Coastal Angler Magazine | December 2021 | Ft. Myers Edition

FORT MYERS/CAPE CORAL/CHARLOTTE HARBOR EDITION

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PHOTO CREDIT: BEAN SPORTFISHING, LLC INSTAGRAM: @BNMBEAN VOLUME 26 • ISSUE 321

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DECEMBER 2021

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WINTER CRAPPIE

T

ake a look at what guide Tony Adams does during the winter on Alabama’s Lake Eufaula. With all the slab crappie he catches this time of year, it’s worth considering a fish fry for Christmas or New Year’s festivities.

Gone are the days when crappie fishing was a springtime-only endeavor. Anglers have figured out how to pattern these swimming fish sandwiches year-round, and Adams has them dialed in on Eufaula. It’s a pattern that probably translates well to many reservoirs across the South.

Lake Eufaula is an impoundment of the Chattahoochee River that stretches out to more than 45,000 acres on the southern end of the Alabama/Georgia border. Centered around the town Eufaula, Ala., hard winter is usually shortlived. Instead of being hunkered down in the depths this time of year, Eufaula crappie are still in a fall feed-up mode.

“Lake Eufaula doesn’t get as cold as a lot of lakes. They’re chasing shad in the mouths of the creeks or on the flats in 8 to 10 feet of water,” Adams said. “It’s one of the best times of year to catch bigger fish. They’ve pushed up out of

By TAM Staff

the depths to feed and put on fat to take them through the winter into the spawn.”

Adams said loading a cooler with fillets can be pretty easy in these conditions. The fish might be as scattered as crappie get, but they are actively feeding. This makes catching them easy once you find them. Adams has a milk-run of brush piles in different locations and depths.

His Humminbird electronics tell him quickly whether or not a location is holding fish.

Once fish are located, most of Adam’s clients prefer to fish old school. Jigs catch fish, he said, but most of his anglers prefer fishing minnows the way their grandfathers taught them.

Adams’ War Eagle boat is equipped with three Hi-Tek rod holders in front of each angler’s seat. His 10-foot B‘n’M rods are rigged with spinning reels and 6-pound high-visibility line.

On the business end, he ties on a No. 2 hook for a lip-hooked minnow and pinches a splitshot about a foot up the line. He Spot-Locks the trolling motor over active brush and lets his anglers go to work tightlining. Sometimes, when it’s windy, he’ll add another split-shot to keep the lines from bowing.

“If you fish all three rods at different depths, you can figure out what depth they’re biting at,” Adams said. “Then you can leave all your baits at that depth.”

Anglers should watch rod tips, of course, but keeping an eye on that high-vis. line is also important. Sometimes fish swim up after eating, and you’ll only notice that by watching the line.

Give Adams a call if you’d rather be heating up oil than a grill on New Year’s Day. Contact Tony Adams through his Facebook page—Gone Fishing With Tony—or by calling him at (334) 695-3003.

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F

ish are everywhere in the Florida Keys.

From big pelagics on offshore humps to vast backcountry flats teeming with tarpon and permit, the options are so varied that decisionmaking can be difficult.

Throw in wrecks, reefs, bridges and ledges, and one boat just isn’t enough to do it all. If you wanted to experience all the fishing the Keys have to offer, you’d need several different types of vessels.

Joel Brandenburg, of Ana Banana Fishing Company, understands this. Based in Marathon, he’s pulled together a fleet of boats and the captains to fish it all. With five boats ranging from a 53-foot Hatteras to a 24-foot Hanson, they are equipped to chase big game at the famous Marathon Humps and beyond, and also to fish skinny backwater flats and everything in between.

The options are enough to make a visiting angler’s head spin, but Joel will be your guide.

Putting clients on fish runs in his blood. When his son Jojo Brandenburg earned a master captains license about five years ago, it extended the family business into its third generation. They’ve had a “no-fish, no-pay” policy for more than 20 years, and in all that time they’ve only had to honor it three times.

Joel certainly dialed up a good option when I contacted him on short notice this fall. I was looking for a quick half-day while on family vacation in Islamorada. With the winds up on the Atlantic, he suggested a backcountry trip. We’d trade the excitement of blackfin tuna, mahi mahi and sailfish for fast snapper action.

That was just fine with

H

By Nick Carter

my 10-year-old son and me. Back home, the boy is a bream slayer.

“It’s like crappie fishing on steroids,” Joel said as he lowered a chum bag off the stern. We had run 13 miles over skinny water into Florida Bay to anchor off a small wooded island called East Bahia Honda. The boat bobbed at the edge of a deep channel that cuts through the flat like a green vein.

The action began immediately. On light tackle, we pitched baits and hauled in mangrove snappers as quickly as we could turn to get another pilchard or ballyhoo chunk from first-mate Eddie Traylor. With a five-fish limit per person, we threw back a bunch of fish and filled the cooler with a quick limit of the chunkiest mangos. Then we bumped around a while, waiting for the tide to turn and throwing Cuda Tubes to wood structure. Casting and working a lure for the visual thrill of a barracuda streaking from cover is a lot of fun. It was tough to put the rods down when Joel suggested we go check out the bridge. On the way in, we got a good look at an endangered hawksbill sea turtle.

Anchored near Fred—the storied Australian pine tree that grows from the roadbed of the Old Seven Mile Bridge—we chummed and pitched pilchards into the tide that rushed between pilings. Joel knew we’d get into some yellowtail snapper, and he was hoping for some yellow jacks and maybe a big shark.

“Best as I can tell, yellow jacks started showing up around here about 12 to 15 years ago,” Joel said. “I’m happy to have them. They fight like jack crevalle and taste like tuna.”

Yellow jacks average 5 pounds around the bridges, but they reach weights in the 15-

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S T s to 20-pound range, Joel said. We didn’t boat any yellow jacks, but a big jack crevalle ran the boy around the rails twice, and a nice mutton snapper went into the box along with some keeper yellowtails.

When the bite slowed, Joel took us to the docks at Castaway Watefront Restaurant in Marathon with a lot more than a fish supper.

They’ll cook your catch any way you want, and it was the perfect end to a day on the water.

If you’re looking for a winter get-away, it’s hard to beat winter fishing in the Keys. Joel said they’re targeting sailfish and blackfin tuna and high-speed trolling for wahoo right now.

Snapper, grouper and other species are biting on the wrecks, reefs, ledges, bridges and flats. The cobia will show up on the Gulf side in January and February.

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Contact Ana Banana Fishing Company through their website at anabananafishing.com.

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ON THE DEERFIELD BEACH PIER

By James P. Goss

A

s a small South Florida city, Deerfield Beach has many notable attractions. One of them is the International Fishing Pier. Depending on the season, schools of small fish cluster among the pilings, while along the ocean bottom stingrays, tarpon, turtles and moon jellyfish swim slowly by. Schools of baitfish swirl below and cloud the water.

On some mornings, the outer end of the pier is crowded with fishermen, hunched over the railings with their tackle and gear. Down below, the small bodies of fish fleck the water with silver, while larger fish breach the surface in a slow curving motion.

If there is a noticeable shift of energy in the air, this usually means some very large fish have arrived. This day, the excitement builds quickly when the

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“Vinny, can we get a line soon?” a fisherman asked one recent morning.

Vinny is a large man—larger than most of the others standing nearby. A bright bandana wrapped low on his forehead, Vinnie focused on his fishing line sloping over the railing, where it sagged into the water.

Nearby, the fishermen’s casts made a low whir, followed by a faint tuck, tuck as lures dropped beneath the water’s surface. The sound shifted as the mood in the air changed, from mild indifference to anticipation to high animation.

A man in flip-flops ran toward the fishermen huddled near the hut. The men were gathering more closely together, their five-gallon buckets, tackle boxes, nets, buoys, rolling bait tanks, coolers, and various unused fishing rods standing at the ready nearby. On a bollard, a curious grackle pecked at a plastic bag of shrimp.

“Get back! Get back! Get back!” one man shouted, his voice full of urgency, while another wheeled his cart of bucket and fishing rods toward the focal point of activity. Two fishermen had reeled in a bonita, which flopped desperately on the sun-splashed deck.

A grizzled fisherman in the crowd spoke to his friend, a middle-aged woman with a towel draped over her head. “I want you to take this fish home to your mother,” he said, approaching the two anglers, offering pliers to cut the lure.

Perhaps he knew the two men. Or he was somehow skilled enough to strike a quick arrangement with them: the gift of their catch. “It’s good to do things for others,” he said to the woman. When she asked what kind of fish it was, he told her, “It’s a bonita,” adding a translation: “Beautiful.”

Carrying the dead fish in a plastic bag, the woman left the pier to walk into town. The mood on the pier remained energized. More fish were caught, the bonita piling up. A man yelled, “I’ve never seen so many fish on one pier!”

An online fishing report said that boat catches offshore in varied depths of water were netting swordfish and mahi-mahi. And on the pier, the fishermen continued to feel the optimism that accompanies a beautiful day on the water.

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has turned into a full-on quest, in which Storin (a.k.a. Bean) designed his own micro-rod and is using it to catch some impressive fish.

“We were bored during covid, and we took out a bunch of those little ice fishing rods,” he said. “We wanted to see if we could maybe catch a tarpon with them.”

Viewers of Storin’s Youtube channel, Bean Screen TV, ate it up. It was entertaining, and it spurred Bean to design his own Bean Pole, which he sells on his website beansportfishing.com.

“It’s so fun. No matter what, the rod just bends and it won’t break,” Bean said. “As long as you’ve got the right line on it, you can land almost any fish in the ocean with it if you’ve got enough patience and fishing skill.

“No matter what you hook, it feels like a monster,” he continued. “You could hook a 12-inch mangrove snapper, and it feels like a monster.”

But Bean wasn’t content with mangos. He wants to test the limits of his new rods on true monsters of the deep. Bean Poles are intentionally noodle-stick flexible. He said the key to the design process was “to make them as bendy as possible, so they don’t break.” The reel seats, however, are designed to hold some serious gear. Bean usually fishes a 4,000-size spinning reel with 20-pound braid, but he’s gone as heavy as a 6,000-size reel and 60-pound line when pursuing big tarpon and sharks. He said the rod is capable of holding a 10,000-size spinning reel for folks who might want even heavier tackle.

So far, Bean has caught tarpon close to 100 pounds, an 8-foot lemon shark, keeper cobia, giant barracuda, king mackerel, a 30-plus-pound

By CAM Staff African pompano, blackfin tuna, mahi-mahi, juvenile goliath grouper and more with the Bean Pole.

“The next thing we want to do is catch a sailfish,” he said… “and a giant goliath grouper.”

In case you were wondering, Bean has normal gear, and he doesn’t force charter clients to fish Bean Poles. He does, however, keep one on e’ve heard of fishing light tackle, but this seems a little board… just in case. ridiculous… ridiculously fun!

Capt. Brandon Storin, who fishes out of the legendary Bud Contact Brandon “Bean” Storin through his website N’ Mary’s Marina in Islamorada, Fla. has taken light tackle fishing to the beansportfishing.com, and check out his YouTube channel, extreme. What started as a lark—toying with ice fishing rods in the Keys— Bean Screen TV, to see the Bean Pole in action.

FISH RIDICULOUSLY LIGHT TACKLE

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A few of the brands featured in the Bluewater section are AFTCO, HUK, Pure Lure, Reel Life, Jeep by Buck Wear, Fish Hard Gear, Boat Builders Trading, Saltwater Born, Habit Outdoors, Fish Hard Gear, Unsalted Coast and Marsh Wear. Other brands in the show include Salty Crew, Costa, AVID, ANETIK, REEL Skipper, Chums, SMITH Optica, Aqualung, O’Neill and many more.

There are quite a few new brands you’ll find in Bluewater making their Surf Expo debut, including Bajio eyewear, Fireside Outdoor, Red Bobber Fishing Gear, Kahuna Wagons, RUMPLE and more.

The Bluewater section was designed with the buyer in mind—so they can see all the key inshore and offshore apparel and accessory brands in one location. They’ll find products ranging from lifestyle and technical apparel to footwear, outerwear, sportswear, t-shirts, sunglasses, outdoor apparel and gear and lots more.

Steven “Fish” Fisher, Surf Expo’s senior buyer relations manager works directly with buyers from marinas, outfitters, boat dealers and bait and tackle shops. “There’s a definite need for product. People from Florida and across the U.S. as well as the Caribbean, Puerto Rico and all over the globe are registering and excited to come,” he said.

“We staged two safe and successful shows in 2021, and we’ll continue to evolve our health and safety plan to keep those practices in place as we head into 2022 shows,” said Roy Turner, Surf Expo show director. “We want our exhibiting brands and retailers to feel confident in returning to our show. Surf Expo will continue to assemble the right mix of brands, new products and events for inspiration and camaraderie that can’t be produced digitally.”

Features of the show will include the Bluewater Lounge, plus fashion shows, live seminars, the Surf Expo Industry Party and happy hours.

Surf Expo will be announcing its full line up of special events in the coming weeks.

Registration is free for qualified buyers.

For more information, contact steven.fisher@surfexpo.com.

For more information on the upcoming show, visit www.surfexpo.com.

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By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

witnessed a scenario a few weeks ago that when analyzed might help us all catch more fish.

I was fishing a familiar cove, drifting my kayak across grass flats mixed in with sand potholes. This area typically holds clear water, and on low-wind days such as this, it should have been exceptionally clear.

The farther I drifted across the area, the more I noticed dinginess in the water. This area of the cove had a small island perpendicular with the shoreline and a 15-yard gap in between. I saw small mullet pushing up on the edge of the island.

At that point, I decided to anchor my kayak and work the area thoroughly with my rattling soft-plastic paddletail. This area was 1 to 2 feet deep and mostly carpeted with grass with just a few sand potholes.

To keep from fouling my jig on the grass, I was burning the lure just under the surface. I unexpectedly hooked up with a nice redfish that came out of the water to inhale my copper and silver soft plastic! Due to the redfish mouth being on the bottom of their head, they put on a nice show while attacking a lure on or near the surface.

I caught a dozen or so reds in this area using the same retrieve, and about half of them came out of the water or created a whitewater attack to strike. I was also able to sight cast to a few that swam through in groups of two or three.

As the bite started to taper, I noticed the water had begun to clear up.

This led me analyze the situation a little more. This area is not known for a lot of tidal movement, and typically you can’t see the water move, as was the case on this day.

However, the tide was incoming, which created the silty water, and this slight movement was also pushing the small mullet against the island. Once the water cleared, I realized the tide had slowed or stopped, and as that happened the mullet began to scatter through the cove. I still managed to pick up a few more reds and some trout, but not until I started to drift other areas of the cove.

Hindsight is 20/20, and I didn’t put all the pieces together until the end, but it was a great lesson I will use in the future. Even though I could not see the movement of the water, the dirty water was a clear sign of the incoming tide. The bait was reacting to the rising water, and that’s the reason the fish were feeding in that area.

I hope this story helps you out in the future. I will remember what I learned that day and apply it.

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

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

This Might be a Rougher Winter By: Capt. Dave Stephens

W

e have already been having some fronts make it down to us and bringing some windier weather, and also cooler than normal.

Normally when this happens it can cause our fish to move around more. You may find that areas that usually should be holding fish are not. This may be due to the fact that those fish have moved closer to areas that they are comfortable being at during the winter months.

The one species of fish that will be making the biggest move will be our snook. When water temps dip below 70 degrees these guys run for cover. When the threat of a major front approaches, they will migrate to areas that have deep water access.

For the anglers that don't know, snook are a tropical fish. If are water drops below the 60-degree mark for 24 hours, we could have a major fish kill. The positive is, we have a fishery that does very well when these fronts pass through. Trout is one of our fisheries that does well when our water temps dip down to the point that other fish stop feeding.

They might not be in the same areas that you have had success during the warmer months. They also seek out areas that has deep water access such as creeks, and residential canals they will hold good numbers of fish. You might have to spend some time looking for these guys, but the

rewards will be worth it.

Cooler weather does not necessarily mean that Charlotte Harbor shuts down. It just means that you have to change up your approach to our fishery. We have fish that I will discuss in future columns. Fish such as Sheepshead just to let the folks from the north know, these are not the same fish that swim in the great lakes. These striped guys are actually very good eating, and put up a great fight also. The cooler water should have the pompano also moving in from the beaches, it's another great winter fish that is way over looked. We are very fortunate to live in a very diverse area when it comes to our fishery. No matter what Mother Nature throws at us, we can adjust and have great fishing. As we approach winter we will discuss different species, and ways to target them.

If you would like to experience some of South Florida’s best fishing give me a call or send me an email.

You can also follow me on Twitter @backbayxtremes for weekly and daily updates and Instagram @capt.davestephens

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

FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | DECEMBER 2021 | FORT MYERS 1

Ready For a Charter?

By: Capt. Bart Marx

H

ello fellow Anglers! I have learned this year fish aren't affected

by Covid any strain. What I have noticed this year too red tide affects the fish and have worked around both of these things and have stayed busy this year. I also have added a boat to the fleet at Alpha Omega charters as we retired one vessel and replaced it with another. We now have a 25ft. Parker Walkaround Cuddy Cabin, it is a very roomy boat and has a potty for the ladies. We have a State of Florida fishing license that allows us to travel out to 9 miles in the Gulf. And we still have our 22ft. Aquasport Center Console it too is a good fishing boat, it is good for in the harbor and flats. We also have gift certificates that can be purchased for Christmas or just if you have guests coming from out of town, or birthday gift. Yea this is the time of year we get lots

of visitors from up north they may enjoy a half day on the water. And this time of year, we find in the harbor red drum, sheepshead, flounder, and trout. These are all fun to catch and good table fare. This would be using the 22ft. boat around Placida, Charlotte Harbor, and Pine Island sound depending on the area you live in or are visiting in S.W. Florida.

I furnish all the tackle and licenses that are required for a fun day on the water. Looking at what could be available offshore this time of year, the king mackerel will be migrating to the south as the Gulf waters cool down. There should be plenty of spanish mackerel too moving south.

And the hogfish bite should be going on as the waters cool down they feed better out to 50 to 60 feet on natural bottom structure. Also, the nearshore artificial reef should be covered up with sheepshead. If you like to do some site fishing you could go into the Gulf and follow the lines of stone crab traps and search for some tripletail hanging around the floats to ambush shrimp or small fish. Okay live shrimp or artificials do work, and remember not to set the hook when you see the fish take it, WAIT till you feel it then it is game on. So, if you would like to come along with Capt. Bart Marx give me a call or e-mail at captbart@ alphaomegacharters.com And for those of you that have moved to the area I will go with you on your boat and do what I call a training session to shorter your learning curve here in S.W. Florida. 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 | DECEMBER 2021 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/

s.com -6517

A Good Month to Have a Wind App By: Capt. Mike Manis

I

like the Windfinder App as its accurate and free. It’s a good way to keep an eye out for opportunities, chamber of commerce type days, that do come along between the fronts that are so prevalent this time of year. And even though we may have to put on a few extra layers of clothes, at least we don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn. In fact, I like to wait till late morning to let the sun warm things up. Like last month, I’ll continue working the same pattern for redfish and trout; but now, I’ll even push farther up my favorite backcountry creek systems. In fact, I’ll even make my way up to some old mosquito ditches.

Basically, I’m following the fish. With reduced rain and cooler water, salinity and oxygen both increase back here providing good habitat as well as a refuge from the windswept open flats. Also, after a cool night the sun will warm the shallow water over the darker mud and sand bottom quicker here than on open flats. The combination of low clear water will increase sight-fishing opportunities as there isn’t enough water for fish to get deep into the mangroves.

I like a morning or early afternoon incoming tide coming off a negative low. Fish will work their way with the tide to warm up and feed.

I’ll look for them laid up off the shoreline in deeper sand depressions.

If there’s enough water, I’ll still pole shorelines, but it’s the sand holes off the shoreline that hold the best numbers of fish. In addition, when dealing with a strong north breeze, I like to work areas that provide as much lee as possible. Fortunately, there are some good choices throughout our entire estuary system from as far north as the Peace and Myakka rivers and down to and around the edges of the harbor and into Pine Island Sound.

The baitfish so prevalent most of the year is scarce.

Scaled sardines migrate offshore looking for more stable water temperature. Being a natural nursery, these estuarine creek systems provide a decent array of prey albeit of a smaller source like silversides, killifish, shrimp, and crabs. As a result, I’ll throw small, #1 or #2, baitfish and shrimp patterns.

Sheepshead are a good bet around docks and piers. If the wind is really cranking, the Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte canals hold good numbers. When calm, the artificial reef outside Alligator Creek is a great spot. Cut shrimp works well.

Lastly, when the wind permits, take a run over to the hard bottom off Cape Haze Point where pompano like to hang out and get in a few casts with a ¼ ounce Nylure jig. Until next month, good tides.

Punta Gorda Fly Charters | puntagordaflycharters.com 941-628-7895

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FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | DECEMBER 2021 | FORT MYERS 3

Photo Credit Havenworth Coastal Conservation

Photo Credit Havenworth Coastal Conservation

SAWFISH NEWS

by Tonya Wiley, Havenworth Coastal Conservation

Angler and Diver Guidelines for Interactions with Endangered Sawfish

T

he population of smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata) in the United States experienced a dramatic decline during the 20th century due to overfishing and habitat loss. Given the decline, NOAA Fisheries listed the U.S. population of smalltooth sawfish as “endangered” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 2003. One of the best ways to track the effectiveness of ongoing management and conservation efforts is to collect information about the sawfish encounters of fishers, divers, and others. Details of public sightings and captures of sawfish can substantially increase the data we have about the species, allowing us to make management and policy decisions that are reflective of the realities in the water. Because of their countless hours on and in the water, we are seeking to partner with the angling and diving community to collect information about their sawfish interactions.

For divers to safely and legally enjoy encounters with sawfish: • Keep your distance • Avoid disturbing sawfish • Never chase, feed, or touch them • Share information about your sawfish encounters with scientists • Divers should note that advertising expeditions aimed at encountering endangered smalltooth sawfish can be considered “targeting,” which is a violation of the ESA. Therefore, I strongly urge that the following conservation messaging be included in all social media posts regarding sawfish observations: Sawfish are protected under the Endangered Species Act. Help protect this critically endangered species by following NOAA Fisheries viewing guidelines available at www.SawfishRecovery.org.

You can promote sawfish recovery by following these interaction guidelines and educating others about them. Please share the For anglers to safely and legally release any sawfish accidentally caught information about your sawfish encounters by visiting www. while fishing: SawfishRecovery.org, calling 1-844-4SAWFISH, emailing sawfish@ • Release sawfish immediately myfwc.com, or entering the details in the FWC Reporter App. Your • Leave the sawfish, especially the gills, in the water at all times encounter reports will be used to track recovery of the population and • Never lift a sawfish from the water or drag it ashore steer research efforts, which will ultimately benefit the species and the • Do not use gaffs or ropes to secure any captured sawfish areas in which you fish and dive.

• Cut the line as close to the hook as safely possible • Share the details of your sawfish catch with scientists • Anglers should note that advertising fishing trips or charters aimed at catching endangered smalltooth sawfish can be considered “targeting,” which is a violation of the ESA. Therefore, I strongly urge that the following conservation messaging be included in all social media posts regarding sawfish catches: Sawfish are protected under the Endangered Species Act. Help protect this critically endangered species by following NOAA Fisheries handling and release guidelines available at www.SawfishRecovery.org.

4 FORT MYERS | DECEMBER 2021 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/

FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | DECEMBER 2021 | FORT MYERS 5

Winter is at our Doorstep By: Joe Sheaffer

I

t is time to prepare ourselves, to adapt to different areas and our equipment and our feeding patterns. We will need mindset. There are definite to adjust where we look for changes that are taking place fish and how we fish for them. as winter pushes on us. Colder Many of our species will look temps, lower water, fish behavior for deeper and more stable water and shorter windows to name a temperatures. few. Taking the time to plan and 3. Presentations, once again fish prepare for these changes can will adjust their behaviors in make for an easier transition for colder water, so we will need to fishing the next few months here adjust the way we fish for them. in SWFL. Here is a checklist of Slower presentations can be more things that can be helpful for the effective during this time of year. seasonal change.

4. Equipment, we may be using 1. Temperature, water and air different fishing strategies, we temps will cool and these may need to adjust or modify can and will affect us and the our equipment to make certain fish. We will need to dress in presentations. layers as it will be cooler in the 5. Shorter Windows, the amount morning but warm as the sun of daylight in a given day is comes up. Having the proper shorter, our fishing windows attire on can make for a more may need to be adjusted. comfortable experience on the These are few things to consider water. Early to rise may not be as winter arrives, preparing for the best strategy for fishing. Fish are lethargic in colder water and these changes can be helpful as we transition. many times tend to be more aggressive as the day and water warms. Good luck and Keep Casting.

2. Finding Fish, the colder temperatures will force our inshore species

By: Ca

S

t P s espec ft dep out w A lar South know 79 yr Navy Old w habita life, w snapp clarity speari includ South have p are: Ed Bosilj Gunv USS Y Farth a min

6 FORT MYERS | DECEMBER 2021 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/

The Southernmost Gulf Spearfishing

By: Capt. Chad Carney

S

traight South from Capri Pass / Marco Island are some great spearing sites, especially if you want less than 70 ft depths & very far from fished out wrecks & artificial reefs.

A large area 61 nm (naut. mi.)

South and 11 nm wide has little known large wrecks from WW2, 79 yrs. ago! 3 wrecked into US Navy mines, in 60 to 65 ft depths.

Old wrecks break up into tight habitats and are covered with life, which bottom fish - grouper, snapper & hogfish like. Water clarity of 20 to 30 ft is good for spearing and keeps away crowds, including many spearos 26 nm South in Key West. These wrecks have produced lots of fish! They are: Edward Luckenbach - 456 ft cargo steamer, sunk by mines -1942.

Bosiljka - 322 ft cargo ship, hit a mine - 1942.

Gunvor - 277 ft freighter, crashed into an Allied mine - 1942.

USS YP331 - 102 ft Yard Patrol Boat, sunk in bad weather - 1944.

Farther S 13 nm lies the USS Sturtevant, a 314 ft Destroyer also sunk in a mine field. Located 18 nm NW of Key West & 2.25 nm beyond State

waters, at a 60 ft depth.

Many divers continue into Key West for a rest and refuel. Spearfishing near is still best on reef drop-offs like the 10 Fathom Bar off Ballast Key. In 1980 I shot my first big grouper, 47# there.

Air Force Radio Relay Towers P and T are 53 nm and 36 nm from home, in 60 to 65 ft depths and are great sites for amberjack, permit & african pompano, found right to the surface. P Tower is just 2.2 nm South of the Hogfish Gulf Waters boundary along 25.09 Latitude off Cape Sable. The D Tower at 24.5 nm from Capri Pass can be your last site, but 5’ visibility makes spearing tough so it’s best for hook & line fishing. As always check myfwc.com for regulations as many close in December. Shoot straight!

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

FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | DECEMBER 2021 | FORT MYERS 7

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Fort Myers, FL - Dec 2021

Low

High

Date

AM

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ft

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ft

PM

ft

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Set

Moon

12:57P

1.3

11:49

1.9

7:09

0.0

6:35

0.7

7:03

5:36

1

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ft

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ft

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Wed

12:36

1.2

1:52

0.9

7:52

0.0

7:04

0.4

6:57

5:35

1

Wed

2

Thu

2:06

1.3

7:59

-0.3

7:06

0.9

7:03

5:36

2

Thu

1:07

1.4

2:53

0.8

8:55

-0.1

7:33

0.4

6:58

5:35

3

Fri

12:19

2.1

3:13

1.3

8:48

-0.5

7:33

1.0

7:04

5:36

3

Fri

1:40

1.5

3:53

0.8

9:56

-0.2

8:04

0.5

6:59

5:35

4

Sat

12:53

2.2

4:22

1.2

9:38

-0.7

7:54

1.1

7:05

5:36

4

Sat

2:17

1.6

4:54

0.7

10:54

-0.2

8:40

0.5

6:59

5:35

5

Sun

1:31

2.3

10:30

-0.7

7:06

5:36

5

Sun

2:57

1.7

5:53

0.7

11:49

-0.3

9:26

0.5

7:00

5:35

6

Mon

2:14

2.3

11:24

-0.7

7:06

5:36

6

Mon

3:41

1.6

6:50

0.6

12:42P

-0.3

10:25

0.5

7:01

5:35

7

Tue

3:02

2.2

12:20

-0.6

7:07

5:36

7

Tue

4:30

1.5

7:43

0.6

1:33P

-0.2

11:35

0.4

7:02

5:36

8

Wed

3:55

2.1

1:17

-0.4

7:08

5:37

8

Wed

5:24

1.3

8:33

0.6

2:22

-0.2

7:02

5:36

9

Thu

4:57

1.8

9:29

1.1

2:12

-0.2

7:08

5:37

9

Thu

6:27

1.1

9:21

0.7

12:49

0.4

3:09

-0.1

7:03

5:36

10

Fri

6:16

1.6

9:47

1.2

1:00

1.1

3:05

0.0

7:09

5:37

10

Fri

7:45

0.9

10:09

0.7

2:07

0.3

3:54

-0.1

7:04

5:36

11

Sat

8:01

1.3

10:09

1.3

3:16

0.9

3:52

0.2

7:10

5:37

11

Sat

9:19

0.7

10:54

0.8

3:28

0.2

4:35

0.0

7:04

5:37

12

Sun

9:51

1.2

10:32

1.5

4:55

0.6

4:35

0.4

7:10

5:38

12

Sun

10:52

0.6

11:35

0.9

4:52

0.1

5:11

0.1

7:05

5:37

13

Mon

11:25

1.1

10:56

1.6

6:03

0.3

5:14

0.5

7:11

5:38

13

Mon

12:09

0.6

6:17

0.0

5:43

0.1

7:06

5:37

14

Tue

12:42P

1.1

11:20

1.7

6:55

0.1

5:49

0.7

7:12

5:38

14

Tue

12:12

1.0

1:15

0.5

7:31

-0.1

6:13

0.2

7:06

5:38

15

Wed

1:49P

1.1

11:43

1.8

7:38

-0.2

6:19

0.8

7:12

5:39

15

Wed

12:44

1.0

2:14

0.5

8:32

-0.2

6:41

0.2

7:07

5:38

16

Thu

2:47

1.1

8:17

-0.3

6:46

0.9

7:13

5:39

16

Thu

1:10

1.1

3:11

0.5

9:24

-0.3

7:10

0.3

7:07

5:38

17

Fri

12:08

1.8

3:40

1.1

8:53

-0.4

7:08

1.0

7:13

5:39

17

Fri

1:34

1.2

4:05

0.5

10:09

-0.3

7:41

0.4

7:08

5:39

18

Sat

12:34

1.9

4:26

1.1

9:28

-0.5

7:28

1.0

7:14

5:40

18

Sat

1:58

1.2

4:55

0.5

10:49

-0.3

8:17

0.4

7:08

5:39

19

Sun

1:03

1.9

10:03

-0.5

7:14

5:40

19

Sun

2:25

1.3

5:39

0.5

11:25

-0.4

9:01

0.4

7:09

5:40

20

Mon

1:37

1.9

10:39

-0.5

7:15

5:41

20

Mon

2:58

1.2

6:16

0.5

11:56

-0.3

9:52

0.4

7:10

5:40

21

Tue

2:14

1.9

6:09

1.0

11:15

-0.5

9:00

0.9

7:15

5:41

21

Tue

3:37

1.2

6:50

0.5

12:26P

-0.3

10:45

0.3

7:10

5:41

22

Wed

2:55

1.9

6:36

1.0

11:54

-0.4

9:55

0.9

7:16

5:42

22

Wed

4:21

1.2

7:21

0.5

12:57P

-0.3

11:40

0.3

7:11

5:41

23

Thu

3:40

1.8

7:05

1.0

12:34P

-0.4

11:05

0.9

7:16

5:42

23

Thu

5:11

1.1

7:54

0.5

1:30

-0.3

7:11

5:42

24

Fri

4:31

1.7

7:36

1.1

1:16

-0.3

7:17

5:43

24

Fri

6:06

1.0

8:28

0.5

12:36

0.2

2:06

-0.3

7:11

5:42

25

Sat

5:32

1.5

8:07

1.2

12:29

0.8

1:59

-0.1

7:17

5:43

25

Sat

7:08

0.8

9:04

0.6

1:35

0.1

2:45

-0.2

7:12

5:43

26

Sun

6:48

1.3

8:39

1.3

2:02

0.7

2:43

0.0

7:18

5:44

26

Sun

8:23

0.7

9:42

0.6

2:42

0.1

3:25

-0.2

7:12

5:43

27

Mon

8:23

1.1

9:12

1.4

3:32

0.5

3:27

0.2

7:18

5:44

27

Mon

9:51

0.6

10:22

0.8

3:57

0.0

4:05

-0.1

7:13

5:44

28

Tue

10:10

1.0

9:47

1.6

4:51

0.2

4:11

0.4

7:18

5:45

28

Tue

11:19

0.5

11:02

0.9

5:20

-0.1

4:43

0.0

7:13

5:44

29

Wed

11:53

1.0

10:24

1.7

5:59

-0.1

4:53

0.6

7:19

5:46

29

Wed

12:40P

0.5

11:43

1.1

6:46

-0.2

5:21

0.1

7:13

5:45

30

Thu

1:24P

1.0

11:04

1.9

6:59

-0.4

5:31

0.8

7:19

5:46

30

Thu

1:55

0.4

8:04

-0.3

5:59

0.2

7:14

5:46

31

Fri

2:43P

1.0

11:42

2.0

7:55

-0.7

6:07

0.9

7:19

5:47

31

Fri

3:03

0.4

9:10

-0.4

6:40

0.3

7:14

5:46

8 FORT MYERS | DECEMBER 2021 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/

12:25

1.2

Moon

10871 Kelly Rd Ft Myers, FL 33908 239.267.6857

SANIBEL/ CAPTIVA

December/2021 • 26°29’N 82°11’W

www.USHarbors.com

Captiva Island (outside), FL - Dec 2021 High

Date

December/2021 • 26°56’N 82°4’W

www.USHarbors.com

Punta Gorda, Charlotte Harbor, FL - Dec 2021

Low Moon

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

PUNTA GORDA/ CHARLOTTE HABOR

High

Date

AM

AM

ft

PM

ft

AM

ft

PM

ft

Rise

Set

9:54

1.8

8:46

2.6

3:13

0.0

2:39

1.0

7:03

5:36

1

Wed

ft

Low PM

ft

AM

ft

PM

ft

Rise

Set

1:20

1.3

7:08

0.0

6:34

0.7

6:59

5:35

1

Wed

2

Thu

11:03

1.8

9:16

2.8

4:03

-0.4

3:10

1.2

7:03

5:36

2

Thu

12:12

1.9

2:29

1.3

7:58

-0.3

7:05

0.9

6:59

5:35

3

Fri

12:10P

1.7

9:50

3.0

4:52

-0.7

3:37

1.4

7:04

5:36

3

Fri

12:42

2.1

3:36

1.3

8:47

-0.5

7:32

1.0

7:00

5:35

4

Sat

1:19P

1.6

10:28

3.1

5:42

-0.9

3:58

1.5

7:05

5:36

4

Sat

1:16

2.2

4:45

1.2

9:37

-0.7

7:53

1.1

7:01

5:35

5

Sun

11:11

3.2

6:34

-1.0

7:06

5:36

5

Sun

1:54

2.3

6:02

1.1

10:29

-0.7

8:09

1.1

7:02

5:36

6

Mon

11:59

3.0

7:28

-0.9

7:06

5:36

6

Mon

2:37

2.3

11:23

-0.7

7:02

5:36

7

Tue

8:24

-0.8

7:07

5:36

7

Tue

3:25

2.2

12:19

-0.6

7:03

5:36

8

Wed

12:52

2.8

9:21

-0.6

7:08

5:37

8

Wed

4:18

2.1

1:16

-0.4

7:04

5:36

9

Thu

1:54

2.5

6:26

1.5

10:16

-0.3

9:04

1.4

7:08

5:37

9

Thu

5:20

1.8

9:52

1.1

2:11

-0.2

7:04

5:36

10

Fri

3:13

2.1

6:44

1.6

11:09

0.0

11:20

1.2

7:09

5:37

10

Fri

6:39

1.6

10:10

1.2

12:59

1.1

3:04

0.0

7:05

5:37

11

Sat

4:58

1.8

7:06

1.8

11:56

0.2

7:10

5:37

11

Sat

8:24

1.3

10:32

1.3

3:15

0.9

3:51

0.2

7:06

5:37

12

Sun

6:48

1.6

7:29

2.0

12:59

0.9

12:39

0.5

7:10

5:38

12

Sun

10:14

1.2

10:55

1.5

4:54

0.6

4:34

0.4

7:06

5:37

13

Mon

8:22

1.5

7:53

2.1

2:07

0.4

1:18

0.7

7:11

5:38

13

Mon

11:48

1.1

11:19

1.6

6:02

0.3

5:13

0.5

7:07

5:37

14

Tue

9:39

1.5

8:17

2.3

2:59

0.1

1:53

1.0

7:12

5:38

14

Tue

1:05P

1.1

11:43

1.7

6:54

0.1

5:48

0.7

7:08

5:38

15

Wed

10:46

1.5

8:40

2.4

3:42

-0.2

2:23

1.1

7:12

5:39

15

Wed

2:12

1.1

7:37

-0.2

6:18

0.8

7:08

5:38

16

Thu

11:44

1.5

9:05

2.5

4:21

-0.4

2:50

1.3

7:13

5:39

16

Thu

12:06

1.8

3:10

1.1

8:16

-0.3

6:45

0.9

7:09

5:38

17

Fri

12:37P

1.5

9:31

2.6

4:57

-0.6

3:12

1.4

7:13

5:39

17

Fri

12:31

1.8

4:03

1.1

8:52

-0.4

7:07

1.0

7:09

5:39

18

Sat

1:23P

1.4

10:00

2.6

5:32

-0.7

3:32

1.4

7:14

5:40

18

Sat

12:57

1.9

4:49

1.1

9:27

-0.5

7:27

1.0

7:10

5:39

19

Sun

10:34

2.6

6:07

-0.7

7:14

5:40

19

Sun

1:26

1.9

5:30

1.0

10:02

-0.5

7:48

1.0

7:10

5:40

20

Mon

11:11

2.6

6:43

-0.7

7:15

5:41

20

Mon

2:00

1.9

6:04

1.0

10:38

-0.5

8:17

1.0

7:11

5:40

21

Tue

11:52

2.6

7:19

-0.7

5:04

1.3

7:15

5:41

21

Tue

2:37

1.9

6:32

1.0

11:14

-0.5

8:59

0.9

7:11

5:41

22

Wed

3:33

1.3

7:58

-0.6

5:59

1.2

7:16

5:42

22

Wed

3:18

1.9

6:59

1.0

11:53

-0.4

9:54

0.9

7:12

5:41

23

Thu

12:37

2.4

4:02

1.4

8:38

-0.5

7:09

1.2

7:16

5:42

23

Thu

4:03

1.8

7:28

1.0

12:33P

-0.4

11:04

0.9

7:12

5:42

24

Fri

1:28

2.3

4:33

1.5

9:20

-0.4

8:33

1.1

7:17

5:43

24

Fri

4:54

1.7

7:59

1.1

1:15

-0.3

7:13

5:42

25

Sat

2:29

2.0

5:04

1.6

10:03

-0.2

10:06

1.0

7:17

5:43

25

Sat

5:55

1.5

8:30

1.2

12:28

0.8

1:58

-0.1

7:13

5:43

26

Sun

3:45

1.8

5:36

1.7

10:47

0.0

11:36

0.7

7:18

5:44

26

Sun

7:11

1.3

9:02

1.3

2:01

0.7

2:42

0.0

7:14

5:43

27

Mon

5:20

1.5

6:09

1.9

11:31

0.3

7:18

5:44

27

Mon

8:46

1.1

9:35

1.4

3:31

0.5

3:26

0.2

7:14

5:44

28

Tue

7:07

1.4

6:44

2.1

12:55

0.3

12:15

0.6

7:18

5:45

28

Tue

10:33

1.0

10:10

1.6

4:50

0.2

4:10

0.4

7:14

5:45

29

Wed

8:50

1.3

7:21

2.4

2:03

-0.1

12:57

0.9

7:19

5:46

29

Wed

12:16P

1.0

10:47

1.7

5:58

-0.1

4:52

0.6

7:15

5:45

30

Thu

10:21

1.3

8:01

2.6

3:03

-0.6

1:35

1.1

7:19

5:46

30

Thu

1:47P

1.0

11:27

1.9

6:58

-0.4

5:30

0.8

7:15

5:46

31

Fri

11:40

1.4

8:39

2.8

3:59

-0.9

2:11

1.2

7:19

5:47

31

Fri

3:06

1.0

7:54

-0.7

6:06

0.9

7:15

5:47

3:06P

1.3

Moon

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FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | DECEMBER 2021 | FORT MYERS 9

It’s Never the Same Twice By: Dan Carns

S

omething you learn after a long time of fishing is that no two fishing trips will ever be the same, ever! So, this reminds me that if you are just starting out or you are visiting from somewhere else and you go fishing here in S.W. Florida you may be discouraged to continue or go back to the same place based on a slow day.

So many factors come into play, time of day, wind, temperature, sunlight, tidal flow and tide height are just a few of the variables that determine what the day will be like. Pre-storm and post-storm conditions change the barometric pressure which has a huge effect on fish and how they feed. Another consideration is the time of year and bait availability. You may be really close to feeding fish and not know it because of bait location so you should be paying close attention to signs of feeding behavior. If you have ever hired a guide or gone fishing with someone with extensive experience you’ll notice that they are constantly on the lookout, scanning the horizon for feeding birds or scattering bait. Sometimes it’s just a little swirl on the surface that tells you fish are feeding while other times it’s that smack of a top water strike that you don’t see but you can hear that gives it away.

You may go out one day and knock them silly only to return to that same spot at the same time with the same bait/lures the very next day and find it completely dead. Having a general plan is important

• Kayaks & Paddleboards • Fishing Charters • Rentals & Lessons • Guided Eco Tours

but you must adapt and move according to the environmental conditions of the day. Often the biggest driving factor will be the changing tide as it goes from high to low or low to high therefor what was working at ten o’clock in the morning will now be approximately fifty minutes later the following day.

Here at Gulf Coast Kayak we have several guides that spend a lot of time on the water and from day to day conditions never really repeat themselves so we do everything we can to increase the odds of having a great day on the water. You may call to schedule a trip and want to go at a certain time but often we’ll look at the tides and wind condition and suggest an alternate time for launch.

We have a number of repeat clients that come to us every year and they will tell you that they have never had the same experience twice. Our launch location offers a huge advantage in that within a mile or two radius we have so many different environments including grass flats, oyster bars, deepwater channels, mangrove covered island and docks so while you may not be able to repeat a particular trip you can create a new memory for that day.

It’s a Wild World-Get Out There! Fishman Dan

@paddlinandfishin | gulfcoastkayak.com | 239-283-1125

• Kayak Fishing Trips • Waterfront Retail location • Dolphin & Manatee Tours • Families Welcome

239-283-1125 www.GulfCoastKayak.com 4120 Pine Island Rd NW Matlacha, FL 33993 10 FORT MYERS | DECEMBER 2021 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/

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www.MakeAWakeFishing.com FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | DECEMBER 2021 | FORT MYERS 11

Trout Creek By: Mike Hammond

S

everal well-known creeks feed into the Caloosahatchee River: Hickey, Telegraph, Hancock and a few other popular paddle destinations. Most paddlers, however, are unfamiliar with Trout Creek. I have to admit, I would probably not have explored this little tributary if it was not for these articles and my desire to paddle the entire Calusa Blueway, lesser known creeks included.

We launched from Davis Boat Ramp early in the morning to see the sunrise over the Caloosahatchee. If you’ve never experienced this, I highly recommend it. Davis Boat Ramp has a concrete ramp and a fixed dock. Parking is limited, so it’s good to have a backup plan in case the lot is full. Manatee Park and the Franklin Locks are also options nearby.

After launching, it’s a short paddle down a canal to the Caloosahatchee River. Havens Island is just across the channel. Be cautious when crossing the channel because it is part of the Intracoastal Waterway. Very large boats that cannot slow down quickly may be traveling through.

After crossing, turn upriver and look for the large Owl Creek Boat Works sign. It is almost impossible to miss and will direct you behind Havens Island, which is a large oxbow island that is surrounded by slow zones.

Owl Creek is not an option for paddlers (a boat works operation was built at the mouth of this very short creek) so please do not get close. Instead, turn right and paddle under the small bridge and you will be on Trout Creek. One of the reasons many people probably haven’t heard of Trout Creek is that this bridge blocks anything larger than a kayak from passing underneath.

From the Davis Boat Ramp to this little bridge is about a 1.2 mile paddle. On a calm glassy boat free day, it is very pleasant. After passing under the bridge, we enjoyed another mile of paddling before it got a bit tight for a long kayak and SUP. Trout Creek lacked much of a canopy and is appreciably more open than Telegraph or Hickey Creek. It almost felt like we were paddling an open mangrove creek since there was a considerable amount of Brazilian pepper with native vegetation mixed in.

While I enjoyed the paddle, I would recommend a few other creek paddles in eastern Lee County before this one. But if you’re looking for a new paddle and access to a creek neglected by other anglers, Trout Creek may be the perfect option. I recommend going at sunrise.

CalusaBlueway.com 12 FORT MYERS | DECEMBER 2021 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/

FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | DECEMBER 2021 | FORT MYERS 13

Holiday Fishing In SW Florida By: Capt. Terry Fisher

I

t is that time of year when the area ‘lights’ up with numerous visitors and returning home owners to enjoy some of the most beautiful weather and waters that the world has to offer. It is a time to reflect on a year going by while enjoying wonderful and fulfilling experiences on and off the water. Our restaurants, beaches and waters will again be filled with clients and new visitors coming to enjoy another Christmas and New Year. It’s not all about the ‘CATCH’; but the experience of family, friends and business associates spending time together in a venue unlike any other. As a professional fishing guide and Charter Captain, I take great pleasure and pride to do whatever it takes to insure everyone on my ‘WATCH’, has and great time with ‘MEMORIES OF A LIFETIME’.

December is what I call a ‘Transitional’ month in regards to the strength of currents, water levels and water temperatures, which all go

hand in hand to determine the location and types of species to target.

These are, in my opinion, the more crucial elements for finding and catching fish.

INSHORE; low water levels not only restrict access to numerous areas by boat, but also attributes to the changes in fish locations. When this occurs, I suggest fishing areas that hold deeper water pockets including areas around the docks.

OFFSHORE; reef fish and migratory species are affected mostly by water temperature and current. Fish relocate to areas that sustain the basic food needs for survival. These are basically the reasons that fish such as, Mackerel, Permit, Tarpon, Tuna, Dolphin, Sailfish, and Cobia migrate. Non-‘Pelagic’, such as Groupers and Snapper move much shorter distances to depth preferences that meet their survival needs.

The challenge is to find them. Regardless, fishing inshore or offshore, water temperature is one of the main factors as to where the fish will be ‘holding’. The angler or fishing guide’s job is to find them. We are looking for them, the fish are not ‘looking’ for us. As baits change locations, so will the target species. ‘Baitfish will not follow game fish so that they can be eaten’; game fish follow baitfish, so they can eat them!

The question as always; which fish species will better provide an opportunity for anglers throughout the month of December and where will they be located? The answer as always, depends on water temperature and depth. As the temperature cools, offshore species (grouper, snapper, sheepshead) are likely to move to shallower water, while Redfish and Seatrout are likely to move away from the shallows to deeper holes. Common sense that the inshore species move as the water depths get extremely low in the backcountry areas in the winter time, locations that for the winter time offer no food or protection.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DECEMBER FISHING Inshore: I suggest that as the cold fronts come in from the North and Northwest anglers concentrate on Sheepshead and Mangrove Snappers around the docks, seawalls and other structure using shrimps or Fiddler Crabs on small bait hooks with a small pinch weight to keep the bait close to the seabed. Fish canals and passes with Pilchards and Pinfish for Snook and big Jack Crevalle. Target Black Drum and Redfish around the east side of the outer islands in the current cuts and around docks using shrimp. Seatrout will continue to hold on the grass flats in about 4ft. of water. Spanish Mackerel will begin to make their

debut in good numbers.

I like to fish for them in the passes with ¾oz. silver spoons on a 40 lb. monofilament leader. Look for the birds diving inshore and just off the beaches for these toothy, fighting fish.

Offshore: look for snapper and grouper around the crab pots offshore. Many time the lines of crab pots will denote ledges that hold Gag and Black Grouper this time of year. However, Red Grouper is closed. Be aware of the changes in harvest requirements for all species in regards to length and numbers. While offshore, keep an eye out for Triple Tail on the crab buoys and round debris. The cooler water temperatures will push the larger reef fish closer to the coastal islands.

Other than water temperature, the wind velocity will be the dominant factor as to when anglers go offshore. Look for diving birds and baitfish activity on the surface. These are the ‘telltale’ signs of fish below the surface.

Fishing can be very productive in December so long as anglers concentrate on the species that provide the best opportunities. Pictured is my friend and client, Parker Carwild of St. James City with his good buddy, Charlie Spencer showing off Triple Tail caught off the crab buoys a few days ago. Good Job Charlie!

This is Captain Terry Fisher and 2nd Mate Moby Dick of Fish Face Charters, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and tight lines! I am available as ‘Captain for Hire’ inshore and offshore (by the hour) on your vessel to locate fishing spots and teach guaranteed techniques for catching fish. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com. Email me at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com or call me direct at 239-357-6829 to book a charter.

Fish Face Charters | fishfacecharters.com | 239-357-6829

14 FORT MYERS | DECEMBER 2021 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/

FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | DECEMBER 2021 | FORT MYERS 15

howing

n, 10, s icholso one!

N n e d y d Ka how it's

Cameron O’Connor, 7, w/ a redfish from his favorite dock light!

Valentino, George & Tre Liszewski pulling some pumpkins in Sarasota Bay!

Paul Am

ish of F Pine Is t. Myers and land se atrout. a nice

Mason Viana, just enjoying a day out of school!

Aunt Kiki & Mason hooked a snook at Bokeelia Pier.

ok in this sno oto d le o fo k. Ph ter82 Jigmas a from the ban r82 e h t c s Matla nookbu credit: S

Victor B orsu off Gord kevich with a n on's Pa David Walls with a Halloween ss, on p ice cobia infish. snook in Sarasota.

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES.

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PHOTO BY AARON ADAMS

A TIME AND PLACE FOR EVERYTHING

here is no comparison to anchoring versus drifting for grouper fishing. Catching grouper and big snapper consistently requires you to set up in one location. But there is a time and place for everything. Bear with me…

For grouper and big snapper fishing, you have to anchor or use a long-shank, GPS trolling motor—like a Rhodan—to keep your boat in place. I have talked about this in previous articles.

You need to “set the table” for the gags, reds and scamps. While anchored with 4 or 5 anglers onboard, we send down several rounds of whole squid, regardless of what comes up. Whole squid dropped on Decoy Jigs create a chum slick on the bottom directly below the boat. After three or four rounds of these “freebie” squid offerings, we send down the live baits on Decoy Jigs. This is more than grouper and big snapper can mentally digest. They see a live bait caught by a crab or squid. It’s a Happy Meal to them. To do this effectively, your boat must remain in a fixed position.

There are now a few brands of powerful, long-shank, GPSequipped electric trolling motors on the market that allow offshore anglers the same benefits enjoyed for years by inshore and freshwater anglers.

These machines allow you to anchor “virtually” or set a heading, among other things.

They are an absolute gamechanger. I use a Rhodan, so that’s what I’ll call it.

Using the Rhodan alone is my preferred method. It will keep you in one spot, and it’s so much easier than anchoring in deep water. It is accurate, fast, effortless and time efficient.

If the water is too deep or the current is running too hard, we will sometimes drift with the Rhodan. From barely in gear up to full speed, we use the trolling motor to slow the drift. This creates a good situation in which to drop baits for bottom fish while flying a kite out of the back of the boat. The Rhodan keeps the bow pointed into the wind or current, allowing you to deploy kites with live baits while also bottom fishing. It’s possible to fish for pelegics like wahoo and dolphin while catching bottom fish at the same time. The kite will work the Rhodan hard and reduce battery life, so keep this in mind.

A traditional anchor allows you to fly a kite with baits out for wahoo, while also bottom fishing without taxing the Rhodan to keep the boat in a fixed position. This combo, however, can only be used with a light wind. If the wind or current are up, a slow drift with the Rhodan is the best way to drop baits while tending the kite and float baits.

Like I said, there is a time and condition for one or all of the combos, but I’m sometimes old-school, and you just can’t beat an anchor for grouper fishing when the water depth and current speed are right.

For more information and instructional videos, go to barefootcatsandtackle.com.

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PHOTO BY AARON ADAMS

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By Richard Matteson

PHOTO BY AARON ADAMS

LIFE IS A BEACH

December Surf Fishing Forecast

T

he beach is coming alive with the cooler weather, and the seasonal fish, which include Spanish mackerel, bluefish and pompano, are showing up in numbers here on Florida’s Treasure Coast.

There have been some spectacular fishing days with 20-plus mackerel and numbers of jacks, some heavier than 15 pounds. The pompano are here, and although most are small, some keeper-size have been caught in the surf and from the bridges in the Indian River Lagoon. Birds and schools of fish have been following large pods of bait swimming just outside the trough. One reason for the increased activity are higher king tides, which eliminate issues with sandbars left from previous hurricanes.

The tides are a couple feet higher than they were this summer.

One- and 2-ounce Crocodile Spoons in silver and gold with a single hook are producing great results. I usually use a 3/8-ounce D.O.A. jig in chartreuse color with a 4-inch pearl Shad Tail. Even if the mackerel aren’t schooling at the moment, there are still lots of jacks and ladyfish around the trough.

I use 10- to 20-pound white braid with a 40-pound fluorocarbon leader. I like short leaders of 14 inches or shorter, which keeps the double uni-knot connecting the braid to leader from the first eyelet on the rod.

I always use a 6 ½- or 7-foot rod with some backbone to land larger fish like tarpon and snook. The standard surf reel is a spinning reel with enough braid (100 yards over mono backing) to land bigger fish.

If you are fishing in the Treasure Coast area, now is the time to take your boat out the St. Lucie Inlet and go about a mile south to the Peck’s Lake area known as Kingfish Hole to catch schooling Spanish mackerel.

Use a thick leader of 80-pound fluorocarbon or a wire leader, and expect non-stop mackerel action. Use small spoons or jigs, and move them fast near the top of the water. Look for boats following the schools to locate the best fishing.

Snook are still hitting in the surf on jigs and live bait with the best action near high tide. The best snook fishing is morning and evening.

Remember to fish around the trough; casting out way past the trough is wasted time when fishing for snook.

As always, look for birds to find the bait, and the fish will be there.

The surf is rough and the tides are high. Time to go fishing.

Richard Matteson is a long-time contributor to Coastal Angler Magazine and staff writer for the Stuart Rod and Reel Club.

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BE PREPARED For Hazards Of All Kinds

By Capt. Randy Cnota

R

ecently, I was enjoying a quiet morning on the boat, all by myself, catching several fish in a remote place on the lower end of the Apalachicola River system. The bass were chomping on my top-water jerkbait like they’d never seen one before, and I got complacent while dehooking one. The fish made a sudden, violent shake and suddenly I had two hooks in my hand with a flopping fish on the jerk-bait’s third hook. This is

one of the many hazards anglers should be prepared for when they occur; and hazards WILL occur, it’s just a matter of time.

Being an old experienced salt, the removal of those hooks from my hand was not that big of a deal; it just took some time because I was alone and had only one hand to use. Had that happened to an angler who’s never had a hook in his hand, it might have been a different story. Imagine this happening to your child, an elderly person or a loved one… would you know what to do?

Obvious hazards like foul weather, high winds and extreme cold are easy to negotiate as a recreational angler; you just don’t go that day! It’s the calm, pleasant, inviting days when you least expect some hazardous event to take place that they seem to occur.

My intent is to inspire you to prepare for the unexpected as best you can.

There are way too many hazardous scenarios that could play out in a day of fishing, so the following is just an overview of a strategy.

People getting hooked, cut or falling in or out of a boat are likely the most common hazards anglers experience.

Make sure everyone on board knows exactly where lifejackets and throw cushions are located and how and why to use them. Lifejackets are obvious, but some might not realize the importance of the throw cushion. When someone falls overboard, it’s imperative that someone keeps their eyes on him to maintain his location and get a cushion tossed to him immediately!

You’d be surprised how quickly this scenario can turn bad, so make sure all aboard know the drill.

A basic first-aid kit on board is a good start for tending to cuts, sprains and burns, but be sure to take the next step and keep a few extra items like duct tape, rescue tape, zip ties, super glue etc. Also, make sure you know how to remove hooks and be able to determine if a hooked situation is something that can be treated on the water or if a trip to the ER is required.

As a licensed Captain and retired military, I’ve had plenty of training with first aid, CPR and other emergency matters, but many folks on the water have not. If you captain a vessel, be sure to get this kind of training.

You owe it to the people who rely on you out there.

For more information, go to coastalanglermag.com.

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DECEMBER SEASONS UPDATE

D

ecember is time to shift gears for inshore anglers in Florida. Snook seasons close and flounder harvest opens up this month.

New for 2021, flounder harvest was closed for 45 days this year during the fall run.

Many anglers look forward to fall as peak time to catch big doormat flounder, which is why the closure occurred when flounder populations are most susceptible to recreational and commercial anglers. The Oct. 15 through Nov. 30 harvest closure was intended to combat what FWC called a statewide decline in flounder populations. Other Gulf and Atlantic states took similar measures.

Starting Dec. 1, flounder harvest is allowed with a 14-inch minimum size limit and a daily bag limit of five fish per person. These regulations apply in state and federal waters off Florida.

The Gulf snook season closure date is Dec. 1, and snook harvest will remain closed through the end of February in Gulf state and adjacent federal waters. The Atlantic snook season is closed Dec. 15 through Jan. 31 in state and adjacent federal waters. Special regulations for different zones exist for this species, so be sure to check current regulations online at MyFWC.com. On the Gulf side, from Sarasota Bay through Gordon Pass in Collier County, snook will remain catch-and-release through May 31, 2022.

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291.7 POUNDS WINS BIMINI WAHOO MAYHEM

I

n case you’re wondering where the wahoo are in their annual migrations, the action at this year’s Bimini Wahoo Mayhem tournament might provide a clue.

With fishing days on Nov. 5 and 6, a fleet of 21 boats didn’t necessarily wear them out, but they brought plenty of ’hoos to the scales. The invitationonly tournament is billed as the highest-paying wahoo tournament in the Bahamas, and it’s held during the historic peak of the season in one of the world’s most prolific wahoo destinations. There are no tournament boundaries, so teams range all over the islands in search of big wahoo.

More than $192,000 was paid out after Day 2. The big first-place winner was Finnikki, which brought a very respectable 291.7 pounds to the scales. In a distant second place, Rake & Scrape weighed 148 pounds.

The tournament’s Big Fish was a 58.9 pounder caught by Rake & Scrape on Day 1.

For more information and complete results, go to www.meatmayhemtournaments.com.

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CHANGES COMING FOR GULF OF MEXICO REGULATIONS

FWC PHOTO

T

he Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is considering changes that might affect regulations for recreational anglers in the Gulf of Mexico. The council is the regional authority charged with managing fisheries in federal waters of the Gulf, and it met Oct. 25-28 in Orange Beach, Alabama. The following is a summary of actions from that meeting.

Cobia: The Gulf Group cobia stock is managed jointly with the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and includes both the Gulf Zone and Florida East Coast Zone. A recent stock assessment showed Gulf Group cobia are not overfished but are experiencing overfishing.

The Gulf Council chose to reduce Gulf Group Cobia stock overfishing limit, acceptable biological catch, and annual catch limits with an increasing yield stream for the years 2021-2023.

The bottom line for anglers is: the council chose to retain the 36-inch fork length minimum size limit for cobia, reduce the daily possession limit to one fish per person and create a twofish vessel limit for both commercial and recreational sectors in the Gulf Zone.

In the Florida East Coast Zone, the council decided to increase the minimum size limit to 36-inches fork length, reduce the daily possession limit to one fish per person, and create a two-fish vessel limit for both commercial and recreational sectors.

These changes must be agreed upon by

the South Atlantic Council before they are submitted to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce for approval and implementation.

Red Grouper: The Council took final action to increase the red grouper overfishing limit, acceptable biological catch, annual catch limits and annual catch targets. This recommendation, if implemented by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, would set the stage for a loosening in regulations for red grouper.

King Mackerel: A recent update stock assessment determined king mackerel is not overfished or experiencing overfishing.

However, the spawning stock biomass was found to be below the level necessary to achieve maximum sustainable yield.

The Gulf Council chose to retain the 24-

inch minimum size limit for king mackerel. The South Atlantic Council, which jointly manages the mackerel fishery, opted for a 22-inch fork length minimum size limit. The councils will have to reach agreement.

Greater Amberjack: Greater amberjack is both overfished and experiencing overfishing.

Catch-limit reductions are likely to come soon.

Gag Grouper: Gag is both overfished and experiencing overfishing. A recent assessment indicated that a lack of males might be having an effect on the productivity of the stock.

The council indicated it is not in favor of total closure. Catch-limit reductions are being considered.

Vermilion Snapper: Increased vermilion snapper catch limits are being considered.

A recent stock assessment determined that vermilion snapper is neither overfished or experiencing overfishing. After hearing public comment, which cautioned against increasing catch limits dramatically, the council recommended staff include alternatives with smaller increases than were recommended.

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The dial controller at the heart of this system provides a level of control and precision not possible with tactile switches. While this controller is intelligent, it couldn’t be simpler for the boater to understand and use. The boater just turns the dial in the direction he wants to level the boat, and the actuators respond quickly and precisely to adjust the ride.

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49-year-old angler from Kingsland, Georgia landed a big red grouper off the Georgia coast on Oct. 4 that crushed the existing state record by nearly seven pounds.

Bruce C. Bartlett Jr.’s 26-pound, 6.4-ounce fish measured 34.5 inches in length. It was certified by Georgia DNR and broke the existing record of 19 pounds, 7 ounces, which was caught by John Wren in 2012.

The IGFA all-tackle world record weighed 42 pounds, 4 ounces. It was caught in 1997 off St. Augustine, Florida.

Bartlett landed the red grouper using a 5-foot, 8-inch Ugly Stik Tiger rod with Shimano Torium reel with 65-pound Power Pro line using a live cigar minnow as bait. His terminal rig was a fish finder sinker slide with an 8-ounce bank sinker to a 100-pound barrel swivel, followed by a 60-pound fluorocarbon leader and 6/0 Eagle Claw circle hook. He was fishing east of Navy Tower R4, about 60 miles off of Cumberland Island, Georgia, aboard his boat Fishslaya Duece.

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For the current list of Georgia saltwater fishing records, as well as information on how to submit a catch, visit CoastalGaDNR.org/SaltwaterRecords.

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TOURNAMENT BASS RETURN TO THEIR CATCH LOCATION

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ost bass released after tournament weigh-ins eventually return to the area where they caught. This interesting tidbit came from a research project conducted on Big Rideau Lake and was reported on by the nonprofit organization Blue Fish Canada.

According to the report, researchers used acoustic tags to look into the survival rates and behaviors of bass after they were released at the weigh-in site.

Over three tournaments, 88 largemouth and smallmouth bass were tagged before release. Their movements were tracked using sensors placed throughout the lake. Researchers selected each of the fish in the study based on whether the angler could accurately provide a location where the fish was caught.

Upon release, the fish piled up within 300 meters of the release site for a short time before dispersing back toward the main lake. All of the bass eventually left the area. It took largemouths an average of 4.6 days to leave.

The smallmouths were gone within a day.

One of the researchers, Dr. Steven J. Cooke, told Blue Fish Canada’s Lawrence Gunther that each of the bass caught and tagged eventually returned to the area where they were originally caught. That’s pretty amazing, especially considering the size of the lake, which has a surface acreage of more than 100 square miles.

For more information on this study, go to bluefishcanada.ca..

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This big Wels was caught from Italy’s Po River in 2015 by Italian angler Dino Ferrari. It measured 8.8 feet long and weighed more than 265 pounds.

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MEET THE WELS CATFISH Europe’s Freshwater Monster

By TAM Staff

I

n late October, news of a giant wels catfish caught from Spain’s Ebro River made the rounds on the Internet. The fish, caught by British angler Mark Steward-Brown, weighed 234 pounds, according to Field & Stream.

It was a monster fish, but it fell well short of the record for wels catfish. Although they are rare, it seems fish heavier than 200 pounds are caught every year in European fisheries. Fish heavier than 100 pounds are commonplace.

Wels have a long time to grow during a lifespan of 50 years or more.

The IGFA all-tackle world record was caught from Italy’s Po River in 2010. It measured longer than 9 feet in length and weighed 297 pounds.

Fish like that are a good reason for hardcore catfish anglers to look into a European vacation. In U.S. waters, an angler might spend a lifetime pursuing a blue catfish heavier than 100 pounds. According to Field & Stream, Steward-Brown caught four fish heavier than 100 pounds during his first day fishing in Spain.

Spain’s Ebro River, especially at Mequinenza Reservoir in the northeastern corner of the country, is renowned for good numbers of big fish. In northern Italy, the Po River and its delta on the Adriatic Sea, produced the world record as well as some other huge fish over the years.

In France, the Rhone River and several of its tributaries have earned a reputation for big catfish. A Google search will reveal guide services and “holiday packages” offered for all of these destination fisheries and more.

From an angler’s perspective, Wels are interesting species for more than just their massive size. Like all catfish, they are bottom feeders.

They like stinky bait, and are often caught on pre-made bait-pellet rigs.

However, they are also voracious predators with giant mouths. Many anglers prefer to pursue them with large, loud lures. Wels have poor eyesight, so vibration and noise are important.

Their natural diet is made up mostly of earthworms, mollusks, insects and fish. As they grow larger, they begin feeding on anything they can fit in their mouths. Frogs, mice, rats and aquatic birds are all prey items.

In southwestern France, an isolated population of Wels has learned to ambush pigeons on land, like orcas attack seals on the beach.

That should be the cue for some innovative fly tyer to twist up an ultra-realistic pigeon fly.

For more information, go to www.coastalanglermag.com.

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