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Fly Fishing PRODUCT REVIEW PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL BOOTH VOLUME 24 • ISSUE 295
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OCTOBER 2019
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FANTASTIC FALL SAVINGS There's plenty of fish to pull in this fall season and your Suzuki Marine Dealer has exceptional deals to get you out on the water. See your local Suzuki Marine Dealer for all the details!
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Ross Reels has taken the time-proven features that made the original Animas a guide favorite and introduced new machined features to bring the new Animas fly reel into the modern era of Ross. Proudly Americanmade in Colorado and weighing just over 4 ounces, the new Animas features a compositedisc drag system and an ultra-light canvas phenolic handle, which gets tackier when wet. A new troublefree spool release yields zeromaintenance performance, allowing the Animas to be ready for any fresh or saltwater excursion. The new Animas is available in sizes 4/5, 5/6 and 7/8.
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THE BAHAMAS: BEAUTIFUL, DANGEROUS
although great variability exists between the northern and southern islands. This variability is most easily seen on Andros, the largest Bahamian island, where pine forests dominate in the north and give way to more tropical vegetation in the south. The majority of The Bahamas are low lying, with about 80 percent of the islands less than 15 feet above sea level. This, along with the fact that the islands span a great distance in warm tropical waters, make them attractive to tourists, who flock in for beautiful beaches, friendly faces and fantastic fishing. The Bahamas are heavily reliant on tourism, and for many “Family Islands,” angling tourism is vital for their survival. Unfortunately, these geographical traits also make The Bahamas susceptible to flooding and damage from tropical storms and hurricanes. The expansive nature of the islands of The Bahamas is a mixed blessing. Being large means Bahamians are more likely to be impacted somewhere in the chain by severe weather, but it also means many areas will remain untouched. This was the case with Hurricane Dorian, which devastated the two most northern islands, Abaco and Grand Bahama, but left countless others unharmed. The impact from Dorian on Abaco and Grand Bahama is catastrophic, and the outpourings of aid a blessing. One of the best ways to help The Bahamas overcome this tragedy, and future events, is to help the tourism-based economy by travelling to untouched parts of the islands. The author with a Bahamian bonefish caught from Andros Island while fishing out of the Two Boys Inn with one of the many legendary Neymour For anglers, this is a great opportunity to fish new waters. If you have family of guides. never been, try Andros, the Exumas, Long Island, Bimini, Acklins Island, Crooked Island, Mayaguana, Inagua or many other fantastic destinations By Tom Karrow throughout The Bahamas. he Bahamas are roughly 700 islands and cays with an additionIn this time of need, take the opportunity to help The Bahamas and Baal 5,000 low-lying rocks. Only about 30 of the 700 islands are hamians by simply booking a trip and getting on the water. Grab your fainhabited, leaving hundreds of tropical islands for wildlife. The vorite rods, reels, lines and leaders, tie up some Gotcha flies and give it a go. chain stretches more than 500 miles from the Island of Inagua in the Tom Karrow, PhDc, MES, BES, BED, is nearing completion of a PhD in Gesoutheast, to the northernmost island of Grand Bahama, an economic ography and Environmental Management, focused on sustainability of The Bahahub for the islands. mian bonefishing industry through ethnography. He was a research fellow at the Situated off the southeast coast of the continental United States, University of The Bahamas and is sponsored by R.L.Winston Fly Rods, Nautilus the climate is dominated by warm tropical-like air and water currents, Fly Reels, FishPond Gear, Costa Sunglasses and Simms.
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BIG TROUT OR EASY TROUT ON THE NANTAHALA DH
Editor’s Note: In honor of delayed harvest trout regulations opening across the Southeast, here’s a look at one of North Carolina’s best. This description of the Nantahala River between Murphy and Bryson City is an abbreviated excerpt from the book “Flyfisher’s Guide to North Carolina & Georgia.”
By Nick Carter
W
easy or difficult as you make it, although frequently the water gets quite high with winter rains. Don’t let heavy flow and a little bit of a stain deter you. Murky water combined with the right nymph or streamer can be the right combination to fool big fish that see a lot of flies. And there are some big fish. North Carolina does a great job of sprinkling trophy-sized individuals in with its stockings. For years, the Nantahala DH was a destination location for me before a move to Graham County just a few miles from the river made it a back-up plan. At the time, I was a wild trout snob. I can’t count the times I drove past easier fishing and larger fish to hike into remote streams where 5-inch fish were the norm. I don’t regret that. It was fun. What I do regret since moving away from Graham County are the Wednesday afternoons I had off work when I passed on the opportunity to fish the DH. I did, however, fish it a lot. What I learned was the fishing can be ridiculously easy for numbers after a stocking, but the better fish require a little work. The river can also be downright difficult once the fish wise up. Showing them either something natural or something out of the ordinary can be productive. Patience is also a virtue. Moving quickly and picking off the eager feeders is a good way to land a bunch of standard hatchery fish. Moving slowly and stealthily, watching the water and carefully picking your casts helps for those larger fish. In a place where almost all the fish come to hand with lip piercings, there are individuals that become reluctant to eat. Egg patterns, Buggers, mop flies and flashy nymphs get the most attention after a stocking. But bugs will be on the water, with winter stones, blue winged olives, midges and maybe some small caddis popping off in sunny spots during winter. Come spring, the river is a riot of bug activity, and dry fly fishing gets very good. At any given time, there might be black and tan caddis, small dark stoneflies, yellow sallies, midges and a variety of mayflies on the water.
ith special regulations calling for catch and release, sin“Flyfisher’s Guide to North Carolina & Georgia” includes maps, GPS gle-hook, artificial only October into June, a nearly 4-mile stretch of North Carolina’s Nantahala River is very popular access points and detailed descriptions of the region’s best trout fishing. this time of year. There is easy roadside access and wading can be as It is available on Amazon, at fly shops or by contacting the author at nsc8957@gmail.com.
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OCTOBER 2019
WORD ON THE BITE TOM SCHLICHTER
Take Aim on Fall Bigmouths
D
espite all the hoopla about how good fall fishing can be, shallow lakes and ponds have a reputation for frustrating even veteran anglers once October rolls around. The reason is fairly simple; just as shallow waters are the first to warm up in the springtime, they are the first to cool down when the air grows crisp. Having less depth to hold the heat than large impoundments, reservoirs, kettle holes and rivers, shallow dishpan ponds in particular can lose their edge a full month before these deeper bodies of water. Thus, you’ve got to start fishing in these shallow
environs as though it’s wintertime long before the coldest winds arrive. Following are several tips for stretching your hawg bass season until the leaves have all dropped from the trees.
Realize That “Deep” Is A Relative Term
The book on cold weather bass fishing says to look for the deepest water you can find. In a lake with a max depth of six feet or eight feet, however, this approach is probably futile. Oh, there’s no doubt some bass will try to hold right on the For a shot at an October lunker, work larger lures like this big bottom but in many mill ponds spinnerbait as slowly as possible without picking up weeds. that would be right in front of the OutdoorTom.com photo. dam. In such places, there is little in the way of protection from the sun and, should a bass stay there for very long, it will be easily discovered by prospecting anglers or the neighborhood youth. Instead of simply looking for the deepest water in the lake, look for pockets or channels that might give you an extra foot or two of depth compared to the surrounding area. While a five-foot deep pocket that’s a bit off the beaten track might not offer the deepest water in the lake, you can bet that it will be more productive than a ten-foot hole right in front of the outflow dam once the water turns gin-clear. Drop-offs that lie just outside of shallow coves or flats are great places to begin your prospecting. Old channel beds can also be hot spots, especially if you find a place where they bend.
Don’t Give Up On The Weeds
A second key to keep in mind when targeting fall bass is that bigmouths love weed edges - even as temperatures drop though the fall. Once the shallow weed beds die off in early October, largemouths are forced out into open water and can no longer hide in the network of tunnels that criss-cross beneath the surface. Still, they want to be near cover and they will stay along the edge of any subsurface growth they can find. The ideal scenario is to find some weed beds that still stand above the bottom in the deepest water you can locate. Look for weeds that continue to show some green. Green weeds are still giving off oxygen into the water and thus, offer yet another reason for the bass to gravitate toward them.
Lighten Up
Because the water is gin-clear at this time of year, light tackle is a must if you want to hook-up with any consistency. For late fall action, I like to break out my four-pound-test spinning outfit. Six-pound test 2 CONNECTICUT/RHODE ISLAND
OCTOBER 2019
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
line will take fish also but at eight-pound test the bass definitely begin to shy away. I tend to favor mono at this point in the season due to its lack of visibility in the crisp, cool waters of fall. If you want to stay with your braid, a four- to five-foot fluorocarbon leader is an absolute must. Simply put, the lighter you go, the more action you should get. Since the weeds this time of year are not much of a factor, and the bass are a bit sluggish when hooked, with a little care you should be able to best even your biggest hook-ups with ultra-light gear.
Go Small For More Action
In terms of lures, there are two primary routes from which to choose. Small lures and baits seem to produce the most action; large ones seem to turn on bigger but far fewer fish. If you choose the action route, Roostertails and small Mepps or Panther Martin spinners can be quite productive. These should be worked with a moderate, unbroken, retrieve just fast enough to keep them a half-foot off the bottom or above the weeds. Small spoons and spinnerbaits can be worked in the same fashion, although they tend to have a greater chance of picking up weeds. Small leadhead jigs tipped with plastic grubs, or tube lures, also
If you fish small for increased action, expect to catch some crappies, yellow perch, white perch and sunfish in addition to the bass. Photo by Tom Schlichter. make great offerings during October. Try n 1/8th-ounce white or fluorescent yellow jighead with a two-inch fluorescent yellow, green or chartreuse curly tail grub and you might catch anything from monster bass and pickerel to tasty crappies and bluegills. Work these as slowly as possible without catching weeds. Cast out, lower your rod, and let
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
See FALL BIGMOUTHS (Continued on Page 9)
OCTOBER 2019
CONNECTICUT/RHODE ISLAND
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Freedom Boat Club Members: GOT TO LOVE OCTOBER
TOM SCHLICHTER
Expect Long Island fishing to be on Fire throughout October. If you are heading of Freedom Boat Club’s Northport or Port Jefferson locations, you shouldn’t have to run far to find blackfish, scup, sea bass, stripers, false albacore or blues. Photo courtesy of Freedom Boat Club.
W
e’ll it’s finally here: October! Bring on the blitzes! Whether you are looking for primo bottom action around mussel beds, boulder fields or wrecks, chasing false albacore down the center of Long Island Sound, or hoping to cash in on the bass and bluefish runs that close out the season each year, now is the time to drop everything and head out on the water armed to the gills to cover every possibility. “You’re really in line for some great October fishing action if you happen to be a Freedom Boat Club member,” says Gaige Simon, Freedom Boat Club’s sales manager for its six Long Island franchises. “That because one of the biggest benefits of being a member is that once you join, you can take a boat out of any of our facilities across the country. Locally, that gives you plenty of options with two Freedom Boat Clubs on Long Island’s South Shore and four more on the North Shore. Basically, we have the fish surrounded. No matter what you want to target, there’s a Freedom Boat Club within a reasonable run.” Indeed, Long Island’s Freedom Boat Club Freeport and Lindenhurst locations provide access to Jones Inlet and Fire Island Inlet, respectively. These cuts and their surrounding bay and ocean waters see terrific bottom fishing with porgy, sea bass and even blackfish on local wrecks. They also play host to massive schools of bunker and various smaller baitfish like sand eels, spearing, peanut bunker and the like which are heading ever southward and drawing marauding schools of stripers and bluefish in their wake. At the same time, Long Island Sound should see similar smokin’ action with scup and sea bass off just about any point, false albacore racing along after rain bait, and choppers and linesiders pursuing adult bunker, baby bunker, juvenile porgies and just about anything else that will fit in their maws. 4 CONNECTICUT/RHODE ISLAND
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“All you have to do if you are a Freedom Boat Club Member,” explains Simon, “is let us know you’ll be heading out and show up at the dock. We’ll have the boat you want all gassed up and ready to go. You step aboard, turn the key and head for the fish – it’s as easy as that. There’s a full electronics package on every vessel we offer to help you find your way and zero in on the action. At the end of the day you pull up to the dock, hand the keys to the attendant, and head on home. You don’t even need to clean the boat. That’s all part of the deal. It’s like boat ownership without the hassles.” If you are unfamiliar with Freedom Boat Clubs, they operate a total of 16 locations within our Coastal Angler coverage area where you can join-up, be your own captain and head out on your own schedule to find the best fishing or on-the-water adventures. Become a member at one Freedom Boat Club location and you have access to the boats at all 180-plus Freedom Boat Clubs across the country – including over 150 vessels between Long Island, Connecticut and the Rhody coast alone. Freedom Boat Club has also recently opened several European locations for members to utilize at no additional cost! With October here, club members are set up well for cashing in on the fall run. While there are several styles of boats available at each location including dual console, center console and pontoon models, Simon recommends taking either the 24-foot Key West or 24-foot Cobia center consoles for October adventures. “These are ideal,” he says, “because they are big and fast enough to get around quickly and handle the occasional choppy day. They are serious fishing machines with live wells, lots of rod holders and plenty of range.” As for where Simon expects the best action to be this month, he
See LOVE OCTOBER (Continued on Page 8)
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LOVE OCTOBER (Continued from Page 4) says it’s tough to beat the Eaton’s Neck Triangle area in Long Island Sound. “You’ll find just about everything there because the bottom is really varied,” he chuckles. “There are three peaks within the triangle area that force baitfish to stack up as the tide pushes them around and that really excites the opportunistic predator species. It’s just an ideal fishing situation, especially with all the baitfish trying to find their way out of Long Island Sound at this point in the season.” According to Simon, false albacore are still a viable possibility during early October but you’ll have to run a little further east each week to pin them down. Target the little tunny with Deadly Dicks, Panther Martin 1-ounce Big Fin Paddle Tails (www.panthermartin. com) or Hogy Lures Epoxy Jigs. The stripers and blues, notes Simon, will respond to diamond jigs or bunker chunks fished on the bottom around buoy 11B, the OB buoy and the E-can right off the Eatons Neck Coast Guard Station. If using the chunks, Simon suggests you employ as much weight as possible to hold bottom. “You want to fish vertically with no slack in the line for the bass and blues,” he states. “Six ounces of lead may be enough, but there’s nothing wrong with using eight- to 12-ounce sinkers if necessary to keep your bait anchored in place.” Blackfish, too, are on the October menu. These tasty, spirited battlers are true structure lovers so you’ll want to use your electronics to find a piece of structure or rock bottom over which to anchor. Tempt them with Asian or green crabs on a standard bottom rig or try a 1- to 3-ounce blackfish jig tipped with a single small crab or a quarter of crab body with the top shell and legs removed.
Stripes are always on the target list for October. Freedom Boat Club members Adam, Eli and Adam Zinn, Jr. enjoyed some good innings with solid schoolies on the Long Island Sound Middle Grounds. Photo courtesy of Freedom Boat Club. Of course, if you still need some scup fillets, any of the nearby points should produce well in 30-foot depths but Cranes Neck is probably most dependable. Anchor up, get a chum pot filled with ground clam over the side and fish on the early or late stages of the tide. You should have no problem catching your limit before the day is out. “Both our Northport and Port Jefferson franchises are within easy reach of The Triangle,” sums up Simon. “The boats are ready and waiting. All you have to do is make the call.”
There’s no shortage of black sea bass in our local waters so this fall should see some terrific action. Gaige Simon and Jed, ran out of Freedom Boat Club’s Northport location to chunk and jig up a bunch off nearby can 32. Photo courtesy of Freedom Boat Club. 8 CONNECTICUT/RHODE ISLAND
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FALL BIGMOUTHS (Continued from Page 3) the grub sink to within inches of the bottom. Now engage your reel and lift your rod slowly using its length as a pendulum to slide the grub just above the bottom and toward the boat or shore. As the grub comes up toward the surface, lower your rod again and take up the slack. Repeat this process until the grub returns. Hits will sometimes be sharp, but more likely they will register as a light “tap, tap” or simply a heaviness at the end of the line. By the way, the same technique will also work with small plastic worms. Both grubs and worms seem to work best if “scented”.
Fish Big For Big Fish
If you want to target only bigger fish, then fish big. Choose a six or eight-inch black plastic worm, rig it Carolina weedless or wacky worm style, and work it as slowly as possible just above the bottom. If you have a few feet of water to work with, you might also try a big black or chartreuse spinnerbait rolled slowly over the tops of any submerged weed beds. Because the bass are sluggish this time of year, be sure to work each prospective spot thoroughly. A four-pounder may need to look at your offering several times on consecutive casts before it decides to make a move. The bigger your lure, the slower you need to work it and the more time you need to give the fish to decide to strike. Be patient.
Get Out Early
In addition to largemouth bass, smallmouths feed well in October. Target them with small lures like this Panther Martin spinner. Photo by Tom Schlichter. might think that a trophy largemouth would want to feed at mid-day or in the late afternoon at this point as that is when the water is warmest. My bass fishing experiences, however, have shown consistently that the biggest bass tend to feed best early in the morning. In fact, for me, daybreak until about 9:00 a.m. has been the best big bass time slot from October through April - even when I’m ice-fishing.
The bigger bass are likely to be in the same general locations as the Editors’ Note: Catch more of Tom Schlichter’s articles at www.outdoortom. smaller ones this time of the year, but they’ll tend to be very finicky. You com, or follow Tom on Facebook at: @outdoortomcorp.
The White and Green Fishing Machine!
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10 CONNECTICUT/RHODE ISLAND
OCTOBER 2019
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Welcome to our ongoing series highlighting Connecticut and Rhode Island’s fresh seafood in the growing trend of providing local and sustainable fish and shellfish to consumers and restaurants. In this Sea-to-Table column, we highlight a different seafood each month, interview the folks who grow and catch the food, as well as the restaurant owners and chefs who prepare it. We feature their favorite recipes along with wine and beer pairings to enhance the experience. We invite you to enjoy our recommendations and to submit your own to us at www.coastalanglermag.com/rhodeisland.
BLACK SEA BASS CEVICHE FROM “SIMMERING THE SEA, DIVERSIFYING COOKERY TO SUSTAIN OUR FISHERIES”
RECIPE Serves 4
FISH
2 black sea bass fillets, skin removed, diced into 1/2-inch pieces 1/2 cup lime juice 1/2 cup orange juice Mix lime juice and orange juice to form marinade. Marinate fish in refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours or until fish changes color. Discard juice.
REMAINING INGREDIENTS 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced 1/4 english cucumber, diced into 1/4-inch pieces 1/2 mango, peeled and diced into 1/4-inch pieces 1/2 avocado, peeled and diced into 1/4-inch pieces 2 Roma tomatoes, deseeded and diced into 1/4-inch pieces 2 spring onions, thinly sliced 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds and ribs removed, finely chopped 2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped 1 cup tomato juice 1/2 tablespoon sugar Salt to taste Lime wedges for garnish Cilantro leaves for garnish Tortilla chips for garnish Add all ingredients to marinated fish, except for garnishes, and mix. Serve ceviche in a goblet or martini glass and garnish with lime wedges, cilantro, and tortilla chips.
This recipe can be found in “Simmering the Sea, Diversifying Cookery to Sustain our Fisheries” a new local seafood cookbook produced in collaboration between the non-profit Eating with the Ecosystem, the University of Rhode Island, and Johnson & Wales University. For more delicious recipes and to pick up a copy of the new cookbook visit www.eatingwiththeecosystem.org/simmering-the-sea
This recipe is also delicious made with scup or fluke.
About Black Sea Bass Black sea bass are caught in winter by the offshore trawl fishery. In the summer, they are caught inshore by fish pots, lobster pots, floating fish traps, and hook-and-line fisheries. You name the gear, and this highly active fish has been caught in it!
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ALABAMA ADDS THREE-DAY FALL RED SNAPPER SEASON
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hose looking to fill the freezer with tasty red snapper will have a few more days in Alabama thanks to a three-day fall season announced for the weekend of Oct. 4-6. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will open an additional three-day private angler recreational season for red snapper at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 4 until midnight on Sunday, Oct. 6. The possession limit is two fish per person with a minimum size limit of 16 inches total length. Anglers are reminded that as of Sept. 1, 2019, any angler age 16 and older must have a Reef Fish Endorsement to possess any species of Gulf reef fish. For more information about the Reef Fish Endorsement, visit www.outdooralabama.com/saltwater-fishing/saltwater-reef-fish-endorsement. Landing estimates are derived from mandatory angler reports submitted through Alabama’s Snapper Check Program. Anglers are reminded that greater amberjack is available for voluntary reporting through the Snapper Check app. Detailed red snapper landing information from the 2018 and 2019 seasons is available at www.outdooralabama.com/saltwater-fishing/ exempted-fishing-permit.
• ISSUE 292
JULY 2019
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FLY FISHING’S
WARMWATER REVOLUTION By Nick Carter
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here’s a brutish undercurrent gaining momentum in fly fishing. Whether it’s river-run striped bass, muskie or carp, long-rodders are targeting freshwater’s most powerful fish. Here are a few destinations where you can get in on the action. James River Photo courtesy of Matt Miles Muskie, Virginia The James River is one of the few rivers in the east that supports a fishable wild muskie population. Guide Matt Miles eagerly pointed out that most of the fish they catch, the 35- to 42-inchers, were spawned wild in the upper James. He said the monster 50-inchers might have originally come from the hatchery, but they still prowl the river, ready to give anglers the adrenaline rush of a lifetime. Between Iron Gate and Lynchburg, Va., more than 80 miles of the James are considered muskie water. The relatively shallow pool and riffle habitat is uniquely suited to hunting freshwater’s biggest, toothiest fish with a fly rod. But muskie fishing isn’t for everyone. Casting waterlogged, 14-inch-long streamers on sinking lines with 10- and 11-weight rods is a workout. Doing it all day in hope of a single take requires mental fortitude. Peak muskie season is October through mid-March.
Saluda & Congaree River Striper, South Carolina Each spring, South Carolina striped bass go on the move. From the Santee-Cooper Lakes between Columbia and Charleston, fish run some 60 miles up the Congaree and arrive in Columbia to spawn in April. By early May they push into the lower Saluda, where they spend the summer in the cold-water refuge of a 10-mile stretch of tailwater. Jake Howard, of Saluda Valley Guides, tapes his thumbs during the June through August heart of the striper season because they become raw from lipping fish. He told of huge numbers of stripers and said 60-fish days are possible for anglers who can lay out line with a 10-weight rod and 350-grain sinking lines. The standard fish weighs 4 to 8 pounds, but 20-, 30- and even 50-pounders are caught each season. Catawba Chain Carp, North Carolina More than 15 years ago, Capt. Paul Rose left the Texas coast with his flats skiff in tow. He settled in the North Carolina Piedmont, far from the salt marshes he loves. But he found a new passion in the clear Catawba River lakes between Asheville and Charlotte, N.C. In the shallows, he watched carp tailing like redfish. The fishing style that arose is a lot like sight casting to bonefish. Rose poles anglers over clear-water flats, searching for pods of carp rooting and feeding. Many clients hire Rose to practice before a trip to the Bahamas. They return because carp are so much fun. Fish from 3 pounds up to 20 pounds call for a 6- or 7-weight rod. The peak season on impoundments like Lake Norman and Lake James runs from May through September. Nick Carter is the author of “Flyfisher’s Guide to North Carolina & Georgia.” It is available on Amazon.com, and autographed copies are available by emailing the author at nsc8957@gmail.com. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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n enormous 40-pound, 6-ounce brown trout caught at Lake Taneycomo in southwest Missouri is a new state record and just a couple pounds shy of the IGFA all-tackle world record. Bill Babler, a veteran fishing guide from Blue Eye, Mo., caught the monster brown on Sept. 4 using a pink Berkley plastic worm. He caught it on 6x tippet, which equates to less than 4-pound test, making his catch 2 ounces heavier than the current IGFA 4-pound line class record. The previous state record, set just seven months, weighed 34 pounds, 10 ounces. It was also caught at Lake Taneycomo. Babler told the Springfield News-Leader he’d only been out fishing for a few minutes when he caught his new state record. “As soon as I set the hook it came to the top and I knew we had a good fish on,” Babler told the newspaper. “We positioned the boat in an unobstructed area. It was pulling drag pretty good!” Babler attempted to keep the behemoth alive in an aerated tank, but unfortunately the trout died before it could be released. Fisheries Biologist Shane Bush said the fish was eight or nine-years-old. For more information on Missouri state-record fish, visit the MDC website at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z3t.
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Ultimate Control For Saltwater Fishing Boats The Dometic Group Introduces New Optimus Electric Steering Actuator
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altwater anglers who fish aboard today’s large center console fishing machines and other high-performance outboard powered boats will soon be able to experience a new level of precision steering and vessel control. The Dometic Group is introducing its new Optimus Universal Electric Steering Actuator. Incorporating proprietary technology and several new components designed and manufactured by Dometic, this new actuator is built exclusively for use with its Optimus Joystick and Electric Power Steering Systems. About the same size as the Dometic Tournament Cylinder, the Optimus Electric Steering Actuator mounts directly on the outboard in place of the present hydraulic cylinder. With its powerful drive train, integrated proprietary position sensors and embedded electronics, it eliminates the need for separately mounted hydraulic actuators used in the Optimus Joystick and EPS systems. This means no more Pump Control Module, no more hydraulic pump, no more hoses, hydraulic cylinders and fluid, and no more purging the system. “We are continually inventing ways to make boat building more efficient and boating more enjoyable,” said Eric Fetchko, President of Dometic Marine Americas. “Once again, we have taken marine steering to the next level. You have my word that we will never stop innovating and solving industry problems.” In terms of performance underway, ease of installation and seasonafter-season reliability, the new Optimus Electric Steering Actuator will provide substantial benefits to boat builder and skipper alike. With the present system, the signal from the Optimus electronic helm goes to the Pump Control Module, which activates an electro-hydraulic steering system. Even though it is “by-wire,” hydraulic fluid is still pumped through hoses and into the steering cylinders on the outboard(s) which act on the tiller arms of the outboards to move left or right. With the new Optimus Electric Steering Actuator, the electronic helm signal goes directly to the actuator which instantly moves the outboard. The “brains” of the Pump Control Module, including ECM, rudder position circuit and CANbus communication, have been
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transplanted into the new Optimus Electric Steering Actuator itself. Steering power is delivered by a proprietary high-torque high-efficiency brushless DC electric motor, designed and manufactured by Dometic, and a patented compact roller-screw drive system, also a proprietary Dometic design. Both the motor and power train reside within the steering actuator. In terms of steering performance, skippers will sense a marked improvement in handling. Steering response will be immediate, smooth and precise, thanks to this robust, industry-leading drive train that provides unparalleled performance and system rigidity when needed most. Programmable steering settings, including adjustable speed-sensitive lockto-lock turns, adjustable speed sensitive wheel effort, and speed-sensitive rudder angle limits to ensure safe steering, continue to be available, now without the need for any extra components. Installation of the new system is a snap, with just three CANbus connections plus power. Twin, triple and quad outboard installations will be set up similar to the present design, with Optimus Electric Steering Actuators controlling adjacent outboards via tie-bars. In addition, the new Electric Steering Actuator will interface with compatible autopilot systems in the same manner as the present Optimus systems. Dometic’s SeaWays Autopilot and SeaStation GPS Anchoring functionality are also built in. The Dometic Optimus Electric Steering Actuator exceeds all applicable marine standards, including NMMA, ABYC, CE and SAE electrical and environmental requirements. The actuators are maintenance free, except for regular greasing of the steering ram via installed zerk fittings. Over 100,000 hours of rigorous testing during development assures safe and reliable performance under harsh salt and freshwater conditions, all in keeping with Dometic’s proven reputation for superior quality. To learn more, visit seastarsolutions.com
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ew ng
is ry cy or, ed ed ve ry he de r. ng ill be ng ty
He’ll typically kick the morning off with redfish encounters in depths of 2 feet or less. As the sun grows stronger, he’ll probe docks and structure looking for summer flounder before finishing off with feisty seatrout in feeder creeks. “I’m thinking this season will be a special one if we don’t get smacked by any major storms,” said Collins. “There’s tons of bait around already, and it’s been a long time since I’ve seen as many mullet as we have this year. Crabs and small menhaden are abundant, too. Plus we have tons of shrimp; everything loves shrimp.” By Tom Schlichter Collins targets early morning reds around oyster bars, oyster reefs and oyster rocks in water that is generally hip-deep or less. He’ll work shoal areas and Seatrout: Dale Collins puts a fare even dig into the grass on White Oak Sound, White Oak River and the area on a pretty Oak River area sea trout. Photo courtesy of Do or Die surrounding Swansboro with a 7-foot, 6- to 10-pound class Star Seagis rod. His Charters, Swansboro, N.C. lure of choice for the reds is a Skitter Walk SW11 in a golden mullet pattern that always seems to bring surface thrills. Backing off the edges and working near docks and structure, he’ll switch to a ¾-ounce white Spro bucktail tipped with a 4-inch Berkley Gulp! pearl-white shrimp for the flatties. “For the reds,” disclosed Collins, “I keep a second rod rigged with a Z-Man soft plastic or Gulp! Jerk Shad impaled on a weedless screw-style hook. If a redfish blows up on the topwater but misses, I immediately send the soft plastic his way. He’ll slam that as soon as it starts to sink.” For flounder, Collins hops his bucktail about a foot at a time, but it’s vital you actually feel it strike bottom on the drop. “Most hits come as the lure falls, and if you don’t feel it hit bottom it’s probably in a fish’s mouth,” he said. “Strike immediately, because those flounder spit a lure out quickly once they realize it’s a fake.” As for the specks, Collins recommends getting on them as soon as possible. “You’ll find the biggest fish arrive first,” he said. Throw a Mirrolure MR 17 or ou’ve got to love fall’s promise here in North Carolina,” said Capt. Dale 18, or try my personal favorite: a Zoom Golden Bream on a 1/16-ounce jighead. Collins, of Fish or Die Charters (www.fishordiecharters; 252-422- Man can that lure catch some fish! Just work it slow and allow time for it to get 4236) in Swansboro, North Carolina. “The water temperatures are down deep. If you think you are fishing slowly enough, slow down a little more.” starting to cool and there’s plenty of red drum, flounder and big seatrout in our bays and creeks. Indeed, it’s my favorite time of year to fish around here.” If you’d like to fish the Swansboro area on your own, Collins suggests Collins should know. He’s built a reputation putting fares on big fish in launching from Cedar Point Wildlife Ramp near Dudley’s Marina (https:// skinny water in this area west of Morehead City and separated from Pamlico www.dudleysmarinanc.com; 252-393-2204) in Swansboro. For overnight accommodations Best Western Plus (252-393-9015) is right near the launch. Sound on the southern side of Cape Lookout.
SWANSBORO, NC: FALL ROCKS WITH REDS, FLOUNDER AND SEATROUT
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SIGHT CASTING TO LOUISIANA’S BIG BULL REDS ON THE FLY
Photo courtesy of Michael Booth Jr.
I
t’s no secret that the Louisiana coast is an inshore angler’s dream. A seemingly endless tangle of interconnected waterways, with big salt lakes, canals, grass, oysters and mud flats make the bayous south of New Orleans the No. 1 destination in the world for redfish. Places like Grand Isle, Cocodrie, Venice, Delacroix and Hopedale are the destinations for redfish anglers seeking out some of the best fishing on the planet. The region is filthy with reds, and targeting big bulls with a fly rod is the ultimate thrill. Angler Michael Booth Jr. and his buddies, many who are local captains, have made a practice of sight fishing these monsters. Instead of working the grass to find individual bulls or pods of slotsized redfish, they move out deeper on the big lakes in search of
schools of big bulls, which usually hunt in the 3- to 4-foot depths 100 to 200 yards off the grass. “The weather has to be good for a couple weeks beforehand for the water to be clean enough to see them,” said Booth “When we go out looking for schools of big fish, we start about 20 yards out and pole that line until we figure out where the reds are holding that day. Then they’ll usually all be in that same area.” On certain special days, when a strong northeast wind and a low tide suck the water out of the marsh around Hopedale, those 4-foot depths become 2 feet and spotting fish is easy. “Those big bulls will all be belly crawling with their backs out of the water,” said Booth. But normally, finding fish means looking for the telltale dark triangles of tails and fins or fish pushing water as they chase bait and root for crabs. Booth said a good pair of green-mirror glasses with amber lenses makes it easier to distinguish the shadows and colors of a big redfish in tannic-stained water. Once you find them, tempting them to eat a fly is a matter of trial and error to find the fly and retrieve they want on a given day. Booth prefers fishing on top, and a size 2 Surface Seducer Double Barrel popper is the hot bait at the moment. Booth likes purple, gold, chartreuse, black and combinations of those colors. Sometimes, when the fish aren’t feeding as actively, Booth said he’s forced to fish something that sinks. A size 2 shrimp pattern with extra large dumbbell eyes becomes the bait of choice. Again, purple and chartreuse work well, as do more natural tan or olive patterns. A 10-weight rod, floating line and a 50-40-30 leader with 12 to 18 inches of 16- to 20-pound tippet are in order. Booth said he’s seen days that brought 10 fish over 20 pounds to the rail and others when a single 40-pound red was reason for rejoicing. “Any day you’re able to catch a 20-plus-pound bull red on a fly is pretty awesome,” he said.
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• Boom extends from 41" to 61-3/4" • Crane height adjusts from 73-5/8" to 89"
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BIG RED $ 99
MODEL: 11674699
W 99 NO 99
239 1 89 SAVE 110 $ $
$
ITEM 60388/69514 shown
1500 WATT DUAL TEMPERATURE HEAT GUN (572°/1112°)
Customer Rating
BLUE HAWK $ 99
19
MODEL: 77280
SAVE 70%
ITEM 69505/62418/66537 shown
$5
99
8
$ 99
Customer Rating
500 LB. CAPACITY STEEL CARGO CARRIER
Customer Rating
NOW
NOW
COMPARE TO
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
72" x 80" MOVING BLANKET
2 TON CAPACITY FOLDABLE Customer Rating SHOP CRANE
299
1499
*79325879 * 79325879
DEWALT $ 14
ITEM 63537/64195/63852 shown
$
ITEM 63750 56810/63181 shown
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 2/3/20*
99
269
MODEL: FSGWHE1030
SAVE 52%
*79325535 * 79325535
SUPER COUPON
99
24
99 9 0 1 $ SAVE
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 2/3/20*
• 4.0 amp hour battery
NOW
GAME WINNER $ 99
NOW
Customer Rating
*79325373 * 79325373
Customer Rating
SAVE $494
$1 1 99
COMPARE TO
SAVE 59%
• 5 hour run time @ 50% capacity
NOW
9 $399
PANCAKE
ITEM 69269 97080 shown
*79324442 * 79324442
20V LITHIUM-ION EXTREME TORQUE 1/2" IMPACT WRENCH KIT
5999CE
$999
COMPARE TO
BLACK+DECKER $ 06
28
MODEL: HG1300
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$
ITEM 35776/62340/62546/63104/96289 shown
14
99
COMPARE TO
HIGHLAND $ 99
79
MODEL: 1394500
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9 $399 $5999
ITEM 69623/66983 shown
*79330396 * 79330396
*79331499 * 79331499
*79331528 * 79331528
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LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 2/3/20*
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 2/3/20*
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 2/3/20*
LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 2/3/20*
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM I NATIONAL 15 was At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means thatI the OCTOBER specified comparison, 2019 which is an item with the same or similar function,
*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 2/3/20.
hft_coastalangler_1019_M-REG163332.indd 1
advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.
9/3/19 12:37 PM
10 CIGARS +HUMIDOR
only $19
99*
160 value! $
You’ve landed in cigar heaven! Take advantage of this amazing offer from America’s biggest cigar retailer, Cigars International. Ten premium handmade cigars from industry giants like Rocky Patel, Gurkha, Toraño, and many more. That’s worth the price of admission alone, but I’m also including a gorgeous, 40-capacity desktop humidor. The whole package is worth $160, but it’s yours right now for just $1999.* That’s nearly 90% off MSRP! Accept no imitators.
Visit: www.CigarsIntl.com/SA7744 Enter the complete web address or search keyword: SA7744
1-888-244-2790
Mention code SA7744 | Item #: CA62-SP Includes 1 each of: HC • Mark Twain • 5 Vegas • Amati Ramón Bueso • Bahia • La Perla Habana • CAO • Gurkha • Toraño + 40-Capacity Desktop Humidor
FREE 16
NATIONAL
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*Plus $499 s/h. Purchase may be subject to state or local sales tax where applicable. First-time purchasers only. One per customer. No sales to anyone under the age of 21. We do not ship to Utah or South Dakota. For more information see www.CigarsIntl.com/SHIP. Offer expires 11/15/19.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
Field Dress For Success
The hunt for the perfect outdoorsman knife is over. There’s only one tool you need: the Whitetail™ Hunting Knife—now ONLY $49!
T
he consummate outdoorsman never goes on deep woods hunting trips without the essentials. Not just the basics for every hunting trip, but the items he’s come to depend on over the years. Our new Whitetail™ Hunting Knife will quickly become your go-to blade for every expedition. The Whitetail™ is a premium fixed-blade hunting knife that’s perfect for skinning. With the Whitetail at hand, you’ll be ready for field dressing in only seconds, and you’ll never need a separate gut hook tool ever again. The Whitetail™ boasts a mighty 420 high carbon, full tang stainless steel blade, meaning the blade doesn’t stop at the handle, it runs the full length of the knife. According to Gear Patrol, a full tang blade is key, saying “A full tang lends structural strength to the knife, allowing for better leverage ...think one long steel beam versus two.” The comfortable handle is made from pakkawood—moisture-resistant and more durable than hardwood. If hunting is your life, then the Whitetail™ Knife was designed to make your life easier. With our limited edition Whitetail™ Hunting Knife you’re getting the best in 21st-century construction with a classic look inspired by legendary American pioneers. What you won’t get is the trumped up price tag. We know a thing or two about the hunt–– like how to seek BONUS! Call today and you’ll also receive this out and capture an outstanding, collector’s-quality knife that won’t cut heavy duty sheath! into your bank account. This knife can be yours to use out in the field or to display as the EXCLUSIVE art piece it truly is. But don’t wait. A knife of this caliber typically cost hundreds. Priced at an amazing $49, we can’t guarantee this knife will stick around for long. So call today! Stauer® 8x21 Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in Compact your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the craftsmanship. Binoculars If you don’t feel like we What customers are saying -a $99 valuecut you a fair deal, send it with purchase of about Stauer knives... Whitetail™ Hunting back within 30 days for a Knife complete refund of the êêêêê item sale price. But we “Good value. Great looking. believe that once you wrap Sufficiently sharp. Overall your fingers around the an “A” purchase and Whitetail’s handle, you’ll I ordered three.” be ready to carve your own — B. of Maryland niche into the wild frontier.
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1-800-333-2045
TAKE 38 % OFF INST ANTLY! When you use
your
INSIDER OFFER CO DE
Your Insider Offer Code: WHK291-01 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.
Stauer
® 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. WHK291-01
Burnsville, Minnesota 55337
www.stauer.com
Not shown actual size.
*Discount is only for customers who use the offer code versus the listed original Stauer.com price.
Rating of A+
• 5 ¼” 420HC stainless steel blade • Full-tang design with gut hook • Pakkawood handle with brass pins • Bonus heavy duty nylon sheath
Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary ®
1782-18B Coastal Angler.indd 1
12/19/18 3:50 PM