Coastal Angler Magazine | February 2022 | Ft. Myers/Cape Coral/Charlotte Harbor Edition

FORT MYERS/CAPE CORAL/CHARLOTTE HARBOR EDITION

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LOCAL CATCH PHOTOS

GRASS FLAT

GATOR TROUT

CURRENT INTEL FROM AREA CAPTAINS PHOTO CREDIT: PAUL MACINNIS IG: @RSOCFISHING

VOLUME 27 • ISSUE 323

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ost folks associate the word “gators” with big scaly reptiles or a college mascot. Mention gators to a cadre of hardcore inshore anglers and you are likely to elicit fond memories of 30-plus-inch silver flanks speckled with black spots and gaping yellow mouths sporting a wicked pair of canine teeth. I’m talking about seatrout, big trophy trout that prompt some of us to wake up at 4 a.m. so we can be on the water throwing topwater plugs at first light.

Big trout don’t act like their smaller brethren, and the techniques that hammer schoolies won’t work on bigger fish. Most gator trout are caught on shallow grass flats 1 ½ to 3 feet deep.

Look for flats with dense grass mixed with a few sandy potholes that big trout use to ambush prey. The flat should also have a healthy supply of bait like mullet or pinfish, and it should be close to deeper water, so a wary old trout has a short escape route. During the hottest days of summer, big trout retreat to deeper water off the edge of a flat or seek out shade under mangroves or docks. During the coldest nights of winter, gator trout move into deep channels, canals and dredge holes where they can be targeted with sinking plugs and shrimp imitations worked slowly along the bottom.

Seatrout see well in low light, unlike their prey items, like mullet. So, big trout feed best during low light. It is best to

By Paul MacInnis

SLING LURES for Grass Flat Gator Trout

fish early mornings, late evenings, on overcast days and at night.

It may seem counter intuitive, but more trophy trout are caught on artificials than bait. Big trout are loners.

Lures allow you to cover a lot of water, increasing your odds of intercepting bigger fish. About 80 percent of an adult seatrout’s diet is fish. With that in mind, large mullet-imitating lures are a good choice. The classic gator trout lure is a topwater “walk-the-dog” bait like the venerable Zara Spook. Of course, big swimbaits and shallowrunning plugs also work, along with soft plastic shrimp.

A seatrout doesn’t grow to trophy size by being stupid. Big trout are wary and will evacuate a flat at the slightest indication of danger. Hull slaps and pressure waves from a drifting boat put wise old trout on high alert. It’s best to ditch the skiff and either wade or fish from a minimally invasive vessel like a kayak. It also helps to make long casts to get your lure in front of a fish before it detects your presence.

Catching a true gator seatrout is not easy, and even when you do everything right there is still an element of luck involved. When you finally catch that trophy fish, handle with care and release her gently. A mature female seatrout can release over a million eggs during a spawn. Let her go to release her big-fish DNA into the gene pool.

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ud Hole Custom Tackle is the world’s largest supplier of rod building and tackle crafting goods and instruction. The heart of Mud Hole is its people, who strive for excellence and truly care about what they do. From leadership to customer service, and from product development to the warehouse floor, Mud Hole is comprised of passionate anglers and rod builders who use their own products every day and are eager to bring custom rod building to anglers everywhere.

Established in the 1970s as a custom rod shop in New Jersey, and named after the famed Mud Hole trench at the outflow of the Hudson River, Mud Hole has truly humble, “tackle-shop” origins. Things really picked up in 1999, when the headquarters moved to Oviedo, Florida and the Internet made it easier to connect across the globe. Promoting the many benefits of custombuilt fishing equipment, Mud Hole Custom Tackle thrived and brought custom rod building to the masses.

As interest in rod building grew and the industry flourished, Mud Hole dedicated itself to providing accessible DIY rod building instruction and resources to anyone who wanted to learn. Today, the Mud Hole YouTube channel hosts almost 500 videos with over 10 million views, and is followed by over 31,000 subscribers. From Rod Building

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WHAT A TRIGGERS THE BITE? PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

ction, color, profile, style, which is more important when fishing artificials inshore?

I investigate this question more than the average fisherman does on each trip, because I manufacture lures. To prove my point, how many of you switch tactics or lures when the bite is hot? I do!

Years ago, I would not change a thing while the bite was on. If I lost the last soft plastic of a particular color, I would dig through every compartment to find one more identical to what was working. I might even rig it upside-down or sideways to get that last soft plastic to stay on the hook for a few more bites. Designing and fine-tuning lures has driven me to fish differently and explore more frequently, even when the fish are biting.

On a recent trip, I was trying a new design, even though I was more confident in one of my original designs for this scenario in these conditions. The bite was strong, I switched between two lures about every three fish just to see if there was a preference.

I started with the new design in a green-back, clear-belly color and caught a fish on the first cast! I was feeling confident, since it was a new lure and a new color, but it took dozens of casts to catch a few more fish. I switched to my original design in a pearl color. Once again, fish on the first cast! It didn’t take long to land a few more, and I decided to switch back to the new design, only this time in the same pearl color. My intent was to see if color was what the fish were keying on. Although I caught fish on both lures, the original produced considerably more fish per cast. I kept switching to gain knowledge and validate my findings.

Both lures were the same color and 5 inches long with very similar body size.

The actions, however, were completely different. One was a paddle tail, while the other was a soft jerk- or twitch-bait style. The fish on this day undoubtedly preferred the erratic side-to-side action of the twitch bait. Although I attempted to work the swimbait more erratically, the paddle tail did not have the quick side-to-side action that triggered the strike. Both lures were rigged on the same weighted swimbait hook, and I used the same rod.

In this scenario, the action and lure style were the keys to triggering the bite.

Even if you’re catching fish, it is a good idea to change things up from time to time.

The day before, in the same area, I caught an equal number of fish on both the abovementioned lures.

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

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I DO NOT FEEL THE NEED FOR SPEED (SOMETIMES)

fish) on as light tackle as possible. I like to slow it down, and use the correct tackle for the job, while getting baits down in the strike zone.

While drifting or trolling, I like to use a jig when I need to get my baits down deeper where the mid-day fish are hanging out. A 4-ounce Squid Decoy Jig is a good option because it drifts and trolls well and can be fished with or without bait. Tipped with cigar minnow or sardine, Tim Barefoot the jig looks like a squid that has caught supper, and everything eats squid. his is a play off the famous line from the movie This is a wahoo bait that can be fished with fluorocarbon instead Top Gun, but it has a clear meaning when it comes to fishing for palegics. Are there times when I want to high-speed troll of wire or cable, simply because almost all wahoo strikes on squid are to locate areas with fish? YES. Are there times when I want to troll 6-7 knots to catch numbers of good fish when they are on or near the surface feeding? YES. With all that said, are there times to slow down and get baits down to where the fish are in the water column? YES, Definitely! intended to cut the back half the These times are typically squid off before consumption. after 10 or 10:30 a.m., when Predatory fish know that they the sun is high in the sky, and can easily eliminate a squid’s on, or around a full moon. The only defenses… tentacles and a first reason is obvious. Fish don’t biting beak. have Maui Jims, so they adjust A stinger hook in the the amount of light they need/ head of a live or frozen cigar want with water depth. This is minnow or sardine will do especially true with wahoo and the work. There is only one tuna. And the full moon thing… major problem with this setup. they stay up all night eating with Don’t let it get too close to the “big light” on. the bottom, or you’ll have a Have you ever noticed how the bite dies down after 10 or 11 in the morning? Have you ever noticed grouper or big snapper bite. I think we just got ’em on a technicality. If the days around a full moon are typically slow? These are not just a you are “trolling for wahoo” and let the bait get too close to the bottom coincidence. Granted, the planner rod (aka “the meat stick”) is the one and catch a grouper, oh well, I wasn’t using circle hooks. Just sayin’. that produces in the middle of the day, and at daylight for that matter, See more from Tim Barefoot at barefootcatsandtackle.com. and around the full moon, but I much prefer to catch these fish (any

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Tim Barefoot

his is a play off the famous line from the movie Top Gun, but it has a clear meaning when it comes to fishing for palegics. Are there times when I want to highspeed troll to locate areas with fish? YES. Are there times when I want to troll 6-7 knots to catch numbers of good fish when they are on or near the surface feeding? YES. With all that said, are there times to slow down and get baits down to where the fish are in the water column? YES, Definitely!

These times are typically after 10 or 10:30 a.m., when the sun is high in the sky, and on, or around a full moon. The first reason is obvious. Fish don’t have Maui Jims, so they adjust the amount of light they need/want with water depth. This is especially true with wahoo and tuna. And the full moon thing… they stay up all night eating with the “big light” on.

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Have you ever noticed how the bite dies down after 10 or 11 in the morning? Have you ever noticed the days around a full moon are typically slow? These are not just a coincidence. Granted, the planner rod (aka “the meat stick”) is the one that produces in the middle of the day, and at daylight for that matter, and around the full moon, but I much prefer to catch these fish (any fish) on as light tackle as possible. I like to slow it down, and use the correct tackle for the job, while getting baits down in the strike zone.

While drifting or trolling, I like to use a jig when I need to get my baits down deeper where the mid-day fish are hanging out.

A 4-ounce Squid Decoy Jig is a good option because it drifts and trolls well and can be fished with or without bait. Tipped with cigar minnow or sardine, the jig looks like a squid that has caught supper, and everything eats squid.

This is a wahoo bait that can be fished with fluorocarbon instead of wire or cable, simply because almost all wahoo strikes on squid are intended to cut the back half the squid off before consumption.

Predatory fish know that they can easily eliminate a squid’s only defenses… tentacles and a biting beak.

A stinger hook in the head of a live or frozen cigar minnow or sardine will do the work. There is only one major problem with this setup. Don’t let it get too close to the bottom, or you’ll have a grouper or big snapper bite. I think we just got ’em on a technicality. If you are “trolling for wahoo” and let the bait get too close to the bottom and catch a grouper, oh well, I wasn’t using circle hooks. Just sayin’.

See more from Tim Barefoot at barefootcatsandtackle.com.

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FLORIDA 9 LOCATION 3

PHOTO BY JAMES MARTINS

an empty pail and hold it vertically on the surface of a pool, pond or tub of water, and you can easily recreate this for yourself. Apply force to the pail, straight downward, until its rim is just under the surface. Water rushes in to fill the pail until it has reached full capacity. If there are objects on the surface or suspended in the water, they will accompany the inrush of water. What you have done is introduced a void into the water. This empty space must be filled if water is to adhere to its own principles. Essentially, a vacuum effect occurs in which both water and the objects it contains are pulled into the void.

Fish generate a similar vacuum via the expansion of their mouths, and anything within range of that vacuum will be drawn inside. This form of attack is concentrated in the fish’s head, requiring little or no forward motion of the body. If the fish wants to swallow what it has trapped in its jaws, it will expel the water through its gill slits in a rapid jet. Between a closed mouth and the fish’s gill rakers, solid objects are trapped inside, where they can be directed down the fish’s throat. If the fish should decide it doesn’t want to swallow what it has in its mouth, it will simply open its jaws and let the water float out along with whatever else was inside.

It is much like a terrestrial animal opening its mouth and drawing in a big breath of air. Any airborne particulate matter will be taken in with the breath.

If something noxious is taken in—smoke, for example—it can be ejected by exhaling or coughing.

The difference between fish and terrestrial animals is the comparative enormity of most fish mouths and the great density of water compared to air. While a vacuum may be of little benefit to land animals, it is extremely useful to fish. Most fish, therefore, employ this technique to some degree in their feeding.

For the sake of efficiency and the surer capture of prey, predatory fish are likely to use this method in conjunction with a more traditional attack featuring forward motion of the body. When employed together, these techniques allow the fish to draw its prey closer and seize it with the most

By John Saporito security. When swallowing prey whole, they will turn it in their mouth so that espite different designs among the many species, there is a it can be taken headfirst—scales, fins and other parts folding tight against the commonality in fish when it comes to the capture of prey, a special body to facilitate an easier passage down the throat. procedure making use of the physical properties of the water they John Saporito is a lifelong fisherman, writer, and student of the seas. live in.

Visit him online at johnsaporito.com.

When a fish suddenly opens its mouth underwater, a void is created. Take

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A Few Degrees Difference By: Capt. Dave Stephens

W

ell fellow anglers if you're looking for a perfect winter in beautiful South West Florida, this just happens to be your year. It has been quite some time since I can remember us having this great weather this far into winter. I hope by bragging about it, I'm not dooming us for cold fronts that are going to make their way to us. Our fishery can be very tricky this time of year. This is largely due to our water temps. I know it is hard to believe that a small difference, such as 3-4 degrees can make a big difference but it makes a huge difference. This year we have been targeting snook, and doing very well.

Over the past few weeks on my charters we have been putting some fish to the boat that we normally don't catch till spring. Not only are we catching some quality snook, we are also putting good numbers to the boat. Let’s get back to water temps and what this warmer weather does to our fishery. The magic number for our snook fishery to stay active is 68-70 degrees. Most people do not realize these guys are a tropical fish, and need warm water to stay active. If we have major cold fronts that push down into our area and cool our waters snook will go dormant.

They move into deep areas, and wait for the water temps to rise to feed again. However, if we do get some late cold fronts that push their way to South West Florida it's not the end of our fishery. We actually have several species here that thrive in the cooler weather. The main one is sheepshead, these striped bait bandits love the cooler water. Actually, it is important for them to have a healthy spawning season. As our waters cool down these guys begin to school up to spawn they look for areas with large structure. For the anglers that are not familiar with these black and white bait bandits. They are a member of the porgy family, and are great table fare. Catching them can be a little tricky,

well I guess any fish that feeds on small crustaceans can be tricky.

Areas with structure that has old growth like barnacles, oysters and rocks will hold fish. I highly recommend using a small hook, such as a #1 or even a #2, with enough weight to make contact the bottom. Since sheepheads feed primarily on crustaceans shrimp is a great go to bait.

However, if you can get some fiddler crabs its game on. I recommend to bring three times the bait you think you’re going to need. These guys got their black and white stripes for a reason. As we push down the home stretch of winter we will see what Mother Nature throws at us.

Luckily for us we have fish that we can target on an outing tide on our beautiful harbor.

Back Bay Xtremes |Backbayextremes.com 941-916-5769

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InShore Possibilties By: Capt. Bart Marx

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ooking at the inshore possibilities this month. The sheepshead bite should still be going on near the docks and bridges along the coast. And nearshore reefs out to 45ft. can be holding them also.

You may even find some flounder along the edges of these same reefs.

Black drum around the pilings close to the bumper systems, drop a half of a blue crab down and hold on they get around 30 to 40 pounds.

There should be plenty of speckled sea trout along the edges of the sandbars close to the deeper waters and they can be harvested with a popping cork and a shrimp or GULP. They will hit top water plugs and suspending lures too. Redfish along the edges of the mangroves using your trolling motor what we call beating the bushes. Like bass fishing go along and cast under the trees and hanging limbs. When you hook one be mindful that there could be more in the same pocket where you hooked your red. Pompano like to travel the edges of the sandbars, while you are traveling in the boat keep an eye behind you they skip through your prop wash. Also check the channel markers out in the open waters as cobia tend to go to the ones that have bait there hunting for a meal or they could be out in the open waters where there are schools of bait looking for a meal. Offshore we talked about sheepshead. Mangrove snapper will find some structure where there is food. You can also find the lane snapper in these same areas along with grunts and porgies. There are lots of choices to target, always check current FISH RULES to make sure what you are keeping follows the FWC rules. Most of these species you can target with a medium to heavy rod in the 10 to 30-pound seven-foot range with a 5000 series reel with 20lb or 30lb braid with a mono leader. I use a knocker rig or a chicken rig they both work well. If you don't have a boat or are new to

the area I can help. I can do a training session on your boat to help you know where you can take you boat and use your gear to fish. And if you don't have a boat call and set up a charter and I can show you how we do fishing here in S.W. Florida. I also have gift certificates on request.

So if you would like some of my services give me a call. And always remember singing drags and tight lines make me smile. <*(((((>{

Alpha Omega Charters | alphaomegacharters.com captbart@alphaomegacharters.com | 941-979-6517 2 FORT MYERS | FEBRUARY 2022 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/

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February is an Extension By: Capt. Mike Manis

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ypically, February is an extension of the previous two months in that the weather is dominated by cool north winds and low tides.

With spring on the horizon and if the wind allows, I’ll begin making my way out of the creek systems to adjacent outside shorelines to look for small troughs, cuts and sand holes that will be prime habitat as the weather warms. Too, I like to look on low water as bottom structure is much more visible than when the water is high against the mangroves.

This is where redfish, spotted sea trout, and snook will gravitate to in the weeks to come. Of course, we seem to always get a good cold snap or two in March but it will heat up before we know it.

Small baits are still key as the majority of the scaled sardines won’t

migrate in from offshore until the weather stabilizes. For flies, I like small clousers, kwans, seaducers, and schminnows no larger than a #1. For soft plastics, it’s hard to beat a paddle tail on a 1/8 oz. jighead.

In both cases, if I’m working up against a mangrove shoreline I’ll rig weedless.

Around the harbor, no matter which ramp you choose to use there are plenty of shoreline with adjacent creek systems to explore.

Gasparilla Sound and Bull Bay hold good fish and are easily accessible from close by ramps. Small shallow draft boats can also take advantage of some exceptional fishing in Pine Island Sound. Matlacha is one of my favorite spots and the shoreline outside Big Dead Creek and down through Buzzard Bay is well protected from the winds that come out of the north in early spring and the deeper water with strong current provide good habitat.

The open harbor and adjacent bar systems also hold potential as winter winds down. Pompano are still on the bars like the one that runs the length of the West Wall and down onto Cape Haze Point. Spanish mackerel are scattered throughout the harbor and will be mixed in with lots of ladyfish outside the bars working schools of glass minnows.

The Cape Haze and Alligator Creek artificial reef systems hold good numbers of sheepshead. Both of these reef systems are well marked.

In addition to the reefs, sheepshead are still at the Boca Grande and Placida trestles in good numbers and are great spots to fish with or without a boat.

Lastly, area canal systems can also be good. In particular, because of good tidal flow, the perimeter canals of both Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte hold lots of species. Redfish, black drum, spotted sea trout, and snook hang close to the cement seawalls that hold heat from the afternoon sun. Corner spots are prime as that is where current moves the fastest. Until next month, good tides.

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Tarpon Fishing

By: Capt. Billy Norris

T

arpon are one of the most sought-after gamefish in the world.

Drag screaming runs combined with aerial acrobatics make them a challenging fight for even the most skilled anglers.

Whether its stalking them on shallow grass flats, chasing schools down the white sugar sand beaches, or targeting fish in current swept passes, tarpon fishing is one of the most addictive types of fishing Florida has to offer. In this article I will go over a few tips and tricks to help you improve your abilities when attempting to best the silver king.

Tarpon can be found in nearly every coastal aquatic environment in Florida. They inhabit reefs and wrecks, beaches, grassflats, estuaries and can even be found in freshwater lakes and ponds. Due to their wide-ranging habitats, your fishing style will change depending on where you’re fishing. Firstly, your gear and tackle have to be topnotch.

Tarpon are one fish that will absolutely put your equipment to the test.

If you have junk reels, frays in your line, cheap leader, or discount hooks, you will get whipped by these bruiser fish. Go over your setups from top to bottom, and make sure that everything that you are using is up to par. I prefer to use reels in the 60-80 range. Personally, I use Quantum Cabo 60s or Penn Slammer 7500 reels. The beefier reels are able to put the screws to the fish, and the larger spools allow you to carry a lot more line. A medium-heavy rod is also a big help when fighting tarpon. I use 7-foot medium action Star Rods. Now a days, it would be a challenge to find a professional captain who does not use braided line when tarpon fishing. I spool my reels up with 50 pound braid, but you can also up it to 80 if you’re targeting bigger fish.

Tarpon can be extremely picky when it comes to both baits and rigs.

Fluorocarbon is an absolute must when it comes to your leaders.

Depending on the water quality, you may have to switch pound test if the fish are leader shy. 7 foot of 80-pound YoZuri pink fluorocarbon is where I typically start, but will bump down to 50 pound if the water is very clear. Everyone has their own preference of hooks, but I prefer either 8/0 Owner SSW Circles, or 6/0 Mustad UltraPoint Demon Circle hooks.

Believe it or not, tarpon will pretty much eat anything that lives in the ocean. I have caught them on cutbait, threadfins, crabs, pilchards, pinfish, discarded fish carcasses…literally almost everything. However, this does not mean that you can just use anything. Although they will consume a variety of baits, they are extremely picky and are notorious for getting dialed in on one specific type of prey. For example, when I’m fishing for tarpon in Marathon, I target two passes, Bahia Honda and the 7-Mile Bridge. Both passes are right next to each other, but at Bahia Honda the fish will only eat crabs and at 7-Mile they want mullet.

It doesn’t seem to make any sense why two different schools so close to one another won’t eat the same things, but it is reality. Even the size of crabs that the fish will eat changes daily. Some days they will want small crabs, and other days larger ones. Crabs can be caught, but if you are purchasing them the cost can add up quickly. On average they retail for about $4-5 apiece, and on a day long tarpon trip I like to have at least 40 crabs of varying sizes. A good rule of thumb is you want crabs that are approximately the same width (across the carapace) as three of your fingers. Whether I’m using crabs, mullet, threadfins, etc, I will almost always freeline the bait, with the exception of sometimes using a cork to suspend the bait if needed. Being successful at hooking up tarpon comes from time put in on the water daily to figure out what they are eating at that particular time.

Now your gear and equipment are ready, you’re livewell is loaded with bait, and it’s time to get hooked up! The most crucial part of landing tarpon is understanding how to fight them. They are notorious for throwing the hook when they make their world-famous jumps. You will consistently hear guides refer to “flying” x amount of tarpon. For example, when talking about the day of fishing you will hear me say something like “flew 5 landed 2”. This means that we hooked up with five fish but only got two boatside.

Only landing a small percentage of hooked fish is not uncommon, but the more practice you get the more you will land. Finally, you have to bow. Everyone who has even a slight bit of familiarity with tarpon has heard the old expression “bow to the king”. That means when the fish jumps, drop your rod tip. I actually tell my customers to stab the tip of the rod quickly into the water when they first see the fish rise to jump. This action puts slack in the line and will reduce breakoffs or the hook being pulled.

Tarpon fishing is without a doubt one of the most challenging and addictive type of fishing in the world. Hopefully this article helped to answer some of your questions surrounding the silver king, and will help you to get out on the water and start landing some tarpon!

Pale Horse FC | palehorsefishingcharters.com | 239-285-7710

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venture shallower to warm up.

They will set up on or around structures that conceal them.

Remember they are not going to be quite as aggressive and will want to hang around or wait to ambush forage that comes to them. Identifying potential ambush areas can prove to be very productive.

These are some of the areas I focus on during the winter season.

Bridges usually provide deeper water, current and hardcover. Predator fish like Snook like this type of r ffe structure. Docks, especially ea h eS those that have deeper water o J : adjacent or near them. Once By again, this type of structure provides current breaks, containing debris that allow predators to ambush their prey. Sunken debris from old boats, concrete around marinas, sea walls and man-made reefs can be very attractive to many species. Potholes along deep sections of grass flats hold many fish during this time of year. Deeper sections or undercuts along the Mangroves are proven areas for ambushing predators. Another key for success, making multiple casts and slowing your presentation can be the difference. You may not get as many bites but you may get the right bite. Keep casting and good luck.

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he colder months in SWFL can be very challenging for inshore fishermen. The water tends to be shallower, colder and very clear. Our species have settled into their winter routines and we need to adjust to them. With the cooler temps the fish are not as active and their feeding habits can be different from the warmer months.

Picking up on the changes and adjusting our thought process can be the difference in a successful day on the water. I really try to focus on areas that warm up quickly and provide easy ambush opportunities for these predators. As the sun rises higher in the sky the fish will

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50 y in th Carib popul fish, f small give th Group and spearo cover. have w Yellow C Sc Black a shoo have 2 Gags, lay in good Sn Mang 8#+ th

6 FORT MYERS | FEBRUARY 2022 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/

Smart Fish - Dumb Fish

By: Capt. Chad Carney

D

ivers get to witness fish behavior and intelligence. After 50 years of spearfishing in the Gulf, Atlantic & Caribbean Sea, I have rated popular smart and dumb fish, from A+ to F-. (Young, small fish are stupid. So, give them a pass.)

Groupers: Reds scavenge and will sit watching a spearo without turning for cover. Their fillets often have worms. Grade D Yellowfins are beautiful and act like reds, just a bit more aware. Grade C Scamps of fair size keep an eye on shooters at a distance. Grade C+ Blacks (Carbos), 30#+ and up will move to a safety hole at 1st glance of a shooter. 80#+ will often hide at only hearing a spearo. Favorite holes have 2 exits. Carbos flee across a reef & swim into currents. Grade B Gags, 20#+ are as smart as blacks. They also circle out into the sand and lay in depressions, hence the nick name “rusty bellies”. They’re fast & good at shaking spears. Grade B+ Snappers: All are curious and are master spear shakers.

Mangroves are fast & know it. They turn thin to reduce their target size.

8#+ they stay afar & zip into tight holes. C+

Yellowtails are found in clear water and avoid spearos. Grade BRed’s & Mutton’s curiosity allows one shot, then it’s adios! Grade B Cuberas hang unseen in shadows. I saw my first only because he flinched when I stoned a grouper. He hid in a wreck and I hung back, guessing and aiming where he’d peak out. I was lucky. A big cubera once used goliaths for cover to escape a wreck! An 82# cubera bolted a wreck with no more structure. I waited forever till he showed. A 25-ft freeshaft dropped him. Grade A+

Misc.: Amberjack (Reef donkeys) school above bottom hanging with active spearos & even bump divers.

Grade D Lionfish were unafraid at first, but now with one shot they’ll hide.

Grade C Hogfish zip to a speared buddy & start to feed in the sand, not look at a spearo. After a haircut tear-out shot, some swim 5 ft & feed again!

Definitely a grade F-

chad.carney@yahoo.com https://www.facebook.com/floridaskindiver/ https://www.deeperblue.com/beginners-guide-spearfishing/ 727-423-7775

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preparations days ahead checking the weather and tides.

The calm winds coincide with a negative tide one morning and I got excited for another memorable morning on the flats. Waking up early before there’s even a hint of light, I get the Hewes Redfisher flats boat ready with all the light tackle gear I’ll need. The 20ft push pole gets secured onto the gunnel and I’m ready to go!

Arriving at the Marina, the sun is just about to start peaking. Looking out over the water, I can see a mirror of the sky. It’s time to get the boat in the water and get to the promise land heading straight to my favorite flat filled with luscious turtle grass. I cut my engine off and I’m now floating in about a foot to a foot and a half of water. Perfect!

It’s time to hop on the poling platform and scan around for anything that creates a disturbance on the surface.

Covering some ground quietly using the push pole, silence is definitely golden in this game. The sun is now starting to rise off the horizon and out of the corner of my eye I see something orange glimmer a few inches out of the water.

There it is! At my Three O’ Clock about a hundred feet away. A brightly colored orange tail waving at me as if it’s saying “here I am”, my eyes light up with determination!

I begin to pole the boat towards the fish and I’m just about in casting range. Suddenly the tail sinks down and I lost sight of it. About a minute passes and I begin to think the fish left when suddenly the tail rises about 20ft to the port side of my boat. I can see the entire fish clear as day.

My heart begins to pound as I’m extremely close and I know I’ve got one shot at this fish. I flip my Wyze Guyz Tackle paddle tail a few feet from the orange submarine. Thinking I might have casted too close.

The tail dropped and its mouth instantly inhaled the lure and my line starts to shoot across the flat and the reel starts screaming!

“Hooked up!”.

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hen I think of winter time here in South West Florida. The first thing that comes to my mind is gin clear water and extra low tides. If you play the weather right it can be a sight fisherman’s dream come true in the backwaters. Add a negative tide and some healthy turtle grass and you may just witness one of the greatest spectacles of inshore fishing. A tailing redfish. I’ll start my

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Fishing With Young Families By: Capt. Armando Alejo

W

e recently set out seeking our share of blackdrum gamefish which are in season during our cold months (at least cold for Florida!). My crew for the day were super excited to enter the waters of SWFL, a trip they had never done before, and quite simply didn’t realize there was so much opportunity in our area to fish. We made our way through the beautiful and majestic Intracoastal waterways and within a short boat ride, and almost immediately, the wildlife was abundant. Snowy Egret, Osprey and Anhinga birds peppered the navigational aids that led us toward the area we chose to fish. As had been a common site for the previous half a dozen trips, we came across a pack of bottle nose dolphin, feeding in the narrow channel we were on. I gave way, pulled back on the throttle and allowed us to enjoy the sight of a dolphin family feeding on mullet off of a grass flat. The dolphin gave us a show for a good thirty minutes, and I made my standard comment “some folks pay to see Dolphin perform!” With A2 charters, the dolphin are part of the show and we all laughed and enjoyed what remained of the dolphin program for that part of the morning.

As we continued our trip west toward the first stop of our trip. On a five-hour trip, I knew our window of opportunity for a good bite was small, so I took us straight to my ‘A’ spot rather than try others

in anticipation of my go to stop. Within an hour’s time, and after we waited for the best part of the tide, the peak of the high tide, we boated our first drum. Shortly thereafter, we had a half dozen boated drum all between 5 and 20 lbs.

Among the most rewarding moments of the trip were to see the two siblings fighting fish, enjoying themselves and making memories! Our youngest angler Noah, hooked, fought and enjoyed bringing the biggest drum of the trip aboard. Mom and dad also hooked and landed their own fish, and they were pleased to feel such power with an inshore fish. Mom and Dad both also appreciated the time I spent working with their two boys Noah (4) and Brian (10). They commented in appreciation for the patience shown to ensure EVERYONE aboard enjoyed their fishing adventure. Join us aboard today to get in on the winter bite! This time of year, has some of our best weather and bite!

www.A2charters.com | A2charters@outlook.com 305-778-5342

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Winter Season By: Capt. Travis Freeman

T

he water is slowly beginning to start to warm back up from the winter cold.

The redfish and snook bite have been amazing so far and will only going get better from here as the waters continue to warm up in the Gulf of Mexico and near shores along Florida’s S out hwe st coastline.

This time of the year I like to use live bait, however, it can be hard to find as they move and migrate offshore to spawn, so it never hurts to have a live well full of live shrimp before heading out. I always use a popping cork with about 3ft of 30- or 40-pound fluorocarbon leader tied to a #4 J hook with a 1/8oz egg weight just above the hook. This seems to works great for sea trout, red fish, black drum and many other species of game fish living in and around the Gulf. Also, when fishing with live shrimp or cut lady fish, I like to put on a 1/4oz egg weight just above a #4 J hook as this

works better when fishing depths between 4ft to 8ft of water. 4ft of water or less, and you can free line a live shrimp and or cut bait "mullet lady fish" under or around any structure nearby.

These techniques have worked very well for me when it comes to using live shrimp or cut bait. As for the fishing in the backcountry and rivers connected to the Gulf of Mexico, I like to throw lures or plugs all along the mangrove shorelines and or any nearby structures underwater. One of my favorite lures to use this time of the year in early to mid-February is a 3in sinking mirror lure and or a 3 1/2in suspending Yozuri. Red and white in color and or black and silver. From my very recent experience’s this month, you will catch big snook, red fish, tarpon and many others.

If you want to have a blast fishing in The Florida Everglades and spending the day cruising the backcountry and seeing some of Gods greatest creations, then book your bucket list fishing trip and come make friendships and memories of a life time with me.

Steadyfishingcharters.com | Steadyfishing@yahoo.com 239-285-2971

In the Thick of Wintertime Fishing By: Capt. Philip Watson

I

t’s February now and we are in the thick of our winter-time fishery in the offshore waters of Anna Maria Island. Hogfish, mangrove snapper, and red grouper are on the top of my hit list. By now, all the Pelagic species have moved south and it’s all about bottom fishing. Bigger amberjacks have moved into the closer ledges, wrecks, and springs but remain closed until summertime.

Nonetheless, these guys are fun to fight even if you must release them. For amberjack, I really enjoy live chumming these fish to the top. On the right day you can even pitch to the fish you want to catch. These fish will usually bite on reaction, so for bait I like a fish that will swim fast away from them such as a pinfish, grunt, or bluerunner.

White bait will work well for chumming, it won’t give them the chase that they are after. On days when they chum to the top you can even get them on topwater poppers and cuda tubes as well, which is a ton of fun.

Our trip highlight last month was with Jay and Jeff who booked a 6-hour trip on New Years Eve. Jays mission for the day was hogfish, so we pushed out to 85’ deep with 10 dozen shrimp and went to work. Within 15 minutes Jay had his first hogfish in the boat followed by both anglers filling the box with yellowtail and mangrove snapper. Once the bite slowed down at that location we bounced ledges back home putting 3 more hogfish and a bunch of key west grunts in the cooler. Our last stop was to a shallow ledge hoping for a nice gag grouper to top of the box, but after a few shorts it was time to pull the trolling motor up and head back to the hill. All and all an amazing 6 hours with a great group of guys.

We are starting to book up for spring break, so make sure to call us or book online to save your date.

Just Kickin Back Charters | justfishfl.com | 941-226-1100

10 FORT MYERS | FEBRUARY 2022 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/

-1100

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B O N I TA S P R I N G S

BOAT SHOW

March 3 - 6, 2022

Thursday - Sunday 10AM - 5PM

Hundreds of Boats From All the Major Dealers

Bonita Springs Poker Room

(Formerly Naples - Fort Myers Greyhound Track) 10601 Bonita Beach Road S.E. Bonita Springs, FL 34135

Boat Gear - Accessories - Engines - Electronics - Boat Lifts Contractors - Insurance - Financing - Apparel & More Fishing Seminars Presented by:

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Marine Industries Association SOUTHWEST FLORIDA AND TAMPA BAY

FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | FEBRUARY 2022 | FORT MYERS 11

www.BonitaSpringsBoatShow.com

3771 Palm Beach Blvd., Ft. Myers, FL 33916 239.694.2185

MATLACHA

www.USHarbors.com

February/2022 • 26°38’N 82°4’W

Matlacha Pass, FL - Feb 2022 High

Date

fishfacecharters@ yahoo.com 239.357.6829

FORT MYERS

www.USHarbors.com

February/2022 • 26°39’N 81°52’W

Fort Myers, FL - Feb 2022

Low

High

Date

AM

ft

PM

ft

AM

ft

PM

ft

Rise

Set

Moon

8:44

0.7

7:15

6:12

1

Low

AM

ft

PM

ft

AM

ft

PM

ft

Rise

Set

Tue

2:53

1.1

5:08

0.5

11:22

-0.5

9:49

0.1

7:11

6:11

1

Tue

1:34

2.0

4:45

0.9

10:19

-0.8

2

Wed

2:28

1.9

4:57

0.9

10:55

-0.6

9:45

0.6

7:15

6:13

2

Wed

3:48

1.1

5:36

0.5

11:53

-0.4

10:46

0.0

7:10

6:11

3

Thu

3:19

1.8

5:11

1.0

11:27

-0.4

10:45

0.5

7:14

6:13

3

Thu

4:40

1.0

6:05

0.6

12:18P

-0.4

11:40

-0.1

7:10

6:12

4

Fri

4:09

1.6

5:28

1.1

11:54

-0.2

11:46

0.3

7:14

6:14

4

Fri

5:29

0.8

6:34

0.6

12:41

-0.3

7:09

6:13

5

Sat

5:02

1.3

5:49

1.2

12:19

0.0

7:13

6:15

5

Sat

6:19

0.7

7:05

0.6

12:34

-0.2

1:02

-0.3

7:08

6:14

6

Sun

6:02

1.1

6:15

1.4

12:50

0.2

12:43

0.2

7:12

6:16

6

Sun

7:12

0.5

7:37

0.7

1:32

-0.2

1:24

-0.2

7:08

6:14

7

Mon

7:19

0.9

6:45

1.4

2:00

0.1

1:04

0.4

7:12

6:17

7

Mon

8:18

0.3

8:11

0.7

2:39

-0.2

1:48

-0.2

7:07

6:15

8

Tue

9:18

0.7

7:21

1.5

3:15

0.0

1:19

0.6

7:11

6:17

8

Tue

9:46

0.1

8:49

0.7

4:03

-0.3

2:15

-0.1

7:07

6:16

9

Wed

8:06

1.5

4:34

-0.1

7:10

6:18

9

Wed

11:36

0.0

9:32

0.8

5:51

-0.4

2:46

0.0

7:06

6:16

10

Thu

9:04

1.5

5:47

-0.2

7:10

6:19

10

Thu

1:32P

0.1

10:23

0.8

7:17

-0.5

3:32

0.1

7:05

6:17

11

Fri

10:12

1.5

6:49

-0.4

7:09

6:20

11

Fri

2:46P

0.2

11:21

0.8

8:13

-0.6

4:48

0.2

7:05

6:18

12

Sat

11:17

1.6

7:40

-0.5

7:08

6:20

12

Sat

3:24

0.3

8:56

-0.6

6:12

0.2

7:04

6:19

13

Sun

3:34

1.0

8:24

-0.5

6:42

1.0

7:07

6:21

13

Sun

12:21

0.8

3:51

0.4

9:33

-0.6

7:24

0.2

7:03

6:19

14

Mon

12:12

1.7

3:43

1.0

9:00

-0.5

7:32

0.9

7:07

6:22

14

Mon

1:18

0.9

4:14

0.4

10:05

-0.6

8:23

0.2

7:02

6:20

15

Tue

12:59

1.7

3:50

1.0

9:32

-0.5

8:15

0.7

7:06

6:22

15

Tue

2:11

0.9

4:33

0.5

10:33

-0.5

9:13

0.1

7:02

6:21

16

Wed

1:41

1.7

3:55

1.0

10:00

-0.5

8:57

0.6

7:05

6:23

16

Wed

3:00

0.9

4:51

0.5

10:57

-0.4

9:57

0.0

7:01

6:21

17

Thu

2:22

1.7

4:03

1.1

10:25

-0.4

9:41

0.5

7:04

6:24

17

Thu

3:46

1.0

5:07

0.6

11:19

-0.4

10:40

-0.1

7:00

6:22

18

Fri

3:04

1.7

4:16

1.2

10:50

-0.3

10:27

0.3

7:03

6:25

18

Fri

4:30

0.9

5:25

0.6

11:40

-0.3

11:23

-0.1

6:59

6:23

19

Sat

3:49

1.6

4:33

1.3

11:15

-0.1

11:17

0.2

7:02

6:25

19

Sat

5:15

0.8

5:45

0.7

12:01

-0.3

6:58

6:23

20

Sun

4:39

1.4

4:56

1.4

11:39

0.1

7:02

6:26

20

Sun

6:02

0.7

6:11

0.8

12:11

-0.2

12:22

-0.2

6:57

6:24

21

Mon

5:38

1.2

5:24

1.6

12:14

0.0

12:02

0.3

7:01

6:27

21

Mon

6:56

0.5

6:42

0.9

1:06

-0.2

12:44

-0.2

6:57

6:24

22

Tue

6:55

0.9

5:58

1.7

1:19

-0.1

12:21

0.5

7:00

6:27

22

Tue

8:07

0.3

7:20

1.0

2:15

-0.3

1:06

-0.1

6:56

6:25

23

Wed

9:06

0.8

6:41

1.7

2:38

-0.2

12:17

0.7

6:59

6:28

23

Wed

9:48

0.1

8:06

1.0

3:48

-0.3

1:27

0.0

6:55

6:26

24

Thu

7:37

1.8

4:10

-0.3

6:58

6:28

24

Thu

9:03

1.0

5:48

-0.4

6:54

6:26

25

Fri

8:55

1.8

5:40

-0.4

6:57

6:29

25

Fri

10:16

1.0

7:20

-0.5

6:53

6:27

26

Sat

10:26

1.8

6:54

-0.6

6:56

6:30

26

Sat

11:41

1.0

8:18

-0.5

4:58

0.3

6:52

6:28

27

Sun

11:47

1.9

7:52

-0.7

6:55

6:30

27

Sun

3:07

0.4

9:04

-0.6

6:39

0.3

6:51

6:28

28

Mon

3:19

1.0

8:39

-0.7

6:54

6:31

28

Mon

3:32

0.5

9:43

-0.5

7:56

0.2

6:50

6:29

7:18

0.9

12 FORT MYERS | FEBRUARY 2022 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/

2:45P

1:00

0.3 1.0

Moon

10871 Kelly Rd Ft Myers, FL 33908 239.267.6857

SANIBEL/ CAPTIVA

www.USHarbors.com

February/2022 • 26°29’N 82°11’W

Captiva Island (outside), FL - Feb 2022 High

Date

15881 Chief Ct., Ft. Myers, FL 33912 239.489.0884

PUNTA GORDA/ CHARLOTTE HABOR

www.USHarbors.com

February/2022 • 26°56’N 82°4’W

Punta Gorda, Charlotte Harbor, FL - Feb 2022

Low

High

Date

AM

ft

PM

ft

AM

ft

PM

ft

Rise

Set

Moon

1:42P

1.2

11:25

2.6

6:23

-1.1

4:48

1.0

7:15

6:12

1

Low

AM

ft

PM

ft

AM

ft

PM

ft

Rise

Set

Tue

1:57

2.0

5:08

0.9

10:18

-0.8

8:43

0.7

7:12

6:11

1

Tue

2

Wed

1:54

1.3

6:59

-0.9

5:49

0.8

7:15

6:13

2

Wed

2:51

1.9

5:20

0.9

10:54

-0.6

9:44

0.6

7:11

6:12

3

Thu

12:16

2.4

2:08

1.4

7:31

-0.6

6:49

0.6

7:14

6:13

3

Thu

3:42

1.8

5:34

1.0

11:26

-0.4

10:44

0.5

7:11

6:12

4

Fri

1:06

2.1

2:25

1.5

7:58

-0.3

7:50

0.5

7:14

6:14

4

Fri

4:32

1.6

5:51

1.1

11:53

-0.2

11:45

0.3

7:10

6:13

5

Sat

1:59

1.8

2:46

1.7

8:23

0.0

8:54

0.3

7:13

6:15

5

Sat

5:25

1.3

6:12

1.2

12:18

0.0

7:10

6:14

6

Sun

2:59

1.5

3:12

1.9

8:47

0.3

10:04

0.2

7:12

6:16

6

Sun

6:25

1.1

6:38

1.4

12:49

0.2

12:42

0.2

7:09

6:15

7

Mon

4:16

1.2

3:42

2.0

9:08

0.6

11:19

0.0

7:12

6:17

7

Mon

7:42

0.9

7:08

1.4

1:59

0.1

1:03

0.4

7:08

6:15

8

Tue

6:15

1.0

4:18

2.0

9:23

0.8

7:11

6:17

8

Tue

9:41

0.7

7:44

1.5

3:14

0.0

1:18

0.6

7:08

6:16

9

Wed

5:03

2.1

12:38

-0.1

7:10

6:18

9

Wed

8:29

1.5

4:33

-0.1

7:07

6:17

10

Thu

6:01

2.1

1:51

-0.3

7:10

6:19

10

Thu

9:27

1.5

5:46

-0.2

7:06

6:18

11

Fri

7:09

2.1

2:53

-0.5

7:09

6:20

11

Fri

10:35

1.5

6:48

-0.4

7:06

6:18

12

Sat

8:14

2.2

3:44

-0.6

7:08

6:20

12

Sat

11:40

1.6

7:39

-0.5

7:05

6:19

13

Sun

12:31P

1.4

9:09

2.3

4:28

-0.7

2:46

1.3

7:07

6:21

13

Sun

3:57

1.0

8:23

-0.5

6:41

1.0

7:04

6:20

14

Mon

12:40P

1.3

9:56

2.3

5:04

-0.7

3:36

1.2

7:07

6:22

14

Mon

12:35

1.7

4:06

1.0

8:59

-0.5

7:31

0.9

7:03

6:20

15

Tue

12:47P

1.3

10:38

2.4

5:36

-0.7

4:19

1.0

7:06

6:22

15

Tue

1:22

1.7

4:13

1.0

9:31

-0.5

8:14

0.7

7:03

6:21

16

Wed

12:52P

1.4

11:19

2.4

6:04

-0.7

5:01

0.8

7:05

6:23

16

Wed

2:04

1.7

4:18

1.0

9:59

-0.5

8:56

0.6

7:02

6:22

17

Thu

1:00

1.4

6:29

-0.5

5:45

0.6

7:04

6:24

17

Thu

2:45

1.7

4:26

1.1

10:24

-0.4

9:40

0.5

7:01

6:22

18

Fri

12:01

2.3

1:13

1.6

6:54

-0.4

6:31

0.4

7:03

6:25

18

Fri

3:27

1.7

4:39

1.2

10:49

-0.3

10:26

0.3

7:00

6:23

19

Sat

12:46

2.1

1:30

1.8

7:19

-0.1

7:21

0.2

7:02

6:25

19

Sat

4:12

1.6

4:56

1.3

11:14

-0.1

11:16

0.2

6:59

6:24

20

Sun

1:36

1.9

1:53

2.0

7:43

0.1

8:18

0.0

7:02

6:26

20

Sun

5:02

1.4

5:19

1.4

11:38

0.1

6:58

6:24

21

Mon

2:35

1.6

2:21

2.1

8:06

0.4

9:23

-0.1

7:01

6:27

21

Mon

6:01

1.2

5:47

1.6

12:13

0.0

12:01

0.3

6:58

6:25

22

Tue

3:52

1.3

2:55

2.3

8:25

0.7

10:42

-0.2

7:00

6:27

22

Tue

7:18

0.9

6:21

1.7

1:18

-0.1

12:20

0.5

6:57

6:26

23

Wed

6:03

1.0

3:38

2.4

8:21

1.0

6:59

6:28

23

Wed

9:29

0.8

7:04

1.7

2:37

-0.2

12:16

0.7

6:56

6:26

24

Thu

4:34

2.4

12:14

-0.4

6:58

6:28

24

Thu

8:00

1.8

4:09

-0.3

6:55

6:27

25

Fri

5:52

2.4

1:44

-0.6

6:57

6:29

25

Fri

9:18

1.8

5:39

-0.4

6:54

6:28

26

Sat

7:23

2.5

2:58

-0.8

6:56

6:30

26

Sat

10:49

1.8

6:53

-0.6

6:53

6:28

27

Sun

8:44

2.5

3:56

-0.9

6:55

6:30

27

Sun

3:47

1.1

7:51

-0.7

5:52

1.0

6:52

6:29

28

Mon

9:50

2.6

4:43

-0.9

6:54

6:31

28

Mon

3:42

1.0

8:38

-0.7

7:17

0.9

6:51

6:29

12:16P

1.4

3:22

1.2

12:10

1.9

Moon

Reel Sunshine

6TH ANNUAL

in the FREE FISHING EXPO SATURDAY FEBRUARY 12 8AM – 2PM

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For More Information Visit: www.SunshineAce.com San Carlos | (239) 415-1161

Port Charlotte | (941) 627-5558

18911 S Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, FL 33908

3035 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33952

FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | FEBRUARY 2022 | FORT MYERS 13

Phillips Smith Fearing: Scientists investigating sawfish genetics (l-r) Nicole Phillips, Kelcee Smith, and Annmarie Fearing.

Credit Nicole Phillips.

Fearing_Largetooth_ PCKelceeSmith: Annmarie Fearing collecting a tissue sample from a sawfish rostrum.

Credit Kelcee Smith.

TissueSample_ PCKelceeSmith: The typical amount of tissue collected from a sawfish rostrum for genetic analysis.

Credit Kelcee Smith.

by Tonya Wiley, Havenworth Coastal Conservation

SAWFISH NEWS Antique Sawfish Rostra Yield Valuable DNA, Museum and Private Collections Aid Scientists

S

awfish around the world are critically endangered, having suffered global declines in both range and abundance. Animal populations which undergo drastic declines in abundance are typically at risk of having reduced levels of genetic diversity and may be less ‘fit’, more susceptible to disease, and have a compromised ability to adapt to a changing environment. Very small populations also have an increased risk of inbreeding, which can lead to birth defects and unhealthy populations. The most direct way of quantifying any change in genetic diversity in sawfishes is to compare the levels of genetic diversity in contemporary populations to those from the past. Thankfully, old, dried sawfish rostra housed in public and private collections around the world contain the DNA of historic populations.

The long-term recovery of sawfishes is dependent upon populations being large and genetically diverse enough to adapt to changes in the environment, resist disease, and avoid inbreeding. If the levels of genetic diversity in contemporary populations are similar to those observed in historic sawfish populations, then the survival outlook for these animals may be good and recovery plans can focus on habitat restoration and protection. However, if the levels of genetic diversity in contemporary sawfish populations are substantially lower when compared to historic populations, then protecting the remaining genetic diversity should be a high priority for conservation and management plans.

Sawfish rostra are considered unique ‘trophies’ so many have been retained in both public and private collections. (Note: Antique rostra were collected prior to sawfish being listed under the Endangered

Species Act. Now all sawfish species are protected in the United States and the removal or sale of sawfish rostra is illegal.) Sawfish saws are often preserved dry, so viable DNA is still present even in a 200-year-old rostrum. To understand the historic population, it is important to collect samples from as many old saws from as many places as possible.

And that is how you can help!! Do you own a sawfish rostrum and are willing to contribute a sample for science? Or have you seen a saw in a museum, restaurant, tackle shop, marina, antique store, or friend’s house? If so, please call 1-844-4-SAWFISH or email n.phillips@usm.edu.

For more information on the project visit https:// saveourseas.com/project/sawfish-gene-pool/ (Samples are collected under authority and guidelines of Endangered Species Act permits)

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Salt Exposure

By: Dan Carns ishing out of a kayak can be really rough on your gear especially the reels. You and your kayak are super low in the water exposing all your fishing gear to the water and especially corrosive is salt water. All to often when we return home after fishing all day we’re not really thinking about cleaning up the gear but you should really consider starting a routine were you do a little maintenance on your rods and reels before they get put away. It took moving to S.W. Florida to realize that the Gulf of Mexico has a much higher salt content than I’m use too and was much more damaging to my fishing gear. Fortunately there are a couple of products and procedures designed to help you mitigate this issue. Even though you may not have exposed your reels

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directly to the water, the line is drawing water in as you reel back in and its probably dripping off the rod guides. Wavy conditions, paddle strokes and flopping fish can all splash water onto your gear.

My first suggestion is once your home find a place that you can hose down your rods paying special attention to the rod eyes. You don’t need to remove the reels but be careful not to spray high pressure water into the reels, just a light spray to help dissolve the salts. Next thoroughly dry your rod making sure to wipe down the eye inserts and then dry off the reel. Once they are dry you can spray with either a line conditioner like Reel Magic or Penn Rod and Reel Cleaner. These are designed to drive residual water and salt away leaving a protective coating. While it may seem expensive bringing your reels into a local repair shop once or twice a year, depending on use, it is a great investment. You would be surprised how many internal parts begin to wear out and can be replaced before total failure ruins a good day on the water. Also while your cleaning your rods and reels make sure to hose down your kayak making sure to rinse any salt from the nylon straps, seat and any other moving parts.

As a Kayak fishing guide my rods and reels get a tremendous amount of saltwater exposure and over time one particular brand began to outlast the others. Penn reels makes a model called the Penn Spinfisher and this reel shines in performance and durability. They have recently added even more protection by adding additional seals to help prevent internal corrosion. Another suggestion when purchasing rods is to make sure they have Fuji Guides. These tend to have thicker metal brackets and a better protective paint finish.

The old adage “you get what you pay for” applies to rods and reels and although I don’t pay a tremendous amount for either you should spend enough to avoid buying inferior gear.

Pro tip: Never put a wet lure back into your tackle box! It’s A Wild World-Get Out There!

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The Calusa Blueway By: Mike Hammond

W

hen the Calusa Blueway route was being planned, considerable thought went into keeping paddlers out of the way of heavy boat traffic. But with almost 200 miles of paddling trail, crossing the occasional boating channel was inevitable.

The first step with any paddling outing is planning. When considering distance, tides, weather, ability - check the Calusa Blueway maps or boating guides for channel crossings. If I’m paddling with less experienced paddlers, I avoid busy channels on weekends. There are too many other great places for newbies to get more comfortable before adding boat traffic to the mix. If I’m with experienced paddlers, channels are more likely to be included in the float plan.

I think everyone’s parents have told them to “look both ways before crossing the street,” the same applies for channels. Start looking both ways long before crossing the channel and remember that they sometimes zig-zag. If you focus on just one marker, you may end up closer to the channel than you intend to be. Look for several markers so you know the channel’s path.

If you’re paddling with a group, stop several boat lengths before

entering the channel and wait for everyone in your group to join you.

When you’re sure everyone is ready, line up next to each other and cross quickly and together when it is clear. Do not spread out or leave your slowest paddler behind. Boaters may have difficulty seeing paddlers because of glare off the water, a high riding bow or distractions.

Moving as a group makes you more visible and easier to avoid.

When crossing, paddle straight across and get well off the channel even if it is headed in the direction of your destination. Large vessels need to be in the channel. We do not.

Do not try to cross in front of an approaching boat. Wait until they pass, but beware that some of the bigger vessels can throw off a significant wake. Some of the waves are big enough to surf or swamp you. I try to time the boat wake so I’m hitting the waves with my vessel’s nose / bow first head-on or at a slight angle with some momentum.

This may mean altering my course a bit to set up. Give boaters space so you have time to adjust.

Finally, after safely crossing, keep paying attention to the markers to be sure you don’t paddle back into the channel. I recently got involved in a conversation on the water and missed the fact that the channel turned toward shore. Subsequently, I was paddling in the middle of the channel without knowing it.

While waiting for other vessels to clear the channel before we crossed, a friend tried to explain how we had the right of way. With all due respect to my friend, I didn’t care. The number one Rule of the Road on the water is avoid collision, especially if you’re in the much smaller vessel.

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Anything Goes By: Capt. Terry Fisher

I

always welcome the month of February, as it basically is a month that ‘anything goes’ in regards inshore and offshore fishing. It is the month that allows anglers to target migratory species such as, spanish mackerel, cobia, permit, snappers and groupers, both inshore and offshore. They should be in good numbers. February is the month before the ‘winds of March’ begin to intimidate professional and recreational anglers alike.

This year sheepshead will be the fish of choice as always, especially since the winter season (as we Floridians know it) didn’t exist during the months of December or January, nor did the sheepshead. Rumored to be difficult to catch, they also provide some of the best ‘action’ on light tackle, not to mention the tasty morsels. They will be found along seawalls, ‘piles’, mangroves and oyster beds. Fish for them where and when there is current flow. Like most all species, when the tides have sufficient current, either incoming or outgoing, to change water levels and move bait fishes they are more active and easier to catch. Like always, the larger sheepshead should be feeding and spawning around the aforementioned areas during the cooler water temperatures of February.

Sheepshead are not difficult to catch when the ‘bite is on’, as mentioned above.

Just like any other species, they do not eat ‘non-stop’. However, when they feed, they can be very aggressive. When they go into a feeding mode, they are very easy to catch. Anglers targeting these fish need only to realize that it is during the feeding phase, that they will basically ‘hook’ themselves, with just a little ‘angler’ patience, by not trying to set the hook too quickly. They tend to ‘school’.

When the small Sheepshead are eating, the big ones won’t. Conversely, when the larger sheepshead bite is on, the smaller ones get out of the way.

Recognizing a sheepshead bite from another species is the ‘key’ to understanding how and when to set the hook. Hard hits or redundant nibbling are small mangrove snappers or pinfish.

When either of these fish are biting, odds are the sheepshead are not eating or are not at that location. Light ‘tugs’ or gentle ‘pulls’ are sheepshead. They will pick up the bait and swim away to the left or right of the initial presentation. Any of these events triggers the time to remove some of the slack in the line and set the hook.

My bait of choice for sheepshead are small shrimps. Fiddler crabs are the choice bait for most ‘old timers’, but crabs can be hard to find. I chum the heads of the shrimp to incite more bites while using the tails to catch them. I use light tackle with 10-15lb. braid line with 30lb. leader. Small #1 or #2 bait hooks with a small pinch weight to get the presentation down to the seabed. Simple, but successful!

Spanish mackerel is another bonus during the month of February.

They are headed south to Mexican waters. They will be found in areas where birds are diving, in the passes and flats and off the outer islands in the Gulf of Mexico. Live and artificial presentations all work for these fast moving, aggressive, ‘darting’ fish. They are toothy critters and require heavy monofilament (40-50lbs.) or light wire leaders to prevent bite offs.

These fish like white baits (Pilchards) or silver spoons that resemble them. When using spoons, be sure to use a swivel to prevent line twisting. is the

February transition month for bigger seatrouts to inhabit the grass flats. Wherever they have been for the past few months are beyond me, but seem to come out in 3 to 5 ft. of water with lots of 19” to 24” fish.

Light tackle should be used to enjoy the catches of both small and bigger trout.

Swim baits, top water and paddle tails all work. Use the top water presentations early morning when waters are free from turtle grass and other debris for some really exciting angling. Nothing beats catching a seatrout on a top water lure.

Live shrimp, suspended under a popping cork will provide the most consistent action of all. Fish the milky-green colored waters in depths of 3-5ft. for best results. The greenish color indicates the seabed is covered with grasses for fish safe havens. By-catches will consist of pompano and ladyfish.

Offshore, red grouper, lane snapper and the other species (which were closed last September) have now been reopened in Federal Waters. Fishing for mangrove snappers, yellowtail snappers and most all grouper species are open before the March winds begin to prevail. These species hold on wrecks, rubble and ledges anywhere from 30-100 ft. of water. Be safe and be sure the vessel is worthy and equipped with safety gear.

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his little aught t w/ c e s o lr y Bret Me Fish Trap Ba y. guy in Mark Landr Capt.

Will’s been catching some nice sheepshead in a canal in Ft. Myers!

Jim Ro d w/ a go dy of Cape C oral liath gr ou Caloos ahatch per in the ee Rive r.

Randy Kuhens from South Gulf Cove, w/ a 20” sheepshead.

Melissa Gambino of Cape Coral, w/ a 23” gag grouper.

Denis Burke w/ a juvy tarpon on fly!

Quinn caught Snyder of Na ying jo n pe a nice la e ) r be dyfish in rville, IL ne Lum e water! li e r o Estero h luk (S on th Bay. Craig Callow with a nice Cape Ron Pa holiday time e Coral canal Jack! m o s

Photos submitted Courtesy of Coastal Angler Readers and Contributing Writers Submit pics to: camswfl@gmail.com or text to 239.595.8265

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By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

Fishing the bay side may not even be a second choice this month, with the abundance of cobia, snapper, mackerel and the other usual suspects that frequent our shallow-water wrecks.

However, if the weather allows, fishing the Atlantic side is advisable.

Snapper and amberjack are a viable option, while being near an excellent pelagic fishery.

Wahoo and king mackerel will be cruising the reef, along with sailfish, tuna and the occasional mahi. Mahi may be few and far between in February, but they will likely be much larger than summer schoolies.

On the reef, incredible tailing conditions occur this time of year, which pushes migrating species to the surface. Once in a lifetime sightings can be had, but the most notable species affected by this anomaly is sailfish.

On days like these, we target sailfish by cruising waves along the reef and looking for fish swimming on the surface. Sailfish appear black in the water, and on sunny days you can see them several waves ahead, leaving ample time to set up a pitch bait for sight casting.

In the beginning of winter, when sailfish season begins on the reef, ballyhoo are extremely abundant, and the challenge is to get the fish to choose your bait out of the rest. This time of year, when bait is more scarce, your bug-eyed, red-nosed bait might actually have a chance at coming across as appealing to these hungry travelers.

Tailing conditions in Marathon are caused by an east wind that opposes the current of the Gulf Stream. Migrating fish are traveling against the current, and heavy wind creates waves that push in the direction they are going. By swimming on the surface, to the point where their tails even breach, they use the force of the wind to surf the waves. It gives them a little break. It is a breathtaking experience to see these fish with such clarity, as if they are in a rolling aquarium.

For obvious reasons, this type of fishing requires some heart to brave the he coldest month of the year may shut off a lot of fisheries around waves, and possibly some Dramamine. If you are prone to seasickness, take the country, but the Florida Keys thrive throughout the month of Dramamine the night before. This allows time for it to get into your system February. and eliminates the uncomfortable drowsiness that occurs from taking it the While the Keys are not immune to seasonal cold fronts, the temperatures morning of your trip. remain significantly higher than the rest of the country and provide the Capt. Quinlyn Haddon, of Blue Magic Charters, can be reached at versatility of being able to duck onto the bay side if waters on the Atlantic (504) 920-6342. Check out her social media: @captainquinlyn. side get too sporty.

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TYLER WOOLCOTT

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n the South, bass are making their transition to prepare for the spawn. This time of year can present an awesome opportunity, with large groups of fish ready to feed before they head to the shallows to do their business.

One of the best ways to catch bass is to locate a large group of feeding fish with electronics and put them in the boat. This time of year is my favorite time to do it. Bass group up, stage on certain things in a little bit deeper water near spawning areas and feed heavily.

This scenario presents some very fun fishing days!

The first thing you need is a fish finding unit with side-scan capabilities and a little bit of patience. Finding the perfect spot sometimes isn’t easy, but when you do find it, it can be extremely rewarding.

The first step is to identify a general area in a lake where bass will eventually go to spawn. After that, you want to look for a transition area with structure that bass will stage on and feed before they

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move up to spawn. For most of the country, a transition area can be anything from deeper water with structure, points, or even deep banks leading near the spawning grounds.

Here in Florida, we look for submerged grass clumps or edges, brushpiles, and even shell bars in a bit deeper water near spawning areas. This habitat provides bass with an ambush point to feed heavily and an easy route to spawning grounds when they are ready.

Side scan is very helpful in for finding these things, as you can see the bottom 150 feet or more on each side of your boat at idle speeds.

This allows you to cover a ton of water and eliminate a lot of the guesswork. With some trial and error, you can actually see fish with this technology as well!

I know this technology is expensive and takes some time to learn and understand.

However, if you can get your hands on it and learn how to us it, your understanding of where these fish move, live, and feed will grow exponentially. The best way to learn is to get out on the water and find that special area for yourself. Content and video on the Internet helps if you get stuck in a technological bind or aren’t quite sure what you are seeing on your screen. You can always reach out to me on social media with questions. I’d love to help in any way I can.

Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcottfishing.com.

TIPS FROM A PRO

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UTILIZING ELECTRONICS TO FIND GROUPS OF PRE-SPAWN BASS

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UTILIZING ELECTRONICS TO FIND GROUPS OF PRE-SPAWN BASS

SEAWALL EROSION CONTROL I TYLER WOOLCOTT

n the South, bass are making their transition to prepare for the spawn. This time of year can present an awesome opportunity, with large groups of fish ready to feed before they head to the shallows to do their business.

One of the best ways to catch bass is to locate a large group of feeding fish with electronics and put them in the boat. This time of year is my favorite time to do it. Bass group up, stage on certain things in a little bit deeper water near spawning areas and feed heavily. This scenario presents some very fun fishing days!

The first thing you need is a fish finding unit with side-scan capabilities and a little bit of patience. Finding the perfect spot sometimes isn’t easy, but when you do find it, it can be extremely rewarding.

SAFE FOR THE The first step is to identify a general area in a lake where bass ENVIRONMENT will eventually go to spawn. After that, you want to look for a transition area with structure that bass will stage on and feed before Our Polyurethane they move up to spawn. For most Fills voids of the country, a transition area can Seals cracks Strengthens soilsbe anything from deeper water with structure, points, or even deep banks leading near the spawning grounds.

Here in Florida, we look for submerged grass clumps or edges, brushpiles, and even shell bars in a bit deeper water near spawning areas. This habitat Free Estimates Competitive Pricing provides bass with anofambush Free 2nd Opinions Serving All Floridapoint to feed heavily and an easy route to spawning grounds when they are ready. Side scan is very helpful in for finding these things, as you can see the bottom 150 feet or more on each side of your boat at idle speeds. This allows you to cover a ton of water and eliminate a lot of the guesswork. With some trial and error, you can actually see fish with this technology as well!

I know this technology is expensive and takes some time to learn and understand. However, if you can get your hands on it and learn how to us it, your understanding of where these fish move, live, and feed will grow exponentially. The best way to learn is to get out on the water and find that special area for yourself.

Content and video on the Internet helps if you get stuck in a technological bind or aren’t quite sure what you are seeing on your screen. You can always reach out to me on social media with questions. I’d love to help in any way I can.

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Cool Water, Hot Surf Fishing

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ebruary is one of the coolest months for surf fishing, and it’s one of the best for cool-water fish. Mackerel, jack, bluefish and ladyfish are coolwater fish that are very active this month. February is also one of the best months for table fare like large pompano, whiting and croaker.

The schooling predator fish mentioned above are active chasing bait in the morning around daybreak and in the evening. They are shallow in the morning around the first breakers and running the trough, a deep cut along the shoreline under the closest breakers. Any shiny, fast-moving lure will produce strikes. I prefer small crocodile-style spoons (1-ounce) in the morning, a shallow-running crankbait, if there are no weeds, or small jigs (4-inch pearl white with a 3/8-ounce chartreuse jig head).

Schooling mackerel and bluefish will cut your line, so use a heavy 40-pound mono or fluoro leader tied onto braid. Whether it’s early morning or not, you need to find bait to be successful. Look for birds feeding. On any beach, there will usually be some schools of bait. They might be 100 yards away or a half a mile. Walk the beach and look for dark spots in the water and small splashes on top. Although birds will be feeding on large schools of bait, they may not see smaller schools. Make long search casts past the bait and use a fast, steady retrieve to pull the lure through the bait. The action can be fast and furious as long as you are around bait and feeding fish. All the cool-water predator fish will take live bait and cut bait. Greenies and live shrimp work as well as cut ladyfish and frozen shrimp. If it gets cold, try beach fishing with waders.

Numbers of pompano have been reported along many of the beach accesses in the Treasure Coast area, including Bathtub Beach and Middle Cove up to the Ft. Pierce Inlet. February is one of the best months for large 3- to 5-pound pompano. Pompano beach fishing is an art in itself and requires longer fishing rods as well as triple rigs baited with sand fleas or FishBites (red or pink).

One of the easiest ways to catch pompano is to fish the lagoon bridges (Jensen Beach Causeway/Stuart Bridge if you are in Martin county) with pompano jigs (pink) on moving tides. The whiting bite has been very good this winter with small pieces of frozen shrimp. Cast just past the shoreline breakers. When fishing live or cut bait on the beach, make sure you reel in pompano or whiting fast or your fish might be shark bait. The best table-fare beaches have deeper water. The best times are when high tide is moving in or out.

The weeds have been much better on the beach and the water is clear.

Richard Matteson is a long-time contributor to Coastal Angler Magazine who reports from the Stuart Rod and Reel Club.

Contact him at (336) 414-3440.

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CATCH SMALLMOUTHS IN THE MOUNTAINS OF NORTH CAROLINA

H

By Capt. James McManus

ere in the western North Carolina mountains, we get a lot of visitors.

Snowbirds are what we call people who come here from up north to enjoy our milder climate. One snowbird most fishermen cherish is the smallmouth bass. We are at the southern end of their natural range, and almost all of our watersheds contain some.

Smallies have characteristics that endear them to anglers. They are aggressive, eat year-round, grow to respectable size and when hooked spend as much time out of the water as in.

You can find these beauties in most of our sizeable rivers. River fish seem to be more active in summer. I think it’s linked to terrestrial food items being more available. Floating area rivers like the Tuckasegee, Little Tennessee, Hiwassee and French Broad will keep you in fish regardless of your preferred method. For fly guys, any minnow or crawdad imitation will draw strikes, and in warmer weather nymphs and hoppers get their attention. Poppers and sliders can be lots of fun, just remember river smallies tend to be smaller than their lake buds.

I spend more time chasing lake fish. There is less competition from other anglers, and average size is much better. Winter and early spring are the best seasons, in my opinion, only because the females are chock-full of eggs. It is when we catch our largest fish of the year.

Many methods produce, and I throw a lot of jigs and jerkbaits. Lake fish have a variety of forage, so anything resembling threadfin shad, blueback herring or crawdads fits their menu. Dropshot, Shaky head and wacky-rigged worms all catch fish.

Average depth for smallies year-round is 45 feet, or so. However, our clear mountain lakes allow them to identify prey up on the surface. Don’t shy from throwing topwater just because you mark fish deep.

Especially when they are feeding up pre- and postspawn, you’ll find smallmouths on rock or gravel, where they love to eat little lobsters. They also suspend in open water to chase shad, but this is more of a warm-water behavior. On Lake Fontana, my home lake, we troll a good bit, and it’s not unusual to find them suspended at 45 feet over 200 feet of water.

I should note that while we still have good smallmouth fishing, invasive spotted bass have forced their way into smallie enclaves. For this reason, we never kill a smallmouth. If you like to eat fish, take all the spotted bass you want; they are better eating anyway.

Smallies and spots use the same spawning areas and hybridize. While not good genetically, it produces a fish that has that hybrid vigor, hence the name “meanmouth.” Markings and coloration make the smallmouth one of the prettiest of all fish. We should try hard to preserve them so our kids have the thrill of fighting one of the gamest fish around.

Captain James McManus owns 153 charters out of Sylva, N.C. Call him at (828) 421-8125. James fishing McManus/Instagram.

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C-HAWK & MITZI SKIFF: DEPENDABLE SIMPLICITY

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here’s a certain type of boater who values simplicity and functionality over flashiness. Most anglers fall into this category. A simple boat comes with less hassle, allowing you to spend more time on the water.

Two brands that fit right into this niche for dependability and easy boating are C-Hawk and Mitzi Skiff. Across the product lines for both boats, a no-nonsense reputation has developed a considerable following among people who would rather fish than look at their boats. No trailer queens here!

“We build a keep-it-simple-stupid boat. If you want something you can soft scrub at the end of the day and put it away, you’re my guy,” said Brad Grubbs, the owner and manufacturer of C-Hawk and Mitzi Skiff. “We set out to make boats that are affordable to operate and affordable to own, and the philosophy has worked.”

C-Hawk, which has been around since the mid-1970s, offers lines of 16’ to 29’ center consoles and 22’ to 29’ sport cabins that were originallyw developed for commercial applications. C-Hawks remain widely used commercially, and many recreational boaters also see the value in a vessel

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“Really, we just took a commercial-duty boat and put a little lipstick on it,” Grubbs said. “The boat is as tough as it ever was. It’s been the same boat for nearly 50 years.”

Mitzi Skiffs were designed for a specific purpose, yet the same philosophy applies. When the first Mitzi was designed in the mid-1990s, the concept was simple. There was nothing on the market with the shallow draft, clean layout and quiet maneuverability needed for fly fishing the flats. Those ideas propel the company today.

Almost 30 years later, Mitzi’s line of 15’, 16’ and 17’ skiffs achieve those purposes exceptionally well, and they are inexpensive to own and operate.

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ave yourself the parking headaches—oneshot your boat or trailer into position every time with one of Parkit360’s Electric Trailer Dollies. Parkit360 units are powerful and easy to use. Even large trailered boats, campers and cargo trailers are infinitely more maneuverable, especially in tight spaces, with a Parkit360 Trailer Dolly.

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