Coastal Angler Magazine | May 2023 | Ft. Myers/Cape Coral/Charlotte Harbor Edition

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RED SPRING USHERS IN

pring is one of my favorite seasons for shing. Fish are warming up and feeding aggressively, especially red sh. Red sh eagerly consume an array of baits this time of year, but there is one arti cial that sets itself apart from the others. Have you guessed it?

If you said, “gold spoon,” you were correct. When you look at the spoon it seems unimpressive, to be honest. However, that is the beauty of it all; we, as anglers, overcomplicate shing. Sometimes all you need is an awkward piece of gold metal to shake the skunk.

WHAT

It combines pro le, color and vibration, which play on the three signi cant senses most game sh use when feeding. e shape might resemble a crab, a small sh or a wounded shrimp, and the unique wobble lets sh know it’s an easy target. Gold spoons are great for beginners and avid anglers alike, they can be rigged weedless, and they are easy to cast. One of my go-to spoons for red sh is the FishLab Bio-Spoon.

RIGGING A SPOON

Rigging is simple; attach a 20- to 30-pound uorocarbon or mono lament leader directly to the spoon. I attach a snap swivel directly to the spoon to prevent line twists. A 1/4-ounce spoon is usually an excellent choice, especially when the bait is smaller. Remember to match the hatch in

terms of size. Pair the spoon with a 7 or 7 1/2-foot medium fast spinning rod and 15-pound braid. My preferred setup is the Okuma ITX 4000 paired with an Okuma SRT spinning rod.

Spoons can produce sh in various conditions, but there are situations when it shines. Along weed lines, mangroves or similar structures should be your rst targets, as this is where red sh congregate. Remember, reds travel in groups, so work an area thoroughly for consistent action. Repeated casts to the exact location or the same retrieval path will o en produce multiple sh.

Gold spoons are best suited for stained or dark water. In cleaner water, the same techniques can be used with a silver spoon. e shape of the spoon and hook guard combine to allow the lure to bounce o obstructions like weeds, mangroves, oyster beds or rocks where other lures might be lost.

Erratic action is the key to the spoon’s success. Many anglers cast and pause, allowing the spoon to utter. If you do not get a hit right o the bat, you have two options for the retrieve. A steady retrieve, varying speed based on conditions, will o en draw sh out and even right to the boat. Others prefer to add a twitch to their retrieve, feeling it increases the motion. Try each or mix it up based on what the sh respond to. Be bold, and try new techniques. Be sure to pick up a Salty Scales Performance shing shirt, stay protected, and remain comfortable on the water.

Capt. Joshua Taylor is a Tampa guide and founder of Salty Scales Performance Fishing Gear. Check them out at www.saltyscales.com.

MAKES THE GOLD SPOON UNIQUE?

HOW TO FISH A SPOON

By Capt. Joshua Taylor

FINALLY, BACK TO GROUPER FISHING

There was a time in my life that we took certain things for granted. For example, No limits and/or seasons on speckled trout, drum, ounder and especially GROUPER! I never thought I would say the two words “grouper” and “season” in the same sentence. Never mind, I’m just venting because I prefer bottom shing and light lining above all other styles of o shore shing.

I went through this last year about this time, but I’ll do it again for those folks who might have missed it. is is the way I start every location we anchor on, or post up with the Rhodan.

NOTE: We take two boxes of quid on every trip, and we typically have live pin sh from the marina also.

I typically have three or four folks with me every trip. We start by ring down whole squid on the jig. Meanwhile, I’m on the sabiki jigging up whatever is on the bottom below us. I don’t care what is coming up on the whole squid, as this is not the main focus. e real objective is to set a nice ‘chum slick” on the bottom to attract the sh you’re really shing for. A er 4 or 5 rounds of the whole frozen squid, we will re down live pin sh or whatever I’ve jigged up on the sabiki. e other advantage of shing a live pin sh, grass grunt, sailors’ choice or whatever you can jig up, is it eliminates the trash bites. In addition to eliminating the trash bites from small snapper, seabass and other “undesirables,” it’s like physcological warfare, as the gags, scamps and reds cannot digest all that is going on here. To them it appears like the pin sh, grass grunts etc, think the live baits were running around picking up squid pieces, and the squid or crab jigs have caught them and the live bait is struggling to get away. BAM!!! e bite happens. is, my friends, is the di erence between “bottom shing” and GROUPER shing.

Another bait that’s a dead ringer for a grouper bite is a butter ied

bait. e butter ied bait on the bottom basically does the same thing as the squid. e small snapper and other smaller sh will hammer the lets until the grouper have had enough of it. You will feel the small sh biting it constantly, but then all of a sudden the small “pecking” bites will stop. Get ready, and don’t move it… the grouper has moved in and everyone else has to leave, because it’s time for the real bite!

Enough about the bottom. I will occasionally troll for a LITTLE WHILE, but this would be to accomplish two things at once. Catch a sh or two, but also to locate the best part of any given ledge with lots of bait and sh on the bottom. As soon as we locate the bait, reel in the troll baits and get to work! Everything you catch trolling, you can catch on the light line while you’re grouper shing. Tuna, dolphin and wahoo are idiots for a big fat (live) greenie, sardine, cigar minnow or goggle eye out back behind the boat in the current.

All the best shing,

Check out more from Tim Barefoot at barefootcatsandtackle.com

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It was a perfect late autumn day in the northern Rockies. Not a cloud in the sky, and just enough cool in the air to stir up nostalgic memories of my trip into the backwoods. is year, though, was di erent. I was going it solo. My two buddies, pleading work responsibilities, backed out at the last minute. So, armed with my trusty knife, I set out for adventure.

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By TAM Sta

Where Southern Stripers run

WhereSouthern Stripers run WhereSouthern Stripers run WhereSouthern Stripers run

species that crosses their path.

It is a good time to be a river angler. Here are three excellent destinations for river-run striped bass in the South.

• Saluda River: Columbia, South Carolina

In spring and summer, scads of striped bass make the 60-mile run up the Congaree River from the Santee-Cooper Lakes southeast of Columbia, S.C. By late summer, most of those sh pile into the Saluda River, which is a short, 10-mile-long tributary that’s fed with cold water from the dam at Lake Murray. August is the heart of the Saluda season, when 100- sh days of 2- to 5-pound stripers are possible. Fish heavier than 20 pounds are a possibility, but this shery sees a lot of pressure and the water is normally very clear. e big ones spook easily and become nicky late in the season.

• Etowah River: Cartersville, Georgia

On Georgia’s Etowah River, the sh are spread out over about 50 miles of river, so covering water is the name of the game. Anglers should expect to do a lot of casting to each shoal and piece of wood cover where stripers might lie in ambush.

Starting in April, they run some 75 miles upriver from Alabama’s Lake Weiss to a lowhead dam downstream of Georgia’s Lake Allatoona. e sh are constantly on the move and the idea is to intercept them. Anglers might hook up with sh from 4 pounds on up to 20 pounds and larger.

• Hiwassee River: Reliance, Tennessee

e Hiwassee is more of a quality than quantity shery. Anglers are called on to sh hard for just a few bites, but those bites come from sh that o en weigh 20, 30, even 40 pounds or more.

In the South, the striped bass runs of spring and summer bring some of the most exciting shing of the year for those who prefer to sh rivers. Landlocked striped bass are as large and powerful as any sh in freshwater, and for most of the year they are only available to big-lake anglers who troll or downline live baits.

at all changes in spring. e rst groups of striper migrate into the rivers on spawning runs. In many locations, this spring run is followed by a larger summertime push, when pods of striped bass move up into cooler, more oxygenated waters. Sometimes they pile up below dams, and sometimes they patrol surprisingly skinny waters in wolf packs, gobbling up any prey

Most years, the wide, shoal-broken river around Reliance loads up with striped bass from July into September. ese are big-river sh that run some 50-miles upstream from the Tennessee River at Lake Chickamauga. ey revel in cold, oxygenated water that ows down the mountains from Apalachia Lake on the North Carolina/Tennessee border.

ey hold in the same holes and shoals every year to feed heavily on skipjack herring, gizzard shad and the stocked trout Tennessee puts in the river for anglers.

For more information, go to coastalanglermagazine.com.

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By Emily Rose Hanzlik

SPRING MEANS IT’S TIME FOR TUNA

With spring settled in, the seas are becoming more shable, and more options are available. When I was little, this is the time of year when we would start catching little tunnies o the pier. At the time they were my favorite, but now that I’m older and know a few friends with boats, spring has come to mean tuna, black n tuna in particular. We catch other species of tuna, but black ns are the most abundant here o Florida.

Black n tuna are smaller than other tuna species like yellow n or blue n. Black ns we catch usually weigh between 10 and 30 pounds, and they rarely reach 30 pounds. Yellow n tuna have bright yellow on their lateral line, while black ns have a bronze, almost black line. Also, a black n’s nlets are more of a dark bronze color with white tips compared to yellow n, which have yellow nlets. Another tell is their second dorsal n, which is not elongated like other species of tunas.

Black n tuna and every other tuna use ram ventilation, meaning they must be constantly moving. During this movement, water is forced through the mouth and over the gills to supply oxygen to the blood. ey are constantly moving and highly migratory.

Black n tuna range all over the western Atlantic Ocean, from Massachusetts to Brazil. Within these areas, tuna stay more o shore in depths of 70 feet or deeper. ey prefer water temperatures between 70 and 75 degrees. is results in the tuna arriving in Florida in late spring and staying into fall, when water temperatures are optimal for them.

Black ns spawn throughout the summer. ey broadcast spawn in current, and their fry will live within oating debris elds until they get large enough to survive in the open.

To catch black n tuna, many captains will dri sh over 170 to 270 feet of water. A current that dri s the boat at about 2 knots is about as fast as you want to go, and a sea anchor can be useful in slowing the dri . Live baits such as sardines, thread n herring and others work well on the dri . Deploy some freelines as well as some weighted rigs to take baits down and cover the water column.

Jigging a spoon around reefs and rock piles is another fun and e ective way to catch black ns. Tuna will readily take a 4- or 5-inch spoon weighing 2 or 3 ounces.

Black n tuna are good to eat, and you’re allowed two per person or 10 per vessel. e IGFA all-tackle record for black n tuna is 49.06 pounds, caught out o Marathon, Fla. in 2006.

Emily Rose Hanzlik holds 62 IGFA world records in various categories. She hails from West Palm Beach, where she has a part time Bow n Guide Service as well as shing classes for Jr. Anglers. Find her on social media @emilyhanzlikoutdoors.

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Orange Lake Produces Giants

It’s been a slow year for truly giant largemouth bass in Florida. e FWC’s TrophyCatch program, which recognizes and promotes catch and release of big bass, has only registered two 13-plus-pounders this TrophyCatch season. Both sh were caught southeast of Gainesville, at Orange Lake.

Largemouths must weigh more than 13 pounds to

reach TrophyCatch Hall of Fame status. TrophyCatch season 11 began back on Oct. 1, 2022, and the veri ed Hall of Fame bass wasn’t caught until Feb. 3. at monster sh, caught at Orange Lake by Michael Matthews, weighed 13-pounds, 8-ounces. It is the largest sh entered into the program so far for the season, which ends on Sept. 30, 2023.

Apparently, Orange Lake bass were fat and full of eggs in February. e second Hall of Fame bass of the season was caught on Feb. 25 by Anthony Holland during a Big Bend Bass Club tournament at Orange Lake. You can bet Holland got a check a er bringing his giant 13-pound, 3-ounce bass to the scales.

Both Hall of Fame sh were released back into Orange Lake, and both of their weights will count for Orange Lake in the ongoing Battle of the Lakes between Orange Lake and Headwaters/Fellsmere. At the end of season 11, whichever shery has the most registered weight will win, and all the anglers who submitted sh for the winning lake will be entered into a prize drawing.

TrophyCatch also awards many other prizes to participants, including a fully rigged bass boat that will be awarded by drawing at the end of the season.

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Anthony Holland caught a 13.3-pound bass during an Orange Lake tournament on Feb. 25.

The largest bass of the TrophyCatch season was caught at Orange Lake on Feb. 3 by Michael Matthews.

Here One Day, Gone the Next TARPON

By Nick Carter

Just a er daybreak, we bobbed in an anchored ski looking out over a wide, shallow bay. Capt. Scott Burgess sat on the poling platform smoking a cigar and drinking co ee. Jesse Trevathan stood on the casting deck. He wasn’t casting. With line stripped out into the decal-littered stripping bucket in front of him, he held his y—a locally tied (FC)2 Renegade—in his le hand and his rod in his right. He just watched. We all watched, eyes focused on a large patch of sand o the bow that stood out from the grassy bottom around it.

We were looking for tarpon cruising the shallows on their annual westward migration along the Gulf Coast. In this sweet spot on Florida’s Forgotten Coast, they show up in May and are gone by August. e action peaks in June and July, and their massive silver bodies would show clearly in contrast to the sandy bottom.

“ ey follow paths, the same paths, year a er year,” said Burgess. “It’s based on the topography of the bottom as they move in with the tide.”

He had positioned the boat with the bow facing a ridge that rose from 7 feet up to 3 feet deep. When tarpon move in, the tops of such ridges are too shallow for them to cross. e big sh are channeled into the shallows in search of pogies, crabs and other delicacies.

With the trap set, there was nothing to do but wait and talk. Trevathan said tarpon spawn on the new and full moons of summer. For days they evacuate the ats and head o shore.

“I’ve been out here right before the full moon, and I literally saw hundreds of tarpon. ey were doing nothing but chasing tail. ey were

daisy chaining all over the place,” Trevathan said. “I went back on the moon, and they were gone.”

e daisy chaining Trevathan mentioned, in which sh group up and swim in circles nose to tail, is thought by some to be pre-spawn behavior, a sort of courtship dance. But no spawning takes place during these events. For the most part, scientists don’t really know why tarpon do what they do.

Trevathan and Burgess both have their theories about the movements of these giants. What they know for sure is tarpon show up each summer on the ats and in the passes. Clean water is needed to see them. Seeing them is necessary to present the y. e cast must lead them, but not too much, and the retrieve must intercept the sh at the right angle to incite a strike.

If the sh eats, it takes a hard strip set to drive the hook into a tarpon’s bony mouth. How hard? “As hard as you can,” said Burgess. Even if all goes according to plan, Burgess admitted there’s a less than 50 percent chance of steering a large tarpon boat-side. e power and aerial display of a hooked tarpon are legendary. Sadly, we did not witness it that day.

As the tide turned, the murky water became more dingy. Late in the morning, the call was made to move in search of red sh.

A week later, Burgess sent a text message with an attached photo. It showed a big tarpon, which he estimated to be 135 to 140 pounds, tailthrashing the water just o the tip of his 12-weight rod, which was broken in half.

“40 min ght with a broken rod… she pulled me 2 miles from my anchor.” e text read.

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Being Prepared for Anything

By: Capt. Dave Stephens

One of the biggest problems that most anglers face here on Charlotte Harbor, is what to fish for. With so many different species it would be impossible to fish for all of them in one day. Being a full-time charter fishing guide, I am more guilty than any other angler about not pursuing some of our other species. It is so easy to get stuck in the redfish, snook and trout rut, since those are the main three that are targeted the most. Well, the spring through the early summer we will have plenty of other excellent game fish that can be targeted, such as

spanish mackerel, triple tail and cobia. Also, there are lots of black tip and spinner sharks in the harbor as well. Most of these species can be caught on the local flats on occasion but are found in greater numbers out in the deeper waters of the harbor. We have several great reefs that hold all the fish I have mentioned. If fishing the reefs is not your thing, there are several holes in the harbor that are excellent spots to find mackerel, cobia and sharks, therefore, be sure you bring some wire as most of these fish are toothy and will bite right through regular leader. I like to bring along a bigger rod you never know when that fish of a lifetime will swim up to the boat, and you will want to be prepared for anything that shows up! Your local tackle shops will have everything you need and be sure to tell them how and what you plan to fish for that day, as they will help you be better prepared. I guarantee that there is no one who loves fishing for snook as much as myself, but some days if the flats fishing is just not working, try thinking outside the box. I’m sure you will enjoy your day on Charlotte Harbor and find yourself doing it more often.

By: Capt. Bart Marx

Summer is already in full swing and offshore things should be heating up as the migratory species should be on the move. White bait should be in the harbor and the estuaries so get your cast nets out and take a few throws in the grassy part of your yard. This way you can see any defects and address any issues you may have or see how rusty you are! Head to the feed store and get a bag of tropical fish food, I usually try to get the feed that has the most fish oil in its ingredients, and you will be set for the summer. White bait will increase your catches of snook and several other species and if you do not have a net, I recommend an eight-foot 3/8 bait net to start as this is for those that never have used a net before. Eight foot will work in up to ten feet of water and works great on the grass flats where the bait goes. There are places that the bait goes and when you learn where, it makes it a lot easier to find and catch. Stay in tune where the birds are feeding, as this could be your start to success. Watch for anglers standing on their boat throwing something in the water, staring at it as they most likely have polarized glasses to see the bait. They are using the chum/ fish food mixed with seawater to make a peanut butter paste to make grape or golf ball size pieces to throw in the water where you draw the bait. Keep it going when you can see the bait as this is when you throw the net to harvest those baits. The live well is also very important. I have used coolers, garbage cans to hold bait, the best live well has a sea water pickup that pumps fresh seawater into your container and have a good drain that will let the water drain out as fast as the pump fills it up, putting fresh seawater in. This keeps your bait alive very well. Some guys dump the baits on the deck of your boat and use a dip net to scoop them up and place them in the well, which you will then need to get them out of the live well when it comes time to fish. There are tools you can buy or make to use to use to throw some of these baits to use as chum to find the fish you are looking to harvest. If you have any questions about this article, give Capt. Bart a call or e-mail 941-979-6517 or captbart@alphaomegacharters.com I am a full-time Charter Guide. Come on my boat or I can come on your boat for a training session. Give me a call and let’s talk fishing, and always remember singing drags and tight lines make me smile.

By: Caitlyn Gatrell

Searching for Silver

Now that we are in spring and inching closer to summer, the tarpon bite has increased in the now warmer waters. Even just being on the water, not even having to hook up to one, we are often met with many rolling on the surface or just traveling by. For some anglers like me, tarpon are the prime species when it comes to saltwater fishing. The adrenaline and excitement that comes with the fight is like no other. I knew once I hooked my first tarpon, it would become a species I would have a major respect and love for. The strength of these fish is just fascinating to witness up close, and we have had many great opportunities to see.

Not only does fishing for tarpon provide a great thrill, but also allows for many memories. We have quite a few fun memories involving tarpon fishing, especially the first time I got in the water with one. My boyfriend, Kyle, hooked into a large tarpon that took us for quite the ride. We were fishing the backwaters in a bay, on a strong current during high tide and came across rolling tarpon everywhere. I had caught one right before Kyle hooked into the big one, and after a long fight full of screaming drag, lots of jumps, and even an outrun from a shark, we were able to land this beauty. I was in charge of landing the fish, so by grabbing a nearby shirt, I wrapped up my hands quickly and firmly grabbed its mouth when I had the opportunity. I was met with lots of head shakes, but I was able to keep the grip strong until the fish calmed down a bit. We slowly trolled over to the underwater sandbar and got in the water to see this fish up close but made sure we were able to keep it in the water. The fish was so large that the two of us had to hold it up with both our hands to ensure we wouldn't lose it. After snapping a few photos and getting back in the boat with soaking wet clothes, we ensured a safe release by trolling down the bay and allowing water to flow through the tarpon's mouth and gills.

A fter the fish was revived well enough, it gave off a strong kick and swam beneath the surface until we could no longer see it. Despite the exhaustion and nerve-wracking moments of the fight and landing, it still was an overwhelming feeling of joy to know we were able to get our hands on one of these creatures and get into the water with it. It is a species that I will always be excited to catch, or witness someone else catching, no matter how big or small, as it still fills me with joy every time.

SPRING TARPON

By: Capt. Terry Fisher

The months of May and June will again bring the largest and most spectacular Tarpon migration on the North American Continent to SW Florida waters. These large migrating fish will infiltrate the beaches, Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor with a tenacity and volume that one can only experience here. This display of grandeur will be at its best in Boca Grande Pass (‘the Pass’) and will last for a couple of months (May and June) in large numbers. ‘The Pass’ becomes home to the best Tarpon fishing on planet earth, and it is right here in our ‘back yard’. Whether a fisherman or not, the natural display of this fish migration is second to none and is well worth seeing, if not fishing.

Th is is the ‘Promise Land’ for big game anglers looking for the ‘Holy Grail’ (‘The Experience of a Lifetime’). There are challenges at every turn when fishing ‘The Pass’ to hook and/or land a Silver King. Hooking a Tarpon is a world away from actually landing one. Nonetheless, one will experience a euphoria of the highest magnitude, hooking what I believe, is the toughest game fish on the planet to land. Without a guide, many anglers will try year after year with no success. The reason for the failure is lack of experience and knowledge, especially in ‘The Pass’. ‘The Pass’ requires one to learn to fish totally different ways from fishing for Tarpon off of the beaches, in Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor.

I have spent 16 years learning some basics to take clients to Boca Grande Pass to experience this awesome spectacle. Over the years, I have hired and fished with the best Tarpon guides that I know to gain more knowledge to provide the ultimate experience to clients wanting to catch a Tarpon in ‘The Pass’. However, fishing Boca Grande Pass is an experience over and above fishing for Tarpon off of the beaches, in Pine Island Sound or Charlotte Harbor. It is not for the ‘faint of heart’ or those with physical disabilities.

In this regard, there are lots of opportunity for those that can’t or do not want to fish Boca Grande Pass and still catch a ‘Tarpon of a Lifetime’. The larger migrating Tarpon will inhabit our waters from May through June. The breeders are migrating from the Florida Straits up the Gulf of Mexico and will be anywhere from 200 yards off of the

beaches of the outer islands of Sanibel, Captiva, North Captiva, Cayo Costa as well as throughout Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor as they make their way to ‘The Pass’, offering a more relaxing experience while utilizing different and proven techniques. Tarpon anglers will avoid the crowded venue of Boca Grande and have an equal opportunity to catch a Tarpon. Few guides like myself fish both venues on a regular basis so as to accommodate both demanding and less demanding anglers. This being written; everyone has an equal chance of catching a ‘Tarpon of a Lifetime’. Just let your guide know your pleasure and hire a guide that has the best chance of success.

During May, Tarpon are not the only species to target. May is one of the best months to fish for inshore species and well as reef fish offshore. Large Seatrout are on the grass flats in Pine Island Sound. They are available for harvest. Look for them in 3-5ft. of water. Light tackle with a small jig head, under a popping cork with shrimp is a great way to catch one’s limit.

Spanish Mackerel and Pompano may well provide optional enjoyment in the passes, just off the beaches and the grass flats of Pine Island Sound.

Offshore, the waters are warm and anglers need to venture out to at least 50ft. of water for decent sizes of Mangrove, Grunts and Lane Snappers. I suggest anglers target keeper Grouper and larger snappers in 85 to 120 ft. of water due to the warmer water temperatures this season. The warmer the water, the deeper and farther out anglers need to venture.

Th is is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters, LLC. In addition to chartering on my vessel, I am available as ‘Captain for Hire’ on your vessel (by the hour) both inshore and offshore to demonstrate safety, proven fishing techniques, locations and strategies to ensure that your every fishing adventure is a success. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com. Call me at 239-357-6829 or email me at fishfacechartes@yahoo.com to book a charter.

Up Your Game

By: Dan Carns

There are a whole bunch of things that you can do to increase your catch rate while you’re fishing such as learning how to tie better knots, studying the tides and how they affect fish feeding behavior or getting better at using artificial baits. One thing that can dramatically change the way you fish is to add a fish finder to the mix. I’ve always been a fairly low-tech kind of kayak angler and I like the challenge of going to a place over and over again to really understand water depth and contour below the waterline. Using my paddle and bottom fishing gear to determine depth is really the only way to see the bottom but recently I’ve added a Garmin Striker 7SV to my arsenal and now I can see depth instantly.

A ll fish use water depth to their advantage. Depending on the time of year some species can only be found at certain depths while others will move in and out of deep to shallow water. Consider Spotted Trout as an example: you’ve just launched your kayak and the water is only about two feet deep, but you know you’ve caught quality fish like snook and redfish in this shallow water. There is nothing there today, so you continue on and suddenly you’re in 3-5 feet of water and the trout bite is on. These fish have a preferential zone for feeding and without a depth finder you must guess where they are. I love the challenge of spending time getting to know a place. Maybe it’s a brand-new location and your time is limited so having the ability to instantly read water depth can be a huge advantage.

It takes a little practice to be able to “read” what a fish looks like on a fish finder but once you’ve figured it out it’s like magic. I returned to a pond that I’ve fished for years and didn’t realize that there was a twenty-five-foot hole off the edge of this area that was always productive. As I came off the bank, this deep ledge appeared, I let a paddle tail bait slide off the edge into multiple fish signatures on the screen and caught the biggest largemouth bass I’d ever seen in this pond!

Once you’ve decided to add electronics to you kayak there is a crazy array of options. You can choose from a simple handheld unit with an external transducer to a side scan sonar with Live Scope with a hull mounted transducer. Most of us are going to fall somewhere in between for a reasonable amount of money. I like the Garmin Striker Vivid 7SV setup because it’s simple to use and gathers all the data I need plus mapping. Adding electronics to your kayak should result in higher catch rates! It’s a Wild World-Get Out There!

@paddlinandfishin

@paddlinandfishin | gulfcoastkayak.com |

239-283-1125

May/2023 • 26°38’N 82°4’W

May/2023 • 26°39’N 81°52’W

The Calusa Blueway

By: Mike Hammond

Several years ago, my wife assured me that her Toyota Prius was too small for a roof rack. I laughed because I already knew a couple Prius owners who hauled around kayaks longer than mine on top of their small cars. I also know Jeff and Justin Stuller from Estero River Outfitters. I’ve heard the brothers both say, “If you have a vehicle, we can put a roof rack on it.” With all the options on racks we have today, I don’t doubt them.

The best advice I can give when choosing a rack system is a reoccurring theme for any paddling gear. Try before you buy. Find a shop that has several rack systems and staff who know how to mount them.

They will ask a few standard questions, help you make a good choice, install the system with you, and show you how to use it.

If you decide to buy online or from a store without knowledgeable staff, please do a lot of research first. You need to know the exact model and year of your vehicle. The rack system to my old Sienna, which was an Ian casualty, did not fit my newer Sienna. I needed new mounts and adapters to fit the old crossbars.

A lso consider how you will use your rack. Are you going to need accessories for multiple vessels, want to put bikes on the rack, how much clearance do you have pulling in the garage, and what are you paddling, and how much can you lift? A good shop will ask these and other questions.

Even if you don’t want a semi-permanent rack on the roof of your vehicle, there are soft rack options that are simple to put on and take off.

Whether you are an experienced paddler or a newbie, it is a good idea to ask staff to put your vessel or a similar model on the rack and share any tips. Experience may be the best teacher but isn’t necessarily the cheapest. I wish I knew not to pull my straps too tight before denting my SUP rails. I also wish I knew how to stop the straps from humming earlier. Every rack system seems to have a few tricks to getting the most secure fit for your vessel.

Remember, if you have a vehicle, there is a rack system out there that will fit. Hopefully you have a good shop nearby that can help you make it happen.

SAWFISH NEWS

By guest author Sonja Fordham

Sawfish Experts Mark Endangered Species Listing 20th Anniversary

Twenty years after the Smalltooth Sawfish was listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), experts on the associated Recovery Team met in the Everglades to share updates, agree on next steps for improved conservation, conduct additional field research, and generally celebrate the species.

The Smalltooth Sawfish -- a slow-growing, mangrove dependent, shark-like ray -- was once plentiful in the Southeast U.S., particularly off Florida. During the 20th century, the U.S. population was severely depleted from intentional and accidental fishing and, to a lesser extent, habitat loss. In response, my colleagues and I at the Center for Marine Conservation (now the Ocean Conservancy) developed a petition that led the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to list the species as Endangered under the ESA on April 1, 2003. The designation prompted federal protections and the establishment of a multidisciplinary team of experts to develop, monitor, and amend a comprehensive, long-term Recovery Plan for the species.

At the special anniversary meeting held in Everglades City, the Sawfish Team members not only discussed the latest sawfish science and avenues for bolstering protections but also engaged members of the public through an evening event featuring a new documentary on regional sawfish research. A day in the field resulted in the tagging of a whopping ten juvenile sawfish, which will yield crucial information about their habits and, in turn, inform future iterations of the Recovery Plan.

Twenty years ago, we had a much poorer understanding of Florida’s sawfish. The ESA listing allowed for collaborative research that has greatly expanded our knowledge of sawfish behaviors, from feeding and reproduction to habitat use and stress response. In addition, thanks to the tireless outreach efforts of (Sawfish News regular author) Tonya Wiley of Havenworth Coastal Conservation, the public is also much better informed about the status of sawfish and what to do if one is encountered. There are even encouraging signs that the population,

at least the juveniles, may be increasing, and lessons learned in the U.S. are inspiring conservation actions for other threatened sawfish populations around the world. At the same time, some key fisheries information, particularly with respect to shrimp trawl bycatch, is still sorely lacking and major threats to sawfish -- from illegal fishing to habitat loss -- remain. Most urgently, along Florida’s west coast, we need to increase the observations of shrimp trawling operations, turn sawfish hotspots into protected areas, and minimize destruction of mangrove and wetland areas.

Changing fishing policies and conserving Critical Habitats are uphill battles. Help from the concerned public is essential to balance opposition and convince managers to act. We’ve achieved so much for sawfish over the last two decades, but we still have a long way to go. Concerned citizens who champion sawfish protections and tell policymakers to prioritize population recovery can make all the difference in securing a brighter future for this irreplaceable species.

Sawfish News guest author Sonja Fordham is president of Shark Advocates International, a project of The Ocean Foundation. She coauthored the ESA petition for the Smalltooth Sawfish while working at the Ocean Conservancy and has served on the NMFS Sawfish Recovery Team since the listing.

A smalltooth sawfish, Pristis pectinata. Credit: Tonya Wiley

Team field work photo credit John Anderson

Tagging a sawfish credit Tonya Wiley

AK SF TW with sawfish credit Nicole Phillips

Mullet Friends

By: Joe Sheaffer

As spring comes to an end and summer’s heat is knocking on our door, we should think about how the fish will react to these changes. However, there are definite behaviors and patterns that are consistent through the summer months. One of these behaviors we can key on is fishing near, around and even in mullet schools. I like to spend time looking at maps, reading local fishing reports and reviewing past fishing trips. Preparing and having a plan for our fishing adventures can help us enjoy the time we spend on the water fishing. With all that said, I have a rule, no mullet schools move. I want to see mullet in the areas I plan to fish and if they are not present, I will make a move. My confidence is very high when fishing any area that has abundant schools of mullet. The larger the schools the better, there will be predators around. Other things that I key in on, points, funnel areas, potholes, hard structure to name a few. Current, tide movement and wind can be important factors as well. Put many of these together along with mullet schools, it is almost a guarantee that you're going to catch fish. Once we are around these schools of fish, what are the fishing strategies we should use? Here are a few keys that may be helpful. I like to keep my boat as far away from the school as I can but still in casting distance. Mullet will spook and if the predators are with them, they’ll spook. Try to keep the school in front of you, chasing them seems to just make them more nervous. I like to see the mullet meandering, flashing and jumping, they definitely seem to be happy, and the predators should be less spooky. Casting beyond the school and retrieving your lure slowly can be productive. Keep your eyes open for reds, snook, trout and other species. There will be sight casting opportunities, again lead your target, don’t plop it on their heads. Our target species are counting on the schools of mullet to spook shrimp, crabs, fish and other critters they can swoop in and eat. Not every school of mullet will have fish but MANY times they will. Hang with the mullet as long as you can, and it can make for a great day of fishing. Good luck and keep casting.

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Corby Thompson muscles in this awesome grouper on the gulf off Boca Grande!

Rick Eber w/ a 3# 18” peacock bass in south Naples.

Betsy Farrell nice Jack Crevalle on the intracoastal off Robert's Bay. Rasha Gammoh with her snook in Marco Island.

Justin Guess with 37.5” Snook in Estero.

Mike Griffey, 50 miles off Englewoodthanks Dave!!!

Earl Horecky’s overslot redfish on weightless soft plastic in upper Pine Island Sound.

Judy Running landed this beautiful Pompano on a shrimp fly tied by her son Tom.

Pat & Matt Daly caught a 31” redfish in Marco Island.

Let’s grow with Florida together.

Confessions of a Fishaholic, by Thatch Maguire, is a hilarious and irreverent look at one man’s quest to catch fish in spite of life’s annoying interferences. You’ll travel with this awkward adventurer as he risks home and health to pursue his passion for fishing...regardless of the consequences. Anglers of all expertise levels will immediately identify with why his addiction is incurable. This book defines the blurred line between passion and obsession.

REDFISH ON DRUGS

Last year, results of a threeyear study indicated a shocking presence of drugs found in bone sh of the Florida Keys. It comes as little surprise that Florida International University (FIU) and Bone sh & Tarpon Trust (BTT) have recently completed a year-long study that also discovered pharmaceutical contaminants in the blood and other tissues of red sh in Florida waters.

“ e results underscore the urgent need to modernize Florida’s wastewater treatment systems,” said BTT President and CEO Jim McDu e. “Humanbased contaminants like these pose a signi cant threat to Florida’s recreational shery, which has an annual economic impact of $13.9 billion and directly supports more than 120,000 jobs.”

Scientists and volunteer guides and anglers sampled red sh in nine of Florida’s most important estuaries: Pensacola, Apalachicola, Cedar Key, Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor, Florida Bay, Northern Indian River Lagoon (IRL), St. Augustine and Jacksonville.

Similar to results of the previous bone sh study, pharmaceuticals were found in all of the estuaries sampled, with an average number of 2.1 drugs per sh and a maximum of ve. Only seven out of the 113 sampled sh had zero drugs in their system. On average, 25.7 percent of the sh exceeded a level of pharmaceuticals considered safe, which equates to one-third of the therapeutic levels in humans.

“ ese studies of bone sh and red sh are the rst to document the concerning presence of pharmaceuticals in species that are important to Florida’s recreational sheries,” said Dr. Jennifer Rehage, FIU professor and the study’s lead researcher. “Given the impacts of many of these pharmaceuticals on other sh species and the types of pharmaceuticals found, we are concerned about the role pharmaceuticals play in the health of our sheries. We will continue this work to get more answers to these concerning questions.”

Cardiovascular medications, opioid pain relievers and psychoactive medications were most commonly detected. e antiarrhythmic medication ecainide and the opioid pain reliever tramadol were detected in over 50 percent of the red sh. e antipsychotic medication upentixol was detected above safe levels in one in ve of the red sh samples. ese are very concerning levels of exposure for red sh.

Approximately ve billion prescriptions are lled each year in the U.S., yet there are no environmental regulations for the production nor disposal of pharmaceuticals worldwide. Pharmaceutical contaminants originate most o en from human wastewater and are not su ciently removed by conventional water treatment. ey remain active at low doses, can be released constantly, and exposure can a ect all aspects of sh behavior, with negative consequences for their reproduction and survival. Pharmaceutical contaminants have been shown to a ect all aspects of the life of sh, including their feeding, activity, sociability, and migratory behavior.

“Florida is a leader in addressing water quality issues and wastewater infrastructure, including converting septic systems to sewage treatment,” said Kellie Ralston, BTT’s Vice President for Conservation and Public Policy. “ e results of this study indicate that there are additional opportunities for improvement by retro tting existing wastewater treatment plants with innovative technologies, like ozone treatment, to remove pharmaceuticals and requiring such technology on new wastewater facilities.”

For more information, go to www.bone shtarpontrust.org.

Maguire’s frst work is a compelling, fast read. His style is like a mix of Hemingway with a sardonic blend of Hunter S. Thompson. I couldn’t put it down...

Ben Martin Editor in Chief Coastal Angler Magazine

ENJOY BATTLING

THE SCOURGE OF LIONFISH

The ninth annual Lion sh Festival is slated for May 20-21 at AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar and HarborWalk Village in Destin, Fla. is outdoor event is free, open to the public and will feature family-friendly activities, art, diving and marine conservation booths, live music, llet demonstrations, and the world’s largest lion sh tournament, the Emerald Coast Open.

TOURNAMENT DETAILS

e Emerald Coast Open will run May 1920 and include categories for most lion sh, largest lion sh and smallest lion sh with nearly $100,000 worth of prizes up for grabs. For o cial tournament rules and registration instructions, visit EmeraldCoastOpen. com.

LIONFISH RESTAURANT WEEK

Sample lion sh at one of Destin–Fort Walton Beach’s featured restaurants during the Emerald Coast Open Lion sh Restaurant Week. Local chefs will highlight lion sh in unique dishes in the week leading up to the event to help bring awareness to the lion sh invasion in the Gulf of Mexico.

Schedule:

• e Boathouse Landing, Valparaiso – May 12

• e Harbor Tavern – May 13

• Dewey Destin’s Harborside – May 14

• Crab Trap Destin – May 15

• La Paz – May 16

• Harbor Docks – May 17

• Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer – May 18

• AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar– May 20

LIONFISH CHALLENGE

e 2023 Lion sh Challenge is a summer-long tournament open to everyone and completely free to enter. Participants in last year’s Challenge reached a signi cant milestone of over 1 million lion sh harvested from Florida waters since the program began in 2014! Visit FWCReefRangers. com to register for the Lion sh Challenge.

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HARVEST CLOSED INSIDE SPECIAL PERMIT ZONE

The permit spawning season closure inside the Special Permit Zone (SPZ) began April 1. Regular permit regulations in the SPZ will reopen Aug. 1.

is closure area includes all state and federal waters south of Cape Sable on the Gulf coast and south of Cape Florida on the Atlantic coast including all of the Florida Keys and Biscayne Bay south of Rickenbacker Causeway.

During the open season, regulations within the SPZ allow a daily bag limit of one permit, with a vessel limit of two permit and a minimum size of 22 inches fork length.

For more information, go to MyFWC.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BONEFISH & TARPON TRUST

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BAROTRAUMA TOOLS NOW REQUIRED IN STATE WATERS

Anglers shing from a vessel targeting reef sh in Florida state waters are now required to have on board a descending device or venting tool that is rigged and ready for use. is new regulation went into e ect April 1, and also requires use of a descending device or venting tool if a sh exhibits signs of barotrauma prior to release.

e FWC approved this rule to increase survival of released reef sh, a top priority management issue in both the Gulf of Mexico and south Atlantic. As reef sh are reeled up from depth, they can su er pressure related injuries known as barotrauma. ese injuries include the stomach protruding out of the mouth, bulging eyes, bloated belly, distended intestines and inability to swim down independently. If not treated correctly, barotrauma can be lethal to sh.

“Florida’s anglers have always played an important role in the health of our sheries and the proper use of barotrauma mitigation tools is just one way anglers continue helping to conserve Florida’s sheries for current and future generations,” said FWC’s Jessica McCawley. “ is new rule not only improves survival of released reef sh but also provides anglers the exibility of choosing the best tool that ts their situation on the water.”

For more information, go to MyFWC.com.

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YOUR KID COULD CATCH A WORLD RECORD

Would your kid be proud to set a new world record?

Of course they would, and right now is a great time for kids to catch a world record thanks to the International Game Fish Association’s new length-record category for young anglers. e category is intended to promote catch-and-release by making it possible to measure a sh for world-record consideration without killing it, and right now there 169 vacant species just waiting for anglers under 16 years old to set a new world record.

e new IGFA All-Tackle Length Junior category follows the same rules and regulations as the current All-Tackle Length record categories. e All-Tackle Length Junior category will have one record available for each eligible species, with no di erentiation made for the angler’s gender, which is consistent with current All-Tackle Length and All-Tackle Length Fly record categories. Vacancies exist for all eligible species of the All-Tackle Length record category and will follow the same minimum length requirements already established.

“By introducing the All-Tackle Length Junior category, we hope to inspire the next generation of anglers to get out and sh, while promoting ethical and sustainable shing practices,” said IGFA President Jason Schratwieser. “Fishing is a fantastic way to connect with the outdoors, and we believe that by engaging young people with this sport, we can inspire the next generation of stewards of our oceans, lakes, and rivers and help ensure the long-term health and vitality of our aquatic resources.”

With children and teenagers increasingly disconnected from the outdoors, the IGFA hopes to inspire a new wave of young anglers who are passionate about the sport and its role in connecting people to nature.

For more information, go to www.igfa.org.

PHOTO COURTESY OF IGFA.

Alexandra Hall caught this 63-pound blue cat sh from Virginia’s James River to set IGFA 20-pound line class and female junior world records for the species.

FROG FISHING FOR VERY HUNGRY BASS TIPS FROM A PRO

TYLER WOOLCOTT

Across the country, bass are either in their post spawn patterns right now or they will be soon. ere is a plethora of ways to catch these bass, but my all-time favorite for getting bit and drawing in a big one is a hollow body popping frog.

A popping frog can be used as an incredible search bait, and you can duplicate many di erent bait sh depending on where you throw it and what color you tie on. ere are many di erent options out there. I try to duplicate the bait sh forage in the particular lake I’m shing. Sometimes I use a frog to imitate a bluegill, and sometimes I throw a shad color pattern. 13 Fishing makes an incredible popping frog that comes with a stout hook and a wide variety of colors for any scenario.

When I throw a frog as a search bait, I work it faster than most. Cover as much water as possible until you put a pattern together on what exactly the sh are focusing on. at’s the magic of a frog; you can literally throw it around everything! Docks, lay downs, grass and open water are just a few of the targets I look for. Once you locate a group of sh or put a pattern together, slow down and pick them o a little slower. I have noticed sometimes there isn’t a “too fast” while working a popping frog.

A couple things I look for this time of year are bass guarding fry and also sh roaming the banks feeding on bluegill. is is very predictable and an awesome way to catch big ones. Typically, if you know a few areas where the sh previously spawned, these patterns will occur in the same areas. I throw a bluegill pattern popping frog because bluegill chase bass fry, and that drives bass crazy.

Another pattern to watch for is a shad spawn. is occurs in the mornings and evenings and can lead to a bunch of sh in a hurry. Look

for birds feeding on banks while running down the lake. Find the birds and you nd the bait! A white popping frog or a bait sh color is typically my choice in this situation.

A popping frog can work all year long, but it really drives post spawn sh crazy. Who doesn’t like catching sh on a topwater with heavy line and a heavy rod?

Frog Fishing Gear

Heavy gear is needed for setting those big frog hooks and shing around heavy cover. I sh a 13 Fishing 7’4H Omen Black rod paired with a Concept A 8.3 reel spooled up with Seaguar 50-pound Smackdown braid. is setup allows you to get sh out of heavy cover and into the boat!

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

Coastal Angler and The Angler Magazine, Suzuki Marine and Sea Eagle have come together to offer readers a shot at this Sea Eagle FishSkiff 16 paired with a Suzuki DF4 outboard that’ll take you wherever the fsh are. The FishSkiff 16 is an infatable fshing boat that is lightweight, sturdy, stable and extremely packable. It rolls up small enough to ft in the trunk of a car and quickly infates into a fshing machine. Powered by Suzuki’s four-stroke DF4A, you’ll have to hold on to your hat as you scream over the fats. Designed for effciency and performance and portability, the DF4A provides all the speed and acceleration you can handle. It’s lightweight and can be attached or removed with ease.

40-POUND PIKE BREAKS IDAHO RECORD!

BLACK SEA BASS OPEN YEAR-ROUND IN SOUTH ATLANTIC

Black sea bass o en y under the radar for anglers o the coast of the Southeast. Perhaps it’s because their size and numbers are thickest in the middle of winter, when it’s not as pleasant to be on the water? Or maybe it’s because they don’t grow as a large as the other grouper species that inhabit our wrecks and reefs?

This 40.76-pound northern pike is a new Idaho state record. It beat the existing 13-year-old record by a little more than half a pound.

Avid pike sherman omas Francis landed the monster sh on March 21 from Hayden Lake in northern Idaho. e sh was more than 4 feet long, with an o cial length of 49 inches and an impressive girth of 26.5 inches.

Francis told Idaho Fish and Game he speci cally targets big pike almost every day. In late March, ice still ringed the banks at Hayden Lake, so Francis was casting his lure up to the edge of the ice.

“When my lure hit the water, I let it sink all the way to the bottom,” he said. “As soon as my lure hit the bottom, I felt her hit. I sh with 80-poundtest line, and she almost immediately started peeling drag, a lot of it.

“She pinned herself to the bottom and just kept going, peeling drag the whole time,” he continued. “I knew that wasn’t normal, and I could tell it was something special.”

e IGFA all-tackle world record northern pike was caught in Germany in 1986. It weighed 55 pounds, 1-ounce.

For more information, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov

Whatever the reason, there’s no denying that black sea bass are some of the tastiest critters in the ocean, and anchoring over a wreck or reef teeming with them can ll a cooler in short order. Just ask the folks up in New England, where the species is a highly sought a er target of anglers.

NOAA recently announced that recreational harvest of black sea bass will again be open year-round for the 2023-2024 season in federal waters of the South Atlantic, south of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. So, sharpen the hooks on your chicken rigs and go collect some meat.

NOAA Fisheries has projected that the 2023-2024 recreational catch limit of 366,510 pounds whole weight will not be met. e season in federal waters will run from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024. Seasons in state waters vary, so be sure to check state regulations where you plan to sh. In federal waters of the Atlantic, south of 35 deg 15.0321’ N, there is a seven sh per person bag limit with a 13-inch minimum size limit.

A descending device is required on board all vessels shing for or possessing snapper and grouper species in federal waters of the South Atlantic. e descending device must be readily available for use and attached to at least 16 ounces of weight and at least 60 feet of line. For more information, go to coastalanglermag.com.

Flip Flip Hooray!

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STILL TIME FOR A TROPHY TROUT

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

If you are big trout enthusiast like me, you know there is still some time le if you haven’t had your ll over the past ve months. December through a portion of May is when I set my eyes on catching a personnel best speckled trout. With the full moon on May 3 this year, I feel the entire month will hold promise to land one full of eggs before the rst full moon in June. May is also a little more enjoyable, too, so sit back and let me tell you why.

Most anglers in Texas think about big trout mid-December through early April, and when the waders come o they change their focus. Fortunately, not all the big girls have dropped their eggs yet and will still hold them into May. It gives us the opportunity for a heavy trout to take a big smiling photo with.

Speaking of taking the waders o , wading in May is typically warm and enjoyable even if the sh don’t cooperate. e pleasant temperatures are more appealing than dreary, cold, winter days, and they also allow me to sh the way I prefer. At times in winter, we must slow down our presentation and this can become a little monotonous; however, targeting big trout in the warmth of May allows us to work the lure more aggressively.

ere is not much more exciting than a topwater explosion, and spring is one of my favorite times to utilize this tactic for trophy trout. May is also a great time to throw other lures. Traditional slow-sinking and suspending lures also work wonders this time of year.

As most of you know, I am a paddletail fanatic! is month, I’ll give several sizes a shot at getting inhaled by a huge yellow mouth. ese large predators will take 3-, 4- and 5-inch lures this time of year. As their bodies warm with the water, they become as aggressive as they will be all year, so adding some rattling sound to your tails can really get the sh active.

I seek out areas of grass ats in knee- to waist-deep water. Finding a at with a drain from a small lake or creek will work wonders for concentrating sh over adjacent shallow grass. A depression along such a at is another area you should target. When choosing a at with these criteria, areas of potholes are a plus over a solid grass- lled at.

I hope these tips help you get your PB trout on your last chance of the year to nd one lled with eggs. Take a kid shing. ey like big trout too. And be safe. May is the uno cial start of summer, and inexperienced boaters will be on the water.

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES®

KAYAKER LANDS

102-POUND PADDLEFISH

An angler got a little more than he bargained for in early April while shing for walleye in the Upper White River in northwestern Arkansas. Fishing 12-pound-test line and a 3-inch-long crankbait, Robert Murphy accidentally snagged a 102-pound paddle sh and spent the next hour battling the sh from his kayak.

In April, the Upper White experiences spring runs of several species into the riverine sections of Beaver Lake, including white bass, walleye and paddle sh. Paddle sh, also known as spoonbill, are a large zooplankton eating species. ey won’t chase lures or live bait, so anglers typically “snag” them during Arkansas’ paddle sh snagging season. e daily limit is two sh per person.

Murphy might not have intended to snag a paddle sh, but that’s exactly what he did. According to Outdoor Life, Murphy was throwing a 3-inch Berkley Flicker Shad for walleye when he saw a big sh on his sonar. inking it was a big striped bass or a gar, he ran his 10- to 12-foot-diving plug through the area and hooked his river monster in the top of the tail.

Anyone who has ever foul-hoked a sh knows how hard they ght when you can’t turn their head. Well, Murphy spent the next hour battling the beast from his kayak as it pulled him up and down the river. A er he nally hauled it into his kayak and brought it to shore, he weighed and measured the sh. With a length of 71.5 inches, it was nearly 6 feet long, and at 102 pounds, it was shy of the 118-pound, 9-ounce state record that was caught from Beaver Lake in 2020.

For more information, see www.agfc.com.