Coastal Angler Magazine | July 2021 | Brevard Edition

FREE

BREVARD EDITION

@CAMTAMagazine

GULF STREAM

MAHI

Three Days For Atlantic Snapper PHOTO BY CAPT. BLAKE RIGBY COURTESY OF TRIPLETAIL CHARTERS WWW.TRIPLETAILCHARTERS.COM VOLUME 26 • ISSUE 316

GROUPER

GAME CHANGER

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM

F R A N C H I S E

O P P O R T U N I T I E S

A V A I L A B L E

W O R L D W I D E

JULY 2021

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.

IN THIS BATTLE, YOU NOW HAVE THE ADVANTAGE OF SHOCK AND AWE.

“Blu wat on t gent ‘wat –w

The next generation of our workhorse spinning reel, the new PENN ® Battle ® III now features our proprietary CNC Gear ™ Technology for ultimate durability, and the proven HT-100 ™ Carbon Fiber Drag System for ultimate control during the fight. Available in nine different sizes, from 1000 to the new 10,000, and in select high speed models, it can handle any situation.

The new Battle® III. Fish won’t know what hit them. PENN. LET THE BATTLE BEGIN.

Best Saltwater Reel ICAST 2020 ©2020 Pure Fishing, Inc.

nc.

êêêêê “The quality of their watches is equal to many that can go for ten times the price or more.”

— Jeff from McKinney, TX

“Blue face watches are on the discerning gentleman’s ‘watch list’.”

– watchtime.com

Stone Cold Fox So good-looking...heads will turn. So unbelievably-priced...jaws will drop.

E

very once in a while a timepiece comes along that’s so incredibly good looking, masterfully equipped and jaw-droppingly priced, that it stops us stone cold. A watch that can take you seamlessly from the 18th hole to the board room. A watch that blurs the line betweens sports watch and dress watch. We’re talking the Blue Stone Chronograph, and it sits at the top of the discerning gentleman’s watch list.

Striking in appearance and fully equipped with features, this is a watch of substance. The Blue Stone merges the durability of steel with the precision of crystal movement that’s accurate to 0.2 seconds a day. Both an analog and digital watch, the Blue Stone keeps time with pinpoint accuracy in two time zones.

The watch’s handsome steel blue dial seamlessly blends an analog watch face with a stylish digital display. It’s a stopwatch, calendar, and alarm. Plus, the Blue Stone resists water up to 30 meters, making it up for water adventures.

A watch with these features would easily cost you thousands if you shopped big names. But overcharging to justify an inflated brand name makes us blue in the face. Which is why we make superior looking and performing timepieces priced to please. Decades of experience in engineering enables Stauer to put quality on your wrist and keep your money in your pocket.

Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Experience the Blue Stone Chronograph for 30 days. If you’re not convinced you got excellence for less, send it back for a refund of the item price.

Time is running out. Originally priced at $395, the Blue Stone Chronograph was already generating buzz among watch connoisseurs, but with the price slashed to $69, we can’t guarantee this limited-edition timepiece will last. So, call today!

TAKE 83% OFF INSTANTLY!

When you use your OFFER CODE Stauer Blue Stone Chronograph non-offer code price $395† Offer Code Price

$69 + S&P Save $326

You must use the offer code to get our special price.

1-800-333-2045 Your Offer Code: BSW388-01

Please use this code when you order to receive your discount.

Stauer

14101 Southcross Drive W.,

® Ste 155, Dept. BSW388-01

Burnsville, Minnesota 55337

www.stauer.com

Rating of A+

† Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.

• Precision movement • Digital and analog timekeeping • LED subdials • Stainless steel crown, caseback & bracelet • Dual time zone feature • Stopwatch • Alarm feature • Calendar: month, day, & date • Water resistant to 3 ATM • Fits wrists 7” to 9”

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

©2021 Sea Tow Services International, Inc. All rights reserved.

B

Fu bo

Navigating the New Normal on the Water

I Help Starts Here.

Priority service for members.

Our Captains are on-scene in an average of 1-hour or less.

Inshore, offshore, or destination sport-fishing — our Captains are standing by 24/7.

Are you a member?

Join today and save 10%. seatow.com/angler 800-4-SEATOW

n the era of the coronavirus, outdoor recreation has become an important survival tool. Last year, the boating industry saw a record number of new boat owners. Both new boaters and seasoned boaters changed their habits to social distance while making the most of their love for the recreational outlet.

According to a survey of 3,500 boaters by Sea Tow Services International, this trend is expected to continue into the 2021 summer season.

Pandemic-influenced boating behavior: • 52 percent of boaters surveyed anticipate their boating activity to increase this summer compared to last.

• 20 percent cite the pandemic as the reason for extending their boating season again in 2021.

• 24 percent plan to vacation on/by boat (versus other forms of travel) because of the pandemic.

• 35 percent plan to use their boat primarily for cruising near their home.

• 16 percent upgraded to a larger boat in 2020 or plan to do so in 2021.

• 52 percent plan to use their boat primarily for fishing (65 percent inshore/30 percent offshore/5 percent freshwater).

• 30 percent have found it more difficult to find dockage and/or marina space.

“Our member survey has typically been a very strong indicator for seasonal recreational boating trends,” said Kristen Frohnhoefer, President of Sea Tow. “Last year, Sea Tow saw a 34 percent increase in requests for on-water assistance in the summer of 2020, and our nationwide network of captains are anticipating another busy season for 2021.”

With the sale of a record number of new boats in over a decade and an influx of new boaters, Sea Tow noted that in 2020 owners of new boats were 142 percent more likely to need ungrounding services, 108 percent more likely to need fuel delivered to them and 11.2 percent more likely to need a battery jump. Alternately, new boat owners are 22 percent less likely to need a tow.

“These numbers are very interesting,” Frohnhoefer said, “They reflect the fact that new boaters are not yet familiar with things like shifting sandbars and hard to navigate channels, or how to manage their fuel, like their more seasoned counterparts–which is getting them into trouble and causing them to call us for assistance. But likewise, these stats demonstrate what we’ve been saying all along—that when it comes to new boats, on-water assistance typically is needed due to user error, not mechanical failure, as newer boats and engines are more reliable than ever before.”

With the number of new boaters recreating on the water, the need for boating education has never been more important. Sixty-nine percent of boaters surveyed are looking for more advice on local navigational assistance, mishap prevention and general boating basics.

“2021 is sure to be another banner year for boating,” said Frohnhoefer, “We’ll find out real soon if these trends for recreational boating activity are in fact here to stay.”

For more on Sea Tow, visit www.seatow.com.

4 NATIONAL

JULY 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

T

als If y wi loo Th ex bla res Th de fea na Th in wi aro for sp Bu las co she Hu Yo Fe on cra cu 30 ite Li las Bl be

Hu

O

1-

Yo

Yo

S

*D list

Ca Pr

•

al

Bad to the Bone Full tang stainless steel blade with natural bone handle —now ONLY $79!

T

he very best hunting knives possess a perfect balance of form and function. They’re carefully constructed from fine materials, but also have that little something extra to connect the owner with nature.

If you’re on the hunt for a knife that combines impeccable craftsmanship with a sense of wonder, the $79 Huntsman Blade is the trophy you’re looking for.

The blade is full tang, meaning it doesn’t stop at the handle but extends to the length of the grip for the ultimate in strength. The blade is made from 420 surgical steel, famed for its sharpness and its resistance to corrosion.

The handle is made from genuine natural bone, and features decorative wood spacers and a hand-carved motif of two overlapping feathers— a reminder for you to respect and connect with the natural world.

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 Huntsman Blade.

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 Huntsman Blades for this ad only. Don’t let this BONUS! Call today and beauty slip through your fingers. Call today! you’ll also receive this

Huntsman Blade $249*

genuine leather sheath!

EXCLUSIVE

FREE

Stauer® 8x21 Compact Binoculars -a $99 valuewith purchase of Huntsman Blade

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

Offer Code Price Only $79 + S&P Save $170

1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Offer Code: HUK551-01 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.

Stauer

®

Rating of A+

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. HUK551-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

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

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

• 12" overall length; 6 ¹⁄2" stainless steel full tang blade • Genuine bone handle with brass hand guard & bolsters • Includes genuine leather sheath

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

Go on a power trip with

Find Your Sweet Spot

Build your own custom, high-resolution Personal Bathymetric Generator (PBG) charts to discover fish-hoarding structure others have missed.

TZT9F

9" Hybrid Touch MFD

TZT12F

12" Hybrid Touch MFD

TZT16F

TZT19F

16" Multi Touch MFD

19" Multi Touch MFD

DFF3D

Multi Beam Sonar* *required for PBG

Discover, map, then fish structure and wrecks in an entirely new way.

Create maps with PBG & DFF3D 50-100x faster than the competition

Create shaded relief maps from 10 ft. to 1,000 ft.

A lifetime of map storage on TZtouch3 MFDs

Get the whole story at NavNet.com

Bathymetric mapping up to 3x fishing depth

Draw contour lines where none exist

TIPS TO DIAL IN RIVER-RUN BASS S

By Nick Carter

triped bass don’t stay in the same place long. Huge spring runs up the Atlantic Coast and into freshwater rivers to spawn is natural behavior for stripers. Even fish trapped by dams in inland reservoir systems retain a strong urge to move.

Across the east, wherever reservoir striped bass exist, the movement begins as a spring spawning run. Fish push out of the lakes and as far up creeks and rivers as they can go. This spring run is followed by a larger summer migration, when stripers pile into the rivers seeking more comfortable water conditions.

Here are a few tips from the pros for dialing in river-run stripers.

• Make Shots Count: “Fish good water, and fish it well,” said Bill Stranahan.

Stranahan guides with Southeastern Anglers, and the striper run on Tennessee’s Hiwassee River is a summertime staple. Fishing the Hiwassee run is like deer hunting. You’re fishing hard for a few bites from monster fish that get up into the 40-pound range.

“Look for good structure, whether its wood, shoals or rock faces,” Stranahan said. “When you’re on that good structure, don’t rush it. You can spook ’em with a bad throw, so take your time and make good shots.”

Whether you’re throwing streamers with a fly rod or swimbaits with conventional gear, Stranahan warned against locking into the big bait, big fish theory.

“We all know stripers will chase down big 6-, 7-, 8-, 9-inch skipjack and gizzard shad, but don’t forget your smaller baits,” he said. “A lot of their forage base is 4 inches or less. There’s a time and a place for fishing small stuff.”

• Fish it All: Rob “Mustache” Smith, of The Fish Hawk in Atlanta, has guided the Chattahoochee River striper run for two decades or more. He knows all the hotspots where there are always fish. He also knows those spots

PHOTO COURTESY OF GARNER REID

get a ton of pressure.

Smith said to slow down and fish all the likely structure instead of rushing to areas where you’ve caught fish before.

“If you’re on the river, fish everything,” he said. “Those fish are constantly moving, and you’d be surprised at the fish you’re passing when you’re rushing to get to that one little area. Fish it all, and fish it like you expect a fish on every cast.”

• Move Some Water: “When they’re in the river, those fish are laid up in ambush,” said Garner Reid, who made his name guiding fly fishers to big Georgia stripers on the Etowah River. “You’re drawing reaction strikes, and what triggers them is a fly that looks like it’s wounded or fleeing.”

Reid said it’s easy to get sloppy with the retrieve when you’re blind casting all day. He reminds anglers that it takes an aggressive presentation to move some water, cause a little commotion and trigger a striped bass’s predatory instinct.

“Use the current and the swing to enhance your strip,” he said. “Make that fly hunt for you.”

Visit Southeastern Anglers at www.southeasternanglers.com. See The Fish Hawk website at thefishhawk.com. Call Garner Reid at (770) 866-0301.

MFD

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JULY 2021

NATIONAL 7

THREE CLUES TO

Mahi Mahi

By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

M

ahi fishing can be tricky in some places and times of year. They congregate under floating material adrift in the current, leaving them with no fixed address within an area of greatly variable depths.

If you are fortunate enough to be able to target dolphinfish along the Gulf Stream this summer, you are in the right place at the right time. You shouldn’t have much trouble filling your cooler and even maxing out on the generous daily bag limit of this species.

Head out to target mahi with a full tank of fuel.

Assume you will have to run far and wide to find them, but hope to get lucky along the way. Recruit everyone on board to remain on the look out for the three telltale mahi hangouts: weeds, birds and floaters.

Weeds can be productive whether they are formed tightly in a line, or even a tight patch.

Birds can be a great sign of actively feeding fish at the surface, but they can also just be birds being birds.

Learn to read them properly to avoid wasting time.

A group of circling birds or diving birds is what you want to look for, and the more the better. Sometimes, a bird that’s on fish will flicker in the sun, reflecting the sunlight in a sporadic pattern as it moves its body to stay on top of something it has spotted under the surface. Circling frigate birds are always a good sign.

If you see one even attempt a dive, start trolling immediately.

Floaters can be anything floating in the water, from debris to sea turtles. When you find floaters in open water, it doesn’t take long to feel out if it is productive or not.

If you happen to see all three of these goldmines come together, with birds diving around debris sucked to a weedline, troll the ever loving shi…mano out of it.

When trolling for mahi, you won’t need to run more than four lines. Troll two small lures long, ideally on the outriggers, to draw in smaller dolphin. Troll one medium lure or ballyhoo at mid-length, and one large lure close.

Dolphinfish have the mentality of a toddler. When you reel one to the boat, leave the fish in the water, put your rod in the rod holder, and cast out behind the hooked fish. The school should have followed your mahi to the boat, and with their mahi-see, mahi-do mentality, they’ll all want to partake in snack time.

Continue hooking mahi and leave them in the water until you run out of available rods to cast.

Start by putting one fish in the boat, but don’t take the second out of the water until the first rod has gone back out and hooked another fish. Try switching from live bait to chunk bait to keep them eating. If they don’t slam a bait as soon as it hits the water, try twitching the bait. Even a completely healthy and well-presented live bait sometimes isn’t as enticing as one that’s getting yanked away from them.

Mahi will eat nearly anything, especially if you know how to taunt them properly. One of the biggest challenges in catching them is trolling through weeds.

Weeds that cling to your lures is a pain to manage on the deck, while constantly clearing lines, and you also miss a lot of opportunities to catch fish. All lures catch weeds, the determining factor is whether they shed those weeds. Deep diving lures that never breach the surface are not your friend in this situation.

Lightweight, squid-skirted lures do an excellent job of popping out of the water when bogged down with weeds. Most times, they clear themselves of weeds.

Blue Magic Charters makes their own 3D-printed lures designed to troll in weeds. Visit them in Marathon, Fla., and ask us about their DR. BUBBLES lures.

Capt. Quinlyn Haddon fishes with Blue Magic Charters in Marathon, Fla. Contact her at (504) 920-6342 and visit CaptainQuinlyn.com.

H

f A r s w d m

W B b i

N m a g

S T s

L s c

L t

S

• 2 ct

Flip Flip Hooray!

A perfect symbol of fun in the sun for only $79

H

ere’s a memorable beach moment: You’re basking in the warm sun, toes in the sand, letting the gentle turn of the foam-capped waves lull you into a state of complete relaxation.

As your eyes scan the endless horizon of blue on blue, you’re rewarded with a school of dolphins making their way across the sea. There’s no denying their signature shape as they leap from the water. If you don’t see anything else extraordinary the rest of the day, you can take solace knowing you’ve witnessed one of nature’s most playful and intelligent creatures in their natural habitat.

Why not re-create that special toes-in-the-sand moment with our Blue Topaz Dolphin Pendant? The beloved sea mammal has been captured mid-jump in sterling silver. And, tucked into its fins is a full two carats of shimmering blue topaz.

Nothing captures the shimmering color of the ocean in the midday sun like blue topaz. With its sparkling clear blue color and high refractive index, blue topaz is one of the top-selling blue gemstones. And with our special price, you have quite the catch.

Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Enjoy the Blue Topaz Dolphin Pendant for 30 days. If it doesn’t pass the test swimmingly, send it back for a full refund of the item price.

A full two carats of shimmering blue topaz set in sterling silver

Limited Reserves. A full two carats of genuine blue topaz set in sterling silver for this price is as rare as a dolphin sighting. We cannot guarantee availability for long. Call today!

Limited to the first 1900 responders to this ad only!

To show exquisite details, pendant shown is not exact size.

Chain sold separately.

“Enormously popular, significantly intelligent and scientifically sophisticated, dolphins are amidst the most beloved animals among people.”

— Dolphins-World

Blue Topaz Dolphin Pendant non-offer code price $395 † Offer Code Price Only $79 + S&P Save $316!

êêêêê

You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.

“This sterling silver dolphin is absolutely beautiful and the blue topaz is like the color of the ocean”

— Vivian, Cabool, MO

† Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.

Stauer

1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Offer Code: DPP317-03 Please use this code when you order to receive your discount.

® 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. DPP317-03, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337

www.stauer.com

Rating of A+

• 2 ctw blue topaz; ½ ctw Ultimate Diamond Alternative®, DiamondAura® • .925 sterling silver setting • Sterling silver chain sold separately

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

RHODAN: TOTAL GAME CHANGER FOR GROUPER

Tim Barefoot

T

here was a time—not too long ago— when only a select few would consistently come home with grouper, and not just “bottom fish.” There were several reasons for this. First and foremost, not everyone wanted to learn and spend the energy it took to learn to anchor. Anchoring accurately is an art form not mastered by all, but when mastered, it is the gateway to consistently catching grouper.

Rhodan trolling motors, with their GPS Anchor systems, have made it so anyone can have a shot at catching grouper and not just all the other species down on the bottom. It’s one thing to have a trolling motor with “Spot Lock” that will hold position in a small bay boat, but Rhodan made the tool for serious offshore

boats to sit on the same place without using the anchor. Partner this Rhodan with a couple 36 volt lithium deep-cycle batteries, like Dakota, Ionic or Lithium Pros on a battery switch, and you have the tools it takes to score.

Rhodan is just one aspect of what it takes to go grouper fishing, and not just “bottom fishing.” The way I set the dinner table for a grouper on every ledge is to have everyone on the boat sending down whole squid on the first five or six drops. I don’t care what they’re catching during this “chumming exercise,” because chumming is exactly what we’re doing.

We’re getting one spot on the bottom chummed up with little pieces of squid swirling around.

The smell and sound of an ongoing feeding

frenzy draws in the top of the food chain in no time at all.

This is the point when we start to grouper fish. Yes, I’ve caught a lot of grouper on the whole squid, also, but this part of the routine is strictly to get the party started. Once it’s going, we drop live baits that none of the grunts, pinkies or sea bass can fit in their mouths.

The smaller fish just hang out looking at these bigger baits and hoping for scraps.

This is when grouper see four or five live baits on the bottom attached to Squid or Crab Decoy Jigs. To them, it’s a no-brainer. The sight of a grass grunt, pinfish or sailor’s choice struggling against the weight of the jig is more than a grouper can understand. They are hardwired to eat these fish that eat their eggs. The live bait and Decoy Jig combo gets the bite because a struggling bait is a “gimme.”

Also, while you’ve got those grouper lines on the bottom, don’t forget to send a light out near the surface. Bait it with a live or frozen bait to catch pelagics like kingfish, dolphin, wahoo or tuna that happen to be swimming past.

What does this all have to do with the Rhodan? Well, Rhodan’s powerful and precise GPS anchoring eliminates drift without all the aggravation and hard work of anchoring. Let Rhodan change your game by allowing you to concentrate on the fish while it keeps the boat in place!

See more from Capt. Tim Barefoot, of Barefoot Cats and Tackle, at barefootcatsandtackle.com.

LET US SHOW YOU HOW TO

BUILD YOUR OWN RODS

MUDHOLE.COM/SALT-KIT

10 NATIONAL

JULY 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

GET A FREE CATALOG! MUDHOLE.cOM/CATALOG

in no

rouper on the tine is going, runts, ouths. these

ve live r Crab r. The choice more hards. The e bite

r lines ht out en bait wahoo . th the precise all the g. Let you to e boat

ENTER TO WIN SUNGLASSES IN THE MONTH OF JULY BY VISITING: Coastalanglermag.com/contest

LIVEWELL PUMPS BAIT SENTRY Magnetic Drive Livewell Pump • Extremely Rugged Pump

BAJIO BALES BEACH • BAJIOSUNGLASSES.COM

• Easy Installation • Anti-Airlock Feature Clears Locked Air

PIRANHA Livewell Pump • Removable Cartridge for Easy Cleaning • Anti-Airlock Feature Clears Locked Air

COSTA BLACKFIN PRO • COSTADELMAR.COM

• Dual Port Fitting Allows for Easy Washdown Pump Connections

refoot .com.

SP BU ECIA Y! L

FLYING FISHERMAN DROP BACK • FLYINGFISHERMAN.COM

Hook2-9 Splitshot Fishfinder/Chartplotter w/ Navionics+ Charts • Autotuning sonar actively adjusts settings

MAUI JIM ALENUIHAHA • MAUIJIM.COM

• Wider sonar cone provides more than twice the coverage of traditional fishfinders • Hook2 navigation features make returning to your favorite spot easy

Defender.com | 800-628-8225 REDFIN POLARIZED HATTERAS • REDFINPOLARIZED.COM

Follow Us @DefenderMarine

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JULY 2021

NATIONAL 11

Bo

Switch to GEICO and see how easy it could be to save money on boat insurance.

Simply visit geico.com/boat to get started.

•A geico.com/boat | 1-800-865-4846 | Local Office

•SUP •ENH •99%

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. © 2021 GEICO. 21_660726485

*LIF 16 BREVARD

JA

THE ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING A NEW BOAT

Suzuki RePower Centers are stationed around the southeast to help with your Suzuki service and repower needs.

Performance Bulletin Available

Lou’s Marine, Inc. Gulf Breeze

57 YEARS OF REPOWER EXPERIENCE!

Custom Marine Service

St. Augustine Marine Center

Panama City

St. Augustine

Mastry Engine Center has received the Suzuki Marine Super Service Award and has been ranked #1 in Suzuki Marine US Sales!

Repower packages designed to best fit your needs and not stretch your budget.

Financing available.

Oyster City Suzuki

Apalachicola

COMING SOON Volsuia County

On-Site Marine

Mastry Engine Center

Ruskin

Clearwater

Innovation Marine Corp.

Bayfront Yacht Works

Sarasota

Siesta Key

Calusa Certified Marine Cape Coral

Marina One

Deerfield Beach

Twin Screws Marine Service

All Suzuki repowers come with the new Suzuki 5-year factory warranty.

Fort Myers

Atlantic Marine Store Hialeah

Boat Services Group Key West

Request a quote! • suzukirepower.com • 1-800-545-4574

LIFE IS A BEACH S

By Richard L. Matteson

The

In

Weeds G3 Sportsman 1810

argassum is a brown seaweed with berry-like bladders that at times covers the beaches and is washed into the lagoon around the inlets.

Recent fishing at the beach has proven difficult because of the large mats of sargassum. Piles of sargassum are dumped on the beach at high tide and those same piles are pulled back into the ocean with the next high tide.

The good thing is baitfish like to hang around sargassum—it protects them from predator fish. Sometimes the fishing is better with sargassum in the water. Conventional crocodile silver spoons with treble hooks do not work at all; they get hung up and you drag seaweed in on every cast. All your conventional crankbaits with treble hooks won’t work either. What to do?

You simply have to fish lures with single hooks and use weedless spoons.

The Johnson 3-inch weedless spoon is a regular bass and redfish lure. If you want to spice it up, use a pork rind or plastic trailer. This is a deadly lure for any saltwater fish. I like gold, but silver works too.

Yo-Zuri makes crankbaits with a single hook, and you can also take off the front hook and put a weedless hook on the back of any crankbait. This might affect the action and takes some tinkering, but it keeps you from catching so many weeds.

My favorite lure is a DOA 3/16-ounce jig with a 4-inch shad tail.

Surprisingly, unless you fish it deep or hit a large mat of seaweeds, the jigs do not get hung up much. I just caught a nice snook in the weeds this week by popping the jig off the bottom. Sure, you’ll get hung up sometimes, but the jigs can be fished near the surface and usually come up clean.

Try a topwater. Now is the time for great topwater action. Most of the time you can maneuver your topwater lures around the weed masses. If it’s bad, just take off the front treble hook and replace the back hook with a single hook. You can use a weedless hook, but it’s usually not necessary. You won’t have many weed problems with topwater, anyway. I like Skitter Walks in trout color and gold Zara Spooks.

Lots of Sargassum on the beach? No problem. Switch to weedless or single hooks and catch the big ones feeding on the bait in the weeds.

Richard L. Matteson Jr., of the Stuart Rod and Reel Club, is a regular contrinutor to Coastal Angler Magazine. Call him at (336) 414-3440.

G3 20 Bay series

G3 Suncatcher V22F

MAKING MEMORIES FOR A LIFETIME!!!

100 N.E 23rd Avenue, Gainesville FL 32609 • 352-372-4900 2 FLORIDA

JULY 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

NEW ENGINES IN STOCK Limited Quantities – Hurry

OUR SERVICE DEPT IS OPEN 239.489.0884 STAY SAFE GO BOATING! •Parts •Service •Accessories Buy One Maintenance Kit Get a 2nd Kit ½ Off

15881 Chief Court, Ft. Myers - 239.489.0884 - offshoreperformance.com

First Winner Named in State’s Largest Fishing Competition

I

n just the second week of this year’s STAR competition, CCA Florida has named the first verified winner in the CCA Florida STAR West Marine Tagged Redfish Division. After catching his tagged redfish, Ken Clarke, of Fort Pierce, selected a prize package from Contender Boats and Yamaha Outboards valued at more than $80,000.

It will be awarded to him during the STAR Awards ceremony on Oct. 9 in Crystal River.

A CCA Florida STAR registrant and CCA Florida member, Clarke caught the 20-inch redfish while fishing from a dock with live shrimp near St. Lucie Village on June 10. Clarke immediately notified the organization to begin the verification process.

“I read the rules and knew I needed to follow them. Only after I submitted my catch through the STAR app, did the real excitement begin to set in,” Clarke said. “I’m still in shock and incredibly fortunate to be the first registered angler to win.

I can’t wait to take out my new Contender 2200 Sport with 200HP Yamaha motor on the water.”

This year, 160 West Marine Tagged Redfish were released across Florida’s coastal waters on average four per coastal county with Brevard, Charlotte and Citrus counties being Destination Counties with eight tagged fish each. Remaining prizes in the division include a Pathfinder 2200 TRS with Minn Kota trolling motor, Humminbird

electronics and a Spyder FX19 Vapor all powered

by Yamaha. Additionally, STAR’s other tagged division, the Tigress Outriggers & Gear Tagged Dolphin Division, will award $10,000 to the first registrant to catch a tagged dolphin.

Unlike traditional fishing competitions, CCA Florida STAR presented by Yamaha focuses on conservation and offers $500,000 in prizes and scholarships during the 101-day event. As a “catchphoto-release” competition, STAR’s smart phone app eliminates the requirement for anglers to harvest or capture and transport fish.

“Our state’s fisheries are here for everyone’s enjoyment, and CCA Florida understands that smart fishing can help restore, preserve and improve marine habitats and water quality for today and tomorrow,” said CCA Florida STAR Director Leiza Fitzgerald. “Implementing a catchphoto-release competition is just one way to continue fulfilling our organization’s mission and protect our coastal waterways.”

STAR is also focused on youth participation, with its Youth Scholarship Division presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors offering more than $100,000 in scholarships. Youth anglers (ages 6-17) can register for free with a current CCA Florida youth membership. Prizes for the first two youth anglers in the West Marine Tagged Redfish Division include a Salt Marsh Skiff 1656 powered

with a Yamaha 40 HP motor and trailer, and the first registered youth angler who catches one of 20 tagged dolphin (mahi mahi) is eligible to win a $10,000 scholarship in the Tigress Outrigger & Gear Tagged Dolphin Division.

The STAR competition includes 17 divisions and 12 species, and most winners are determined by random drawing, giving anglers of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to win. Registration is $40 for current CCA Florida members or $75 for non-members.

Because every fish could be a winner!

CATCH. PHOTO. RELEASE. WIN. MAY 29 TO SEPTEMBER 6 inner First W home to take ER! TEND CON NEW

CCA Florida STAR is the largest family-friendly saltwater fishing competition in Florida, and it’s unlike traditional fishing tournaments.

• $500,000 in Prizes & Scholarships

• West Marine Tagged Redfish Prizes Include Boat, Motor & Trailer Packages • 1st Tagged Tigress Dolphin/Mahi Mahi Wins $10,000 cash • 101 days of fishing $40 entry for current CCA members.

All others add $35 for one year membership.

• Prizes for Additional Non-Tagged Non Species Snook, Trout, Redfish, Grouper, Kingfish, Dolphin, Tarpon & Lionfish

REGISTER NOW AT

CCAFLSTAR.COM A CCA FLORIDA EVENT

4 FLORIDA

JULY 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Consider A Mastry Suzuki RePower

It Simply Makes Sense

Repowering your boat with Mastry Suzuki outboards gives you an effective

blend of pure power and rugged durability. s

s ss

s

s

s

s

s

s

s s

s

s

s

s

s

s

s

When Considering A Repower, Consider These Factors: • Mastry Suzuki RePower exclusive Owner’s Edge Program* • Mastry Suzuki RePower Centers are located throughout the southeast • Mastry has over 5-decades of repower experience for proper rigging, controls, propeller matching and in water testing • With Mastry Suzuki RePower owners gain improved performance, less noise and greater reliability • Options that will fit most any budget • Financing available • All Suzuki RePowers come with Suzuki’s latest factory “Gimme backed 6” 6-years 5-year of protection warranty

Get with the Program! s s s

s s

s s

suzukirepower.com

1-800-545-4574

ss

s s

s

s

s

s

ss

s

s

www.NoblesMarine.com Family Owned & Operated for 45 Years

Leesburg 352787-5792 437 N Palmetto St. Leesburg

COAST GUARD APPROVED COURSE & EXAM

www.adamsmarine.com To Reserve a Spot Call: Toll Free 877-447-1950 Email: info@adamsmarine.com

Largest Ship Store in Lake & Sumter Counties Crystal River 352795-1119 1931 NW Hwy 19 Crystal River

The MicroWave Line Control System is scientifically proven to improve fishing rod performance.

Cast Further, Smoother & More Accurately with these

info@americantackle.us | americantackle.us 6 FLORIDA

JULY 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

SEAWALL EROSION CONTROL

Depressions and sinkholes along the wall are signs of seawall erosion.

FAILING SEAWALL? WE CAN HELP! SIGNS OF SEAWALL EROSION 1. Cracks in the seawall vertical panels or seawall cap 2. Depressions in your yard 3. Water bubbling up from the ground 4. Small sinkholes along the wall 5. Leaning or bowing of a seawall

• Free Estimates • Free 2nd Opinions

• Fully Licensed

• Competitive Pricing

• Family Owned

• Environmentally Friendly

• Experienced and Reputable

• Guaranteed Work

• Serving All of Florida

813.377.2462

www.FloridaSeawallSolutions.com

#CBC1255391

VIE W ENT OUR IR INV ENT E O ONL INE RY BBM A S.C T OM

#1 FOR FUN ON THE WATER

YAMAHAWAVERUNNER.COM

BBMS.COM

Powered By:

G R

H

If y in dry s a boat effectiv on the vacatio Aga simply An concep can ren you nee withou Go bought keep th that ren Howev and a g Acc instead high, t conside or stor unused rebuilt. there. A Tod almost stress a Tha solve a

Go Boat Trailer Rentals Save You Hassle and Expense

TIRED OF MAINTAINING AND STORING YOUR BOAT TRAILER? WELL NOW YOU DON'T HAVE TO. JUST COME RENT OURS AND GO BoAT!

All of our new, aluminum trailers will get you & your boat to your vacation destination safely and without stress & worry. We have boat trailers that accommodate boats from 18-32 feet long.

RENTAL TRAILERS AVAILABLE:

H

ow often do you actually use your boat trailer? With the constant need for care and maintenance, a better question might be, “Is your boat trailer safe and reliable when you do need it?”

If you keep your boat in the water year-round or if you keep your boat in dry storage, you know what an expensive hassle storing and maintaining a boat trailer in Florida can be. It is just not practical, reliable or costeffective. How many times have you seen a boat and trailer broken down on the side of the interstate and thought to yourself, “Now there’s a ruined vacation.”

Again, boat trailer ownership in Florida can be a hassle, and there was simply no alternative in Central Florida until now.

A new company based in Merritt Island has introduced an exciting concept for boat owners: BOAT TRAILER RENTAL! That’s right, now you can rent a new or nearly new, perfectly maintained boat trailer whenever you need one. Whether it’s for a day, a week or longer, you can use a trailer without the hassle of storage or maintenance.

Go Boat Trailer Rental & Sales was created by two avid boaters who bought a new boat in 2019 and decided not to buy the trailer because they keep their boat at their house on a boat lift. They set out to find a company that rented boat trailers for the infrequent occasions they would need one.

However, there were none locally. Knowing this is a very needed service and a great idea, they began Go Boat in 2020.

According to the owners, thousands of dollars can be saved by renting instead of owning a boat trailer. Not only are trailer prices at an all-time high, there’s also the monthly expense of storing a boat trailer to be considered. Cost could be between $75 and $125 per month at a marina or storage lot. Not to mention, after a trailer has been sitting somewhere unused for a year, it will need some maintenance, and it might need to be rebuilt. Rusted hubs, lights that don’t work, a broken winch, we’ve all been there. And let’s not forget the registration costs. It all adds up!

Today, boat owners can rent a high-quality, reliable boat trailer of almost any size and simply return it when they’re done using it, with no stress and no worries. Go Boat also rents pontoon and tritoon trailers.

Thank you, Go Boat for pioneering this novel concept and for helping solve a longstanding problem for Central Florida boat owners.

For more information on Go Boat Trailer Rentals, visit www.goboatfl.com or call (321) 412-7400.

TRIPLE AXLE

TRI-TOON

TANDEM AXLE

PONTOON

Daily & Weekly Rates

All Go Boat rental trailers have stainless steel disc brakes on every wheel in compliance with Florida Law. Every rental comes with all straps necessary to secure your vessel.

321.412.7400 @GoBoatFl

LO CAT E D I N M E R R I T T I S L A N D, F L

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JULY 2021

BREVARD/VOLUSIA 3

BREVARD/VOLUSIA

COASTAL ANGLER CO-PUBLISHER DIRECTORY FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES, CONTACT:

BREVARD COUNTY TRACY PATTERSON tracy@coastalanglermagazine.com 321.777.2773 coastalanglermag.com/brevard

BOATHOUSE Discount Marine Supplies

MELBOURNE SERVICE CENTER Proud to be a Five Star, Certified Service Department

HHHHH

FULL SERVICE

Engine Service • Trailer Repairs Bottom Jobs • New Engine Repowers Electronics Installation MASTER YAMAHA & MERCURY TECHNICIANS

WARRANTY CENTER

VOLUSIA COUNTY CHRIS CHIBBARO cchibbaro@coastalanglermagazine.com 386.478.9234 coastalanglermag.com/daytona

Schedule an appointment today for all your boating needs!

(321) 254-2535

557 N. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne

BoathouseDiscountMarine.com

SURF FISHING FORECAST S

BY CAPT. LUKAS BRICKWEG

increases ummer surf fishing patterns have taken hold, that reigning in what looks to be a great season the chance of for catching big snook, pompano, whiting and injury or death. ones sharks. The snook bite has already elevated itself Wetting to a degree which gives anglers confidence to hands before handling target these trophy sport fish. Many fisherman a fish is another measure to insure have hit the beaches to find amazing snook you don’t wipe away fishes’ protective slime success. Live baits such as croakers, mullet and which protects them from fungus and bacteria. threadfins accounted for the majority of these Practicing these measures promotes a healthy fishery during the snook’s slot size fish and oversize spawning season which, in fish that hit the shoreline. turn, will lead to increased Look for this trend to numbers of fish for the continue in the months future. It’s an incredible ahead and remember with time to catch a memory and warmer water temps, fish to practice these guidelines, being out of season, and while also sharing with larger fish being present, others. to handle with care. Never Pompano fishing may hold the fish from the lip not be the talk of the vertically, or touch the town compared to winter gills or eyes, and to always months, but let me assure support fish in a horizontal you there are banner days manner with two hands, get to be had over the summer a quick release and don’t months. Many pompano take excessive time with reside in the area year round fish being out of the water. so these fish are referred Another tip is to use circle Plenty of pompano are still in the to as residential pompano. hooks when live baiting Space Coast surf for the taking.

While the majority of larger to avoid gut hooked fish 4 BREVARD/VOLUSIA

JULY 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

schools travel north following their ideal water temps, these residential fish can be found along Brevard County beaches for the entirety of the summer surf fishing season. Similar tactics to winter season can be implemented, with pompano rigs using chartreuse, orange, and white floats producing best. Match these pompano rigs with Fishbites, sandfleas, shrimp or clams for the ideal combination to target pompano in the surf. Don’t be surprised if you catch a trophy snook while targeting pompano and whiting, as numerous times these fish key in on crustaceans before the arrival of the mullet in the latter summer months.

In summary, it’s an exciting time to hit the beach knowing the diversity and opportunities on hand. Everything from catching dinner fish like pompano, whiting and croaker up to the trophyclass fish including snook, tarpon and sharks.

Water clarity will continue to drive success for the target species who feed primarily by sight, so put in the work to find areas depicting shades of blue and green. With that being said, the diminishing seaweed problem accompanied by calmer winds will be beneficial as the days pass.

Enjoy the weeks ahead with family fishing trips to the beach, accompanied by calm conditions and the exhilarating sensations all our coast has to provide.

CAPT. LUKAS BRICKWEG

Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters cocoabeachsurffishingcharters@gmail.com www.cocoabeachsurffishingcharters.com (321) 205-4672

IN LA

INDIAN RIVER LAGOON FORECAST

BY CAPT. TOM VAN HORN

T

he hot summer days have finally arrived, but that does not mean there are no fish around. Try fishing in the early morning, at night, and late afternoons after the thunderstorms dissipate. Fishing early and late in the day can prove to be prudent for successful anglers.

In the lagoons, target sea trout and redfish on the flats in areas of mullet schools using top water plugs during the early morning or late afternoon hours, and at night. Once the sun grows hot and the top water bite slows, switch to live bait (pigfish) or jigs fished on the deeper edges of the flats or just call it a day and stop for lunch on the way home. Also, July and August are the time of year when large schools of ladyfish and smaller sea trout shadow the schools of glass minnows in the deeper water and the larger breeder redfish begin the school up for their fall spawning ritual.

Along the beaches, look for silver kings (large tarpon), smoker kings (large kingfish), blacktip sharks, jack crevalle, and redfish to be shadowing pods of pogies (Atlantic menhaden), greenies (thread fin herring), glass minnows (bay anchovies), in close to shore. Also, look for snook fishing in the surf to improve, as we get closer to the commencement of the fall bait run. Remember, snook are out of season, so if you target them, please handle and release them with extreme care. If you do decide to fish during the heat of the day, wear plenty of sunscreen, keep a close eye on the afternoon thunderstorms and stay hydrated.

CAPT. TOM VAN HORN

Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters www.irl-fishing.com (407) 416-1187

FOR SALE ALMOST BRAND NEW!

FISH PRO

• Less Than 1 Hour On This 2020 Fish Pro! • Includes: Trailer, Cover, Garmin Fish Finder, AUGUST 5 Cooler, Baitwell • Numerous Accessories • All The Bells & Whistles!

MANDATORY SIGN UP AND TOKEN

WITH AN OPTIONAL 2 FISH AGGREGATE WEIGHT CALCUTTA OF $500 PER BOAT

BASED ON 30 BOATS FOR PAYOUT - 100 % PAYOUT

AUGUST 5

MANDATORY SIGN UP AND TOKEN PICKUP FROM 9-7 AT BASED STRIKE-ZONE ON 30FISHING BOATS MELBOURNE. FOR PAYOUTNON - 100MANDATORY % PAYOUT CAPTAINS MEETING AT 6:00 P.M. THAT NIGHT.

PICKUP FROM 9-7 AT STRIKE-ZONE FISHING MELBOURNE. NON MANDATORY CAPTAINS MEETING AT 6:00 P.M. THAT NIGHT.

AUGUST 6

AUGUST 6

AUGUST 8

LINES IN AT 9:00 P.M.

000

AUGUST 7

LINES OUT AT 9:00 P.M.

Only

Swordfish Shootout

AUGUST 8

WEIGH IN AT Anywhere CAPT BUTCHERS IN • Price Is Firm • Compare • This Is The Best Deal On12:00-3:00 A FISH PRO! SEBASTIAN CAN WEIGH • Nearly Brand New! • BY LessBOAT ThanOR One Hour In The Water!

VEHICLE

luckydogman@msn.com

LINES IN AT 9:00 P.M.

AUGUST 7

LINES OUT AT 9:00 P.M.

$500 entry

WEIGH IN AT CAPT BUTCHERS IN SEBASTIAN 12:00-3:00 CAN WEIGH BY BOAT OR VEHICLE

WITH AN OPTIONAL 2 FISH AGGREGATE WEIGHT CALCUTTA OF $500 PER BOAT

24 FISH TIMETIME 24HOUR HOUR FISH

LEAVE ANYANY INLETINLET IN FLORIDA LEAVEFROM FROM IN FL NO NOCHECKOUT CHECKOUT QUESTIONS? PLEASE CALL: (321)(321) 956-3474 QUESTIONS? PLEASE CALL: 956-3474

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JULY 2021

BREVARD/VOLUSIA 5

CAPE CANAVERAL

nesses

JULY 2021

0

)

Height

17 AM -0.2 :50 AM 2.2 42 PM 0.0 06 PM 2.0 55 AM 0.0 25 AM 2.1 21 PM 0.0 46 PM 2.0 35 AM 0.1 :02 PM 2.0 01 PM 0.0 :30 AM 1.9 17 AM 0.2 :41 PM 1.9 45 PM 0.1 8 AM 1.8 06 AM 0.3 24 PM 1.8 34 PM 0.1 11 AM 1.8 02 AM 0.4 15 PM 1.7 29 PM 0.1 12 AM 1.8 02 AM 0.4 13 PM 1.7 27 PM 0.0 15 AM 1.9 :02 AM 0.4 16 PM 1.8 :24 PM -0.1 16 AM 2.0 :59 AM 0.3 18 PM 1.9 19 PM -0.3

ute s n utes 17 min ute s 4 min ute s

13 min ute s , 9 min ute s

ute s te s

g Basin te s ute s

1 Thu 2 Fri 3 Sat 4 Sun 5 Mon 6 Tue 7 Wed 8 Thu 9 Fri 10 Sat 11 Sun 12 Mon 13 Tue 14 Wed 15 Thu 16 Fri 17 Sat 18 Sun 19 Mon 20 Tue 21 Wed 22 Thu 23 Fri 24 Sat 25 Sun 26 Mon 27 Tue 28 Wed 29 Thu 30 Fri 31 Sat

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

2nd TIDE

3rd TIDE

4th TIDE

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY COEFFICIENT

�� �

� 6:28 am� 8:23 pm

1:22 am 3.3 ft � 7:54 am 0.1 ft � 1:55 pm 3.2 ft � 8:16 pm 0.4 ft �

50

average

� 6:29 am� 8:23 pm

2:10 am 3.2 ft � 8:47 am 0.2 ft � 2:51 pm 3.1 ft � 9:12 pm 0.6 ft �

47

low

� 6:29 am� 8:23 pm

3:00 am 3.0 ft � 9:38 am 0.2 ft � 3:47 pm 3.1 ft � 10:05 pm0.6 ft �

46

low

� 6:29 am� 8:23 pm

3:50 am 3.0 ft � 10:26 am0.1 ft � 4:40 pm 3.1 ft � 10:55 pm0.7 ft �

49

� 6:30 am� 8:23 pm

4:40 am 2.9 ft � 11:12 am0.1 ft � 5:30 pm 3.2 ft � 11:42 pm0.6 ft �

53

� 6:30 am� 8:23 pm

5:29 am 3.0 ft � 11:56 am0.0 ft � 6:17 pm 3.3 ft �

58

� 6:31 am� 8:23 pm

12:26 am0.6 ft � 6:16 am 3.0 ft � 12:39 pm0.0 ft � 7:02 pm 3.4 ft �

63

� 6:31 am� 8:23 pm

1:08 am 0.5 ft � 7:02 am 3.1 ft � 1:19 pm -0.1 ft � 7:45 pm 3.5 ft �

68

� 6:32 am� 8:22 pm

1:49 am 0.5 ft � 7:46 am 3.2 ft � 1:59 pm -0.2 ft � 8:26 pm 3.6 ft �

72

� 6:32 am� 8:22 pm

2:28 am 0.4 ft � 8:28 am 3.3 ft � 2:38 pm -0.2 ft � 9:07 pm 3.6 ft �

74

� 6:33 am� 8:22 pm

3:07 am 0.4 ft � 9:11 am 3.3 ft � 3:17 pm -0.2 ft � 9:48 pm 3.7 ft �

75

� 6:33 am� 8:22 pm

3:47 am 0.3 ft � 9:54 am 3.3 ft � 3:58 pm -0.2 ft � 10:28 pm3.6 ft �

75

� 6:34 am� 8:21 pm

4:28 am 0.2 ft � 10:39 am3.4 ft � 4:41 pm -0.1 ft � 11:09 pm3.6 ft �

73

� 6:34 am� 8:21 pm

5:12 am 0.2 ft � 11:26 am3.4 ft � 5:28 pm 0.0 ft � 11:51 pm3.6 ft �

70

high

� 6:35 am� 8:21 pm

6:00 am 0.1 ft � 12:17 pm3.4 ft � 6:21 pm 0.1 ft �

67

average

� 6:35 am� 8:20 pm

12:36 am3.5 ft � 6:53 am 0.0 ft � 1:12 pm 3.4 ft � 7:18 pm 0.3 ft �

63

average

� 6:36 am� 8:20 pm

1:26 am 3.4 ft � 7:50 am -0.1 ft � 2:12 pm 3.5 ft � 8:21 pm 0.4 ft �

60

� 6:36 am� 8:20 pm

2:21 am 3.4 ft � 8:51 am -0.2 ft � 3:17 pm 3.5 ft � 9:25 pm 0.4 ft �

60

� �� average �� average ��

� 6:37 am� 8:19 pm

3:22 am 3.4 ft � 9:53 am -0.4 ft � 4:22 pm 3.6 ft � 10:28 pm0.4 ft �

62

average

� 6:37 am� 8:19 pm

4:27 am 3.5 ft � 10:53 am-0.5 ft � 5:26 pm 3.8 ft � 11:28 pm0.3 ft �

68

� 6:38 am� 8:18 pm

5:30 am 3.6 ft � 11:52 am-0.6 ft � 6:25 pm 3.9 ft �

75

� 6:38 am� 8:18 pm

12:26 am0.2 ft � 6:31 am 3.7 ft � 12:48 pm-0.7 ft � 7:21 pm 4.1 ft �

82

� 6:39 am� 8:17 pm

1:20 am 0.1 ft � 7:28 am 3.9 ft � 1:42 pm -0.7 ft � 8:12 pm 4.2 ft �

88

� 6:39 am� 8:17 pm

2:13 am 0.0 ft � 8:21 am 3.9 ft � 2:34 pm -0.7 ft � 9:00 pm 4.2 ft �

90

� 6:40 am� 8:16 pm

3:04 am -0.1 ft � 9:12 am 4.0 ft � 3:24 pm -0.5 ft � 9:46 pm 4.1 ft �

89

� 6:41 am� 8:16 pm

3:54 am -0.1 ft � 10:01 am3.9 ft � 4:13 pm -0.3 ft � 10:31 pm4.0 ft �

85

� � high � high ��� very high ��� high �� high �

� 6:41 am� 8:15 pm

4:43 am 0.0 ft � 10:49 am3.8 ft � 5:02 pm -0.1 ft � 11:13 pm3.8 ft �

79

high

� 6:42 am� 8:14 pm

5:31 am 0.0 ft � 11:36 am3.6 ft � 5:51 pm 0.2 ft � 11:55 pm3.6 ft �

70

� 6:42 am� 8:14 pm

6:19 am 0.1 ft � 12:23 pm3.5 ft � 6:40 pm 0.4 ft �

61

� 6:43 am� 8:13 pm

12:37 am3.4 ft � 7:08 am 0.3 ft � 1:12 pm 3.3 ft � 7:32 pm 0.7 ft �

52

� 6:43 am� 8:12 pm

1:21 am 3.2 ft � 7:59 am 0.4 ft � 2:03 pm 3.2 ft � 8:26 pm 0.8 ft �

44

6 BREVARD/VOLUSIA OM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

BY CAPT. CHRIS CAMERON

July, 2021

TIDES FOR CAPE CANAVERAL 1st TIDE

FORECAST

CAPE CANAVERAL

© 2021 tides4fishing.com

DAY

me

PORT CANAVERAL OFFSHORE

TIDE CHARTS

arts

� � average �� average �� average ��� high ��� high ��� high ��� high �� high � low

average

average high

� �� average �� low �

F

ishing off Port Canaveral has been fantastic and hopefully it continues.

Bait has been easy and plentiful with just a few throws of your net, those bunker are thick. Use the right net folks. Still amazes me seeing that blue 6 footer being tossed. Go to the Fish and Dive Center in Cocoa Beach and tell Nick you need a Canaveral pogie net.

They are custom made and worth every dime.

Offshore has been “Fired Up!” Kings are chewing hard and every reef has them going off. The early bite seems to be the best still. Mixed in those kings are cobia, mahi, cudas and bonitas. Capt. Stan had a 20.8-pound bone—that’s huge! And some excellent eating as well. Good job! I would take some fresh bonita any day. Google some recipes. Also, seeing some random wahoo recently. Try some high speeding as it has been paying off.

As many of you noticed, we had some beautiful clean water all the way to the beach that has brought flying fish to the bouy line, and a few mahi as well. Cool stuff. Along with the clean water, we also have the cold-water thermocline.

This happens every year and usually shuts the bottom fishing down. But it will also push a lot of fish up. Amberjack and red snapper have been awesome; Monster blacktip! you can almost pick out what fish you want. Sure, you have to throw the reds back, but still fun sight fishing for red snapper. Joke. The thermocline usually only lasts a few weeks or so, and the chicken rigging will get back to normal. As will grouper.

Nearshore shark fishing has been great. We are running shark trips every single day and averaging some great numbers. Big blacktips, hammerheads and sharpies. The Jewfish have also been consistant and providing the fish of a lifetime for many. Some trips we are averaging two or three fish to 300 plus pounds!

high

average

©2021 tides4,shing.com

CAPT. CHRIS CAMERON

Fired Up Fishing Charters www.firedupcharters.com www.sharkfishingcocoabeach.com (407) 222-3573

Your premier fishing guide charter for shark fishing Cocoa Beach, offshore fishing Port Canaveral, and nearshore fishing Cape Canaveral.

This amazing group of guys caught their limit on king mackerels fishing with Capt. Joe aboard the Fire Fight.

JULY 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

12/13/2019 10:24:07 AM

January layout.indd 15

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JULY 2021

BREVARD/VOLUSIA 12/13/2019 10:24:28 AM 7

ST. JOHNS RIVER FORECAST

BY CHARLIE McCULLOUGH

T

he hot weather transition in freshwater means fish early and late for successful fishing trips. Afternoon rains will make your trip more comfortable, but also lowers water temperature a couple degrees triggering bass to feed. Match the hatch—top water, stick baits, lipless crank baits, suspended slash baits, flukes, trick worms, swim baits, Carolina rigged worms, Texas rigged worms and creature baits are all going to catch fish. You’ve got to throw one of them in the water to get a bite.

Bass: Cooler water temps in the morning entice bass to shallow ambush feeding areas; hydrilla edges and lily pads are their hiding places. Points along the river with running water cause bait to be flushed bringing in the schoolies for an evening feed. The springtime panfish and

Respectable summertime St. Johns River bass.

shad hatchlings are now 2-3 inches. Try lures of same size: Rattle Traps (chrome), Rapala Countdown, small plastics etc. 4-inch soft plastics rigged on an eighth ounce weighted hook should produce quality fish along hydrilla edges. Flukes worked as finesse baits cast into the shallows are sure to get strikes.

Panfish: Artificial fun with a Johnson Beetle Spin or ZMan Chatterbait - slowly troll 20-30 feet out from the shoreline or seawall along your favorite stretch of the St. Johns with ultralight spinning tackle. Cast to the bank and retrieve slowly to catch bluegill, shellcracker, and stumpnockers. Bonus fish are largemouth bass, many will be keepers.

Catfish: Cooler temps at night make the cats hungry. Circle hooks are great for catfish - the fish hook themselves and most times the hook ends up in the corner of the mouth making hook removal easier when handling these spiny fish.

Tip: use just enough weight to hold the bottom and tie the weight 10 inches from the hook.

CHARLIE McCULLOUGH

Coastal Angler Magazine charlie@coastalanglermagazine.com

THE ONE STOP BAIT SHOP FOR YOUR DAY ON THE WATER!

Bait & Tackle

Cafe

open 7am-2pm Mon.-Fri 7am-3pm Sat./Sun.

open 6am-6pm daily

Live & Frozen Bait Full Line of Rods & Reels Clothing & Ice Beer & Soda

Call in orders are a great way to expedite lunch hour and enjoy more time on our deck.

BREAKFAST & LUNCH SERVED DAILY.

Grab and Go breakfast Sandwiches Fresh Made Deli Sandwiches

at public boat ramps * Located just past new terminal 3

321.868.1929 8 BREVARD/VOLUSIA

JULY 2021

300 Christopher Columbus Drive Port Canaveral, FL 32920 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

321.868.0400

PR

g n i t a o B Go

a c i r e Am

ROCKLEDGE H NEW SMYRNA BEACH W W W . B O A T E R S E XC H A N G E . C O M

PR

TIPS

BY CAPT. JONATHAN MOSS

H

ey there and welcome back to another edition of Pro Tips. My name is Capt. Jonathan Moss, and I am a full time guide here in Central Florida and the host of the TV show, “The Captain’s Log.” In this article, I want to talk about the importance of proper fish handling for warm summertime conditions.

As you all know, summertime in Florida means very hot weather, which raises the water temperature significantly. The warmer the water gets, the less oxygen it contains. Just like us, fish need oxygen to survive. Think about how we humans become short of breath during strenuous activity and how that is even more affected (or noticable) in the summer months. The same thing happens with our fish. After a tough battle, our inshore species become exhausted, and without proper handling they will not survive their release.

What can we do? Here are 3 easy tips to remember: 1. Have your landing net and pliers ready to go. Landing nets are very helpful in not only landing your fish but as a tool to support your fish in the water as it catches its breath. My preferred method after landing the fish with the net, is to quickly remove the hook and then place the fish back in the water for an opportunity to rest. Keeping the fish in the net allows it time to breathe and be supported without swimming away.

2. Once the fish shows signs of improved strength, pull it from the net and take your photos. Be quick. The fish’s life is worth more than social media popularity. Storing your cell phone or camera in a place that is quick to access will assist in a speedy process. When holding your fish, do so without damaging its gills and hold on tight to avoid dropping it, which can hurt the internal organs of the fish. Additionally, wetting your hands prior to grabbing the fish will aid in preserving the fish’s protective slime. This is very important in the health of our estuary.

3. Lastly, place the fish back in the water and firmly hold its tail.

Doing this will keep the fish in your possession while it once again regains its breath and strength. It is crucial to take the time necessary to ensure that the fish is ready to go prior to release. Pushing the fish off or just tossing it back in the water increases the odds of the fish dying because of exhaustion or being eaten by a nearby dolphin because of its inability to swim away.

If we all do our part to not only practice catch and release, but also to properly handle and release our fish, our estuary and fish numbers will improve.

Pictured is my good friend, Capt. Nick Labadie, and me, after landing a nice Key West Bonefish. As mentioned in the article, we used the net to quickly land the fish. We were beyond excited as this was my first ever bonefish and the final fish needed to complete the Key West Slam of tarpon, permit and bonefish all in one day. We quickly snapped a picture and then performed a successful release of this incredible fish.

Tight lines,

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CAPT. JONATHAN MOSS

Go Castaway Fishing Charters www.gocastaway.com (407) 760-8593 JULY 2021

BREVARD/VOLUSIA 9

SEBASTIAN INLET TO EAU GALLIE CAUSEWAY

TIDE CHARTS

SEBASTIAN INLET JULY 2021

1 Thu 2 Fri 3 Sat 4 Sun 5 Mon 6 Tue 7 Wed 8 Thu 9 Fri 10 Sat 11 Sun 12 Mon 13 Tue 14 Wed 15 Thu 16 Fri 17 Sat 18 Sun 19 Mon 20 Tue 21 Wed 22 Thu 23 Fri 24 Sat 25 Sun 26 Mon 27 Tue 28 Wed 29 Thu 30 Fri 31 Sat

July, 2021

TIDES FOR SEBASTIAN INLET

DAY

1st TIDE

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

2nd TIDE

3rd TIDE

4th TIDE

FORECAST

SEBASTIAN INLET

© 2021 tides4fishing.com

BY CAPT. GLYN AUSTIN

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY COEFFICIENT

�� �

� 6:29 am� 8:22 pm

1:40 am 2.1 ft � 8:14 am 0.1 ft � 2:13 pm 2.0 ft � 8:36 pm 0.3 ft �

50

average

� 6:29 am� 8:22 pm

2:28 am 2.0 ft � 9:07 am 0.1 ft � 3:09 pm 1.9 ft � 9:32 pm 0.4 ft �

47

low

� 6:30 am� 8:21 pm

3:18 am 1.9 ft � 9:58 am 0.1 ft � 4:05 pm 1.9 ft � 10:25 pm0.5 ft �

46

low

� 6:30 am� 8:21 pm

4:08 am 1.8 ft � 10:46 am0.1 ft � 4:58 pm 1.9 ft � 11:15 pm0.5 ft �

49

� 6:31 am� 8:21 pm

4:58 am 1.8 ft � 11:32 am0.1 ft � 5:48 pm 2.0 ft �

53

� 6:31 am� 8:21 pm

12:02 am0.5 ft � 5:47 am 1.9 ft � 12:16 pm0.0 ft � 6:35 pm 2.0 ft �

58

� 6:31 am� 8:21 pm

12:46 am0.4 ft � 6:34 am 1.9 ft � 12:59 pm0.0 ft � 7:20 pm 2.1 ft �

63

� 6:32 am� 8:21 pm

1:28 am 0.4 ft � 7:20 am 1.9 ft � 1:39 pm -0.1 ft � 8:03 pm 2.2 ft �

68

� 6:32 am� 8:21 pm

2:09 am 0.3 ft � 8:04 am 2.0 ft � 2:19 pm -0.1 ft � 8:44 pm 2.2 ft �

72

� 6:33 am� 8:20 pm

2:48 am 0.3 ft � 8:46 am 2.0 ft � 2:58 pm -0.1 ft � 9:25 pm 2.3 ft �

74

� 6:33 am� 8:20 pm

3:27 am 0.3 ft � 9:29 am 2.0 ft � 3:37 pm -0.1 ft � 10:06 pm2.3 ft �

75

� 6:34 am� 8:20 pm

4:07 am 0.2 ft � 10:12 am2.1 ft � 4:18 pm -0.1 ft � 10:46 pm2.3 ft �

75

� 6:34 am� 8:20 pm

4:48 am 0.2 ft � 10:57 am2.1 ft � 5:01 pm -0.1 ft � 11:27 pm2.2 ft �

73

� 6:35 am� 8:19 pm

5:32 am 0.1 ft � 11:44 am2.1 ft � 5:48 pm 0.0 ft �

70

high

� 6:35 am� 8:19 pm

12:09 am2.2 ft � 6:20 am 0.1 ft � 12:35 pm2.1 ft � 6:41 pm 0.1 ft �

67

average

� 6:36 am� 8:19 pm

12:54 am2.2 ft � 7:13 am 0.0 ft � 1:30 pm 2.1 ft � 7:38 pm 0.2 ft �

63

average

� 6:36 am� 8:18 pm

1:44 am 2.1 ft � 8:10 am -0.1 ft � 2:30 pm 2.1 ft � 8:41 pm 0.3 ft �

60

� 6:37 am� 8:18 pm

2:39 am 2.1 ft � 9:11 am -0.2 ft � 3:35 pm 2.2 ft � 9:45 pm 0.3 ft �

60

� �� average �� average ��

� 6:37 am� 8:18 pm

3:40 am 2.1 ft � 10:13 am-0.3 ft � 4:40 pm 2.3 ft � 10:48 pm0.3 ft �

62

average

� 6:38 am� 8:17 pm

4:45 am 2.1 ft � 11:13 am-0.3 ft � 5:44 pm 2.4 ft � 11:48 pm0.2 ft �

68

� 6:38 am� 8:17 pm

5:48 am 2.2 ft � 12:12 pm-0.4 ft � 6:43 pm 2.4 ft �

75

� 6:39 am� 8:16 pm

12:46 am0.1 ft � 6:49 am 2.3 ft � 1:08 pm -0.5 ft � 7:39 pm 2.5 ft �

82

� 6:40 am� 8:16 pm

1:40 am 0.0 ft � 7:46 am 2.4 ft � 2:02 pm -0.5 ft � 8:30 pm 2.6 ft �

88

� 6:40 am� 8:15 pm

2:33 am 0.0 ft � 8:39 am 2.4 ft � 2:54 pm -0.5 ft � 9:18 pm 2.6 ft �

90

� 6:41 am� 8:15 pm

3:24 am -0.1 ft � 9:30 am 2.5 ft � 3:44 pm -0.4 ft � 10:04 pm2.6 ft �

89

� 6:41 am� 8:14 pm

4:14 am -0.1 ft � 10:19 am2.4 ft � 4:33 pm -0.2 ft � 10:49 pm2.5 ft �

85

� � high � high ��� very high ��� high �� high �

� 6:42 am� 8:13 pm

5:03 am 0.0 ft � 11:07 am2.3 ft � 5:22 pm -0.1 ft � 11:31 pm2.4 ft �

79

high

� 6:42 am� 8:13 pm

5:51 am 0.0 ft � 11:54 am2.3 ft � 6:11 pm 0.1 ft �

70

� 6:43 am� 8:12 pm

12:13 am2.3 ft � 6:39 am 0.1 ft � 12:41 pm2.1 ft � 7:00 pm 0.3 ft �

61

� 6:43 am� 8:12 pm

12:55 am2.1 ft � 7:28 am 0.2 ft � 1:30 pm 2.1 ft � 7:52 pm 0.5 ft �

52

� 6:44 am� 8:11 pm

1:39 am 2.0 ft � 8:19 am 0.3 ft � 2:21 pm 2.0 ft � 8:46 pm 0.6 ft �

44

� � average �� average �� average ��� high ��� high ��� high ��� high �� high � low

average

average high

� �� average �� low � high

average

©2021 tides4,shing.com

J

uly is one of my favorite months of the year to fish the beaches from Melbourne down to Sebastian Inlet.

The snook bite is very good in the inlet as well as along the beaches. Fish live bait along the jetties in the day and fish Rapala Long Cast 14 lures and Hogy 7” jigging eels at night off the jetties for consistent action. If you are fishing the beaches from Melbourne south to Sebastian, use live bait rigged on a VMC circle hook, or anglers using artificial baits can use Rapala Long Cast 12 or D.O.A. 4” Cal and Baitbusters fished in the trough to target snook from the shore. Beachgoers targeting tarpon should be able to find good numbers, but it will take a bit of work to find and stay on the fish. Look for bait pods along the beaches and use the Rapala Long Cast 14 to be able to reach the fish cruising the trough looking for a meal.

If anglers plan on fishing the flats, islands or mangrove shorelines in the Indian River Lagoon from Palm Bay to Sebastian, get out early and the bite will be good, but once the sun comes up, the bite will slow a bit.

Topwater baits such as Rapala’s Skitterwalk as the sun comes up and as it sets should be a sure bet for trout, snook or redfish.

If the fish won’t hit topwater, go subsurface with the new Rapala Twitchin’ Mullet and Twitchin’ Minnow. If soft baits are your preference, D.O.A. Shrimp and Cal 4” jerkbaits in the mullet pattern or rainbow trout work well. Look for bait pods in the areas you are fishing and work the bait pods, cast under the mangroves and along the deeper parts of the spoil islands.

I don’t spend a lot of time fishing the creeks in July, but get James with a nice IRL Slam in the creeks early for snook and with some quality fish! tarpon action, as well as big jacks and sharks. After the rains, the action can be great around the dams using live shrimp or artificial baits.

Whether fishing the beaches or the lagoon, be aware of the clouds forming and make sure to get off the water before you get caught in a lightning or hail storm.

CAPT. GLYN AUSTIN

Going Coastal Charters www.goingcoastalcharters.com (321) 863-8085 Capt. Glyn Austin and Capt. Jesse Austin are both lifelong Brevard County residents and full-time inshore/nearshore fishing guides. They run a 23’ Shoalwater tunnel boat and 24’ Wellcraft Bay boat which are comfortable for up to four anglers, letting them get shallow for inshore fishing the Inlet and nearshore waters of Brevard County.

10 BREVARD/VOLUSIA

JULY 2021

27 Bl

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

T

vard . They ich are nshore

27th Annual Sebastian Exchange Club Blue Water Open Results

By Karen McElveen

T

Crew aboard The Other Woman—Doug Relick, Blake Relick, Code Scholer and Clayton Schlitt— with their 31.38 pound first place mahi mahi. (Not pictured, Rory Mueller.)

T

he annual Sebastian Exchange Club Foundation’s Blue Water Open Charity Offshore Fishing Tournament was held on June 5, with a field of 122 boats vying for the $20,000 guaranteed payout. The bite was a little off due to a confused sea with three-to-four-foot seas and a stiff 10-to-15 knot wind out of the southeast. Trollers had a tough time because of very scattered weed, and bottom fishermen had a strong current to deal with. Only 44 boats weighed in fish at Capt. Hiram’s tournament headquarters, although there were some nice catches. Dolphin and kingfish dominated the board until near the end when several nice grouper were recorded.

The main-board fish included dolphin, kingfish, grouper and wahoo, with four places in

Capt. Joel McKenney and Rocky Polfa took first for this 46.49 pound kingfish, caught aboard Easy Drinkin’.

each category. Also included was a bonus board with an additional 15 places, giving anglers who didn’t quite make the mainboard another chance to collect some winnings.

The boat The Other Woman took top dolphin with a 31.38-pound beauty, followed by Tormentor with 25.67 pounds, third place going to Miss Possum with 18.40 pounds and Mixed Emoceans in fourth with 18.29 pounds. The biggest kingfish weighed in at an impressive 46.49 pounds, caught aboard Easy Drinkin. Second place king was 34.43 pounds caught on Sundance Kid, third place was 33.94 pounds caught on Little Debbie, and Fish Reaper with a 26.07 pounder rounding out fourth place kingfish.

First place and second place grouper were only separated by two and a half ounces, top winner going to Signed In with a 20.63 pounder. The 20.36 pound second place grouper was caught on Reef Affliction, third place went to Big Country with a 17.19 pound fish, and fourth place was 14.93 pounds caught aboard Reef Thief. That two-anda-half-ounce lead for top grouper also landed Signed In the Capt. William Charles Memorial Largest Grouper Award of $1,000, donated by Carol Knapstein. That’s fishing for you! There were no wahoo caught.

The Top Boat Award is based on an aggregate weight of three fish in at least two main-board categories. The 2021 BWO Top Boat Award went to Knot Scared with an aggregate weight of 43.97 pounds, for a nice $2,500 prize. Two “Bonus” Fish, amberjack and cobia, pays out $1,000 each for the single heaviest fish. The Top Amberjack Award went to Legal Limit this year, with a hefty 45.47 pounder. No cobia were caught this year.

The Top Junior Angler went to Gavin Carter aboard Knot Scared, who caught a 14.89-pound kingfish. Top Lady Angler went to Crissy Shoonmaker with a 33.94-pound kingfish caught aboard Little Debbie. Crissy also took third place

Top Lady Angler Crissy Shoonmaker with her 33.94 pound kingfish, caught aboard Little Debbie.

PHOTOS CREDIT: SEBASTIAN EXCHANGE CLUB

kingfish with that fish.

The Sebastian Exchange Club has raised over $750,000 over the years through the Blue Water Open. All proceeds go to worthy charities in the local community with a special emphasis on the prevention of child abuse.

For complete tournament results, visit www.bluewateropen.com or find Sebastian Blue Water Open on Facebook.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JULY 2021

BREVARD/VOLUSIA 11

Marine Contractors

Boat Lifts Docks • Decks Seawalls Dune Crossovers Piledriving

Bringing Quality to the Water’s Edge

D

M

321-720-DOCK E-Mail: admin@floridadocklife.com

Check Us Out on Facebook!

/FloridaDockLife

16-M1-CT-00030

s

e

00030

Locally Owned With A Chef Inspired Menu Millie’s offers fresh LOCAL seafood, meat and produce.

3218 S. Atlantic Avenue Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118

386-275-1492

Hours: Monday 11am-9pm • Tuesday closed Wednesday - Saturday 11am-9pm Sunday 9am-9pm COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JULY 2021

BREVARD/VOLUSIA

13

FISHING REPORT & FORECAST CAPTAIN VINNY

High Bridge Report

A

Family owned for over 30 years

Come Experience

The Fishin’ Hole Difference Off Shore & In Shore Tackle Live & Frozen Bait Expert Rod & Reel Repair ANGLERS CLOTHING

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

s the days become warmer and warmer, I tend to start really fishing strictly night-time tides. Good structure and good lighting will aid in the task of finding trophy fish this time of year.

The fish as of late have been stuck on small rain bait, which is great for the fly guy but no so good for the artificial or bait angler.

I have had some great size fish this past few weeks laying at my feet but only to deny everything I offered them. The fish I am getting into are being taken on a few very select baits. I have really focused my attention as of late on the FishBites fight club line and am having nothing short of amazing success on them. The haymaker color seems to be the go-to as of late but with each passing tide that can change. Also at the ready is a x-rap and big Bucktail style jig. Again snook season is CLOSED and they should be returned quickly and safely.

LAST MONTH WE HAD SOME GREAT TRIPS TAKING ANGLERS OUT

BOTH BY LAND AND BY BOAT

SALTWATER PRO SHOP

thefishinholeinc@gmail.com

450 N. Beach Street Downtown Daytona Beach

386-252-9804

14 BREVARD/VOLUSIA

JULY 2021

First mention is young Chase with his personal best trout. Then we have Blake with a nice poon. Lisa with it’s just a fish lol (nice red). We would also like to wish Michal a special Happy Birthday and congrats on his birthday trout. Have a great month everyone and remember to take a kid fishing.

Tight lines, Capt Vinny Conwell / Back water Outfitters / 631-662-5029 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

nd start tly Good d the phy ar. have all great no so cial or

me past t my ny d m ing y really on as Bites am ort s on ker the ready nd

Founded in 2016, Two Jerks Seafood has evolved from a means of marketing our own catch to supporting the livelihoods of more than 60 local fishermen.

VERY FRESH, VERY LOCAL SEAFOOD

An array of products from homemade smoked fish dips, crabcakes, and other tasty, locally harvested seasonal items available in market for purchase!

Locally Caught Flounder Gigged by local river fishermen nightly.

Get Them While They Last Our local red snapper season is expected to close soon!

Lobster Season Underway Our commercial spiny lobster season is now open!

OUT

ave also hday ing.

2-5029

79 Dunlawton Ave., Port Orange, FL

386-492-4123

twojerks.com

FISHING REPORT & FORECAST

FI

INSHORE ADVENTURES WITH SKYE

CA

Po

Snook Fishing

A

t some point throughout their lifestyle, Snook will inhabit almost every type of inshore and nearshore habitat. One day you may sight cast Snook in clear water and another pulling monster Snook from pilings under bridges in the night hours. You can spend a lifetime chasing Snook.

Snook have a unique profile with a long lateral line that starts from the gill plates and ends at the fork in their tail. There eyes are located on top of their heads, which is great for ambushing bait as they pass above.

The Common Snook is everything BUT common! Throughout the tropical hemisphere there are over 10 species of Snook. The largest on the East Coast reaching lengths of over 4ft! These fish lives start in the passes and inlets. Large female Snook release up to a million eggs every time they spawn. This requires the female to feed voraciously, which is great for us anglers fishing the beaches and inlets! Snook are a non migratory fish, a west coast Snook may not leave their estuary system, but throughout their years may use the entire system., from freshwater to saltwater passes. Along their way, Snook spend time in various places such as deep river channels, mangroves, shorelines, grassy flats, oyster bars, passes and inlets.

Reading the Water

Knowing how to read the water is important for a successful fishing trip. When out in the flats, looking for distinct color changes giving various water depths, drop-offs and transition zones, these are places that hold fish. Watching for signs such as, strong currents wrapping around structure during that last our of a tide change. Pelicans, birds flying, diving or grouped up in an area is a good sign bait fish are present letting you know fish are most likely there! Finding Oyster bars especially during a low tide where wind is pushing up against oysters, that is creating what we call an artificial current, this gives an ambush point, pushing all the bait up to.

Learning how to read the waters will help you to learn where the fish are at.

Whether it is natural or manmade, soft as mangroves or hard as wood pilings, if it is disrupting the flow you are bound to see a Snook angler there!

There are so many reasons Snook are a number one target for us anglers here in Central Florida, they truly are a challenge and not an easy catch. Which makes it that much more rewarding bring that Snook to your boat.

FUN FACTS ABOUT SNOOK • Throughout the tropical western hemisphere there are over 10 species of Snook

Photo Courtesy of FWC (Common Snook (Centropomus undecimalis)

• Snook have a lateral line that starts from their gill plate and runs to the fork in their tail • Snooks eyes are on the top of their heads, making it easy to ambush their prey • Whether it is manmade or artificial Snook love structure • Snook have razor sharp gill plates and sandpaper mouths • Snook began their lives in passes and inlets • Large female Snook lay up to one million eggs every time they spawn

Baits and Lures

Everyone has their preference, I am a spinning reel angler. I find when using a spinning reel it is best for casting in tight spots and getting that perfect cast under bridges. When targeting Snook, top waters, suspenders, diving spoons, plugs and jigs will all work, when presented properly. A basic paddle tail jig is my go to and I believe every angler should have them in their tackle box, there is something about a jig Snook just cant seem to resist them!

Of course now depending on the size of your bait will determine the size and style of the hook you use. When using a live bait I typically use a 3/O 4/O circle hook, I fish as small as jumbo shrimp and finger sized mullet. When trying to decide which line is best, there is such a large variety out there making it difficult to choose. Working and knowing how to play your fish is key to a successful landing, It all depends on the angler. I use light tackle from 10lb braid tied with a double uni-knot or FG knot to a 20lb liter. I find braid is much smaller then mono and spool my reels with Power Pro. Because of Snooks sharp gill plates and ruff mouths, I always add a foot extra of liter to keep my line fresh when changing baits or hooks while on my Snook fishing mission!

With long runs and frequent jumps Snook will make your heart race and beat a bit faster, I know mine does! Every Snook landed is a trophy in my eyes, because no matter the size, I put in the same hard work and time.

One thing I have learned fishing for Snook, Snook love structure!

16 BREVARD/VOLUSIA

JULY 2021

Locally Owned With A Chef Inspired Menu Millie’s offers fresh LOCAL seafood, meat and produce.

3218 S. Atlantic Avenue Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118

386-275-1492

Hours: INSHORE ADVENTURES WITH SKYE 11am-9pm •on Tuesday closed Feel free to check out my inshoreMonday fishing adventures Facebook @ Inshore Adventures with SkyeWednesday and on Instagram brassyangler - Saturday 11am-9pm

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Sunday 9am-9pm

J

uly ce mo fishing favori one of fish in flound with j hold t the tri minno or shr plastic done a mistak when trying feel a lightly em in to flip As the sh tarpon

FISHING REPORT & FORECAST CAPT JAMIE THRAPPAS

Ponce Inlet & Backwaters

here! here ch

y

e

hs

me

J

uly, will most certainly be a hot month for temps and fishing! It’s one of my favorite months to target one of the best eating fish in the water……. flounder! Short leaders with just enough led to hold the bottom will do the trick. I prefer mud minnows, small mullet, or shrimp, but soft plastics will get the job done also. The biggest mistake people make when flounder fishing is trying to set the hook. You almost need to do the exact opposite. When I feel a flounder grab my bait I’ll actually put slack in the line. Pull ever so lightly every few seconds to get him to finally swallow the bait then reel em in. I always net them as well, you never want to lose a big one trying to flip them in the boat!

Aside from flounder, there’s also a ton of fun things to pull on behind the shrimp boats including sharks, Bonita, and the ever so powerful tarpon! Just be respectful of those guys working on the shrimp boats and

don’t get to close and hook their gear. Also watch out for the other boats fishing as it can get a little busy. All of the docks in the Halifax should be holding nice redfish and snook this time of year. Early morning is the key here as the fish bite usually slows down as these summer days heat up. As always, if you see us on the water say hello!

James Thrappas | Splash Brand Representation LLC | 386-366-3424 splashbrandsllc@gmail.com | Native Eyewear

th A nu

ood, e.

ue 32118

92

KYE closed ook @ angler -9pm COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JULY 2021

BREVARD/VOLUSIA

17

Locally Owned With A Chef Inspired Menu

Millie’s offers fresh LOCAL seafood, meat and produce.

3218 S. Atlantic Avenue Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118

386-275-1492

Hours: Monday 11am-9pm • Tuesday closed Wednesday - Saturday 11am-9pm Sunday 9am-9pm

T

he big winds and the giant seaweed showed up and plastered the beach in June. Some places saw 3 to 4 feet high? It shut down everything for a few weeks until Mother Nature dried it out.

The highlight of this Freak’s June happened at home in Wilbur by the Sea. We set up early waiting for high tide to come and the beach was more crowded than usual. I was almost dozing off after two hours of nothing when my old trusty rod (named Pompano Pat) bent in half!! I could hardly get it out of the rod holder. I had no idea yet that a nice permit was going to give me all it had!

Permits are very rare to catch off the beach and very challenging to land. It took a big run and a lot of line when I tightened up the drag a little and started making some headway.

After a bunch of zigzagging it Flopped on to the beach with my adrenaline peeking! As I was taking it off the hook my other pole went off and it was game on again! I’m in the game this time and I had a pretty good idea of what I might have and sure enough….permit number two showed up flopping on the beach to the delight of the crowd that formed and was watching.

After a thrilling day on the beach we now have the sweet island sounds going, and the Red Stripe flowing! Our friends are gathering for the feast! Ceviche, fish cakes, fish stories, and memories formed.

Now some of these fish me and some of these fish are heading to the smoker

Lik

#D

Startin

*$3

Nationa

Se * * * * * * *

W

BREVARD/VOLUSIA 18 BREVARD/VOLUSIA

JULY JULY 2021 2021

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

19 BR

REEL IN THE SAVINGS

Like Us on FaceBook

#DiamondSuzuki

PRICES SLASHED ON OVER 30 BOATS IN-STOCK NOW - Financing Available - All Trades Accepted -

OUR PRICES ARE SO LOW THEY WON’T LET US ADVERTISE THEM Price p to Reduced U

LO

PAYMW ENTS

20k

t Starting A

*$34,995

LAST ONE IN STOCK

vertised

Ad Nationally Price

2020 Sea Pro 20’ 8” Bay Series 300hp Suzuki with Float On Trailer

2020 Sea Pro 208 Bay Series Suzuki 175 HP 4 Stroke Outboard with Float On Trailer

SAVE BIG NOW

ay. was is r two g. he es,

2019 Sea Pro 259 Deep V Series

With Float On Trailer / Demo Call for Details In-Stock & Ready For Delivery Today

As low as

$27,450 2020 Sea Pro 248

300hp Suzuki and Float On Trailer Priced to Move

2019 Mitzi 17 Tournament 60hp Suzuki and Float on Trailer

2019 Bossman Skimmer 18 Lodge Edition with 70hp Suzuki and Float On Trailer

FULL MARINE SERVICE, PARTS, REPAIR, SALES CENTER

UP TO 50% OFF

OUR PRICES ARE SO LOW THEY WON’T LET US ADVERTISE THEM It’s Time To Service Your Boat! * 20 hour service * 100 hour Service * minor/major repairs * bottom paint * fiberglass repair * repower * anything marine

WE DO THAT!

DF60ATLW

White 4-Stroke Discounted

DF200ATX2

4-Stroke Discounted

DF350ATXW2 White

4-Stroke Discounted

CALL FOR PRICING

Your Florida Authorized Suzuki Repower Center

RETAIL CUSTOMERS ONLY, LIMITED SUPPLY, SALE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE TAX OR RIGGING FEES, DEALER RETAINS ALL REBATES. JULY 2021| 911 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM 386-424-9000 N Dixie Freeway • New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168

19 BREVARD/VOLUSIA

Ponce Inlet

FISHING REPORT & FORECAST CAPT. MICHAEL SAVEDOW

TIDE CHART T JULY 2021

www.USHarbors.com

Ponce De Leon Inlet South, FL - Jul 2021 High

Date

Low

AM

ft

PM

ft

AM

ft

PM

ft

Rise

Set

Thu

2:14

3.1

2:51

3.0

8:37

0.2

9:03

0.5

6:27

8:27

2

Fri

3:05

2.9

3:46

3.0

9:21

0.2

9:58

0.6

6:27

8:27

3

Sat

3:57

2.7

4:41

3.1

10:04

0.3

10:54

0.7

6:28

8:27

4

Sun

4:50

2.6

5:32

3.2

10:49

0.3

11:48

0.7

6:28

8:27

5

Mon

5:42

2.5

6:19

3.2

11:34

0.3

6:28

8:27

6

Tue

6:30

2.5

7:03

3.3

12:39

0.7

12:20

0.3

6:29

8:27

7

Wed

7:17

2.5

7:47

3.4

1:27

0.6

1:04

0.2

6:29

8:27

8

Thu

8:03

2.5

8:31

3.5

2:11

0.5

1:48

0.2

6:30

8:27

9

Fri

8:49

2.6

9:14

3.5

2:54

0.4

2:32

0.2

6:30

8:27

10

Sat

9:33

2.6

9:55

3.6

3:34

0.4

3:14

0.1

6:31

8:26

11

Sun

10:16

2.7

10:35

3.6

4:13

0.3

3:56

0.1

6:31

8:26

12

Mon

10:57

2.7

11:14

3.5

4:53

0.3

4:39

0.2

6:32

8:26

13

Tue

11:40

2.8

11:55

3.5

5:34

0.2

5:26

0.2

6:32

8:26

14

Wed

12:25

2.9

6:18

0.2

6:19

0.3

6:33

8:25

15

Thu

12:38

3.4

1:12

3.0

7:04

0.1

7:16

0.3

6:33

8:25

16

Fri

1:23

3.3

2:03

3.2

7:49

0.1

8:14

0.3

6:34

8:25

17

Sat

2:12

3.1

2:58

3.3

8:35

0.0

9:12

0.3

6:34

8:24

18

Sun

3:06

3.0

3:58

3.5

9:24

-0.1

10:13

0.3

6:35

8:24

19

Mon

4:08

2.8

5:00

3.6

10:17

-0.1

11:17

0.3

6:36

8:24

20

Tue

5:12

2.8

6:00

3.8

11:14

-0.2

6:36

8:23

21

Wed

6:14

2.8

6:58

3.9

12:19

0.2

12:13

-0.2

6:37

8:23

22

Thu

7:13

2.8

7:54

4.0

1:19

0.2

1:11

-0.3

6:37

8:22

23

Fri

8:11

2.9

8:49

4.0

2:16

0.1

2:08

-0.3

6:38

8:22

24

Sat

9:08

3.0

9:42

4.0

3:09

0.0

3:03

-0.3

6:38

8:21

25

Sun

10:01

3.0

10:31

3.9

3:59

0.0

3:56

-0.2

6:39

8:21

26

Mon

10:52

3.1

11:18

3.7

4:47

0.0

4:48

-0.1

6:39

8:20

27

Tue

11:42

3.1

5:34

0.0

5:43

0.1

6:40

8:19

28

Wed

12:04

3.5

12:32

3.1

6:22

0.1

6:39

0.3

6:41

8:19

29

Thu

12:51

3.2

1:21

3.1

7:09

0.2

7:36

0.4

6:41

8:18

30

Fri

1:37

3.0

2:11

3.1

7:53

0.2

8:30

0.6

6:42

8:17

31

Sat

2:23

2.7

3:01

3.0

8:35

0.3

9:22

0.7

6:42

8:17

1

Edgewater Report

Moon

he heat of July has a big influence on fishing in Edgewater Backcountry and Mosquito Lagoon. Most people will fish early morning, late afternoon, or at night. Start your morning fishing trips as early as possible to take advantage of the sunrise feeding pattern.

Cloudy water is the usual for the summer months, use baits a fish can find.

Smell, sound, and vibrations in the water are keys. Smell can be achieved with bait such as shrimp, cut bait, or scented soft plastics like Gulp, sound made by top water lures with rattles or poppers, and baitfish like croakers and pigfish, lastly vibrations from live finger mullet, mud minnows, and lures like spoons. One of the best live baits right now are the tiny “mini Sam caught and released a few good Black Drum in mullet” which Edgewater Backcountry with Capt Michael Savedow are widespread in the backcountry, lagoon and ICW during early summer, they hatched here locally in early spring, now just big enough to stay put in a cast net.

Fish sinking lures, shrimp, and live bait fish close to and under the docks. You will have to deal with snags around the structures, but comes with the territory. Long time moored or docked boats are great FAD’s (Fish Attracting Device), structure oriented fish will be caught in close and under, including Mangrove Snapper, Redfish, Snook, and Trout.

One of the best choices for summer night fishing are docklights and bridges, schools of bait fish and sometime shrimp are attracted to the light and structure which in turn bring in the trout, snook, redfish, jacks, ladyfish, and snapper to name a few. Match the hatch of which type of bait you are seeing, use a small size lure, swim bait, jig, twitch bait, or soft plastic shrimp for most species, for the most strikes, a free lined live shrimp can be the go to bait.

Capt Michael Savedow / Edgewater River Guide www.EdgewaterRiverGuide.com / 386-689-3781

COVERED PARKING FOR ALL BOATS AND RVs

BoatRVStorage.com Protection for Your Investment In Fun

New Location Serving the Greater Daytona Area 412 Park Ave. • Edgewater, FL 32132 • 386-847-8112

20 BREVARD/VOLUSIA

JULY 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

A

y ng rn. find. ved und

ith pers, ike

om ullet, ws,

of baits e i h ad in here

the comes D’s lose ut. s d to fish, ch ch free

Guide 9-3781

ea

2

VOLUSIA COUNTY COASTAL ANGLER FRANCHISE FOR SALE!

COASTAL ANGLER

Turn key business ready to bring you income month 1!

CORPORATE AND LOCAL TRAINING AVAILABLE Have you ever wished you worked in the fishing industry?

NOW IS YOUR CHANCE

You have what it takes to become a publisher: • • • • •

Enjoy meeting people Love to fish Love water sports A promoter of our natural resources Enjoy selling what you love to do

Coastal Angler Daytona / Volusia County is an established market in an expanding franchise system and has unlimited potential to be the top earning franchise in all of the Coastal Angler/The Angler markets!

POTENTIAL SIX FIGURE INCOME! With little effort our magazine remains profitable and with your hands-on management the earning potential is limitless.

Interested? Call Chris Chibbaro at 386-478-9234 or email cchibbaro@CoastalAnglerMagazine.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JULY 2021

BREVARD/VOLUSIA

21

FISHING REPORT & FORECAST CAPT. BARRY ENGLEHARDT

Tomoka Report

The MicroWave Line Control System is scientifically proven to improve fishing rod performance.

Cast Further, Smoother & More Accurately with these

info@americantackle.us | americantackle.us

Captain Barry Englehardt | fishwithcaptainbarry.com

Under NEW Ownership by Cody Moore, Third Generation Fisherman NSB Outfitters specializes in offshore bait and tackle, as well as inshore, flats, and fly fishing gear, with extensive options in apparel and accessories. New Smyrna Outfitters has the knowledge and experience to guide through whatever type of fishing you’re looking to do.

SAME STREET, NEW LOCATION! 223a Canal St. | NewSmyrnaOutfitters.com (386) 402-8853 Mon-Sat 9am-6pm | Sunday Closed

Winter Caught Bally Hoo

22 BREVARD/VOLUSIA

JULY 2021

J

uly in the Tomoka for me, means the Mangrove Snapper will be spawning on the full moons with the big fish patrolling 3 to 5 days before the moon. Great time to take children fishing because the snapper will be bunched up which means plenty of action. Take plenty of small shrimp.

Reds and snook will be moving early in the morning especially before sun up and a surface lure will be a hot bait. Last year the snook action was most active the last hour of daylight and into the night.

July is also a good month for flounder, I love to use mud minnows for the flatties, but a soft plastic on a lightweight jighead can also be deadly!

This time of year as the water gets very warm it is more important than ever to take the time and revive your fish before you release them.

An extra few minutes reviving your catch can make a huge difference in the fish’s survival.

Tight lines!!!

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

State Certified Marine Contractor

or grove wning the 5 Great shing ll be ns lenty

Demolition and Debris Removal Dock & Seawall Construction,

l be rning p and hot k

Maintenance & Repairs

s for ly! nt em. ce in

Maintenance of Navigable Waterways Marine Rigging & Hoisting

y.com

Removal of Disabled Vessels and other Navigational Obstructions Marine Aquatic & Wetland Habitat Restoration and Mitigation

Licensed, Insured & Fully Bonded

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JULY 2021

BREVARD/VOLUSIA

23

Gina Hesch with her first ever sailfish

Mark Barrington with a great haul out of Ponce Inlet

Captain Dave of Strippin Lips Charters with some big mangroves

Dr. Stephan caught this bull redfish aboard New Legacy Fishing Charters

Contact Information: Chris Chibbaro | Coastal Angler Magazine | Daytona, New Smyrna and Deland | 386-478-9234 | cchibbaro@coastalanglermagazine.com BREVARD/VOLUSIA 24 BREVARD/VOLUSIA

JULY JULY2021 2021

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

• STEEL BUILDING • SALE • PRE-ENGINEERED BUILDINGS • SAVE • STEEL BUILDING • SALE • CARPORTS • SAVE • CALL NOW • SPECIALS • SALE • STEEL BUILDING • SALE •

WE’RE CELEBRATING AMERICA WHICH MEANS, GREAT SAVINGS FOR YOU!

GREAT SHED FOR YOUR TOOLS

$0

• DOWN FINANCING • NO CREDIT CHECK • EVERYONE GETS APPROVED • GREAT FINANCING OPTIONS • FREE DELIVERY AND FREE SETUP

$30.68 20X21 DOUBLE CARPORT

KEENSBUILDINGS.COM

$62.04

$39.86

/Month + Tax

/Month + Tax

18X31 BOAT PORT AS-LOW-AS $42.02/MO +TAX

AS-LOW-AS $35.19/MO +TAX With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

/Month + Tax

12X24 ROLL-UP DOOR

AS-LOW-AS $78.93/MO +TAX With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

$199.85

$131.86

/Month + Tax

/Month + Tax

$198.39 /Month + Tax

28X30X12 CUSTOM WORK GARAGE AS-LOW-AS $189.00/MO +TAX With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

6

LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU

Financing Disclaimer:

30X40X14 CUSTOM STEEL GARAGE AS-LOW-AS $282.60/MO +TAX

Call for Details and Pricing!

With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

LIVE OAK (Corporate Office) P: 386-364-7995

620 W. Howard St. (Hwy 90 W.)

CHIEFLAND P: 352-490-5028 2495 Young Blvd.

LIVE OAK SUPER CENTER P: 386-364-1548

PERRY

P: 850-223-1939 2320 Hwy. 19 S. Byron Butler Pwky

211 72nd Trace

Subject to credit approval. Fixed APR of 3.99% for 84 months. For each $1,000 financed, 5 payments of $3.33 followed by 79 amortized payments of $14.41.

Subject to credit approval. Fixed APR of 11.99% for 84 months. For each $1,000 financed, 5 payments of $9.99 followed by 79 amortized payments of $18.36.

NEED SOMETHING BIGGER? WE OFFER RED IRON BUILDINGS. WAYCROSS

P: 850-223-1939 2203 Memorial Drive Waycross, GA 31501

24X30 TOP SELLING SHED

AS-LOW-AS $219.00/MO +TAX With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

MASARYKTOWN P: 352-797-2291 568 S. Broad St.

KEENSBUILDINGS.COM View our inventory online.

Subject to qualifying credit approval. Interest is billed during the promotional period but all interest is waived if the purchase amount is paid in full within 12 months.

Financing for GreenSky® consumer loan programs is provided by federally insured, federal and state chartered financial institutions without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender or familial status.

• STEEL BUILDING • SALE • PRE-ENGINEERED BUILDINGS • SAVE • STEEL BUILDING • SALE • CARPORTS • SAVE • CALL NOW • SPECIALS • SALE • STEEL BUILDING • SALE •

T H E

P E R F E C T

E S C A P E

I N

T H E

H E A R T

O F

O L D

Book your dream getaway today at 352.498.3222

F L O R I D A

W W W . S T H R C L U B . C O M

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JULY 2021

FLORIDA 9

PHOTO COURTESY OF M1FISHING.COM

It’s Bay Scallop Season!

W ith most of the regions for bay scallops opening to harvest this month, Gulf Coast divers are hoping for the weather and clear water that pushes these tasty bivalves shallow and makes them visible.

• Fenholloway-Suwannee River Zone: The season opened early, on June 15, for the Fenholloway-Suwannee River Zone, where preseason scouting trips were already reporting scads of scallops in shallow grass at Steinhatchee. Bag limits for this zone change as the season progresses,

so pay attention to the dates.

From June 15-30, the per-person limit is 1 gallon whole or 1 cup shucked. The vessel limit is 5 gallons whole or two pints shucked.

From July 1-Labor Day, the per-person limit is 2 gallons whole or 1 pint shucked. The vessel limit is 10 gallons whole or 1/2 gallon (4 pints) shucked.

• Franklin-NW Taylor County Zone: Open July 1-Sept. 24. The per-person limit is 2 gallons whole or 1 pint shucked. The vessel limit is 10 gallons whole or ½ gallon (4 pints) shucked.

• Levy, Citrus, Hernando County Zone: Open July 1-Sept. 24. The per-person limit is 2 gallons whole or 1 pint shucked. The vessel limit is 10 gallons whole or ½ gallon (4 pints) shucked.

• Gulf County Zone: Open Aug. 16-Sept. 24.

The per-person limit is 2 gallons whole or 1 pint shucked. The vessel limit is 10 gallons whole or ½ gallon (4 pints) shucked.

• Pasco County Zone: Open for a 10-day season beginning the third Friday in July, which is July 16 this year. The per-person limit is 2 gallons whole or 1 pint shucked. The vessel limit is 10 gallons whole or ½ gallon (4 pints) shucked.

For more information, including regulations pertaining to boating and diving safely, go to myfwc.com.

n o s a e S p o l l a Dive intO Sc

Come experience Scallop Season in Crystal River and Homosassa. Be a part of the tradition that creates memories of a lifetime with family and friends. discovercrystalriverfl.com/scalloping

10 FLORIDA

JULY 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

New Artificial Reef Off St. George Island

T

ype in the coordinates; a new artificial reef will be deployed off St. George Island and Apalachicola later this summer.

Franklin County commissioners recently awarded the contract to construct and deploy 35 offshore artificial reef modules within a site named the Buddy Ward Memorial Artificial Reef in memory of longtime seafood industry advocate and businessman Olan “Buddy” Ward.

The Ward memorial site is located within state waters and in sight of St George Island, approximately 8 nautical miles offshore of Apalachicola in about 40 feet of water. The project is expected to be complete by summer.

The Ward reef joins more than 60 artificial reefs already located offshore from the Franklin County shoreline. These fish hotels stretch from Alligator Point to Apalachicola and are responsible for providing valuable habitat for hundreds of fish species that migrate through the region. Once deployed, the Ward reef GPS coordinates will be available online, along with other existing reef coordinates, through the AARA website www.apalachicolareef.org.

For more information on fishing Franklin County, visit Floridasforgottencoast.com.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JULY 2021

FLORIDA 11

HOOKER ELECTRIC

Hooker Electric Sea Chests are manufactured with corrosive resistant 316L stainless steel!

Deluxe Livewell Sea Chests 20 Different Customizations Available

PANHANDLE

Blue Coating Optional

855.HOOK.ONE LOCAL: 954-530-6908 HOOKERELECTRIC.COM

5094 NE 12th Avenue, Oakland Park, FL 33334 EMAIL: sales@hookerelectric.com

SC

AL FREE LO G PI UN EQ NG & RIG UI LO GI PM B NG EN STE T RI NG

7610 Industrial Ln. Suite 8H Tampa, FL. 33637

neptonics.com 813-867-3250 12 FLORIDA

JULY 2021

Your Spearfishing Headquarters.

Use code coastal10 for

10% OFF your order

TRIPLETAIL AND TARPON

By CAM Staff

S

ummertime is tripletail and tarpon time along Florida’s Forgotten Coast. Each summer, these two species invade inshore fisheries in numbers. They stick around for a while and add spice and size to fisheries normally known for redfish and seatrout.

The Forgotten Coast is a stretch of the Florida Panhandle from roughly St. Marks on Apalachee Bay to Mexico Beach, southeast of Panama City.

It’s about 130 miles of sparsely developed coastline that features an embarrassment of riches when it comes to inshore fishing. There are also great nearshore and offshore options, but the system of bays and barrier islands in this stretch of Gulf Coast is an inshore-angler’s playground.

Tripletail started showing up in the bays in May this year, and they should stick around through the summer. With their large, rounded anal and dorsal fins, these odd-looking and great-tasting fish have a peculiar habit of hanging near the surface around any sort of floating cover.

This makes them a ton of fun to target, as they can be sight fished around crab trap buoys, channel markers, drifting weed mats or really anything floating in the water.

Shrimp and baitfish are attracted to cover, and tripletail post up like another piece of rubbish to let food come to them. They can be spotted free-swimming, too, which is why it’s smart to take a closer look at anything floating in the bays. They range in size from 2 pounds to nearly 30 pounds on the Forgotten Coast. They’ll hit live baits, artificials and even flies.

Tarpon can be a little more difficult to target, but the rewards can be huge when you find them. With a westward migration up the Gulf Coast, giant tarpon show up in shallow bays from St. Marks to St. Joe starting after the first full moon of June and petering out in August most years. In early summer, fly anglers, armed with 11- and 12-weight rods, can be seen watching patiently from the decks of skiffs for pods of tarpon that move up into the shallow grass flats.

When they’re not shallow, big tarpon can be targeted in the passes and coves. In late summer, live pinfish or grunts under a float or even cut mullet on the bottom will test your tackle with tarpon that weigh in excess of 100 pounds.

For information on lodging and fishing on the Forgotten Coast, go to www.floridasforgottencoast.com.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

PROBLEM SOLVED! MANTA RACKS: INDUSTRY LEADER FOR A REASON Are you tired of your floating mat taking up so much space in your boat?

If so, our FM Rack System is the answer to your problem.

The Manta Racks FM Rack System safely & securely transports one floating mat using the flush mounted rod holders in the gunwales or transom.

Since its introduction in February, our new Floating Mat Rack System has proven to be another top seller. Like all of our rack systems, this product is constructed of ¼ inch aluminum, acid washed then salt sealed before being powder coated and is designed to transport the largest 18 foot floating mats.

This system is built to roll with you and your boat for years to come!

1-888-622-0225

14 FLORIDA

JULY 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

At Manta Racks, we proudly manufacture rack systems designed to transport and protect your assets, such as your boat, SUPs, kayaks, wakeboards, floating mats, and most importantly, your passengers.

Our patented American made rack systems safely secure your toys aboard your yacht, tender, center console, walk around or dual console.

Each of our products utilize state of the art design and materials that are guaranteed to last for years on the water.

That’s why Manta Racks has become the trusted source of captains around the world for worry free fun in the sun on the water!

S: R N

ly ms nd ch s, s, y, s.

an ly ur e, e.

ze nd ed er.

ks ed nd ee on r!

MANTA RACKS ROLLS OUT ITS NEW FLOATING MATS FM RACK SYSTEM

T

he worldwide industry leader in the manufacture of rack systems for transporting boards and kayaks has announced the launch of its new rack system for transporting floating mats, the FM Rack System.

This revolutionary new product was developed to provide a simple, quick and effective solution to the problem of securing floating mats when a vessel is underway.

With the most popular brands of floating mats reaching up to 18 feet in size, yacht captains and recreational boaters alike have long struggled to safely and securely transport their floating mats to and from their boating destinations.

The new FM Rack System by Manta Racks provides the solution to this safety problem by easily sliding into the rod holders on the gunwales or transom of a boat and locking down the rolled up, bulky mats quickly and effectively.

Said company President and CEO, Tim Wilhelm, “Our company is dedicated to designing and manufacturing quality products that allow boaters of all types to enjoy their time on the water with their family, friends and guests, while also providing safe and secure way to transport their boards and kayaks while their boat is underway. The new FM Rack System is easy to use with its innovative design and as with all Manta Rack products, the American made construction is guaranteed to deliver floating fun on the water for years to come.”

Manta Racks is a top-tier manufacturer of recreational transportation rack systems with products designed, manufactured and assembled in the United States. The company’s primary products are the signature S2 Paddleboard Rack System, designed to safely and securely transport two SUPs; its B2 Wakeboard Rack System, designed to transport wake, knee, surf and kite boards; its L2K System, which transports Kayaks; and now the all-new FM Rack System, designed to safely secure floating mats. It’s the first ever of its kind to be offered to the boating industry.

These innovative rack systems can be found aboard the finest tender vessels, yachts, center consoles, walk arounds and dual consoles all around the world.

For information, check out mantaracks.com or call (888) MANTARACKS.COM 622-0225.

BOAT INSURANCE SINKING YOU?

SAVE

50%Insurance

up to

on Boat

GET THE

LOWEST RATES!

BOATS & $37,000 $75,000 JETSKI From: $264/yr $474/yr

$100,000 $250,000 $500,000 $586/yr $2,975/yr $5,985/yr

GET A QUOTE! (888) 977-4500 (954) 785-5000

BoatInsuranceFlorida.com Bradley Insurance Group

Covering Boaters throughout the South Since 1988

Your #1 Source for Boat Insurance

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JULY 2021

FLORIDA 15

SAVINGS ON DECK with your local GEICO agent in Florida!

Gilbert Suarez

Limitations apply. See geico.com for more details. GEICO & affiliates. Washington, DC 20076 © 2021 GEICO

Still time for vendors to register!

16 FLORIDA

JULY 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

13631 Biscayne Blvd N Miami 305-914-9220 geico.com/n-miami-suarez ¡Hablamos Español!

BOATHOUSE BOATHOUSE Discount Marine Supplies

Marine Supplies

Jacksonville West

Locations Same Low Prices

Jacksonville Beach

3

Locations Same Low Price

OEM Marine Parts

Melbourne

Certified Service Department

Authorized Marine EngineAuthorized & Parts Dealer OEM

Marine Engine & Parts Dealer

Trailer Parts

Trailer Sales

BoathouseDiscountMarine.com

• AUTOMOTIVE • COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

CTX NANO-CERAMIC TINT

Three Locations To Serve •SUPERIOR HEAT REJECTION •ENHANCED STYLE Melbourne Jacksonville Beach 557 N. Harbor City Blvd 8587 Beach Blvd •99% UV PROTECTION Melbourne, FL 32935

(321) 254-2535

Jacksonville, FL 32216

(904) 564-9669

You Jacksonville

5615 Blanding Blvd.

Jacksonville, FL 32244

(904) 778-7775

BoathouseDiscountMarine.com

*LIFETIME WARRANTY 16 BREVARD

JANUARY 2019

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

Waterfront Charm

The Perfect Vacation Getaway for Fishing, Boating & Outdoor Enthusiasts

R E S E RV E YOUR ST A FOR 28 D Y AYS OR LONG E & RECEIV R E 50% OFF

Nestled on six lush tropical acres of pristine waterfront directly on the Indian River Lagoon, take a step back in time to experience the very best of Old Florida charm with modern conveniences and services to make your stay truly memorable and unforgettable.

• FULLY FURNISHED 3 ROOM COTTAGES WITH FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHENS • • • • • • •

Kingfish Lodge includes a wide screen TV and bar for small gatherings Sailfish House features a wide covered wrap-around porch for larger groups Boat Trailer Parking on site w/ Water and Power 250 Foot Dock w/ Covered Area FREE Ice / FREE Guest Dockage TRAVEL Cable TV, Hi-Speed Internet Cover Your Vacation 2 miles to the Ft. Pierce Inlet with Travel Insurance 12 miles to the Gulf Stream Laundry, BBQ Grilles and FREE use of our Kayaks P R O T E C T I O N

NIGHTLY • WEEKLY • MONTHLY • SEASONAL RATES

3011 N. Indian River Dr., Ft. Pierce, FL 34946

www.indianriverlagoonwaterfrontcottages.com

Reservations and Information: (772) 349-2206

YOUR HEALTH AND SAFETY ARE OUR UTMOST CONCERN COVID-19 CDC GUIDELINES ARE IN FULL EFFECT

All accommodations are completely cleaned and sanitized prior to guest arrival 14 NATIONAL

JULY 2021

TIPS FROM A PRO

Re-Discover Old Florida

COVERING WATER WITH A BLADED JIG

A

TYLER WOOLCOTT

s you approach a new lake or even one you have been to a thousand times, it’s always a good idea to throw a confidence bait you know will get bites. The bladed jig, aka chatterbait, is my confidence bait. It is extremely versatile and can be thrown around any type of cover. It allows you to cover a vast amount of water and locate bass that might take days to find with other tactics.

The market is flooded with different brands, sizes and colors of the bladed jig. I have experimented and found the Z-Man Jackhammer is the best performing bladed jig out there. In a variety of colors and sizes, they run perfectly out of the package every time. To me, it’s worth the expensive price tag.

Let’s talk about matching the chatterbait to natural forage.

Depending on the time of year and what kind of bait the bass are feeding on, there is a color to match the hatch. If shad is the prevalent forage, I stick to a white or a baitfish-color like pearl and silver with a silver blade. If its bluegill, you can get by with a green pumpkin or anything with some yellow and orange mixed in with a darker blade color.

Sometimes water color can play a factor in color choice, as well. If the water is very dirty, use a color that will stick out so fish can see it coming by. Something like a white and chartreuse with a white blade, for baitfish imitation, or even a bright orange with a black blade, for crawfish imitation, can do the trick.

Sizes and weights are important, as well.

Ranging from ¼ oz. up to 1.25 oz., the depth you are fishing should decide what you tie on. I typically start with a 3/8- or a ½-oz. jig, which allows me to cover water depths from 1 to 10 feet, depending on the retrieve. If I find some deeper cover, I will go a little heavier.

Attaching a trailer enhances the allure of a bladed jig. I try and match the color of the trailer to the color of the skirt. The type of trailer can be more complicated. When fish are aggressive, I use a swimbait-style trailer with a boot tail like the 13 Fishing Pleasure shad. When they want something more subtle, I use a twin-tail trailer like the 13 Fishing The Jerk.

When throwing a bladed jig, it’s important to have the correct gear. I use a 13 Fishing Omen Black Chatt-R-Crank rod paired with a 13 Fishing Concept A 6:8:1 reel. I spool up with 17-lb. Seaguar Abrazx line. This set up is perfect for the job!

All across the country, I rely on a chatterbait any time of year to put fish in the boat. Next time you hit the lake, tie on a chatterbait to cover some water.

Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide.

Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcottfishing.com.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Simply the Best in the Business

UNLIMITED TOWING MEMBERSHIP *

$90/$165

TowBoatU.S. has the best price around with the most boats in the most locations. When you need professional, experienced captains, look no further than the Red Boats of TowBoatU.S.

FOR A YEAR OF WORRY-FREE BOATING

800-395-2628 • BoatUS.com/Towing *One year Freshwater/Saltwater Towing Membership pricing. 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.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JULY 2021

NATIONAL 15

GO GET ‘EM!

BALLYHOOD TOP GUN LURES WAHOO TOURNAMENT PACK

23 FEET OF FISHING FUN! ” “KILLER! DEAL

ALL RIGGED 2 - 32 OZ “COWBELLS” & READY 2 - 14 OZ “EXPRESS” 2 - MONSTER ACTON “PAYBACK” JETS W/ FREE CARRY CASE & FREE SHIPPING

Regular Price $499 - NOW $299!

GET IT HERE: ballyhood.com/super-wahoo-tournament-pak/

WWW.CHAWKBOATS.NET

16 NATIONAL

JULY 2021

E E SHI PP

I

E

E

G

FREE SHIP PING FR

252-235-2461

FR

NG

CALL FOR YOUR NEAREST DEALER

BALLYHOOD

S H IP PIN

(714) 545-0196 • BALLYHOOD.COM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

FEDS ALLOW THREE DAYS FOR ATLANTIC RED SNAPPER

Tybee Matte Black Sky Blue

I

PHOTO COURTESY OF LARRY MCGUIRE/SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS

t hardly seems worth the boat ride to catch one red snapper per person, but if you happen to be out bottom fishing in federal waters of the Atlantic and catch one, there are three days this year when you’re allowed to keep it.

NOAA Fisheries Service, the federal entity tasked with setting seasons and limits, announced in early June that it will allow recreational harvest of red snapper on July 9, 10 and 11, 2021 in federal waters of the Atlantic (3-200 miles) off the coast of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

This year’s season is a day shorter than last year’s because anglers exceeded the total allowable catch last summer.

The bag limit is one per person, per day, with no minimum size limit.

Anglers are required to use dehooking tools to minimize damage when unhooking snapper and grouper species. A descending device is also required to be onboard and readily available for use.

Hook requirements north of 28º North Latitude, which is a line roughly between Vero Beach and Cape Canaveral, Fla. are for non-offset, nonstainless steel circle hooks. South of that line, anglers may use any style hook, as long as they are not made of stainless steel.

The season for the commercial sector opens July 12 and will remain open until Jan. 1, or until the annual catch limit is met. That occurred in about a month and a half last summer.

For more information, see www.fisheries.noaa.gov.

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

Hatteras Matte Black Sky Blue

Jekyll Matte Black Sky Blue

MAKE YOUR OWN ICE!

bigice.com

Amelia Matte Black Sky Blue

RedFinPolarized.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JULY 2021

NATIONAL 17

the

BO-JO

fISHLIGHT

�e �ltimate Fish �ttractor�

FREE Shipping!

Angler/Coastal Angler special offer!

Hook a 19% discount!

Enter coupon: CA19

Watc h our 1-Minute V ideo by scanning the barcode or...

visit Bo-JoF ishlight.com ... or call 478-951-1490

“If you or someone you know has a pond, lake or boat-dock, get a BO-JO FISHLIGHT! The best fish attractor I’ve ever seen!”

- Fish Fishburne

18 NATIONAL

JULY 2021

STRIPES ARE BLITZING OFF MASSACHUSETTS

J

ack Murphy, of Lucky Jacks Fishing, said the season for striped bass started with a bang and is progressing well off the coast of New England.

“There have been and will be larger striped bass on pogie schools in Buzzards Bay,” he said. “The similar schools of striped bass will soon be harassing offshore pogie schools, and the resident striped bass will be moving into their nearshore haunts chasing mackerel and smashing lobsters.”

The offshore bite is where many of the monster 40-plus-pound stripers are caught each year. In low-light conditions, pods of big fish harass big schools of pogie found 5 to 10 miles offshore of Massachusetts, both north and south of Cape Cod. If you want to get in on the action, you need to make plans now.

Check out Lucky Jacks Fishing at www.luckyjacksfishing.com.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

THE

AMERICAN

TRACTOR

www.EFE1963.com

G o to An ch or Pu lle ri st he W ay or Be lo w ,E -Z D ec k Ab ov e Above-deck on the 3025 GFX or below-deck inside the rope locker of the 35’ Sea Chaser HFC, the Rebel drum anchor winch is included as the standard or optional upgrade feature on these and other 2021 models. The compact design and 316 stainless steel components ensure E-Z Anchor Puller drum anchor winches can be retrofitted into tight spaces and perform in harsh, saltwater environments.

E-Z ANCHOR PULLER MFG. CO. America’s Anchor Winch Since 1990 Call 1.800.800.1640 | ezanchorpuller.com E-Z Anchor Puller’s drum anchor winches are complete 316 stainless steel with patented motors. This jam-free, hands-free solution neatly stores any diameter rope and chain right on the spool - no more tying off to a cleat!

30

Y EARS ANNIVERSARY

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROSEMARY J. WHITE

TARPON NOW CATCH-AND-RELEASE IN NORTH CAROLINA

E

ffective immediately, tarpon fishing in North Carolina state waters is now catch-and-release only.

The new regulation was implemented after an appeal from North Carolina pier operators failed during the legislative review process. North Carolina now joins Florida as Atlantic states with no-keep regulations for the highly migratory species. Florida sells a permit that allows anglers seeking a state or world record to keep one tarpon for that purpose.

South Carolina has a limit of one tarpon per person per day with a 77-inch minimum length limit. Georgia allows angler to keep one tarpon per day with a 68-inch minimum length limit.

“Protecting this magnificent fish while it spends time in our North Carolina waters is a great move by the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries Commission Board,” said Capt. Jot Owens, who is a guide and BTT Conservation Captain.

“Thank you to everyone who supported this amendment and a special thanks to the commission board members who voted in favor of this ruling.”

For more on North Carolina marine fisheries, visit http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/mf/home.

s

S RY

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JULY 2021

NATIONAL 21

1-800-228-3889

WWW.CAPSMITH.COM SALES@CAPSMITH.COM

WE ARE LOCATED IN CENTRAL FLORIDA!

SEE OUR FULL LINE OF

•FISHING CAPS • FISHING SLEEVES • FISHING MASKS • FISHING FLAGS

STOP BY BOOTH #2144

HEADWEAR DISTRIBUTION

FOR YOUR

ALSO FEATURING

FREE

OFFICIALLY LICENSED

The Return of a

FISHING CAP

CAMOUFLAGE PATTERNS

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 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

24 NATIONAL

JULY 2021

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

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

1/12/2021 12:00:28 PM

Sizzling Hot Deals From Suzuki’s Summer Sales Event Suzuki’s Summer Sales Event is finally here! It’s time to get to your local Suzuki Marine Dealer for a sizzling hot deal on the Ultimate Outboard Motor.

You can get Low-Rate Financing on the all new DF140BG with Drive by Wire Technology, or our Flagship DF350. Get all the details at your participating Suzuki Marine Dealer.

REPOWER FINANCE

YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

5 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY†

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

*REPOWER FINANCE is available through Synchrony Retail Finance, as low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new, unregistered Suzuki outboard motors, subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on creditworthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories, or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki outboard motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between from July 1, 2021 through September 1, 2021. †5 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY applies to qualifying purchases of Suzuki outboard motors sold and delivered to the retail purchaser, for pleasure (non-commercial) use only, from April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022. See Suzuki Limited Warranty for additional details. 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. © 2021 Suzuki Marine, USA, LLC.

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