTON

JULY 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COMCOASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

|

JULY 2022

|

BOSTON 8

CATCH HARD-FIGHTING

JACKS

On Top or On Bottom

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID JUNQUERA (IG: DAVID_ROCCA_)

are widespread in the Atlantic. They inhabit the western Atlantic from Nova Scotia to Uruguay and throughout the Gulf of Mexico.

Juvenile jack crevalle live inshore, where they prefer moving water of upstream currents. They thrive in a wide range of salinity and are often found in brackish waters and sometimes freshwater canals.

Adults, on the other hand, usually move out of the estuaries and occupy currents, reefs and other nearshore and offshore structure, generally within the bounds of the continental shelf. Large individuals can absolutely be caught in shallow inshore areas, but deep-water jacks are usually larger. The largest IGFA-recorded jack crevalle weighed 66 pounds, 2 ounces and was caught out of Angola off the western coast of Africa.

When food, such as mullet, is abundant, jacks get excited and will chase prey right up on the sand, against seawalls or into a boat. In open water, they herd baitfish into a mass before plowing through it from all sides.

I target monster jacks from the beach or an inlet. Fishing with live bait on the bottom is the easiest method. I drop baits in the deep trough, just on the backside of a sandbar. Baits in the 10- to 12-inch range work best for bigger fish, and I prefer using whatever baitfish is around. My favorite for jacks is needlefish.

If you’re looking for more of a challenge as well as heart-stopping explosions, try fishing topwater plugs. David Junquera is a dedicated plugchucker from West Palm Beach. Using topwater lures, he has landed 23 jack crevalle heavier than 40 pounds. His heaviest to-date weighed 46.3 pounds.

Junquera said time of day, winds, tides, migrations and location of bait are all crucial factors for successfully targeting jacks with topwater plugs. Anglers should get out and explore to determine the best patterns for the areas they fish.

At a minimum, Junquera recommends a 6500-size spinning reel with

By Emily Rose Hanzlik 50-pound braid and an 80-pound leader. Junquera prefers to throw lures that outh Florida boasts some of the best surf fishing in the world. High are 6.5 to 8 inches long. The faster you work the plug, the more strikes you’ll profile species are regular catches from the beaches of the sunshine state’s earn, he said. A whip retrieve is ideal. southern Atlantic coast. The jack crevalle is one of my favorites. It is a Emily Rose Hanzlik holds 51 IGFA world records in various categories. fierce, stubborn and dynamic gamefish that can be caught bottom fishing with She hails from West Palm Beach, where she has a part time Bowfin live bait or by casting plugs. Whichever method you choose, you’re sure to Guide Service as well as fishing classes for Jr. Anglers. Find her have a battle on your hands once you hook up. on Social Media @emilyhanzlikoutdoors.

Shore-based fishing for jack crevalle is not limited to Florida. These fish

S

14 NATIONAL

JULY 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

LE TO PA

“Our TowBoatU.S. Captain was fantastic! He consistently communicated his location, his ETA, our options for service and storage, even overnight accommodations. We never expected to run aground but we were so happy to have the TowBoatU.S. team on our side.”

Our customers can’t stop raving about the service they’ve received from the Red Boats and Captains of TowBoatU.S. Unpredictable things happen on the water so be sure you’ve got a back up plan with service from TowBoatU.S. - they’re the best in the business.

For Towing You Can Trust, Join Today!

BoatUS.com/Towing 800-395-2628

~ BoatU.S. Member, Joey Nelson Details of services provided can be found online at BoatUS.com/Agree. TowBoatU.S. is not a rescue service.

In an emergency situation, you must contact the Coast Guard or a government agency immediately.

LESTER WINS ELITE TOURNEY WITH SNEAKY PATTERN AT PICKWICK

By TAM Staff

O

ver the years, Brandon Lester has become known as one of the most consistent anglers in tournament bass fishing. Yet, in nine seasons on tour, an Elite Series win has eluded him… until now. The Tennessee pro and former The Angler Magazine columnist won his first Elite Series tournament on Lake Pickwick in early June. He did it in spectacular fashion, weighing a four-day total of 20 bass for 86 pounds, 1 ounce. He beat out the next closest competitor by almost 6 pounds.

Pickwick is a long 43,000-acre Tennessee River impoundment that runs north from Alabama into Tennessee along the Alabama/Mississippi border.

It is renowned for excellent largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing, and in summer dam-driven river currents combine with the lake’s many offshore humps and ledges to produce some pretty consistent patterns. Threadfin and gizzard shad make up the majority of the forage base, so big flutter spoons, large deep-diving crankbaits and swimbaits are summertime staples.

Lester said he knows the Pickwick ledge bite well and that doing something just a little different from everyone else put him on a sneaky pattern with some less-pressured fish.

“It was shellbed, and where the current rolled up on that bar, from 8 feet to 4 feet, there was a hard spot,” he said. “The fish were sitting up on that spot. It was small, maybe three times the size of my boat. It was a typical Tennessee River feeding spot, right off the main river. There was a ton of bait in there — gizzard shad, threadfin shad. It was the perfect combination.”

Most of Lester’s fish came on a Strike King 4.0 crankbait in chartreuse shad. He also fished a Berkley MaxScent Magnum Hit Worm in plum apple

Neko rigged with a 1/8-ounce nail weight. His sacks topped 20 pounds each day of the tournament, and the morning bite was key for him. A 6-pound, 13-ounce largemouth caught with a football jig anchored his sack on Day 3, and he entered Championship Sunday with a 3.5-pound lead.

On Sunday, he poured on the gas, catching 22 pounds, 14 ounces, which earned him the VMC Monster Bag of the tournament. In the morning, he caught 17 pounds within the first half hour of fishing. He culled a few fish and then shut the door on the competition with 6-pounder caught at about 1 p.m. from a main-river ledge that dropped from 14 to 21 feet. He caught that fish on a Scrounger head with a 5-inch Castaic Jerky J, which is a bait that hadn’t produced all week.

“This is unreal,” he said. “That Open win, I was super proud of it. It’s a stacked field in the Opens. But an Elite Series win is next level. I guess it’s between an Opens win and a Classic win. That’s the only thing that can top it. These are the greatest bass fishermen in the world.”

The $100,000 first-place prize at Pickwick pushed Lester’s career Bassmaster earnings past $1 million.

For more information, visit www.bassmaster.com.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JULY 2022

NATIONAL 15

Enter To Win!

SOUTH

2 DAYS

ATLANTIC GETS

FOR SNAPPER

DF2.5 PORTABLE OUTBOARD

R

PHOTO COURTESY OF ecreational SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS harvest of red snapper in federal waters of the South Atlantic will be two days long this year. The July 8-9 season opens at 12:01 a.m., local time, on July 8, 2022, and closes at 12:01 a.m., local time, on July 10, 2022. The season is for Atlantic waters off North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

The recreational bag limit is one red snapper per person per day.

Captain and crew on for-hire vessels may retain the recreational bag limit.

There are no minimum or maximum size limits.

Allowable gear includes vertical hook-and-line, including hand line and bandit gear, and spearfishing gear without rebreathers. When fishing for or possessing snapper/grouper species in federal waters of the South Atlantic, the following regulations apply: • Use of a dehooking tool is required.

• The use of non-stainless steel hooks is required when using hookand-line gear with natural baits. In waters North of 28-degrees N. latitude, the use of non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks is required when fishing for snapper grouper species using hook-and-line gear with natural baits.

• A descending device is required on board all vessels and must be readily available for use (attached to at least 16 ounces of weight and at least 60 feet of line).

For more information, go to safmc.net.

FEATURES • DIGITAL CDI • ANTI CORROSION SYSTEM

T

he Suzuki DF2.5 portable outboard is the smallest Suzuki 4-stroke to date. Weighing just 30 pounds, the DF2.5 is the lightest Suzuki 4-stroke motor ever built. Suzuki is also proud to note that the DF2.5 meets the rigorous EPA 2010 and CARB 3-Star Ultra Low emissions standards. A 2.5 HP single cylinder OHV 4-stroke engine, with 4.15 cu. in. displacement, generates plenty of power for small tenders and inflatables. It features easy-to-pull recoil starting with Suzuki Pointless Electronic Ignition. No battery is required for this remarkably simple and reliable system.

Drawing held 8/1/22. Winners announced on Facebook.

CoastalAnglerMag.com/contest 16 NATIONAL

JULY 2022

BIG ICE TRAYS

- Makes six 4” cubes - 10 lbs. of Ice per Tray - Last twice as long!

- No more plastic bags - Save money by easily reusing

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

MAKE YOUR OWN ICE!

bigice.com

A

Ch 5.4-ou North No the all dolphi 2008.

No girth. of Salt Glory

For m

R

GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO BAIT.

time, 2. The eorgia

r day. limit.

d line fishing South

FIND A NET FOR EVERY LIVE BAIT NEED AT

hookitude, when atural

CASTNETS.COM OR FINER TACKLE SHOPS

ust be and at

ICAST 2022 ROLLS INTO ORLANDO JULY 19-22

I

t first glance, this fish might look like a deformed dolphinfish (mahi-mahi), but it’s not. It’s a pompano dolphinfish, and it’s a new North Carolina state record and a potential world record.

Charles Kenneth Noonan, of Sumter, S.C., caught the 11-pound, 5.4-ounce fish at an abandoned raft, about 42 miles off Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina on June 8.

Noonan said he is applying to the IGFA for certification of the fish as the all-tackle world record. The current certified world record pompano dolphinfish weighed 8-pounds, 8-ounces, and was caught off Maryland in 2008.

Noonan’s fish measured 30.5 inches fork length and had a 17.25-inch girth. He was fishing with Capt. Tyler Hailey and First Mate Bailey Auten of Salt Fever Guide Service in Ocean Isle Beach. They were aboard the Glory Daze, a 37-foot Freeman Boatworks Catamaran.

CAST, the world’s largest sportfishing trade show, will spread out across the expansive floor of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. July 19-22, showcasing the latest innovations in gear, tackle, accessories and apparel.

From Super Tuesday on July 19 to the final bell on Friday, July 22, it’s almost a full week of events that have become a cornerstone of the sportfishing industry. From seminars and “learning lunches” to a show floor jam packed with quality exhibitors displaying the products that will drive the industry in the coming year, ICAST is the place to make valuable connections and stay on top of the trends in fishing.

Many companies choose to roll out their latest innovations at ICAST each year, and the New Product Showcase is a chance for them to shine a spotlight on their latest and greatest. These new products are the hottest new lures, tackle, clothing, electronics and gear that anglers will be purchasing in the coming year. ICAST is the one-stop shop for retailers and manufacturers to connect in-person and make valuable business relationships.

Orlando’s world-class dining, lodging and entertainment will be bustling with the movers-and-shakers and the up-and-comers of the industry, as the sportfishing world convenes to determine what drives the next year in fishing.

For more information North Carolina state records fish, visit ncwildlife.org.

For more information, go to www.ICASTfishing.org.

TEEN ANGLER CATCHES PENDING WORLD RECORD

A

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JULY 2022

NATIONAL 17

SLOW DOWN AND COVER THE ENTIRE WATER COLUMN

Tim Barefoot

I

’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: wahoo and tuna don’t wear Maui Jims. They use depth to regulate the amount of sunlight they are exposed to.

So, while normal trolling at 6 to 8 knots and high-speed trolling at 15 to 20 knots are good things at first light and up to 10:30 or 11 a.m., it’s time to slow down once the sun gets directly overhead. I slow it to a crawl and even fish some baits down deep under a sliding cork on the drift. Spreading baits across the water column is the best way to continue that morning bite when the midday doldrums arrive.

Darker colored baits like red-and-black or purple-andblack work well when fish are looking up to feed. The dark silhouettes of darker colored baits show up well against the bright surface. Yet, it doesn’t make sense to continue trying to convince fish to come to the surface to eat a bait 50 or 75 feet above them. When pelagics drop down in the water column, it’s better to put a bait right in the

“strike zone” where they are.

There are several baits that provide a natural presentation down deep, but a big

beautiful squid checks all the boxes on this one. Squid rise to the surface at night and descend to the depths as the sun gets higher… just like the fish. This is the natural choice, as you are trying to match the hatch, so to speak.

There is nothing in all the seven oceans of the

SUMMERTIME FISHING...

LET’S GO!

world that is more common than the squid.

Squid could, and should be called the “rice of the oceans.”

Frozen squid are readily available for bait, and everything in the ocean eats them. I have the ultimate example of this as one day we were on anchor grouper fishing when a couple of nice dolphin swam under the boat 20 to 30 feet below. I could tell they were nice ones and started throwing out cigar minnows and sardines to get them fired up.

They didn’t want any part of the free minnows. So, I pulled out a whole frozen squid and hooked it up on light tackle and threw it out about 50 feet.

I just let it start sinking. After all the minnows they let go by and sink out of sight, the biggest one of the pair saw that sinking squid and inhaled it! It just goes to show, they will eat a squid when all else fails.

The other good news is a squid is so easy to rig to swim perfectly.

Whether you are fishing a natural frozen squid, a live one or an artificial one, just slow down a little to allow the bait to get down to the level where the fish are staged during the middle of the day for some serious bites.

See more from Tim Barefoot at barefootctasandtackle.com.

www.

.com

N

Th fo

I

kn Au kn th O Fo im m un Se an Th ou bl W m tu Bu las co sh Un Yo th in do ba th Li lon Kn th yo

D 25’ C-Hawk CC

1-

S

*D list

TO FIND YOUR NEAREST DEALER, VISIT US ONLINE:

www.MitziSkiffs.com • www.CHawkBoats.net 18 NATIONAL

JULY 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

C Pr

• ha

squid. rice of

r bait, I have ay we couple 20 to e ones ws and ed up. art of pulled d and tackle 0 feet.

After let go ht, the w that d it! It will eat s. ws is a swim

hing a ve one t slow wn to ng the

Now, THIS is a Knife!

This 16" full tang stainless steel blade is not for the faint of heart —now ONLY $99!

EXCLUSIVE

FREE

I

n the blockbuster film, when a strapping Australian crocodile hunter and a lovely American journalist were getting robbed at knife point by a couple of young thugs in New York, the tough Aussie pulls out his dagger and says “That’s not a knife, THIS is a knife!” Of course, the thugs scattered and he continued on to win the reporter’s heart.

Our Aussie friend would approve of our rendition of his “knife.”

Forged of high grade 420 surgical stainless steel, this knife is an impressive 16" from pommel to point. And, the blade is full tang, meaning it runs the entirety of the knife, even though part of it is under wraps in the natural bone and wood handle.

Secured in a tooled leather sheath, this is one impressive knife, with an equally impressive price.

This fusion of substance and style can garner a high price tag out in the marketplace. In fact, we found full tang, stainless steel blades with bone handles in excess of $2,000.

Well, that won’t cut it around here. We have mastered the hunt for the best deal, and in turn pass the spoils on to our customers.

But we don’t stop there. While supplies last, we’ll include a pair of $99, 8x21 power compact binoculars, and a genuine leather sheath FREE when you purchase the Down Under Bowie Knife.

Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price.

Limited Reserves. A deal like this won’t last long. We have only 1120 Down Under Bowie Knifes for this ad only. Don’t let this beauty slip BONUS! Call today and through your fingers at a price that won’t drag you’ll also receive this you under. Call today! genuine leather sheath!

Stauer® 8x21 Compact Binoculars -a $99 value-

with purchase of Down Under Knife

What Stauer Clients Are Saying About Our Knives

êêêêê

“This knife is beautiful!”

— J., La Crescent, MN

êêêêê

“The feel of this knife is unbelievable...this is an incredibly fine instrument.”

— H., Arvada, CO

Down Under Bowie Knife $249*

Offer Code Price Only $99 + S&P Save $150

1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Offer Code: DUK313-01 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price. Rating of A+

Stauer

®

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. DUK313-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

*Discount is only for customers who useNot the offer code versus the shown listed original Stauer.com price. actual size.

California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product.

• Etched stainless steel full tang blade ; 16” overall • Painted natural bone and wood handle • Brass hand guards, spacers & end cap • Includes genuine tooled leather sheath

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JULY 2022

NATIONAL 19

COLUMBIA

BANS SPORTFISHING

By CAM Staff

C

olumbia recently banned sportfishing.

That should serve as an eye opener even for anglers who have never considered travelling to fish.

A potential destination fishery, with rivers famous for exotic species like peacock bass and a coastline that boasts excellent fisheries for roosterfish, tuna, marlin, sailfish and cubera snapper, has decided that catch-and-release fishing is cruelty to animals and has deemed the practice unconstitutional. With an 8-1 vote in favor, the ruling came down from the Columbia Congressional

20 NATIONAL

JULY 2022

Court in May with a plan to begin enforcement next year.

The court, which is roughly equivalent to the U.S. Supreme Court, decided that while commercial, artisanal and subsistence fishing remain constitutional, catching fish and returning them to the water should be banned. If you catch a fish, you must kill it in order for the catch to be legal. It’s enough to scramble the brains of anglers and conservationists. Anyone who has paid a lick of attention has watched the rise of catch-and-release lead to the rebound of coastal and inland fisheries around the world.

At presstime, Columbians were voting to elect their president, with Gustavo Petro, an extreme leftwing candidate by U.S. standards, leading in a runoff election against Rodolfo Hernandez, a businessman and former city mayor running on an anticorruption platform. Columbian attorneys are already contesting the sportfishing ban, but if Petro wins the election there’s a good chance parts of the ruling will be enacted.

Columbian lawyer Luis Guillermo Valez Cabrera lambasted the ruling in op-ed for the website La Republica, saying the ruling “may be the stupidest decision a constitutional court has made in recent history. It’s really laughable.”

“What the court wants to tell us is that, since we do not know if the fish can suffer, to protect the environment, we must prohibit sportfishing,” Cabrera wrote. “The possible impact on the environment is due to commercial fishing and artisanal fishing, practices that were not constitutionally prohibited.

Think of the meshes, the dynamite and the dragnets that kill anything, sentient or not.”

While this court’s ruling might be easy to write off as nonsense from a nation more well-known for corruption and cocaine than anything else, it’s a reminder that hunters and anglers must remain vigilant. Germany banned catch-and-release fishing in the 1990s, and the animal rights movement has successfully restricted hunting in many places around the globe, including in Columbia.

As with most political debates, money is the key. Politicians who’ve never held a fishing rod need to realize that fish in the water can be far more valuable economically than they are served up at restaurants. Just ask Costa Rica, which boasts of a recreational fishery that generates hundreds of millions of dollars annually.

For more information, see the July issue of The Angler Video Magazine at VidMag.com.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

READY FOR THE WATER Summer vacation is here! It’s time to be on the water, not stuck working on your boat trailer.

Dexter axles and actuators are proudly assembled in America and backed by the industry’s leading 5 year warranty. Dexter is ready for the task of getting your boat to the water so you can create new memories with your family & friends.

DEMAND DEXTER: Actuators, Versa~Flex™, Vault™ & Vortex™

All Dexter axles & actuators are proudly assembled in the USA

www.dexteraxle.com

By Nick Carter

EPA MOVES TO PROTECT THE WORLD’S LARGEST SOCKEYE RUN

P

ebble Mine, a proposed mining development in the headwaters feeding Bristol Bay, Alaska, is in the news again.

The latest development in this two-decade struggle is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal to veto the project under authority of the Clean Water Act. It is a next step toward establishing lasting protections for the largest remaining salmon fishery in the world.

The Pebble deposit is an enormous accumulation of gold, copper and molybdenum in the headwaters of the Kvichak and Nushgak rivers, which feed Bristol Bay and the Bering Sea about 300 miles southwest of Anchorage.

In 2001, the first steps toward mining the deposit began, and ever since it has been a source of controversy as mining rights have changed hands through several multi-national corporations and actual development of a massive

open-pit mine has been tied up in red tape.

At stake is one of the few remaining truly pristine areas on the planet.

Back in 2005, my wife and I spent a glorious week with Alaska Sportman’s Lodge fishing the Kvichak, Nushgak and several other rivers in the Bristol Bay drainage. It was a once-in-a-lifetime type experience in the most beautiful and unspoiled place I’ve ever been. The fishing was phenomenal and featured 40-plus-pound king salmon, a sockeye salmon run so thick you could have walked across their backs, 30-inch rainbow trout in their native waters, as well as grayling and Dolly Varden in places where anglers share water with brown bears, moose and bald eagles. Getting there is difficult and expensive, but the experience is highly recommended for anyone interested in arguably the best fly fishing destination in the world.

But there’s more to it than a recreational fishery so good it will spoil you.

Bristol Bay is also the most important salmon fishery on earth. It provides half of the world’s wild sockeye salmon. If your local grocery store carries “wildcaught sockeye salmon,” there’s a good chance it was caught by Bristol Bay’s commercial anglers. According to Bristol Bay Defense Fund, the unspoiled natural resources of the region support a $2.2 billion economy that employs tens of thousands of people in commercial fishing, hunting, sportfishing, outdoor recreation and tourism.

Earlier this year, Alaska Department of Fish and Game projected 2022 will be the second record-breaking year in a row for Bristol Bay’s sockeye salmon run. The estimate calls for 73.4 million fish to swim up area rivers to spawn.

This annual run supports an amazing ecosystem that has for time immemorial thrived on the transfer of nutrients far inland from the ocean.

And while proponents of the Pebble Mine likely speak the truth in their assertion that a mine would bring added wealth and jobs to the region, it would come at the potential expense of a natural phenomenon that perpetually and sustainably supports humans as well as the native flora and fauna.

EPA’s public comment period on the proposed veto is open until July 5.

To get involved, go to www.epa.gov/bristolbay.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JULY 2022

NATIONAL 21

THE GULF’S PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES

BOUNTIES

W

hen the surf is on, it can be some of the best and easiest fishing around. For those in the know, we keep a keen eye on the beachfront starting in May and when the conditions are right, we make sure not to miss it!

During July, the shrimp migration hits the beachfront and many hungry predators are following on their tails. Trout in the 5- to 8-pound range are not uncommon while trout shorter than 20 inches are found in large schools. There are many productive tactics that can land you a hefty stringer of these speckled beauties from live shrimp and finfish to an array of artificial lures. I prefer the latter, and here are some of my favorites.

Topwater! There is no beating a topwater eruption as the sun is peeking over the horizon. I use a wide range of plug sizes and let the size of the seas determine what I throw. I like a larger heavier lure when the surf is rough. When it is flat, a small or large can be effective. Switching out the standard trebles to single circle hooks is a good approach to lessen the chance of injuring yourself. Bouncing around in the surf trying to land a stout surf trout can lead to an accidental hook in you. Singles also save time unhooking, which leads to more time fishing and catching.

Slow-sinking hard baits with rattles also make it into my box when heading into the suds. I like to cast these lures out and let them sink for a few seconds. Most of them have a relatively slow sink rate, so I give them a little time to get lower in the water column. A series of fast twitches followed by a pause usually draws their attention.

Many solid trout have fallen for the old faithful ¾- to 1-ounce silver spoon. The presentation is as simple as it gets. Cast and reel; that’s it. This inexpensive lure is an attention getter for sure and casts like a bullet.

I typically start my day before sunrise. During the course of my wade, I will hit all structure from a foot deep to eight feet deep. I give equal attention to the depth of the guts to the top of the bars. I see a lot of fishermen go straight out to the second or third gut and stay there the entire time. You will miss many opportunities if you choose to do this. The fish are not always in that gut. At times, I only catch them on top of the bar.

Start early, broaden your target area, be safe and catch fish! Surf ’s Down!

The Return of a FROM THE BEACH

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures, Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

Custom Built Quality Outdoor BBQ Products Since 1989

Pig Cookers, Patio Grills, Smokers, Customized BBQ Trailers

For More Info 1-252-236-4464 www.BQGRILLS.com 6043 Hwy 301N, Elm City, NC 22 NATIONAL

JULY 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

T

South Gulf o gainin north.

12-ou from last s certifi record Virgin Comm rise i fishing Ri were s they sp identifi on the Tr popul Atlant but ar compa Th South

SPECIALIZING IN RESTORATION OF AGED, SUNBURNT, OR FADED LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAYS.

WE SERVICE MORE THAN JUST GAUGES!

If your device has an LCD that has faded over time, or want to inquire about possible repair options for your unit, give us a call or visit our website!

CHART PLOTTERS, VHF’S, RADARS, SOUNDERS, AUTOPILOTS, JET SKI CLUSTERS, AND MUCH MORE.

904-701-9726 • GAUGESAVER.COM 5049 HIGHWAY 17 SOUTH, GREEN COVE SPRINGS, FL 32043

Virginia Record Tripletail Certified

T

ripletail have long been a prized target for anglers in the Southern Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, and they are gaining popularity farther north. A big 16-pound, 12-ounce tripletail caught from Chesapeake Bay last summer was recently certified as a Virginia state record. A press release from Virginia’s Marine Resources Commission suggested the rise in popularity of sight fishing for cobia is also pushing tripletail into the spotlight.

Richard H. Stuart Jr., of King George, Va., and his father, Richard Sr., were sight fishing for cobia in southern Chesapeake Bay last July 23 when they spotted a flash in the water and decided to pursue it. On approach, they identified the fish as a tripletail on the surface. Richard Jr. convinced it to eat on the second cast of a 2-ounce cobia jig.

Tripletail are not a new arrival to Chesapeake Bay, but with the rise in the popularity of sight fishing for cobia, encounters are increasing. Along the Atlantic Coast tripletail have been collected as far north as Massachusetts but are rarely found north of the Chesapeake Bay. Their flesh has been compared to other mild-tasting white-fleshed fish like snapper and grouper.

The IGFA all-tackle world record for tripletail was caught off Zululand, South Africa in 1989. It weighed 42 pounds, 5 ounces.

For more information, go to mrc.virginia.gov.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JULY 2022

NATIONAL 23

AndAlusiA MArine & powersports inc.

Headquarters For All your Boating needs Xpress •

1707 River Falls Street, Andalusia, AL 36421

Alweld •

(334) 427-1428

stingrAy • VerAndA • Quest

All kinds of parts and accessories in stock and ready for delivery!

Innertubes • Ski’s • Wakeboards Ropes • Life jackets Solas and Michigan Wheel Props

certified full line YAmAhA deAler!

GreAt service!

• Humminbird • Garmin • Lowrance • Minnkota - authorized sales and service center • Rhodan • Certified Full Line Yamaha Dealer

www.andalusiamarine.com www.facebook.com/andalusiamarine

Explore the “Great Lakes” of South Carolina!

Explore many attractions, splash on the lakes, 40+ waterfront campgrounds and fish camps.

Explore the “Great Lakes” of South Carolina!

It’s time to make memories in Santee Cooper Country.

Explore many attractions, splash on the lakes, 40+ waterfront campgrounds and fish camps.

It’s time to make memories in Santee Cooper Country.

South Carolina South Record ArkCarolina Blue Cat Record Arkfrom Blue Cat 113.8 lbs 113.8 lbs from Lake Moultrie Lake Moultrie 52 inches girth 40 inches

52 inches girth 40 inches

PLAN YOUR TRIP!

PLAN YOUR TRIP!

Queen City Kayak Bass Fishing – Nov 19th, 2022

Queen City Kayak – Nov 19th, Duckfest Open Bass TeamFishing Tournament – Oct 1, 2022 2022 Duckfest Open Team Trophy Tournament – Oct 1, Trail 2022– Dec 9-10 Striped Bass Challenge-2022 Championship Striped Bass Challenge-2022 Trophy Championship Trail – Dec 9-10

Discover the Natural Beauty Discover the Natural Beauty of Santee Cooper Country

of Santee Cooper Country

Request Your Free Travel Guide

Request Your Free Travel Guide santeecoopercountry.org

santeecoopercountry.org

Santee Cooper Country Tourist Information Center

9302 Old Number SixCooper Hwy, Santee, SC 29142 • (803)Information 854-2131 • Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm Santee Country Tourist Center

9302 Old Number Six Hwy, Santee, SC 29142 • (803) 854-2131 • Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm

SAVOR THE SEASONS in Upcountry South Carolina

Every season is the best season to explore the many treasures in the Upcountry.

A N D E R S O N  C H E RO K E E  G R E E N V I L L E  O C O N E E  P I C K E N S  S PA R TA N BU R G

Perfectly Seasoned

FishUpcountrySC.com 864-233-2690