The Angler Magazine | March 2020 | Great Smoky Mountains & The Upstate Edition by Coastal Angler Magazine

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE EDITION

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Outdoor Apparel Review

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MARCH 2020

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The easiest way to find bait when you’re ready to go fishing is by using the new Baitfinder App available for free download on both Apple and Android devices. Bait shops are the best possible resource for local information from what’s biting, and on what bait, to ensure you have the right equipment and knowledge before you head out to target a specific species of fish. Everything about Baitfinder is designed for anglers, by anglers, allowing all bait shops in your area to advertise their bait availability in real-time. There’s no more last-minute anxiety about locating bait or driving all over to locate the bait you’re looking for. Anglers can reserve their bait of choice prior to getting to their favorite bait shop to pick it up and it’s all easily done on the app! Let your friends know of this free app and encourage all your local bait shops to enroll at: WWW.BAITFINDER.COM

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OUTDOOR APPAREL REVIEW Gillz 2020 Tournament Series Shirt

illz has re-invented the original vented fishing shirt, and if you liked the original, you’ll love the new 2020 Tournament Series Shirt. They took the best features from the original and added a few sweet twists. First, the side vents were re-engineered to pull cooling air more efficiently through and around your body, keeping you cooler than ever. On top of that, it’s made from the proprietary and innovative GillzTec fabric. This interlocking fabric is engineered to quickly distribute moisture 360 degrees across the garment for better cooling. Since the moisture spreads throughout the garment, it dries and evaporates much faster, keeping you cool and comfortable and essentially eliminates any sweat spots that would normally appear. In fact, it’s 30 percent cooler than competitors! Lightweight and providing UPF 50+ protection, the shirt blocks 98 percent of UVA/UVB rays. Plus, it’s chemical free and looks pretty awesome. Gillz. The coolest gear on the planet.

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esigned at sea, the Blue Water Fishing Short is your offshore hombre for all things fish. It has four-way stretch for maneuverability, a TightLines internal drawcord for a custom fit, and water repellency with stain guard for the inevitable elements. Made with REPREVE recycled fibers, this is the gateway short to your bluewater addiction.

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Frogg Toggs Pilot Pro Jacket in Realtree Fishing

he Frogg Toggs Realtree Pilot PRO Jacket in the Realtree Fishing pattern is designed to handle whatever Mother Nature throws at you. Internal zips hold the Co-Pilot liner, while the full-front zip closure with splash-proof YKK zippers and internal storm flap keep you dry and warm. A fitted, three-way adjustable and removable hood with full-face closure protects your head and face with the help of the integrated fleece-lined, high-rise collar. An internal storm flap and two-way splash-proof front closure keeps water at bay. The jacket features an internal, zippered storage pocket and chest storage pockets, as well as zippered, oversized, fleece-lined handwarmer pockets.

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nglers need protection from the sun more than just about anyone. With Real Angler Saltwater Arm Sleeves from Solar Sleeves, you can protect your arms from the sun’s damaging rays and look cool doing it. With UPF factor of 40+, these sleeves offer excellent solar protection. They are made of super-comfortable stretch fabric that resists slipping for all day comfort on the water. If that wasn’t enough, you can represent your passion while protecting yourself. The vivid sublimation print is sure to be an eye catcher. Go fishing or spend the day on the boat in style with Reel Angler Arm Sleeves in Saltwater print. Retail stores shop online at capsmith.com.

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Secrets of a Billionaire Revealed “Price is what you pay; value is what you get. Whether we’re talking about socks or stocks, I like buying quality merchandise when it is marked down.” — wisdom from the most successful investor of all time

e’re going to let you in on a secret. Billionaires have billions because they know value is not increased by an inflated price. They avoid big name markups, and aren’t swayed by flashy advertising. When you look on their wrist you’ll find a classic timepiece, not a cry for attention–– because they know true value comes from keeping more money in their pocket. We agree with this thinking wholeheartedly. And, so do our two-and-a-half million clients. It’s time you got in on the secret too. The Jet-Setter Chronograph can go up against the best chronographs in the market, deliver more accuracy and style than the “luxury” brands, and all for far, far less. $1,150 is what the Jet-Setter Chronograph would cost you with nothing more than a different name on the face. With over two million timepieces sold (and counting), we know a thing or two about creating watches people love. The Jet-Setter Chronograph gives you what you need to master time and keeps the superfluous stuff out of the equation. A classic in the looks department and a stainless steel power tool of construction, this is all the watch you need. And, then some. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Experience the Jet-Setter Chronograph for 30 days. If you’re not convinced you got excellence for less, send it back for a refund of the item price. Time is running out. Now CLIENTS LOVE that the secret’s out, we STAUER WATCHES… can’t guarantee this $39 chronograph will stick around long. Don’t overpay to be “The quality of their underwhelmed. Put a precision watches is equal to many chronograph on your wrist for that can go for ten times just $39 and laugh all the way the price or more.” to the bank. Call today! — Jeff from McKinney, TX

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Hook, Line & Sea Eagle Inﬂatable Sea Eagle FishSkiff™ 16

The super sleek, super stable inflatable FishSkiff™ 16 holds 1-3 anglers and all their gear. It’s low profile with nearly zero draft make landing fish & shallow water fishing easier and quicker. With a 6hp motor, it can reach 17 mph. Catch fish all day with 1 tank of gas. Add a bow mounted trolling motor for stealthy maneuverability. On shore just deflate & fold it up. Packs small to fit in a car trunk, SUV or RV and stores in a closet.

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3 6 0 - D E G R E E AC C E S S TO AN OCE AN OF POSSIBILITIES The engineless design of the FSH Series gives owners a spacious stern area, as well as 360-degree uninterrupted access to the water. With enhanced saltwater corrosion protection and a host of fishing and family-friendly features, Yamaha’s 2020 FSH Series is the best way to experience everything the coast has to offer. YA M A H A B OAT S . C O M

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he International Game Fish Association (IGFA) tracks record fish catches around the globe, and they have been busy. Since December, they have approved 65 new entries, including line class, fly-caught and youth records for different species. More than 30 of those records are all-tackle records, which means they are the largest individuals ever documented with IGFA. Here’s a quick look at some highlights: Tan’s Nile Perch Christopher Tan of Malaysia caught and released an incredible 146-centimeter (4.8-foot) Nile perch to set the IGFA All-Tackle Length World Record. In early August, Tan was casting a Halco Laser Pro 190 in Murchison Falls, Uganda. Pitman’s Golden Trevally Aussie angler Sahra Pitman caught a beautiful 12.25-kilogram (27-pound, 1-ounce) golden trevally to set the new IGFA Women’s 6-kg (12-lb.) Line Class World Record while fishing in Shark Bay, Western Australia. The record fish hit a McCarthy soft plastic and put up a 20-minute fight. It is currently the largest Line Class record of any received for golden trevally. Weeks’ Green Humphead Parrotfish Mark Weeks set the bar high with the first green humphead parrotfish submitted for an IGFA All-Tackle World Record, with a massive 46.35-kilogram (102-pound, 3-ounce) fish he caught and released while fly fishing the flats of Providence, Seychelles. The record parrotfish sucked up a crab pattern and took off across the flat.

Christopher Tan with the nearly 5-foot Nile perch he caught in Uganda.

Allum’s Rainbow Trout Emily Allum caught and released an impressive 13.30-kilogram (29-pound, 5-ounce) rainbow trout to set the new IGFA Women’s 4-kg (8-lb.) Line Class World Record. Allum was casting a Glo Bug in the Tekapo Canal, New Zealand, and fought the record trout for 10-minutes prior to weighing and releasing it. Schmid’s Arctic Char James Schmid recently set the new IGFA All-Tackle Length World Record for Arctic char with a gorgeous 93-centimeter (nearly 17-inch) fish. The char ate a Vibrax Blue Fox spinner in the Red Belly Lake, Victoria Island, Canada. After an 8-minute fight, James took the required measurement and released the fish.

(Left) Mark Weeks’ Seychelles parrotfish weighed more than 100 pounds. (Right) Emily Allum’s New Zealand rainbow is a new line-class record.

The U.S. Coast Guard recently approved the use of Serious Signal’s flagship electronic visual distress signal device as a nighttime distress signal. The C-1002 is the industry’s first and only two-color distress light approved for carriage, which completely and legally replaces the need to carry marine pyrotechnic flares. The C-1002 also includes features that enhance its functionality to the level of an alert and notification system. “We’re thrilled that the C-1002 Electronic LED Flare passed the extremely challenging laboratory testing required by the Coast Guard,” said Anthony Covelli, Sirius Signal CEO. “It’s the brightest multi-LED handheld SOS device on the planet—one that required sophisticated engineering and many new innovative solutions to overcome daunting challenges.” The C-1002 flashes the SOS distress signal—three short flashes, three long flashes, three short flashes, using a two-color plus infrared SOS flash pattern (red/ orange and cyan) that has been found more effective against shoreline background light clutter, according to studies conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard R&D Center. The C-1002 is also Bluetooth-enabled with advanced mobile app connectivity, providing an additional layer of protection and communication for recreational boaters— and its infrared signal will be recognized by SAR aircraft from miles overhead. “Based on our review… we acknowledge that the subject device, as tested, meets the performance criteria as specified in the policy letter and may be carried to meet regulatory requirements as a nighttime distress signal per 33 CFR 175.130,” noted the letter Sirius Signal received from the Coast Guard. In time for the 2020 boating season, the C-1002 will be available for purchase on the Sirius Signal website and Amazon.com, as well as at premier marine distributors.

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MURPHY AREA LAKES

Big Ol’ Stripers Of Lake Hiwassee By Shane Goebel

s I write this report, I can’t help to think that this weather pattern is exactly like the previous year. Tons and tons of rain, with the exception of 4 inches of snow the other day. However, don’t let this rain fool you. We’ve been absolutely crushing the stripers here lately! So, if it’s anything like 2019, This month should be amazing! March has always been the kickoff to some awesome spring striper fishing. With its warmer weather and longer days, it’s my favorite month for fishing. With that said, give Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service a call and book those trips. Let us put you on some of the biggest fish the mountains have to offer. Currently, Lake Hiwassee is 22 feet below full pool. Water temperatures have been in the low 50’s. Due to all the recent rains, water clarity is stained in the river and creeks and slightly clear towards the dam. Striper fishing has been super out here lately. We’ve had a very successful January and February. Most of the stripers we are catching

have been in the 15 to 35 pound range and we’re averaging about 10 to 20 stripers a trip. The warmer water temps have played a big role on the increase in numbers this year. So, this spring should be amazing! This pattern should continue into the month of March and increase as the stripers start their pre-spawn. Continue the same techniques as the previous months, pulling planer boards with live herring and shad in the backs of creeks and around shallow, sloping banks. As you pull boards, it’s always a good idea to work the banks by casting a Zara Spook or a Red Fin. As the sun comes up, turn your focus to fishing the mouths of creeks, as the stripers will follow bait to deeper water. With pre-spawn in mind, more and more stripers will start to stage in the mouths of creeks in March. Keep an eye on your electronics for schooling stripers, and pay attention to where the bait balls are. I guarantee you, if you find the bait, the stripers will be close by. The smallmouth and spotted bass bite has been extremely good.

We are catching some very nice smallmouth and spots in the 4-5 lb. range and in large quantities.

We are at least averaging 20 to 30 smallmouth and spotted bass a trip. These spotted bass and

CONTINUED, SEE BIG OL’ STRIPERS, PAGE 10

Lake Nottely Crappie Fishing with Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service

By Darren Hughes

estled in the mountains of North Georgia lies one of the best crappie fishing lakes around: Lake Nottely. Lake Nottely is a 4200-acre reservoir in Blairsville Georgia. Loaded with plenty of brush and timber,

it makes a perfect habitat for some very nice crappie populations. From the months of February to April, this mountain lake comes to life with an outstanding black crappie harvest. So, dust off those old fishing poles and pan fish jigs

and hit the water or book a trip with us and let Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service help you load the boat with tons of Crappie. Currently Lake Nottely is 6 feet

below full pool and water temps are steady around 51 degrees. Water clarity is stained in the creeks and clear from mid-lake to the dam. Crappie fishing has been

CONTINUED, SEE LAKE NOTTELY, PAGE 19

SMSS has all the essentials for hunting, target shooting, home defense, reloading and more Call for date & time of monthly concealed carry class. 53 Peachtree St, Murphy, NC • 828-837-7677 Beside the Courthouse

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MARCH 2020

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

March Fishing Forecast for Murphy Area Lakes

By Aaron Kephart

hope everyone has managed to stay somewhat dry with all of the recent rains. Hiwassee Lake has come up 28 feet in the last couple of weeks, and it is pretty trashy with trees and debris. With that said, we appear to have a break in the weather, and it looks like things will stabilize in time for the March bite. March is the month when many of our local species tend to pack on the pounds and consume as many calories as they can in preparation for annual spawning rituals. Warming water temperatures and longer days signal a change in the fishing and in fish behavior. The fish know that they need to eat after a long winter of reduced feeding windows, and they often do so with a vengeance this month, especially on a warm day with a good breeze. The fish are like us: they are tired of winter, and ready for spring. Stripers are probably my favorite species to target in the March through May timeframe, simply because they get so aggressive and feed so heavily. They can be found anywhere from river and creek flats to deep bluff banks, but one thing is certain: when you find them they will eat. Another added bonus is that stripers tend to feed

better when current is running, and with all of the rain we have had we are experiencing pretty steady current flows. The bass bite is also phenomenal this time of year. They tend to get shallower as they get closer to the actual spawn, and any visible cover can hold fish. As we get later in the month I particularly like to focus on docks, pea gravel points, and brush within sight of spawning flats. This can be one of the best times of the year to hook up with the fish of a lifetime while she tries to get in one last meal before the bedding ritual. The walleye bite should be happening this month as well, but if we remain at super high water levels with tons of current and dirty water, we might miss out on the spawning run just like we did last year. I hate missing this opportunity simply because it is the highest percentage of walleye fishing of the year, but in reality missing it two years in a row might be a good thing for the future of the fishery since more spawning females are able to at least attempt to lay eggs (if the herring don’t eat all of the fry). By the time you read this, the shallow bite for crappie should also be in full swing in the creeks and rivers. At this time I am personally

booked for March, although I do have some openings in other boats. I also still have some April and May availability, as well as some summer dates. If you would like to get in on the best fishing the Murphy area has to offer please give me a call at 865466-1345. I have over 30 years

of experience on our local lakes, and I am the most experienced multi species guide in the area. Give me a call for stripers, bass, walleye, crappie, or pretty much anything that swims around here. As always, thanks for reading, and I hope to hear from you!

Aaron Kephart is the Owner of Mountain Lakes Guide Service. To book a guided trip on one of the Murphy area mountain lakes, contact him by phone or by email at mtnlakesguide@outlook.com Checkout his website at http://www.mtnlakesguideservice.comand catch him on facebook@ mountainlakesguideservice

Murphy North Carolina’s

premier trophy smallmouth and spotted bass guide service

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Hiwassee - Apalachia - Chatuge Aaron Kephart 865-466-1345 mtnlakesguide@outlook.com

Crappie, Trophy Trout, Stripers, and more available 4

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MARCH 2020

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EAST TN / GREAT SMOKIES /SWAIN COUNTY

Nantahala: A River of Resilience

By Ken Kastorff

he summer of 2019 was a tough year for the Nantahala River though it started out as a great year, with good numbers of trout caught on each float. All was well until July, when Duke Energy had a breakdown in their Nantahala Power plant. In order to ensure water for recreational releases and to maintain lake levels, Duke Energy released water from the penstocks at Nantahala Lake. This release resulted in 70-degree water pouring into the river. Obviously, this was not good for the trout, which are accustomed to 50-degree water. To add to this perfect storm, the NC Wildlife Commission had released 4000 trout into the river the day before the power outage event so it wasn’t long before we started

seeing dead trout floating in the river. There were people catching trout by hand and trying to buy nets to catch even more. A bad situation was made even worse when news reports inflated an already difficult situation into the appearance of a complete disaster by implying that there were thousands of dead fish floating down the river. This was sensationalized news reporting at its worst. After a few days, Duke Energy was able to get the power plant back on line and cold water returned to the river. Looking back at this event, there are several things to take into consideration. Number one is obvious, Duke Energy should not have continuously released warm water from the lake for the duration of the power outage. In

their defense, they were trying to avoid a county wide economic disaster and it backfired on them. Protocols that were put in place during the FERC re-licensing weren’t strictly followed and this was the result. This issue has since been addressed and I am sure we will never see an extended warm water release again into the Nantahala. Number two has to do with the newspaper report implying that there were thousands of trout floating down the river. I was interviewed by the author of that article and was never quoted on any of the information I gave her. My perspective of what happened was not what she wanted to hear. Her intention was to make Duke Energy look

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as bad as possible, period! While there were definitely fish killed in this event, one has to wonder how many of them were stocked fish that had been put into the river 24 hours prior to the warm water release. There were reports of wild fish being killed in large numbers. First of all, most people can’t tell the difference between a wild trout and a stocked trout. Even guides have a hard time, especially if that trout has been in the river for a while. Oft’ times there are some brook trout put into the river when it’s stocked, these definitely would not survive the temperatures we saw. It is possible most of the stocked fish may not have survived or were washed into the lake. If they did make it to

CONTINUED, SEE NANTAHALA, PAGE 10

MARCH 2020

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

Big Wintertime Smallmouth

By Ronnie Parris

f you’re looking for a really big smallmouth bass, this is probably your best chance of the year. These big smallies are stacked up anywhere you find threadfin shad and they’re usually not bashful about biting, provided you’re throwing what they want. I love fishing live minnows and that’s usually the recipe I use, but lots of smallmouth are caught using artificials. I love a good top water bite and if I catch them chasing shad to the surface I throw jerk bait, my all time favorite being Rapalas Xrap. Be sure to work it with a long pause and look for some vicious strikes. Even with the cold water, you’re going to see some great aerobatics as these fish usually jump several times. Some folks love casting an Alabama rig for them and I have seen some nice fish come to the boat from them.

Even in the winter, we get really good crayfish hatches on Fontana and Santeetlah Lakes and crayfish are one of the smallies’ favorite meals. Rebel makes a great crayfish plug. Also, most worm companies have a version of crayfish bait. Anytime I use the plastics, I would suggest bait that is scented, although you can add your own scent. It just seems like they are less likely to spit scented bait out. Right now on Fontana and Santeetlah, we are catching smallies on rocky points and in the backs of creeks. Early morning seems to be the best bite but some days they feed all day long. I release, and encourage you to release, all smallmouth that aren’t damaged when released. At this time of year, about half will be big fat females plumb full of eggs. Keeping one big female may result in the loss of hundreds of small-

Swainglers are excited about the New Year and remaining months of this school year. We have four to five trips remaining and hopefully an all-day field trip!

Fontana Lake Fishing Guides – Ronnie Parris, Owner & Head Guide LAKE, CREEK & RIVER FISHING • FLY FISHING • CAMPING We offer both full and half day trips with the most competitive rates available. All tackle and supplies you will need while you are on your trip is covered by our listed price.

1012 East Alarka Road, Bryson City, NC • 828-488-9711, Cell: 828-736-9471

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MARCH 2020

mouth fry so please release all of these that you catch. It’s still really cold so be sure to dress for it and you will enjoy your trip more. If you would like

to try your luck at one of these big hard fighters, give me a call at 828-488-9711 and I’ll put you on them. As always, stay safe an take a kid fishing.

Ronnie Parris is owner and head guide of Smoky Mountain Outdoors Unlimited-Fontana Lake Fishing Guides, headquartered in Bryson City, N.C., heart of the Great Smoky Mountains (www.smounlimited.com; (828) 488-9711).

S W A I N G L E R S

Enoch Franklin doesn’t let the snow stop him!

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Reading the Signs

By Capt. James McManus

here are lots of old wives tales relating to the best time for this fish, or the best temp for that fish. I agree there are patterns that re-occur year after year concerning our little finny friends but the longer I fish, the more I am aware that every day on the water holds something totally new and that to consistently catch fish, you had better be ready for “Plan B” when granny’s formula doesn’t pay off. Guiding has allowed me a bunch of days on the water. I have folks call and insist on the third day before the full moon or anything but the day of, or only if the sun is in the feet, or something like that. I have never really gone by an almanac or the cards, but I remember growing up back east, the town would not dig for a water line unless the moon was right or there wouldn’t be enough dirt to fill the ditch back up. Now I don’t pretend to believe that, but seems like there were not many unintended open ditches. Lots of sayings rely on the production of certain kinds of buds, or specific flowering trees. This surely is related to the temperature and day length and generally, I agree that springtime holds the most predictable set of signs but I have seen dogwood buds the size of a kernel of corn both covered in ice and dried to the point of bursting into flame in an early heat wave. Daffodils seem to hold special sway with some and looking out the window there are a few poking their yellow tops into the air. Did I mention that last week they were

under a couple inches of snow but, as things have warmed, they are certainly increasing in number everyday. Guess old mister walleye has seen them and is planning his and her run up the river. With the rain we’ve had lately I think there is plenty to run up into. The return of certain birds signal the return of specific fish to spawning grounds, with robins being the best predictor. I tend to follow birds like the Bald Eagles and Kingfishers at Fontana. The Eagles are going to be where the fish are and likewise Kingfishers like to be close to bait schools so they are fairly good predictors. My favorites and a sign I really like, are crows right at the waters edge. Up Eagle Creek, I have seen several crows walking the bank and occasionally a bass will charge a school of shad right on the bank and a few will flip onto land and quickly be snatched up by the crows. All you had to do was pitch a jerkbait right at the crows to get hooked to a nice bass. At Hartwell striper fishing, I always look for circling Ospreys. If there are two or three in a big cove, even if they are really high, you can bet the fish at least have been there and it makes for a good starting point. Again, back in Red Springs in a pond there was no better sign of a bass than a Redwing Blackbird hanging at the water’s edge. Well all of these, at times, work and if inspiration to fish came because your corns hurt or your knee was acting up then, by gosh, get going! You never know, I have caught good fish at 15 degrees in February,

struck out at 70 degrees in April, and done good and bad everywhere in between. There is just no telling what is going to make fish bite but one thing is for sure and

that is, you ain’t gonna’ get ‘em sitting on the couch. Here’s to more time on the water, signs be danged, and enjoy what God has put out there for us. Later, Capt. James

Capt. James McManus is the Owner of 153 Charters. Give him a call for a great day of boat fishing!

March Musings By David Hulsey

he transition month of March is usually famous for its unrelenting wind, the occasional tornado, freezing blizzard, or soggy flood or two. Not only can this time of year be crazy weather-wise, but it can blow in some great days on the water. If you’re able to dodge all of these, and a day or so of work, you can get in on some of the best fly fishing of the year! March ushers in some real match the hatch fishing for us in the Southern Appalachians. It’s big bug time on almost all of the trout streams and the fish know it. Good hatches of Quill Gordon and March Brown Mayflies, both about size 12 and 14, can make fish get a little selective on certain streams here in North Georgia and far Western North Carolina. Both bugs can stretch their emergence dates into April sometimes too. Carrying both in Catskill patterns are usually sufficient to entice a nice wild trout or two to the net. Make sure to keep a lookout for redds while wading, being this is prime spawning time for our rainbows. Try not to step on a bed as they have a hard enough time as it is. Delayed Harvest Streams in both Georgia and North Carolina will receive big stockings this month and the fishing is usually

off the chain! You can pretty much throw just about anything that is in the ballpark of food to these guys and a strike is going to happen sooner or later. You can dry fly fish, nymph fish, or streamer fish, and even not too well, and score a few. It’s a perfect time to get a beginner out on the creek and catch a few, weather permitting. The air temperature can be 20 or 70, so if you have someone new to the sport make sure to get them to bring appropriate gear. A frozen friend isn’t as likely to let you talk them into going out on-stream the next time you ask. Tailwater fishing on the Toccoa River near Blue Ridge Georgia is usually starting to crank up a little bit this month with the (hopefully) warmer days. Dry-dropper fishing is great fun here especially during our float trips. Early spring trips here help to avoid the throngs of tubers that can drive an angler nuts. Trophy Trout Fishing on Noontootla Creek Farms is usually awesome right now, with big specimens being caught every day. These fish are highly educated and it takes some doing to catch them sometimes but the reward is great! Give me a call and we’ll set up a day to explore all the things March has to offer!

Give David Hulsey a call at (770) 639-4001 to book a class or a guided trout trip. See his website at www.hulseyflyfishing.com. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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HIGH COUNTRY

Overlooked Trout In Avery County

(An abbreviated excerpt from “Flyfisher’s Guide to North Carolina & Georgia”) By Nick Carter

xcept in its delayed harvest section at Spruce Pine, N.C, the North Toe is a river often overlooked because of a perceived lack of access. This is a mistake. The North Toe is a valley river with roadside access that receives surprisingly little fishing pressure and fishes pretty well because of this. It took a trip with Cade Buchanan, of Mountain Troutfitters, to convince me. Cade grew up in Avery County, across the street from the North Toe and has fished it since he was old enough to walk across the street with a fishing rod. Without his kind of local knowledge, it is easy to see why this perception of limited access persists. The North Toe runs through small farms and privately held property as a small to medium sized river through its accessible length.

There is ample roadside access, but one must watch out for posted property. Downstream of the Minneapolis community, the river parallels U.S. 19E for more than 12 miles. It might not be bounded by Forest Service land, but there are long stretches of water that are not posted. The streambed is rocky. The water has a slight brown stain as it careens around boulders and over bedrock shelves with some good runs, pocket water and a few big holes. It is a flat bottomland river with easy wading and plenty of room to cast to deceptively deep runs. On a late summer day, I watched Cade expertly pluck numerous 9- to 12-inch trout from the North Toe using a double nymph rig with a big brown stonefly as his point fly. Then I watched

Bob Ivins, also of Mountain Troutfitters, battle and land a rainbow in the 18- to 20-inch range. There are good fish in this river for the angler who knows how to get to them. There isn’t much signage indicating where one is allowed to fish, but there also isn’t much signage restricting access. Some of this roadside water probably remains available because of the limited pressure the river sees. Those looking for obvious access to a lot of trout will find it in Spruce Pine, where there is a section of the North Toe designated for delayed harvest. This stretch is also Mountain Heritage waters, which means anglers can fish it

with a 3-day Mountain Heritage license that only costs $5. This piece of water obviously receives pressure. It runs through the heart of town as a wide and flat river with easy access and easy wading. It is pretty big water, and there are some deep holes where stocked fish tend to congregate. Getting nymph rigs down deep is a key to consistent success. With lightly pressured hatchery fish, some wild and holdover fish, and the delayed harvest stretch, the North Toe is a good resource that goes largely unnoticed in the shadow of its more famous sister, the South Toe.

For GPS coordinates to access points on the North Toe and the rest of the region’s trout fisheries, check out “Flyfisher’s Guide To North Carolina & Georgia.” This comprehensive guide is available on Amazon, and signed copies are available by emailing the author at nsc8957@gmail.com.

Fly of the Month

By Eli Crumley, Blackhawk Fly Fishing keepemwet94@gmail.com

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Hook: Daiichi 1530 (size) 18 Thread: UTC 140 Denier (color) Black Body: Superfine Dubbing (color) Black Tails: Two-White Microfibets Wing: CDC (color) Grey This is a great midge/mayfly emerger. You can fish it in the film, on the surface or subsurface.

Throw a few of these in your box in various colors.

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NANTAHALA

continued from page 5

the lake then they could have found cooler deep water. As a side note it is estimated that upwards of 80 percent of the fish stocked in the Nantahala are caught within the first two weeks after being stocked. Number three has to do with the Wildlife Commission, which is ultimately responsible for managing the rivers and streams in North Carolina. While Duke Energy had their fish biologists doing some monitoring, the final responsibility falls upon the Wildlife Commission to determine what the power company can and can’t do. As far as I know, no one from the Wildlife Commission was on site monitoring the situation. A few weeks after the warm water release, the Nantahala took another hard hit. There was a microburst of rain above the area around the quarry. Four inches of rain fell in one hour in one area. This produced four large landslides that completely blocked the river with sediment and trees. It took a week and eight track hoes to clear everything out of the river and bring it back to being navigable again. While water temperatures in the river were well below what trout need to survive, there was a week of 24 hours a day of muddy water flowing down the river. Finally, after the river was cleaned out and cold water was released back into the Nantahala, things returned to normal. A few days later, I invited a long time

guest and friend of mine to come over and float the river with me to assess the conditions in the river. He is one of the best tightline nymph anglers I have ever had the pleasure of guiding. I have to say, I was a bit worried about what we would find but my mind was put at ease as we proceeded down the river. We started the day out with several nice fish in the first hole below Patton’s Run, including a nice 18-20 inch brown. He continued to catch good healthy looking browns and rainbows all the way down the river. While it is hard to conclusively determine if all were wild trout, it appeared as though they were. Many were the little spectacular colorful rainbows the Nantahala is known for. Two days later, we gave a half-day trip to a young lad from the big brothers program. He had never fly fished before. After a little practice time at the beginning of the river, in two hours, he proceeded to catch and release 12 nice trout, not including several others that were hooked and managed to escape. It was a relief to see the Nantahala had survived! It is amazing how resilient this mountain stream is. I am not a fish biologist and do not profess to be one but in almost 50 years, I have spent more time on the Nantahala than almost anyone. With that said, there are things that I believe could be done to enhance and protect the wild fish population. It is amazing to

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

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me that the fishing regulations are the same now as they were when I arrived here almost a half a century ago. With the increased popularity in the sport and better technics and equipment, it would seem it is time to review those regulations. The Nantahala has always been known for its large brown trout and beautiful wild rainbows. It amazes me that, as a stream that is considered to be one of the top 100 trout streams in the United States, it doesn’t have a slot system to protect the good wild fish gene pool. My last observation has to do with spawning. Many of our good fish head upstream in the fall of the year to spawn. That means they swim into the delayed harvest

section of the upper Nantahala. This couldn’t be a worse place for them to try to spawn with people wading all over the stream stepping into reds and tearing the fish up with barbed hooks. That is another one of my pet peeves. Why have sections of catch and release water and then still allow barbed hooks? I believe it would be much better if the delayed harvest section of the Nantahala River were moved above the cascades of the upper Nantahala to Junaluska Road. There is the same mileage of streambed, easier wading, and no traffic. And more importantly, close off the section now used as delayed harvest for spawning.

Ken Kastorff is a Guide and the Owner of Endless River Adventures. To book a guided trip near The Nantahala Gorge or the Cheoah River, give him a call at 1-(800) 224-7238 or look him up at www.nantahalariverflyfishing.com.

BIG OL’ STRIPERS

continued from page 3

smallmouth have been schooling up on points and shallow areas around the lake. Down-lining live bluebacks has been the best technique for catching a slew of these great bass in 15-25 feet of water. March is a fantastic month for catching a lot of stripers and smallmouth on this Western North Carolina lake. Give Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service a call and let the area’s #1-rated guide service put you on some of Lake Hiwassee’s best trophy stripers during the fishing trip of a lifetime. We are

Murphy, NC’s premier full-time guide service, specializing in striped and hybrid bass. We also serve Lakes Nottely and Chatuge (in North Carolina), and Lake Blue Ridge in Blue Ridge, GA. And for all your live bait and tackle needs, check out Hughes General Store in Blairsville, GA. They carry everything you need for a successful day of fishing and have the best live herring around. So, come fish with the pros for the opportunity to be featured in Angler Magazine, and let us help you get your fish on!

Shane Goebel owns Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service and is a member of The Angler Magazine Fishing Team. See the website at www.bigolfish.com or call (828) 361-2021.

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ASHEVILLE / HENDERSONVILLE / BREVARD

Winter Storms

any of you are getting ready for that special time of year in spring, but are you missing out on the now. When winter starts to give way to warming trends, storms start forming and lakes start to fill, setting the stage for the spawn. Now is the time to catch those giant winter bass feeding up for the spawn. Great bass are caught this time of year because of factors coming together, and you don’t want to miss out. What factors am I talking about? I’m talking about warming trends, large bass that are feeding up, water temperatures rising, and predictable bass locations. Bass are already sensing the up-coming spawn and the large breeders are in a frenzy. Small bass are not aggressively feeding yet so, when you catch one now, they are quality bites. Most of the lakes are at full pool now causing a rapid rise

By Scott Norton

in water temps. This is great when you want to locate them. Now you can start on main points and work your way to the secondary points. You’ll be able establish a pattern and location pretty quickly. You will want to adjust your bait selection for the water clarity and water temperatures. My first recommendation would be big baits that you can crawl in front of their faces with. Big baits have amazing drawing power and those big girls are looking for a big easy meal. If you have muddy water, I would suggest using crank baits, chatter baits, and spinner baits with painted blades. Go with the colors of crayfish, like red and orange. If you have clear water conditions, go natural with no rattles. With bass moving shallower, they will be keying in on those crayfish because they provide iodine to break those egg sacks open in the

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females, so keep that in mind. Of course, elevation will give you the most results you can play with. The strategy with that is to choose your situation. If you like to fish with swim baits, you can go up in elevation to get into clear water. The downside to that is the water temperatures are colder. If you want to power fish for a faster pace, go lower in elevation. The downside to this is the water will be muddy. The good thing in this situation is that the water temperature will be warmer. You can also get closer to the bass without spooking them. They will be predictable in location because they will relate to a specific structure. Fishing traffic is very low this

time of year as well. The bulk of the traffic will be at the end of March and all through April. Opportunities are there for the anglers that want them the most. Take this time to prepare for your trip and research the conditions before you go so you’ll know that you brought the right gear to get the job done. Hope this helps and good luck to you anglers on your great adventures!

Scott Norton is a Western North Carolina native. Born in Asheville, N.C., he is a long-time hunter, angler and weekend warrior. He is a member of Southern Raft Supply’s prostaff, representing them in his Jackson Kayak Coosa FD.

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A Year of Trash Part 2: How to Clean Up Our Act

By Ethan Hollifield

n January, I highlighted what I had learned after spending the year removing at least one-33 gallon bag of trash from the waterways that I fish and guide on. It was a very eye-opening experience for me in terms of just how much trash actually littered out waterways within Western North Carolina, with the final tally being over 10,000 individual pieces of plastic and approximately 93 bags that I removed. The aspect that I found most concerning is that all of the trash came from roughly 15 individual streams and rivers on different sections. This means that if I found that much in such a proportionally small space, compared to the thousands of miles of waterways found in the western half of the state, then how much is actually out there? What can be done to mitigate it? Why should people even care? Writing out the negative effects of garbage in terms

of both human/ecological health would be an entire book in itself. I would highly encourage those reading to do a quick Google search on the toxicity that something as simple as a water bottle or plastic bag can have on organic organisms, once it begins to degrade in the environment. Instead, this will be a focus on my observations and thoughts on where all of this trash comes from, and what can be done to help eliminate it. Our waterways here in the mountains have unfortunately become clogged with potentially tons of trash, the majority of which, I believe, can be attributed directly to two sources: roadside trash and illegal dumping. The greater majority of highways and roads in Western North Carolina are built following river valleys. Most of the trash that I collected last year was found in very close proximity to roads following riv-

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ers, and on rural roads in particular, I found the heaviest amounts where illegal dumping had taken place. I cannot put specific blame on one particular group of people as to “who” is throwing their trash out of their car window, but I will note that areas that saw high amounts of recreational and tour-

ist traffic were often trashed pretty significantly as well. With roadside trash generally being in such a close proximity to waterways, it doesn’t take long for it to collect either within the stream itself or at least within the surrounding riparian vegetation, especially on the inside bends of river systems

CONTINUED, SEE A YEAR OF TRASH, PAGE 19

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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

The Jeep

rowing up, everyone in my neck of the woods wanted a jeep. I mean, who wouldn’t right? Jake and Susan came across an opportunity to buy one. It was a 93 YJ, a nice forest green with tan interior, 4.0 straight 6. Being on a budget, Jake did a shackle, a body lift and put thirty-fives on it. Jake bartered with a buddy and had custom bumpers and rock sliders made and installed. When his buddy welded the parts on, he adjusted the parts to cover the small gap caused by the body lift. Jake made kick plates, painted them black to match the bumpers and rock sliders, and riveted them on. When he was all done, it was a very nice-looking jeep with a granny gear from hell that would climb with the best of them. The fuel gage always showed half a tank. One day he filled it up, reset the odometer, and drove it till he

By Chris Smith

found out he could go 245 miles because at 246 miles, he was on the side of the road. Jake and the family had some great times with the jeep until Jake was tapped for a deployment. His oldest daughter had just turned 16 and had her license. His thoughts were that he would teach her how to drive a stick and everything would be fine. Susan would have the family car and their daughter would drive the jeep. One good thing about living on West Point Lake is that there are plenty of parks everywhere. One day, Jake and his daughter went to a nearby park to practice. He went over everything from the engine to practicing changing a tire. He covered the ABC’s of how the transmission, clutch, brakes, gears, and all work together. Then came the driving. In a big parking area in the park, his daughter practiced stop and goes. Once

she was comfortable, they started driving on the roads in the park. Finally, he had her turn on a certain road that had a slight incline with a stop sign. She stopped at the sign and immediately killed the engine. “No problem, you’ll get it, try again”, Jake said to her. She started the engine again and tried to move and repeated this process several times. On the last attempt, she popped the clutch causing the jeep to lurch forward then he heard a huge cluck. He had her set the parking brake. He looked underneath and somehow the rear drive shift was in two pieces. He could see tears welling up in her eyes. He said, “Don’t worry”. Jake crawled under and used his tools to remove the two pieces. He put the jeep in 4 low, and they drove slowly back to the house. That afternoon, he asked Susan to come outside and he showed her the

rear driveshaft. It looked like a tootsie roll that had been twisted into two pieces. He laughed and said he didn’t know how it happened but not to say anything to their daughter about it. Jake called a buddy who had jeeps and went and got another rear drive shaft from him, returned and installed it. The jeep was good to go. Jake tried for the rest of the week to get his daughter to drive with him, but she refused and would start crying saying she didn’t want to hurt the jeep. Now with the upcoming deployment, Jake was in a bind for a second vehicle. He and Susan talked about it. Finally, he decided to list it. He traded straight titles and got a 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Same engine but the Grand Cherokee was an automatic. He hated to get rid of his jeep, but “It is what it is,” he thought.

CONTINUED, THE JEEP, PAGE 15

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UPSTATE SOUTH CAR0LINA

Lake Hartwell Fishing Forecast for March 2020 By Preston Harden

s of mid February, the water temperature is 51 degrees and the water level is 4 feet over full pool. As I sit here listening to the rain, I am looking forward to March. March is one of my favorite months of the year. The water will start to warm and the fish will move shallow to the warmer water. I like to start later and fish later. The warm days

THE JEEP

will warm the water and the best action will be late afternoon till dark. I look for fish on windblown banks in the major creeks. I like to throw small jigs with a small fluke to imitate a threadfin shad. I am fishing like a bass angler but I expect to catch not only large mouth and spotted bass, but also striped bass and hybrids. Big striped bass are also caught by pulling big baits such

as trout and gizzard shad on free lines and planer boards in the backs of creeks. Bass fishing turns on in March, as they will be shallow and more active. Crappie will

also move shallower and move farther back in the creeks in preparation to spawn. In summary, March is the best month to fish artificials in shallow water.

Preston Harden / Bucktail Guide Service/ 706-255-5622 / bucktailguideservice.net

continued from page 14

Jake loved that jeep, but at the end of the day, it was just metal. He was thankful for the memories. Even today, many years lat-

er, the family talks about the fun times they had. One day, maybe you’ll see Jake driving another one.

Chris is a Combat Veteran recently retired. He is an avid outdoorsman that enjoys hunting, camping, fishing. He lives with his bride of 29 years in Alabama who he calls “Household 6”. If any Veteran or family member of a veteran who sees changes in their loved one or for that matter anyone that is contemplating suicide, he urges you to contact him at combatvettalk@gmail.com

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It Won’t Be Long Now…

s we prepare for the spring hatches here at Chattooga River Fly Shop, February has graced us with some spring weather, and very heavy rains. We are sure that Old Man Winter still has a little cold weather left in store for us here in the South, especially having received snow this February. Although we may not receive any snow in March, the temperatures will surely dip below freezing, and our winter fishing techniques, will have to be in place. Low and slow, with nymph rigs, will be the trick, along with slower retrievals of steamers. As spring pushes winter to the back burner for another year, spring rains and the warmer breezes from the south and west warm our days. The water temperatures of the rivers start to rise from the mid 30’s, stay in the mid 40’s and climb into the 50’s and

By Karl Ekberg

60’s during the day, which makes a day of wading a delight. As the waters start their warming trend, the first emergence of the mayflies and caddis start to appear on the rivers. As everyone enjoys the “top water” dry fly fishing, let’s remember, there are a lot more fish feeding on nymphs and emergers “down under”. Fishing a tandem rig with a nymph and an emerger, while awaiting the hatch, will be very productive. Fishing these tandem rigs, a cast up stream and mend the line for a “dead drift” is key. After the flies have drifted past your stance on the river, let them “swing” downstream, and let your line straighten which allows the flies to rise to the surface, as the naturals do. Fishing flies on the “swing” is very productive, and will reward you greatly. Once seeing a few of these flies in the air and a few rises, switch to a dry fly and drift

your fly to these rising fish. Let’s not forget that streamer fishing is still very productive as well. Lately, with the colder water temperatures and higher water conditions, sink tips or weight pinched on to the leader has been necessary to keep the streamers down in the water column. Many large fish have been caught in the delayed harvest sections of both the Chattooga and Chauga Rivers using these on the dead drift & twitch technique, and by striping the streamers back through the pools and seams. As the water temperatures rise and water

levels decrease, floating lines will be adequate. We have great fly tying materials, whether you are tying for trout, bass, or pan fish, we have a wide array of materials to do the trick. We offer hands on, one-on-one fly tying classes to help you along in your journey of tying, here at the Fly Shop. You will receive expert advise on what to tie, when to fish the bug you are tying, and other tips and techniques. We look forward to seeing everyone out on the rivers, and let’s remember to “Leave No Trace”.

Karl and Karen Ekberg are co-owners of Chattooga River Fly Shop, located at 6832-A Highlands Hwy, Mountain Rest, SC 29664. Give them a call at (864) 638-2806 and see their website at www.chattoogariverflyshop.com.

Lake Russell By Wendell Wilson

his month on Lake Russell is known for a lot of changes: Changes in the weather, changes in the fishing patterns, and finally, a great change in the number of people fishing. We will have a lot of bass anglers practicing for upcoming tournaments. And, we will see a lot of anglers in pursuit of crappie. Crappie fever abounds in March. If the weather warms up for a few days in a row, the fish will move towards shallow water. The action can be great. Let a cold front come through with

strong winds and cold morning temperatures and the crappie bite will slow for a couple of days. Even on the slow days, however, a few fish can be had and those are often the biggest fish. The spotted bass will be moving up in the shallows, too. They are not as affected by the cold fronts. The bass bite is more consistent than the crappie. I usually suggest we fish for bass if a trip is scheduled after a severe cold front. Good fishing, and I will see you on the water.

Wendell Wilson / Wilson’s Guide Service / 706-283-3336 16

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

MARCH 2020

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Kill Invasive Snakeheads

outh Carolina Department of Natural Resources officials are encouraging anglers to kill any invasive northern snakehead fish caught in the Palmetto State. Kill them immediately, and by all means, do not release them back into the water. In early October, a Georgia angler reported catching a northern snakehead, an aquatic invasive species, in a pond located on private property in Gwinnett County, Ga. This is the first time the northern snakehead has been confirmed in Georgia waters. In the Southeast, northern snakeheads have also been found in North Carolina and Florida. “Our first line of defense in the fight against aquatic invasive species, such as the northern snakehead, is our anglers,” said Ross Self, chief of freshwater fisheries with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). “If South Carolina anglers

catch a northern snakehead, they should kill it immediately and report it to SCDNR.” Snakeheads, a native of Asia, have been reported in 14 states in the United States. The snakehead is a long, thin fish, similar in appearance to the native bowfin. They can get up to three feet in length. They have a long dorsal fin that runs along their whole back, and have a dark brown blotchy appearance. They can breathe air, and can survive in low oxygenated systems. The snakehead is a top-level predator fish, and its introduction poses a substantial threat to native fish populations. If you believe you have caught a northern snakehead: • DO NOT RELEASE IT • Kill it immediately (remember, it can survive on land) and freeze it. • If possible, take pictures of the fish, including closeups of its mouth, fins and tail. • Note where it was caught (wa-

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terbody, landmarks or GPS coordinates). • Report it to the SCDNR by calling 1-800-922-5431. Invasive species are often introduced through unauthorized release. Non-native invasive species such as the northern snake-

head have the potential to impact native species by competing for food and habitat. In South Carolina, it is unlawful to import, transport, sell, transfer or possess any species of snakehead fish without a valid wild animal license.

For more information about the northern snakehead, or other aquatic nuisance species, visit dnr.sc.gov/water/envaff/aquatic/snakehead.html.

MARCH 2020

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A YEAR OF TRASH

continued from page 13

where current flow during floods slows and allows for much of this trash to be deposited in higher concentrations. The high volume of trash that makes its way from roads into rivers is already excessively prevalent within the environment today, after compounding years of build up. While there are a multitude of organizations that put on tons of river clean ups and trash pick-ups year round; the problem still persists. While these are all very good and noble things to do, it doesn’t get to the root of the problem as to where this trash comes from in the first place: human ignorance. I am convinced that the majority of people do not understand the harm that littering can do to the environment, nor do I believe that any law or fine or government regulation will work when it comes to preventing roadside trash in the first place. However,

I do believe that those who use and cherish these places the most, outdoor enthusiasts, can make significant gains by doing our part to educate ourselves and others as to why our streams and rivers are worth protecting and fighting for, at all costs. It’s our duty as anglers to do our part to take care of the places we fish and guide on, as clean water is the one thing our outdoor pursuits rely on the most, yet I fear we take for granted, way too often. You can start on your next outing by just getting a net full of trash, or even better, get a group of friends together and commit some of your time outdoors to removing what is there. Imagine for a moment the difference it would make for our fisheries as a whole, if every single angler spent at least one day out of the year doing a river clean up,

LAKE NOTTELY

great the past month. Fish are schooling tight to the banks in the mouths and backs of creeks. Most under water brush piles have been holding some good numbers. Fish are also suspending along the river channels in the lower end of the lake. Most of the nicer crappie have been caught on live crappie minnows and jigs under slip floats. This pattern should last for the next couple of months as they get ready for the spring spawn. March is a fantastic month for catching a lot of crappie on this North Georgia lake. Give Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service a call and let the area’s #1-rated guide service put you on some of Lake Nottely’s best crappie and stripers during the fishing trip of a lifetime. We are Murphy, NC and Blairsville GA’s premier full-time guide service, specializing in striped and hybrid

bass. We also serve Lakes Hiwassee and Chatuge (in North Carolina), and Lake Blue Ridge in Blue Ridge, GA. And for all your live bait and tackle needs, check out Hughes General Store in Blairsville, GA. They carry everything you need for a successful day of fishing and have the best live herring around. So, come fish with the pros for the opportunity to be featured in Angler Magazine, and let us help you get your fish on!

Darren Hughes is the owner of Hughes General Store & Bait Shop, a member of The Angler Magazine Fishing Team and a guide for Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. Look him up at www.bigolfish.com or give him a call at (706) 745-6569 or (828) 361-2021.

Ethan Hollifield is an Environmental/Physical Science Teacher and is also a guide for Southern Appalachian Anglers

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

continued from page 3

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Great Streams and Craft Beverages Await in Hendersonville, N.C. Photo by Nick Carter

f you’re an angler who enjoys following up a day on mountain trout streams with a refreshing craft beverage or two, cast your attention to the Blue Ridge mountain town of Hendersonville. This North Carolina town, about 22 miles south of Asheville, offers miles of stocked trout waters, as well as the popular Hendersonville Cheers! Trail. The two resources make it possible to spend the day catching three types of trout – rainbow, brown and brook – while spending an evening exploring three types of craft beverages – beer, wine and hard cider. First, the fishing part. North Mills River is the prime trout stream in the Hendersonville area. The river’s 4-mile section of delayed harvest waters receives an annual infusion of 11,000 trout from N.C. Wildlife, divvied between brook, rainbow and brown. Spring is a great time to fly fish the delayed harvest waters of North Mills River because no trout have been harvested since Sept. 30. Another hot spot for trout fishing is just across the Henderson County line toward Brevard. The Davidson River offers miles of public trout waters that receive annual stockings of 16,500 fish. Other lesser-known spots for fishing near Hendersonville include

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MARCH 2020

three streams on the eastern side of Henderson County, about 20 to 30 minutes from downtown. Rocky Broad River has a 1.2-mile stretch of hatchery support waters from Rocky River Lane to the Rutherford County line near Chimney Rock, while Cane Creek, near the Fletcher community, has 1.5-mile stretch of hatchery supported waters. For those who really want a unique experience, Little River in DuPont State Recreational Forest provides not only a scenic setting for trout fishing, but also a unique one. Delayed harvest waters flow through undisturbed mountains and over several notable waterfalls. Those waterfalls were immortalized on Hollywood’s silver screen in The Last of the Mohicans, as well as the backdrop for the exploits of Katniss Everdeen in the original Hunger Games movie. When the fishing is done, the Cheers! Trail awaits. The trail is one of North Carolina’s best, featuring 16 craft producers offering a variety of experiences. Beer fans love Sierra Nevada’s tasting room, which is one of the largest on the East Coast and features an expansive patio and outdoor amphitheater, while Bold Rock Hard Cider has emerged as a national leader in the hard cider industry and regularly hosts live music (indoors and outdoors), along with cidery tours and a food truck. Several craft producers on the trail create small-batch beverages prized for their quality and originality. Three breweries – Southern Appalachian, Triskelion and Guidon – are within a few blocks of each other in the Depot District, while Sanctuary Brewing Co. is only a few blocks away on Main Street. Sanctuary is pet-friendly with a commitment to pet rescue. Three wineries produce high-quality wines from European varietals. The newest – Point Lookout Vineyards – is located atop a 3,000-foot mountain with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards, the area’s first vineyard, is on farmland that’s been in the family for more than nine generations. And two miles from Saint Paul, Burntshirt Vineyards offers tastings in its renovated farmhouse overlooking rolling hills of vines. For complete Hendersonville information and lodging details, call 800-828-4244 or go to: www.VisitHendersonvilleNC.org.

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MARK SOSIN

othing is more demanding in light-tackle fishing than to spot a fish and make a cast to it without much time to get ready. Speed and accuracy are the keys to a perfect presentation that results in a strike. Several species of gamefish invade relatively shallow water in search of food as the incoming tide floods an area. Catching them sometimes requires you to see them so you can present a bait or lure. Your target species might be striped bass in San Francisco Bay or in coastal areas throughout the northeast. Jumbo bluefish charge across the skinny portions of Chesapeake Bay each spring because the menhaden are there. Redfish might be your target in Texas and along the Gulf Coast. Down in Florida, the shallows are full of life with species such as bonefish, permit, tarpon, jacks, sharks and other critters. Concentration is critical in spotting fish or in determining signs of fish. It’s a mental discipline as well as a physical one. If you’re working off-color water, start by scouting the surface for any signs of activity. It could be a swirl or a boil or surface water being pushed by moving fish. Your goal is to identify anything different from the surrounding water. Expand your search area to waters a considerable distance away. Don’t overlook slicks, muds or anything else out of the ordinary.

When the water is shallow and a fish noses down to eat something on or near the bottom, its tail often lifts above the surface and can be spotted at a significant distance. Species such as redfish may lift their caudal fin in the air and it, too, can be seen. Tails or fins may only show for a moment or two, but if you are concentrating, you should be able to spot them. It takes practice to see fish, even in clear water. The trick involves staring through the surface of the water as if it were a pane of glass. Focus on the bottom or just above it. Your eyes should scan the area as if they were a radar antenna, moving right, left and center. And don’t forget to look far out across the water to detect the flash of a tail, wakes, birds or any other signs of activity. Some species may lie motionless waiting to ambush a tasty meal, while others keep moving. As you scan through the surface, a silver colored fish might look black. When a fish picks a morsel off the bottom, it creates a small puff of mud. Experienced eyes identify this very slight discoloration in the water, and the angler knows that something was just there. If you continue to see fresh puffs, cast a bait or lure in the area. The results could be impressive. Presenting a bait or lure to a fish you can see is certainly the ultimate angling challenge. Putting yourself in those situations can be very demanding, requires total concentration, and, at times can prove frustrating. At the end of the day, you might be tired, but the successful experience will brighten your memory for days to come.

For more from Mark Sosin, visit

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At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was 1,000+ Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com advertised for sale at or • above the “Compare to” price by another national Iretailer in the U.S. 2020 within the past I 90NATIONAL days. Prices advertised by 19 others COASTALANGLERMAG.COM THEANGLERMAG.COM MARCH *Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 5/3/20. may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.

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t’s official! After years of drastically curtailed federal seasons and bag limits, NOAA fisheries voted in February to implement state management for private anglers fishing for red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. Under an exempted fishing permit (EFP), the five Gulf Coast states—Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas— managed the private recreational Photo courtesy of Capt. Chester Reese, red snapper fishery in the Gulf Natural World Charters. of Mexico for the 2018 and 2019 fishing seasons and saw remarkable success. The EFP was the result of a multi-year effort to give the states control after the status quo federal management approach reduced the Gulf red snapper season to an astounding three days for private anglers in federal waters. “State management of Gulf red snapper has been a game-changer for anglers,” said Kellie Ralston, with the American Sportfishing Association. “Because of their targeted data collection and their ability to quickly respond to what’s going on inseason, each of the Gulf states has been able to provide substantial red snapper seasons for the private recreational sector. None of this would have been possible without the leadership of the states, the Secretary of Commerce and our Congressional champions. Making this management a long-term reality through the formal approval of Amendment 50 ensures this great success story will continue for years to come.” At the Gulf Council meeting in January, each state gave a report on their data collection program and emphasized their ability to incorporate local factors to ground-truth the harvest data and to nimbly adjust the season. This state-level approach provides far greater flexibility in fishery management versus the federal one-size-fits-all, static regulations. Anglers trust the state systems because they are responsive and the regulations match the conditions seen on the water. With an independent analysis of red snapper populations set to be released in the next few months, anglers are hopeful for continued gains in the management of the Gulf red snapper fishery.

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Instant Savings on select models when you buy a new Suzuki Outboard. See your dealer for details.

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To learn more, visit www.suzukimarine.com. Gimme Six Extended Protection promotion applies to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 01/01/20 and 03/31/20 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings applies to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 01/01/20 and 03/31/20. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Instant Savings must be applied against the agreed-upon selling price of the outboard motor and reflected in the bill of sale. There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on creditworthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 01/01/20 and 03/31/20. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2020 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

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Flip Flip Hooray! A perfect symbol of fun in the sun for only $79

ere’s a memorable beach moment: You’re basking in the warm sun, toes in the sand, letting the gentle turn of the foam-capped waves lull you into a state of complete relaxation. As your eyes scan the endless horizon of blue on blue, you’re rewarded with a school of dolphins making their way across the sea. There’s no denying their signature shape as they leap from the water. If you don’t see anything else extraordinary the rest of day, you can take solace knowing you’ve witnessed one of nature’s most playful and intelligent creatures in their natural habitat. Why not recreate that special toes-in-the-sand moment with our Blue Topaz Dolphin Pendant? The beloved sea mammal has been captured mid-jump in sterling silver. And, tucked into its fins is a full two carats of shimmering blue topaz. Nothing captures the shimmering color of the ocean in the midday sun like blue topaz. With its sparkling clear blue color and high refractive index, blue topaz is one of the top-selling blue gemstones. And with our special price, you have quite the catch. Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Enjoy the Blue Topaz Dolphin Pendant for 30 days. If it doesn’t pass the test swimmingly, send it back for a full refund of the item price.

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You own a boat because you love spending time on the water. Choose the outboard that allows you to make the most of it. Honda’s legendary reliability, durability, ease-of-maintenance, and powerful performance keep you going strong.

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*At participating dealers only. Qualifying retail customers may receive instant savings off the selling price of a Honda powered boat package or Honda Marine engine(s) sold for repower. This promotion is limited to new Honda Marine 40 HP through 250 HP outboard engines, 2014 and newer models, sold and delivered between January 2, 2020 and March 31, 2020 and registered by the Dealer in accordance with American Honda Motor Co., Inc.’s sales registration requirements. Only Honda Marine outboard engines sold for personal use qualify for this promotion. Fleet, commercial & government sales are ineligible. Engines sold under special pricing / promotions including (but not limited to) demo and tournament fisherman engines are also excluded. Honda Marine reserves the right to modify, amend, cancel or revoke, in whole or in part, this promotion at any time without prior notice. © 2020 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Always wear a personal flotation device while boating and read your owner’s manual. All Honda outboards meet EPA and CARB emission levels.

HondaMarine_TheAngler_2020_700Off_8.125x10.875.indd 1

1/17/20 9:01 AM