FREE
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PROJECT HEALING WATERS HELPING DISABLED VETS HEAL THROUGH FLY FISHING
PLUS! LOCAL FISHING REPORTS & CATCH PHOTOS
VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 82
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THE LIGHTEST PENN REEL EVER MADE The Lightest PENN Reel Ever Made. The all new Conflict II matches an extremely light weight design with PENN’s legendary durability. Featuring our RR30 body, CNC Gear Technology and HT-100 Drag system, the Conflict II is the ultimate inshore reel.
PENNFISHING.COM
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© 2018 PENN is a registered trademark of Pure Fishing, Inc.
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Solar Shade™ ZERO Long Sleeve Shirt
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CEO / EDITOR IN CHIEF : Ben Martin • camads@coastalanglermagazine.com COO : Tracy Patterson • tracy@coastalanglermagazine.com ART DIRECTOR : Rebecca Snowden • graphics@coastalanglermagazine.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR : Nick Carter • editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com WEBMASTER : Derrick Oppelt • webmaster@coastalanglermagazine.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Corporate Headquarters info@coastalanglermagazine.com • 888-800-9794
FLORIDA
BIG BEND : Mike McNamara • (850) 510-7919 • captmike@coastalanglermagazine.com BREVARD : Chris Milner • (321) 631-1001 • cmilner@coastalanglermagazine.com FLORIDA KEYS : Cliff Lumpkin • (305) 849-9093 • cliff@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT LAUDERDALE : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT MYERS : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER ORLANDO : Phillip & Giselle Wolf • (407) 790-9515 • phillip@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER MIAMI : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com LAKELAND & SUMTER : Mary Brasher • (352) 598-4219 • maryf@coastalanglermagazine.com NAPLES : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com NC FLORIDA/NATURE COAST : Cary & Lynn Crutchfield • (352) 372-4237 • crutch@coastalanglermagazine.com NE FLORIDA : Danny Patrick • (904) 742-4696 • danny@coastalanglermagazine.com PANAMA CITY/FORGOTTEN COAST : Randy Cnota • (229) 834-7880 • randyc@coastalanglermagazine.com PALM BEACH COUNTY : Barbara Ryan • (561) 373-8040 • barbara@coastalanglermagazine.com SARASOTA : Phil Prevoir • (239) 257-4684 • pprevoir@coastalanglermagazine.com TAMPA BAY : Chuck Atkins • (239) 464-5153 • chuck@coastalanglermagazine.com TREASURE COAST : Misti & Gary Guertin • (772) 285-6850 • treasurecoast@coastalanglermagazine.com
flahama@coastalanglermagazine.com
SOUTHEAST
ATLANTA : Bob & Brenda Rice • (706) 614-8231 • bobr@theanglermagazine.com CHARLESTON : Jane A. Redden • (205) 725-9616 • jane@coastalanglermagazine.com
Sam Buckareff • (843) 607-8629 • sam@coastalanglermagazine.com
CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT : Mark & Haley Alberghini • (704) 651-1934 • mark@theanglermagazine.com COLUMBIA/MIDLANDS : John Lux • (803) 807-6885 • jlux@theanglermagazine.com MYRTLE BEACH : Mike Masiero • (732) 674-3019 • mmasiero@coastalanglermagazine.com SW GEORGIA : Bob & Brenda Rice • (706) 614-8231 • bobr@theanglermagazine.com TIDEWATER/OUTER BANKS : John Tiger • (757) 707-9654 • john.tiger@coastalanglermagazine.com
Laura Tiger • (757) 707-9655 • laura@coastalanglermagazine.com
WESTERN NC : Debra & Joe Woody • (828) 775-9663 • woody@theanglermagazine.com WILMINGTON/MOREHEAD : Charlie Lamm • (252) 205-6472 • clamm@coastalanglermagazine.com
NORTHEAST BOSTON : George Regan • (617) 488-2842 • boston@coastalanglermagazine.com LONG ISLAND : Lisa & Michael Danforth • (203) 321-7635 • lisad@coastalanglermagazine.com CONNECTICUT/RHODE ISLAND : Lisa & Michael Danforth • (203) 321-7635 lisad@coastalanglermagazine.com
GULF COAST MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST : Adam Nelson • (228) 627-5903 • anelson@coastalanglermagazine.com
You guys are everywhere.
A
nglers share some very unique commonalities. One trait that seems standard across the board is that whenever we find ourselves in a new destination, regardless of why we’re there, we always want to find out about “what’s biting.” Normally a quick trip to a local tackle shop gets us up to speed. I often hear from readers that they were in a different state or a different region and found a copy of our magazine at the tackle shop they went into. One such reader recently told me, “I live in Wilmington, North Carolina, and I read your Wilmington edition every month. I was in Mississippi recently on business and I saw a copy of your magazine at a local tackle shop. The next month I was in Key West, Florida and saw a copy of the magazine at a tackle shop there. I just landed in Connecticut today and can’t believe that I just picked up another copy of your magazine at a tackle shop here in Connecticut. You guys are everywhere.” It is true; we are available for free in over 30 market areas, but we’re not everywhere yet. Our franchise publishing model is changing the way American anglers view a local fishing magazine, and we’re looking to further expand our footprint. If you think owning your own business as the publisher of your area’s local fishing magazine is something that would fit your career and lifestyle goals, give us a call for information on potential franchise opportunities in your area. Previous publishing experience is not required. We have a complete training program and ongoing support system that enables our co-publishing partners to quickly establish the magazine as a primary resource for the avid angler nearly everywhere. Best regards,
Toby Nelson • (228) 623-1761 • tnelson@coastalanglermagazine.com
GREAT LAKES WEST MICHIGAN : Phil Belsito • (616) 957-1714 • phil@theanglermagazine.com
INTERNATIONAL PUERTO RICO/VIRGIN ISLANDS : Ace Bassue • (407) 285-9453 • ace@coastalanglermagazine.com COSTA RICA : Mike Erickson • (561) 262-2242 • mike@coastalanglermagazine.com © 2018. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Disclaimer: Coastal Angler Magazine / The Angler Magazine will not be held liable for injuries incurred while partaking in activities described herein, or for claims made against products or services provided by advertisers.
Ben Martin Editor in Chief info@coastalanglermagazine.com
1-888-800-9794
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WHO CARES ABOUT PUTTING YOUR LURE RIGHT ON TOP OF FISH?
All trademarks mentioned are owned by, or licensed to, the AkzoNobel group of companies. © AkzoNobel 2017.
YOU SHOULD.
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For over a century, a league of canned crusaders have been fighting to keep boats safe from barnacles, slime, algae and other aquatic evils that rob your boat of its true performance. With advanced know-how and unique capabilities, each antifouling is tailored to different conditions, and has the power to defeat fouling in all its forms. Micron® Extra leads the charge in all waters. Using its signature dual-protection with boosting Biolux® technology, it provides high-quality, multi-season protection that survives hauling and relaunch without the need for repainting. For super-powered antifouling protection and proven performance, choose Interlux®.
All trademarks mentioned are owned by, or licensed to, the AkzoNobel group of companies. © AkzoNobel 2017.
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Paddlesports Product Review CARIBE TIBURON INFLATABLE SUP You’ll be slithering through the waves with ease and gliding along in true mariner style when you hop on Caribe’s inflatable SUP. Decorated with a shark silhouette and further amplified by a cool camo print, this blue and black paddleboard is always a hit among water-lovers with a penchant for adventure. The Tiburon Inflatable Paddleboard comes with 6 D-Rings on the softpad so you can attach a variety of accessories like a cooler, 2 Kayak Seats, dry bags, etc. it also comes with a D-Ring on the front bottom deck, excellent for anchoring or towing the board. A very wide 34” design provides stability like no other board on the market. It’s ideal for fishing and long rides and has a smooth non-slip softpad that provides grip as well as comfort. Concerned about hooks on board or punctures from oyster beds? No worries! Double deck Tarpaulin layers protect the board from punctures while providing the most rigid inflatable experience out there. All Caribe’s boards come with a 2-year warranty against manufacturing defects.
WWW.CARIBESUP.COM
AIRHEAD SUP BONEFISH 1138 True to its name, the Airhead SUP Bonefish 1138 is a paddleboard specifically designed for fishing. This super-stable fishing SUP has two inflatable sponsons that give anglers the firm platform they need for fighting big fish and navigating rough water. There are four strategically placed mount pads on deck to accommodate four rod racks, Airhead SUP Fishing Racks and Bucket Racks. Two smaller accessory mounts are perfect for small rod holders or other accessories, and two stainless D-ring cooler tie downs round out endless possibilities for equipment customization. A classic teak-look EVA decking provides sure footing. At just 41 pounds, transport of the Bonefish 1138 is easy, and two molded handles fore and aft make carrying it to the water a breeze, even when it’s fully loaded. There is versatility built in with 10 stainless steel D-rings and two stretch tie downs. The Bonefish 1138 comes with a mesh backpack for transport and storage, a Hi Pressure hand pump for quick and easy inflation, a pressure gauge, valve wrench, board strap and repair kit.
WWW.AIRHEADSUP.COM
KAKU WAHOO 10.5 The new Kaku Wahoo 10.5 may be the baddest little ’yak on the water. It is a compact version of the Wahoo 12.5, which has proven itself as a superb fishing kayak. Kaku went and shaved a couple of feet and more than 10 pounds off of the original Wahoo to create a boat that is easier to transport and paddles very well in the tight environs kayak anglers often find themselves in. And while the Wahoo 10.5 gives up size, it does not sacrifice fishability or performance. It has all the features of the Wahoo 12.5. By flattening the rocker and lowering the keel, Kaku has designed a boat that tracks well and is easy to stand on. A sick deck pad rounds out the look of a quick little ’yak that is stable, comfortable and easy to handle.
KAKUKAYAK.COM
MANTA RACKS Whether it’s a mother-ship expedition offshore, a day-cruise to some isolated islands or exploration deep into the mangroves, there are a lot of places paddle-sports enthusiasts want to be that are too distant to access under paddle power. SUPs and kayaks take up a lot of room on the deck of the boat, and Manta Racks has come up with the perfect solution. The Manta Racks system stores your kayaks or SUPs securely to your boat, where they are out of the way, and it utilizes the boat’s rod holders, so there’s no need to drill any new holes for mounting. With a patented 360-degree locking swivel feature, paddleboards, wakeboards, kayaks, kiteboards, water skis and surfboards can be easily stored on the gunnel of the boat without drilling extra holes. All of your boards are out of the way of your passengers, securely fastened to your Manta Racks system. Go farther when you take your boards.
WWW.MANTARACKS.COM
WILDERNESS SYSTEMS RADAR SERIES With its new Radar Series, Wilderness Systems continues to build on its legacy of innovation, performance and quality in fishing kayaks. The Radar Series is Wilderness Systems’ first tri-powered kayak, which means it has paddle, power and pedal capabilities. It features S.M.A.R.T. Hull Technology that combines stability, maneuverability, acceleration, responsiveness and tracking throughout the entire design for ultimate
performance in multiple water environments. In addition to a flat platform for standing and freedom of movement, the Radar boasts state-of-the-art outfitting including expansive SlideTrax rails, a multitude of storage opportunities, and scupper options to deploy the Helix MD motor drive, Helix PD pedal drive and multiple options for electronics, including down-imaging, side-scanning or both. With Helix PD, a built-in steering control system allows for easy navigation that leaves your hands free for fishing. The AirPro Max seat complements the package with optimized positioning for any mode of travel.
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Paddlesports Product Review NUCANOE FLINT NuCanoe made waves when it introduced its new Flint kayak at iCast. Here is a boat jam-packed with features for serious anglers, yet the price tag is way below what you’d expect for such a high-quality kayak. At 11’3”, and less than 70 pounds, The Flint is the perfect boat for exploring creeks, rivers and backwater marshes. It is agile, responding nimbly to the paddle, and it also tracks very well despite its shorter length. Light enough for easy one-man transport, this boat is amazingly stable, and unique scupper hole design provides a firm deck. The Flint cockpit is wide open and fishes like a much larger kayak. There’s plenty of room and stability for standing to fish on an uncluttered deck, and the new Hawg Trough channel keeps your measuring board handy but out of the way. With five gear tracks, handy spaces for tackle boxes and angled flush-mount rod holders, NuCanoe has come up with a simple yet efficient and customizable layout for everything an angler needs. The side handle that doubles as a quick-clip paddle holder is a handy innovation someone should have come up with long ago. Cap it all off with the comfy custom-height Pinnacle seat NuCanoe is known for, and this is a top-notch fishing platform for a reasonable price.
WWW.NUCANOE.COM
PERCEPTION PESCADOR PILOT 12.0 Perception’s pedal-powered Pescador Pilot is a fishing machine that is extremely comfortable and functional for anglers. It excels in flat water and is an excellent kayak for inshore and bay fishing as well as on freshwater lakes and ponds. The Pilot Drive propeller system effortlessly propels the boat, even in reverse, while leaving both hands free. The spacious, sit-on-top design with generous storage and accessory mounts make the kayak easy to customize. Superior stability allows anglers to cast and fight fish while standing. Comfort is absolutely necessary for serious anglers spending long hours on the water. The Pescador Pilot is built for that. A roomy captain’s chair features zonal mesh to promote cooling airflow. On-the-fly seatback adjustment tilts back for relaxed pedaling or forward for sportier pedaling.
With performance, comfort, features, and storage that outdistance its price point, especially for a peddle-driven kayak, the Pescador Pilot is also a great value. This boat is proudly designed, molded and hand assembled in the USA and is backed by a 5-year warranty.
WWW.PERCEPTIONKAYAKS.COM
OLD TOWN PREDATOR PDL Prepare yourself for a totally new fishing experience. Old Town has taken boat control to new heights with forward and reverse via an efficient and easy-to-use propriety pedal-drive system. It gets you to the spot fast, and keeps you on the spot without paddling. With forward, reverse and agile maneuverability, you’ll experience precise boat control while your hands remain free to focus on fishing. The removable pedal drive installs in seconds and tips up instantly for shallowwater docking. The Predator PDL’s specially-designed hull combines the perfect balance of smooth pedal stroke speed and stand-up stability. The Old Town PDL pedals exactly like a bicycle, converting modest pedaling into maximum propulsion. A 10.3:1 gear ratio means that anglers can reach speeds up to 5.5 mph to reach fishing spots fast and efficiently. It also makes trolling through a range of useradjustable speeds easy and effective. The Predator PDL is infinitely customizable with rigging accessories from Cannon, Scotty, YakAttack, RAM and more.
WWW.OLDTOWNCANOE.COM
SEA EAGLE 350FX FISHING EXPLORER For anglers who like to go it alone, Sea Eagle’s 350fx is a terrific choice. The most stable and rugged entry in Sea Eagle’s Explorer Series of inflatable kayaks, it’s a lightweight (51-lbs.) and easily portable one-person fishing machine. Nearly indestructible, the 350fx features a double layer of 1000 Denier reinforced protective layers on the tubes and bottom, a 40-inch fish ruler, plus two spray skirts—each with three rod holders and accessory belts that hold tools, hooks and lures. A fully adjustable foot brace is easily positioned for maximum comfort and more power per stroke while a nifty anchor system quietly locks in advantageous casting positions. Suitable for paddling in waters rated to Class IV, 16 high-capacity self-bailing drain valves make this entry ideal for fishing in moderate whitewater rivers up to Class III. Close the valves to remain high and dry on flat waters, and insert the removable skeg to improve flatwater tracking. Fully inflated in seven minutes, the 350fx fits in a car trunk and handles electric motors up to 34-pound thrust. This inflatable fishing kayak is 11’6” long and has a maximum weight capacity of 575 lbs.
WWW.SEAEAGLE.COM
FLYCRAFT STEALTH The Flycraft Stealth is one of the most versatile boats in the world. Its unique construction and shape give it the functionality of many boats in one. From motoring on the coast or lakes to rowing rocky streams and mild whitewater, the Flycraft Stealth is your one boat answer. The boat’s lightweight and minimalistic design allow it to be easily carried on a roof or in a truck bed. No roof rack? No problem; this boat deflates and packs down to fit in a trunk or closet. At just 98 pounds, one person can easily transport or load this boat solo. For information, call 801-810-4022.
WWW.FLYCRAFTUSA.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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QUIK-CHANGE II ™ Our Innovative, Interchangeable Fixed Blade Cutlery System 9” FILLET 7” FILLET 5” FILLET 3” SERRATED
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rugged canvas roll pack
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3/19/18 2:52 PM
FLY FISHING
Michelle Bowman with a Yucatan baby tarpon from an inflatable SUP.
For more Bowman, go to
CAMFLYFISHING.COM
GAME CHANGER Sea Eagle FishSUP Stand Up Paddleboard
Win th Sea Eagle e FishSUP Pro Moto r Fishing Rig Packa ge! Fu
www.Coa ll details at stalAngle rContest.c om
Fits in a Bag! Paddle or Motor
Incredibly stable, the new inflatable FishSUP FS126 Stand Up Paddleboard is an angler’s dream. Lightweight, packable, portable and ready in moments. The FishSUP fits in any car trunk and inflates in just 7 minutes. Stand, sit, fish, motor, troll, fresh, salt or brackish water...the FishSUP goes everywhere. 800-748-8066 M-F 9-5 EST Dept C2048B 19 N. Columbia St., Suite 1
• 12’6” long x 40” wide for exceptional stability • Motor mount holds up to a 55 lb. thrust electric motor • EVA foam pad for secure stand up footing • 36” Built-in fish ruler • Heavy duty two layer drop stitch construction for a solid, super tough SUP board • Multiple d-rings and elastic cord for gear & accessories
MSRP $1149!
Port Jefferson, NY 11777
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NO 26
The best fishing stories start with you getting away.
F F
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PINE ISLAND SOUND, FL
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CoastalA
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2018 242CC
FISHING FOCUSED FAMILY FRIENDLY “Sailfish Boats are truly versatile. A great fishing boat and a great family boat all in one.”
2018 220CC ® Exclusive Variable Degree Stepped (VDS) Hull for Performance, Safety & Stability ® 10 year Structural Warranty ® SailTech Construction: 100% Composite, Reinforced with Kevlar® & Carbon Fiber ® Lifetime No-Rot Guarantee ® Bow To Stern Intelligent Ergonomic Design with Premium Finishes ® Family Friendly Features for Fun, Comfort and Safety
www.SailfishBoats.com
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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Take a
ROD BUILDING CLASS
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Register at:
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You could get a discount when you combine your auto and boat policies.
geico.com | 1-800-865-4846 | Local Office Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. Multi-Policy Discount available to auto insureds that have purchased a boat policy through the GEICO Marine Insurance Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2018 GEICO
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Center sp
For a limited time, get Suzuki Extended Protection, Instant Savings and attractive financing on select Suzuki outboards from 25 to 350 horspower. See your participapting Suzuki Marine dealer for details or visit www.suzukimarine.com.
REPOWER FINANCE Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 350 HP.
Instant Savings of up to $800 on select models. See your dealer for details.
Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboard on approved credit.*
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 04/01/18 and 06/30/18 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 04/01/18 and 06/30/18. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Customer and participating Dealer must fill out the appropriate form at time of sale. Instant Savings will be applied against the original dealer invoice (Suzuki will credit Dealer 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 04/01/18 and 06/30/18. “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. © 2018 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
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3/19/18 2:52 PM 3/13/18 2:39 PM
ENTER TO WIN
Game ChangER FishSUP FS126
Win the Sea Eagle FishSUP Pro Motor Fishing Rig Package! Full details at www.CoastalAnglerContest.com
800-748-8066 M-F 9-5 EST Dept CS048B 19 N. Columbia St., Suite 1 Port Jefferson, NY 11777
SUP Fishing Will Never Be The Same. The new inflatable Sea Eagle® FishSUP™ FS126 Stand Up Paddleboard was designed specifically for anglers. Deliberately wider for greater stability this board has everything an angler could want. It’s rugged, lightweight, packable and can accept a large array of accessories so you can customize it to your needs! • Motor mount holds up to a 55 lb. thrust electric motor • EVA foam pad for secure stand up footing when needed • Heavy duty two layer drop stitch construction for a solid, super tough SUP board • 36” Built-in fish ruler • Multiple d-rings and elastic cord for gear & accessories • Motor or paddle standing up or sitting
MSRP $1149!
crisp March air was cold enough to have me bundled up tight in layers and a heavy coat. To make things a little more interesting, the previous week of heavy rainfall had the dam wide open, causing swift current and massive waves in high winds. After fishing for half the tournaBy Ryan Kennedy ment day with no success other than a few short fish, I was feeling a little discouraged. have dreamed of certain That’s when things took a turn for the better. As my partner and days that would come I approached a stretch of rocky bank, I reached for a Red Crawdad along for as long as I have Rapala DT-6 crankbait and started slinging casts toward the bank. A been fishing bass tourna- few casts in led us to a small transition area where the size of the rocks ments. Those dreams turn changed. The first cast at this transition started with a bang. into goals, and those goals My St. Croix Mojo Bass Cranking Rod, which is a glass rod, was are attainable with hard work bent heavily. I was in for the first good fight of the day. After what and perseverance. It’s beyond seemed like an eternity, I was holding a 4-pound, 8-ounce Lake Gunamazing to me looking back tersville spotted bass. If you are familiar with the lake, you know a on my most recent tourna- spot of that size is something to appreciate. It’s just 3 ounces shy of the ment to see how God’s plan 4-pound, 11-ounce lake record. came together down to the My demeanor quickly changed for the better. Back on deck, with very rock that I bumped my one cast behind me after landing Spotapotamus, I was laser focused. I crankbait into before catching slung my crankbait as far as I could cast toward a log just past the same the fish I had always dreamed transition area. Within three cranks of the reel, my dream was about about. to become a reality. Moments later, I was holding a 9-pound, 8-ounce The goal that had elud- donkey of a largemouth. ed me thus far in my tournaTo get this straight, let’s go over what just happened. In three casts, ment career was catching an a near-lake-record spotted bass was in the boat, my new personal best absolute giant in a tourna- largemouth bass was in the boat, and 14 pounds of fish were in the ment. Don’t get me wrong, I am always excited to catch a big bass, but livewell. My partner and I ended up with over a 20-pound limit with whenever it happens it always seems to be while fishing for fun on the only four fish and qualified for the 2019 FLW Collegiate National lake or while pond-hopping around my house. This all changed, as I Championship! will forever remember, during the situation I am about to describe. Contact Ryan Kennedy at ryankfishing@gmail.com. Keep up with I was fishing at Lake Guntersville, Alabama, during the second his exploits on YouTube: Ryan Kennedy Fishing, Instagram: @ryankstop of the FLW Collegiate Southeastern Tournament Trail. The fishing and Facebook: Ryan Kennedy Fishing.
I
By Chris Beardsley
Let's Go See
If We Can Find Some Reds!
www.
.com
CALL FOR YOUR NEAREST DEALER
252.235.2461
George K. Regan, Jr. Publisher Boston Edition
Julie Kahn President, Regan Marketing & Media
Tidal Water Fishing in Philadelphia Where the Delaware River meets the city
much anyone on the planet. His whole business model is about educating anglers in classroom settings and online at Bass University, so I was very happy to learn first-hand from him.
I
I met up with Pete on a nice day in April and we launched under a bridge in downtown Philadelphia. The whole city was bustling! Trains were flying by, cars were crossing the bridge above us, and airplanes were taking off or landing every few minutes. Little did I know that the water itself would be just as exciting. Pete brought us to several unique elements. We fished in and around bridge pylons, sunken vessels, boats sitting next to docks, marinas, and even some grassy areas.
So why did I have so much fun fishing the Delaware River in the city of Philadelphia? Maybe sometimes we just need a change of scene.
The fish were sluggish at first but thanks to Pete’s knowledge of the Delaware and the tides, the day was not
GoFishDan
Coastal Angler, April f you’ve read my column or watched my YouTube channel or TV show, you know the kind of setting I like to fish in: quiet lakes and rivers where you can breathe the fresh air, listen to the loons and eagles and, if you’re lucky, see wild animals on the shore.
I was there with my good friend Pete Gluszek, the “Dean” of Bassmaster University and a north Jersey guy through and through. Pete’s an experienced angler who understands tidal water fishing better than pretty
wasted. My first lesson came from watching him throw a one-ounce jig with a trailer towards a pylon, saying there was no way it would get down against the pylon with the current as strong as it was. I learned pretty quickly that you have to find just the right weight for your creature bait, then drop it against the wall where the fish are stacking up. Once you’re set up you use the current to make your bait look natural. With Pete’s techniques we had a great day on the water, bringing in a dozen or so largies. Plus, the Delaware River in Philadelphia is a great place to think about and explore history, which I always like to do. There’s George Washington’s famous "Delaware Crossing” site, where he directed troops to cross the river from Philadelphia to Trenton in a surprise attack on Hessian troops; and the USS John F. Kennedy is docked at a Navy facility on the Delaware in Philadelphia. Commissioned after the president’s assassination, the USS JFK spent 40 years in service. It’s a cool sight to see and a patriotic feeling for sure. After spending about nine
hours fishing with lots of hustle and bustle going on, I'm happy to report I’d do it again in a heartbeat! I didn’t hear any loons or see any deer, but it was a feast for the eyes and ears with some exceptional angling along the way. So the next time you’re looking for a change of scenery, head to a city spot near you and enjoy the bridges, pylons and downtown atmosphere. Until then, God Bless and Go Fish!
FORECAST BY: Dan is an avid angler and host of the television show “Go Fish with Dan Kenney.” The television program airs via the Charter Spectrum network and is seen on YouTube at youtube.com/ gofishdanshow. Dan also runs the New England Fishing & Outdoor Expo (nefishing. com). Dan wears Typhoon polarized sunglasses on all of his fishing adventures.
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EDITORIAL Helping Disabled Veterans Heal with Fly Fishing Project Healing Waters
By Mark Sardella
“F
ly fishing never takes you to an ugly place,” says Wakefield’s Joe Cresta, who runs a local chapter of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, a national program that helps disabled veterans heal through the sport of fly fishing. Fly fishing, Cresta points out, usually involves places like mountains, rivers and lakes. A Wakefield native and 1998 graduate of Wakefield High School, Cresta started the local chapter of Project Healing Waters about two years ago out of the Malden Anglers Club at 229 Main St. in Saugus, MA – less than a mile from Wakefield. Cresta is also the current president of the Malden Anglers Club. The club’s headquarters is right on the three-acre Patkin Pond. 2 BOSTON | APRIL 2018
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Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF) began in 2005 serving wounded military service members at Walter Reed Army Medical Center returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Since then, PHWFF has expanded nationwide, establishing its highly successful program in Department of Defense hospitals, Warrior Transition Units, and Veterans Affairs Medical Centers and clinics. Cresta, a Marine Corps veteran, says that the local program is a little different than some of the other PHWFF
programs, which take place at out of VA hospitals tend to caVeterans Administration hos- ter to older disabled veterans pital settings. of World War II, Korea and Vietnam, many of whom live “We were trying to attract in the facilities. younger veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan who don’t “We thought this would be want to go to the VA due to a more comfortable setting issues with the VA,” Cresta for the younger guys,” Cresta says. He notes that the Project says, rather than going to a Healing Waters programs run sterile, hospital setting. He
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EDITORIAL Helping Disabled Veterans Heal with Fly Fishing Project Healing Waters
says that that about four to six veterans have been regularly coming to the program held at the club on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month. He stresses that veterans of all ages and with all levels of disability are welcome. Twenty seven year old Greg Fowle of Woburn is a 2007 graduate of Northeast Metro Tech in Wakefield and a US Army combat veteran who served in Iraq from 2008 to 2009. He started coming to the Saugus Project Healing Waters program in June. He says he’s been fishing since he was three years old, but wasn’t so sure about fly fishing until a friend introduced him to it. “Since then I was hooked,” Fowle says. He came to Project Healing Waters to learn more. He says he’s gained a lot of knowledge from the program and from members of the club. “Fishing is my therapy,” Fowle says. “There’s nothing better than being on the water.”
Cresta says that two of the biggest misconceptions are that fly fishing is expensive and difficult to learn. On the contrary, he says that with about $100 worth of equipment the basics can be learned in a couple of hours. But for the disabled veterans in the Project Healing Waters program, there is no equipment cost. “All the equipment is free for the program through donations,” Cresta says. Despite being easy to learn, both Cresta and Fowle agree that the reason fly fishing is good therapy for disabled veterans is because there’s more involved than just dropping a line in the water and waiting. “Fly fishing is more of a thought process, more focused,” Cresta says, so there’s less of a tendency for the mind to wander. Its physical aspects can also help disabled veterans with mobility issues. Fowle agrees.
erans with alcohol problems. My addiction is fishing, not drugs or alcohol. It’s more rewarding and you don’t wake up feeling like crap.” The program also offers the camaraderie of being around other veterans as well as the structure of a regular schedule that some veterans miss when they return to civilian life.
“Joe Cresta is a truly impressive man and is dedicated to modeling the idea of veterans helping veterans,” Reddin says. “He has spent a great deal of time reaching out to veterans in the community as well as to service providers. All of the club members I “The local Veterans Services have come across are so supOfficers have been a big help portive of this program, and in getting people here,” Cresta many are also veterans.” says, mentioning Wakefield/ Saugus VSO Alicia Reddin Reddin, a Error! Hyperlink and Veterans Services Direc- reference not valid. veteran, tor Ryan McLane by name. says that she has experienced first-hand the benefits of the “With fly fishing you can’t Reddin returns the compli- Project Healing Waters projust sit there and drink,” he ment. gram. says. “There are a lot of vet(con't on Pg. 4) “Mentally, I look forward to it,” Fowle says. “On Wednesdays, I get to go fly fishing.” Cresta would really like to get more disabled vets from the local area to take advantage of the program.
22nd Annual Plum Island Surfcasters Fundraiser Saturday, March 3rd, 2018
Hope Church, 11 Hale Street, Newburyport, MA 8AM-2PM Featured Speaker: Steve Gallant, North Shore fisherman. Special talk for improving your catch: Surfcasting 101: "Everything you need to know to become a more productive surfcaster" Food, raffles and giveaways. Special kayak raffle. Proceeds help to benefit our junior’s program.
Accepting new members of all experience levels 227 Main St. Saugus MA • 781-603-6669 • w w w.maldenanglers.com
Admission: $10 for adults, free for kids 16 and under and new member sign ups at show. Visit our website, www.plumislandsurfcasters.org for more info
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EDITORIAL
Helping Disabled Veterans Heal with Fly Fishing Project Healing Waters
“I support this not only as a Veterans Services Officer but also because I participate in this program as a therapeutic event,” she says. “All are
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welcome here. If you are a veteran of any age with a VA rating 0-100%, please contact myself or Joe directly. This is a great supportive group and we all share a commonality in our experiences that others cannot relate to.”
ect Healing Waters program.
Cresta and Fowle stress that the networking and mutual support among veterans is another huge benefit of Proj-
--------------------------------
“If someone is down and out,” Cresta says, “just coming here can turn the whole thing around.” Fowle agrees. “If I see another vet who is struggling, I’ll pick him up,” he says. “We won’t leave him behind.”
Project Healing Waters meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at 6:15 p.m. at Malden Anglers Club, 227 Main St. in Saugus. For more information, contact Joe Cresta at 781-
603-6669 (email: cuffs1980@ yahoo.com), or Wakefield Veterans Services Officer Alicia Reddin at 781-246-6377 (email: areddin@cityofmelrose.org). [This story originally appeared in the July 27, 2015 Wakefield Daily Item.] Mark Sardella is a writer from Wakefield, MA. You can find more of his stories on his website https://marksardella.wordpress.com/
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
3/18/18 10:57 PM
CATCH PHOTOS Fishing with Shelley By Shelley Wigglesworth
This month features a mixed bag of fine fish-Cod, haddock, Pollack and bluefin tuna all caught off shore in New England during the 2017 season.
d h a nice co f Wells wit se on the o e rk la C Chip relea catch and r. e that was a st a e r’ o N F/V
Chris Bayden, Ben Fearn and Captain Ryder Noyes of the F/V Shirley Girl Cape Porpoise, Maine with a 450 lb. blue fin tuna.
Captain Mik e Pe on the F/V N rkins and a young an gler or’easter, with a sizab Kennebunkport le Pollack.
h a catch Paul Winn of Wells, Maine wit ’easter. Nor F/V the on cod ase and rele
Alissa Wiggles worth with a haddock caught on th e F/V Nor’eas ter. Anthony Ahrens with a giant bluefin tuna catch from Chasing Tail Charters-FV- Lesa Ann
tuna Bluefin r. t n ia g de ha Conten lda wit Dan Ku ht on the F/V caug
Joe Forbe s, Perkins Co F/V Amy Elizabeth ve with a of 480 tuna caug ht with M lb. blue fin att Forbes.
Shelley Wigglesworth is Maine native and award winning freelance journalist. In addition to her monthly feature in Coastal Angler, her work appears in various publications including Maine Boats Homes and Harbors, National Fisherman, Commercial Fisheries News, Maine Lobstermen's Association’s Landings, Yankee and The Village. In the summer she is a mate on two boats-Captain John’s Charters and the F-V Nor’easter. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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FISHING FORECAST
Open Water Kick Off in Maine!
Maine Outdoors Adventures with Twin Maple Outdoors Photo: “Rip Dam on West Branch” by Richard Yvon
snow melt from warm rains; longer days and sun make rivers flow and fish run. After a long winter, it’s now time to fire up the jet boat and chase Maine’s premier cold-water fishes, the Landlocked Salmon and Lake Trout.
By Richard Yvon Twin Maple Outdoors
A
pril 1st is the official start of open water season here in Maine. Ice out is an annual favorite for inland fishers of Maine. Although the book says go ahead and fish open water, sometimes Mother Nature does not always cooperate! Guiding a vast territory in Maine allows flexibility as fishing guide with options in spring fishing opportunities. As old man winter loses his grip, ice and 6 BOSTON | APRIL 2018
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Early spring fishing can be a very opportunistic time for us fishers to be on the water. After a long winter, fish are hungry and eager to feed. If we can locate the food and understand the behavior we can then locate and hone in on the predators. They will not be far!! After some home work in your waters you fish, getting a good understanding is key to being successful. Traditionally
how, when and where have been passed down from generation to generation. If you are not so lucky to have a mentor you will have to have patience, perseverance and time to find the right place and techniques your self. Sometimes the search is what makes fishing so enjoyable and rewarding! The Togue of Maine is the oldest living char living in deep, cold, glacial lakes in North America. They are Maine’s top cold-water predator fish species living for many, many years. They are found also living with other non-native fish species when they have been stocked over and compete directly for the same
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
3/18/18 10:57 PM
FISHING FORECAST
Open Water Kick Off in Maine!
Maine Outdoors Adventures with Twin Maple Outdoors
Photo: “Master Maine Guide” by Richard Yvon
food source. These fish are commonly found in deep cold-water lakes but will also be in rivers when rainbow smelt are spawning in the spring. When Togue swim into cold spring run off flowages, they are primarily feeding on smelt. Flyfishing for them this time of year can be very exciting and rewarding. In addition to fishing the fly, spin fishing with hard baits is also very productive. Swim baits, spoons and spinners are all great choices that imitate the rainbow smelt. Growing up fishing in Maine for brook trout, blue back trout, land lock salmon, lake trout and perch brings back found memories with my family. Learning about Maine’s rich history of fishing has provided a deep appreciation of its wild land and waters. Maine is truly a very special place where native fish need to be revered and preserved. Maine’s land-lock Salmon were originally native in only four major water basins. In history man has
propagated Salmon throughout the state and is now commonly found in most cold water Lakes. Salmon has been stocked over native fish waters that originally belonged to native brook and native lake trout. Efforts by a grass roots organization called “Native Fish Coalition” and others are presently focusing on protecting, preserving and restoring native fish and their habitats. Help in keeping our waters and land clean of invasive species, is everyone’s duty as a good steward of our planet. If you are interested in a Northern Maine Outdoor Adventure, please reach out to Rich!
of Maine Tourism. By contributing to the board of directors, he is in constant communication with visitors, guides, lodges and business owners in Maine promoting the outdoors and conservation. *Due to limited space, booking in advance is highly recommended.
Photo: “Native Male Togue (Lake Trout)” by Richard Yvon
About Richard Yvon…Rich is a full time Registered Maine Guide and Luxury Sporting Lodge operator. He is a “Certified Yamaha G3 Guide” that runs fly and spin fishing trips with a G3 Jet boat and drift boat. Located in Bradford Maine, Rich guides World Class Maine hunting, fishing and recreation adventures. As well as guiding, Rich is also an outdoor writer, tree farmer, flyfishing and certified NRA firearms instructor. Spending time in Maine’s North Woods has provided a canvas for Rich to share his passion of the outdoors with all walks of life. When Rich is not in the field, he sits as a director for The Maine Highlands
To Book… e-mail: info@TwinMapleOutdoors.com Call: 207-907-9151 Visit: http://www. TwinMapleOutdoors.com Luxury Sport Lodging also Remote Cabin and Primitive Tent Camping Ice Fishing – Lodging, Heated Fishing Shelters, Instruction Hunting, etc.…)
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FEATURED PHOTOS BY PETE MCMANUS
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FEATURED PHOTOS BY PETE MCMANUS
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FEATURED PHOTOS BY PETE MCMANUS
UPCOMING EVENTS Have an idea for an app, game, or machine learning application?
Check out some of these local fishing events and tournaments. To include your event in this listing, send it to us at boston@coastalanglermagazine.com
Service Event: Merrimack Riverside Cleanup Rocks Village (Ferry Park)
spencerjohnfrazier.com Designer, Developer & Founder:
West Newbury, MA • April 21 - 8AM st
Cops and Bobbers Family Fishing Festival
PAINTMATCH+
Springfield, MA • April 28th
Plum Island Surfcasters ANIPHON
CL UB M E E T I NG Tuesday, April 17, 2018, 7:00PM:
David Pickering will present: "Carp Fishing Strategies for Rivers and Lakes." New Location! Meet at PITA Hall: 8 Plum Island Turnpike, Newbury, MA 01951 Free admission for all club members • $5.00 for non-members Driving directions and parking information at:
...and many more on iOS/Android/HoloLens/VIVE. Leverage 10+ years design, development and machine learning experience. Full service design, architecture and deployment.
www.plumislandsurfcasters.org/pita-hall
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spencerjfrazier@gmail.com
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APRIL CATCH OF THE MONTH
er ith a Smok ard, MA w rida n y a M f o house orada, Flo Dave Gale ht in Islam King caug
Shaun O'B caught rien of Tipsy Tu this str iper in na Sportfish York Be in ach, M g E
Jack Malone (age 14) and father Mike hit some local ponds in Bridgewater on Feb 24 since the weather was nice, 50+ degrees. The jointed Rapala is his favorite lure for good reason. Both a Pickerel & Large Mouth Bass within a few casts.
erett MA, celebrate Justin and Nick Uga, Ev tuna, yellow fin, aboard catching their first ever ntini of Fishing Finatics the Vertigo II. Peter Sa Galapagos Islands. organized the trip to the
Phil "Bu his first ezzLuck" Buzby, B II. Peter ver striped marlirockton, MA, catc Santin n abo hes the trip toi of Fishing Fina ard the Vertigo tics orga the Gala nized pagos Is lands. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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RELENTLESS. RESULTS.
30
YEARS OF BUILDING BRANDS
www.regancomm.com • 617-488-2800 BOSTON / NEW YORK / WASHINGTON DC / NEW LONDON / PROVIDENCE / CAPE COD / FLORIDA / CHARLESTON
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I
f this photo of a happy kid with a humongous fish doesn’t make you smile, nothing will. Chase Stokes, 11, caught his 33.25-pound, 40inch carp on a nightcrawler while fishing at Otter Creek in Panton, Vermont in April 2017. It is one of the three state records caught by Vermont anglers last year. All of them are species not typically targeted. In May, angler Mike Elwood landed a record redhorse sucker while fishing on the Winooski River in Colchester, Vermont. The sucker, landed on a live worm, weighed 9.9 pounds and measured 29 inches long with an 18-inch girth. The third record for 2017 was a cisco, also known as lake herring. Alan Franchot caught his 2.25-pound state record while trolling on Lake Champlain in September. “We saw some incredible catches in 2017, especially Chase’s carp,” said Shawn Good, fisheries biologist with Vermont Fish & Wildlife. “It was an impressive looking fish, but what’s really exciting to me is that we’re starting to see more Vermont anglers fish outside of the box, as I like to call it, by taking advantage of many of the overlooked fishing opportunities we have in our state.” Good said fishing in Vermont remains excellent for traditional species like bass, trout, salmon and pike, but that anglers should take a look at some of the oddball fish like bowfin, drum, gar, fallfish and suckers that can provide great action as well as trophy potential.
It’s Tarpon Time In The
Florida Keys
By CAM Staff • Photo by Pat Ford
I
t is the heart of the tarpon season in the Florida Keys. With the annual migration in full swing, there should be silver kings everywhere over the next couple of months. The big spring run begins most years in February. It can last deep into the summer when conditions are right. This is when the big fish are most vulnerable. Averaging 80 pounds and sometimes running much larger, tarpon in the keys offer a fishery unlike any other in the world. The west coast of Africa might have the world record 286-pound, 9-ounce tarpon, but nowhere in the world has the opportunities to sight fish tarpon like the Keys. Poling the flats, there is a very real possibility of encountering tarpon up to 200 pounds and heavier in shallow and ultra-clear water. Migrating tarpon will push up into the backcountry in the thousands, skirting the edges of the flats and channels. Staking out or anchoring the boat in an ambush point where the angler is likely to encounter numbers of hungry tarpon is best accomplished through a local guide who stays on top of the movements of these giant fish. One thing you’ll notice is that while some captains might guarantee “shots” at tarpon, none promise you’ll actually bring one boatside. With a fly, enticing a big tarpon to eat is something that takes a lot of skill and a little luck. First-timers are probably better off fishing live bait, and a crab fished under a float in the passes and around bridges where fish are
concentrated can lead to multiple hook-ups in a day’s trip. What follows is a fight that cannot be matched by any fish anywhere. The powerful runs and repeated jumps of a hooked tarpon are what made them so highly prized as a game fish. Even experienced anglers are frequently left broken hearted when the line falls slack. Winning a battle with Megalops is an achievement to be remembered. Winning the battle comes with a heavy dose of responsibility, as well. Tarpon have a life span of 50 years or more. They are slow growing, and it takes them seven to 13 years to reach sexual maturity. This and their value as a game fish make them susceptible to population decline. Every effort should be made to release them with the best chance for their survival. All Florida tarpon must be released, with an exception for anglers who have purchased a state tarpon tag for the purpose of achieving an IGFA world record. Large tarpon should remain in the water at all times, which means unhooking and photographing them should be done quickly, with an effort to keep the head and gills in the water as much as possible. Never attempt to drag a tarpon over the side of the boat. Tarpon will often fight to exhaustion, so reviving them after the fight will greatly increase their chance of survival. Hold them horizontally in the water with their mouth open, moving them forward to push water over their gills. Do this until they are able to swim off on their own.
Fish wide open.
If you want to experience true fishing freedom, book a light-tackle charter in The Florida Keys. Our open fish captains are the best in the business. Dolphin, tuna, grouper, marlin, sailfish, cobia, wahoo – the possibilities are endless. Show up, fish, walk away (very likely with a smile and fillets). fla-keys.com 1.800.fla.keys
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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Popticals Pop-Out Sunglasses When you’re sight fishing, nothing is more important than your vision. While fishing from a kayak or SUP, storage space is at a premium. That’s why Popticals are a perfect fit for paddle sports and kayak anglers. They are premium quality shades that fold down to a compact size and fit into a protective case small enough to be slipped into a pocket or clipped to just about anything with an attached carabiner. Popticals uses NYDEF nylon lenses manufactured for Popticals by Carl Zeiss Vision. Nylon has the same clarity as glass, but it’s much lighter. The light weight makes them more comfortable for all-day wear, and the clarity of these polarized lenses will help you see and catch more fish. “With other sunglasses, I’ve spent too much time second-guessing about what I’m seeing… or think I’m seeing,” said Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Scott Suggs. “With Popticals NYDEF lenses, there’s no guessing. I can see details more clearly, cover a lot more water over the course of a day, and put my baits in front of a lot more fish.” It’s time to stop storing your glasses on top of your head, where they can fly off or get scratched. Poptical’s award-winning design allows them to fold down into a compact hard-shell case. The case floats, and it’s small enough to fit into a pocket comfortably. Or, clip the case to your gear, where your glasses will be small enough to be out of the way but right there when you need them.
Popticals.com
SEE MORE. CATCH MORE. PopH2O with NYDEF™ lens technology lets you see sharper details beneath the surface of the water to catch the fish your buddies can’t even see. Polarized NYDEF™ nylon lenses made by Carl Zeiss enhance your vision with the clarity of a glass lens at a fraction of the weight. Spend less time guessing at what you’re seeing in the water, and more time catching fish. #SeeMoreFishCatchMoreFish
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On The Water With
Kaku By Capt. Ryan Drygas
T
arpon Springs, a small town on the west coast of Florida an hour north of St. Petersburg, is a best-kept secret for redfish and snook. It sits within a web of waterways connecting the Gulf of Mexico to rivers, lakes, ponds, marshes and eventually Tampa Bay. This vast system offers excellent inshore opportunities, and it’s a ton of fun to explore under paddle power. I know a local who grew up there and knows the water like the back of his hand. Kevin Hawkins, owner of Kaku Kayaks, invited me out on the water to try his newest SUP, the Voodoo. Kevin lives, eats and breathes fishing. When he’s not fishing from one of his kayaks or SUPs, he’s thinking about ways to design these boats so they’re better to fish from. The Voodoo is a hybrid that melds the best qualities of an SUP, a kayak and a micro-skiff. We launched from his local ramp on a Saturday afternoon a cou-
ple hours before sunset. I don’t have the words to describe the picturesque setting that spread out before me. Mangroves, oyster beds and hidden shoals were in abundance. We paddled to the tip of a mangrove island where a smaller canal led to docks, sandbars and windbreaks. We had to cross the main channel to get there, and there was a 1- to 2-foot chop with the boating traffic and winds. The Voodoo was stable and fast, tracking straight as it cut through the channel. I was surprised the chop didn’t offer more of a challenge, but the hull design of the Voodoo is flawless. It also features a chair, which—without adjustment—offers two seated positions and can be used as a poling platform. The boat paddles well from a seated or standing position, and the ability to make powerful strokes with a low center of gravity came in handy during the crossing. As we rounded the tip of the island, we found wind-shade in a pocket. We poled down to cast right under the mangroves and docks. The Voodoo’s stern has five molded-in Power Pole mounts that allow for dual or single Power Pole Micros. And from a stability standpoint, the boat might as well be the deck of a skiff. Kevin hooked into a 25-inch redfish and fought it with ease from the open deck. As we paddled through the backside of the mangrove islands, we cast to oyster beds and under docks. The final spot Kevin had planned was a back corner of an area with a long sea wall and sand flats. Kevin wanted to hit it right at sunset, when the redfish bite is best. We could see reds tailing over the shoals as the tide went out. If you are looking for a perfect fishing machine, look no further than Kaku. These boats are a fisherman’s Cadillac. Kevin’s obsession with crafting a superior fishing vessel is evident in the sleek, stable versatility of his boats. For more on Kaku Kayak, visit kakukayak.com.
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By Tom Schlichter
Y
ou couldn’t tell by looking in the tannic-stained water, but Capt. Gary Dubiel was convinced redfish were holding just a few feet from the bank. “Toss your line up tight and see what happens,” he instructed. My cork popper landed with a splat and the trailing DOA shrimp settled toward the bottom. I waited a second, gave a “pop” and watched the cork slide under with an 8-pound red in full protest. “They’ll smack that setup every time,” smiled the skipper. It’s no secret that the coastal waters of North Carolina teem with redfish and stripers, but many visiting anglers focus their efforts solely on inlet and ocean waters. For truly amazing topwater action, the bays, creeks and river systems are also well worth exploring. “There’s amazing variety on the inside here,” said Dubiel, of Spec Fever Guide Service (www.specfever.com), who specializes in putting light-tackle and fly-fishing fans right in the mix. Dubiel especially enjoys working the Neuse River area because it hosts stripers and seatrout year-round, plus redfish from spring though mid-October. “These stripers are estuarine and don’t run to the ocean,” he explained. “They typically measure up to 32 inches, which makes them perfect for light gear and fly rods. Even better, they mix in with the specks and slot-sized redfish. We often catch all three on the same trip.” The striper action really heats up in late April when the bass return from spawning farther upriver to offer outstanding surface action from Oriental to New Bern, N.C. Much of the fun takes place in knee-deep depths here in the river’s mouth at Pamlico Sound, and that makes for a ton of topwater thrills. Interestingly, the Neuse River—America’s widest at 6 miles across the mouth— doesn’t have a lunar rise and fall in tides. Rather than look for current, Dubiel works around structure while using a trolling motor to quietly get in and out of
potential hot spots. He likes casting at old wood when possible, often using a Bob’s Banger Capt. Gary Dubiel of Spec popper. “Because the fish often Fever Guide Service works hang in the shallows here, you can call them from a considerthe long wand for shallow able distance if you make a litwater Neuse River stripers, reds tle noise,” he said. “This is also and specks. Photo by Felicia a great lure for covering a lot of Scocozza. water. Some of our wood fields are pretty expansive.” Push up into the Neuse River tributaries above and below New Bern and you’ll also find largemouth bass, crappie and perch. The creeks stay warmer than the river in the winter months, so there are times in late winter and early spring when you might catch any of these along with a striper, redfish or speckled trout as well. “It certainly makes for an interesting mixed bag,” quipped Dubiel. Just an hour drive from Moorhead City, N.C., the Neuse River is easily accessible from Oriental, New Bern or the ICW. For accommodations, consider Bridgepoint Marina (www.bridgepointe.com) in New Bern. It’s within 500 yards of public launching at both Lawson Creek Landing and Union Park Point. For more info on the New Bern area, visit www.visitnewbern.com.
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United States Power Squadrons–America’s
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ho doesn’t have a smile on their face when they’re spending time on the water? You can’t help yourself. Boating is the definition of getting away from it all. And getting away from it all is always more fun with friends. This is where the United States Power Squadrons–America’s Boating Club comes in. Enjoying your time on the water with family and friends starts with being safe and responsible while having fun. That’s what makes America’s Boating Club different than most boating organizations. For over a hundred years, the organization’s focus has been on providing unsurpassed boating safety education. But the organization’s leadership and members are passionate about a membership that doesn’t end on Sunday and doesn’t care if the calendar says it’s winter. It’s about being together and building a community through a variety of events like parties, meetings and even just getting together for no reason at all. Driven by this passion, United States Power Squadrons–America’s Boating Club, the country’s largest nonprofit boating organization, just launched its new logo. This is the first of several planned updates in the organization’s new brand image and identity. Changes to the organization’s website, social media platforms and collateral are expected in the coming weeks.
“We are United States Power Squadrons but we are also America’s Boating Club,” said Gary Cheney, chief commander, United States Power Squadrons. “This is not just a name change, it describes what we do. We go boating and have fun doing it. Our squadrons are social clubs as well as providers of high quality boating education— allowing members to enjoy the sport and camaraderie of boating and any number of activities that keep us together. Togetherness is what this lifestyle is all about. We joined the organization for the boating education, but we stayed for the friends.” Offering classes For Boaters, By Boaters in boat handling, navigation, boat maintenance, weather and related subjects, United States Power Squadrons— America’s Boating Club serves as a virtual “yacht club” with boating and social activities for all types of recreational boaters. With over 27,000 members organized into 356 local clubs across the country, America’s Boating Club is comprised of families who contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating through education. Members are vital to strengthening the communities they live in and know it’s important to live their values by giving back through public service and volunteer opportunities. Members provide courtesy vessel safety checks, help the NOAA’s National Ocean Service keep nautical charts accurate and organize beach cleanups. “Our commitment is to continue learning, teaching, laughing and helping our fellow members enjoy boating,” continued Cheney. “Whether you’re passionate about cruising, racing, making new friends, volunteering in your community or learning from experienced boaters, your local squadron has the resources you need to engage your passions and, perhaps, instill some new ones.” In February of 2017, the United States Power Squadrons announced its America’s Boating Club co-brand to its squadrons, following an almost yearlong renaming exercise. To learn more about United States Power Squadrons–America’s Boating Club, visit www.americasboatingclub.org.
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FRESHWATER Jordan Lee Wins Back-To-Back
Bassmaster Classics Bassmaster photos by Andy Crawford
I
n sixth place headed into the final day of the Bassmaster Classic on March 18 at lake Hartwell, S.C., Alabama’s Jordan Lee was in striking distance to do what only two anglers have ever done—win the Super Bowl of bass fishing twice in a row. And he did it. With a final day surge that took him to the scales with 16 pounds, 5 ounces, Lee tallied a three-day total of 47-1 to edge out California pro Brent Ehrler by a single pound. With his Classic win last year at Lake Conroe, Texas, Lee joins Rick Clunn and Kevin VanDam as the only three anglers in the history of the sport to win back-to-back classics. With the $300,000 purse, Lee pushed his career earnings with B.A.S.S past the million-dollar mark.
“It was just a perfect week for me,” Lee told Bassmaster. “I caught fish on five different baits and a lot of different techniques.” Boat docks were the ticket to Lee’s success. Following poor practice rounds, he could not nail down a strong pattern. From Day 1, Lee reverted to his comfort zone and his strength. “I just wanted to cover as much water as I could to give myself the best chance of putting a bait in front of a fish,” he told Bassmaster. “On this lake, I knew boat docks were going to play because they always do—and that’s what I like to do.” Live on Day 1, video showed Lee pumping his fists over a chunky largemouth he finessed out from under a dock with black floats. Black floats tend to warm the water around them, and the fish were staging up prior to the spawn. A strong sack of 18-10 on Day 1 must have buoyed Lee’s confidence in the dock pattern. Despite catching nothing but smaller spotted bass and just 12-2 on Day 2, Lee was still solidly in the top 25 to make the cut to fish Championship Sunday. Lee found his magic pocket on Day 3. Fishing a Strike King Rage Swimmer, a Strike King Ocho and a Strike King Shimmy Stick, he stuck to that one little pocket and pulled fish from beneath almost every dock. Green pumpkin was his primary color. Jason Christie, of Oklahoma, who led through the first two days of competition, dropped back to third place after the final day with a three-day total of 45-15. Ehrler’s 46-1 earned him second place. Alabama pro Mark Daniels Jr. caught the Berkley Big Bass of the tournament, a 6-pound, 11-ounce largemouth that won him $2,500. Reporting by Bassmaster’s Bryan Brasher.
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UNDER THE SEA
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ike land hunters or rod-and-reel fishermen, spearos also study and perfect some tricks of the trade. Spearos immerse themselves into the fishes’ environment, so the first skill to master is to look like you belong there. Beginners tend to exhibit aggressive behavior, chasing and spooking fish. If fish scatter when you get near, study how calmly an experienced diver moves in the water. Until you achieve a non-threatening aura, all other tips and tricks will be useless. After achieving smooth diving technique, here are some techniques to get near fish. 1) Aspetto (Italian for “wait”)—It starts from the surface with a smooth duck-dive into the water while removing the snorkel. You descend with soft kicks until you begin to free-fall as you scan the bottom. By turning your fin blades, you maneuver to the right spot, perhaps where the reef meets sand. You lie motionless on the bottom until curious fish come to check you out. Moving only your eyes, you pick out the prey, move your gun slowly, and make a well-placed shot. A good spearo will make this technique look easy, but it is not. This is especially effective with evasive fish that become curious when you do not move, such as mutton snappers in Florida, stripers in the northeast, and bigeye emperors in Hawaii. 2) Agguato (Italian for “ambush”)–This is a dynamic stalking technique to get closer to prey without being noticed. The diver navigates the bottom using the environment to get closer to the prey. The diver must consider current, visibility and available bottom structure while moving from one object to another, blending into shadows or hiding behind reef formations. If your body can be hidden while closing the gap, the fish will remain unaware of your presence.
3) Flashers/ Sheri Daye practices “aspetto” technique. chum—Especially Photo by Joe Marino effective for hunting pelagics such as jacks, tunas, dolphin and wahoo. Multiple mirrors dangle below a float, and the flashes of light in the water imitate the reflective glare from a school of baitfish. The fish come in to investigate. Chum can be used in combination with a flasher to bring them even closer and keep them interested. In addition to these techniques, serious spearos are likely to train in a pool, use meditation techniques, and do cardio exercises to increase their breath hold capacity. Many take freediving classes to increase bottom time and safety. While there is no certification required to do it, classes should be a pre-requisite, as freediving is a sport that can lead to “blackout” and death if not practiced correctly. Spearfishing is a beautiful, selective way to catch fish, but it is also physically and mentally demanding. Above all, be safe and happy hunting! Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer of The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.
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hen Jesus Chavarria was a small boy nearly 60 years ago, he remembers a giant silver fish with huge scales brought to the dock at his home in the small Pacific river port of Sierpe, Costa Rica. No one had any idea what it was. He went on to captain offshore sport fishing boats all over the west coast of Costa Rica for the next 35 years and retired a few years ago to taking guests fishing the backwaters of the Sierpe River. His specialty is snook but now and then he began to catch tarpon. Tarpon are not indigenous to the Pacific Ocean, but over the years anglers began to encounter a tarpon now and then. The thought is that over more than a century since it was constructed, the Panama Canal has provided passage for tarpon, which now reside in the Pacific. Tarpon capture has been recorded as far south as Colombia and as far north as El Salvador. Saul Porras’ capture of a tarpon that weighed barely 3 pounds at a creek mouth in southern Costa Rica changed the whole thought process. Chances that a fish that small swam through the canal and that far are slim. Are tarpon now breeding in the Pacific? FECOP, the sport fishing advocacy and conservation group in Costa Rica, agreed to sponsor a project to find out more about tarpon in the Pacific. They contacted Didiher Chacon, who had worked on a Costa Rican Caribbean tarpon project almost three decades ago in Barra del Colorado for Dr. Roy Crabtree, of Florida. He agreed to work on the science part of the project. “The Sierpe Wetlands are perfect habitat for juvenile tarpon,” explained Chacon. “That very well may account for the increase in numbers of tarpon caught there in the last few years.” Most of the river tarpon are small, less than 30 pounds, but fish as large as 100 pounds have also been taken. Phase 1 of the project will concentrate in southern Costa Rica. A DNA comparison will be done between Pacific-caught tarpon and tarpon taken from different parts of the Caribbean side of the country. They will also study what the Pacific tarpon have been feeding on. Today this can be done with a small tissue sample without sacrificing the fish. All Pacific caught tarpon will also be tagged. Chacon noted that there is a possibility over time for tarpon to change the ecology of the rivers. It is not yet known what they are feeding on or how they will affect native fish. The Pacific-side tarpon are now showing with enough frequency to make it worth finding out. Tropical storm Nate delayed the project when the massive amounts of rain that fell not only caused major landslides but also completely flushed everything out of most of the country’s rivers. Find out more about Pacific tarpon and other FECOP projects on sport fishing conservation at www.fishcostarica.org.
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 8/1/18.
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ITEM 60581 60653 shown
.50 CAL METAL AMMO CAN
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13999 $N11O999 $199 SAVE $
2/10/50 AMP, 12 VOLT 7 FT. 4" x 9 FT. 6" CAMOUFLAGE BATTERY CHARGER/ WEATHER RESISTANT TARP ENGINE STARTER Customer Rating
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Tools sold separately.
LIMIT 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, safes, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trenchers, welders, Admiral, Ames, Bauer, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 8/1/18.
Cannot be used with other discounts or prior purchases. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 8/1/18 while supplies last. Limit 1 FREE GIFT per customer per day.
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ITEM 68053/62160 62496/62516/60569 shown
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PROSKIT
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7 FUNCTION DIGITAL MULTIMETER
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At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.
3/19/18 3/2/18 8:33 2:53 AM PM
GET A GRIP • Safer • Easier • Better
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Photo courtesy of Outcast Sport Fishing/Facebook
N
ot long ago, people didn’t know there were great white sharks off the coast of South Carolina. Now, thanks to the obsessive pursuit of them by Outcast Sport Fishing Charter Capt. Chip Michalove, everyone knows they’re out there, and in numbers during the winter months. Michalove seems to have figured it out, and he’s not sharing his secrets for fear of hurting the species he spent more than a decade trying to pattern. The captain has caught nearly 30 of these apex predators over the last three years. His most recent catch has made national news after a post about him catching a 16-foot-long, 3,000-pound white shark went viral from his Facebook page. Journalist Mandy Matney wrote in Hilton Head Island’s Island Packet about Michalove’s giant fish. She reported that with a two-man skeleton crew, Michalove had to radio to another fishing boat for backup to bring the giant fish boatside where it could be tagged and released. Michalove tags great whites for the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy in Chatham, Mass., according to the Island Packet report. They are working to study the movements of the sharks in the Atlantic, and through technique Michalove does everything he can to put minimal stress on the animals.
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THE PLANET’S
CLEANEST OUTBOARD It’s never been this much of a rush to make the right choice. The new Evinrude® E-TEC® G2® gives you power plus responsibility. Run the cleanest combustion outboard on the planet, period. Not just clean, but lean, with 15% better fuel efficiency*. No competitor takes you further on a tank of fuel. That’s more adventures to the gallon, more fish in the boat, more dollars in your wallet. The planet friendly E-TEC G2. No outboard engine runs cleaner.
©2018 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, TM and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. * Fuel economy claim based on BRP-conducted ICOMIA testing of Evinrude E-TEC G2 250 H.O., Yamaha 250 SHO® and Mercury OptiMax® 250 HP in a test tank to determine ICOMIA average cycle. Actual fuel economy dependent on engine model.
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