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FOR NOVEMBER’S BOUNTY By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon
W
ith cold fronts rolling in and the slow season phasing out, November is a special month off the Keys. Crowds of sailfish begin to move up onto our reef, and a morning spent loading the cooler with yellowtail snapper transitions easily into a trophy fish hunt. Both can be targeted at the same time. Out on the reef, filling the boat with yellowtail takes care of the grocery hunt, and it’s also an opportunity to scoop some fresh ballyhoo. Once the cooler is full, the anchor is pulled and the sailfish hunt begins in the same area. This can lead to epic trips, with dinner and a show, all on a mere half day charter. Sitting on anchor on the reef should give the captain a reasonable assessment for the next steps to take into sailfishing for the remainder of the trip. Often, you will be able to see sailfish breaking the surface around you during the snapper fishing portion of the trip. You may see them either freejumping and putting on a show or pushing up schools of ballyhoo and spraying bait into the air, indicating their presence and appetite. If this obvious display isn’t present right away, there are two viable options to pursue the sailfish.
2 NATIONAL
NOVEMBER 2023
The captain may choose to push out to deeper water and bump troll live bait, or deploy the kite, which can be extremely productive. Alternatively, and easily the more exciting option, is to travel along the reef and look for them. As you cruise the reef looking for a sightcasting opportunity, there are a few indicators to be watchful of. First, it is possible to see the sailfish itself, but this is a little more tricky from deck-level. A sailfish in the water will appear very black and can often look like a trash bag. They can also be spotted free-jumping and cruising the tops of the waves. Looking for the fish directly is actually the least productive way to find them without a tower on the boat to scout from. The best way to find them is running and gunning. Cruising slowly while scouring the surface for bait sprays and diving frigates gives them away almost every time. When the frigates start getting down on the water or large schools of bait are spraying into the air, throttle down because it’s game on. Hauling butt over to
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the action and trying to get your bait out there before the fish eats another ballyhoo is one of the most exciting types of fishing there is. Even if you miss your shot, there’s a great chance you will see the fish. Nothing compares to the adrenaline of this type of hunt. With cooler temperatures pushing in, tourism is more focused on fishing charters. Last minute bookings become more difficult. So, if you’re planning a vacation to the Florida Keys, it is recommended to make a charter reservation beforehand. Happy hunting and Happy Thanksgiving from Sweet E’nuf Charters! Capt. Quinlyn Haddon and Sweet E’nuf Charters fish out of Marathon in the Florida Keys. Contact Capt. Haddon at (504) 920-6342 and follow her social accounts @CaptainQuinlyn.
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EuroNymphing By Nick Carter
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ove it or hate it, Euro nymphing is a style of fly fishing that is growing in popularity because it is so darn effective for catching numbers of trout. Naysayers might gripe about the technique having more in common with cane-pole fishing than fly fishing, but Euro nymphers are too busy netting fish to care. It is a combination of styles employed by European tournament anglers. At the most basic level, it is a simple way to fish nymphs without an indicator. The angler remains in constant loose contact with the fly and leads the drift with the rod. Bite detection is instant, hook sets are quick, and the angler has complete control over the depth and trajectory of the drift. Grant Hawse guides out of Fish Tales Outfitters in Franklin, N.C. He honed his nymphing skills as a member of the U.S. team at the World Youth Fly Fishing Championships in Spain and Slovenia in 2016 and 2017. Here are his tips for getting into Euro nymphing.
THE BASICS
Hawse said he visualizes a 3D grid in a run. He uses a series of short flick casts to drift his nymph over every inch of that grid vertically and horizontally. Depth is controlled by the angle of the rod, making it possible to present the fly on the nose of every fish in a run. Angles, posture and smooth line retrieve are important. Rapt attention to the slightest tick of a bite leads to lightning-fast hook sets. The technique might seem tedious to traditional fly fishers, but if the goal is to catch lots of fish, Euro nymphing has proven itself superior in most situations.
BE A GEAR HEAD
You’ll need new gear to Euro nymph efficiently. Rod: Long, light rods give you reach and sensitivity. Cortland’s Nymph Series rods are 10’ 6” and come in 2- to 4-weight models. THE TECHNIQUE Reel: The reel balances the rig. Hawse said Euro nymphing is an efficient way to cover a reel rated for line one step heavier than the every inch of the water in front of you. With very rod’s rating generally does the trick. Test this by little slack in the system, the angler has complete balancing the rod with two fingers as a fulcrum on the handle. control of the path and depth of the drift.
Line: Hawse suggested spooling up with floating fly line instead of expensive Euro nymphing line. The main line rarely leaves the reel when you’re nymphing, anyway, and if you want to throw dry flies you can switch out the leader. Leader: Here’s a basic leader: 10 feet of 8-lb. mono, 6 feet of 6-lb. mono, 6 feet of 4-lb. mono, 2 feet of 6x sighter, and 4 feet of 6x tippet. Sighter is brightly colored leader material that allows the angler to see where the line is and what it’s doing. Flies: Euro nymph rigs require heavier flies. Fish Tungsten heads or nymphs with lead tied into the body. Contact Fish Tales Outfitters through their website www.fishtaleswnc.com.
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NATIONAL 5
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ver wondered what the depth, bottom structure and composition look like off the end of your favorite jetty, bank, beach or fishing pier? Do you fish smaller waters or from a small boat or kayak and bulky, heavy and expensive electronics aren’t an option? Deeper has brought the advantage of sonar to the masses with portable and castable fishfinders that are perfect for whatever type fishing you do, whether it’s from the shore, from a kayak or small boat, or through a hole in the ice. Deeper PRO+ can be used anywhere to show you all the fish-holding structure and cover as well as the fish themselves. Paired with a free smartphone app, this small sonar unit is smaller than a tennis ball, weighs just 3.5 ounces and can be cast out 330 feet to report back sonar readings from two beams (15 and 55 degrees). It’s the ultimate insight into where you should—or should not—be fishing.
6 NATIONAL
NOVEMBER 2023
This extremely versatile little unit has up to six hours of battery life and connects to your smartphone via its own stable Wi-Fi signal, which provides a much stronger connection than Bluetooth. It’s durable, easy to use and comes with a two-year warranty. Deeper PRO+ pairs with the free Fish Deeper app which provides a crisp, clear display and many great features to help you catch more and bigger fish. With GPS, you can reel or troll the Deeper PRO+ around to create accurate depth and structure maps of your favorite fishery, log catches, mark spots and much more. All scans are saved in the cloud at no additional cost, and you can access them from all your devices. For boaters and kayakers, the Deeper Flexible Arm and Smartphone mount for boat/kayak turns your Smartphone into a convenient and stable display to monitor readings. Shore anglers will love
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Hunting On the Fly Gator Trout By Nick Carter
C
atching gator trout heavier than 5 or 6 pounds has more in common with hunting than it does with setting up on a drop and catching schoolie trout hand over fist. Add to that the challenge of hunting them with a fly, and success becomes that much sweeter. Capt. Gus Brugger knows that sweet feeling well. He’s a regular contributor the Treasure Coast edition of Coastal Angler Magazine who has been hounding inshore species with a fly rod for nearly 40 years. He was a full-time inshore guide on Florida’s storied Indian River Lagoon for 23 years and has a lot to share when it comes to catching monster trout on the fly. “It’s got to be all about stealth if you want to get a big seatrout on the fly,” he said. “Whether from a kayak, a boat, or just accessing areas from the bank, I always feel like you’re a lot better off wading.” The primary benefit of wading is stealth, and it also forces you to work areas thoroughly. Outsized trout are notoriously skittish and spook from hull slap, shadows and even fly line on the water. With your feet in the sand, you’re less obtrusive, and while you might not be able to cover water like you would from a boat, you can be meticulous. “Grid out pieces of open water, set up with the wind off your shoulder— so you’re not knocking yourself in the head,” Brugger said. “Cast, take two steps to the side, and then cast again. Wind helps, and a little chop on the water helps keep them from spooking.” Carefully picking apart potholes, ditches and depressions on a flat is the go-to tactic for most of the year, but cooler winter water temps bring exciting opportunities for fly anglers. Winter may be the best time to target giant trout. “In winter, gators act more like snook than trout,” Brugger said. Big trout push into the backwaters in search of deeper holes with more comfortable
8 NATIONAL
NOVEMBER 2023
water temperatures. This could be off a canal dock or in a trough of deep water along a mangrove bank. These comfort zones consolidate fish. While wading isn’t an option in several feet of muck on a canal bottom, a kayak or small skiff can get you in quietly. Brugger and his son have had great winter days at backwater holes in no-motor zones. As for gear, a 7- or 8-weight fly rod gives you the ability to throw big streamers and baitfish patterns. Brugger said they’ll eat a shrimp, but you’re better off throwing big mullet or menhaden imitations. Whether it’s a Clouser, Bendback, Polar Fiber Minnow, or some articulated monstrosity, Brugger fishes flies that are 6 inches and longer. Some days they want flashy white and chartreuse patterns. Other days they want something more natural. A clear intermediate sinking fly line is helpful for stealth and to get flies down into the strike zone. For more tips and tactics, visit coastalanglermag.com.
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FLORIDA 3
THE OFF SEASON IS SO ON!
fall and winter great, but also the fact that there are fewer tourists around. That means when you go fishing in popular areas, you won’t have to fight for the best spots. Plus, lots of resorts and hotels offer off-season rates, so you can save money and get more value for your dollar. A lot of species are in migration patterns during these months, so you can expect a wide variety of fish. Many of the fish that migrate south when ocean temps begin cooling eventually park themselves off the Keys. If you’re trying to go offshore, blackfin tuna and sailfish become more plentiful this time of year. Blackfins are delicious, and sailfish offer a battle you won’t forget when they come up out of the water tailwalking. Various mackerel and snapper species are usually available for the taking around this time, as well, and that’s usually action-packed. In the backcountry, there are jumbo snook, tarpon and permit. These classic backcountry game fish will definitely give you a fight to remember. So, whether you prefer fishing in the backcountry or in open water, you’re guaranteed to have a blast and reel in some great catches. The offseason months are really the best time to visit. The water is calm, there are lots of fish species to catch, the scenery is breathtaking, and you can count on local guides to help you out. Book your trip, take advantage of the offseason rates, and embark on an unforgettable fishing adventure in the stunning Florida Keys!
By Astrid DeGruchy
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f you love fishing, you’ve gotta check out the Florida Keys during the off season. While most people visit from March to June, anglers in the know go during the offseason, from August through December. Not only does the temperature drop comfortably, but the hotels are more affordable and the fishing is amazing. It’s not just the cooler temperatures that makes
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NOVEMBER 2023
NEW SNOOK MANAGEMENT BEGINS JAN. 1
B
eginning Jan. 1, the way Florida manages its snook fisheries will change dramatically. At its October meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved new management regions and regulations for snook in state waters. These regulations will establish nine new snook management regions and establish open seasons as well as bag and slot limits for each region. This will allow FWC staff to monitor snook fisheries in each region independently and annually to adjust regulations regionally, similar to the way redfish are managed. “Through innovative management strategies like this, which allow us to be agile in our response to concerns, we are ensuring that Florida’s future generations of anglers will have access to this iconic fishery,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. Here’s a breakdown of the regions and regulations for next year: Panhandle, Big Bend, Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay Open Season: March – April, September – November Bag limit: one fish Slot limit: 28-33 inches Charlotte Harbor, Southwest Open Season: March – April, October – November Bag Limit: one fish Slot Limit: 28-33 inches Southeast, Indian River Lagoon, Northeast Open Season: February – May, September – Dec. 14 Bag Limit: one fish Slot Limit: 28-32 inches For more information, including the October 2023 Commission meeting presentation, visit MyFWC.com/Commission.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
Fall Fishing By: Capt. Dave Stephens
T
his fall has been a little crazy so far, as we have been down on our summer rains. In October, we started out with lots of rain, with standing water in Central Florida coming over our way and down the Peace River. Our estuary depends heavily on a balance of fresh and saltwater and too much or not enough rain can make the balance uneven. Normally as we get into November, we will begin to see a decrease in our rains. This is the time of year we start seeing a lot of movement from our local game fish and with winter closing in the local rivers and creeks will be a destination for these fish. While most of these fish can tolerate freshwater, it still might play a factor in their migration. The fishery has been in good shape for the past several weeks and the snook population has been very good around the local mangrove shorelines. Points with a good tide flow have been producing very well. The sea trout bite has been good along the bars
with deeper flats adjacent. I have found that areas that have schools of small pilchards on the bars have been holding the best. I have also been finding some nice trout holding off the mangrove islands. The red fish bite, however, hasn't been as consistent as normal. We have been catching good numbers of them, however some days we have to look harder than others. All of our catches have been on live bait. As we get further into the fall season, start looking in your local creeks, as that bite will definitely start heating up. If you would like to experience some Southwest Florida's finest fishing! Give us a call or send us an email. All of our trips are customized to fit you and your party's needs.
Back Bay Xtremes |Backbayextremes.com 941-916-5769
FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | NOVEMBER 2023 | FORT MYERS 1
The Change of Seasons By: Capt. Bart Marx
N
ovember begins the cool fronts in Southwest Florida to start coming down from the north. This makes it tough for those long runs offshore in search of grouper and snapper. Before the fronts get here the wind blows from the south and when the front passes it starts blowing from the northwest. In our area, we must run out about thirty miles to get out to one-hundred-foot depth where there are some nice fish. Now with the State of Florida changing the regulations on different species make sure you check before you run out that deep to target what’s actually in season. The wrecks and reefs out there can be holding yellow tail snapper, blackfin tuna, and amber jacks. I am old school I still use an anchor. I know that the anchor lock trolling motors are becoming very popular and no pulling the rope. But to me the jury is still out whether the trolling motor running keeps the snappers down on the bottom. When I fish the reefs and wrecks, I like to anchor close to the edge of the structure and chum the snappers up to the surface. This is when all you need is a hook on your line to match whatever you are chumming with and let it float down with the chum. And when you watch your line coming off your spool when it picks up speed flip your bail and wait for it to come tight and FISH ON. The amber jack and tuna will come up in your chum slick too. And the man in the grey suit will come to collect taxes! When I am done playing that game and, on my way back to shore, I’ll look for anything floating as I may find some tripletail hiding to ambush any baits that swim by. In October, stone crab season opened and there are plenty of buoys all down the coast to check out for these hard fighting good eating fish. They will eat most any small live baits and most artificials like DOA shrimp. When I get into the 50-75 ft. range, look for lanes and mangrove snappers. They like the natural ledges the best with just a little relief and or grass on the high side of the structure. Start with frozen baits, spanish sardines, frozen shrimp, squid. When the bite gets and also when it starts to slow down this is when I start some live baits like shrimp and greenbacks. This excites the bigger fish that have been laying back. And with the cold fronts starting this is when the migration of the bait and the pelagic fish. Spanish and kings will start heading south for the winter. I often help clients shorten their learning curve on their own boat with a training session and teach how to use the tackle either inshore or offshore.
Alpha Omega Charters | alphaomegacharters.com captbart@alphaomegacharters.com | 941-979-6517 2 FORT MYERS | NOVEMBER 2023 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
SCHUMAN INSURANCE
"Nothing Like A Day On The Water!"
The Pumpkin Patch
By: Caitlyn Gatrell
F
all is a great time of year in Florida. With the change of weather and a slight dip in temperatures, some species make their ways away, while others start to come out more. Redfish are amongst some of the most sought-after inshore gamefish, and they like to make an appearance during the fall season. You can’t miss them when they migrate in the area. During the early mornings, you can hear them splashing nearby and see their tails come up through the water’s surface. The dawn bite with the beautiful sunrise skies is my favorite, and using a topwater lure is the icing on the cake. The slight clicking sound that comes as you “walk the dog” is followed with anticipation as you await that topwater bite. It’s such a thrilling thing to witness when you see a beautiful red blow up on your bait. The screaming drag that quickly follows gets my heart racing. Seeing the line fly through the water and the fish pull further away gets me ready for a battle. The biggest challenge is making sure they don’t run on any nearby structure that can risk losing them. While it’s happened before, redfish are some of the luckiest fights I encounter. For some reason, it seems to be more rare to loose one compared to a snook or tarpon for example. Once you get your hook set, which doesn’t seem to be too hard to accomplish, it’s an almost guarantee to successfully bring them in. I love to see the boil on the water’s surface as they give a powerful kick and dig back down. I let the line go when they fight, and when they give a break, I quickly reel in. The process repeats until they are at the boat. Sometimes they give another big kick right at the boat, but once they are ready, I have someone grab them by their thick tail, and place a hand under the belly. It’s such a great feeling when I get them in my hands. It’s like a pat on the back, especially for the bull reds. I love the slimy yet texturized feel of their scales and their beautiful tones of red and gold. I always like to take a couple photos to remember the memory and to share with other anglers. The careful release ensures a good revival and a safe send off. I find fishing around mangrove lines and oyster beds are my biggest hit during fall. Hungry reds wait in the shadows and are on the prowl for anything tasty. Throwing live mullet and pilchards or some D.O.A or Gulp swim baits are a big hit. Sometimes we’ll catch smaller ones, but the 30+s make their way in sometimes. Fishing southwest Florida is such a memorable experience during the fall, and fishing for redfish just makes the experience more enjoyable. For those that have experienced similar, you know exactly what I’m talking about!
WE KNOW BOATS!
Why insure yours with anyone else! I'm Capt. David Schuman a second generation insurance agent. Our family has been serving Lee County for 42 years.
Boat Auto Home Motorcycle Life Business Capt. David Schuman 1329 Hibiscus Dr., Cape Coral, FL 33909 239-242-8072 Davidschuman3@allstate.com 2801 Del Prado Blvd S., Cape Coral, FL 33904 239-945-8888
3114 Lee Blvd Suite 4, Lehigh Acres, FL 33971 239-369-1313
FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | NOVEMBER 2023 | FORT MYERS 3
er Co. -1536
Veteran’s Day
and the Fort. Myers Boat Show By: Capt. Terry Fisher
F
irstly, I want to thank all our ‘Military Veterans’ and active personnel for their bravery, support and service for protecting the United States of America and our allies. It takes courage to join any military branch that may require one to put their ‘life on the line’ at a moment’s notice and be transferred to domestic or foreign ports, leaving their families and friends behind, not knowing if they will return. That is a lonely feeling. I salute Navy, Airforce, Army, Coast Guard and of course my Marine Corps brothers and sisters. SEMPER FI! The flags representing each branch of our military will be displayed at my seminars and the Fish Face Charter ‘booth’ at the upcoming November 9-12th BOAT SHOW, located downtown Ft. Myers at and around the convention center. Pictured here is one of my most recent charters with two Camp Pendleton, California Marine Corps officers, Osprey Pilot, Major Jenna Montgomery and Reconnaissance (‘RECON’) Captain, Christian Cole holding one of the fish they caught on a recent trip to Florida. Having the pleasure of being with them brought back memories that had been locked away in my brain until that afternoon. Other recent Marines on board Fish Face III, included Rich Hare and his son Scooter. Richard held the rank of Sergeant and Scooter a Corporal. Richard went on the be a Commander with the Chicago Police Department and after retirement, now lives in Cape Coral. Looking forward to being with all again. Thank you for your service and brotherhood. Semper Fi (ALL FOR ONE, ONE FOR ALL)! On the first of October 1st mate Vicki and I returned from our final Florida Keys Fishing trip from Duck Key, where we spent three days fishing with the Maverick Boat Group. Maverick hosted owners of Pathfinders and sponsored a fun filled fishing competition among families and friends. We caught lots of reef species, including some nice yellowtail snappers. Dolphin fishing was not so good, and we were disappointed with the lack of harvest, due mostly to the time of year. It is hard to think that I lost my touch on that trip, but I must have done something wrong. Nonetheless, I am looking forward to the next mahi season on the eastern seaboard for another opportunity. Here in Southwest Florida, November is a transitional month whereby the higher tides begin to subside and restrict access to many shallower venues. Snook are in full retreat from the beaches to go up the rivers, creeks, and mangroves while offshore species begin to come in closer to the mainland to lesser depths as the waters cool down. The redfish are still in good numbers inshore but begin to relocate from the
summer and fall locations to access baits in preferred water temperatures and depths. Normally, I target redfish in October. However, I believe the redfish bite will be better during this November as the water temperatures have been brutal all summer long and throughout the month of September and into October. It is my opinion that the flats fishing for other species will also be better this year than those of previous Novembers. The techniques will remain the same. Offshore anglers have experienced the effect that water temperature has on species. Throughout the summer and fall months in Southwest Florida, anglers have been forced to fish Federal Waters in depths of 150 or more feet to produce large fish. This is more than fifty (50) miles out just to get to their habitats. I have reports of anglers running over seventy (70) miles for big fish with no guarantees. However, since FWC and the Feds have closed red grouper and gags, I submit that those who want to enjoy offshore fishing in November and the ‘winter’ months can still do so in as little as seventy feet of water, as it is this time of the year reef species will relocate to shallower depths. Additionally, seasonal migratory fish mentioned above (cobia, permit, kingfish, blackfin tuna and wahoo) are around. Therefore, when fishing for the reef species, place a couple of lines and baits higher in the water column for an opportunity to catch them. Migratory fish are on the move and can be a pleasant surprise. The Ft. Myers Boat Show will be held on November at the Ft. Myers Convention Center November 9-12. Fish Face Charters will have a booth in the convention center, and I will be holding fishing seminars where Marine Max will have their display. Food and beverages will be at the location. I will be doing at least two (2), one-hour seminars on where, when, and how to catch inshore and offshore fish, including tarpon. Check out the Boat Show Booklet for location and exact time. In the meantime, it is my tentative plan to have the first seminar start at 11am to noon and the second seminar at 1pm to 2pm. Question and answer sessions will be included! This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com or email me at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com to book a charter on your vessel or mine as I am available by the hour as Captain for Hire for navigational, safety and fishing locations and techniques that insure your every trip is a success. Call me at 239-357-6829 for a immediate response.
Fish Face Charters | fishfacecharters.com | 239-357-6829
4 FORT MYERS | NOVEMBER 2023 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
51
ST ANNUAL
FORT MYERS
THURSDAY - SUNDAY, NOV 9TH -12TH
2023
ON THE CALOOSAHATCHEE RIVER IN FT. MYERS’ HISTORIC DOWNTOWN Explore boats of all styles and sizes showcased throughout Centennial Park and within the Caloosa Sound Convention Center. Discover hundreds of accessory exhibits showcasing everything from engines and electronics to boat lifts, boating services, fishing seminars, gear, apparel, and all the essentials for your adventures on the water.
Tickets & More Information Available at www.FortMyersBoatShow.com
MAIN ENTRANCE Bay St. & Heitman St. Intersection (Next to the Post Office) ADMISSION: $20 (Under 15 Free with Paid Adult)
Marine Industries Association
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA AND TAMPA BAY
FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | NOVEMBER 2023 | FORT MYERS 5
Florida Kayak Bass Trail
by: Dan Carns, Gulf Coast Kayak
A
lot of my readers are saltwater anglers and with good reason. Open any map of Florida and just look at the endless opportunities there are to kayak fish. Bordered on the east coast by the Atlantic Ocean, to the west are the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and best of all are the estuaries and bays surrounding the state. But I challenge you to follow any estuary inland and not find a string of freshwater lakes, ponds and rivers overflowing with some, if not the best bass fisheries in America. The Florida Kayak Bass Trail (FKBT) is excited to announce the return of their annual Kayak Fishing Tournament Series. I know fishing tournaments can be a bit intimidating, but this series hosted by Chris Bailey, Shawn Spears and Todd Quillin is geared more toward encouraging the sport and especially anyone new to the group. Last year, in its inaugural season there were over 70 members which is a tremendous turnout, and this year is on track to beat that number. Unlike many other tournament series there is a low-cost (per event) entry fee and a low-cost membership fee but a huge monthly payout to the top three winners including monthly raffles and giveaways at the post fishing meet ups. They are also an Ambassador Club of the KBF series. Many fishing tournaments are only once a year but what’s exciting about fishing a trial series is that you get to launch into those inland trophy waters and really get to hone your bass skills month after month. The majority of these FKBT Tournament fisheries are located centrally across the state from Lake Okeechobee to just north of Orlando. While you may not be able to participate in all these events due to the location you only need to fish in five events to qualify for the final championship event. Angler of the Year (AOY) title will be awarded to the angler with the most points accrued during the season, so the more events that you participate in the more likely you are to take this title. Last year’s AOY won a Vanhunks Elite Pro Angler 13’ Peddle drive fishing kayak and I’m excited to announce that Vanhunks Boarding is returning as a primary sponsor. The growing list of supporting partners for this series includes a bunch of great companies including Dakota Lithium Batteries, Torrent Outdoors, Kayak Kushion, Ketch Boards, Rogue Fishing Co. just to name a few but not all. Vanhunks Boarding plans to be at several of these events during the year. Our plan is to launch, film, and give anglers a chance to try our products on the water during or after the events conclude. Even if your new to Kayak fishing you should consider joining the Florida Kayak Bass Trail and I assure you that it will boost your skills and turbo charge your fishing experience. Find info on Facebook or Instagram @floridakayakbasstrail It’s A Wild World-Get Out There! Dan Carns @paddlinandfishin
6 FORT MYERS | NOVEMBER 2023 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | NOVEMBER 2023 | FORT MYERS 7
fishfacecharters@ yahoo.com 239.357.6829
MATLACHA
www.USHarbors.com
November/2023 • 26°38’N 82°4’W
Matlacha Pass, FL - Nov 2023 High
Date
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ft
www.USHarbors.com
November/2023 • 26°39’N 81°52’W
Fort Myers, FL - Nov 2023
Low PM
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3771 Palm Beach Blvd., Ft. Myers, FL 33916 239.694.2185
FORT MYERS
High
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ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
8:38
0.9
2:20P
0.1
11:52
0.8
7:35
6:46
1
Wed
3:54
2.3
1:00
-0.1
7:40
6:47
1
Wed
5:23
1.7
2
Thu
4:29
2.3
1:55
0.0
7:40
6:47
2
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5:58
1.6
9:58
0.8
3:17
0.1
7:36
6:45
3
Fri
5:11
2.1
2:57
0.1
7:41
6:46
3
Fri
6:38
1.5
11:07
0.9
12:54
0.8
4:16
0.2
7:37
6:44
4
Sat
6:05
1.9
4:05
0.2
7:42
6:45
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7:30
1.3
11:56
0.9
2:17
0.8
5:15
0.2
7:37
6:44
5
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6:26
1.7
11:32
1.4
4:08
0.2
6:43
5:45
5
Sun
7:49
1.1
11:35
1.0
2:45
0.7
5:08
0.2
6:38
5:43
6
Mon
8:26
1.6
11:36
1.5
3:53
1.3
5:01
0.3
6:43
5:44
6
Mon
9:49
1.0
4:08
0.6
5:53
0.2
6:39
5:43
7
Tue
10:09
1.6
11:47
1.6
5:23
1.1
5:45
0.4
6:44
5:43
7
Tue
12:08
1.0
11:25A
1.0
5:22
0.5
6:28
0.3
6:39
5:42
8
Wed
11:25
1.6
11:58
1.7
6:18
0.8
6:20
0.5
6:45
5:43
8
Wed
12:38
1.1
12:31
1.1
6:26
0.4
6:57
0.3
6:40
5:41
9
Thu
12:26
1.5
7:01
0.6
6:50
0.7
6:45
5:42
9
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1:03
1.2
1:23
1.1
7:22
0.3
7:21
0.4
6:41
5:41
10
Fri
12:10
1.8
1:20
1.5
7:39
0.3
7:14
0.8
6:46
5:42
10
Fri
1:24
1.3
2:11
1.1
8:13
0.3
7:43
0.5
6:41
5:40
11
Sat
12:23
1.9
2:10
1.5
8:15
0.1
7:35
1.0
6:47
5:41
11
Sat
1:43
1.4
2:58
1.0
9:02
0.2
8:03
0.6
6:42
5:40
12
Sun
12:38
2.0
2:58
1.4
8:50
-0.1
7:51
1.1
6:48
5:41
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2:02
1.5
3:47
1.0
9:51
0.1
8:23
0.6
6:43
5:39
13
Mon
12:58
2.1
3:47
1.4
9:26
-0.2
8:06
1.1
6:48
5:40
13
Mon
2:24
1.6
4:40
0.9
10:39
0.1
8:44
0.7
6:44
5:39
14
Tue
1:24
2.2
4:42
1.3
10:06
-0.3
8:17
1.2
6:49
5:40
14
Tue
2:51
1.7
5:39
0.8
11:28
0.0
9:07
0.7
6:44
5:38
15
Wed
1:56
2.3
10:52
-0.4
6:50
5:39
15
Wed
3:25
1.8
6:43
0.8
12:19P
0.0
9:38
0.7
6:45
5:38
16
Thu
2:34
2.3
11:45
-0.3
6:51
5:39
16
Thu
4:05
1.7
7:51
0.7
1:13P
0.0
10:25
0.7
6:46
5:38
17
Fri
3:18
2.3
12:46
-0.3
6:51
5:38
17
Fri
4:53
1.6
8:54
0.7
2:11P
0.0
11:42
0.7
6:47
5:37
18
Sat
4:11
2.2
1:52
-0.2
6:52
5:38
18
Sat
5:48
1.5
9:44
0.7
3:11
0.0
6:47
5:37
19
Sun
5:18
2.0
3:00
-0.1
6:53
5:38
19
Sun
6:59
1.3
10:26
0.8
1:14
0.6
4:09
0.1
6:48
5:37
20
Mon
6:52
1.8
10:48
1.3
4:01
0.0
6:54
5:37
20
Mon
8:33
1.2
11:04
0.8
2:43
0.5
5:01
0.2
6:49
5:36
21
Tue
8:48
1.6
10:59
1.4
3:49
1.1
4:53
0.2
6:55
5:37
21
Tue
10:18
1.1
11:40
1.0
4:08
0.4
5:43
0.2
6:50
5:36
22
Wed
10:33
1.5
11:16
1.6
5:22
0.7
5:37
0.4
6:55
5:37
22
Wed
11:44
1.0
5:30
0.3
6:16
0.3
6:50
5:36
23
Thu
12:00P
1.5
11:35
1.8
6:28
0.4
6:13
0.6
6:56
5:37
23
Thu
12:15
1.1
12:52
1.0
6:46
0.2
6:44
0.4
6:51
5:36
24
Fri
1:14P
1.4
11:58
2.0
7:22
0.0
6:42
0.8
6:57
5:36
24
Fri
12:48
1.3
1:51
0.9
7:55
0.1
7:08
0.4
6:52
5:36
25
Sat
2:22
1.3
8:10
-0.2
7:06
1.0
6:58
5:36
25
Sat
1:20
1.4
2:47
0.8
8:58
0.0
7:32
0.5
6:53
5:35
26
Sun
12:22
2.1
3:25
1.3
8:55
-0.4
7:25
1.1
6:58
5:36
26
Sun
1:50
1.5
3:43
0.8
9:56
-0.1
7:56
0.5
6:53
5:35
27
Mon
12:50
2.2
4:27
1.2
9:37
-0.5
7:39
1.1
6:59
5:36
27
Mon
2:19
1.6
4:40
0.7
10:49
-0.1
8:25
0.5
6:54
5:35
28
Tue
1:20
2.2
10:19
-0.5
7:00
5:36
28
Tue
2:48
1.6
5:38
0.7
11:37
-0.2
9:01
0.6
6:55
5:35
29
Wed
1:53
2.2
11:01
-0.5
7:01
5:36
29
Wed
3:20
1.6
6:34
0.7
12:21P
-0.2
9:50
0.6
6:55
5:35
30
Thu
2:30
2.2
11:45
-0.4
7:01
5:36
30
Thu
3:55
1.5
7:27
0.7
1:02P
-0.2
10:52
0.6
6:56
5:35
Moon
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8 FORT MYERS | NOVEMBER 2023 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
10871 Kelly Rd Ft Myers, FL 33908 239.267.6857
SANIBEL/ CAPTIVA
www.USHarbors.com
November/2023 • 26°29’N 82°11’W
Captiva Island (outside), FL - Nov 2023 High
Date
AM
ft
www.USHarbors.com
November/2023 • 26°56’N 82°4’W
Punta Gorda, Charlotte Harbor, FL - Nov 2023
Low PM
ft
AM
ft
9:04
PM
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3035 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33952 941-627-5558
PUNTA GORDA/ CHARLOTTE HABOR
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7:40
6:47
1
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4:17
2.3
12:59
-0.1
7:36
6:46
1
Wed
12:51
3.2
2
Thu
1:26
3.1
9:59
0.0
7:40
6:47
2
Thu
4:52
2.3
1:54
0.0
7:37
6:46
3
Fri
2:08
2.9
11:01
0.1
7:41
6:46
3
Fri
5:34
2.1
2:56
0.1
7:38
6:45
4
Sat
3:02
2.6
4:04
0.2
7:38
6:44
5
Sun
3:23
2.4
8:29
2.0
4:07
0.2
6:39
5:44
6
Mon
5:23
2.2
8:33
2.0
7
Tue
7:06
2.1
8:44
2.1
1:27
8
Wed
8:22
2.1
8:55
2.3
9
Thu
9:23
2.1
9:07
10
Fri
10:17
2.1
11
Sat
11:07
12
Sun
13
12:09
0.2
7:42
6:45
4
Sat
6:28
1.9
11:57
1.8
6:43
5:45
5
Sun
6:49
1.7
11:55
1.4
1:05
0.4
6:43
5:44
6
Mon
8:49
1.6
11:59
1.5
1.5
1:49
0.5
6:44
5:43
7
Tue
10:32
1.6
2:22
1.1
2:24
0.7
6:45
5:43
8
Wed
12:10
1.6
11:48A
2.4
3:05
0.8
2:54
0.9
6:45
5:42
9
Thu
12:21
1.7
9:20
2.6
3:43
0.4
3:18
1.1
6:46
5:42
10
Fri
12:33
2.0
9:35
2.7
4:19
0.1
3:39
1.3
6:47
5:41
11
Sat
11:55
1.9
9:55
2.9
4:54
-0.1
3:55
1.4
6:48
5:41
12
Mon
12:44P
1.9
10:21
3.0
5:30
-0.3
4:10
1.6
6:48
5:40
14
Tue
1:39P
1.8
10:53
3.1
6:10
-0.4
4:21
1.6
6:49
15
Wed
11:31
3.2
6:56
-0.5
16
Thu
7:49
17
Fri
12:15
3.1
18
Sat
1:08
19
Sun
20
12:12P
0.3
3:52
1.3
5:00
0.3
6:40
5:43
5:22
1.1
5:44
0.4
6:41
5:42
1.6
6:17
0.8
6:19
0.5
6:41
5:42
12:49
1.5
7:00
0.6
6:49
0.7
6:42
5:41
1.8
1:43
1.5
7:38
0.3
7:13
0.8
6:43
5:41
12:46
1.9
2:33
1.5
8:14
0.1
7:34
1.0
6:43
5:40
Sun
1:01
2.0
3:21
1.4
8:49
-0.1
7:50
1.1
6:44
5:40
13
Mon
1:21
2.1
4:10
1.4
9:25
-0.2
8:05
1.1
6:45
5:39
5:40
14
Tue
1:47
2.2
5:05
1.3
10:05
-0.3
8:16
1.2
6:46
5:39
6:50
5:39
15
Wed
2:19
2.3
6:18
1.2
10:51
-0.4
8:19
1.2
6:46
5:38
-0.5
6:51
5:39
16
Thu
2:57
2.3
11:44
-0.3
6:47
5:38
8:50
-0.4
6:51
5:38
17
Fri
3:41
2.3
12:45
-0.3
6:48
5:38
3.0
9:56
-0.3
6:52
5:38
18
Sat
4:34
2.2
1:51
-0.2
6:49
5:37
2:15
2.7
11:04
-0.2
6:53
5:38
19
Sun
5:41
2.0
2:59
-0.1
6:49
5:37
Mon
3:49
2.4
7:45
1.8
12:05P
0.0
4:00
0.0
6:50
5:37
21
Tue
5:45
2.2
7:56
2.0
22
Wed
7:30
2.1
8:13
2.2
1:26
23
Thu
8:57
2.0
8:32
2.4
24
Fri
10:11
1.9
8:55
25
Sat
11:19
1.8
26
Sun
12:22P
27
Mon
1:24P
28
11:53
1.5
6:54
5:37
20
Mon
7:15
1.8
11:11
1.3
12:57
0.2
6:55
5:37
21
Tue
9:11
1.6
11:22
1.4
3:48
1.1
4:52
0.2
6:51
5:36
1.0
1:41
0.5
6:55
5:37
22
Wed
10:56
1.5
11:39
1.6
5:21
0.7
5:36
0.4
6:52
5:36
2:32
0.5
2:17
0.8
6:56
5:37
23
Thu
12:23P
1.5
11:58
1.8
6:27
0.4
6:12
0.6
6:52
5:36
2.7
3:26
0.0
2:46
1.1
6:57
5:36
24
Fri
1:37
1.4
7:21
0.0
6:41
0.8
6:53
5:36
9:19
2.9
4:14
-0.3
3:10
1.3
6:58
5:36
25
Sat
12:21
2.0
2:45
1.3
8:09
-0.2
7:05
1.0
6:54
5:36
1.7
9:47
3.0
4:59
-0.6
3:29
1.5
6:58
5:36
26
Sun
12:45
2.1
3:48
1.3
8:54
-0.4
7:24
1.1
6:55
5:35
1.6
10:17
3.0
5:41
-0.7
3:43
1.5
6:59
5:36
27
Mon
1:13
2.2
4:50
1.2
9:36
-0.5
7:38
1.1
6:55
5:35
Tue
10:50
3.0
6:23
-0.7
7:00
5:36
28
Tue
1:43
2.2
10:18
-0.5
6:56
5:35
29
Wed
11:27
2.9
7:05
-0.6
7:01
5:36
29
Wed
2:16
2.2
11:00
-0.5
6:57
5:35
30
Thu
7:49
-0.5
7:01
5:36
30
Thu
2:53
2.2
11:44
-0.4
6:58
5:35
Moon
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Sail Into A New Season D By: Jessica Harris
id someone say fall? As summer has ended, we’re expected to see the sailfish rolling in through October and November months. Too chilly is never an issue here, the good thing about Florida is fishing year-round! Yep, the captains always love that one. We’re still seeing the mahi mahi bite which is always a fun and tasty fish to see, not to mention a pretty one. As pictured, I always tend to find a school, but I’m not complaining! They make the best tacos and always so unique in color. The full moons may also have the wahoo biting, too which is another tasty fish. But what a lot of anglers from all over the world come to find in the fall months aren’t the ones you catch to eat, but the ones you catch to admire. They are the majestic sails. Their colors are bright and they’re feeding quick. Something about that little dance they do always has people coming back for more! When I caught the sailfish pictured, he was so quick to get the bait that he nearly broke his bill on the boat. Not to mention he wasn’t even hooked, he
was bill wrapped and another sail was right behind him chasing the same bait. The boat may have got a few scratches on it this go round but they will always have a story to tell. Talk about a nerve wrecker and a sight to see! He swam off to see another day and hopefully make a wonderful fishing story for the next angler. The sailfish is a good and safe bet for a bucket list fish for anyone. It’s an exhilarating, beautiful and one-of-a-kind catch. Whether you catch 1 or 25, the adrenaline is always the same. I have also tagged a sailfish before which I recommend anyone doing if they’re able. It’s so neat to see how they live, what they try to eat, where they travel to, etc. I’ve noticed that a hardy live bait on the kite always does the trick. You must bribe those suckers but once you get one, it’s worth the wait. Make sure to keep them living and make the photos quick. They’re a heavy fish so they need the best care! Get ready to become addicted to the chase, keep the flags flying and Happy Fishing!
M
10 FORT MYERS | NOVEMBER 2023 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
The Candlelighters of
ng the round recker make d and utiful naline ecom, what dy live rs but living e best flying
MINDFUL FISHING by: Brendon Allen
T
he morning sky comes alive with hues of blue and orange as the sun slowly rises above the horizon. The muddled smell of sea birds, seagrass, and salt wafts through the air as you cautiously approach the first sign of turbulent water. Bait fish spring into the air and crash back down into crystalline waters as you prepare your first cast. With a pounding heart and focused gaze, you cast your line and watch it as it gently unfolds in front of your target. You strip once, twice, and a third time before it becomes obvious that the opportunity has been missed. You turn to your buddy with a look of exasperation as he mutters the cliché, “there’s a reason it's called fishing, not catching.” It's a saying we’ve all heard and been slightly annoyed by, especially after losing a fish or a slow day on the water. That being said, it is a phrase worth meditating on. We all love to feed our ego by telling grand stories about how we skillfully landed that trophy fish, but does this come at an expense? More than anything, the aforementioned phrase is a reminder to enjoy the means just as much as the ends, even though that may be harder to brag to your friends about. Moreover,
lighters of SWFL
it's a reminder to be in the moment, to experience the beauty of our surroundings and not lose sight of what's right in front of us in exchange for a future that isn’t promised. This isn’t to say that the joys of catching a prize game fish should be ignored or triumphant stories shouldn't be told. That’s part of the fun of fishing, but only part. Being fully present as you cast brings joy to the act of casting and will most likely help you improve your cast. Being in the moment so that you can take in the smell of a tidal flat or the feel of a southerly breeze will not only connect you to your surroundings, but it might also tune you into how the fish are acting and feeding in that particular area. So, the next time you find yourself focused on the catching, remember that being in the moment during the fishing is where the real magic happens, and who knows? Maybe you’ll get the best of both worlds.
FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | NOVEMBER 2023 | FORT MYERS 11
Caloosa Blueway By: Mike Hammond
I
t seemed like a long wait, but one of the most popular sites along the Calusa Blueway has reopened. Lovers Key State Park opened its gates to the public in September. The beaches, boat ramp, and – most importantly to us – the paddle craft launch is ready for visitors. I took advantage of the first day in September that was not stifling hot to visit the park for a paddle. As I drove south from Fort Myers Beach, I noticed many of the popular roadside launch areas were inaccessible due to construction. It may be several months before some of these spots are clear for launching. Lovers Key staff recommend paddlers use the paddle craft launch inside the park.
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The ranger station that was near the entrance pre-Ian has not been rebuilt yet. Drivers can pull close to the launch, unload gear, park and then find one of the many pay stations to grab an envelope for the $8 entry fee. The paddling trail that runs along the Black Island Trail is one of my “go to” places to send families to paddle. It has nice facilities, an easy-to-use launch, is protected from the wind, and has plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities. Outside of the coldest months of the year, this is probably the best place to observe manatees. On several occasions I have witnessed manatees approach paddlers. One time my son had a manatee check out his kayak with its prehensile lips. The experience left quite an impression. Please do not attempt to get close to the manatees and do not touch them even if they approach you. In addition to manatees, I have observed tarpon, almost every species of wading birds, dolphin, iguanas, small gators, and other wildlife within a very short paddle. Lovers Key Adventures is onsite with quality kayaks, SUPS and gear to rent. The outfitter also leads guided tours. It has been a few years since I joined one of their tours, but I hear great reviews from the visitors I send their way. After paddling, the park’s Welcome and Discovery Center is a short walk from the launch. I was really impressed with the center. A Friends of Lovers Key (FOLKS) volunteer gave me a tour and explained all the interactive displays were donated by the FOLKS. It is a great place for young and old to learn about Lovers Key and its ecosystems. Don’t be shy about asking a volunteer questions, as they are knowledgeable and love to share the park. A huge “Thank You” to park staff and volunteers. They have been working diligently for the past year to get the park open and accessible to the public. Like much of Southwest Florida, there is still more work to be done. But Lovers Key is already back to being one of the best stops along the Calusa Blueway.
12 FORT MYERS | NOVEMBER 2023 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
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oudly s, Jr. pr aught k ic r e Helm bia c Donald an 18# 37” co ice. Ven ing display the S. jetty in in
Justin Guess with a Tarpon caught in Estero.
@Yakkin g_ nice re Monsters wit d caug ha h on a SU t fishing P.
@Sea_Shur_jewelry shared: @ adam_ross_boss with a nice redfish while sporting the tarpon pendant. Capt. Johnny Nottingham showing off a little Sunday Funday.
37.5” autiful g of e b a / penin etter w John Y aught at the o . k c e snook lderman Cre A
Mason S. building muscles playing with lemon sharks!
@Blane_be_fishin if you’re looking to haul in the big girls!
Amy Ke nne caught lly shared this during A b RS sea eauty son.
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ONE BIG FISH! 80-Pound ’Hoo Wins Summer-Long Series
O
ne big fish won this summer’s West Palm Beach Fishing Club’s Full Moon Wahoo Series. A single monster 79.8-pound ’hoo caught in July gave Mike Ferrara and team Terry II the heaviest aggregate weight across the three-event series. Although several teams edged closer with weights piling up thanks to several fish caught over the three dates, none were able to catch up with Terry II’s huge fish. The Full Moon Wahoo Series is a cool tournament, with single-day events held on Saturdays near the full moons of summer. This year’s dates were July 29, Aug. 26 and Sept. 30. Wahoo are the only target species, and only club members can register teams. Cash is awarded to the top boats for each fishing day. The Overall Series Champion with the heaviest overall aggregate weight is crowned after the final event. Entering the final moon on Sept. 30, Team Yellowfin and Team Whisky Business were chasing Terry II. Both teams came in with solid 40-pluspounders from previous events, and they both weighed fish on the final moon. Yellowfin’s second fish of the series weighed 23 pounds, which brought their aggregate to 66.4 pounds, good enough for a second-place series finish. Whisky Business’ fish weighed 16.8 pounds and brought them to a third-place series finish with a 59.2-pound aggregate. More than 80 boats fished at least one moon of the series. Check out the West Palm Beach Fishing Club at westpalmbeachfishingclub.org.
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SHEEPSHEAD
By Emily Hanzlik
Carry Anglers Through the Cold Months
D
uring these colder months, many people focus on the end of the mullet run or the bluefish that are starting to move in. However, there are other options. One of my favorites is sheepshead. This flakey white-meat fish should be a staple in your winter diet. Sheepshead are sometimes called convicts because of the black and white bars they wear like a jumpsuit. This contrasting coloration helps when sight fishing for them because you can see those bright stripes hugging closely to the structure. Sheepshead typically weigh 3 to 5 pounds, but outsized specimens grow into double digits. The larger the fish, the longer its spines: be careful of the dorsal fin when handling sheepshead. They will tense up and flare their spines trying to escape. Sheepshead inhabit almost all coastal Atlantic waters, from Nova Scotia to Brazil and throughout the Gulf of Mexico. Sheepshead tolerate a wide range of salinity, and spend most of the year inshore and even inland in more brackish water. They love structure because that’s where the crustaceans they feed on live. You’ll find them on docks, bridges, jetties, seawalls, and in the absence of man-made structure, you’ll find them on rock or hard bottom. Sheepshead move out into deeper nearshore waters to spawn in late winter to early spring but return quickly. Sheepsheads are molluscivores meaning they only
eat crustaceans. Things such as oysters, mussels, barnacles, crabs and shrimp make up their diet. To crush all that shell, they have human-like teeth and thick back molars, enabling them to crush their prey. During the crushing process, they push water through their gills and leave their mouth slightly open to eject shell pieces, leaving only the meat for them to consume. Their odd feeding behavior makes them tricky to catch with a hook and line. They love fiddler crabs, and you can find live fiddlers at a bait shop or along rock piles. You can also pick oysters off pilings and crack them open to use the meat as bait. Some anglers use a rake or hammer to scrape barnacles off pilings to chum the water. As for artificials, crappie jigs or flathead jigs are good options. With a fly rod, you can use white Clouser Minnows or shrimp flies. Fish bridges, inlets and piers, and get as close to the pilings or structure as possible. Since they crush their prey and spit out the rest, you’ll want to use small but strong J hooks, and set the hook as soon as they inhale the bait. Relatively heavy line is necessary to avoid being frayed off in all that structure. I wouldn’t use anything lighter than 12-pound-test. The IGFA all-tackle world record for sheepshead is an enormous 21-pound, 4-ounce fish caught in New Orleans by Wayne Desselle in 1982.
Emily Rose Hanzlik holds 62 IGFA world records in various categories. She hails from West Palm Beach, where she has a part time Bowfin Guide Service as well as fishing classes for Jr. Anglers. Find her on social media @emilyhanzlikoutdoors.
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FLY FISHING FOR BASS
F
ly fishing for bass can be extremely productive and really fun. Growing up fishing for saltwater and freshwater species, I was introduced to fly fishing by some friends and got extremely hooked. While presenting a fly to fish can sometimes be tricky, a fly is a much more natural looking presentation to a fish than an artificial lure is, and I have seen fish eat flies much better than normal lures many times. There are times when a fly rod just isn’t an option. Having fly line everywhere and stretching the line 50 or 100 feet behind you and whipping it forward probably isn’t best if you are fishing a bass tournament. But if you are fun fishing a lake by boat or fishing a pond or stream or river by foot, fly fishing can be a rewarding experience. Like I said before, a small natural-looking fly, whether it be a baitfish or a topwater fly, can produce more bites than normal lures in some circumstances. I realized how productive fly fishing for bass can be while fishing ponds around my house when I was younger. These ponds got hammered by people throwing lures with
I’m sure you could take a deep dive into all the different gear and fly selections for different scenarios, but I keep it simple. White and silver baitfish patterns work wonders when you strip TYLER WOOLCOTT the line with small movements to make them swim like a fleeing baitfish. Topwater poppers conventional bass gear, and are extremely fun because you get to watch the fishing could be pretty them come up and eat it. Fish it with the same tough. It really impressed me when I fished them with a fly rod because I action as a conventional popper. I can’t exactly teach you how to fly fish in this article; YouTube is a great place for that. My hope is this will spark someone’s interest. Coming from someone who has done pretty much every kind of fishing, fly fishing is something every angler should try. Targeting bass and similar-sized species calls for a 6- to 8-weight fly rod. You can fish sinking lines to get down deep, but I prefer a regular floating line to fish for bass that are feeding shallow. I like premade tapered leaders in the 10- to 12-pound range. Feel free to contact me on social media with any questions or do some research online. I hope this caught more fish than I did with conventional convinces someone to go out there to target gear. I assume the bass grew wary of seeing big bass with a fly rod. It’s really fun! worms and crankbaits. A tiny baitfish fly or a Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament tasty-looking, easy-to-eat topwater with natural angler and guide. Check out his website at movement got these fish more excited to eat www.tylerwoolcottfishing.com. than I had ever seen.
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n late September, NOAA Fisheries announced early closure dates for gag grouper in federal waters of the South Atlantic as well as the Gulf of Mexico. These closures came tight on the heels of a revelation that the data NOAA uses to manage these and other fisheries could be severely flawed. In the Gulf of Mexico, recreational harvest of gags was closed on Oct. 19. It called an early end to a season that had already been shortened on the front end. The normal season runs from June 1 through Nov. 10. However, this past spring, NOAA announced an interim measure to delay opening of gag grouper harvest to Sept. 1. Initially, three months of gag harvest were taken from recreational anglers, and now—with the early closure—the season was effectively cut from 162 days to just 48 days. In the South Atlantic, in federal waters off North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, NOAA called an early end to gag grouper harvest on Oct. 23. The recreational season was scheduled to run from May through December. This move shaved 69 days off the regular 215-day season at a time when charter captains rely on grouper to keep clients on the water. In both instances, NOAA said its projections of recreational catch and effort data indicate the recreational annual catch limits would be reached by the early closure dates, which is their justification for shutting down the fisheries. In an explanation that seems contradictory to reason, a NOAA statement blamed high harvest of Gulf gags on the already shortened season. “Preliminary reports indicate high catch rates of gag this year, in part because of changes in the start from June 1 to September 1,” the statement reads. If that doesn’t seem to make sense, neither do NOAA’s data collection surveys that are used to determine angler effort. In a pilot study conducted by NOAA itself, the surveys, which are mailed to licensed saltwater anglers, were found to be confusing and led to “illogical responses” and “reporting errors.” The study showed that the resulting angler effort data was overestimated by 30 to 40 percent. Angler effort is a factor used to determine total harvest, which means NOAA’s harvest data is likely significantly flawed. Perhaps more concerning than that is the idea that harvest data is used in stock assessments. Estimated populations of our favorite sport and table fish are also likely inflated. For the third time in the last 13 years, significant flaws have been revealed in NOAA data collection, and this is the data being used to manage our fisheries and the industries that rely on them. For more information, see coastalanglermag.com.
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GROUPER CLOSURE CATCHES ANGLERS OFF GUARD
A
Tim Barefoot
t what point do we say enough is enough? I’d say THE TIME IS NOW! NOAA has shut down our gag grouper fisheries based on inaccurate data, and coastal communities are hurting because of it. The recent grouper closures—in the South Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico— caught everyone by surprise. There was very little notice given to anglers, whether they be recreational, charter or commercial. Incomplete—at best—and more than likely completely erroneous data was used to shut down the livelihoods of fishermen at a crucial point in the year. The fall grouper bite is always the best. Many commercial anglers make a good portion of their annual income in fall and winter. Charter captains book trips specifically targeting grouper this time of year. This closure also adversely affects the entire coastal economy. There is an entire industry based around fall and winter bottom fishing, and this is a substantial financial hit for the South Atlantic and Gulf coasts. As a former commercial fisherman, I know this also screams of mental and physical stress. Anglers are forced to fish more and rougher days just to get some days in before the season closes. When the news of these October closures spread,
I got calls from upset charter and commercial captains. For brevity, I’ll share just a couple comments I heard from North Carolina captains. “I’m a 61-year-old man, and I’m out here humping it hard as I can to get these last few
days in before it all shuts down,” said commercial Capt. Joe Hifko. “This is gonna hurt… both in my wallet and in my shoulders. The data is completely skewed, and based off those numbers are huge extrapolations. This is what they are basing their decisions on?” Capt. Riley Adkins is feeling the sting of charter cancellations. “My primary income in fall and early winter is based around taking clients within 30 miles of
the beach to specifically target gag grouper. This puts us captains in a bind because we are already booked out to Dec. 31, which historically was the closing of our gag season,” said Capt. Adkins. “We are having to cancel charters due to the short-noticed announcement of our gag season closing. “My clients feel like it is a waste of their time and money to book a charter because we can’t keep gag grouper, and the seabass population is in decline due to the rise of the American red snapper, which you can’t harvest either,” he continued. “This closure is detrimental to captains who rely heavily on the gag quota to keep their heads above water in winter.” The last time we had a fisheries issue of this magnitude settled, it literally took an act of Congress. The Gulf red snapper debacle showed us you can’t trust a federal bureaucracy that uses obsolete—and frankly, lazy— methods to collect data. The technology exists, and we should be hiring talented researchers from our universities to go out and collect accurate data to be used in decision making. It’s time for the recreational anglers, commercial anglers, equipment manufacturers, and the seafood industry to get together and say enough is enough. I know it’s a tall order, but we are stronger united. As soon as you finish this article, call your senators and congressional representatives to make sure they know how you feel on this issue.
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To see more from Tim Barefoot, go to barefootcatsandtackle.com. NOVEMBER 2023
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SOLUNAR TIME!
’ve studied the solunar fishing timetables since I was a child. In the early years, these were the black, white, or striped fish images on my grandparents’ calendars and have evolved into more advanced illustrations depicting the moon phase, tide, time of day, and their effects. Some tables provide a simple one- to four-star rating of predicted fishing success. One day I was a believer, and the next I was a skeptic. I’ve played this tug of war over the years, and as I have become a more seasoned angler, I lean more toward the validity of these calculations in predicting the aggressiveness of fish and their desire to feed. Removing luck, which never hurts, it still boils down to angler skill, knowledge of the area and techniques for targeting desired species. However, over the years I have noticed better bites correlating with solunar feed times. I try not to move from one location to another during peak solunar feeding times. I’ll put myself in what I perceive to be the best spot in a general area during that time and hold tight. I save the running and exploring for non-bite windows, which make up a majority of the day. Each solunar feed cycle has a peak that is typically two hours or less, and there are usually two per day. On a recent trip with my two boys, we missed the first bite of the day due to other responsibilities. We launched the boat around 9 a.m., and the next bite was not until 1:30 p.m. We wanted to try some
By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
new spots, so we explored those first, and laid down some tracks for future reference. The fish were not active. As the morning moved on, I tried areas that had been holding nice fish recently. Once again, everything looked right, but we couldn’t get the bite. The boys were getting agitated and ready to leave, and I bought myself as much time as I could, while still trying to find the bite and waiting for the next feeding time. I headed toward the ramp to give them a cool breeze and to try a location with much deeper water, just hoping to find some activity. Unfortunately, the current was too strong in this area. I frantically studied the chart in an area about a half mile away so we could make one last move because the next solunar feed time was only minutes away. I chose our final location based on satellite imagery and little tribal knowledge, and we were off. I anchored the boat so my boys could cast downwind and fish the edge where grass met a large sandy area. They caught redfish and averaged one every six minutes for 70 minutes of the afternoon solunar feeding cycle. They doubled up twice! Take a kid fishing and tune into the solunar time!
PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES®
IT’S
Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures®, and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
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