Coastal Angler Magazine | December 2023 | Fort Myers/Cape Coral/Charlotte Harbor Edition

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inter fishing in the Florida Keys can be a double-edged sword. This time of year can be limited by more frequent windy days. However, some of our best fishing occurs very close to land this time of year, and you don’t have to go far to get into the heart of it.

Snapper are always a viable option on the reef, and targeting them also provides the opportunity to fill up the livewell with fresh ballyhoo to use for sailfish, which will be showering bait under diving frigates.

If you happen to get out there on a sporty day, and the thought of rocking on anchor first thing in the morning makes your stomach turn, wahoo might be a better option.

Trolling lures can be productive for targeting wahoo, and reduces the rocking of the boat that causes seasickness. Utilizing deep-diving lures, planers and trolling sinkers, there are countless ways to set up an efficient wahoo spread that can be pulled at varying speeds. Since wahoo like their baits moving quickly, high-speed trolling is a great way to target them while lessening other species as bycatch.

Another great option for wahoo fishing is using live bait. This method is more exciting, and uses bait that can be acquired without dropping anchor. With wahoo rigs already set with wire leaders, and extra prerigged leaders on hand, head out to the wrecks to catch fresh bait. When targeting bigger baits like bonita, blue runners and goggle eyes for wahoo, use a heavier rod and reel, with the appropriately overpowered sabiki rig.

Accounting for tangles, breakoffs and unwanted mackerel attention, make sure to have more than a few extra sabiki rigs on board. Affix a weight to the sabiki and drop it down to fill the well with blue runners, or troll the sabiki over schools of bonita, hooking them immediately to the wahoo rig and sending them back out.

Power drift or bump troll a spread of live baits with some weightless, flatlined on the surface, or even under a kite, and others at varying depths with a breakaway weight or downrigger. Watching a hungry wahoo skyrocket on a surface bait provides all the adrenaline needed to knock any lingering seasickness out of you.

Wahoo are excellent table fare, and they are also one of the best fighting fish you can target. Keep in mind that if your line goes slack, they might be swimming toward the boat. It is a wahoo until it’s not a wahoo, so keep reeling until you see the end of your line.

Charter fishing in the Florida Keys is busy during the winter, so make sure to book your charter in advance. Sweet E’nuf Charters offers gift certificates for all the Santas out there with fishermen in the family.

Capt. Quinlyn Haddon, of Sweet E’nuf Charters, operates out of Marathon, Florida Keys. Check out her website at CaptainQuinlyn.com, her social @captainquinlyn or call (504) 920-6342.

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troll up WINTERTIME SLAB CRAPPIE C

By Nick Carter

old water makes catching fish more difficult, right?

Not with crappie, according to allaround outdoorswoman Terrie Huffmaster. She looks forward to deep winter, when she can load the boat with the biggest slabs of the year.

Huffmaster is a South Georgia farm girl from Quitman, way down on the Florida border, so she calls crappie speckled perch, or specks for short.

“You catch the bigger specks in wintertime,” she said. “I like to go into the deeper water trolling for them.”

A great thing about crappie is they’re predictable. In spring they move shallow to spawn, but throughout the rest of the year they are nomads in search of comfortable water temperatures. You’ll always find them near structure or cover, and they are usually schooled up tightly.

Huffmaster fishes for specks on Lake

Seminole, a nearly 40,000-acre impoundment that straddles the Georgia/Florida border. It’s a relatively shallow lake, full of stumps, brush and submerged grass. When Huffmaster says “deeper water,” she means the deepest water Seminole has, which is 25 to 30 feet.

Trolling delivers both quality and quantity when water temps are in the mid to high 50s. But Huffmaster isn’t looking for a 30-fish limit. She’s hunting 10 or so giant specks in the 15- to 18inch range. She catches a lot of smaller fish in the process, but she throws those back.

“When you get on ’em good, it’s crazy how

many you can catch,” she said.

This is how she gets on them: Huffmaster has a line she trolls that she’s identified on electronics and with previous success. It’s just outside a channel marker, where there’s a ton of submerged trees, stumps and other brush and debris to hold fish. She pulls jigs over deep water and up over humps and ledges that rise to as little as 5 feet.

“You keep that trolling motor on low,” she said, “just enough where your line’s pulling, where you’re barely trolling.”

Huffmaster said there’s no need to deploy huge spreads from a bank of rod holders. She fishes just one, maybe two rods at a time. Her favorites are a lightweight Mr. Crappie Slab Shaker combo and a Lew’s 6-foot Ultra Light with a Lazer Light Speed Spin 75 reel. She spools up with 8-to 10-pound braided main line and uses a 4- or 6-pound fluorocarbon leader tied to a 1/16-ounce Crappie Magnet Fin Spin or a Mr. Crappie jig head. Paddletail and curly tail bodies both have their place. Chartreuse/pearl and pumpkin are good colors. She trolls her jigs 10 to 15 feet behind the boat and keeps a loose drag so the hook doesn’t tear out of a crappie’s paper-thin mouth.

“Call me old fashioned, but that’s how we do it,” she said. “And we don’t seem to have any problem catching a mess of them… and some big ones.

Search up Terrie B Huffmaster on Facebook and terries_dusk_2_dawn_fishing on Instagram.

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NATIONAL 7

Which Would You Change First?

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

C

hange is inevitable. In all aspects of life, change is necessary. This is especially true for anglers. When things are not going right, we immediately think of the next lure to throw. We all embark on our fishing journeys with a plan before hitting the water. We may base it on predicted conditions, time of year, experience, or possibly, but hopefully not, a social media post.

Let’s discuss what I would do when plan-A doesn’t produce as envisioned.

Imagine we are in the perfect looking spot, conditions are exactly as planned, active bait is visible in the area, the tide is flowing, but nothing is biting. Most of us would make a change, and I think we are all in agreement that our first correction would not be to move with everything looking right. Now, here is where I feel most people will make a mistake. Let’s say we are throwing soft-plastic paddletails. What is the first thing you would change?

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES®.

SIZE OR COLOR:

I bet you said color. Am I right?

During my decades of fishing the salty bays and marsh, I’ve found that color is the last thing I should change. If some bass fishermen are reading this article, I am solely basing this theory on saltwater for trout, redfish and flounder.

It’s not your fault that you tend to change color first. Let’s face it, color is the first thing someone mentions when they describe the lure they used, and when we walk into the tackle aisle there are significantly more colors than lure choices or sizes. We are bombarded with so many colors.

Color must be the key to catching, right? Well, maybe not, most of the time.

I’ll use my lure brand for an example. I produce 34 unique colors, but I only produce three different sized paddletails. Having all these color options at our fingertips can be overwhelming, and hearing others focus on the color that landed

the big one has caused fishermen to focus on color first.

I have found more success in changing the size of the lure over the color. The fish are typically not feeding on anything that resembles the color we are throwing, but they are feeding on a specific size that we have in our box. Matching the forage size is the better option. If that doesn’t produce a bite, then I will even switch the style of lure before the color in most situations.

Ultra-clear water is an exception, and these conditions play by different rules. We can cover that in another article, but until then focus less on color and more on size and action. Take a kid fishing and enjoy the outdoors.

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

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GTECHNIQ:

Wax on Boats is Old Tech

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an you wax your 17’ to 20’ boat inside and out in 30 minutes or less?

I can tell you first-hand that it is possible, but to do it you’ve got to forget about wax and get with the times. Gtechniq’s ceramic coatings are the technologically advanced way to get great results with less time and effort. I tested it on an 11-year-old Key West 1720, and this author will never go back to wax.

Wax is old technology. Do you have a rotary phone? Do you use a pager? What about a flip phone? We have new technologies available. Once

you learn of a new spray-on coating that provides three months of shine and UV protection, would you still wax-on/wax-off? With a $20 bottle of Rinse-on Ceramic, you can get shiny results in 30 minutes!

First you need to start with a very clean boat. Remove stains and buff out the dull surfaces, then follow with a good scrubbing with bleach in soapy water to remove all previous wax if any is still present. Hook up the spray nozzle in the Gtechniq Rinse-on Ceramic kit to the water hose and screw on a bottle of Rinse-on. The red knob adjusts material flow and it’s recommended to run it wide open. All you do is rinse the boat with water, and then turn on the material flow to apply the ceramic coating. You’ll see a slight sudsy effect letting you know material is being applied. Rinse boat inside and out with material flow open all the way. After the first application, you will want to wipe the boat down with microfiber towels.

That’s it! Spray down the cleaned boat and wipe off in 30 minutes or less! Plus, there is an added benefit: you get a thin UV coating on all your hardware, lighting, switches, console gauges and expensive electronics. Wax is now a cuss word to this author.

Application is quick and easy, but what about the results? Three months and 10 trips in saltwater later, and you can still feel the coating. What about a slippery deck? Nope. The stippled deck on the Key West is not slippery after application.

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FLORIDA 7

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• Annual Gold Sportsman - $50.75 • Five-year Gold Sportsman - $247.75 • Lifetime Sportsman License - Age 4 or younger - $201.50 - Ages 5–12 - $351.50 - Ages 13 and older - $501.50 Florida State Parks Annual Passes have a 50 percent discount and are available at the following rates: • Family Annual Pass - $60, plus tax • Individual Annual Pass - $30, plus tax All of these rates are a tremendous bargain. Get one for a kid for Christmas, and you’ll be buying them the privilege to not worry about being licensed for the rest of their life.

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Lowest Tides

By: Capt. Dave Stephens

W

ith winter arriving and the water cooling down, this is the time of year we get some of the lowest tides. Many days these tides are so low the flats are completely exposed. I hear a lot of complaints or just hear that people are not even going

fishing. Well folks it’s not the end of the world I promise. This is a great time to venture out on the water. There are a lot of fish out there still especially when the waters begin to cool down for the winter. It takes a little exploring but that’s the fun of it. You might even find new places to fish, here are a few tips that can help you locate some deep-water winter fish. First thing I look for is depth. Locating deeper holes is key to locating fish. Also, structure, when I look for docks that I want to fish I like that they should have a condemned sign on them, and have oysters growing on the pilings, oh yea those are my kind of docks. If you can find this kind of structure with deep water, you just may have found a gold mine.

Redfish fishing has been good, the deep creeks and mangrove shorelines have been productive. I have been doing very well fishing with shrimp. Make sure you bring some extra, you will lose a few to the smaller to bait thieves. Gulp shrimp fished on jig heads have been doing well also. A slow presentation will be key to getting more strikes. New Penny and Pearl is a couple of my favorites. As water temperatures drop Snook fishing will begin to slow down. The deeper water structure will be holding good numbers of fish. A very slow presentation will help with your success. On warmer sunny days Snook will become active, if you plan to target Snook I recommend watching the weather. Larger shrimp free lined will catch the attention of Snook that are willing to bite.

Trout fishing will be very good. Pending weather conditions will have a big difference in where to locate fish. The magic number seems to be 70-72 degrees. Fish deep on the minus, and shallow on the plus. All the well-known bars are great places to locate them. As the water clears, I have had very good success sight fishing them. Your local tackle shops will have everything you'll need to have a successful day fishing.

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Watch The Weather

D

By: Capt. Bart Marx

ecember in Southwest Florida that means you are finished shopping for Christmas, or you have not started yet. You can go to your local tackle store and get gift certificates, or you could contact Capt. Bart and get a gift certificate for a fishing trip for your friends!

This is the holiday season, and it is the time of year that we spend time with family and friends. And this is also the time of year folks from up north come to visit because it is too cold up north. It is a great time to plan a fishing trip and catch some fresh fish for a meal. Some of the species that are good eating are mangrove snapper, redfish, and trout, what we call inshore fish. Then you have your offshore fish like spanish mackerel and king mackerel and there may even be some triple tail hanging around on the stone crab trap buoys. Also, the sheepshead should start their migration from the bays out to the close to shore reefs to spawn where you could also find some flounder moving in this same type of pattern. The hardest thing about this time of year is the cold fronts as a couple of days before they get here the wind blows out of the south and when the front passes it starts to blow out of the north. This is very frustrating when you are trying to go fishing in the boat as it makes it tough to cast and get your bait where you think the fish are. If you try to go offshore in windy conditions, it’s not fun pounding through the waves, and when you get to your fishing spot and try to anchor the boat, be able to feel the bite while the boat is bouncing up and down. Check the weather and the tides, as the wind can hold the tides where they are not on schedule, so you don't get stuck behind the sand bar. I use several weather apps for wind direction wave height etc. Also, this time of year the kids are out of school and should get out of the house and learn about the outdoors. This holiday season take a kid fishing if you have your own boat, or Capt. Bart Marx can come on your boat and show you how we get it done. No boat, no problem, schedule a trip on my boat with the rest of your friends or family! Contact Capt. Bart Marx 941-979-6517 or email captbart@alphaomegacharters, 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 2023 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/

Goliath Grouper By: Caitlyn Gatrell

SCHUMAN INSURANCE

"Nothing Like A Day On The Water!"

W

hen you ask a Florida saltwater angler what species they target, typically you’ll hear snook, redfish, tarpon, etc. As the list goes on, a lot of anglers will mention the species goliath grouper.

Now, this fish is truly a beast; even the small ones have incredible strength!

For anglers like me, it’s always an exciting time when you get to hook up to a goliath. Bonus if it’s a big one. My personal best goliath grouper (pictured in the photo) isn’t even a huge one, but the battle this fish provided was extremely impressive. The day before a local fishing tournament, my fiancé and I were on the water, trying to reach some pre-tourney luck. We did well, and although grouper wasn’t on the qualifying list, it still was the catch of the day. As we inched towards the end of our fishing trip of the day, we decided to try one more spot. This spot is a favorite of ours, and is basically a small, hidden channel-like mangrove area. There’s a little cut in the middle reaching a bit of depth and a decent current flow. I threw a live bait right by a hanging mangrove branch and let it sink down. Within a couple seconds I felt a huge thump, my rod slammed down, and then suddenly everything stopped. It took me a minute to process everything and when I went to reel, it wouldn’t move. I kept pulling on the line and tried to flick it, but it wouldn’t budge. Now I had a feeling that whatever hit it was still on. My fiancé even pulled on the line but was convinced I was just stuck. I kept insisting there was a fish on there, and sure enough, he started to feel it move around. It took some effort and strategy, but we ended up getting it out of whatever hole it pulled itself into. At this point, we hadn’t seen the fish, but knowing grouper like to hide, we had a feeling it was one. The fight was hard as there was so much structure in the way, and the fish was strong. Eventually we were able to pull it up. I was racing with excitement once I realized it was a goliath grouper. At the time I hadn’t caught much and the ones I got were small, so it was on my bucket list to catch a bigger one. We brought it into the boat and were able to snap a cool photo before releasing it back. You always must be careful with these guys because they’ve got sharp fins and teeth. They tend to give you a stank look when you’re up close with them, so make sure you have a good grip on them and don’t let them intimidate you! These guys have quick and easy releases, as they tend to immediately and aggressively shake off and dive back down. I watch them go and then grab a mullet and get ready for the next hook up!

WE KNOW BOATS!

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Boat Auto Home Motorcycle Life Business Capt. David Schuman 1329 Hibiscus Dr., Cape Coral, FL 33909 239-242-8072 Davidschuman3@allstate.com 2801 Del Prado Blvd S., Cape Coral, FL 33904 239-945-8888

3114 Lee Blvd Suite 4, Lehigh Acres, FL 33971 239-369-1313

FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | DECEMBER 2023 | FORT MYERS 3

er Co. -1536

Holiday Fishing

By: Capt. Terry Fisher

I

t is that time of year when the area ‘lights’ up with numerous visitors and homeowners alike, returning from their summer habitats to enjoy some of the best climate and pristine waters that Southwest Florida has to offer. It is also a time to reflect on another year gone by and a new one on the horizon. This is the time of year when returning family and friends get to relive memories and experiences of the past and forge new ones over the Christmas and New Year Holidays. Many will have the opportunity to spend time on the water boating and fishing as part of their holiday celebrations.

December is a transitional month in regard to water levels and water temperature, which for the most part, determine the most productive species to target as well as their winter locations, challenging myself and other guides to make adjustments that ensure a good fishing and catching experience. Winter months bring additional challenges from the northern and northeasterly winds.

Low water levels not only restrict access to numerous areas for most boats, but they also change the location of fish. When this occurs, I begin to fish areas around docks (with current flow and deeper water) than those or spoil islands with little depth.

Migratory and reef species are affected mostly by water temperature. Fish temporarily relocate to areas that sustain their basic need of food for survival. This why in winter months fish such as, mackerel, permit, tarpon, cobia and pompano migrate south in contrast with the warmer months when they reverse their migratory pattern. Basically, they are following the food chain.

Non-migratory species such as reef fish (grouper, snapper, trigger) simply move to depths that meet their need which are shallower venues. The angler’s job is to find them, and they will be successful catching their target fish. Both migratory and reef species are following the bait with the water temperatures being the basic conduit that drives relocation.

All the above begs the question: what fish will provide the best opportunity for anglers throughout the month of December and where will they be? It is common knowledge that sheepshead are the winter species to target as the larger ones living on the reefs during the summer months will move to shallow, inshore water depths around the rocks, docks and seawalls to spawn. However, all species are still available. The challenge is to find enough water to target them.

Large grouper, snapper, triggerfish, grunts, and other reef species will hold in depths of 85 ft. or less providing anglers a shorter distance

from the outer islands to catch them. However, be aware of the harvesting requirements for every species, depending on Federal or State Waters. They change from time to time. As of writing this article, red grouper is closed until January 1. Red grouper are the easiest of the big three to catch (red, gag and black). There will be plenty of other species to catch and harvest.

Redfish, snook and other inshore species will inhabit areas of current flow, pockets of depth, most likely around passes and docks.

Seatrout will be in the potholes of 3-5 foot or on the grass flats in the same depths. The techniques for fishing remain the same year around. Live or dead baits, artificial baits are all productive. Artificial baits will require the use of a trolling motor to keep moving to different locations along the shorelines and docks.

CAPTAIN TERRY’S DECEMBER SUGGESTIONS: INSHORE; this month, as the colder fronts come in from the north, concentrate on sheepshead and mangrove snappers around docks and old piles using shrimps and fiddler crabs on small number 1 hooks. Fish the canals and passes for snook with white bait (pilchards), pinfish or artificial presentations. Big jack crevalle will likely in the canals and creeks. Look for black drum, redfish, snook, sheepshead and mangrove snapper on incoming and outgoing tides around the structures at Redfish, Captiva and Boca Grande Passes.

Seatrout will hold in the 3-5ft. of grass flats and around the potholes.

Look for spanish mackerel where birds are diving on baits. Silver spoons and pilchards will deliver success.

OFFSHORE; anglers can hope to score edible reef species as close as five to ten miles offshore as opposed to the thirty and forty mile runs during last summer’s extremely warm water temperatures. This I like to fish 50-100 ft. depths for the bigger fish. Wind velocity will be the dominant factor as to whether one goes out. Baits of choice will be pinfish, squid, pilchards and shrimps on a number 2/0 to 6/0 circle hook with leader and line size to match.

Fishing can be very productive in December as long as one concentrates on the nuances of the species being targeted. This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and ‘Tight Lines’!

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

4 FORT MYERS | DECEMBER 2023 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/

FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | DECEMBER 2023 | FORT MYERS 5

Florida Kayak Bass Trail

by: Dan Carns, Gulf Coast Kayak

A

lot of my readers are saltwater anglers and with good reason. Open any map of Florida and just look at the endless opportunities there are to kayak fish. Bordered on the east coast by the Atlantic Ocean, to the west are the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and best of all are the estuaries and bays surrounding the state. But I challenge you to follow any estuary inland and not find a string of freshwater lakes, ponds and rivers overflowing with some, if not the best bass fisheries in America.

The Florida Kayak Bass Trail (FKBT) is excited to announce the return of their annual Kayak Fishing Tournament Series. I know fishing tournaments can be a bit intimidating, but this series hosted by Chris Bailey, Shawn Spears and Todd Quillin is geared more toward encouraging the sport and especially anyone new to the group. Last year, in its inaugural season there were over 70 members which is a tremendous turnout, and this year is on track to beat that number.

Unlike many other tournament series there is a low-cost (per event) entry fee and a low-cost membership fee but a huge monthly payout to the top three winners including monthly raffles and giveaways at the post fishing meet ups. They are also an Ambassador Club of the KBF series.

Many fishing tournaments are only once a year but what’s exciting about fishing a trial series is that you get to launch into those inland trophy waters and really get to hone your bass skills month after month.

The majority of these FKBT Tournament fisheries are located centrally across the state from Lake Okeechobee to just north of Orlando. While you may not be able to participate in all these events due to the location you only need to fish in five events to qualify for the final championship event. Angler of the Year (AOY) title will be awarded to the angler with the most points accrued during the season, so the more events that you participate in the more likely you are to take this title. Last year’s AOY won a Vanhunks Elite Pro Angler 13’ Peddle drive fishing kayak and I’m excited to announce that Vanhunks Boarding is returning as a primary sponsor. The growing list of supporting partners for this series includes a bunch of great companies including Dakota Lithium Batteries, Torrent Outdoors, Kayak Kushion, Ketch Boards, Rogue Fishing Co. just to name a few but not all.

Vanhunks Boarding plans to be at several of these events during the year. Our plan is to launch, film, and give anglers a chance to try our products on the water during or after the events conclude. Even if your new to Kayak fishing you should consider joining the Florida Kayak Bass Trail and I assure you that it will boost your skills and turbo charge your fishing experience.

Find info on Facebook or Instagram @floridakayakbasstrail It’s A Wild World-Get Out There!

Dan Carns @paddlinandfishin

6 FORT MYERS | DECEMBER 2023 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/

FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | DECEMBER 2023 | FORT MYERS 7

fishfacecharters@ yahoo.com 239.357.6829

MATLACHA

www.USHarbors.com

December/2023 • 26°38’N 82°4’W

Matlacha Pass, FL - Dec 2023 High

Date

www.USHarbors.com

December/2023 • 26°39’N 81°52’W

Fort Myers, FL - Dec 2023

Low

AM

ft

PM

ft

AM

Fri

3:11

2.0

2

Sat

3:57

1.9

3

Sun

4:52

1.7

9:22

1.2

4

Mon

6:04

1.5

9:38

1.3

1:11

5

Tue

7:39

1.3

9:57

1.4

6

Wed

9:23

1.2

10:17

7

Thu

10:56

1.1

8

Fri

12:15P

9

Sat

10

Sun

11

Mon

12

Tue

12:21

13

Wed

14

ft

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

FORT MYERS

High

Date

PM

ft

Rise

Set

Moon

12:31

-0.3

7:02

5:36

1

1:19

-0.2

7:03

5:36

2:09

-0.1

7:04

5:36

1.1

2:57

0.1

7:04

3:12

1.0

3:43

0.2

1.5

4:40

0.7

4:24

10:37

1.6

5:43

0.4

1.1

10:58

1.7

6:33

1:24P

1.1

11:22

1.8

2:28P

1.1

11:49 3:29

Low

AM

ft

PM

ft

AM

ft

PM

ft

Rise

Set

Fri

4:35

1.3

8:14

0.7

1:41P

-0.1

11:59

0.5

6:57

5:35

2

Sat

5:22

1.2

8:58

0.7

2:20

-0.1

6:58

5:35

3

Sun

6:19

1.0

9:39

0.7

1:09

0.5

3:00

-0.1

6:58

5:35

5:36

4

Mon

7:31

0.9

10:19

0.7

2:19

0.4

3:40

0.0

6:59

5:35

7:05

5:36

5

Tue

9:04

0.7

10:55

0.8

3:31

0.3

4:20

0.0

7:00

5:35

0.4

7:06

5:36

6

Wed

10:35

0.7

11:28

0.9

4:44

0.2

4:56

0.1

7:01

5:35

5:01

0.5

7:07

5:36

7

Thu

11:51

0.6

11:56

1.0

5:58

0.1

5:30

0.1

7:01

5:36

0.2

5:34

0.7

7:07

5:36

8

Fri

12:57

0.6

7:07

0.0

6:01

0.2

7:02

5:36

7:16

-0.1

6:02

0.9

7:08

5:37

9

Sat

12:21

1.1

2:00

0.6

8:10

-0.1

6:30

0.3

7:03

5:36

1.9

7:57

-0.3

6:26

1.0

7:09

5:37

10

Sun

12:47

1.2

3:01

0.6

9:07

-0.2

6:57

0.4

7:03

5:36

1.1

8:39

-0.5

6:45

1.0

7:09

5:37

11

Mon

1:14

1.4

4:03

0.6

9:59

-0.3

7:26

0.5

7:04

5:36

2.1

9:21

-0.6

7:10

5:37

12

Tue

1:47

1.5

5:04

0.6

10:48

-0.3

8:00

0.5

7:05

5:37

12:59

2.2

10:07

-0.7

7:11

5:38

13

Wed

2:26

1.5

5:58

0.6

11:35

-0.3

8:47

0.5

7:05

5:37

Thu

1:41

2.2

10:55

-0.7

7:11

5:38

14

Thu

3:10

1.5

6:43

0.5

12:20P

-0.3

9:48

0.5

7:06

5:37

15

Fri

2:29

2.2

11:46

-0.7

7:12

5:38

15

Fri

4:01

1.5

7:21

0.5

1:05P

-0.3

10:58

0.4

7:06

5:38

16

Sat

3:22

2.1

1:49

-0.3

7:07

5:38

17

Sun

4:22

2.0

8:27

1.0

18

Mon

5:33

1.7

8:45

1.1

19

Tue

7:04

1.4

9:09

1.3

1:59

20

Wed

8:55

1.2

9:36

1.4

21

Thu

10:49

1.0

10:05

22

Fri

12:30P

1.0

23

Sat

1:58P

1.0

24

Sun

25

Mon

26

Tue

12:26

27

Wed

28

1

12:38

-0.6

7:12

5:39

16

Sat

4:57

1.3

7:57

0.5

11:53

1.0

7:13

5:39

17

Sun

6:00

1.2

8:35

0.5

12:09

0.3

2:32

-0.2

7:08

5:38

2:20

-0.2

7:14

5:40

18

Mon

7:11

1.0

9:15

0.6

1:21

0.2

3:12

-0.1

7:08

5:39

0.8

3:07

0.0

7:14

5:40

19

Tue

8:34

0.8

9:58

0.7

2:38

0.1

3:50

0.0

7:09

5:39

3:49

0.5

3:50

0.3

7:15

5:40

20

Wed

10:04

0.7

10:41

0.8

4:01

0.0

4:24

0.0

7:09

5:40

1.6

5:15

0.2

4:28

0.6

7:15

5:41

21

Thu

11:29

0.5

11:24

1.0

5:32

-0.1

4:56

0.1

7:10

5:40

10:38

1.8

6:23

-0.1

5:02

0.8

7:16

5:41

22

Fri

12:47

0.5

7:02

-0.2

5:27

0.2

7:10

5:41

11:12

1.9

7:19

-0.4

5:31

0.9

7:16

5:42

23

Sat

12:04

1.1

1:59

0.4

8:17

-0.3

5:58

0.2

7:11

5:41

11:48

2.0

8:09

-0.6

7:17

5:42

24

Sun

12:41

1.2

3:07

0.4

9:18

-0.4

6:33

0.3

7:11

5:42

8:54

-0.7

7:17

5:43

25

Mon

1:17

1.3

4:08

0.4

10:09

-0.5

7:16

0.3

7:12

5:42

2.0

9:36

-0.7

7:18

5:44

26

Tue

1:51

1.3

5:00

0.5

10:52

-0.5

8:08

0.4

7:12

5:43

1:05

2.0

10:14

-0.7

7:18

5:44

27

Wed

2:27

1.2

5:41

0.5

11:30

-0.5

9:06

0.4

7:12

5:44

Thu

1:45

2.0

10:51

-0.6

7:18

5:45

28

Thu

3:05

1.2

6:14

0.5

12:03P

-0.4

10:05

0.3

7:13

5:44

29

Fri

2:26

1.9

6:17

0.9

11:27

-0.5

9:18

0.9

7:19

5:45

29

Fri

3:47

1.1

6:44

0.5

12:32P

-0.4

11:01

0.3

7:13

5:45

30

Sat

3:10

1.8

6:33

0.9

12:01P

-0.4

10:24

0.8

7:19

5:46

30

Sat

4:32

1.0

7:13

0.5

12:58P

-0.3

11:55

0.2

7:14

5:45

31

Sun

3:56

1.7

6:52

1.0

12:36P

-0.3

11:40

0.8

7:19

5:47

31

Sun

5:21

0.9

7:41

0.5

1:24

-0.3

7:14

5:46

1:30P

-0.4

Moon

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8 FORT MYERS | DECEMBER 2023 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/

10871 Kelly Rd Ft Myers, FL 33908 239.267.6857

SANIBEL/ CAPTIVA

www.USHarbors.com

December/2023 • 26°29’N 82°11’W

Captiva Island (outside), FL - Dec 2023 High

Date

3035 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33952 941-627-5558

PUNTA GORDA/ CHARLOTTE HABOR

www.USHarbors.com

December/2023 • 26°56’N 82°4’W

Punta Gorda, Charlotte Harbor, FL - Dec 2023

Low

High

Date

Low

AM

ft

Fri

3:34

2.0

PM

ft

Rise

Set

12:30

-0.3

6:58

5:35

2

Sat

4:20

1.9

3

Sun

5:15

1.7

9:45

1.2

1:18

-0.2

6:59

5:35

2:08

-0.1

7:00

5:36

4

Mon

6:27

1.5

10:01

1.3

1:10

5:35

1.1

2:56

0.1

7:00

7:05

5:36

5

Tue

8:02

1.3

10:20

1.4

5:35

3:11

1.0

3:42

0.2

7:01

0.5

7:06

5:36

6

Wed

9:46

1.2

10:40

5:35

1.5

4:39

0.7

4:23

0.4

7:02

1:05

0.7

7:07

5:36

7

Thu

11:19

1.1

5:36

11:00

1.6

5:42

0.4

5:00

0.5

7:03

0.2

1:38

1.0

7:07

5:36

8

Fri

12:38P

5:36

1.1

11:21

1.7

6:32

0.2

5:33

0.7

7:03

3:20

-0.1

2:06

1.2

7:08

5:37

9

Sat

1:47P

5:36

1.1

11:45

1.8

7:15

-0.1

6:01

0.9

7:04

2.7

4:01

-0.4

2:30

1.3

7:09

5:37

10

Sun

5:36

2:51

1.1

7:56

-0.3

6:25

1.0

7:05

9:18

2.8

4:43

-0.6

2:49

1.4

7:09

5:37

11

Mon

12:12

5:36

1.9

3:52

1.1

8:38

-0.5

6:44

1.0

7:05

Tue

9:56

2.9

5:25

-0.8

7:10

5:37

12

Tue

5:37

12:44

2.1

4:55

1.1

9:20

-0.6

6:58

1.1

7:06

13

Wed

10:38

3.0

6:11

-0.9

7:11

5:38

13

5:37

Wed

1:22

2.2

10:06

-0.7

7:07

14

Thu

11:26

3.0

6:59

-0.9

7:11

5:38

5:37

14

Thu

2:04

2.2

10:54

-0.7

7:07

15

Fri

7:50

-0.9

7:12

5:38

5:38

15

Fri

2:52

2.2

11:45

-0.7

7:08

16

Sat

12:19

2.9

8:42

-0.8

5:38

7:12

5:39

16

Sat

3:45

2.1

17

Sun

1:19

2.7

5:24

1.4

9:34

-0.6

7:57

1.3

7:13

5:39

17

Sun

4:45

2.0

8:50

1.0

18

Mon

2:30

2.3

5:42

1.5

10:24

-0.3

10:03

1.1

7:14

5:40

18

Mon

5:56

1.7

9:08

1.1

19

Tue

4:01

1.9

6:06

1.7

11:11

0.1

11:53

0.7

7:14

5:40

19

Tue

7:27

1.4

9:32

1.3

1:58

20

Wed

5:52

1.6

6:33

1.9

11:54

0.4

7:15

5:40

20

Wed

9:18

1.2

9:59

1.4

21

Thu

7:46

1.4

7:02

2.2

1:19

0.3

12:32

0.8

7:15

5:41

21

Thu

11:12

1.0

10:28

22

Fri

9:27

1.4

7:35

2.4

2:27

-0.2

1:06

1.0

7:16

5:41

22

Fri

12:53P

1.0

23

Sat

10:55

1.4

8:09

2.6

3:23

-0.5

1:35

1.2

7:16

5:42

23

Sat

2:21P

1.0

24

Sun

8:45

2.7

4:13

-0.8

7:17

5:42

24

Sun

25

Mon

9:23

2.7

4:58

-0.9

7:17

5:43

25

Mon

12:11

26

Tue

10:02

2.7

5:40

-0.9

7:18

5:44

26

Tue

27

Wed

10:42

2.7

6:18

-0.9

7:18

5:44

27

28

Thu

11:23

2.6

6:55

-0.8

7:18

5:45

29

Fri

3:14

1.3

7:31

-0.7

5:22

1.2

7:19

30

Sat

12:07

2.5

3:30

1.3

8:05

-0.6

6:28

1.1

31

Sun

12:53

2.3

3:49

1.4

8:40

-0.4

7:44

1.0

AM

ft

AM

ft

Fri

12:08

2.8

8:35

-0.4

2

Sat

12:54

2.6

3

Sun

1:49

2.3

6:19

1.6

9:23

-0.2

10:13

-0.1

9:15

1.5

4

Mon

3:01

2.0

6:35

1.7

11:01

0.1

11:16

1.3

5

Tue

4:36

1.8

6:54

1.8

11:47

0.3

6

Wed

6:20

1.6

7:14

2.0

12:44

1.0

12:28

7

Thu

7:53

1.5

7:34

2.2

1:47

0.6

8

Fri

9:12

1.5

7:55

2.3

2:37

9

Sat

10:21

1.5

8:19

2.5

10

Sun

11:25

1.5

8:46

11

Mon

12:26P

1.5

12

1

PM

ft

PM

ft

Rise

Set

Moon

7:02

5:36

1

7:03

5:36

7:04

5:36

7:04

PM

ft

AM

ft

12:37

-0.6

7:08

5:38

11:52

1.0

7:09

5:39

2:19

-0.2

7:10

5:39

0.8

3:06

0.0

7:10

5:40

3:48

0.5

3:49

0.3

7:11

5:40

1.6

5:14

0.2

4:27

0.6

7:11

5:40

11:01

1.8

6:22

-0.1

5:01

0.8

7:12

5:41

11:35

1.9

7:18

-0.4

5:30

0.9

7:12

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8:08

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5:42

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8:53

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7:13

5:43

12:49

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9:35

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7:13

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Wed

1:28

2.0

10:13

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7:14

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Thu

2:08

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5:45

29

Fri

2:49

1.9

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11:26

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9:17

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7:15

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Sat

3:33

1.8

6:56

0.9

12:00P

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10:23

0.8

7:15

5:46

7:19

5:47

31

Sun

4:19

1.7

7:15

1.0

12:35P

-0.3

11:39

0.8

7:15

5:46

1:29P

-0.4

Moon

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FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | DECEMBER 2023 | FORT MYERS 9

Swordfishing: Christmas Delight and Savoring the Catch

By: Jessica Harris

A

"catch and release" culture is gaining momentum in the sportfishing community. If you catch a swordfish that falls outside of the legal limits or if you've reached your quota, safely revive and release the fish back into the ocean. If possible, participate in tagging programs which help researchers gather valuable data about the movements and behavior of these creatures, contributing to their conservation. Now to the good stuff, adding a Christmas theme into your swordfishing adventure and celebrating with a delicious swordfish dinner is a unique way to create cherished memories during the holiday season. Imagine the excitement of doing a Christmas themed trip as an annual festive tradition with your family. Let's shift our focus to the rewarding part of swordfishing – savoring the catch. Once you’ve had a successful day on the water, it’s time to bring your Christmas spirit into the kitchen. For a delightful holiday feast, try this swordfish recipe to inspire a new Christmas dinner tradition.

Ingredients: • 4 swordfish steaks • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 lemon, sliced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped • Salt and pepper to taste

s December blankets over Florida, it has long been a paradise for anglers seeking the thrill of catching the majestic swordfish. These elusive creatures, known for their formidable sword-like bills, present both a thrilling challenge and a delicious reward. However, as with any pursuit involving nature, it is essential to emphasize the importance of Instructions: respecting the fish and practicing sustainable harvesting methods. Sword1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. fish are pelagic predators that can grow to impressive sizes, sometimes ex2. Rub the swordfish steaks with olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and ceeding 1,000 pounds. Their remarkable strength and speed make them thyme. Season with salt and pepper. one of the most sought-after game fish in the world. South Florida's warm 3. Place the lemon slices on top of each swordfish steak. waters, particularly the Gulf Stream, offer prime conditions for swordfish 4. Grill the swordfish for about 5-6 minutes per side or until it’s cooked to your preferred level of doneness. to thrive. These waters draw anglers from far and wide, all eager to engage 5. Serve the grilled swordfish with your favorite holiday side dishes, such as roasted in the timeless battle of man or woman versus fish. Yet, as we enjoy the vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a cranberry sauce. thrill of swordfishing, we must also recognize the significance of responAs you enjoy your catch, remember the importance of responsible ansible harvesting. Catch limits, size restrictions, and time and area closures gling and conserving these remarkable creatures for future generations to aim to ensure the sustainability of swordfish populations. Anglers must enjoy.

Merry swordfishing and a Merry Christmas to all! adhere to these regulations, as they are the guardians of our oceans. The

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10 FORT MYERS | DECEMBER 2023 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/

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WINTER FISHING

By: Brendon Allen

I

nshore fishing during the winter months in Southwest Florida can be outstanding for fly anglers looking to sight-cast redfish, speckled trout, and even snook. The water turns crystal clear due to fewer storms and less runoff while the lower tides present perfect conditions for targeting tailing fish. These conditions make the fish far easier to spot, but you still need the right fly to persuade that fish to bite. Let’s review a few patterns and color selections that are likely to make this outcome more probable.

Winter means cooler temperatures, and cooler temperatures mean that larger baitfish push into deeper waters, leaving inshore species to primarily feast on a diet of crustaceans and smaller baitfish. Fly patterns that mimic crabs and shrimp are go-to choices and can be purchased or tied in a variety of sizes and colors. Popular crab patterns include the Kung Fu Crab and Merkin crab, while popular shrimp patterns include the EP Spawning Shrimp and Borski Slider. The Kwan fly, which combines elements of both shrimp and crab features, is especially effective. As for baitfish patterns, the Seaducer, Deceiver, Clouser, and EP Minnow are excellent choices because of the variety of sizes and

lighters of SWFL

colors they can be tied and purchased in.

As far as sizes and colors, natural colors and smaller sizes work best during the winter months. Water clarity, bright skies, and low tides can make fish skittish of anything that looks out of place, so it’s important that your fly doesn’t stick out too much. Baitfish patterns that consist of tans, grays, olive, and white are excellent choices. Primarily using tans, browns, and pinks work best for crustacean patterns. In addition to color selection, choosing an appropriately weighted fly is crucial. In shallower water you'll want to use a fly with bead chain or small dumbbell eyes to avoid spooking any prospective catch, while in deeper water, medium to large dumbbell eyes will help your fly sink to where the fish are eating. Regardless of weight and color, including weed guards on your fly will ensure that fish will be the only thing you're catching.

Fly fishing in Southwest Florida during the winter can be an exhilarating experience because of the bountiful sight-casting opportunities.

With the right fly selection, the possibility of catching that fish you’ve set your eyes on is just a cast away.

FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | DECEMBER 2023 | FORT MYERS 11

Caloosa Blueway By: Mike Hammond

I

’m admittedly very biased on where the best place to paddle is in Florida. But if you’re traveling outside of Lee County and want to incorporate paddling into your trip, there is a fantastic resource out there for you to use.

The Florida Paddling Trail Association (FPTA) connects paddlers to the 1,515-mile Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, resources, events, educational information, planning tools and other paddlers throughout Florida.

The FPTA website (floridapaddlingtrails.com) can be used in several ways. It is not just for the brave souls who paddle the entire trail at once or in sections; It is also for anyone who paddles in Florida.

If you’re headed anywhere in the Sunshine State, you can go to the

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FPTA site and find information on launches, day paddles, camping areas, emergency contacts, environmental considerations- everything you need including the contact information for the section’s regional trail director.

The website also has links to several books and trip reports from those who have paddled the Florida Saltwater Navigational Trail (CT).

Thirty-eight paddlers have completed the entire trail. We have been lucky enough to have a couple who have provided presentations for the Calusa Blueway Speaker Series. The 30th paddler to complete the CT, John Shinner, will be our speaker for the January 9th, 2024, program.

If you are one of the adventurous paddlers trying to complete the CT, you will not be alone. At least you don’t have to be. The FPTA has a network of volunteers called “Trail Angels.” Trails Angles support CT paddlers in a variety of ways. Rides to the grocery store, company paddling, monitoring progress through difficult sections or weather.

One of our local Trail Angels even paddled a pizza out to a primitive campground for some appreciative paddlers.

Whether you are looking for a fun day paddle or a life changing paddling adventure, checkout the Florida Paddling Trail Association to get your started.

Please go to https://www.floridapaddlingtrails.com/ for more information.

12 FORT MYERS | DECEMBER 2023 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/

CalusaBlueway.com

FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | DECEMBER 2023 | FORT MYERS 13

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son’s

this sea an with k! m o R oo Dale first sn

Caught this snook off of a spillway with 10lb line!

Fish Ta le own 8y s Bait and Ta ckle’s o Jane wit 10.5lb S panish h her 34”, Ma caught off of V ckerel enice!

Rotunda’s Jeff Sweeney reels in rotund snook on Boca Grande!

Lil Jason L. with a 38” snook on live whiting in Bradenton FL.

ok from ice sno oral. n a / w Beki Cape C canal in

a

Mai Tabeling with one very nice American Red Snapper, caught 110m off of Marco Island.

right to left: Chuck Tabeling, Rich Colliss, Nathen O’Donnell, Sean O’Donnell, Luke Brockway, caught 110m off Marco Island.

Bizzer c augh redfish t this 27”, 6.97 in Palm lb etto.

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

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urf Expo, the premier watersports and coastal lifestyle tradeshow, returns to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando on Jan. 10-12, 2024, in the West Concourse with a broad selection of brands and a full event line up.

Over 700 exhibiting companies are expected to participate in the January show, including over 60 new exhibiting brands.

“Surf Expo continues to be the ‘go-to marketplace’ for buyers and brands to connect in person, discover new products and trends, and conduct business,” said Roy Turner, Emerald SVP and Surf Expo Show Director.

“Our January show allows retailers to preview all the new styles and new introductions ranging from top surf brands, hardgoods, apparel, footwear, swimwear, boutique fashions and accessories, value-priced resort items, fishing and marine products, souvenirs, and coastal gifts.”

The show has also expanded its footprint with watersports and coastal retailers with its new Shoreline offering. This new floor area compliments neighboring product categories on the show floor – Surf, Skate, Paddle and Bluewater — by targeting business associated with recreation found along rivers and lakes. Shoreline will feature products related to day camping, portable power, inflatables, overland, wakeboard, SUP, and performance related clothing and footwear.

“From the trails to the lakes and beyond, Shoreline at Surf Expo supports the natural evolution of the waterman’s lifestyle with gear, apparel and accessories that will take them from coastal shoreline activities into camping, hiking, climbing and other recreational activities found along the rivers and lakes,” said Turner.

A wide range of exhibitors have signed up for the January 2024 show that cater to the outdoor and fishing industries such as: Howler Bros., HUK, The Duck Co., Xtratuff, Keen, Guy Harvey, AFTCO, Fahalo, Columbia Sportswear, Teva, BAJIO Sunglasses, Chums, Dark Seas, Salty Crew, Fish Hippie, Mang and many more.

Surf Expo is also the market to find the next new. More than 60 new exhibiting brands have signed on including Finaddicts, Handy Beach Goods, Neso, Paddlesmash, Sun Drunk, American Hatmakers, Fate, K’Lani, Livin Hooked Headwear, ORB, Our Own Candle Company, Tres Bien, ShuBug, Patsy Kane, Great Coast – Woodcraft, Jodi Melissa, Little Miss Zoe, Conscious Step, Jack & Sage Co, Hardcore Apparel, Dip LLC, and more.

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t will be another short season for amberjack in the Gulf of Mexico next year. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council decided in late October to modify both the recreational season and commercial trip limits for greater amberjack. The result for recreational anglers is a two-month fall season, which is expected to close a few days early based on projections.

The council chose to modify the recreational season so it opens on Sept. 1 and remains open through Oct. 31, unless the annual catch target is projected to be met earlier. The projected date for reaching that annual catch target is Oct. 26.

The council also chose to reduce the commercial trip limit to seven fish, which is equivalent to about 210 pounds gutted weight. This framework action will be transmitted to the Secretary of Commerce for approval and implementation as soon as practicable.

In anticipation that this rule may not be implemented before the beginning of the 2024 commercial fishing season, the Council requested that NOAA Fisheries implement an emergency rule to reduce the commercial trip limit to seven fish at the start of the year. Since Amendment 54 reduced catch limits by about 83 percent, and the 2023 commercial annual catch limit was exceeded, a payback provision will reduce the 2024 commercial annual catch target to 56,661 pounds whole weight. Under the current 1,000-pound trip limit, the commercial fishing season is expected to be incredibly short.

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Hanapa‘a - Marlin

Fish flags tell the story!

Catch all 4 Hanap‘a “slippahs” from Scott Hawaii Hanapa‘a - Ono

Hanapa‘a - Mahi

Hanapa‘a - Ahi

The Return of a Fish flags inspired by Sun Dot Marine Flags.

Custom Built Quality Outdoor BBQ Products Since 1989

Pig Cookers, Patio Grills, Smokers, Customized BBQ Trailers

For More Info 1-252-236-4464 www.BQGRILLS.com 6043 Hwy 301N, Elm City, NC 12 NATIONAL

DECEMBER 2023

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

@fishflags

Sacred Stone of the Southwest is on the Brink of Extinction

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enturies ago, Persians, Tibetans and Mayans considered turquoise a gemstone of the heavens, believing the striking blue stones were sacred pieces of sky.

Today, the rarest and most valuable turquoise is found in the American Southwest–– but the future of the blue beauty is unclear.

26 carats of genuine Arizona turquoise B.

ONLY $99

On a recent trip to Tucson, we spoke with fourth generation turquoise traders who explained that less than five percent of turquoise mined worldwide can be set into jewelry and only about twenty mines in the Southwest supply gem-quality turquoise. Once a thriving industry, many Southwest mines have run dry and are now closed.

We found a limited supply of turquoise from Arizona and purchased it for our Sedona Turquoise Collection. Inspired by the work of those ancient craftsmen and designed to showcase the exceptional blue stone, each stabilized vibrant cabochon features a unique, one-of-a-kind matrix surrounded in Bali metalwork. You could drop over $1,200 on a turquoise pendant, or you could secure 26 carats of genuine Arizona turquoise for just $99.

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Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you aren’t completely happy with your purchase, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price.

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The supply of Arizona turquoise is limited, don’t miss your chance to own the Southwest’s brilliant blue treasure. Call today!

Jewelry Specifications: • Arizona turquoise • Silver-finished settings

Sedona Turquoise Collection A. Pendant (26 cts) $299 * $99 +s&p Save $200 B. 18" Bali Naga woven sterling silver chain $149 +s&p C. 1 1/2” Earrings (10 ctw) $299 * $99 +s&p Save $200 Complete Set** $747 * $249 +s&p Save $498 **Complete set includes pendant, chain and earrings.

Call now and mention the offer code to receive your collection.

1-800-333-2045 Offer Code STC851-09

Rating of A+

You must use the offer code to get our special price. *Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.

Stauer

® 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. STC851-09, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

Necklace enlarged to show luxurious color

Stauer… Afford t he Ext rao r d i n ar y.®

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

DECEMBER 2023

NATIONAL 13

We’ve Found the Most Beautiful Endangered Species Theirs sold at auction for $226,000. Ours is JUST $29! Curious? Read on!

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o art nouveau jewelers at the turn of the last century, nothing was more beautiful than the dragonfly. In the dragonfly’s long body and outstretched wings, jewelers found the perfect setting for valuable stones. These jewelers’ dragonfly designs have become timeless statements of style; a dragonfly pendant designed by French jeweler René Lalique recently sold at auction for $226,000. Inspired by his stunning artistry, we’ve crafted our Dragonfly Nouvelle Collection, an elegant jewelry set for JUST $29!

Buy pend earrings Fant, get REE!

$29

True artisanship in Austrian crystal and yellow gold.

This necklace and earring set features gorgeous multicolored enamel paired with Austrian crystals and a yellow gold finish.

Ask any jeweler and they’ll tell you it takes true artisanship to properly blend the blues and purples found in this enamel.

While art nouveau dragonflies are hard to come by, we’re helping to repopulate their numbers with this artfully stylized depiction of some of nature’s smallest wonders!

A NEARLY  VALUE FOR JUST $29!

Buy the pendant, get the earrings FREE. If Stauer were a normal company, we’d sell the necklace and earrings for $199 each, but because we engage the world’s best artisans and cut out the middlemen to sell directly to you, we’re offering the necklace for JUST $29! Even better: If you buy within the next few days, we’ll throw in the earrings for FREE! That’s a nearly $400 value for JUST $29!

Act fast! The first time we ran this jewelry in our catalog, it sold out in a matter of days. Get this collection now before this offer goes extinct!

Jewelry Specifications: • Enamel with Austrian crystal. Yellow gold finish • Pendant: 1 ½" W x 1 ¼" H. Chain: 18" + 2", lobster clasp.

Earrings: 1 ¼" L, french wire Dragonfly Nouvelle Collection A. Necklace $199 $29* + S&P Save $170 B. Earrings $199 FREE with purchase of Dragonfly Nouvelle Necklace *Special price only for customers using the offer code.

1-800-333-2045

FREE! A $199 value!

Your Insider Offer Code: DFC208-01 Stauer, 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. DFC208-01, Burnsville, MN 55337 www.stauer.com

AFFORD THE EXTRAORDINARY

14 NATIONAL

DECEMBER 2023

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CLEANS EVERYTHING.

PERIOD.

Clean, Waxes & Protects Glass, Lexan, Isinglass, Metal, Gelcoat, Fiberglass, Paint, Plastic & Rubber

Remove & Prevents Oxidation, Scuff Marks, Bird & Spider Poop, Fish Blood, Rust, Water & Exhaust Stains

Restores Gelcoat, Fiberglass, Metal, Plastic Windows & Rubber

USE CODE BOAT10 FOR 10% 0FF

www.koenigpolish.com • 1-877-843-9929 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

DECEMBER 2023

NATIONAL 15

Over 2 carats of Verdant Peridot in precious .925 sterling silver

ONLY $39

Save $260!

“Known as ‘the Evening Emerald’ because its sparkling green hue looks brilliant any time of day.”

— The American Gem Society (AGS)

Ooh and Ahh Without the Ouch Spoil her (and your wallet) with sparkling Verdant Peridot for just $39

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oing over the top on jewelry doesn’t have to mean going overboard on the cost. We’re in the business of oohs and ahhs without the ouch, which is why we can bring you an effervescent verdant peridot ring for a price that simply can’t be beat.

Its vivid and unique color makes verdant peridot unlike any other green gemstone.

If you are looking to mark a milestone or make any occasion special, the Verdant Peridot Ring is all you need.

This elegant ring features 2 1/3 carats of captivating verdant peridotA. in three perfectly-faceted cushion cut gemstones. And, the .925 sterling silver setting is finished in tarnish-resistant rhodium for added durability and superior shine.

“Found in lava, meteorites, and deep in the earth’s mantle, yellow-green peridot is the extreme gem” — Gemological Institute of America’s Gem Encyclopedia

PRAISE FOR STAUER PERIDOT JEWELRY You could easily “...absolutely beautiful. The picture spend $400 on a sterling silver ring set does not do it justice. It is a real with peridot stones. stunner.” – S. C., Berkeley, CA But, with Stauer in your corner, the sky’s the limit for affording the extraordinary. Priced at just $39, you can treat her to the Verdant Peridot Ring set in .925 sterling silver and save your money and your love life all at the same time.

Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Indulge in the Verdant Peridot Ring for 30 days. If you aren’t perfectly happy, send it back for a full refund of the item price.

Limited Reserves. Don’t let this gorgeous ring slip through your fingers. Call today!

Verdant Peridot Ring ( 1/2 ctw) $299† $39 +S&P Save $260 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.

1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Offer Code: TPR283-02 Please use this code when you order to receive your discount. † Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.

Stauer

®

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. TPR283-02, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

Rating of A+

• 2 1/3 ctw Verdant Peridot • White zircon accents • Rhodium-finished .925 sterling silver setting • Whole sizes 5-10

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

16 NATIONAL

DECEMBER 2023

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

ABALONE HUMMINGBIRD PENDANT & EARRINGS COLLECTION Graceful Hummingbird Design Solid 925 Sterling Silver Abalone Mother of Pearl

Matching Abalone Hummingbird Earrings

Complimentary 22” Chain 1.57” Length

Natural Abalone Shell

TAKE FLIGHT WITH THIS DAZZLING DELIGHT The hummingbird is a traditional symbol of love and beauty. Suspended in mid-flight, with a rainbow of iridescence in wave-like patterns, outstanding shimmering Abalone decorates her body and wing.

Each unique, one-of-a-kind piece of Abalone shell has been molded into a sterling silver pendant. Traditionally, Abalone shell is believed to induce feelings of calm, compassion and love. It has a tranquil, warm and gentle cosmic vibration.

Spiritually uplifting, Abalone is said to soothe the nerves, encourage serenity and bestow a feeling of inner peace. Originally priced at $249, this stunning piece of jewelry can be yours today for a special offer price of just $79 with promo code: CA3DHB

Original Price Without Code $249 - With Promo Code Now Only $79 Abalone Hummingbird Pendant $79 plus S&H Abalone Hummingbird Earrings $79 plus S&H Abalone Hummingbird Complete Collection Now Only $149 (EXTRA SAVING)

ORDER NOW TOLL FREE 24/7 ON: 1-800 733 8463 AND QUOTE PROMO CODE: CA3DHB Or order online at: timepiecesusa.com/ca3dhb and enter promo: CA3DHB PAY BY CHECK: Timepieces International Inc. 10701 NW 140th Street, Suite 1, Hialeah Gardens, FL 33018