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

MAXIMIZE YOUR OUTPUT With

Dometic’s Mega Jackplate

ENGINEERED TO HANDLE THE STRONGEST OUTBOARD ENGINES ON THE MARKET

Today’s engine manufacturers are building engines that are more powerful and heavier than ever before. Dometic’s new Mega Jackplate has been developed to withstand the power of high performance engines and provide boaters with the ability to maximize the output of their engines while offering more flexibility in shallow water. The Mega Jackplate is rated to 600 HP and is an extension of our existing product line. It will be offered in 6”, 8” and 10” setbacks. There will be 2 versions available, a standard bolt pattern designed to fit engines like Yamaha XTO and a wide bolt pattern designed to fit Merc 500/600.

Go Big!

Up your game like never before with the biggest and brightest TZtouchXL MFDs.

10 screen layouts, including new 6-way split screen

DFF3D Multibeam Sonar see 120° Port-Starboard

DFF3-UHD high-power 2/3 kW TruEcho CHIRP™ Fish Finder NavPilot features keep you on the fish

High-power X-Class & NXT Radar options

TZT24X 24 " Multi-Touch MFD 1920 x 1080 (FHD)

TZT22X 22 " Multi-Touch 1920 x 1080 (FHD)

MCU006

Enhanced Remote Control

Furuno Ambassador Duane “Diego” Mellor

FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE!

PUBLISH YOUR OWN FISHING MAGAZINE!

If you love the outdoors and dream of being in business for yourself, now is the time to choose a Coastal Angler or e Angler Magazine Franchise.

Established Brand • Proven Systems Training & Ongoing Support Work

• Alabama - SOLD

• Big Bend, FL

• Charlotte, NC

• Connecticut/Rhode Island

• Daytona Beach, FL - SOLD

• Destin/Pensacola, FL - SOLD

• Eastern Tennessee

• Georgia (Coastline, Savannah)

• Hilton Head, SC - SOLD

• Lake Erie, Ohio

• Lake Michigan

• Long Island, NY

POPPER SEASON IS ON FIRE IN EAST TENNESSEE

By Capt. Bill Stranahan

• Miami, FL - SOLD!

• Myrtle Beach, SC

• New Hampshire

• New Jersey

• New Orleans, LA

• North Carolina (Raleigh, Wilmington)

• Okeechobee, FL - SOLD

• Outer Banks, VA

• Panama City, FL - SOLD!

• Tallahassee, FL/SW GA

• Texas (Coastal, Houston)

• ...YOUR HOMETOWN!

Don’t see your location? Ask one of our specialists about franchise availability in your area.

1-888-800-9794

info@coastalanglermagazine.com

franchise.coastalanglermag.com

WATCH OUR ONLINE VIDEO HERE: https://bit.ly/3sjhMoP

This is a hard time of year for most Southern trout anglers. Water temperatures are warm all over, and most of our trout shing has slowed way down or is just plain over for a bit.

Here in East Tennessee, we are currently bringing 5- and 6-weight y rods and dri shing topwater poppers for spotted and smallmouth bass on several local rivers. We are catching some nice sh, and we’re also catching very good numbers, all on top.

It’s like hopper shing, just on the warm-water side of things. e bass are happy and should be looking up for the remainder of the summer through October, depending on water ows and weather.

It’s a nice change of pace for a bit, with many sh being in the 15- to 16-inch range and averaging a pound and a half or two, with shots at larger sh on any given dri . Giant pumpkinseed bream will also come up and hammer a popper on occasion.

If you’re getting into the bassy side of things, I recommend 2x leaders, 5- and 6-weight rods and your favorite color poppers. e occasional pop and twitch is just a way to say hello to let them know it’s there and see who comes up.

If you want to catch some hard- ghting sh and have a fun day on the water, give us a call before it’s over.

Contact Hiawassee River Guides at (423) 208-8602. See their website at http://hiwasseeriverguides.blogspot.com/.

Home of world class fishing on the beautiful Watauga Lake, rugged Doe River and designated trophy trout stream, Watauga River

Fall Snook

AND THE MULLET MIGRATION

By Nick Carter

Fall is a ne time to be an angler on the Florida coast. e summer crowds dwindle as the summer heat begins to taper o , and snook season opens Sept. 1 ahead of the mullet run.

Capt. Adam White, of St. Lucie Flats Fishing on Florida’s Treasure Coast, said this time of year o ers good snook and tarpon shing in his area. Whether he’s shing bridges at night or inshore structure during the day, there are a lot of snook to be caught around Fort Pierce and a lot of places to catch them.

“From the beach to the inlet, the bridges at night and the seawalls during the day, there’s a lot

of di erent places to sh for them,” he said. “You’ll only get four or ve bites per spot, and if you don’t get a bite in 10 minutes or so, leave. I don’t let grass grow under my feet.”

Run-and-gun tactics make for fun shing, with spurts of activity between quick boat rides. Capt. White said he can’t guarantee a one- sh-perperson snook limit because the 28- to 32-inch slot is a small window, but he said anglers can expect consistent action from under-slot snook or a shot at a big over-slot sh.

Inshore, White likes light (up to 15-pound)

spinning rigs for pitching live baits to currentswept structure, such as mangrove islands, spoil bars and docks. Snook are strong, and a decent one will take you for a ride on light tackle.

e best shot at a big snook is out in the inlet, where White will anchor up and drop baits to the bottom in hopes of just three or four bites over the course of a trip. e payo might be a snook in the 35- to 38-inch range with an outside shot at a 40-incher. ese sh might weigh 15 to 20-plus pounds.

Live bait is the best bet, and snook will eat whatever is available at the time. Live mullet or croakers are White’s preferred baits, and he doesn’t shy away from using bigger 5- to 8-inch baits, which even small snook will hammer.

Anglers who prefer arti cials will nd good action at night at the bridges. White suggested lipped-plugs like the Bomber Windcheater, which has a good mullet-like pro le in the 4 ½-inch size. Another great lure is the locally made so -plastic umper Shrimp. Rig one on a jig head with enough weight to get it down and work it slowly across the bottom.

As for the annual mullet run, when predators hound millions of mullet pushing south to spawning grounds o south Florida, White said he likes the front end of the migration. O St. Lucie County, the shing is best around the second week of September, when mullet begin trickling into the shery. Once the migration is full-blown, there are so many bait sh in the water that it’s hard to get sh to notice your bait.

PHOTO CREDIT: WALT LAUREL

1920s Style for a 1920s Price

It was a warm summer afternoon and my wife and I were mingling with the best of them. The occasion was a 1920s-themed party, and everyone was dressed to the nines. Parked on the manse’s circular driveway was a beautiful classic convertible. It was here that I got the idea for our new 1920s Retrograde Watch.

Never ones to miss an opportunity, we carefully steadied our glasses of bubbly and climbed into the car’s long front seat. Among the many opulent features on display was a series of dashboard dials that accentuated the car’s lavish aura. One of those dials inspired our 1920s Retrograde Watch, a genuinely unique timepiece that marries timeless style with modern technology.

With its remarkable retrograde hour and minute indicators, sunburst guilloche face and precision movement, this design is truly one of a kind. What does retrograde mean?

Instead of displaying the hands rotating on an axis like most watches, the hands sweep in a semicircle, then return to their starting point and begin all over again.

Retrograde watches by the big brands can set you back thousands; one recent offering from a big French fashion house is selling for more than $150,000! But because we’ve designed the 1920s Retrograde Watch in-house, we can offer it to you for just $99!

This watch is so wildly popular with our customers that we’re actually concerned about running out; we only have 937 729 left for this ad!

Join more than 1  smart people who love stauer watches

Watch Specifications:

• Precision movement

• Stainless steel case, caseback and crown

• Retrograde hour and minute indicators

• Water-resistant to 5 ATM

• Brown genuine leather band

• Fits wrists up to 8"

1920s Retrograde Watch

$399 $99* + S&P Save $300

*Special price only for customers using the offer code.

“An elegant and exciting timepiece that every collector will love.”

— George omas, internationally renowned watch expert

“[A] unique and beautiful timepiece.”

— Carlos C., Los Banos, CA

chinook are Running in the Pacific Northwest

By Nick Carter

Right now, there’s a migration gearing up in the Paci c Northwest. Chinook salmon are staged to push up out of the cold Paci c and into the inlets and coastal rivers of Washington, Oregon and Northern California. Just like they do in the famed Alaskan runs, big king salmon are making a nal return to the spawning grounds where they hatched to begin the next generation before they die.

With his father, Trevor Pelland, has shed these runs on the Hoh and Sol Duk rivers of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula since he was 8 or 9 years old. His dad was doing it before him. It’s an annual event with a time window that runs from August through December, depending on the particular drainage along this long stretch of coastline. e allure is large, hard ghting sh that are delicious seared, grilled or smoked. It’s a shing tradition that existed since long before Europeans arrived on the continent.

Fall runs are famous in places like the Columbia, the rivers that feed Tillamook Bay and others. Chinook push into the main stems and larger tributaries of many coastal rivers and as far up them as the water will allow. Pelland said backtrolling plugs tempts these big sh in the rivers. He’s caught 20-, 30- and 40-pound kings,

which proves it works.

In Oregon, District Fish Biologist Robert Bradley has watched these runs dwindle in recent years. He said the sheries are still worthwhile and draw anglers from all over, but that size and numbers of sh have been falling since at least 2015, due to ocean and environmental conditions. He said the projections for this fall are well below average.

“ e draw is the size of the sh,” he said. “Historically, you could see 60- and 70-pounders, but you could still reasonably expect to catch a 20or 30-pound sh. An average is probably 10 to 15 pounds.”

e states have been hatching and releasing chinook salmon smolt for decades to coincide with the natural progression of sh moving out to sea. Bradley said chinook spend one to ve years growing up in the Paci c o British Columbia and Alaska. e hatchery sh and wild sh return with similar survival rates, but not many of the stocked sh spawn with the wild group. He said most hatchery sh return to the hatchery.

e stocking does give anglers something else to sh for. Hatchery reared chinook have clipped adipose ns and don’t count toward a wild sh limit in most sheries. e seasons and regulations can be confusing and vary widely

from place to place and year to year, but one wild chinook per person, per day is the norm. Check the regulations before you go or hire a guide who knows.

e runs ramp up when fall rains spur the sh to push upriver into the current, Bradley said. In some places, the coho salmon and chinook runs coincide. Make plans now, because runs on most rivers peak in mid-October.

For up-to-date information on Oregon’s salmon sheries, go to myodfw.com.

Performance Bulletin Available

59 YEARS OF REPOWER EXPERIENCE!

Mastry Engine Center has received the Suzuki Marine Super Service Award and has been ranked #1 in Suzuki Marine US Sales!

Repower packages designed to best fit your needs and not stretch your budget. Financing available.

All Suzuki repowers come with the new Suzuki 5-year factory warranty.

Many of our Suzuki RePower Centers feature Water Accessible Drop Travel Lifts.

Suzuki RePower Centers are stationed around the southeast to help with your Suzuki service and repower needs.

BOWFIN An Overlooked Adversary:

By Emily Hanzlik

sh to introduce me to shing with light lines in search of line-class records. With bursts of energy and jumps during the ght, landing them takes a bit of skill.

Bow n are similar in appearance to non-native snakeheads; however, they are brown in color. ese sh can also be tinted green or red, depending on their region. Bow n have a long dorsal n that extends more than half the length of their back and a long cylindrical body to burrow in the mud. eir tails are rounded, and just before the tail is a red and black eyespot that serves to confuse predators. An average bow n weighs between 5 and 7 pounds; however, they can grow up to 21 pounds.

Bow n prefer the hottest and muckiest water they can nd. ey thrive in water with dense plant life, which helps them stalk prey and nd hiding spots. e Everglades o er plenty of bow n habitat, and they love swampy backwaters of bayous and canals.

In oxygen-poor, shallow, standing water, bow n can breathe air from the surface. ey have extra blood vessels in their swim bladder, which acts almost like a human lung.

ere are many ways to go about shing for bow n. e most common method is to cast dead bait, like bluegills or sardines, and wait. Usually, no weight is needed since they live where there is little current. Just match the size of your hook to the size of the bait.

I also enjoy throwing lures for bow n, and frogs and swimbaits will grab their attention. Savage Gear makes great bluegill and frog imitations. Fish lures around and on top of vegetation to draw bow n out. O en, you’ll be surprised by other species like bass, gar and cat sh.

Bow n, also known as mud an overlooked native species that freshwater anglers owe it to themselves to take a closer look at. From sight to just leaving out a dead bait, bow game and will always put up a fun, strong Bow n were the seeking out IGFA records at the age of 12, and I have 10 current bow n records in the book. ey were an amazing

My personal favorite method for bow n is sight casting with a y rod. ey prefer slow-sinking white ies that you can drop right on their faces. I like to kayak into extremely shallow areas. Most of the time, they sit in the silt or in the weeds. ey don’t spook easily, so you can mess around with them and convince them to bite.

e IGFA all-tackle world record bow n weighed 21 pounds, 8 ounces. It was caught in South Carolina in 1980.

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.

SAVE

Snappin’ SupperUp

By Astrid DeGruchy

The Florida Keys attract anglers from around the world. While there are many species exciting sport sh, a variety of snappers are particularly popular because of their abundance, striking colors, thrilling ghts and delectable taste. Here’s a quick look at some Keys favorites.

1) Yellowtail Snapper: At the top the list is the iconic yellowtail snapper. Renowned for their vibrant yellow tails, these snappers live on reefs and wrecks. Catching one can be exhilarating on lighter tackle, as they are speedy and tenacious ghters. When grilled or fried, their delicate, aky meat is a culinary delight that perfectly embodies the taste of the Keys.

2) Mangrove Snapper: e well-loved mangrove snapper is a prized

catch in the Keys. With cool colorings and a distinctive dark stripe across their eyes, these snappers are known for a willingness to strike various baits. Anglers who venture into the shallower water in pursuit of mangs are rewarded with erce battles and the satisfaction of landing a delectable dinner. ese can be found in the backcountry and o shore areas.

3) Mutton Snapper: Mutton snapper hold a special place in the hearts of anglers. Residing around deeper wrecks and reefs, these snappers are highly sought a er for remarkable size and avorful meat. eir pink-like coloration, coupled with a distinct black spot they use as a false eye, adds to their allure. Anglers o en recount tales of adrenaline-pumping battles while trying to reel in a trophy-sized mutton.

4) Lane Snapper: Lane snapper are lively and energetic. With brilliant reddish hues and striking yellow lines along their bodies, these snappers captivate the eyes as well as the shing rod. Lane snapper are voracious eaters, making them eager participants for anglers. ey might be small, but their sweet and tender meat brings joy to every sh lover’s palate.

5) Cubera Snapper: e cubera snapper aka, “El Diablo,” awaits in deeper waters surrounding the Keys. Occasionally caught in excess of 100 pounds, they are the largest snapper species in this part of the world. Anglers targeting cubera snapper should employ heavy tackle and stout gear to overcome the intense ghts these brutes o er. Landing a trophy-sized cubera is a feat that will test your strength and your gear.

Whether you’re shing for the acrobatic yellowtail, maneuvering through the backcountry for cra y mangrove snapper, or testing your strength and skill against the mighty cubera, the opportunities for unforgettable shing experiences are endless in the Keys.

Tune in to the latest episode of Bean Sport shing TV on YouTube.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BEAN SPORTFISHING

There is a Reason More Marine Professionals Choose Suzuki RePower – It Simply Makes Sense

Why are More Professional Mariners Choosing Mastry

Suzuki RePower - Power, Reliable, Durable & Best Value

When Considering A Repower, Consider These Factors:

• Mastry Suzuki RePower Centers have decades of repower experience providing proper rigging, controls, propeller matching and in water testing

• With a Mastry Suzuki RePower, owners gain improved performance, less noise and greater reliability

• Options that will fit most any budget, financing available

• Mastry Suzuki RePower’s exclusive Owner’s Edge Program*

• All Suzuki RePowers come with Suzuki’s 5-years of protection

With 13 Locations Across Florida There is a Mastry Suzuki RePower Center Near You

REPOWER

THE ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING A NEW BOAT

*Get with the Program!

When you purchase a new Suzuki outboard from an authorized Mastry RePower Center you qualify to become a member of the Mastry Suzuki Owner’s Edge. Owners receive an identification card that provides them with important information about their Suzuki outboard motor as well as a passport to additional benefits during ownership. Members enjoy a detailed engine maintenance schedule, Mastry Suzuki RePower Trade Program and special pricing from Mastry Suzuki Partners.

Three Florida Bass Fisheries Named Top 10 in the Nation

Each year, Bassmaster Magazine releases its list of the Top-100 bass lakes in the nation. For 2023, Florida landed three lakes in the top-10 of this prestigious list. For anyone who bass shes, it comes as no surprise that the Sunshine State annually ranks as one of the top largemouth states in the entire country.

Bassmaster is the o cial publication of B.A.S.S., which is an enormous tournament organization with branches that hold bass tournaments and tournament series all over the nation. To compile the Top-100 list, editors scour tournament data from the last 12 months and mine data from state wildlife agency programs like Florida’s TrophyCatch.

O.H. Ivie Lake in Texas was named the best bass lake of the year for the second year in a row thanks to an almost unbelievable string of giant bass that have come from this Colorado River impoundment. An incredible 15 bass heavier than 13 pounds came from O.H. Ivie and were registered with the Texas Sharelunker program over the last year. e largest was a 17.03-pound monster.

Texas grows big bass, and so does Florida. Coming in at No. 5 on the list, Fellsmere (Headwaters), Stick Marsh and Kenansville Lake, were grouped into a single shery. Fellsmere led the

way with an awesome 73 largemouths heavier than 8 pounds reported to TrophyCatch over the last year. Fellsmere’s largest was an 11-pound, 8-ounce sh. Stick Marsh, which has been drawn down for habitat enhancements and is kayak only, produced two TrophyCatch sh, including a 9-pound, 6-ounce sh. Kenansville pitched in with seven 8-plus pounders, including a 13-pound, 10-ouncer.

Orange Lake weighed in at No. 8 in the top-10 list. is should come as no surprise if you are a regular Coastal Angler/ e Angler reader. Orange Lake has been in the headlines a lot recently, with four 13-plus-pounders including a giant 14-pound, 1-ounce sh that to-date is the largest Florida bass of the year. Orange Lake produced 50 TrophyCatch sh heavier than 8 pounds over the last 12 months. Seventeen of those were heavier than 10 pounds.

e “Big O” slid into the No. 10 spot of the best bass lakes in the nation. is historic heavyweight has solidly rebounded as one of the country’s best bass sheries. Okeechobee’s Roland Martin Marine Center Series events have produced some astounding sacks for tournament anglers. In June, Coastal Angler/ e Angler reported on a singleday event that produced 20 30-pound ve- sh limits. It took 36.82 to win, and a 29-pound sack

didn’t even crack the top 25. ose are some of, if not the best, tournament numbers we’ve ever heard of.

To see the entire list, visit www.bassmaster.com.

10’s of thousands of compact tractor

Example parts shown are not on model pictured.

MORE DAYS ADDED TO FALL GULF SNAPPER SEASON

Adding to the previously announced fall season, Florida anglers will get an additional 17 days to harvest red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico this fall. e additional harvest dates will be every Friday through Sunday in September, Labor Day and anksgiving Day. is is on top of the previously announced season, and brings the 2023 season to a total of 87 days, the longest combined season since the state assumed management of Gulf red snapper.

“

e Gulf red snapper season brings anglers from across the country to enjoy this recreational opportunity,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young. “Being able to extend the season 17 days will allow additional access and opportunities to all who want to experience the Fishing Capital of the World.”

ose shing from private recreational vessels in state and federal waters of the Gulf and charter

vessels without a federal reef sh permit that are limited to shing in state waters, will be able to participate in the 2023 Gulf red snapper season. e fall season now includes every Friday–Sunday throughout the months of September, October and November as well as Labor Day and anksgiving Day. See the updated fall season dates below:

• September 1–4 (Friday–Monday of Labor Day Weekend)

• September 8–10

• September 15–17

• September 22–24

• September 29–October 1

• October 6–8

• October 13–15

• October 20–22

• October 27–29

• November 3–5

• November 10–12

( Veterans Day Weekend)

• November 17–19

• November 23–26

( Thanksgiving Weekend)

For more information, go to MyFWC.com.

In the Heat

By: Capt. Dave Stephens

During the later summer months here in Southwest Florida, while talking to anglers the most common topic is how hot the water temperature is. There are a few things that you can do that will help you have a successful day on the water. If you are a live bait fisherman, I am sure you have had this problem. First thing in the morning you go to your favorite bait hole load your well with bait, make a run to your favorite fishing hole to find most of the bait you just caught is dead. I would recommend not overloading your well. Most live wells when you are running will drain down putting a lot of stress on your bait. The obvious would be to fish early in the day during the cooler hours which has not been easy lately. I’m sure not everyone has that option, therefore I would recommend fishing the higher tides either the top of the incoming or the top of the outgoing. Also try focusing on deeper flats and creeks as many times the water will be cooler in these areas. Snook fishing will be very good, post spawn fish will be looking to put some weight back on. Creek mouths and points of islands are a great place to look for fish on the falling tides. As the tide starts to bottom out there will be a good number of fish on the open flats. A 30-40lb fluorocarbon leader is recommended due to their sandpaper like lips. Don’t let that big one get away because you wanted to save a couple bucks on leader, and check your leader after each catch, you may need to snip off a couple inches and re-tie. Redfish will be getting better due to the summer rains. Sardines will still be your best bet and patience is a must because the fish need time to smell their food. Mangroves with the best cover and shade will hold fish during the hotter times of the day. For you early birds keep an eye out for fish starting to school up on some of the local flats. A tall tell sign will be fish pushing a wake. Also fishing around large schools of mullet is a great way to locate reds. Trout fishing will remain good on the deeper flats. As the freshwater pushes out of the rivers, you might want to look closer to the Gulf. Trout will often come up to the surface and pop chum like snook. Just a reminder to keep an eye out for those afternoon thunderstorms as they can approach fast and have some deadly lightning.

Night Fishing

By: Capt. Bart Marx

It has been very hot this summer and that has affected the fishing. In the Florida Keys, water temperatures have been over 90degrees which is affecting the corals. The fish are like us humans when the temperature gets too hot, they slow down and head for shade and deeper waters to get away from the heat. Talking about offshore this means that the red grouper are deeper than usual this time of year starting at 70 ft. out to 100ft. Snapper on the full moon this month on the 29th would be a great chance to do the night fishing thing. Your favorite snapper spot will be awesome at night. In the past, I have gone out late in the afternoon which gives me time to get setup before the sunset. I like to set my anchor in the proper spot to get me on the edge of where I want to fish. Next is to get the chum going and start fishing with some frozen baits that I have brought along, and I also bring white baits or live shrimp. Some anglers use lights to attract fish and that works, but if you don't have lights, you can still catch fish. I usually start with 30 lb. rigs then go lighter as I get the bite going, 20lb. line with 10lb. leader and no weight when you get the fish on the surface. There artificial reefs and natural bottom starting from 40ft. out to 100ft. If you do this keep an eye on the weather as T-storms at night are no fun trying to get back to the dock! If you fish inshore, in the waters just inside the islands start looking for the schools of bull reds that come in and start feeding to go offshore and spawn. A great area starts at Placida all the way down the ICW to Ft. Myers Beach. If you can find the schools of pinfish in the grass beds this is a good place to start. The best baits for this are live like white bait pinfish or even shrimp. Sometimes you can get them to bite on dead mullet chunks or frozen sardines. I use for most of my fishing a Quantum 50 BOCA reel with 20lb. SUFFIX performance braid, with an old REDBONE 7ft. medium heavy rod. I usually rig up a knocker rig, if I am inshore, I use 20lb. mono, offshore I’ll use 30lb. mono. and about the same length as your rod 7ft. Inshore I use a 1/0 VMC circle hook and offshore I use a 4/0 VMC . So depending what you are fishing I’ll use from a 1/4 oz. egg weight or up to a 2 oz. offshore. So if you would like to try some of these rigs give me a call at 941-979-6517 or e-mail me at captbart@alphaomegacharters.com, Always remember, singing drags and tight lines make me smile. <*(((((>{

Backwater Snook

By: Caitlyn Gatrell

It’s no secret why snook are considered one of the top inshore saltwater gamefish. Because of their incredible strength, tough and risky fights, and their beautiful looks, they are sought after by many. You can catch a variety of snook species around the world, but amongst the most common and targeted is the Common Snook in Florida.

Snook inhabit many varying areas in the ocean, but some of the best snook fishing occurs in the backwaters. Here in the backwaters, it is more of a unique experience. The main reason is because you are met with many obstacles. The mangrove islands produce endless mazes of branches and structures for them to get tangled into or break the line off on. I believe it makes for a challenging yet rewarding experience.

I c an say myself, I have lost a good amount of snook, some big ones too, to the backwaters. Just when you think you have them close, they take off on a big, drag screaming run. Once they get too far in the mangroves, it’s almost impossible to get them out. And yes, “almost impossible” because we have been able to get them out before! Even when it took half an hour once to detangle all the line in the branches to get to our snook. Hey, if it was your next PB you would be doing the same!

W hen it comes to snook fishing in the backwaters, we like to use live bait. Using live mullet or nice sized pilchards, we will throw our bait right up on the mangrove lines. We will throw typically in areas where we see big branches sticking out, or bait flickering on the surface. A bonus is finding an area that has a flowing current, or a small creek pouring water out. We like to add sinkers at times, especially when the current is strong, to keep our bait in the same area. I like to use live bait because the transition from stillness and quiet to chaotic and excited is just such a great feeling for me. The feeling of that hard thump and seeing your line race through the water as your drag goes crazy gets my heart racing. It’s a matter of skill, strategy, and quick timing to ensure you don’t lose your fish to the mangroves. Sometimes you are lucky, and other times you’re not.

W hen you are able to bring your fish in, you’ll notice they have a darker tint to them, almost like a golden glow. Being able to catch one and bring them up close, especially if it’s during “golden hour” is truly a sight to see. When I am able to de hook them, snap a few photos, and safely release them, it is a wonderful feeling. I love watching them swim back to their habitat and disappear within the murky water. Snook will always be amongst one of my favorite species to catch, and I hope to catch a monster one day.

September is one of the few months that 1st Mate Vicki, 2nd Mate Moby ‘Dick’ and I take every opportunity to ‘fish for fun’! Trips to the Florida Keys (‘Keys’) or fishing for snook and redfish locally, between charter requests, fill up our schedules and support our lifestyle. Last month offered opportunities to vacation and travel to the Marathon and Key West areas to enjoy our boat and the ‘Salt Life’! Vicki and I were in Marathon the second week of August to catch dorado, tuna, grouper and snappers. Just coming off a full moon enhanced the snapper bite. Naturally, 1st Mate Vicki seems to almost aways do better on the reefs than I do (she has a lot more patience is the only thing I can figure out, plus the fact that she loves it).

The last few days of August found us back on the 36 ft. Yellowfin of Ron and Lucinda Defreitas fishing the Dry Tortugas and the Florida Straits between Key West and Havana. Vicki and I have another trip planned with our vessel at the end of this month to Duck Key at Hawk’s Cay, joining the Maverick Boat Company and other Pathfinder owners for a fun filled weekend which includes a ‘friendly’ fishing tournament, music, food and beverages.

W hen we weren’t ‘on the road’ or on the ‘high seas’, I fished clients here both inshore and offshore with good results and offer the following summer tips:

Inshore; early morning on high tides for redfish, snook, mangrove snappers and seatrout. shrimps, blue crabs (quartered) will be good offerings for the redfish around the mangroves, pilchards for snook off the beaches, shrimp for mangrove snappers and seatrout.

I prefer to fish the redfish on the high incoming tide when the fish are moving out of the potholes to oyster beds and the mangroves which hold food, provides shelter from the summer heat and protection from osprey’s, eagles and dangers that lie beneath the surface.

Snook fishing will be more productive just off the beaches where they are still feeding and spawning. Pilchards, live finger mullet and pinfish will provide the best action. These fish will be working the beach areas around grasses and stumps. They will be in shallower, rather than deeper water, in one of the two ‘troughs.

FISHING FOR FUN

By: Capt. Terry Fisher

Mangrove snappers will be caught wherever there is structure, rocks, wood piles and mangroves. Use a shrimp on a small hook and small weight with a 20lb. leader for good results.

Th is time of year, especially with the extreme heat we have experienced, I suggest fishing deeper for seatrouts. Instead of 4-5ft., try 5-6ft. over the grass beds. Expect to catch a lot of smaller fish. I suggest artificial soft plastic or live shrimp under a popping cork. However, if these fish are feeding on the surface, give a top water a try. The secret for catching legal size for harvest, is to move around and keep trying. Use lighter tackle to get the most out of your fishing experience. Expect to catch a lot of catfish.

Offshore winds are always the determining factor for a trip offshore. My ‘rule of thumb’ is if it is over 12-13mph, I will not go out, especially with a southerly wind. 10mph or less is ideal. The bigger grouper, snapper, trigger fish and other species are being caught 5070 miles offshore in 150-160ft. of water. Hopefully, as we approach October the water temperatures will cool enough to bring more big fish within 80-120ft. range. Be aware of the regulations for both state and federal harvesting and possession laws, including closures due to over harvesting and other variables.

Most offshore species can be caught with shrimps, squid, pinfish and mullet dropped to the bottom. Keep a look out for bait on the water with birds diving. The last couple of months the gulf waters have been ‘alive’. 1st Mate Vicki and I were out before the closure of red grouper and witnessed a lot of healthy fish signs. I spotted a 12- 14ft. great white shark just below the surface (10 feet off the stern of the boat) headed toward one of the three huge fish feeds around us. Being a Certified Scuba Diver, I have experienced many shark encounters. I admit this sighting gave and still gives me an ‘eerie’ feeling. None the less, we loaded up on lane and mangrove snapper before the day was done. We caught our share of red grouper, but they included a lot of small ones since we were fishing 90-110 ft. of water.

In regard to equipment, whether inshore or offshore, I recommend that anglers go with lighter with smaller gear. It is more fun and much more rewarding. Don’t use anything that is bulky and heavy. Use equipment that will get the job done by ‘tiring’ and controlling the fish, rather than equipment that will tire out the angler.

Simple Setup

By: Dan Carns

Kayak fishing has been very popular for many years, and it is no longer a new sport. One of the trends in the past ten years or so is the move toward big, wide and outfitted kayaks specifically designed for fishing. These kayaks are a modern miracle but not everyone wants to make the investment in a kayak that may be too big, too expensive or too heavy for the casual angler. If you are already one of the those converts, it’s too late for you as your kayak has a motor and needs to be registered. It also may have an electric Power Pole, Spot Lock positioning and an array of lights including electric live wells. I’m not knocking your insanely beautiful setup, but I see a whole group of anglers that are being held back from trying one of the greatest styles of fishing out there due to the investment and complexity of these new fishing crafts.

It is so simple to load a fishing pole and some tackle into whatever kayak you have and go fishing! Almost 20 years ago I began fishing from a Sit Inside (SI) Wilderness System Pongo 120 when there were no Sit On Top (SOT) Kayaks built for fishing. Eventually, I cut a couple of flush mount rod holders just behind the seat and used a sheetrock bucket with an air bubbler that I put in the rear hatch for a live well. I mention this as some of you may have this very kayak or something similar but are unsure about fishing from it but be assured that you can fish from most kayaks.

Just about any recreational kayak is suitable to fish from but a little preparation and a few basic supplies will ensure that you have an enjoyable and maybe a productive fishing trip. Try to avoid the old-style flip top tackle boxes as you may expose all the lures to excess water as kayaking is a true water sport. Instead purchase one of the many tackle bags that are available with individual tackle cases. Also make sure that you have some kind of anchor. I prefer a foldable grappling style in at least a 5lb. rating. You may not plan on using this to fish with, but it may become necessary in an emergency. Plan to add lanyards to your favorite pliers and fish grips as it’s all too easy to drop these overboard. Believe it or not most fish will basically fit in a medium sized soft sided cooler with an ice pack, headfirst, tail out. Do not put fish on a stringer if there are sharks in your area or if the water is warm.

Keep it simple for the first few times out and you’ll begin to figure out what is working and what you need to add to your setup. There are no hard and fast rules in this sport so get out there and try it for yourself.

Migrating Birds on the Move – What’s Flying Overhead and Why?

for birds migrating across the Gulf of Mexico or the Caribbean each season. For most, these perilous, long-distance marathons require tremendous amounts of energy. South Florida serves as fueling station and a critical jumping-off point for many species.

American White Pelicans are huge, whiteand-black birds with wingspans more than nine feet in length. Each spring and fall, giant flocks slowly soar high overhead in eye-catching formations between wintering areas along the Gulf coast and breeding grounds west of the Mississippi River. They often stop along shallow coastal bays and inlets to rest on sand bars and catch small, schooling fish. Anglers also frequently encounter Barn Swallows on the water. Very different from pelicans, these insect-eating birds are tiny, and they migrate individually, often only a few feet above the water’s surface. Barn Swallows birds breed across much of northern North America, from Canada to Mexico, and spend winters in locations from Central America south to the tip of Argentina.

It’s fall – wildlife are on the move! September means dropping temperatures, shorter days, and the need to find new food resources. While tarpon make some of the longest migrations in the fish world—as far as 1,500 miles in a season—many different species of birds travel much farther to survive, usually right along our coasts and sometimes in plain sight.

Florida is surrounded on three sides by water, acting as a funnel

We can keep birds safe during their migration by turning lights off at night (the lights can confuse them), protecting habitat they need to rest and refuel on their journeys, and using native plants in our yards to provide birds on the move with important food.

Learn more about migration and see the entire flight paths of hundreds of species with the Bird Migration Explorer from Audubon's Migratory Bird Initiative and partners at explorer.audubon.org.

In The Middle

By: Joe Sheaffer

Most Anglers become comfortable fishing certain areas and presentations. We tend to focus our efforts doing the same old thing because of our past successes. When our fishing trips are challenging or slow, we have many thoughts running through our heads. Many of our thoughts have merit fishing conditions change frequently especially in tidal environments. However, I also believe that we fish with blinders on. Our focus is locked in on past experiences and we are possibly missing out on clues or signs around us. Recently on a fishing trip in Gasparilla Sound, I started my day power fishing stretches along Mangrove Islands near the mouth of a creek. I have had some really productive days in this area and was anticipating a great day. Well the day turned out to be very tough and I was a bit frustrated. The stretches along the Mangroves just seemed dead. There was little to no noticeable bait or fish activity. As I pondered my next move, I noticed quite a bit of waking 50 to 100 yards out in the middle of the creek. I watched for a few minutes and decided to move a bit closer. It turned out to be a decent school of mullet working a shallow flat yards from any noticeable structure. I positioned my boat a long cast away and began casting a wake bait around the school. After 10 to 15 casts, I had a solid bump and a few casts later I hooked into a nice Redfish. I fished that area and Mullet school the rest of the morning. I caught a couple more Reds and a decent Snook. I had been so focused on the mangroves and the areas I was so used to fishing, that I almost missed out on a great opportunity. Basically, I got lucky, noticing the area out in the middle. We definitely can make educated decisions to help us locate good fishing areas. That being said, being aware of our surroundings may clue us in on other opportunities to catch fish. Good luck keep casting, even in the MIDDLE.

Re-Think Paradise

NEW CONSTRUCTION IN THE FLORIDA KEYS

Carter L. hooked this lunker 40 incher!

Mason S. w/ a 38in cobia.

Jody boated this nice tarpon on a Redfish Rob’s Charter in Naples, FL. Hooked up on both of these Gag grouper’s at once in the port Charlotte harbor.

Capt. Tom Marks with a 28 inch redfish caught near Placida Fl.

Steve with a nice one off the north side of Ft. Myers Beach.

Some father-son fishing: Dane caught this snook in the surf off Holmes Beach (Isaiah, Dane, and Gabe Bragg).

Jessica Harris caught this beauty about 80 miles out of Pine Island.

Jose Hidalgo showing off some backyard fishing fun! (Caloosahatchee River)

Summer’s End CAN BE

THE BEST!

With summer tourism starting to slow down, this month can be one of the better times to visit the Florida Keys. As demand for accommodations drop, so do prices around the Keys. Wait times are less, and charters have more availability for last-minute travelers.

Provided that the hurricanes are playing nice, September o ers a nice opportunity to hit the end of mahi season, or to enjoy a reef that’s less crowded than normal.

All the snapper shes are red up this time of year, but the most notable are the mangrove snapper. Mangrove snapper are spawning and there are epic catching days to be had before and a er the full moon. Knocker rigs or jig heads will snipe them o the bottom with just about any bait. Small live pin sh and ballyhoo are very e ective. When using dead ballyhoo, the whole bait can be dropped, or cut in half. Break the beak o and hook through the head side, or cut the tail o ever so slightly, and hook them through that cut, making sure the hook loops around the spine.

By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

Sword shing is another great option right now. ere are still mahi to be found on your way to and from the swordgrounds, but not so many that you feel obligated to stop on every cluster of red-up diving birds. Fishing for sword sh can be a large undertaking for time, tackle and fuel, with a high skunk-out risk rate involved, so it’s always nice to have the chance at some other species along the way. Unlike in the middle of summer, when the ocean is alive with feasting mahi, you can actually make it out there without stopping every mile along the way.

Snowy grouper is closed, but deep dropping o shore is still a viable way to ll the cooler with rosies, tile sh, yellowedge grouper and barrel sh.

As we transition into the autumn shing season, many factors are at play for predicting our shery this month. Call a local captain to nd out the latest report, and come visit the Keys during the cheapest travel month of the year!

Capt. Quinlyn Haddon shes with Sweet E’Nuf Charters out of Marathon, Florida Keys. Contact her at (504) 920-6342, check out her website Quinlynhaddon.com and her social @captainquinlyn.

WORLD RECORD TROUT

CAUGHT IN PONTE VEDRA

A10-pound, 10-ounce seatrout caught in Ponte Vedra was recently certi ed as a new IGFA men’s 20-lb. tippet class world record.

e gator trout was caught on the Dr. Jay Wright on March 23.

Wright was shing with guide Matt Chipper eld of Chip’s Coastal Charters when the big girl ate a bait sh pattern. e sh was documented and weighed on IGFA certi ed scales to ll the world record category, which was previously vacant.

In an Instagram post, Chipper eld said he and Wright had been pursuing the record sh for ve years and gave the measurements for the huge ycaught trout. It was 30 inches long with a 17-inch girth. A er documenting, the big breeder female was carefully released.

“Catching a speckled trout of this size is special on any tackle. But doing this on y… it’s HARD,” wrote Chipper eld. “It requires discipline, patience and skill. Guiding “ e Doc” to this sh is a moment that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”

Wright is no stranger to the record books. He holds several IGFA y tackle world records for seatrout. Along with this most recent 20-pound tippet record, he also holds the 12- and 2-pound tippet class world records for seatrout. His 2-pound tippet record was a 9-pound trout caught from Mosquito Lagoon in 2018. His 12-pound tippet record weighed 11 pounds, 8 ounces and was caught o Fort Pierce in 2007.

For more record sh, go to igfa.org.

When

it’s you against nature, there’s only one tool you need: the stainless steel River Canyon Bowie Knife—now ONLY

You are a man of the wilderness. The only plan you have is to walk up that mountain until you feel like stopping. You tell your friends that it’s nothing personal, but this weekend belongs to you. You’ve come prepared with your River Canyon Bowie Knife sheathed at your side. This hand-forged, unique knife comes shaving sharp with a perfectly fitted hand-tooled sheath. The broad stainless steel blade shines in harmony with the stunning striped horn, wood and bone handle. When you feel the heft of the knife in your hand, you know that you’re ready for whatever nature throws at you. This knife boasts a full tang blade, meaning the blade doesn’t stop at the handle, it runs the full length of the knife. According to Gear Patrol, a full tang blade is key, saying “A full tang lends structural strength to the knife, allowing for better leverage ...think one long steel beam versus two.”

With our limited edition River Canyon Bowie Knife you’re getting the best in 21st-century construction with a classic look inspired by legendary American pioneers. What you won’t get is the trumped up price tag. We know a thing or two about the hunt–– like how to seek out and capture an outstanding, collector’s-quality knife that won’t cut into your bank account.

This quintessential knife can be yours to use out in the field or to display as the art piece it truly is. But don’t wait. A knife of this caliber typically cost hundreds. Priced at an amazing $49, we can’t guarantee this knife will stick around for long. So call today!

customers are saying about Stauer knives... êêêêê

off, the shipping was fast and the quality is beyond what I paid for the knife. Overall I am a satisfied customer!”

—

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik FLOUNDER

September is a new beginning of sorts when it comes to saltwater shing on the Gulf Coast. First, it is somewhat cooler, although some of our visiting northern neighbors might not agree. Many anglers nd themselves torn between other passions and obligations, some of which include school in session, weekend sporting events, dove and deer hunting, and the list goes on. ese activities thin the herd of boats on the water and opens the bays back up for those of us who focus all of our free time on the water.

is is de nitely noticeable at the boat ramp the rst weekend a er Labor Day, and I can’t wait!

Less boat tra c means shing the mouths of bayou drains is wide open. I avoid these areas for safety reasons when there’s heavy boat tra c. I just don’t like boats driving over my lines or waking me, which is what happens if you sh in a boat lane during peak season. I like drains in back lakes this time of the year, because they hold “the big three”: trout, red sh and ounder.

I will speci cally target ounder in these areas in September and early October. Since the spring migration, these tasty morsels have been working their way as far back in the marsh as they could get. With autumn around the corner, they start to congregate in these drains. Outside of the fall run, many anglers do not target these ground huggers. With the pressure light,

the ounder bite can be lights out for those who know where and how to target them. part is you might not see another boat all day!

An outgoing tide is optimal to stake out one of these drains. e tide carries bait out of the deeper bayou and adjacent marsh grass and sends it on a deadly path with hungry ounder fattening up for their winter spawn. When the bite is on, it is not uncommon to see ounder breaking free of the water’s surface chasing a meal. e time I witnessed this years ago, it took me awhile to gure out what was jumping. I will never forget that day!

Paddletail so plastics are my go-to in this situation. I like bright colors such as white lightning, chartreuse with glitter, or pearl with a chartreuse tail in a 4-inch or 3.25-inch bait. Keep the lure twitching along the bottom. Quick jerks with the rod tip pointing down activates the tail vibration and kicks up clouds of mud, which really grabs their attention. A so plastic with a tail rattle adds an extra attractant.

Get a jump start on your ounder x before the rst cold front and the long lines of anglers targeting them during the fall run.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES®

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

Hanapa‘a - Mahi

Hanapa‘a - Ono

Hanapa‘a - Ahi

Hanapa‘a - Marlin

Fish flags inspired by Sun Dot Marine Flags.

@fishflags

why get towing?

THEY KNOW FALL IS COMING

Tim Barefoot

Fish know fall is coming because of the reduction of daylight minutes in a day. e shorter days make a lot of species start a whole new pattern of activities. For example, the grouper complex will start the process of moving into traditional spawning areas. at migration mirrors the cigar minnows, sardines and squid. I’ve always said this and will say it again: Find the bait, nd the sh!

e cigs and sardines form large schools that attract a number of predators including kings and sail sh on the surface, and the big snappers and grouper will be on them as well. e shortened daylight hours become obvious during the middle of this month, when it triggers the “feed” to fatten up for winter and the spawn. Go to the traditional areas you’ve found bait in the past, and that’s a great place to start shing.

Another thing I’ve said in the past is: don’t go to a Chinese restaurant and order a pizza, meaning don’t drop baits that are foreign to sh that are working a school of cigs and sardines. Always have a couple boxes of frozen cigs and/ or sardines just in case you can’t nd the

bait. At least you’ll have bait that “matches the hatch” of what they normally eat.

I try to stay on the sabiki catching baits while everyone else on the boat is shing with grass grunts, sailors choice, cigs/sardines, etc. If you get on a big knot of cigs or sardines, it might be helpful to have two people on the sabiki lling the livewell. e best bait of all is whatever is there. Just put it right back down.

is is also the time of year to nd squid inshore, mixed in with cigs and sardines. If you have a live squid for bait, its life expectancy is under 10 seconds once it touches the bottom on a jig. It’s an instant bite, just like several other baits mentioned above.

e only problem I have with the live or frozen minnows is everything on the bottom will give them a whack, and you wind up catching a lot more snapper and smaller bass than if you use a larger live bait. We almost always have live pin sh from the marina that eliminate most of the trash bites. If you have a larger pin sh, grass grunt or sailor’s choice on the jig, nothing but larger bass, grouper, jacks and big snapper can put it in their mouth. I like to speci cally target grouper by putting the larger live baits down on the jig that eliminate the undesirable bites. Of course, this is a very attractive bait to the sharks, also. Every now and then you have to pay the “tax man” in a grey suit, but that’s just the chance I take. Check out some of the rigging and shing videos on the website or on youtube to see what I’m talking about.

See more from Tim Barefoot at Barefootcatsandtackle.com.

ALASKA STATE RECORD OUTWEIGHS WORLD RECORD

Alaska’s new state record shortraker rock sh was caught in late July. On uncerti ed scales at a remote shing lodge, it weighed 48 pounds, which would have crushed the existing IGFA world record by about 4 pounds. e angler, charter guide Keith DeGra , however, chose to preserve the meat by bleeding the sh instead of waiting to get an o cial weight on certi ed scales.

Days later, when DeGra nally got a certi ed weight in front of an Alaska Game and Fish representative, the sh weighed 42.4 pounds, which was good enough to set a new Alaska state record.

“It feels like the biggest accomplishment of my shing career,” DeGra said. “ is species takes time and dedication to drop down to such huge depths, and I spent a whole lot of hours and reeled miles of line trying to break this record, and it nally came to fruition.”

DeGra caught the sh from Prince William Sound on July 28 with his ancée and some friends from a rented boat. DeGra was shing 1,000 feet deep with a conventional (non-electric) Avet 2-speed 30/2 reel, a custombuilt Adventurous Custom rod built by Derwood Roberts, 3-pounds of weight, 80-pound braid and a circle hook baited with salmon and herring. e previous Alaska state record shortraker rock sh weighed 39.1 pounds. It was caught by Henry Liebman in 2013. e IGFA all tackle world record weighed 44.1 pounds. It was caught in 2017 by Angelo Sciubba at Cross Sound, Alaska, but it’s not recognized in the Alaska Game and Fish list. For more information, see www.adfg.alaska.gov.

Industry leader Dometic is o ering a “new turn” on steering for a whole new category of cable-steered boats that have o been overlooked when it comes to driving innovation.

Designed to integrate with a boat’s existing SeaStar cable steering system, new Xtreme Power Assist (XPA) steering provides smooth, e ortless electric power steering for a range of boats with single outboard motors from 90 to 200 hp. is makes it ideal for smaller ats boats, center consoles, shallow water open ski s and other coastal shing vessels that currently use mechanical steering.

Dometic’s XPA mounts easily to all outboard brands and works with all types of SeaStar mechanical steering (including rack and rotary,

need to replace the existing steering. Installing XPA requires only simple wiring and can be done by DIY boaters in about 30 minutes.

Once XPA is installed, the steering cable only turns the power assist unit—while an advanced electric steering actuator moves the engine load. is eliminates steering torque through the wheel and provides smooth, nearly e ortless steering at any speed.

While an ideal upgrade, this new system is being adopted by top boat builders as a factory standard feature or optional upgrade on new boats.

MOBILE BAY

ARE EASY PICKINGS

right, shrimp, crabs, ounder and more oat to the surface in the shallows, where people just scoop them up.

In one of his weekly columns, David Rainer, with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources explained these uncommon events: e event starts with an incoming tide with very warm, still water, followed by organic load that creates a situation that depletes the oxygen in the water. O en, jubilees follow an a ernoon rain shower and an easterly or northeasterly wind. e Mobile Bay National Estuary Program explains that phytoplankton also contributes to this phenomenon by consuming oxygen near the surface of the water. When the easterly breeze starts blowing, this creates a water current that causes the oxygen-poor water to migrate toward the shore. is has a corralling e ect, herding the bottom-dwelling species into the shallows. ere those species become so lethargic that people can just pick them up. ese events usually lasts two to three hours.

Because they are short lived and rare, jubilees are a source of excitement for some Mobile Bay families who send word out to friends and loved ones to drop what they’re doing and go collect some seafood. However, Rainer warned in his column that a jubilee is not a free-for-all. Normal size and creel limits remain in e ect during the phenomenon. Alabama Marine Resources Division Director Scott Bannon said most species survive to swim or scuttle away when dissolved oxygen levels return to more normal levels.

or most folks, a jubilee is an anniversary celebration, or maybe it’s a ambe dessert made with cherries. For people in the know on the Eastern Shore of Alabama’s Mobile Bay, a jubilee is a natural phenomenon that leads to ridiculously easy seafood. When weather, water and tidal conditions occasionally align just

In case you were wondering whether Mobile Bay’s jubilees are the result of climate change or pollution, know that they have a very long history going back to a time when bells would ring to sound the jubilee because locals were dependent on seafood to feed their families.

“Nowadays, it’s more of an interesting phenomenon that occurs in only two places in the world, Mobile Bay and Tokyo Bay in Japan,” Bannon said.

August and September are the best months to encounter an Alabama jubilee, but it’s not the kind of thing you can predict. You just have to be there and hope to encounter it… or have friends in the know on social media.

For more information, see Rainer’s detailed article on jubilees at www.outdooralabama.com.

ADCNR PHOTOS BY DAVID RAINER

Re-Discover Old Florida Waterfront Charm

The Perfect Vacation Getaway for Fishing, Boating & Outdoor Enthusiasts

Nestled on six lush tropical acres of pristine waterfront directly on the Indian River Lagoon, take a step back in time to experience the very best of Old Florida charm with modern conveniences and services to make your stay truly memorable and unforgettable.

• FULLY FURNISHED 3 ROOM COTTAGES WITH FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHENS

Kingfsh Lodge includes a wide screenTV and bar for small gatherings

Sailfsh House features a wide covered wrap-around porch for larger groups

• Boat Trailer Parking on site w/ Water and Power

• 250 Foot Dock w/ Covered Area

• FREE Ice / FREE Guest Dockage

• Cable TV, Hi-Speed Internet

• 2 miles to the Ft. Pierce Inlet

• 12 miles to the Gulf Stream

TYLER WOOLCOTT

If you aren’t familiar with it, a Carolina rig is when you put a bullet weight and then a bead on your line and then tie a swivel to the end. To the swivel, I use about a 2-foot section of leader and then a worm hook to put a bait on. is rig gets deep, and the leader with a weightless bait provides a more subtle presentation than a traditional Texas rig.

Obviously, you want to drag this rig around some sort of cover that bass are attracted to. I use it everywhere from Southern largemouth in deep grass to deep smallmouth on rock up north. With the weight clicking against the bead and the free action of the bait, this old-school rig still dominates a lot of tournaments to this day.

ere are two presentations I go for when choosing a so plastic to Carolina rig. I like either a bait sh or a craw sh. If the available forage is bait sh, I use a uke-style bait in a natural bait sh color. If the bass are eating craw sh, I like a Zoom Speed Craw or a Strike King Menace grub in green pumpkin or some type of brown or orange color. ese two baits have a lot of action and small bodies to keep the bait streamlined while dragging. My go-to hook is a 4/0 Hayabusa WRM956 wide gap.

Cover

Your Vacation with Travel Insurance

• Laundry, BBQ Grilles and FREE use of our Kayaks

NIGHTLY • WEEKLY • MONTHLY • SEASONAL RATES

3011 N. Indian River Dr., Ft. Pierce, FL 34946 www.indianriverlagoonwaterfrontcottages.com

eptember is supposed to be the beginning of fall, but the reality— at least in the South—is the month is just a continuation of summer. Bass can be pretty tricky, but there are ways to target sh in cooler, deeper water. Dragging a Carolina rig is one of my favorites.You can play around with the size of the weight and the diameter of your leader line. In shallower 5- to 10-foot depths, a lighter weight can help your bait look more natural. I’d suggest ¼ to ½ ounce in that depth range. If you’re shing deeper water in 15 to 30 feet, shing a heavier ¾ to 1 ounce weight gets you down more quickly and allows you to cover bottom more e ectively.

I like the leader between my swivel and hook to be lighter than my main line because it’s less visible to the sh and allows better bait action. If I’m shing 15-pound mainline, I’ll use a 10- to 12-pound leader.

Carolina Rig Gear:

When using this rig, making long casts to cover water is a must, and being able to hook a sh at the end of a long cast is critical. For these reasons, I use a pretty long rod. My go to is a 13 Fishing 7’6” MH Omen Black Casting rod.

You’ll also need to pick line up fast with the reel to remove slack on the take. I use a 13 Fishing Concept A 8:3:1 reel, which eats up line quickly. Spool this reel with 15-pound Seaguar uorocarbon, and grab a small spool of 10- or 12-pound line for leaders.

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

S

TIPS FROM A PRO

DRAG A CAROLINA RIG

One of the most beloved coins in history is a true American Classic: The Buffalo Nickel. Although they have not been issued for over 75 years, GovMint.com is releasing to the public bags of original U.S. government Buffalo Nickels. Now they can be acquired for a limited time only—not as individual collector coins, but by weight—just $49 for a full QuarterPound Bag.

100% Valuable Collector Coins—GUARANTEED!

Every bag will be filled with collectible vintage Buffalos from over 75 years ago, GUARANTEED ONE COIN FROM EACH OF THE FOLLOWING SERIES (dates our choice):

• 1920-1929—“Roaring ’20s” Buffalo

• 1930-1938—The Buffalo’s Last Decade

• Mint Marks (P,D, and S)

• ALL Collector Grade Very Good Condition

• FREE Stone Arrowhead with each bag

Every vintage Buffalo Nickel you receive will be a coveted collector coin—GUARANTEED!

Plus, order a gigantic full Pound bag and you’ll also receive a vintage Liberty Head Nickel (1883-1912), a valuable collector classic!

Long-Vanished Buffalos Highly Coveted by Collectors

Millions of these vintage Buffalo Nickels have worn out in circulation or been recalled and destroyed by the government. Today, significant quantities can often only be found in private hoards and estate collections. As a result, these coins are becoming more soughtafter each day.

Supplies Limited— Order Now!

Supplies of vintage Buffalo Nickels are limited as the availability of these classic American coins continues to shrink each and every year. They make a precious gift for your children, family and friends—a gift that will be appreciated for a lifetime.

NOTICE: Due to recent changes in the demand for vintage U.S. coins, this advertised price may change without notice. Call today to avoid disappointment.

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

You must be 100% satisfied with your bag of Buffalo Nickels or return it within 30 days of receipt for a prompt refund (less s/h).

Order More and SAVE

QUARTER POUND Buffalo Nickels

(23 coins) Plus FREE Stone Arrowhead

$49 + s/h

HALF POUND Bag

(46 coins) Plus FREE Stone Arrowhead

$79 + s/h SAVE $19

ONE FULL POUND Bag

(91 coins) Plus FREE Stone

Arrowhead and Liberty Head Nickel

$149 + FREE SHIPPING

SAVE $47

FREE Liberty Head Nickel with One Full Pound

FREE SHIPPING over $149!

Limited time only. Product total over $149 before taxes (if any). Standard domestic shipping only. Not valid on previous purchases.

We’ve Found the Most Beautiful Endangered Species

Theirs sold at auction for $226,000. Ours is JUST $29! Curious? Read on!

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

True artisanship in Austrian crystal and yellow gold. is necklace and earring set features gorgeous multicolored enamel paired with Austrian crystals and a yellow gold nish. 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 dragon ies are hard to come by, we’re helping to repopulate their numbers with this artfully stylized depiction of some of nature’s smallest wonders!

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 o ering the necklace for JUST $29! Even better: If you buy within the next few days, we’ll throw in the earrings for FREE! at’s a nearly $400 value for JUST $29!

Act fast! e rst time we ran this jewelry in our catalog, it sold out in a matter of days. Get this collection now before this o er goes extinct!

Jewelry Speci cations:

• Enamel with Austrian crystal. Yellow gold nish

• 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

Your Insider Offer Code: DFC163-01

Stauer, 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. DFC163-01, Burnsville, MN 55337 www.stauer.com