Coastal Angler Magazine | August 2019 | Fort Lauderdale by Coastal Angler Magazine

FORT LAUDERDALE AREA EDITION

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Nearshore Destination + Kingfish Basics

SURF EXPO IN ORLANDO SEPT. 5-7 2019

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OUT OF PANAMA CITY

By Nick Carter

he rising sun revealed unaddressed devastation as Capt. Randy Cnota backed his 22-foot Pathfinder down the ramp at Tyndall Airforce Base. Less than a year after Hurricane Michael rocked the Florida Panhandle, we launched near the heart of the destruction. Just east of Panama City and a short drive from the catastrophe that unfolded at Mexico Beach, this slice of the Panhandle is a community doggedly enduring the slow process of rebuilding. The bright boards of new framing show progress in neighborhoods of single-story homes. Blue-tarped roofs, shredded metal buildings and acres of tall pines snapped like so many twigs are reminders of just how far there is to go. At the docks, bare wood pilings and concrete footings are left from what was a bustling little marina before the storm surge. But the fish don’t care. And with an eager 8-year-old angler perched on the leaning post, Capt. Randy pointed us toward the open Gulf of Mexico. This was early July, during the Gulf red snapper season, and Capt. Randy’s numbers would take us a few miles out to some hard-bottom that promised big snapper. But first we had to catch bait, which was plentiful in the form of Spanish sardines balled up around the markers just outside the pass from St. Andrews Bay. The 8-year-old would have spent all day catching sardines on a Sabiki rig, but shortly we left the other boats jockeying for position at the marker. We had our bait, and Capt. Randy now had an idea of how the boy would handle his first fishing trip on the open ocean. The kid emitted enthusiasm, and it’s a good thing we didn’t make a several hour run. The waiting would have driven him mad. Bigger boats out of Panama City can comfortably take anglers dozens of miles out to deeper water, quick limits and huge fish, but this nearshore trip was more our speed. Less than 10 miles from the coast, and even inside the 9-mile state waters, there are wrecks, reefs and hard bottom in the 100-foot depths that offer plentiful bottomfish as well as shots at some big pelagics. Within minutes at our first drop, the boy was hooked up with a big bonito, and Capt. Randy was steering with one hand, while holding the butt of the rod with the other. The kid had a death grip on the handle and cranked with all his might. “You’re gonna have to come over here and make sure this rod doesn’t get pulled out!” Randy barked at me with both hands full. But I couldn’t. On the other side of the boat, I was pumping and grunting on what turned out to be a stud red snapper. Somehow, both

fish made it onto the deck, and Randy went right back to work feeding out a freelined sardine from the stern. “Where there’s Bonnies, there’s kings,” he called the shot. Shortly thereafter, he handed me a rod with line ripping off the spool. I came up tight on a good king mackerel. It was one of three kingfish we had on that morning, but it was the only one that made it in the boat. Through the morning, the fish kept us continuously busy. We caught more red snapper than we could keep track of as well as gag and red grouper. Capt. Randy was great with the kid. Seeing the big bottom rigs were too much for an 8-year-old, Randy tied up a chicken rig on a lighter rod, showed the boy how to bait and fish it and then set him loose. Although the beeliners we were hoping for didn’t show up, the boy had a field day hauling snapper and triggerfish off the bottom. He was particularly proud of an FWC-tagged trigger he caught. “Part of the fun is you never know what you’re going to catch when you’re out here,” said Randy as he unhooked a 2-foot-long smoothback pufferfish. The whole time out, we kept eyes peeled for weeds and surface activity that might belie the presence of mahi-mahi or cobia. In the week before our trip, Randy managed to put clients on a sailfish and a big blackfin tuna. Although we didn’t encounter these species, we did watch in awe as two 10-foot tiger sharks circled uncomfortably close to the boat. We went home with a cooler full of fish. But more importantly, while those meaty chunks of snapper sizzled in hot oil, the boy regaled his grandparents with stories of the trip. His first time was an experience he will never forget. Snapper seasons may be over along the Gulf Coast, but if you find yourself hankering for a good fishing trip that’s fun and easy, consider hiring a captain out of the Panama City area. Capt. Randy said fall brings better opportunities for sailfish and tuna nearshore, and with his smaller boat, he is also well equipped to fish inshore. The fall redfish and trout bite can be off the charts. These hurricane-battered communities remain in recovery, but the fish, beaches and visitor ammenities are still there. Go spend some time at Panama City and eastward along The Forgotten Coast. You’ll be glad you did, because the fishing is pretty spectacular. Capt. Randy Cnota is co-publisher of the Panama City/Forgotten Coast edition of Coastal Angler Magazine and owner of C-Note Charters. Check him out online at www.cnotecharters.com or call 229-834-7880.

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By Tom Werkman

hy do people feel the need to head to remote destinations a million miles from nowhere to fish? Some of the best fishing opportunities exist right under our noses, and many times they are very close to major metropolitan areas. The Grand River is just such a place. Michigan’s largest river runs through the heart of the state’s second largest city, Grand Rapids, and offers great fishing through its 252-mile run from rural headwaters in Hillsdale County down to Lake Michigan. Downtown Grand Rapids: Home to more than 37 craft breweries, Grand Rapids is Beer City. But there is another side of Grand Rapids that few know about. It offers the

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lure of big-river fishing in an urban environment. The river through downtown Grand Rapids offers the angler a unique opportunity to fish for steelhead in swift rapids beneath the city’s skyscrapers. On an early leg of their run up out of Lake Michigan, these fish are strong and as hot as they come. From October through December and again during March and April, droves of steelhead run through downtown as they migrate through and hold up in the rapids. Some of the best steelhead fishing lies between Sixth Street Dam and the Fulton Street Bridge. It’s not uncommon to see people wading the river, fishing from the banks or in boats landing these chrome bullets. When fishing here, the angler can expect to only move a few times to get on fish. Once you have your spot, you don’t want to move very much as it can be crowded at times. If you’re not on a fish right away, be patient. These fish get backed up at the dam and constantly move around in search of the fish ladder to pass through and continue their migration up the river. Lowell To Ada Section: Just minutes from downtown Grand Rapids, a roughly 10-mile stretch of the Grand River between the towns of Lowell and Ada offers fishing that is a little more secluded. From late spring through early fall, this section offers smallmouth bass and northern pike. There is little public access here, and the angler can expect solitude and no-pressure fishing in a remote river setting just outside Grand Rapids. A typical trip involves floating in a drift boat or jet boat from Lowell to Ada, covering a lot of water while casting to the banks, river timber and rocks. Bald eagles, osprey, blue heron and deer are common sights on this piece of river. Rarely will the angler lay eyes on another boat or fisherman. On the Grand River, one can enjoy spectacular fishing and then enjoy a cold beer and everything else the city has to offer. Tom Werkman, and his son Max, are owner/guides at Werkman Outfitters, a guide service on the Grand River in and around Grand Rapids, Michigan. Contact them at tom@werkmanoutfitters.com or check them out at werkmanoutfitters.com.

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FISH & FISHING

FOCUSING OUR EFFORTS MARK SOSIN

t may seem logical, but it’s not always right. My favorite example is George Westinghouse, the man who invented the air brake for oversized vehicles. Researchers relied on logical thinking and experimented continuously on using air to apply the brake. It didn’t work. Westinghouse took an opposite approach and used the air to hold the brake off the drum until the driver stepped on the brake pedal and released the air. The common approach to understanding fish behavior lies in applying human values with the assumption that a fish’s brain has the capacity to reason. Just because a particular lure looks good to us does not mean it’s a fish’s favorite, too. Few of us can boast even the slightest knowledge of the release that triggers a fish into striking or simply passing up an offering. And, we probably wouldn’t recognize it if we saw it. Repeated observations hold the key to helping us focus our efforts on techniques that have worked in the past. As an example, fish have an amazing alertness to movement. It can cause them to flee a situation or take advantage of it and feed. The same applies to underwater sound. Low frequency vibrations such as those that indicate a fish is in distress usually cause predators to investigate with the hope of finding food. The more natural a bait or lure appears to a fish, the greater the chance a strike will occur. When you can see your quarry

and observe hesitation of any type, assume that something in your offering appears unnatural. Fish may be curious, but they are seldom in the habit of wasting energy to pursue something needlessly. Many species have the ability to measure energy expended in chasing food against the value received. Because fish are creatures of habit, they tend to do the same things over and over. That’s why captains and guides boast the ability to find fish. The quarry may hold in one spot with uncanny precision day after day, month after month, and year after year. If that fish is caught or leaves for any reason, another will take its place. Those fish that work a tide follow the same pattern daily. Even offshore skippers understand reliable patterns that fish follow and troll the waters where their quarry should be. For some unknown reason, fish tend to hold at the same depth over a wide area. If another angler can tell you the depth where he found fish, you don’t need to know the precise spot. Keep in mind that water temperature can play a role. Each species has its upper and lower limits. As water temperature drops, fish tend to swim slower and chase an offering for shorter distances. Figuring out what motivates a fish to strike a bait or lure becomes a continuous challenge for leading anglers as well as the scientific community. The important thing to remember is that fish do not think like humans. Their basic approach is simple, yet it is not always easy to detect. The more you observe fish behavior and understand that it follows patterns and procedures established a long time ago, the more successful you are going to be.

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t first glance, Alphonso Jackson’s 2-pound, 1-ounce redbreast sunfish might not seem all that impressive. But when you consider the size of your average redbreast, this thing is a monster. Jackson was fishing the Lumber River in central North Carolina’s Scotland County on June 10 when he caught the fish on a cricket. It bested a 36-yearold North Carolina state record for the species by 5 ounces. The previous record, caught in 1983 by Ronald Stanley in Big Swamp in Bladen County, N.C. weighed 1 pound, 12 ounces. Jackson’s fish also outweighs the world record. The current IGFA all-tackle world record for the species has stood at 1-pound, 12-ounces since 1984. That fish came from Florida’s Suwannee River. Wikipedia claims the heaviest redbreast on record weighed 2.3 pounds (2 pounds, 4.8 ounces), but there’s no information as to where that weight came from or whether it was angler-caught. So, if Jackson bothers to complete all the paperwork properly, he would definitely be the new IGFA record holder. Jackson, 43, is an avid fisherman, a passion he attributes to his father Johnny Jacobs who taught him how to fish when he was a boy, and one that he has passed on to his children, ages 23, 18 and 17. They were with him the day he caught the massive readbreast. “We started fishing in a pond but weren’t having any luck, so I said to my kids, ‘Let’s go back to where I learned how to fish.’ And this is what we caught,” Jackson said. “I’d like to thank my daddy for teaching me how to catch fish and where to catch fish.” COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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TIPS FROM A PRO

READ GRASS MATS FOR BIG BASS

BRANDON LESTER

ate summer and early fall absolutely scream for a frog. With big bass holed up in thick vegetation, working a frog across grass mats can lead to some of the most explosive strikes in fishing. I always look forward to the frog pattern setting up around this time of year. This year should be especially sweet because of the reemergence of Alabama’s Lake Guntersville as one of the best bass fisheries in the nation. This Tennessee River impoundment is frog fishing heaven. Over the last decade the Guntersville bass fishery saw a bit of a decline. But the “Big G” has come back in a big way. Bassmaster ranked Guntersville the No. 2 fishery in the nation in this year’s “100 Best Bass Lakes” listings. It is fishing lights-out, with five-fish tournament sacks regularly approaching and surpassing 30 pounds. I just came off a top-10 finish in the June Elite Series event on Guntersville. Some fish came off frogs, but the best patterns I found were deep cranking and worms. You can bet the frog bite will ramp up soon, though. No matter where you fish, the key to topwater frog fishing is reading the grass. To really dial in a pattern, you need to observe what’s happening on the lake. At Guntersville, the two prominent grass types are hydrilla and milfoil. There are other types, but these are the two you will encounter

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most often. From the time the grass first tops out in the summer until the first frost of the fall, I will concentrate on milfoil. Milfoil creates a great canopy and is hollow underneath, so the bass can get through it to get to your frog. When the hydrilla is still green, it is so thick that a bass has trouble seeing your frog on top of the mat. With that said, later on in the fall when the hydrilla starts to turn brown and break up, it starts to get hollow underneath. That is the time to start targeting it more. Another key to frog fishing is to listen and watch for “active” grass. Bass school up in grass mats just like they do on ledges, points and humps, so it is important to find a mat that has activity in it. Listen for bluegill popping the mat or watch for shad to flicker. Those are signs that bass are not far away. Also, look for points, turns and indentions in the mat itself. Anything different will often hold bass. Rod selection is important for hauling bass out of matted grass. I throw a MHX-MB-874. This rod is 7’3” heavy power with plenty of backbone, but more importantly it has enough action in the tip to allow the fish to eat the bait. I use 50-pound Vicious braid and a 7:1:1 reel. Try a topwater frog on your next trip out, or better yet plan an excursion to Guntersville for the trip of a lifetime.

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Shore-Based Shark Fishing Permit & Education Available Online

The education and permit requirements also apply if you plan to fish from shore for any species of fish with tactics and tackle including: • fishing with a metal leader more than 4 feet long • Using a fighting belt/harness • Deploying bait by any means other than casting (kayaking for example) while using a hook that is 1.5 inches or larger at its widest inside distance OTHER REGULATION CHANGES:

• Prohibit of chumming when fishing for any species from the beach. • Require immediate release of prohibited shark species when fishing from the shore and require anglers to cut the leader or hook to prevent delaying release of prohibited species. • Require that prohibited shark species remain in the water (when fishing from shore or from a vessel). • Require the use of non-offset, non-stainless-steel circle hooks to target or harvest sharks when using live or dead natural bait (when fishing from shore and from a vessel). • Require the possession/use of a device capable of quickly cutting the leader or hook when targeting sharks (when fishing from shore or a vessel). These rules are intended to increase survival of released sharks, improve information-gathering from the fishery and address public safety concerns.

lorida’s new shark fishing regulations were enacted July 1, including a mandatory, no-cost, annual Shore-based Shark Fishing Permit and educational course for shore-based anglers and other requirements that apply to all shark fishing and fishing from the beach in general. The Shore-based Shark-Smart Fishing educational course and Shore-based Shark Fishing Permit are now available online. To take the educational course, which must be completed before getting the permit, visit MyFWC.com/SharkCourse. The permit is required for all shore-based shark anglers age 16 and older, including those 65 and older who are normally exempt from needing a fishing license. Those under 16 are required to take For more information, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on the educational course unless they are fishing with an adult who already holds the permit. Persons under 16 are not required to get the “Recreational Regulations” and “Sharks.” permit.

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FLORIDA LOBSTER SEASON

Sheri Daye

he beginning of Florida lobster season gets many divers more excited than kids at Christmas. Barely able to sleep, the divers nestle all snug in their beds, while visions of lobster dance in their heads. Whether locals or out-of-state visitors, many arrange their vacation plans around this special time, either during the two-day mini-season or the actual start of lobster season on Aug. 6. Mini season falls on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July, while the regular season is Aug. 6 to March 31. Some will brave the two-day mini season, when tourists descend on the state, and some simply wait until Aug. 6 when things calm down. The most popular destination in Florida is The Keys, where shallow warm waters provide great breeding grounds and easy dives. However, the east coast from Miami to Jupiter and beyond can also be popular and productive destinations. Generally speaking, the farther north you go, the farther out and deeper you will need to dive, but you can also be rewarded with larger lobsters. The biggest challenge is finding lobster spots. Divers who find good spots tend to go back to them year after year and, understandably, don’t like to share their locations. However, there are

plenty of charter boats that specialize in taking new divers or tourists to productive spots. What you need to know: 1) A recreational saltwater fishing license and a spiny lobster permit are required to harvest spiny lobsters. Information is available online at MyFWC.com. 2) The recreational limit for spiny lobster is six per person, and the carapace must be longer than 3 inches. By law, it must be measured in the water. Possession and use of a measuring device are required at all times. You can google “how to measure a lobster” to be sure you are doing it correctly. 3) The possession of egg-bearing lobster is prohibited. Egg-bearing lobsters have hundreds of orange eggs that are easily visible and attached under the tail. While most lobsters have completed reproduction by the start of season, some still have eggs in August and beyond. 4) Do not take lobsters using any device which could puncture, penetrate or crush the lobster. The most common methods are the net and tickle stick combination or the looper. There are plenty of videos online to show you how to use each method. 5) Lobsters must be landed in whole condition. Separating the tail from the body is prohibited in state waters, so bring a cooler large enough to hold the entire catch until you reach land. 6) Although most people wring/twist the tail, it’s possible to get more meat by cooking the whole lobster. Just split it in two lengthwise and broil. Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer of “The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo” in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.

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lorida Marine Flea Market and BBQ Fest Sails Into West Palm Sept. 1415. The 10th Annual Florida Marine Flea Market and BBQ Festival will be held Sept. 14-15, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd, West Palm Beach, Fla. Bargain hunters looking for deals can visit marine booths, as vendors exhibit and sell their nautical and marine-related merchandise and services during the twoday festival. The marine flea market area will have offshore rods, reels, tackle, dock lines, halyards, sheet lines, anchor lines, ladders, seats, bimini tops, life vests, mooring whips and bases, gauges, wakeboards, skis, wake surfers, kneeboards, boat covers, scissors, fenders, antique collectibles and maps, marine artifacts, lures and lines, boating apparel, taxidermy, diving equipment, and all kinds of other marine items. Come by for some super discounts on surplus, liquidation, closeouts, new and used boating and fishing supplies. The event promises some super discounts on new and used boating and fishing supplies as well as liquidation and closeouts items. Speaking on the location, event promoter Larry Burdgick said, “The South Florida Fairgrounds is the perfect venue since it’s right in the heart of Palm Beach County. It offers the space we need along with free great parking for our guests.” The South Florida Fairgrounds is located at 9067 Southern Blvd West Palm Beach, Fla. The Marine Flea Market is easily accessible from I-95 and the Florida Turnpike and there are acres of free parking. Admission is $10 and Children 12 and under are free. Visit The Florida Marine Flea Market, Boat Show and BBQ Seafood Festival website www.FLNauticalFleaMarket.com for more information, discount tickets, vendor applications and specific driving directions. Contact Under the Sun Promotions, Inc. at 954-205-7813.

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69.3-pound flathead catfish was recently certified as a new Florida state record. Measuring 47 inches long, with a girth of 34.25 inches, the monster Yellow River flathead bested the old record of 63.8 pounds. The angler, Marvin Griffin, of Santa Rosa County, is no stranger to the Yellow River or huge catfish. Griffin’s family has been fishing the Yellow River for years and they have caught exceptionally large catfish there. Griffin’s uncle, James Auston Jr., caught a state record flathead catfish in the Yellow River, which held the record from 2011 until 2016. “I have always wanted to catch a state reFWC Photo cord,” said Griffin. “After my uncle caught his, I made it a mission of mine to catch my own. “I wasn’t expecting to catch a state record when I started fishing that day with John Babb. But, it was the first and only fish we caught that day. I never would have been able to bring the fish into the boat without his help.” Flathead catfish are a non-native fish found in many northwest Florida panhandle river systems. Flatheads prefer long, slow-flowing, moderately turbid rivers. Their solitary lifestyle makes them more difficult to catch than other catfish. Adult flathead catfish feed primarily on live fish, crawfish, freshwater clams and mussels. To properly certify a new Florida state record, an FWC biologist must identify the fish species and witness its weighing on a certified scale. Anglers can check the current state records at BigCatchFlorida.com by clicking on “State Record,” and should notify the nearest FWC regional office if they believe they have caught a record fish. Contact information for FWC regional offices can be found at MyFWC.com/Contact by clicking on “Contact Regional Offices.”

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Bug Days Of Summer

Photo by Zachary Nolan

By John Lidington

lorida’s spiny lobster season is here! Starting Aug. 6, you can collect these tasty crustaceans known as “bugs” to populate your dinner plate. You’ll see heavy-gloved divers adorned with nets, snares, tickle sticks, measuring gauges and game bags headed offshore. Getting outfitted to catch “bugs” is easy. Pura Vida Divers, on Singer Island in Palm Beach County, has everything you need. Or check out your local dive shop. Before you hit the water, there are some things you should know to protect yourself and the reef. The problem with catching a bug is that the lobsters you want are

hiding. They’re under ledges, or deep inside holes. To find them, you’ll have to get close to the reef and the dark hollows bugs inhabit. Often, lobsters are not the sole inhabitants of these hollows. Moray eels and sea urchins hide away in cracks and crevices. Lionfish are another spiny hazard. Encountering any of these is a potential dive ruiner. Using a tickle stick or snare to probe dark recesses will help keep your hands out of harm’s way. The intensity of the hunt can cause trouble for both the diver and the reef, too. Netting the lobster as it makes a dash for freedom, measuring it and getting it into your game bag can distract you. It’s then all too easy to have an unpleasant encounter with one or more marine touch-me-nots or damage delicate reef life. When you see a likely hiding spot for bugs, take a minute to assess the surrounding area. Look for things that could damage you or that you could damage. Identify anything that might limit your freedom of movement and decide whether those limitations might compromise your, or the reef ’s, safety. Remember, lobster regulations in Florida are strict, and violations will cost you $100 or more. If you are harvesting lobsters during regular lobster season, you must adhere to these rules: • If you are age 16 - 65, you must have both a Florida saltwater fishing license and a spiny lobster permit to harvest up to six lobsters per day. • Only harvest lobsters whose carapace, or top shell, length is greater than 3 inches. Measure your lobster underwater, and immediately release any “shorties” or lobster with eggs (large orange blobs on the underside of the tail). Don’t remove the tail of a lobster until you are back on the dock. Bug hunting does require some preparation. But when you dip that warm lobster tail in drawn butter and pop a bit in your mouth, you’ll agree it’s worth the effort! If you have your fishing license and lobster permit, you’re welcome to hunt lobsters on Pura Vida Divers’ charters. Check out their schedule at www.puravidadivers.com.

FWC PYTHON TEAM Refinishing REMOVES 500TH SNAKE

he FWC Python Action Team has removed the program’s 500th invasive Burmese python from the wild. Team members Beth Koehler and Peggy van Gorder captured the snake on June 25 at Everglades and Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area. It was a 9-foot, 10-inch female and weighed 20 pounds, 14 ounces. “The capture of the 500th snake by our Python Action Team marks a significant milestone for this program,” said Eric Sutton, Executive Director of the FWC. “Governor DeSantis has been instrumental in keeping this topic a priority. We’re proud of the great work that these men and women do every FWC Photo day, and it would not be possible without support from the Governor and Legislature.” The FWC designed the Python Action Team to further engage qualified individuals with python management efforts. Team members are paid for their efforts to survey for and, when possible, capture Burmese pythons in specific areas throughout many public lands in South Florida. Occasionally, the FWC receives reports of large nonnative constrictors through the Exotic Species Hotline (888-IVEGOT1). If available, Python Action Team members are sent to capture it and prevent new populations from establishing in new areas. Burmese pythons became established in Florida as a result of escaped or released pets. People should never release nonnative pets in the wild in Florida. It is illegal and can negatively impact native wildlife and habitat. The FWC has an Exotic Pet Amnesty Program that allows nonnative pets to be surrendered without penalty. Visit MyFWC.com/PetAmnesty for more information. For more information about the FWC’s Python Action Team, visit MyFWC.com/Python.

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Covering All of Broward County...Offshore, INSHORE & Freshwater!

FORT LAUDERDALE

IN THIS ISSUE:

PHOTO CREDIT: Craig McMicken

Another First

LOCAL Fishing Forecasts • Tide Charts • Brag Board For advertising or other inquiries, call (954) 680-3900 or COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM AUGUST 2019 FORT LAUDERDALE AREA 1 email us at fortlauderdale@coastalanglermagazine.com 406_Fort_Lauderdale_FINAL.indd 1

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PUBLISHER

ust a few weeks ago, we had the pleasure of attending the ICAST show in Orlando. The International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades is the world’s largest fishing tackle trade show. ICAST is an opportunity for the manufacturers of fishing tackle and fishing related products to put their newest ideas and offerings in front of retailers like old school tackle shops and big box stores alike. The fishing industry has always been a tight knit group and I always enjoy seeing all of the old friends that I’ve made over the years, as well as making some new ones. This year’s show was even bigger than last year’s and that’s a great indication that our industry has a bright future. Have you ever considered advertising your business in Coastal Angler Magazine? Our unique publishing model allows for several different levels of engagement with our readers. Locally, we print and distribute 10,000 copies from nearly 200 locations across Broward County and reach 20,000 readers each month. Our South Florida sleeve consists of 40,000 copies and statewide, we distribute 170,000 copies. On the national level, we distribute 300,000 copies that reach nearly 1,000,000 readers. Our proven model produces results. If you would like to learn how Coastal Angler and our sister publication, The Angler can help you gain customers, please don’t hesitate to give me a shout. Keep reelin,

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Editor & Publisher Coastal Angler Fort Lauderdale fortlauderdale@coastalanglermagazine.com (954) 680-3900

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AUGUST 2019

FORT LAUDERDALE AREA 3

7/17/19 9:35 PM

forecastS

SPORT

fISHING

e're having one helluva fishing season this summer. The action on the reef is just amazing. Bonitos are dominating the bite on the reef, leaving us little down time when we're not hooked up fighting a fish. The king mackerel bite is hot this month too. The kings are averaging 4 to 10 pounds and are biting excellent trolling the reef on our sport fishing trips. Blackfin tuna, weighing up to 30 or 35 pounds, are biting sporadically on the reef. They travel through, usually in groups of 2 to 3 fish, along the reefs eating the ballyhoo and sardines. They don't bite on every trip, but are a great find when we do catch a couple. Wahoo are another species that we catch on occasion when we least expect it. We catch them trolling the reefs, using the same technique we do for most species

DRIFT

fISHING

ugust is here and the fishing is hot and so is the weather. Snappers are biting the best out there, and they are our main targets. We're getting into a lot of yellowtail snappers on both the day trips and night trips. Day trips are better for the mutton snappers and night fishing is best for the mangrove snappers. Lots of red and strawberry groupers are biting, more than half of them are keepers. We've been doing a lot of bottom fishing lately and the bite is really strong. It's pretty simple, just find a productive area and put out the chum bag. If you chum, they will come. Chum it up and draw the fish to you. It's super effective and it gets you the best bottom bite when you're drift fishing in Fort Lauderdale. Bottom fishing for snapper is routinely superb in the late summer months. We're capturing a few cobia out there now on the drift fishing trips. Cobia tend to follow closely behind sea turtles and stingrays, eating up any small shellfish that get churned up as they swim by. 4 FORT LAUDERDALE AREA

406_Fort_Lauderdale_FINAL.indd 4

Quality mutton snappers caught with Fishing Headquarters.

this month, and they always bite the deep planer bait. Wahoo get up to 40 or 50 pounds out here

and are one of the coolest catches you can get. When you catch one, you are required to shout at the

top of your lungs, WAHOO! Offshore fishing has been hit or miss lately. And with all the action happening on the reefs, there's been little reason to fish out that far. A few boats are finding some small schools of mahi mahi, but they really haven't made their grand summer entrance yet. Last year the mahi mahi bite was late and I suspect it will be this year again. I foresee them biting really good in later August and throughout September, so get ready! Offshore is best described as hero or zero. You either end up with a boatload of fish or a long day of nothing at all. Action is red hot on the reef so if you want to catch the most fish, stay in the 100-300ft of water zone. To everyone fishing this month out there, I hope you have good fishing and Tight Lines!

Capt. Brett Magers New Lattitude Sportfishing (954) 707-2147 www.newlattitude.com

We see a lot of sea turtles this time of year because the water is so flat calm and they are easy to spot. A smart fisherman always has a pitch bait at the ready to cast out if they spot a mahi, sailfish or cobia on the surface. These fish swim up on you without notice and they don't hang out for long, only a few seconds. If you are ready with a pitch bait, you can get a bait right across their

ABOVE: Nice kingfish for these happy anglers on a trip with Fishing Headquarters. LEFT: Solid mutton snappers and nice red grouper caught aboard the Catch My Drift.

AUGUST 2019

nose before they swim off. The moral of the story is that success occurs when preparation meets opportunity. Good luck out there fishing everyone. Sea ya on the water!

Capt. Paul Roydhouse Fishing Headquarters (754) 214-7863 www.FishHeadquarters.com

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By GENE DYER

ust a few weeks ago, I invited my cousin Chris and my friend Aaron to join me for a day of offshore fishing. We met at the dock nice and early so that we could be making our way out of Port Everglades as the sun was rising. Unfortunately for us, after loading the boat and checking the fluid levels and belt tension, there was nothing when I turned the key. After an hour and a half of checking everything we could think of, we were finally able to get the boat started by jumping the starter with a screwdriver. So much for our early start. Our targeted species for the day was dolphin as I had reports that they were in 900 to 1200 feet. We found some good clean water in 800 feet and put out our spread. Shortly thereafter, we ran into some scattered weed that was almost unfishable. Chris and Aaron did the best they could to keep our lines clear as I pushed us farther offshore. We made our way out to almost 1500 feet, but didn’t see a single bird or a magical piece of floating debris and the weed was just getting worse. I turned our classic Mako around and pointed the bow towards home. As we ran towards home, we found some clean water in 1000 feet and put the spread back out. Within five minutes, the port outrigger clip popped and we were tight, but it wasn’t a dolphin. It was a sailfish! Aaron was on the rod and there was no slowing down this very acrobatic sailfish. Chris quickly cleared the lines so I could turn the boat to chase him down. We put Aaron up in the bow and I instructed him to keep cranking to keep tension on the line. Ten minutes later we had the majestic pelagic boatside. Chris quickly removed the hook and started the revival process. Soon, Aaron’s first sailfish was swimming strong along the side of the boat and we released him to fight another day. It’s amazing how one fish can turn a crappy day into a day to remember. A few months earlier, Aaron caught his first wahoo while fishing with me. I don’t know what it is about this guy, but he is clearly welcome aboard our boat anytime. Hopefully, there will be another first for him in the near future!

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KAYAK

fISHING

Justin Ritchie won the EKFT Summer Slam Part 1 with 41.8 pounds.

ugust is by far my favorite time of year to fish. Big schools of wahoo run through Pompano Beach every year in August and most of these fish are huge. Last year, during the Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament Summer Slam part two, there was a 52 pound and 30 pound wahoo brought to the scale. Both fish were caught in 180 feet, straight out from Hillsboro Inlet. Reports are already coming in of kayak anglers hauling in some 20 to 30 pound wahoo, most being caught in 180 to 220 feet of water. In a recent August EKFT, an angler caught a 71.9 pound wahoo and another angler hauled in a 59 pound wahoo. Some of the best wahoo fishing in August is obviously going to be around the full moon with an outgoing tide. My rig of choice has always been 30 pound mono to 50 pound fluorocarbon leader tied to 12 inches of wire with a 3/0 J-hook and the important stinger rig. Almost all the wahoo I’ve landed

were only hooked by the stinger in the throat, so make sure to use it. Some nice mahi mahi are being caught in 200 to 350 feet. One kayak angler confirmed catching fish weighing 13 and 18 pounds. Be

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sure to go stealthy with 30 pound mono leader and a 3/0 circle hook. The same angler that caught those dolphin, had to swap out his wire with mono, because he wasn’t getting any bites. He also dropped his hook size from 5/0 to a 3/0. Some schoolie mahi were being caught in 300 feet recently. The kingfish bite has been very solid. Our last EKFT event saw the most kingfish ever landed in an event. Some nice 30 pound kingfish have been plugged right in front of Pompano Pier on an outgoing tide in 80 feet of water. Because of the heat most kings are being caught down deep, so make sure to bring your kayak downrigger for most success. The bottom fishing has been consistent with some monster amberjacks being caught on the deep wrecks off Pompano Beach

and Fort Lauderdale. At first light, when right on top of one of the deep wrecks in 200 plus feet, drop your glowing vertical jig and you will get an automatic strike. My jig of choice is a pink or glowing green JimyJig. If you’re lucky, you might even pull up a big wahoo. Be sure to register for the Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament Summer Slam Part 2, scheduled for August 10th. The kick off party will be at Bru’s Room in Pompano Beach on August 8th from 6 to 9pm and includes a huge raffle to benefit the Broward Children’s Center. For more information check out www. extremekayakfishing.com.

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FRESH

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buff to cover your neck ears and head. I typically like to spray insect repellent over my clothes, except for my arms. I don't spray my arms so I can handle fish without harming them in and out of the livewell. Some of the best baits to use at night are those that make noise. Various top water plugs and poppers usually shine best. Buzz baits and big worms worked on top work well too. As far as the daytime bite goes, fish early in the morning and just before dark. The best baits this time of year are giant worms, swim jigs and swim baits. Fish them around and through the lily pads. Till next time tight lines,

ey guys! The smoldering heat is now upon us. This can make fishing in the middle of the day very tough and uncomfortable. With high humidity and temperatures on the deck of the boat approaching 115 degrees, fishing during the day can be flat out dangerous. Even the most hardcore anglers suffer this time of year and find it very difficult to fish. I recommend starting to hydrate at least 24 hours before your trips. Staying hydrated will increase your performance and your ability to fish. The best way around these extreme conditions is to fish is at night. This is a great way to beat the heat and you can catch some of the bigger fish that get lockjaw during the heat of the day. Night fishing is completely different than daytime for the obvious reasons. First of all, it's not easy to see. You will need a spotlight to help you navigate, but remember that the use of lights can ruin the bite. If

Fishing at night can produce quality fish.

you want to be efficient, don't use them except for when moving from spot to spot. I typically use a small headlight to help me see while tying knots, but shut it off while fishing.

Capt. Neal Stark (954) 822-1481 Fishing with America’s Finest, Inc.

Lots of insects and toothy 501(C)(3) Non-Profit Organization, FEIN #45-5494005 creatures come out at night. www.FishingwithAmericasFinest.org Alligators will come right up to fwaforg@gmail.com the boat. The best way to fight American Everglades Guide, Inc. off the bugs is by wearing long www.AmericanEvergladesGuide.com sleeve shirts, long pants and a aeguideinc@gmail.com

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SEPT. 24TH TUESDAYS

Once a week on Tuesdays starting September 24th, 7:00pm - 9:30pm

rida, Bahamas, Caribbean Since 1982 ng Flo i v r Se Removed • Repaired • Replaced

• Boat Bottom Cleaning • Zincs Replaced • Valuables Recovered • Fast Response Time

954-428-6772 stan@pelicandivers.com

LICENSED / INSURED • 24 HR SERVICE 10 FORT LAUDERDALE AREA

406_Fort_Lauderdale_FINAL.indd 10

AUGUST 2019

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

7/17/19 9:35 PM

family owned & operated

Not your typical GuN Store attitude Great cuStomer Service, uNlimited raNGe time

Florida coNcealed weapoNS claSSeS FirearmS traiNiNG courSeS BeGiNNer to advaNced aNd private claSSeS provided By Florida FirearmS traiNiNG

Gun World of South Florida has teamed up with the Broward County Sheriff’s Dept. to help kids succeed in school. Drop off your donations of pens, pencils, notebooks, backpacks, glue, crayons, etc. at the store now through August 31st.

SUPPLY DRIVE

THRU AUG. 31

THANK YOU!

Fully air coNditioNed raNGe maiNtaiNed at 72 deGreeS

all active military, police and fire fighters get unlimited range time for only $10.00

954.596.0526

1700 s. powerline road, deerfield Beach, fl 33442

HourS: moNday-Friday 10am-9pm | Saturday 9am-6pm | SuNday 10am-6pm

Port Everglades Tides

www.USHarbors.com

South Port Everglades, ICWW, FL - Aug 2019 High

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Thu

w w w . g u n w o r l d o f s f l . c o m

cHeck ou r weBSite o r call For weekly SpecialS

Hillsboro Inlet Tides

www.USHarbors.com

Hillsboro Inlet (ocean), FL - Aug 2019

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