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Summer Slammers Tips and Tricks For Targeting BIG Dolphin By Gene Dyer
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all them dolphin, dorado or mahi mahi, they are one of the most popular pelagic species to target because of their hard fighting nature and acrobatic displays, not to mention they are darn good eating. Inspired by the recent catch of a 72-pound monster bull by the charter boat Lady Pamela out of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., here are some tips and tricks to help you put some slammers in the box. Without question, the best way to target big dolphin is on the troll. When trolling for dolphin, it’s important to maximize the presentation of your spread. It’s all about the quality of baits over quantity. We could certainly fish seven lines from our Mako 236, but I prefer to fish five. Keeping baits swimming properly and free of weeds is critical, but even more important is fresh bait. If you can’t get fresh ballyhoo, frozen will work, but be careful which package you select. Look for clear eyes, red tips on the beak and some yellow on the top of the tail. My five-bait spread consists of two flat lines, two outrigger baits and one in the shotgun position. Though I’ll adjust my spread during the day, I always start with a chin-weighted naked ballyhoo in one of the corners, just behind the prop wash. I use a flat line release clip to give the bait a better swimming action. In the other corner, we fish a daisy chain consisting of four small jet heads or squid skirts with a 6/0 J hook in the last lure behind a bird. I like to position the bird just behind the naked ballyhoo. On one outrigger, we fish a chugger-type lure in front of a rigged ballyhoo. On the other we fish an Islander-style lure with a rigged ballyhoo. In the shotgun, I like a quarter-ounce black-and-red feather with an orange head. Send it way back behind the rest of the spread. When trolling, many fish are lost because the boat gets taken out of gear with the excitement of the strike. Chances are that any slammers with an interest in your spread have been hooked before. They’ve gotten away at least once, and any slack in the line is asking for the same result. By staying at trolling speed, your other baits remain enticing to other fish in the school and increase the odds of a multiple hook up. Once the cockpit chaos has subsided, it’s OK to back the throttle off to idle speed, but never stop the boat from moving forward. Always be on the lookout for birds, and pay attention to what they are doing. Don’t bother chasing birds that are just flying. Look for birds that are diving or circling. Many times, they will lead you to a promising piece of debris, a well-defined edge or a nice weedline. When the birds do lead you to that magical floating debris or weedline, troll by it several times from different angles. If you don’t get bit, stop the boat on the last pass and let your baits sink for 30 seconds. Put the boat back and gear and you may be surprised by fish that were lurking deeper in the water column. One thing I can’t leave out is the importance of having the clickers on your reels in the on position. The obvious reason is to alert you of a strike while your eyes are scanning the horizon for birds, but there is a hidden, more important reason. Most slammers have been hooked before, and I believe they learn from those experiences. Whether they short strike your bait or intentionally try to kill it by ramming it with their broad heads, when you get knocked down and the fish isn’t there, immediately put the reel in free spool for 10 seconds. Nine times out of 10, that hungry slammer will come back to finish the meal.
By Gene Dyer
Gene Dyer is co-publisher of the Fort Lauderdale edition of Coastal Angler Magazine. Contact him at gene@coastalanglermagazine.com. 8
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FishingNosara Wins Costa Rica Ship Of Fools Tourney
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or the fifteenth straight year, the Ship of Fools Tournament attracted Costa Rica’s top anglers to Playa Garza. For the second time in three years, the FishingNosara team took home the hardware. Capt. Alex Moreno on the 32’ mega panga Harvester topped the leaderboard with 1,700 points (11 sailfish releases, one black marlin release and one blue marlin release) during the two-day event. “Alex is the dude,” exclaimed Capt. Patrick Humphrey, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. “He has the best eyes I’ve ever seen and fishes as aggressively as we do in south Florida.” Capt. Humphrey runs trips for Lady Pamela II Sportfishing in Hollywood, Fla. He was joined by wife Jennifer, daughter Amelia, and angling legend Patrick Irwin. The Ship of Fools Tournament is one of the last true billfish release tournaments in Costa Rica. Each scoring fish must be billed and photographed by hand. With no snatch-leader releases, the difficultly increases tremendously. On the first day, 11 boats set out from Playa Garza and set up shop
12 miles offshore in 2,100 feet of water. Capt. Alex was first boat to the spot and put three sailfish releases on the board in the opening hours. As the rest of the field lagged, the mega panga hooked up a blue marlin for a two-hour fight. After the photograph and release, a second marlin entered the spread, this time a big, bad black. Capt. Patrick belted up for the battle and conquered the fish in a two-plus-hour fight that saw eight leader grabs before the successful release. “I had a trip planned for Hawaii in the winter to cross black marlin off my list,” said Patrick, smiling. “I guess that’s off.” Their total of 1,000 points is a single-day record for the event, and they scored the ultra-difficult Billfish Grand Slam. The second day was just like the first, with the Harvester scoring early and often. They snagged seven more sailfish releases, including one just a minute before lines-out. The Harvester’s haul is an all-time best for this tournament, eclipsing the winning score of 1,200 posted two years ago by FishingNosara teammate the Explorer. For Capt. Alex, it is the culmination of perseverance through years of adversity in this event. In 2011, as mate on the Wanderer, he recorded 14 sailfish releases during prefishing only to get zero during the event. In 2016, he had the thing won until the camera with all the proof-photos fell overboard late on the second day. “I’m incredibly proud of what Capt. Alex has done with the Harvester,” beamed Craig Sutton, founder of FishingNosara and architect of the mega panga design. “He pushed himself and his boat to the edge during months before this event. He has honed his instincts and advanced his craft. Capt. Alex has paid the price to reach to top of the mountain.” The FishingNosara team looks forwarded to challenging the Harvester in the 2020 Ship of Fools Tournament next April and to competing with Alex in the 1st Annual FishingNosara Invitational in early August 2019. If you and your best anglers are ready to compete, the FishingNosara U.S. office can be reached at (904) 591-2161 USA or fishingnosara.com.
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Camping| 1. Outdoor Edge Chowpal
The ChowPal is an innovative new approach to outdoor eating utensils that incorporates multi-tool functionality. This all-in-one utensil set/multi-tool adds a can opener, a bottle opener, a flathead screwdriver and a wrench to the nested fork and folding knife/spoon that lock together but quickly and easily slide apart when you’re ready to chow down. Crafted of 420J2 steel for increased strength and durability, the twopiece ChowPal set is lightweight and portable at 2.4 oz. and measures 6.5 inches long. The knife/spoon utensil features a locking, single-bevel knife blade that folds flat against the spoon, while the fork features a graduated wrench in 8, 10, 11 and 13mm. The ChowPal includes its own easy-to-find orange nylon carry pouch, so you can bring it with you on any camping, fishing, backpacking or outdoors adventures. It’s time to upgrade from the standard three-function utensil kit and forget all the extra tools you have to pack. Just bring the practical, durable ChowPal to lighten your load and enhance your outdoor experience.
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2. Mountainsmith Mayhem 45
Mountainsmith has redesigned its Mayhem 45 pack for 2019. Built with Spectra Fiber, this pack is ultra-durable, ultra-comfortable and ultralight, with maximum strength and abrasion resistance. Used by military and law enforcement, Spectra Fiber is an ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene known for its light weight, strength and abrasion resistance properties. In the Mayhem 45, this means more efficient pack carry, more mileage, and a lifetime of adventures. At 45 liters, the Mayhem 45 is designed for one- to three-night backpacking trips, backcountry huts trips and adventure travel. The hybrid top and panel opening offers easy access to the front of the pack, a must-have for tight environments and organized packing. Toss the Mayhem on your back and the hex-ridged EVA backpanel padding allows for omni-directional airflow while the sock-style shoulder strap construction prevents the straps from digging into your body. The Interfaced Waistbelt system is designed and patterned to flow into the backpanel, allowing for a lightweight but intimate suspension fit and high levels of stability and comfort. All Mountainsmith products come with the Forged for Life Guarantee, the official Mountainsmith lifetime warranty.
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4. Mountainsmith Vasquez Peak2 3.Sea Eagle SUPCAT10 SeaEagle’s SUPCat 10 is a whole new type of inflatable fishing craft that is extremely versatile. With two inflatable side pontoons, The SUPCat10 offer a stable platform to stand and fish or paddle from. It can be equipped with either an electric or small gas outboard and reach speeds up to 8 mph. From the trunk of your car to the water, the SUPCat10 sets up easily in less than 10 minutes. With the Wheels Up/Wheels Down feature, it’s possible to cart your boat and all your gear down to the water, flip the wheels up and paddle or motor away. Features include: Four Scotty gear mounts, two Scotty rod holders, non-slip EVA foam deck pads, 360-degree swivel seat, built-in fish rulers, multiple D-ring attachment points, removable rear motor mount and four grab handles.
With the Vasquez Peak 2, Mountainsmith has crafted its most advanced backpacking tent to date. It features unmatched durability and interior space and weighs just under 4.5 pounds on trail. This two-person tent offers added headspace, best-in-class waterproofing, and a stable design without any added weight. The interconnected pole design with the crossover brow pole allows for maximum usable sleeping space and steeper pitched door panels. The two-door, two-vestibule design comfortably fits two adults with room for gear. The Vasquez Peak 2 is crafted with a perimeter body panel and silicon treatment as an extra splashguard against harsh rains, while its bathtub floor construction and included footprint add durability and weather performance. For those looking to go even lighter, leave the tent body at home and the footprint and tent fly can be used as a backcountry shelter that weighs just 3 pounds.
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5. L.L. Bean Camper’s Air Bed
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You’ll experience the best night of sleep you’ve ever had outdoors on L.L.Bean’s Camper’s Air Bed. This inflatable mattress features comfortable coil construction for excellent support and a plush, softflocked top fabric that adds comfort and prevents sliding. A raised outer ring provides a stable edge for support, and the 2-in-1 inflation valve allows for minor adjustments so you can achieve just the right firmness. It’s also durable. Made of thick PVC with welded seams, it stands up to punishment trip after trip and comes with a carry bag that makes it easy to transport wherever you decide to rest your head. The state-of-the-art rechargeable pump is compact and powerful, inflating the bed in about a minute. It comes with two chargers, one for your car and one for your vehicle, and can be charged up for use at the campsite, where there is no power source.
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Set SetUp UpCamp CampWith WithSeaEagle’s SeaEagle’s SUPCat10 SUPCat10
TheT
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hether hether base base camp camp is aisstate a state parkpark RV site RV site in the inEverglades, the Everglades, a tentapad tentwith padawith fire ring a fire beside ring beside a Catskills a Catskills mountain mountain lake lake oror a gravel a gravel barbar bivouac bivouac deep deep in the in Alaskan the Alaskan backcountry, backcountry, there there is no denying is no denying that spending that spending the night theinnight the in the outdoors outdoorsputs puts youyou where where thethe fishfish are.are. Camping Camping and and fishing fishing go together. go together. AlongAlong with the with obvious the obvious joys of joys sleeping of sleeping under under the thestars, stars, cooking cooking around around a campfire a campfire andand waking waking up next up next to thetowater, the water, camping camping holds advantages holds advantages for the for angler. the For angler. the For the st backpacker, backpacker, hiking hiking into into a mountain a mountain stream stream reveals reveals trouttrout that that have have seldom seldom seen aseen fly. Adventurous a fly. Adventurous kayakers kayakers might find might findFar moreFar a asmall, small, deserted deserted island island in the in the GulfGulf of Mexico, of Mexico, sleepsleep beneath beneath the palms the palms and wake and wake up in redfish up in redfish heaven.heaven. With a With small ain-small in- 10’ long, 54” 10 flatable flatable boat boat pulled pulled up up on on thethe sand, sand, there’s there’s no hassle, no hassle, and the andbest the late-morning best late-morning breakfast breakfast is freshisfish fresh cooked fish cooked over coals over coals Far faster Fat and andenjoyed enjoyed with with dirty dirty fingers fingers around around a campfire. a campfire.
Goes 8mph Goe w 4mph with 4m a SeaEagle SeaEagle hashas been been helping helping anglers anglers enjoy enjoy these these typestypes of experiences of experiences since since 1968.1968. Based Based out of out PortofJefferson, Port Jefferson, N.Y., N.Y.,
they theyare are right right onon Long Long Island Island Sound. Sound. TheThe unforgiving unforgiving coastal coastal striped striped bass fisheries bass fisheries of the of Northeast the Northeast are testing are testing grounds,grounds, where wherethey they fine fine tune tune designs designs for for inflatable inflatable boats boats that that are durable, are durable, extremely extremely fishable fishable and getand youget where you you’re whereheaded you’re headed without without the the hassle hassle or or expense expense of conventional of conventional boats. boats. TheirTheir latestlatest offering, offering, the SUPCat10 the SUPCat10 is like aishybrid like a between hybrid between a stand a stand upuppaddleboard paddleboard andand an an inflatable inflatable one-man one-man pontoon pontoon boat.boat. This This thingthing is a whole is a whole new type newoftype fishing of fishing vessel that vessel combines that combines the theangling angling advantages advantages of both. of both. It isItperfectly is perfectly suited suited to load to load up with up awith cooler, a cooler, tackle,tackle, rods, reels rods,and reels small andpack small of pack essen-of essential tialcamping camping gear gear to to head head outout on aonweekend a weekend excursion excursion to some to some remote remote shoreline. shoreline. One Onehuge huge advantage advantage of the of the SUPCat10 SUPCat10 is portability. is portability. It can It be canstowed be stowed in a car in trunk a car and trunk inflated and inflated in less than in less 10than min-10 minutes. utes. AnAn optional optional Wheels Wheels Up/Wheels Up/Wheels Down Down system system allows allows you to you rolltothe rollboat the down boat to down the to water the fully waterloaded. fully loaded. Then theThen the CAT CATWheels Wheels can can be be locked locked intointo the the up position up position out of outthe of way the of way your of fishing. your fishing. Accessing Accessing the water the is water easy is noeasy matter no matter where whereyou you decide decide to to launch, launch, andand it can it can be accomplished be accomplished in one in trip onewith trip no with running no running back and back forth andtoforth the car. to the On car. the On the water, water, this this little little boat boat is one is one of the of the most most versatile versatile crafts crafts out there. out there. SinceSince peacepeace and quiet and isquiet a bigisreason a big reason many anglers many anglers choose choose toto fish fish from from SUPs, SUPs, thethe SUPCat10 SUPCat10 is designed is designed to handle to handle just like justan like SUP an under SUP under paddlepaddle power, power, only it’sonly much it’smore much more stable stablethan than most most paddleboards. paddleboards. However, However, for those for those who who needneed a little a little more more speedspeed and extended and extended range, or range, if theortargeted if the targeted fish fishare are suckers suckers forfor a trolling a trolling spread, spread, thisthis boatboat can be canequipped be equipped with awith 2.3 ahp2.3 Honda hp Honda outboard outboard to motor to along motoratalong 8 mph. at 8 mph. That’s That’sfaster faster than than anyany electric-motor electric-motor or peddle-drive or peddle-drive kayak. kayak. The removable The removable motormotor mountmount can be can left be at home left atwhen homeyou when you choose choosetoto operate operate under under paddle paddle power. power.
SeaEagle SeaEaglehashas approached approached getting getting to the to the fish fish in efficient in efficient and innovative and innovative fashion. fashion. What What about fishablity? about fishablity? That’s aThat’s aFar moreFar co no-brainer. no-brainer. This This is ais company a company thatthat has has beenbeen designing designing littlelittle fishing fishing boatsboats for decades, for decades, and they andnailed they down nailedthat down partthat of part of Wheels down Wh the theequation equation years years ago. ago. With With twotwo sideside pontoons pontoons made made of high-pressure of high-pressure 1000 1000 DenierDenier Reinforced Reinforced Drop Stitch, Drop the Stitch, SUPthe SUPto the water to t Cat10 Cat10has has bombproof bombproof durability durability andand rock-solid rock-solid stability stability inflated inflated to 15to psi. 15With psi. non-slip With non-slip EVA foam EVAdeck foampads, deckyou pads, could you could (who have havea aone-man one-man dance dance party party on the on the deck, deck, so standing so standing to sight to sight fish, cast fish,or cast battle or battle giants giants is not aisproblem. not a problem. A comfortable, A comfortable,(wheels are 360-degree, 360-degree, locking locking swivel swivel seatseat is there is there to sit toand sit and fish when fish when you’reyou’re readyready for a break. for a break. The fabric The floor fabricis floor held tight is held by tight by four fourclip-on clip-on bungee bungee straps straps to prevent to prevent unwanted unwanted sprayspray or lost or cell lost phones, cell phones, lures and luresfish. andFor fish. trolling For trolling or to secure or to rods secure rods while whileyou’re you’re cruising cruising to to a new a new location, location, fourfour Scotty Scotty GearGear Mounts Mounts comecome standard standard with every with SUPCat every SUPCat as well as as well two as two Scotty Scottyrod rod holders. holders. The The mounts mounts cancan alsoalso be used be used for electronics, for electronics, a camera a camera or whatever or whatever else anelse angler an angler might need might onneed the on the water. water. There There areare eight eight thoughtfully thoughtfully located located D-ring D-ring attachment attachment pointspoints for strapping for strapping down coolers, down coolers, tackle boxes tackleand boxes gear, and gear, and anddual dualfront front and and rear rear carrying carrying handles handles make make loading, loading, launching launching and beaching and beaching easy. All easy. of this All of is held this is together held together by an by an ultralight ultralight aluminum aluminum frame frame thatthat serves serves as the as the bones bones of a of super-strong a super-strong and super-stable and super-stable one-man one-man fishing fishing machine. machine. With With ananSUPCat10 SUPCat10 onon your your next next fishing fishing andand camping camping trip,trip, you’llyou’ll crawlcrawl out ofout theoftent theintent the in morning the morning gearedgeared up and ready up andtoready to wear wear’em ’em out. out.
This This month, month, Coastal Coastal Angler Angler Magazine Magazine and and SeaEagle SeaEagle are giving are giving a SUPCat10 a SUPCat10 with with a Honda a Honda motor motor to ato lucky a lucky reader. reader.
ToToenter enterthe thecontest contest gotgot to to
Introducing Intrt SUP ever! SUP Wei paddled orpad m fittings forfifittis features infeat al trunk andtrun goe
www.coastalanglermag.com/contest www.coastalanglermag.com/contest ForFor more more information information on SeaEagle’s on SeaEagle’s inflatable inflatable fishingfishing boats, boats, go to www.seaeagle.com. go to www.seaeagle.com.
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10
ountain t in the g under For the ght find mall iner coals
n, N.Y., rounds, headed a stand mbines essen-
Easiest Way To Get To The Fish!
The NEW Sea Eagle® SUPCat10! Far more stable than any SUP 10’ long, 54” wide
Far faster to motor than any kayak
Goes 8mph with a 3hp gas motor, 4mph with an electric motor
10 minhen the matter On the anglers h more argeted 8 mph. hen you
hat’s a part of e SUPu could ortable, ight by re rods as two on the nd gear, r by an e. With eady to
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Far more convenient to transport Wheels down means only 1 trip to the water from your car (wheels are optional)
SUPCat10 Specs:
• 10’ long x 54” wide • Hull weighs just 42 lbs. • Wheels hook into the rear crossbar up or down for easy transport • Takes electric motor or up to 3 hp gas engine to go farther and faster than any kayak • Easy set-up/ Easy take-down
Introducing the fastest, lightest, most portable solo fishing SUP ever! Weighing less than 45 lbs., this amazing SUP can be paddled or motored. Equipped with multiple rod-holders and fittings for fishing accessories, this small SUP packs in a lot of features in a little space. Best of all, the SUPCat packs in a car trunk and goes anywhere there is water.
5 packages available. Honda Motor Package shown with wheels in the up position - up & out of the way for easy fishing, motoring or paddling.
Visit SeaEagle.com or call for info: 1-800-748-8066 M-F, 9-5 19 North Columbia Street, CS059B, Port Jefferson, NY 11777 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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SAFETY
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he worldwide demand for delicious and pricey bluefin tuna is unsustainable. The plunder of spawning accumulations in the Mediterranean drove Atlantic bluefin stocks nearly to collapse, and a similar scenario played out for Pacific bluefin off Japan. Stock assessments show Pacific bluefin tuna populations have fallen to less than 3 percent of their original levels. More stringent fishing regulations along with the farming of bluefin tuna have helped slow the decline of Pacific bluefin tuna, but the demand remains. Seeking a sustainable method to supply the world’s hunger for Pacific bluefin, The Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FEAR) has awarded a $945,000 grant to Ichthus Unlimited LLC to establish a hatchery in the San Diego Bay area, where they will attempt to cultivate Pacific bluefin eggs and grow them for distribution to tuna farms. Because of the challenges of hatching and rearing these long-ranging apex predators in captivity, it took Japanese bluefin hatcheries more than three decades to begin successfully completing the breeding cycle without drawing from wild populations. The hope is that Ichthus Unlimited can begin providing juvenile Pacific bluefins to existing tuna farms, which currently stock their pens with wild-caught tuna. “Today 98 percent of tuna ranching relies on wild-captured fish for the stocking of net pens. This adds to the already massive fishing pressure on wild bluefin tuna populations,” said Alejandro Buentello, president of Ichthus Unlimited. “Hatchery-reared tuna will not only make it possible to stock cages without fishing, but it can also be used as a stock enhancement strategy to empower wild tuna populations to rebound more rapidly. It is a proactive rather than reactive strategy.” Despite the popularity of Pacific bluefin tuna, few indoor facilities in the world have the expertise needed to raise them from eggs. The team at Ichthus will collaborate with these indoor hatching facilities and leverage their combined knowledge to successfully implement this practice. As the “holy grail” of aquaculture, bluefin tuna can sell for tens of thousands and occasionally millions of dollars per fish. It is estimated that bluefin species products generate approximately $2-2.5 billion in value worldwide each year. Increases in tuna production would also create jobs and economic gains, particularly for coastal communities in California and the Gulf of Mexico. “Bluefin tuna aquaculture represents a major new high-value market for U.S. farmers, but there is much science to be done to produce the fish entirely under farmed conditions,” said Sally Rockey, FFAR executive director. “This research has the potential to not only stabilize the wild population, but also create economic opportunities in farming the delicacy.” COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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Beating The Breeze By Will Schmidt
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hen we landed on Grand Bahama, the sun greeted our wintery white faces, and a 70-degree day with a light breeze warmed us to the core. Unfortunately, by morning, the greeting changed to 25 mph winds, which made conditions less than optimal for fly fishing. At home, we might have changed to conventional tackle or even skipped the trip all together, but we came here to fly fish for bonefish, and fly fish we would. Rather than get down on the conditions, we made some tactical changes and used the wind the best we could to our advantage. One benefit of this scenario is the fish tend to be less spooky in shallow water. The noise generated by the wind and the waves allows anglers to get closer without spooking the fish. In fact, glass calm days can be more challenging than some of the breezier ones. Here are a few tips to help out on those blustery days. • Shortening your leader can make a huge difference in accuracy. Fly line tracks relatively straight through wind, especially if you are double hauling. But that last 10 feet or so can be a real crap shoot when the wind is kicked up over 20 mph. Shortening the leader can really help with accuracy, especially in a crosswind. • Using a heavier fly has advantages. With wave action, weight helps the fly get down to the bottom faster, and that’s where the fish are feeding. Even in skinny water, where you would normally use just bead chain eyes, don’t be afraid to move up to some lead eyes as the disturbance caused by the wind helps conceal the splash. • Consider stepping up one rod weight. There is no doubt a heavier rod makes a huge difference in punching through the wind. Sometimes your best bet is to step up to make sure you can get the fly in front of the fish. Another option is to over-line your rod, which is moving up to a line that’s a weight heavier than the rod is rated for. This helps load the rod on the cast, which delivers a more powerful cast. • The best thing is practice. If you are going to spend good money to go on a trip, you want to give yourself the best chance for success. Most fly fishers only practice casting as far as possible. I don’t worry about that. Windy or not, you rarely need to cast more than 60 feet on the flats. Instead, concern yourself with quick accurate casts. And don’t forget to practice in the wind, not just head-on, but at every angle. A crosswind can move your fly off target, and casting 5 feet behind a fish rarely produces a strike. In the end, we didn’t let the wind blow our chances for success; we prevailed with some great Bahamas bones. Will Schmidt is a seasoned tournament angler and has been writing about fishing for more than two decades.
For video on flats fly rod rigs, go to
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AUSTIN DALLAS HOUSTON
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RIGGING & JIGGING
Center sp Tim Barefoot
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hen fishing for many species, and especially wahoo, eliminating the “short strike” makes the fish box look a lot better back at the dock. There are few things more disappointing than checking a bait in the spread and discovering you have been pulling around a ballyhoo cleanly snipped off right behind the hook. Older and larger fish are not stupid; this “short strike” right behind the hook is not an ac-
175-pound cable, I like to make four wraps on the hook, but try it for yourself and use whatever feels good. Here’s how I do it: • Thread the end of approximately 18 inches through the inside bite of the hook eye, and make a loop about the size of a baseball. Hold the loop between you left thumb and index finger. • Make four wraps around the hook shank, from the back of the bend going forward. • Pull the tag end of the cable with pliers until “snug” on
cident. Don’t get me wrong… there have been more wahoo, dolphin and tuna caught on pin-rigged ballyhoo than all the other offerings combined. However, there are days when a nice “clean” naked ballyhoo swimming like a snake with an almost invisible stinger hook is the only trick that works. There are several brands of seven-strand cable that will work just fine, but for this snelled stinger hook, I use American Fishing Wire 175-pound, brown cable. It’s soft and folds into place nicely. And it’s strong when crimped and snelled. In addition to the stinger hook, I like to snell a short piece onto the front end of the ballyhoo to avoid the total bite off. Snelling cable is no different than snelling mono or fluoro, but with less wraps. With the
the hook shank, and push the wraps forward toward the eye of the hook before cinching down on the cable. • Next, make a couple wraps of the cable around one hand and pull hard on the main line and the tag end with pliers at the same time to cinch down tight on the snell. • The main line end of cable now needs to be cut to the right length and crimped to the proper diameter to fit around the main hook and for the proper length of the ballyhoo. For a detailed video of this clean and super strong stinger hook and how to apply it, check out the website and click on “Clean (Snelled) Stinger Hook Assembly;” www.barefootcatsandtackle.com.
For video instructions on how to tie this hook, go to:
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SOUTHEAST
By James Bradley
S
ight fishing for trout is a fun way to catch them. It can also be an easy way, since what you are seeing is trout actively feeding. The two easiest ways to sight fish are to look for rises and to look for trout visibly feeding on the bottom of the stream. Without getting overly complicated, there are three main types of rises. These are the sip rise, head-to-tail rise and splashy rise. These three types are the ones trout use to take a floating insect from the surface, from just underneath the surface and above the surface. The sip and head-to-tail rises form dimple rings on the surface as long as the current isn’t too strong. Dimple rings are left behind where the trout slightly broke the surface to sip an insect. You might not see the trout at all, but the rings are left as evidence. The headto-tail rise is when the trout breaks the surface with its head first,
and you might see its dorsal fin and then finally the tail. This rise is a little more forceful, and many times will leave a greater disturbance than the sip rise. Lastly, the splashy rise is when the trout completely clears the water and is usually catching an insect that is depositing eggs on the water. The sip rise means trout are probably surface feeding on mayflies or stoneflies. The head to tail rise means trout are probably feeding on insects in the surface film like a mayfly, ant or grasshopper or maybe a nymph struggling toward the surface. The splashy rise means trout are feeding on insects above the surface, like a caddis laying its eggs. With a good pair of polarized sunglasses, spotting trout feeding on the bottom of a stream is a matter of watching for a silver flash or possibly tailing. When trout take nymphs off the bottom, they turn sideways to take the insect. The flash you see is the fish feeding. Tailing is when a trout’s tail protrudes toward the surface. They do this to dig or root the bottom for immature insects, grubs, etc. Some common mistakes to avoid: Do not cast to the rise. Trout will leave their lie to examine an insect (your fly) and actually float downstream with the insect before the rise. They may examine the insect for the distance of a foot or five feet. After the trout rises, it moves back upstream to its lie. If you cast to the rise, there’s a good chance that trout has already moved upstream and will never see your offering. Do not cast to a trout displaying a silver side unless you have your fly at the correct depth. That fish is looking down at the bottom. If your fly isn’t on the bottom, it will never be seen. James Bradley is an Orvis-endorsed fly fishing guide in north Georgia’s. Reel Em In Guide Service has permits for guiding in Georgia and North Carolina, offers over 6 miles of private trophy waters, and operates drift boat trips on the Toccoa and Tuckasegee rivers. Contact them at www.ReelEmInGuideService.com or (706) 2730764.
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By Capt. Cefus McRae, Nuts & Bolts of Fishing Series
O
ver the years, freshwater anglers have asked me what kind of gear they need to get started in saltwater. My response is usually pretty simple: “You’ve probably got 95 percent of what you need already in your garage.” The big differences between freshwater and saltwater fishing are the species you’re targeting and that you’ll need to factor current and tidal flow into the equation. Beyond that, the differences are rather small. If you have rods and reels for bass fishing, you’re pretty much ready to start fishing for speckled trout, slot redfish, flounder, pompano and dozens of other fun and tasty saltwater species. You can use many of the same lures and rigs you already have for bass. A big
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trout or redfish will absolutely attack a Zara Spook or Chug Bug on top, and reds, flounder and Spanish mackerel will slam a Johnson spoon or big blade spinnerbait. Project-X paddletails are a favorite with trout, reds and flounder, as well. Pompano love to eat short grubs on a ¼-ounce short-shank jig head. Those 8- to 12-poundclass outfits you use for bass are just right for inshore fishing. If you have gear for big freshwater stripers, then you’ve got the majority of what you need to fish nearshore and offshore for king mackerel, cobia, snapper and grouper. You’ll need to beef-up your gear for big grouper, amberjack, billfish and sharks. Most bottom dwellers like snapper and grouper are caught using a Carolina rig. You just increase the weight of the sinker to keep your rig vertical in the current. Your 20- to 30-pound class gear will be just fine for most offshore species, just be sure you have reels with lots of line capacity and smooth drags. The point is you don’t have to stock up on all-new saltwater gear, unless you want to. Now, you will need to enhance your tackle bag a bit. Leaders are extremely important in saltwater, because there are a lot of things in the water that can wreak havoc on your line, including some of the fish. Fluorocarbon is good in most situations, but some toothy species require the use of wire. You’ll want to learn to twist wire and tie a loop knot. Instructions on these skills are available at NutsAndBoltsFishing.com. You’ll want to add a few popping corks, like the Thunder Chicken cork, for fishing the flats with live baits or jigs. The corks serve to keep your bait at a specific depth and add a lot of fish-calling noise. For nearshore and offshore trolling, you’ll want a couple of big spoons like the Clark Spoon in a #3 or #4, and perhaps a couple deep diving plugs like the Mann’s Stretch 30. Finally, it’s vital to gently wash gear with lots of freshwater at the end of every day on the salt. Let lures dry in the sun before putting them back in the tackle tray, and change fishing line often. That’s about it, same gear, different fish, similar tactics, different location.
4/17/19 9:32 AM
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ell, you can’t fish for them yet, but maybe in a few years? Last month, local students along with scientists from the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute released 89 lake sturgeon into the Tennessee River at Chattanooga. At just 15 inches in length, these armor-plated fish are miniature versions of the 8-foot-long river giants they may become. The release is the latest chapter in a 21-year effort to restore lake sturgeon to their historic range. Now back in their ancestral waters, each sturgeon could live for more than a century. These fish represent the next generation of a species that first appeared alongside dinosaurs during the late Cretaceous Period but whose story almost ended abruptly not from a meteor strike, but our own poor decisions just a few decades ago.
In the 1970s the lake sturgeon had all but disappeared from the Tennessee River due to overfishing, poor water quality and manmade alterations to the waterway. By the late 1990s, landmark legislation and responsible water management practices had improved conditions to the point that biologists thought it possible for the river to once again support a population of these ancient fish. In 1998, with the aim of restoring the lake sturgeon to the river, the aquarium and several partner organizations created the Lake Sturgeon Working Group. Since the formation of that organization, more than 220,000 juvenile sturgeon raised from eggs collected in the Great Lakes have been reintroduced to the Tennessee and Cumberland river drainages. Although they’re barely the length of a bowling pin, the baby sturgeon that entered the river on Wednesday are veritable giants compared to the vast majority of the fish that preceded them, most of which are around 6 inches long when they are released. These sturgeon are so much larger because they were held for longer at the Conservation Institute’s freshwater science center to help biologists better understand the potential effects of using coded wire tags to track their movement after release. Each tiny tag measures a couple of millimeters long and is inserted just below the surface of the fish’s rostrum (snout). When scientists collect tagged fish later during monitoring efforts, they can scan these tags to chart how the fish are moving throughout their range. Now that they’ve finally joined the rest of the reintroduced sturgeon in the river, these 89 fish served an important role in the protection of their species. These releases offer an opportunity for the public to learn about an imperiled native species. For more information, visit tnaqua.org/protecting-animals/ lake-sturgeon.
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MAY 2019
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LAKE HIWASSEE
Lake Hiwassee Stripers- The Hardest Fighting Fish in Western NC
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By Shane Goebel
’m constantly asked, “What is your favorite lake to fish on?” and I always reply with “Lake Hiwassee,” especially during the month of May. We’ve caught some of our biggest trophy stripers in May. It’s most definitely the best time of year for the monster big‘uns, and as the only professional striper guide out here, this month gets me excited. May really kicks off the start of summer, and it brings with it some large numbers of good fish on this awesome Western North Carolina lake. Currently, Lake Hiwassee is around 7 feet below full pool. Clarity is mostly clear and slightly stained in the rivers. Water temps have been in the mid to upper 60’s. The striper bite has been wicked lately! We are starting to catch some good numbers, Averaging 15 to 30 stripers a morning. The majority of our stripers have been in the 20 to 40 pound range. In the early part of the month, you’ll still find a lot of these fish in their spring spawning areas in the backs of creeks and up the Nottely and Hiwassee rivers. As the month progresses, they’ll start working their way back to deeper water in the mouths of creeks and off rocky points all over the lake. The early morning and late afternoon bite has been the best for catching these beasts. Pulling plan-
er boards and free lines with live herring will be your best technique. As the sun comes up, it never hurts to throw out a couple of down lines. Try to pay attention to areas that are holding a lot of baitfish—the stripers will be close by. Also, watch for an awesome top-water bite to fire up. I always like to keep a Red Fin or a spook at the ready to work the banks as we troll around. Just keep an eye out for busting fish. The smallmouth and spotted bass bite is off the hook, too. Both fish have been schooling up on shallow humps and in the backs of creeks. We’ve been catching big numbers of both. The bigger fish have been closer to the bottom and the smaller spots have been in the upper water column. The trick is getting your bait past the smaller spots before they hit. It’s not uncommon for us to catch 30 to 40 of these guys in one location. In most of our fishing holes, we are seeing the spots and smallies mixed together. Down-lining live bluebacks has been working the best out here. Now that the water levels are on the rise, you can start working brush piles and trees. We’ve been picking up some nice largemouth around these areas. We are also picking up a lot of our bigger trophy smallmouth on top-water early in the morning on planer boards and free-
lines with live herring. Red Fins, jerk baits, and shad raps have also produced well, especially off rocky and long shallow points. We’ve also snagged some nice walleye while working these points. May is a fantastic month for catching some big fish on this lake. From smallmouth bass to hard fighting stripers, we have many great opportunities to catch a number of fish species on Hiwassee 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 fish
during the fishing trip of a lifetime. We are Murphy, NC’s only fulltime guide service, specializing in striped and hyrbrid bass. We also serve Lake Apalachia for huge lake trout, and Lakes Nottely, Chatuge and Blue Ridge. 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. So, come fish with the pros for the opportunity to be featured in Angler Magazine—let us help you get your fish on!
Shane Goebel is the Owner of Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service and a member of The Angler Fishing Team. Contact him at www.bigolfish. com or (828) 361-2021 / 1-(844)-4-ANGLER
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LAKE CHATUGE
Lake Chatuge May Hybrids and Spotted Bass
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he hybrid bass bite is in full swing. These Lake Chatuge monsters are right in the midst of their spring spawn. Currently, they are feeding pretty aggressively on bait in the backs of creeks and in shallow areas around the mouths of creeks. The far south end and far upper ends of the lake have been pretty decent. We are seeing most of our fish in the 25 to 5 foot range. Your early morning and late evening bites will be the best. Pulling planer boards and free lines with live blueback herring and shad will be your best technique. Towards the end of this month, we’ll start to see these hard-fighting fish school up in the mouths of creeks and off points around the lake. When these hybrids school up, it can most certainly make for an unforgettable fishing trip. We typically average 30 to 60 hybrids
By Darren Hughes
in a morning, and sometimes, in less than 2 hours. These fish will range in sizes from 6-15 pounds and fight like no other. Also, look for an awesome top-water bite to get fired up soon. I usually keep a Red Fin or a spook at the ready. The spotted bass bite has also been excellent. Fish should be coming up off their beds and are super hungry. They will be schooling up off shallow points and humps throughout the lake. Recently, we have been boating 25 to 30 fish a trip. A lot of these spots have been averaging 4 to 6 pounds. Focus on shallow areas around creeks and off points and humps. Down-lining live bluebacks has worked the best. Also, watch for a strong top-water bite to start. When these schooling spots start chasing up bait and busting on the surface, they’ll hit almost anything you can throw at them.
May fishing on Lake Chatuge is always exciting. Remember, live bait on this lake can be the difference between a successful day of fishing and a horrid one. For all of your bait and tackle needs, come visit us at Hughes General Store in Blairsville, GA--it’s the best place around for quality live blueback herring. We also carry ethanol-free gas and have some of the best hot, made-from-scratch biscuits in North GA. For guided fishing trips on Lakes Chatuge, Hiwassee, or Nottely, or questions about the bait shop, call me, Darren Hughes or
Shane Goebel at Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. And, whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, give Chatuge a shot for some of the best spotted bass and hybrids in the area. Good luck, and get hooked!
Darren Hughes is the Owner of Hughes General Store & Bait Shop and a member of The Angler Magazine Fishing Team and Guide for Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. Look him up at www.bigolfish.com or give him a call, (706) 745-6569 or (828) 361-2021
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MURPHY LAKES
May Fishing on Murphy Area Lakes By Aaron Kephart
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s I write this, I am reflecting upon a magnificent guide trip from this morning, one in which we put over 30 hybrids and a bunch of spots in the boat in just a couple of hours. As good as the fishing is right now, I am already looking forward to next month. Although the spring fishing has been phenomenal on our Murphy area lakes, particularly in April, if I had to pick one month a year to fish our lakes it would be May, and I would like to take a brief moment to look at why, for each species. Stripers and Hybrids– May is prime time for stripers and hybrids. These fish are gorging themselves on the spawning herring, and they know that now is the easiest time of year for them to get a meal. Water levels have stabilized, fish location has become somewhat predictable, and the weather is essentially devoid of nasty, extreme fronts. A variety of live bait tactics (planer boards, down lines, even light spinning tackle) will catch these fish, as will the occasional topwater or swimbait. The warming water also has their metabolism in overdrive, making them aggressive. Put simply, although we put them in the boat consistently 12 months out of the year, in my opinion May is THE month to pursue stripers. May is also traditionally the month we land the biggest Hiwassee stripers for whatever reason, so definitely
give me a call if you are looking for some of these hard pulling fish. Bass– The bass bite is also phenomenal in May. Generally speaking, the water levels stabilize, the fish are done with their spawning ritual, and they have to eat to replenish lost energy. The largemouth are biting, and you can generally catch as many spots as you feel like. In fact, they can even be somewhat of a nuisance simply because they eat up so many baits. If you are interested in simply catching big numbers of fish, a bass trip in May is one way to get it done. Crappie and Walleye– May traditionally begins the start of a phenomenal night bite for crappie, particularly during warm springs and stable water levels. These are also very laid back, relaxing trips for a group or family that just wants to hang out and have some stress free fishing for a few hours, without having to get up super early. We also often get on a fair walleye bite certain years during the month of May. It all depends on how successful the stockings were from years past, but May is one of your best bets for a toothy, delicious walleye dinner. On a side note, many of you have texted, called, and emailed me about progress on Apalachia. Even though the Apalachia ramp is still closed as of this writing, they are making considerable progress on the new ramp. I anticipate it
being open in plenty of time for our summer smallmouth trips. Many of you out there have fished this lake with me for the summer smallmouth bite, and you can all attest to the fantastic fishing that lake holds. If you are interested in one of these trips, go ahead and call me so we can get you on the books before the schedule fills up. Also, please remember I am 100 percent catch and release on smallmouth. While spring and summer dates often fill quickly and in advance, please don’t hesitate to give me a call if you are interested in a trip with me on one of our beautiful Murphy area lakes. I have been exceedingly blessed to have experienced the success I have in
this business the last few years, and even though my boat may be booked, I have a couple of other competent, trustworthy, and professional guides running overflow trips for me now, and can run multiple boats if necessary. I also have a new boat dog, a Boykin spaniel puppy named Curly, and he loves fishing and new people. Come see Curly and me, and get on some of the finest, least crowded fishing in the South. I have fished these lakes my entire life, and I love sharing them with new folks. Thanks again, and have a great day!
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 email at mtnlakesguide@outlook.com or visit www.mtnlakesguideservice.com and catch him on facebook@mountainlakesguideservice
Murphy North Carolina’s
premier trophy smallmouth and spotted bass guide service
Mountain Lakes Guide Service
Hiwassee - Apalachia - Chatuge Aaron Kephart 865-466-1345 mtnlakesguide@outlook.com
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MAY 2019
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 5
Marvelous May Fishing Report
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he month of May is a great time to try your hand at fly fishing the North Georgia and Western North Carolina Mountains! Bug Hatches are some of the most dependable and heaviest of the year. In addition, stocking trout by the DNR is wide open. Catching trout on dry flies, nymphs, or streamers are literally just a preference as to which technique to use.
By David Hulsey
Anything will usually work if presented properly. Fishing for wild fish is as good as it gets all year. Trout have seen and sampled enough insects by this time to know to check out almost anything that floats by. Water flows and temperatures are still good all over the mountains and the trout are feeling frisky! This is a great time to get almost anyone that has considered trying fly fishing for
the first time “hooked”, so to speak. The strike zones on fish may be feet instead of the inches involved with cold winter nymphing. In other words you can screw up pretty bad and still catch a trout or two. The Toccoa River, near Blue Ridge Georgia, will be good fishing from the tailwater to the upper reaches. Its tributaries like the Noontootla, Rock, and Coopers Creeks will be rocking the dry dropper bite. Tailwater fishing on the Toccoa will remain decent even with the increasing pressure from the hordes of folks floating and keeping fish from this icy flow. Escaping the crowds of fair weather fisherfolks involves some shoe leather and a little sweat, and you can enjoy a day on the water and not see another soul. The smaller streams are a welcome oasis in the spring and summer fishing seasons. The private water of Noontootla Creek Farms is amazing
at this time of year, with massive rainbows and browns gulping down big dry flies bouncing down this high gradient flow. In far western North Carolina, Fires and Snowbird Creeks are great destinations and worth the drive from anywhere. The lower reaches of these two scenic streams are heavily stocked Delayed Harvest streams and will blow your mind with the size and number of trout available to the careful sight fisher. Surgical accuracy of fly presentations will reward the fly fisher with some beautiful specimens from these two jewels of the southern Appalachians. The upper reaches are full of brightly colored wild fish that will destroy a dry fly at this time of year. It really doesn’t matter where and when you go- it just matters that you do in the month of marvelous May! Give me a call at 770-639-4001 to book your trip of a lifetime.
Give David a call to book a class or trophy trout guide trip at Noontootla Creek Farms. We can make learning to fly fish easy and fun! You can make the switch.
Capt. James McManus is the Owner of 153 Charters. Give him a call for a great day of boat fishing! 6 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE
MAY 2019
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It’s That Time Of The Year By Capt. James McManus
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ith May’s arrival, the fishing is at its usual spring peak. Gone are any nasty cold fronts and most of the high wind and rainstorms, and what we are left with is the easiest time of the year to load the boat here on Fontana. It is not unusual to just randomly pick a bank, hopefully not one of your favorites, and just start fishing. I am a big one for looking before you start, after so much striper fishing it is customary to look for fish on the sonar before starting to fish...you ain’t gonna catch ‘em where they ain’t. This time of year though, offers an opportunity to become a blind pig and just fish anywhere with good chances of connecting on an acorn or two. Several of my favorite banks have been found this time of year just randomly stopping and fishing as most fish are oriented towards the bank, sometimes actually touching it. Later in the year or even years later, I will remember that area and return to find it loaded with fish. It is also an excellent time to take novices or, in my case, my dad, who doesn’t care to stand in a cold driving rain pitching jigs under overhanging limbs or working a jig 80 feet deep with the wind blowing thirty. I was raised fishing. My dad
built an 8 acre pond on my granddaddy’s farm when I was about 7 or 8. To this day, he apologizes to my wife for introducing me to the thing that has taken so much of my time from her. That being said, it has also made me a sweeter boy as nothing calms my soul like time spent on the water. We had really good crappie fishing in our pond; occasionally catching them up to 3 pounds and many were caught on a fly rod while sculling our little jon boat in the open water near the dam. It has been a pleasure to take my dad recently, catching these same tasty fish in a totally different environment. Not sure why but Fontana has had a resurgence in the crappie population the last couple of years, at least it seems like it this time of year. There are also tons of spotted bass to be caught on the banks. After a very slow winter, the fish seem to have returned from who knows where and the size has been really good also. The only thing not showing, are the walleye and I think we have to wait for NCWRC to keep stocking to bring them back. So, now is an excellent time to take your kids, your wife or parents when the catching is at its easiest. Nothing gets a beginner hooked like a little success. Try and fish
up close to the rivers but don’t hesitate to try brand new areas you have skipped in previous years, you might find a new hot
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spot. Enjoy God’s gift, be safe and give me a call if you want to go. Later, Capt. James
Capt. James McManus is the Owner of 153 Charters. Give him a call for a great day of boat fishing!
MAY 2019
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 9
Getting Your Feet Wet By Ken Kastorff
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icture a well-placed fly rod cast landing the fly under an overhanging mountain laurel. The fly sits on the surface of the water for just a second, with a small twitch of the fly rod, it moves with the appearance of a living thing and then, there is an explosion of water. The game is afoot! So you want to learn how to fly fish? Ok! Let’s break this down into the basics. Three things come to mind: Gear, flys and technique. So before we get started, let me say that there isn’t enough room in this magazine to write everything on just one of these subjects much less all three. Keeping that in mind, I am going to try to save space on the pages and condense things down to be a little brief, and hopefully, helpful. Gear: The list of what you need to get started is somewhat easy to compile; how much money you want to invest can be a little more complicated. Rod and Reel: If you haven’t figured it out yet, rods come in different weights and actions. The weight will depend on the type of water you plan to spend your time fishing on and what species of fish you are expecting to catch. For general trout fishing, look for a medium action
4, 5 or 6 weight rod. In general, smaller creeks- lighter rod, bigger rivers-heavier rod. In reality, the weight of the rod has more to do with the size and weight of the flies you will be casting. So, if you plan to throw big flies, for instance in salt water, then you are going to need a heavier rod, like an 8 - 12 weight rod. It also has a bit to do with the distance you will be casting. Of course casting ability comes into play here as well. You can spend anything from a few dollars up to more than a thousand dollars for a rod. If there was ever a truer statement, when it comes to buying a rod, it’s that you get what you pay for. Get a decent rod! You want something that isn’t a broom handle. Pick a rod with a good warranty! I don’t care how
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good you eventually get at fishing sooner or later you will break a rod. Find something that casts well and has a no fault life-time warranty. Pick a good reel that allows you space to put at least 100 yards of backing and a good fly line on it without crowding the reel. If you are planning to use the reel in both freshwater and saltwater, then make sure to check that it will work in both. Make sure that the reel you buy has a good drag on it. If you are planning to fish freshwater streams only, then you should be able to find a low-end reel for about $100. If you have a few dollars extra, get a spare spool. Saltwater can double that price,
minimum. Just like rods, if money isn’t an issue you can spend much more on a fancy reel. Fly Line: Get good fly line. If you’re going to spend money, spend it on your line. In general, a good weight forward floating fly line will allow you to catch most anything you want. If you bought that spare spool load it up with a sink tip line. Waders and Boots: Get a good pair of waders that are reinforced in the knees and butt. Check to see if they have a warranty. You want stocking foot waders and a good light pair of wading boots. Check to see what the regulations are in the area you plan to fish. Some states will not allow felt soled boots. Felt soled boots are still, by far, the least slippery boots to wear, but no matter what you buy, remember to always clean them after using them so not to spread invasive plants or diseases from one river to another. Fishing Pack / Vest: You need something to put all your “Stuff ” in. Definition of “Stuff!” Leaders, tippets, fly boxes, nippers, forceps, floatant, etc… You get the picture. Whether you get a pack or a vest depends on your personal preference. I like some-
CONTINUED, SEE GETTING YOUR FEET WET, PAGE 15
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SWAIN COUNTY / BRYSON CITY / NANTAHALA
Swainglers Plan a Fishing Tournament By Tammy Millsaps
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edicated Swainglers braved the rain and cool temps the beginning of March to cast their lines and expand their fishing tales! The week prior to our trip, Bryson City was in a flood stage after days of continued rain. The creek and riverbanks mostly disappeared under running, muddy water. It was too dangerous to take the kids to the raging waters. We postponed until the next week, even though some of the anglers weren’t happy with me, safety comes first! A week later, the waters had dropped and we actually had a few days of sunshine! The morning of our trip, the rain decided to reappear. We braved the elements and headed to Bryson City Island Park and fished the banks of the Tuckasegee River. The river was
LIM Group: Front row :Nich, Kinley, Brittany, Stella, Mrs. Millsaps, JT, Second row: Travis, John, Wyett, Austin, Tripp, Seth, Trevor, Adien
still a little high and muddy, but we ventured on. We had forty-five minutes to fish. Soon, freshman Trevor Jones caught the first of his two catches. Shortly afterwards, Senior, Ben Franklin reeled in a nice trout. Trevor tricked his fish with a black, single hook, silver bladed Panther Martin spinner. He explains, “I found slow mov-
ing water, cast under a tree into a dang good pocket and the fish came in and grabbed it!” Ben cast and his line, which had a pearl white twister on a green leadhead, went over a tree limb in
the middle of the river. The line fell into the water, the fish bit. His fish was dangling in the air while stuck on the tree limb. He worked his rod/reel and finally got the fish to shore. He said, “Who said you can’t catch fish in a tree!” A huge shout out to Swaingler members Levi Fowls, Ben Franklin, Stefan Haymond, Trevor Jones, John Nations, Austin Pyles, Seth Shuler and Wyett Hampton and parent volunteer, Charles Fowls for braving the elements! Dedication does pay off! It was a wet, cool day but a great time was had by all. Why wouldn’t it be fun, we get to leave school during the middle of the day and go fishing!
Tammy Millsaps is the Leader of The Swainglers fishing club at Swain County High School in Bryson City, North Carolina. They fish once a month of the school year during club time. Contact her at tmillsaps@swainmail.org for more information or to support this popular club.
Big Fish Fever
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By Ronnie Parris
s a life long angler and fishing guide, I’ve had the pleasure of catching and helping others catch their first big fish. I think now I really enjoy seeing someone else catch one more than I enjoy catching one myself. No better feeling than to see someone’s face after they boat a really big fish. On one such trip, I had taken my friend, Penny, over to Hiwassee Lake to try
and catch a few stripers. Penny has done a lot of fishing growing up here in the mountains both in the creeks for mountain trout and on the boat for walleye and bass, but I knew she had never felt the fight these stripers can put on. We arrived at Hugh’s Bait Shop in Blairsville early and made the drive back to the launch site at Hanging Dog right as daylight was breaking. I had a little bit of
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
smokymountainoutdoorsunlimited.com
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a hard time finding the bait this morning as the birds hadn’t really showed up, other than the diving cormorants that are a good sign that bait fish are present. As the sun really started heating the morning air to a balmy 40 degrees, we began to see some spotted bass breaking on thread-
fin shad and I saw some good marks on my Lawrance that I thought might be stripers. I had put 2 down lines in and had one long line out with a lively blueback and was trying to get my planner board rods all rigged up, when a striper grabbed the long line and made a run for the shore-
CONTINUED, SEE BIG FISH FEVER, PAGE 19 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
ASHEVILLE / HENDERSONVILLE / BREVARD
A Primer on Spring Smallmouth Habitat By Ethan Hollifield
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pring has finally arrived, and all that I have thought about over the last month is smallmouth. These fish are native, wild, and untamed in their nature and will challenge anglers of all skill types regardless of whether you target them with the fly rod or with a spinning rod. Regardless of your tactic, there’s one critical component to smallmouth that has to be understood, and that’s where and when to target them. As I’m writing this in April, I’m starting to see smallmouth already on beds which means by May the majority will have come off of their spawning holes in the period bass anglers call the “post spawn.” These fish are lean, hungry, and ready to feed aggressively. Understanding where in a river to target them will greatly help in your understanding of their behaviour and help to appreciate this special species we’re fortunate enough to have
run to escape from the current. However, one critical difference is how bass relate themselves to these different types of “structure” in a river. Smallmouth are primarily predatory fish once they get around 8-10” long, which is the point at which they start to reorient their diet from small aquatic insects to primarily baitfish and crayfish. So we
Regardless of your tactic, there’s one critical component to smallmouth that has to be understood, and that’s where and when to target them. in the Southern Appalachians. Many of my clients who start out fishing for smallmouth look at the river from a “trout” perspective rather than from a bass fishing perspective. This perception isn’t totally incorrect, because smallmouth also relate themselves to the current in a similar fashion to that of trout. Both species will use current breaks in the form of pockets behind rocks, underwater boulders/ logs, and deeper parts of a
very deadly this time of year. In the Spring, smallmouth will begin transitioning from deeper runs where they’ve wintered into faster moving pockets and slightly shallower runs where more food opportunities are present. By the time this article is published, most of our smallmouth will be orienting themselves into these areas as the post-spawn bite starts to pick up. This generally starts to happen as the water temperature moves above 52- 58 degrees, which can be variable from river to river. April to May is generally when
this temperature change occurs. As that transition occurs, I also start looking towards the banks of the river for new patches of grass, laydowns, and transitions from deep water to shallow water, as stated. Again, the key is to find these locations adjacent to deeper runs and pockets. I normally tell my clients to “look for the spot where the green-blue water meets the sand colored water.” What they’re looking at is that deep-shallow transition. The main reason that smallmouth start this transition from deep wintering holes to transitional spots is simple: they’re following the bait. Crayfish and baitfish are both starting to move into the same shallower habitat as previously mentioned, and smallmouth will follow suit. Focus your presentations on these transitional zones, especially as the sun starts coming over the river and warms the water temperature up even just by 1-2 degrees. You’d be amazed at how food sources and fish will respond to that slight change in temperature.
Ethan Hollifield is an Environmental/Physical Science Teacher and is also a guide for Southern Appalachian Anglers
have to alter our mindset to understand where smallmouth live from an ambush perspective. When we look at a river with the ambush perspective in mind, then we can start to dissect runs and pockets more effectively. I’ve seen smallmouth orient themselves behind shelves and rocks facing both upstream AND downstream, waiting to ambush prey as it goes by. Deep pockets that transition to surrounding shallower runs can be
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Fishing Topwaters During The Spawn By Jay Striker
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here are very few things in an angler’s life that can compare to the heart-stopping explosion of a topwater strike in the springtime. When it happens, nothing in life seems to matter much. Most times, the reward is a largemouth bass that can add significant weight to your live well. I know, I’ve had it happen to me on many occasions, and it never gets old. Let’s discuss some of the things that I do in the springtime to get big bass to attack my topwater baits with reckless abandon. One such tactic I use is finding fish that are bedding or in the spawn mode, which means that there is a fish that has fanned out an area so that little bass eggs can be protected from predators as they grow from eggs
through the stages of being able to protect themselves. Some of the biggest bass of the season get captured during the springtime in spawning areas, and many are caught using topwater. You may be wondering how you find the fish that are spawning. Good question. Key factors to take note of when targeting spawning bass are protected areas and water temperature. Look at your maps and find protected areas that don’t have current and look like a dead end on the map.
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If you have ever found a bass bed, you will start to notice that some common characteristics exist. One is protection and the other is warmer water. Water temperature plays a major role in the timing of when females start to lay their eggs. I like to look for water temperatures in the 60’s before I start thinking of spawning bass. However, when targeting fish in the spring with topwater baits, especially when the water temperatures start to climb into the 70’s, you will find fish in different modes of the spawning process. Some of the waves of fish may be just arriving at the spawning areas, some will be leaving, and some will have left weeks earlier. I use topwater poppers, Spooks and Primal Vibe Buzzbaits to cover a lot of water, especially in water less than 5 feet. That’s where you will see a good many of spawning beds. If you see a fish on the bed and not moving, anglers call this the “locked on”. These fish can be caught with a topwater bait by throwing past the spawning bed and moving your bait to-
ward the bed. If the fish has not attacked the bait, then just let it sit above the bed and just barely move your bait. The fish will usually strike the bait. However, if he misses the bait, then do a follow-up with your favorite soft plastic, and you will be sure to hook up. I have to leave you with the caveat that you must cover a lot of water and go back into the pockets where your trolling motor is kicking up dirt. Then you will be in the right place and be able to see the beds. Target those bedding fish with your topwater lures and catch some of the biggest fish a lake has to offer in the springtime. Good luck, and I hope you catch a big one. I want to thank you all for your continued support by reading the Angler Magazine. Please check in from time to time at www.jaystriker.com or on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter under Jay Striker.
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THREE LOCATIONS: 720 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, NC 1600 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792 125 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712
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GETTING YOUR FEET WET thing I can attach a net to. Other than that, I go for comfort. Flys and Fly Boxes: This can be the most intimating part of learning to fly fish. Get some help! Got to a shop or a friend and have someone take the time to explain all the options. I am going to break this down to the bare basics, but you need to learn more than I can write down here. You can break down flies into three categories, Flies, Terrestrials and Streamers. There are three basics species of flies in the United States, Caddis, Stone and Mayflies. There are lots of different subspecies of each of these flies. The life cycle of each goes something like this. These flies mate and land on the water and drop eggs that sink to the bottom of the river and hatch out into nymphs. The nymphs crawl around under the water for a while and eventually float or crawl back up to the surface
continued from page 10
as emergers. Wings unfold and dry out and they take off and mate and the process repeats itself. There are other flying insects that trout will eat also, like mosquitoes, wasps etc. Each has a similar, but possibly slight-
ably a Nymph. Many nymphs will be tied with a small metal bead at its head- these are called bead head nymphs and help the fly sink. If it looks like a worm and it has a tuft of material on its back it is probably an emerger. There
There are three basics species of flies in the United States, Caddis, Stone and Mayflies. ly different, lifecycle and in an effort not to complicate things too much, I will leave you, the reader, to investigate these other options on your own. In general, if the fly has a hackle, a ring of feathers around the collar of the fly, it is going to be a dry fly. In order to fish a dry fly, it has to float. This means you have to put some sort of coating on it to stop the fly from absorbing water. If it looks like small worm, it is prob-
is a different technique for fishing each one. Terrestrials are pretty simple to categorize. Anything that normally lives on land that ends up in the river and can be a food source for fish: Grasshoppers, crickets, worms, etc. Streamers are anything that lives in the river; like minnows,
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leaches, tadpoles, etc. So you need a place to put all these flies and keep them organized. This is where the fly box comes into play. The only recommendation I have is: Get at least one box that is waterproof for your dry flies. Also, take time to open all your boxes and dry everything out each time after a fishing trip. Otherwise, you will have a box of rusted useless hooks. Technique! This one is easy! GET HELP! Find a shop, a friend, a guide, take a class, do a guided trip, read a book. Do all of the above but GET HELP! Learning to cast is not that hard, but unlearning bad technique is almost impossible. Learn good proper technique to start with and you will eliminate a lot of frustration and enjoy a sport that you can do your whole life. Good Luck!
Ken Kastorff is the Owner and Guide at Endless River Adventures located along the Nantahala River in Bryson City, North Carolina.
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ASHEVILLE / HENDERSONVILLE / BREVARD
A Pile of Sticks and a Crazy Mockingbird
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By Wilson Love
ust off the edge of our backyard, in a slightly open area, is a little spot affectionately known as the burn pile. We’re outside the city limits (thank God!) and the county graciously allows folks to burn “naturally occurring vegetation from your own property”. With a winter of wind and rain like we’ve just had, the burn pile saw plenty of action from the weather stripped trees around here. Add to that, the limbs trimmed for tree health and appearance, and we reduced a lot of ugly sticks to ash. Now imagine a place where that same pile of ugly sticks would have great value. I’ve just returned from the nation of Nicaragua, one of the small countries south of us between Mexico and Panama. My church and many others send teams there regularly to help the impoverished people. It staggers our pampered minds to see firsthand those without decent shelter; living in the dirt and often without clean water and enough to eat. Outside the cities, the only means most people there have to cook food is over a wood fire. They cut and bundle sticks, up to about baseball bat thickness and six or seven feet long, to be either carried by hand, loaded on a fee-
ble horse, or moved on some sort of makeshift cart. At the cook pit a tiny fire is kindled; just enough to prepare the day’s ration of rice, beans, or fritters. As soon as cooking is finished those burning sticks get plucked from the pit, red coals are scraped off with a rusty machete, and the unburned stubs saved for another day’s fire. So a pile of sticks can be trash or treasure, an eyesore or a lifeline, depending on where you live. As I pondered this while sitting in my comfortable living room, a mockingbird appeared outside the window. We’ve seen this particular bird many times and refer to him as that crazy mockingbird. This species is territorial to put it mildly. Males and females will aggressively fight off other mockingbirds that happen to trespass into their space. The craziness happens when our pet mocker sees himself as a reflection in a windowpane or truck mirror. You guessed it; he attacks the “intruder” by flying right into the glass, not once or twice but over and over again. Some people never learn. The thought came to me that we fat and sassy Americans – like the mockingbird – don’t know who we are. Our self-image is
out of whack. We don’t know that we’re the most blessed and abundant people on the planet. We cook on wood fires and sleep on the ground for fun when camping. Could it be time to look in the mirror and once again see a people who called ourselves “one nation under God”? Our oneness of purpose has given way to self-indulgence and argument. It seems that whoever has the loudest, nastiest voice receives the most press. Internal fighting rules the day. But one of our greatest strengths has always been the unity of common goals. We did
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not gain our independence from tyranny with social or political debates, or grow into the greatest country on earth by way of internal division. As a nation, we were born and built by standing together on our Godly values – and fighting together against those who stood against us. (Luke 11:17) I’m thankful to have my eyes opened to how good we have it. Anyone who visits a Third World country is likely to return here more appreciative of who we are, and more protective of losing our identity.
Wilson Love is Owner/Operator of The Practical Outdoorsman
MAY 2019
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Mission Spawn
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By Scott Norton
his time of year, bass are looking to feed up for the up coming spawn. You will notice lots of drastic changes during the transition. If you’re in a reservoir system, water levels keep fluctuating during the rains effecting the water temperature and the bite itself. You will also notice these fish stay on the move as well. One day they will relate to a certain area and the next day gone. This is the challenge for new anglers learning the techniques and clues to put them on fish. Clues to look for are skinny or fat bodies, red lips, and tails. What does this all mean in relation to the features on a lake to fish? The clues not only tell you where these fish are but they will tell you what they are eating. Starting in the spawn flats and
working the secondary points to the main lake points, you’ll see fish in different stages of the pre-spawn. If you see bass with the head of a large fish and the body of a smaller one they are probably just coming in to feed from winter and will feed heavily soon. These fish you will find on points leading into the spawning areas. You can catch them with slow moving baits, such as a jerk baits, small swim baits, A-rigs, and crank baits. If you run into bass with a red mouth they are more than likely feeding on crayfish. Feeding on the bottom causes their mouths to be red and sore. Couple that with a fat body and that tells you they are feeding aggressively. My iodine to break loose their egg- with creeks flowing in them, favorite bass to catch is in this sacks so they feed in the coves while the males will be on the stage and for good reason. The big females are looking to intake CONTINUED, SEE MISSION SPAWN, PAGE 28
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BIG FISH FEVER
continued from page 12
line. Penny grabbed the rod and was trying to get the fish turned but it was too fast and found a 5 foot stump and wrapped the line, which broke almost immediately. After getting all our rods back in the water, we began slow troll casting to breaking fish, mostly spots, but as we made our way across a main channel point, the down rod got struck so hard I was sure the rod would break before getting it free of the holder. Penny did a great job letting the fish take drag when it would make a run and taking line as soon as it would give a little. All the while keeping the fish clear of our other lines and away from the boat prop. The fish made several good runs as if it would almost be ready to net, but finally gave up. After some photos, I noticed she was shaking from all the excitement. Little did we know
she wouldn’t get a chance to relax, for we would no sooner get a rod back in the water till we would have another big fish on. Hiwassee is one of the best lakes in our region to experience the thrill of catching a big fish. The introduction of stripers has really made it a great destination and the pan fish, such as walleye ,crappie, and bass, have flourished since the stripers keep the blueback numbers to a level that keeps them from eating panfish eggs and fry. Hopefully the North Carolina wildlife biologists will take a close look and stock Fontana with stripers to do the same. If you would like to fish for some stripers and get to experience one of the best fighting fish in the mountains, give me a call at 828488-9711. And as always, take a kid fishing!
Ronnie Parris is the Owner and Head Guide of Smoky Mountain Outdoors Unlimited-Fontana Lake Fishing Guides, headquartered in Bryson City, North Carolina, heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. (www.smokymountainoutdoorsunlimited.com)
Appalachian Spring 2019
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oin us for SAHC’s 45th Birthday at USA Raft and Mountain River Guides Adventure Resort outpost on the banks of the Nolichucky River in Tennessee! Enjoy a stunning setting, surrounded by lush mountains and the gorgeous Nolichucky River while the ETSU Old-Time Ramblers perform. We’ll have a silent auction to support conservation, celebration of the 2019 Stanley A. Murray Volunteers of the Year, and more. Catered by Southern Craft BBQ of Johnson City, TN. Tickets: $35 member, $40 non-member, $50 at the door. $25 Student/AmeriCorps Includes: BBQ Dinner (veg option) & Beer,
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MAY 2019
Wine, Drinks. Thank you to our Event Sponsors! USA Raft, Wicked Weed Brewery, Highland Brewing Company, Mast General Store, Eastman, Witherspoon Platt & Associates, Samsel Architects and White Oak Financia.l The mission of the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy is to conserve the unique plant and animal habitat, clean water, farmland, scenic beauty, and places for people to enjoy outdoor recreation in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee for the benefit of present and future generations.
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 19
The Connestee Fishing Club
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he Connestee Fishing Club is just one of the many clubs and amenities available to residents of the community, which make Connestee such an attractive place to live. (Note that there is no public fishing in the Connestee Falls lakes. Fishing is restricted to Connestee residents and their guests). The Connestee Falls Fishing Club, begun in 1980 with 6 members, has grown to our current membership of 258 households. The activities of the Club include:
Fishery Management:
• Monitor the water quality of the lakes • Monitor fish populations and health • Manage fish stocking
By Al Byrne
Community Outreach:
The Outreach program serves hundreds of our county’s youth and adults each year, providing half-day fishing excursions at one of our Connestee Falls lakes. The program teaches fishing skills and good sportsmanship while emphasizing the fun and relaxation available from fishing. During 2018, Outreach held 19 events, hosting approx. 300 children and adults from many different organizations, including: Boys & Girls Club, Sheriff ’s Shield Camp, Special Olympics, Transylvania Vocational Services, Cedar Mountain House, PARI, Brevard Elementary, Bound For Glory Literacy Camp, to name a few.
est social event of the year in Connestee, attracting about 260 Club members. The yummy meal typically includes fried catfish or baked cod w/salsa and all the sides, plus fresh corn roasted on the grill, and an open bar with draft beer and soft drinks. Annual Fish Fry: The Club’s Fish Fry is the larg- The big highlights of the event,
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in addition to the great food, are the famous raffles and silent auctions, including a Wine Bonanza. Many other activities, including fishing contests and events, community projects, and boat shows & sales.
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WNC Fishing Refresher
W
By Doug McElvy
ith over 3,000 miles of wadeable trout water in western North Carolina, it’s not hard to see some beautiful places and catch beautiful fish. Brevard, North Carolina is famous for its waterfalls but the angling community has known about this area for a long, long time! With the Davidson river flowing through the middle of town, Cathy’s Creek just above town, the French Broad south of town, Little River, and Turkey Creek, North Fork, Looking Glass Creek, to name a few...jumping on I-26 south towards Brevard is definitely a promising direction to choose! Let’s head north on I-26 into Madison County past Weaverville and Marshall. We know the prestigious and notorious French Broad River is flowing north out of Asheville up to Tennessee, but its tributaries along the way are great and many! One being the Big Laurel, which runs into the French Broad River just north of Hot Springs,
North Carolina. The Laurel River, The Big Laurel, and the Shelton Laurel all combine to make the Laurel River, which is home base for several of the most highly regarded wild trout streams amongst the Asheville fly fishing community. Almost all, if not all, of the tributaries that flow into the Laurel River hold beautiful wild trout that have been thriving in these small mountain streams for almost a century. Lets continue with our direction game. I-40 east, out of Asheville, past Swannannoa, Black Mountain and Old Fort. Is the Catawba River, which flows east right out of Black Mountain and just below Mount Mitchell. It runs out all the way past Hickory, North Carolina, creating some of the best lakes in the region, one being Lake James, before it drops south to Lake Norman and then Wylie. The Catawba is home to small mouth bass and one of the most undiscovered Delayed Harvest waters in the region. Coming off
Mount Mitchell in every direction: The Cane, Locust Creek, to name a few, are full of fish and are definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area. Northeast towards Boone, North Carolina, you have the North and South Toe rivers that are notable fishing holes with fairly easy access.
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Did I mention the Watauga river which starts in Boone and forms some of the most famous fly fishing tailwaters in the country. Those rivers being the Watauga, and the South Holston of east Tennessee Ok, so back to the west where the direction of my guide truck
CONTINUED, SEE FISHING REFRESHER, PAGE 32
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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 21
EAST TN / GREAT SMOKIES
Fishing Forecast for GSMNP By Chad Fouts
National Park-
The fishing in the National Park right now is slower in the morning due to the drop in temperatures at night. You will not be disappointed in the water levels! We are catching most of our fish between 10am and 5pm. We are throwing dry dropper rigs in the higher elevations and double nymph rigs. With that being said, Higher elevation rivers, such as Road Prong and Upper Little River, are fishing really well past 10am. If you want to hit the lower elevation rivers, it still would be best to hit them in the morning, despite the cold. We’re using Orange dry flies with natural nymphs underneath and, of course, a squirmy in the mix wont hurt. Remember to keep as much fly line and leader off of the water!
South Holston-
There have been high flows on and off due to the rain we have been receiving. But in between the flows has been some red-hot fishing! The water temp at midday is averaging about 47 degrees F so make sure to bring your waders! Best time of day to fish the river is about the same time we are fishing the park right now 10am - 4pm. BWO’s and Black Flies are catching most of the fish right now. When you are floating the river throw MEAT, MEAT, MEAT on a full sink line.
Clinch River-
Midges, Sulphurs, and Beetles. Try to throw a 12 foot leader, it will work wonders. When you are floating, try and throw a double streamer rig. Hint: olive and white with a depth charge full sink line.
Gatlinburg Stocked Waters-
water temperatures have lowered, which has made the fishing amazing. There are several very large fish hiding in those waters. Any big, flashy fly will catch these freshly stocked fish while more natural stonefly imitations and worm flies work well for fish that have been in the river for a while.
The City of Gatlinburg is still About the same on the Clinch stocking every Thursday and River as the South Holston, flows Chad Fouts is the Fly Shop Manager at The Smoky Mountain Angler in are high due to weather and small Gatlinburg, TN. He is a self-described fly fishing junky. If you have any windows of really good fishing! questions about fishing in this area give us a call 865-436-8746
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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 23
The Most Important Lesson
I
t’s amazing how fast your adrenaline kicks in when there is a shock to the system. The 50-degree water had not yet broken through to my shiver mechanism…I just stared in disbelief at what had just happened. Off to my right, my fishing buddy, Ben Bailey, had still not found his footing and had gone completely under for the third time. I gathered my wits and reached my hand out to help him. I grabbed him by his arm and helped him to his feet…we stood there…in the dark trying to comprehend what had just transpired. We looked down at my canoe, now full of water, only saved from submersion by the rock we had hit. We made a fruitless effort to grab some of our gear now floating away. Off to our right, we heard a large splash in the water…something had jumped in from the bank. We couldn’t see it in the dark. I then looked at Ben and realized we had lost Jasper. I panicked and thought about going under to look for him…wait there he is…oh no!!! Not Jasper!!!
Two Days Earlier
Ben and I stared in disbelief at the pictures Mike and Mark Hensley, electricians extraordinaire, were showing us. They were pictures of really big fish they’d caught. We’ve seen pictures of big fish before but it was the story surrounding these particular fish we couldn’t get our heads around. Mike claimed to have caught them in the French Broad River.
Pflueger Bullet Reel with a Kung Fu Grip
By Joe Woody
Again, no big whoop, there are plenty of monsters in the French Broad…the “Musky Mile” comes immediately to mind. There are huge Catfish and Carp; however, he was showing us pictures of a huge Smallmouth but more importantly…a huge Brown Trout. Now, anglers who know how great a fishery the French Broad is, know all too well that the upper portions of the French Broad are loaded with trout. The “Forks” of the FB are stocked with plenty of big fish for the Delayed Harvest enthusiasts. The upper-upper branches are loaded with wild beautiful fish. But Mike claimed to have caught this fish exactly where they were not supposed to be. He said he caught this fish near (Exact location Redacted for National Security). Ben and I just nodded our heads and did not say much else. We knew what we had to do. It’s a dirty game.
One Day Earlier
sprinted toward the “Squatch”…I refer to my truck as the Squatch, probably because I have a Bigfoot magnet on the back of it. We loaded my canoe on top and didn’t worry about equipment. I have the Squatch pre-loaded for emergencies…we probably should have thought more about this. Our PFD’s (Personal Flotation Devices) remained safely stored in my garage. If we were lucky, we would have two hours of sunlight for a threehour float. It was early spring. We spoke briefly about our put-in location and decided to launch our canoe from (Exact Location Redacted for National Security), which would be an impromptu decision that would have repercussions. We floated to our fishing spot near (Exact location Redacted for National Security) dangerously too late in the evening but immediately started landing fish. We were using exactly what Mike had told us he had used…a sinking (Redacted).
Ben Bailey
broke free before we could get it in the net. The sun was almost down and we still had an hour to float. I then hung a fish. It hit the Sinking (Redacted) like a freight train. I actually thought I was hung on the bottom but then the bottom started to move. It took off up stream and I had no power over it. Unfortunately, I had forgotten to reduce my drag from the previous three pound Smallmouth and combined with the current, poor Jasper didn’t stand a chance. Jasper is what I call my trusty ultra lightweight rod with a Pflueger Bullet Reel. It has a trigger and a Kung Fu Grip. I love that set up. My six-pound test line snapped, causing Ben to look back at me in disbelief. That was probably the monster we were told about. We felt like we were on an episode of River Monsters. We had followed the clues, fought through impossible time and equipment issues and had proven the impossible.
We couldn’t stand it anymore. The mountain stoicism we generally practice had run its course. Ben and I had been fishing together for almost twenty years and the nods and sly looks we’d been giving each other in some way or another had developed into a plan. I finally said, “You know, we should probably go check that out.” “Yep,” was Ben’s reply. Ben went back to work installing our laundry room cabinets. I 30 Minutes Earlier should mention Ben is a Master I landed a Smallmouth in the Carpenter. three pound range. We took a picture. However, our true goal still eluded us. Then Ben got a bite. I Three Hours Earlier All our planning and detailed figured it was another Smallmouth conversation about the subject fi- but the fish made a run toward nally came to a head. It was COB our canoe and flashed its beaution a Friday and if it was going to ful rainbow colored side. Ben then happen, it had to happen then. landed a gorgeous 16 inch-ish There was no more time to waste. rainbow. We took a picture. Ben started to clean up for the weekend but then we simul- It was true!!! taneously realized that our usual He then hung another but it 30 Seconds Earlier responsibilities were secondary CONTINUED, SEE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON, PAGE 28 to the task at hand. We actually
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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 25
UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA
Fly Fishing the Eastatoe River South Carolina
T
he Eastatoe River, spelled Eastatoee by some, and also called Eastatoe Creek in its upper section, is one of South Carolina’s best trout streams. Fly fishing the Eastatoe River in its uppermost section can be a wonderful experience for any fly angler. The Eastatoe River flows through a rugged gorge and prevents all but the serious fly angler more problems to access than the causal roadside angler cares for. The stream flows through the Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve. The upper section can be accessed from the Eastatoe Heritage Preserve Trail. It takes a good hike to reach the bottom of the gorge. The uppermost section consists of beautiful water that flows through the gorge with
By James Marsh
the largest population of wild trout. It consists mostly of fast pocket water with fast runs, riffles, plunges and a few small pools. The wild trout are relatively small, but plentiful and usually eager to take a dry fly. It has special regulations, which include using only artificial lures and flies. Abner, Rocky Bottom and Dogwood Creeks are small tributary streams that also have populations of wild trout. The middle section flows mostly through private property in the Eastatoe Valley. It contains both wild and stocked trout but with a good number of holdovers. Big Laurel Creek is a tributary stream that flows into this section of the river. The water is slower moving with some long, deep pools separated by sections of riffles. The lower section has easy
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access, is regularly stocked and has some large holdover trout. The water in this section can become too warm during the summer but it still maintains a good population of holdovers in some areas. The stream is stocked with both rainbows and brown trout during the spring and summer. From the confluence of Laurel Creek downstream to Lake Keowee, the Eastatoe River is hatchery supported. Seasons: The trout season follows the general South Carolina regulations. Spring: Spring is the best season to fish the upper river. Summer: The water can get a little warm during the hot summer in the middle and lower sections but it stays well oxygenated and
cool in the remote upper area. Fall: Autumn is a good time to fish the river for large holdover brown trout. Winter: Fishing during the winter can be good on warm days
Fly Fishing Gear, Tackle and Trout Flies for the Eastatoe River
Fly Line: You would probably want a 4 or 5 weight fly line for your dry fly fishing on Eastatoe River. You could get by using a 5 weight floating fly line for everything. Many anglers that fish heavy nymphs and streamers would want a 6 weight fly line. Leaders: Leaders should range in sizes from a 0X for streamers up to a 6X for midges and small
CONTINUED, SEE EASTATOE RIVER, PAGE 31
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Know Your Hatches
S
By Karl Ekberg
pring weather has taken hold around the rivers here at Chattooga River Fly Shop. The leaves of all the hardwood trees are emerging, wild dogwood trees have bloomed, and the mountain laurel and rhododendron flowers make the scenery around the rivers a special place. Let’s not forget that the fishing is great as well, whether you like nymphing, dry flies, or streamers. Fishing on the Delayed Harvest sections has been outstanding with large fish being caught with dry flies. The early spring hatches have been great. We have been fishing the riffles to the heads of the pools with the most success. Dry fly fishing the slower water areas, when the hatch is happening, has also
produced great numbers of fish as well. Early morning and late afternoons, long swinging dead-drifts of flashback nymphs and emergers, have been the keys to success. As the hatches progress with the warmer weather, we look forward to seeing many more May Flies and Caddis-stop by the Fly Shop and check out the “Hot List” for hatch updates. Another large emergence is of the Oak Worms. These fine little creatures are a tasty treat that even the largest of trout cannot pass up as they fall from the trees into the rivers. Casting imitations of these into over-hanging bushes, and dead drifting them with a twitching technique, will be very beneficial, to a large day on the river. Anywhere that you find these worms dangling from
their silk lines from the trees, do not hesitate to stop and watch the worm finally hit the water, and see what happens! The next process is to work your way into a good vantage point to make your cast to the fish that just ate the natural. Don’t worry about a delicate cast, even “splatting” the worm on the water, will be just as effective, as they also fall out of the trees from far above. As the late spring temperatures rise, fishing the shady areas of the rivers will be essential, as the fish will move out of the high sun and warmer temperature waters. Let’s all remember to “leave no trace”. Packing out
with what you brought in with you is essential, and bringing something back out with you that someone else has left behind does not hurt either and keeps our beautiful streams and rivers how they should be. Keeping them clean now, means future generations will still be able to enjoy what we are enjoying now! Check out our daily posts on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, giving you the daily water conditions on the Chattooga River, and please share your big fish pictures with us!! We hope to see everyone out on the rivers!
Karl and Karen Ekberg are Co-Owners of Chattooga River Fly Shop, located at 6832A Highlands Hwy, in Mountain Rest, SC 29664. Give them a call at (864) 638-2806 or look them up on the web at chattoogariverflyshop.com
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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 27
MISSION SPAWN
continued from page 18
points next to them feeding on shad. It’s a great pattern for the big ones in this stage. If you see a bass with a red tail you have reached the spawning bass and they will be on beds. The tails are red because of the nest making process. Like the bass with red lips these bass get their tails beet up on rocks. The water level will change with in-climate weather and so will the water temperature. Use the clues to put you on the fish
and then use temperatures to tell you how fast your retrieve will be. Many anglers love this time of year because there’s more of a hunt or a puzzle happening. It can be very exciting for new anglers to discover how to unlock the puzzle of Mother Nature for the first time and build on their skills. This will be a good chance for a lucky angler to get giant bass mixed in with the smaller ones as well. Enjoy this time of year and good luck.
Scott Norton is a native of Western North Carolina. Born in Asheville, NC, he is a long time avid hunter, angler, and weekend warrior. He is a member of Southern Raft Supply’s prostaff team representing them in his Jackson Kayak Coosa FD
MOST IMPORTANT LESSON Ben and I picked up our paddle pace. The sun had set. The headlamps I usually kept in the Squatch were safely stowed back in my garage with our PFD’s. Ben and I are both fairly competent in a canoe and knew the river well. The high water would safely keep us off the rocks as long as we stayed in the deep channels… or so we thought A familiar rock formation appeared out of the darkness and we both knew we were close to our take out point. We moved to the right but, due to a slight miscalculation and poor eyesight, the front of our canoe landed on a long flat rock, which had apparently moved into position without our knowledge. The front of
continued from page 24
the canoe beached but the current pushed our canoe sideways. Just like that…we flipped…Disaster!!!
Back to the Beginning of the Story
Ben grabbed my arm and prevented me from going under to look. He then reached down and gently picked up the broken body of my beloved Jasper. We just stared at each other… dripping wet…freezing. I’m pretty sure a tear started to form in the corner of my right eye. I then looked at Ben and said, “Do you know the most important thing we learned today? He replied back in a more excited tone…”I sure do, we caught trout where they were not supposed to be. This trip was freakin awesome!!!” Who would have thought there were trout this close to (Location Redacted for National Security). Too bad about Jasper though.
Rest in peace, Jasper. 28 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE
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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 29
Are You Ready For The Lake?
O
h wow! Here I am, thinking of spring on this Sunday afternoon in February. It is 75 degrees. I wish I were on the lake. Whether you are a late winter/early spring angler or you will be DE-winterizing your boat in April or May, here is what you should do to get your boat ready for the season. (If you DE-winterize early, make sure you keep an eye on your engine for freezing temperatures in the late winter-early spring months). Let’s see how well you winterized your boat in the fall...Uncover your boat, clean out all the leaves and mothballs (that is, if you followed my directions in the fall). Go ahead and put fresh fuel in your boat. Remember, fuel that contains ethanol (made from sugar alcohols) is not recommended for your engine. I know boats and beer go really well together, but engines
By Johnny Holden
should not become alcoholics! Hook up the water hose to the motor. Always fasten the flusher with a bungee cord to the lower unit. Otherwise, when you walk off to grab a tool, you will find the hose lying on the ground when you come back. That will hurt your heart. Pump the fuel bulb on the outboard and pump the throttle on the inboard/outboards. Choke the outboards, unless the engine is fuel injected. If your engine is fuel injected, just turn the key. Nothing? Well, you probably forgot to charge the battery and check for the correct water level. It will likely take a while to crank the oil injected outboards. Just keep choking it! I have had to keep choking some motors for up to an hour to keep them running. Everything running now? No? Oops! Did you forget to stabilize the fuel or stabi-
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lize the fresh fuel? Here is a little tip: before tearing into the carburetor, pour a bottle of Techron in 3 gallons of gas. Remember to add the correct ratio of oil to the gas mixture, if your engine is not oil-injected. Techron is usually available at Walmart. Run the motor from the gas/techron mixture, choking or pumping the throttle to keep it running. Use up to 2 gallons of gas/techron mixture, without running the engine out of fuel. Shut the motor off and wait 24 hours to restart. If it does not run well after an hour on the hose, you will have to go into the carburetor. This, however, is not for the faint of heart! If trying to repair your carburetor overwhelms you, take it to a reputable boat service shop. There
is a “stupid-tax” added to these repairs. The “stupid-tax” is for being too lazy to properly prepare your boat for winter. At this point, you should consider replacing the water pump impeller, which should be replaced every three years if you use your boat regularly. Check your safety equipment: life jackets, bilge pumps, horns, and navigation lights. Are you ready to go? NO, wait! Check the bearings in the trailer! Jack the trailer up and spin the wheels…do you hear any rumble or growling? If so, replace the bearings and seals. Use plenty of grease. Air up the tires and LET’S GO TO THE LAKE!! Note: Remember to always check your owner’s manual for detailed instructions for your particular motor!
Johnny Holden is the owner of John’s Boats, located in Pisgah Forest, NC.
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Lake Hartwell Fishing Forecast for May 2019
W
By Preston Harden
ater level is at full pool and water temperature is in the low 60s. May might be the best month of the year for catching fish. Every type of fish is active and shallow. Most fish have finished spawning. They are feeding and putting on weight after the rigors of spawning. Hybrids and stripers are feeding shallow, especially early and late. I am looking around points, Shoals, humps and other shallow structure. We will throw small jig heads with Zoom super fluke Junior’s in white ice. We will also throw Sebille magic swimmer’s. I like the slow sinking white color. We will pull Herring with no weight as we cast around the shallow structure. Spotted bass and largemouth bass will also be around the same areas. They will be following the
blueback Herring that are spawning in May. The Herring spawn in May around shallow structure. If you reel in and the Herring are following your Lure, you are in the right spot. All game fish are active in May. Most of them are shallow and feeding. The weather is agreeable. Get out and enjoy.
EASTATOE RIVER
continued from page 26
dry flies. Lengths ranging from seven and one-half feet, up to 12 feet in length are suggested. Tippets: Extra tippet material ranging from 0X to 6X should be available for the leaders we list above. Fly Rods: I recommend a fast action fly rod, nine feet in length for all three weights of fly lines. Fly Reels: The fly reels you use for the 4, 5 or 6 weight lines, if you choose to use them all, should be light and have good drags. Waders: I recommend waders. There are few places you could fish without them. We prefer the breathable type but you could use neoprene waders during the winter if you preferred. Wading Boots: We recommend felt soles for your wading boots. You may want to consider the new rubber sole boots that
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help prevent the spread of Didymo but we have not tested them on this stream. Landing Net: A landing net is purely an optional item. Trout Flies: We recommend “Perfect Flies”. We think they are the best trout flies you can purchase. They have been tested in the Eastatoe River by some of our South Carolina customers and have proven very effective there. The wild trout and the holdovers can be selective and it’s best to use streamers, nymphs and dry flies that best match the naturals. If you haven’t already tried them, we certainly hope you will. You won’t be disappointed. If you prefer them, we also have a full line of generic and attractor flies at very low prices for very high quality flies.
James Marsh is the Owner of The Perfect Fly online and catalog mail-order store. www.perfectflystore.com
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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 31
Not As Much As You Think
H
ow heavy of a rod do I need to land bigger trout? Not as much as you think. Today’s rods, especially those geared to euro-nymphing, are generally fast action rods with good backbone and a soft tip. Gone are the days of needing a 5 weight to land 20” fish in an expeditious manner protecting the health of the fish. Don’t get me wrong, shorter and older rods may make you feel like you brought a knife to a gun fight. What size tippet do I need? Not as much as you think. If you are using lower weight rods (24) you can get away with 5x and 6x and still land large fish. The rods tend to absorb a lot of the pressure and better protect the tippet. Proper rod angles and fighting technique are key to getting the fish in fast.
By Stephen Tomasovich
How heavy do my flies need to be? Not as much as you think. Again, lower weight rods lead to lighter tippet that is smaller in diameter and aids in the sink rate of your flies if fished properly. This allows us to fish smaller flies that often better imitate the aquatic insects the fish are feeding on. I can tick the bottom fishing two flies with 3mm or even 2.5mm beads in medium current/depth. Fluorocarbon tippet has also advanced the sink rate helping us get to the lower portion of the river column quicky. How far do I need to be able to cast? Not as much as you think. Fishing outside of 20 to 30 feet will only cause issues with your drag free drift, spook fish in front of you, or lead to poor and late hook sets.
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How many different types of flies do I need? Not as much as you think. However, I don’t practice what I preach on this one. Here in the South, it is rare that fish will key in on a specific hatch, although I have witnessed several exceptions. That is my excuse for carrying so many. How much money will I save if I tie my own flies? Not as much as you think. In fact, the number very well could be neg-
ative if you are like me and continue to buy materials. But that is just part of the fun!! And it is often a priceless feeling you get catching a fish on a fly you tied. Modern materials continue to be developed and as much as I like to stay natural, a lot of this stuff works great. How many fish do I need in my freezer? Not as much as you think. I will leave it at that. Fish On.................... Big T
Stephen “Big T” Tomasovich is the owner of Big T Fly Fishing, Outfitter and Ecommerce Fly Shop. Visit them at 106 Grand Ave, Suwanee, Georgia, or look them up online at bigtflyfishing.com
FISHING REFRESHER
continued from page 21
seems to be pointed the most. We have the Pigeon River-popular for its whitewater rafting into Tennessee and hiking right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. There is so much water to explore so I wont get very far into it. To name a few my favorites: the Big East Fork, Greasy Prong and down into the West Fork of the Pigeon River. Keep going west and we pass the Tuckasegee River that flows from above Cullowhee and Sylva, North Carolina, eventually into Bryson City where it finds Lake Fontana and braids it’s hair with the Nantahala River. The Nantahala, also know for its whitewater rafting is possibly my favorite trout stream in North Carolina. Its natural reproducing trout
population in the whitewater stretch is staggering and is chock full with trout of all sizes. They can be picky, but are definitely worth a committed angler’s effort! Remember these are only a few of my favorite spots to fly fish around Asheville, North Carolina and you are always encouraged you to get outside and enjoy and respect the beautiful outdoors in the area we call home! Doug McElvy jdmcelvy@gmail.com www.redclayrevival.com www.mountainflyanglers.com Spotify Artist Page
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CANGL_FIL1-FIL4.indd 3
4/17/19 9:32 AM
5 Tips for Spring Walleye Fishing
Veteran’s Program Announcing Our New
for
Franchise Ownership! Wes Carlton, of Georgia Lake Fishing guide service, caught the state record 14-pound, 2-ounce walleye from Lake Rabun in 2016.
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ot many anglers know about the excellent walleye fishing that exists on north Georgia reservoirs. At the southernmost point of the walleye’s range, these fisheries offer a unique opportunity for anglers who want to experience walleye without travelling too far north. In 2002, Georgia DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division launched a walleye stocking program that produces nearly 600,000 fingerlings each year. Once they reach one inch in length, they’re stocked into eleven north Georgia lakes and reservoirs for future fishing. Spring is a great time to catch walleye. Georgia WRD has put together these tips to help you get after them. 1) Go in the evenings. Walleye stay deep during the day to hide from the sunshine. Target them during the “golden hour” 30 minutes before and after sunset, when they move shallow to feed and spawn. 2) When things get hot, move your fishing spot. When spawning ends in April, these fish prefer cooler temperatures and head out to the main lake. Long points, humps and weed beds on the lower end of the lake are the best places to search in summertime. In early summer, target depths ranging from 15 to 25 feet. 3) A simple nightcrawler will do the trick. Sometimes all you need to do to catch walleye is drift a nightcrawler along the bottom slowly and steadily. Make sure to drift it near downed trees and other shady structure. Walleyes might be hiding from the sun in these places. 4) Don’t rule out other lure options. While a nightcrawler will hook a fish, don’t be afraid to try other options. In the shallow spawning waters, try a 3/8-ounce jig tipped with a nightcrawler, minnow or plastic grub. At night, a shallow running minnow is a solid choice. If it’s past spawning season, a weighted bottom bouncer with an inline spinner tipped with a blueback herring should get you a bite. A deep-diving crankbait in a shad, perch or firetiger pattern will do wonders, too. 5) Check out the Walleye Fishing Seasonal Calendar on the Georgia DNR website. This helpful chart tells anglers where walleye fishing is best throughout the year. Lake Tugalo and Lake Yonah offer great walleye fishing year-round while some of the other lakes fluctuate on how well the fish bite. Be sure to check out the fishing tips included in the online Georgia DNR Walleye Fishing Guide. For more information, go to https://georgiawildlife.com/fishing/ walleye.
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Pure Shot Outdoors team members, from left, Isaac Avery, Laramy Barber and Hunter Graham show off their winning catch totaling 600.3 pounds. The U.S. Open Bowfishing Championship founder, John Paul Morris, holds the championship belt above the team.
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ainy April weather couldn’t keep 118 bowfishing teams from 23 states from competing in The U.S. Open Bowfishing Championship at Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in Bossier City, Louisiana. More than 58,000 pounds of rough fish, or 29 tons, were removed from eight area lakes and the Red River. The first place team, Pure Shot Outdoors, harvested 600.3 pounds and received $25,000 in cash, with each member receiving an AMS Bow.
The Texas team consisted of Isaac Avery, of Longview, Laramy Barber, of Sabine and Hunter Graham, of Henderson. “My teammates and I have fished this tournament for three years and have always strived to be at the top. Last Saturday we were able to put the big stringer of fish together for the win. Hard work and determination from all the team put us in the right spot at the right time. Thanks to Bass Pro Shops for hosting a tournament of this magnitude and allowing us to compete in something all bowfisherman love to do,” said Avery. The U.S. Open Bowfishing Championship is the largest event of its kind in the fast-growing sport of bowfishing. This year’s event featured the largest competition and biggest prizes in the tournament’s seven-year history. The championship purse included more than $100,000 worth of prizes and giveaways. A four-man team representing Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma won the Big Buffalo and Biggest Overall categories in addition to taking eighth place in the tournament. Team Obscure Adventures’ big fish weighed 73.3 pounds, and they scored an overall weight of 365.8 pounds. Their total cash payout was $9,530. The No Limit team from Center, Texas took fourth place in the tournament and won the Biggest Common Carp category with a 51.6-pound carp out of Toledo Bend. Their total weight of 402.2 pounds netted the four-man team $6,610. Team PossumCods, another four-man team from Texas, scored the Biggest Grass Carp category with a winning weight of 58.3 pounds and claimed the $3,200 cash prize. Besides being a fun weekend for participants and families, the bowfishing event provides lasting environmental benefits for area lakes. Bowfishing, combining elements of fishing with archery to harvest rough fish species, is one of the fastest growing sports in the outdoor industry. Unlike traditional game fishing, bowfishing uses specialized bows to target species including carp, buffalo and gar that plague lakes, rivers and streams around the country. Removing these undesirable species improves habitat conditions for native game fish.
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By Capt. Scott Fisher
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ne of the most anticipated times of the year has arrived in southwest Florida: tarpon season! Guides from around the state and anglers from all over the world come down to partake in the abundant tarpon fishery on Florida’s southern Gulf coast. The tarpon show up here each year to feed and spawn. Northwest of Fort Myers, Fla., Charlotte Harbor is particularly good for bait due to seemingly endless mangrove shorelines and extensive grass flats fed by two large rivers, the Peace and Myakka. With its large harbor and the deep Boca Grande Pass, Charlotte Harbor is also a good refuge when the tarpon spawn. It is not uncommon for tens of thousands of tarpon to migrate to the area starting in April. They’ll stick around even after they finish their spawn in early July, and then they’ll have just one thing on their minds. That is to feed! You’ve got to gear up to do battle with a silver king potentially weighing up to 200 pounds. A heavy spinning rod should be plenty, and you might even be able to get away with a medium-heavy depending on the area you fish. Couple this with a size 6000-plus spinning reel, something with around 30-pounds of max drag, spooled with 65-pound braided line. This is a fair-sized combo that allows you to fight the fish but still get it to the boat without overly exhausting it. A 50-pound fluorocarbon leader with a 7/0 circle hook will allow a clean hookset and enough strength and abrasion resistance to land the fish of a lifetime. Where you target these fish will usually dictate the baits you use. In the Charlotte Harbor area, I catch these fish using a dead mullet on the bottom up the Peace River or a half dollar-size blue crab off the beach. It all depends on bait in the area and the area being fished. Other baits anglers may choose are pinfish, shrimp and ladyfish or artificials. All of these methods work when applied
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in the right situation. During the tides around the new and full moons, we experience what we call “Hill tides” or a “crab flush.” These are the most exciting times to tarpon fish. Millions of small crabs are flushed out of Boca Grande Pass, which sends the tarpon into a feeding frenzy. The thousands of fish that congregate in the narrow pass take every opportunity to eat passing crabs. Matching the hatch provides much success, which means I’ll be using live crabs and drifting them as naturally as possible in the current. Going back to tackle, you want a setup that allows you to land fish without causing them to be overworked or too exhausted. That’s because predators like bull sharks show up to take advantage of the congregated tarpon and the large amount of bait flushing through the pass. Injured or tired tarpon make an easy meal for a hungry 12-foot bull shark! When you land one of these majestic tarpon, idle out of the pass and into shallower water to properly revive the fish before release. This will give it the best chance of survival so that we can ensure a healthy population for years to come. With tarpon season here, if you do not have suitable equipment, I suggest hiring a local guide to take you on what will truly be a trip of a lifetime. For more on tarpon fishing, look for upcoming seminars by following my Facebook page @ Facebook.com/Hookedoncharters or Instagram.com/hookedoncharters Capt. Scott Fisher is owner/operator of Hooked On Charters and operates out of Boca Grande Fla. Contact him at 941-258-5654 or www.hookedoncharters.com.
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slamorada in the Florida Keys has some of the finest and most consistent year-round swordfishing anywhere in the world. As captains out of Cape Coral, Fla., Bill Lussier and I contacted Capt. Nick Stanczyk, of Bud N’ Mary’s Marina in Islamorada, to take a casual trip and learn about daytime swordfishing. With a beautiful sunrise and a light breeze, we cruised in the Freeman 37’ “Broad Minded” toward the Gulf Stream. Upon arrival, the seas had risen to 5- to 6-feet about three to five seconds apart. Capt. Nick carefully chose his location before he and mate, Konnor Ross, laid out the first line in about 1,600 feet of water. Now, daytime swordfishing is challenging since 10-pound weights and more than 3,000 feet of line are sometimes necessary to reach proper depths while accounting for current and drift speed.
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FLY FISHING
By Capt. Debbie Lussier
Capt. Nick very carefully positioned the boat, and once he was happy with the position and drift of the first line, he sent out a second line with a buoy. The buoy had drifted about 100 yards from the boat when Capt. Nick said simply, “The buoy!” Then… “It’s big!” Immediately, we reeled in the first line to get it out of the way. Bill jumped on the buoy line and began to reel… and reel… and reel some more. Five and a half hours later, we got our first glimpse of the fish when it jumped about a quarter mile behind the boat. We could see it was big, but we didn’t realize how big because it was so far away. Two hours later, we got a better look at the monster. Each time Bill got the leader to the reel, the broadbill saw the boat and ripped off line Bill had fought so hard to gain. Capt. Nick busied himself keeping the line from touching the boat and keeping the fish from running under the boat. If at any point the line had touched the boat, it would have parted, and the fish would be gone. It felt like we were on a whirl ride at the carnival. We circled with the fish, and then in a flash it would streak away. Capt. Nick would turn the boat to cruise beside the fish until it dove toward the bottom. More than eight hours into the battle, Bill brought the giant fish boatside. It was still very blue in color and fresh. The fight would have continued, except the fish made the fatal mistake of swimming within range of Konner and his harpoon. Konner deftly stuck the fish in the backbone. After two darts and three gaffs, Capt. Nick was able to get a tail rope on this Jurassic fish, and the fight was over. It took a block and tackle and lots of brute strength to load the swordfish in the boat. Back at the docks, it weighed 757.8 pounds and measured 111 inches from the lower jaw to the fork of the tail. The bill was 40 inches long, even though part of it had previously broken off. To learn more about Capt. Nick Stanczyk, out of Bud N’ Mary’s Marina in Islamorada, Florida, go to daytimeswordfish.com.
FLY FISHING
Learn To Read A Fish Finder Or GPS
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f you’re a boat owner and you fly fish, at some point you’ll have to read a fishfinder/ global positioning system or GPS unit. The fishfinder/GPS unit is a key component to success when fishing in saltwater and on large freshwater reservoirs. Whether pinpointing schools of baitfish, locating structure points, reading water temperatures or getting you safely back to your launching site, this unit’s importance to the angler cannot be overstated. There are even portable models that allow for mounting on kayaks. Today’s fishing tackle stores and mail-order or online catalogs
optimum water temperatures.
stock numerous units from which you can choose, all units share similar features, the most important are the following:
ly, advances in weather predicting through the internet and handheld electronic devices, allow the angler to access any number of weather-predicting tools for upto-the-minute weather data. In many cases not exercising good sense can lead to a tragic ending. If you notice a potential storm on the horizon, run for shelter if you are fishing a beach or flat. If you are on the ocean, aim your bow toward safe harbor. Once the storm has passed, return to your fly fishing. A note of caution: Mother Nature is an unforgiving old woman, so always heed her warning signs. Be safe, not sorry. Today’s technology is responsible for the development of customer-friendly, easy-to-use electronics. Some units have more than proved their worth to the serious saltwater angler, not only finding fish but keeping anglers safe out on the water.
What To Look For In A Fishfinder 1) GPS for navigation: A GPS is not only a tool to get you to and from fishing areas but also your lifeline if bad conditions occur on the water. A GPS will get you back to the dock if you experience low visibility from fog or heavy rain. 2) Plotter: The plotter is a great tool to use when navigating to an area as well as getting back to a good fishing area. 3) Bathymetry mapping (locating underwater structure): The best way to locate drop-offs and underwater structure such as wrecks and artificial reefs. 4) Sonar: Critical for locating baitfish and game fish. 5) Water temperature: For finding temperature breaks and
When The Weather Goes South! Changing weather patterns are an expected and accepted component of saltwater fly fishing. Weather conditions change quickly and unpredictably. An unthreatening blue-sky day, with little warning, can be replaced by scudding, ominous black clouds producing lightning, torrential rains and quite often off-thechart winds. This is an uncontrollable circumstance faced by those of us who saltwater fly fish. Lucki-
For more Bowman, go to
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atch any group of fishermen and one or two always stand out from the others in terms of getting more strikes and catching more fish. If you monitor their approach and their movements, it’s difficult to detect anything different from other anglers, but you can bet it’s there. I call this “The Touch,” and it covers every phase of the sport from hooking a fish to landing it. Two anglers standing side by side are fishing the same artificial lures. One man enjoys several strikes and hooks a couple of fish while his partner can’t buy a strike. The only difference in their retrieves is that the successful angler is vibrating his wrist while he retrieves the plug. That causes the lure to flash under water, and that’s the touch that produces a positive result. In a similar situation fishing topwater plugs, it turns out the angler getting the strikes retrieves the lure like everyone else, but he pauses for an instant during the retrieve, which allows the plug to rise slightly. The same touch is just as important with natural baits (dead or alive) as it is with artificials. How and where you present a bait makes a significant difference. Baits should be changed frequently whether they are live or dead. Fish face into the current or they swim against it. Positioning a boat to take advantage of the local current is vital, and you also need to consider spring tides and neap tides as well as the daily rise and fall. Even when you are trolling, the key is to work in and out to change water depth and work both sides of a current. Keep in mind that water depth is a prime factor in determining where fish will be. Locating the right depth and area is
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part of the touch. W h e n you rig, you want the lightest and shortest leader that makes sense. Every hook must be sharpened to perfection. Eliminate as much hardware as you can. If a sinker is necessary, opt for the smallest one that will do the job. A bait that bounces along the bottom is much more effective than one anchored to a single spot. If your rods are custom built or can be modified, shorten the butt. That allows you to reduce the fatigue on your arms when battling an oversized denizen. When a fish takes a bait or lure, don’t swing the rod as if it were a baseball bat. Point the tip directly at the spot where the line enters the water and let the fish start to move off. Then, just lock the pre-set drag and the fish will hook itself. One critical aspect of battling a strong fish centers on the use of side pressure. Most anglers keep the rod in a vertical position when fighting a fish, pumping upwards to draw the fish closer and regain line. When the fish gets a reasonable distance away, the use of side pressure is much more effective. The key lies in holding the rod waist high and parallel to the water. If the fish is swimming to the right, you want to try to force it to turn and swim to the left. Each time it turns, it gets closer to the boat or to shore. The Touch covers all aspects of fishing. It is composed of countless little things that give the angler a decided advantage when put together. Once you begin to master it, you can bet you will get more strikes and catch more fish.
For more from Mark Sosin, visit
CAMFISHING.COM
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the eader Every pened ate as u can. y, opt that t that ottom than single
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Sheri Daye
hatever your sport or hobby, you probably owe a debt of gratitude to those who helped you get started. Mentors are especially important when it comes to hunting, because they teach you how to be stewards of the land or ocean. I was fortunate to find great mentors in the spearfishing club that I joined early on. They were generous with their advice, and the lessons stay with me to this day. Here are a few examples, some of which can be applied to other areas of life: 1) One of my earliest memories was of Bruce letting me take the shot on my first grouper. After shooting, the fish holed up in some rocks, as groupers tend to do. In my excitement, I rushed to extract it, exhausting myself and risking a tear-off by pulling on the shaft too hard. Bruce motioned for me to calm down, assess the situation, let the grouper tire, and then gently pull it out. His advice worked like a charm. In other words, there’s no need to rush—time is on your side. 2) When diving for lobsters with my friend Dave, a professional lobsterman, he laughed at my first attempts. He advised that before starting to extract the lobster with the net and tickle stick, “get your butt out of the air!” In other words, get better situated by letting the air out of your BC and planting your knees in the sand. He said, “Keep in mind that lobsters are like cattle. You can prod them where you want them to go, so take your time and herd them into the net.” Again, I needed to take my time and use my head. 3) When I started to freedive deeper and go for bigger fish, I had the privilege of diving with Chad, a top diver. I absorbed a lot just by watching. He had smooth, calm technique when stalking and strong, purposeful maneuvers when subduing. I learned how to avoid loops in the line, how to handle sharks, the best shot placement. I most appreciate the fact that he never treated me like a girl, and he didn’t
take over if I was fighting a big fish. A good mentor lets you experience struggles and triumphs, praises you when you do well, and gives advice when needed. There comes a time in a hunter’s life when you’ve been through the stages, and your satisfaction comes more from the total hunting experience—being outdoors, enjoying friends, seeing the beauty of nature, and passing on what you’ve learned. Remember to thank your mentors and consider paying them back by taking someone new under your wing. Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer of “The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo” in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.
Sheri Daye with mentors Dave Earp and Chad Palan.
For more Sheri Daye go to,
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Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return. It’s good advice that’ll ensure someone looks for you if you don’t come home from your next outdoor adventure. But in many instances, when rescuers go out searching for a missing person, they’re scouring the woods or waters for a dead body. Time means everything in an emergency situation. If you get into trouble miles from shore or deep in the backcountry, you need help immediately, not hours or days later when someone notices you’re missing. That’s why carrying a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is a very good idea. It’s an investment in your safety that you’ll hopefully never need to use. ACR Electronics recently launched its Next-Gen ResQLink View PLB, which is their first unit with a digital display. Using survivor feedback from users who have actually activated their beacons in lifethreatening situations, ACR tweaked the design of their worldwide best-selling PLBs to make them more user-friendly and functional. Coastal Angler Magazine recently got its hands on one of these life-saving little gadgets, and although we were tempted, we restrained from pressing the Activation Button that would immediately alert and deploy U.S. Coast Guard rescue personnel to our offices. ACR ResQLink PLBs have a proven track record. Operating on multiple satellite systems with exceptional power and reliability, users can expect their beacon to be located within five minutes of activation, within 350 feet, 95 percent of the time. Just holding the device provides peace of mind that if something were to happen, help would be on the way.
Although we couldn’t call in the cavalry, we were able to experience the unobtrusive footprint of this indispensible piece of gear. About 5 inches long and weighing just 5 ounces, it easily slides into a pocket. It’s clips snuggly onto a backpack or life jacket, and it was out of the way on the water. In fact, we forgot it was there when the fish started biting. The simplicity of use was also very apparent. Pushing the test button prompts the display to tell you the PLB is in working order, and activating the beacon is as simple flicking the antenna out, which uncovers a bright red activation button. Even suffering from injury, hypothermia or being tossed by waves, a person in distress could activate the PLB with just one hand. It’s worth noting that ACR has added an infra-red strobe light to go along with an ultra-bright strobe to assist rescue crews using night vision goggles. The digital display screen? When activated, it displays all the beacon’s operational activities, including GPS coordinates, operating instructions, usage tips, transmission bursts and battery power. It let’s you know it’s working and that assistance will arrive soon. With military durability and worldwide coverage with no subscription, the ResQLink View and the ResQLink 400—which has everything but the display screen—are reasonably priced for technology that could save your life. There’s no reason not to have one on you next time you’re deep in the woods or out on the water. For more information, go to www.acrartex.com.
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CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 26
MAY 2019
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
4/17/19 10:55 AM
HIGH PERFORMANCE TRAILER COMPONENTS
Rent This Fisherman’s Dream!
TORSION AXLE WITH REMOVABLE SPINDLE
■ Built-in forged brake flange ■ Replaceable spindles reduce down
time and expensive axle replacement ■ Stainless steel wear sleeve eliminates corrosion and provides a longer seal/ bearing life
Waterfront Canal Home with a Boat Dock on the remote Withlacoochee River! House Includes: 3 Bedroom 1 1/2 Bathroom Sleeps 6 Internet/Cable • Fully Equiped Kitchen Washer and Dryer Hair Dryer Parking Pet friendly Outdoor Grill • Much more!
• • • •
■ 100,000 mile or 6-year
Pregreased with Lucas Oil Products Marine Grease
limited warranty ■ “No Touch” lubrication system ■ No maintenance required
• • • • •
www.dexteraxle.com
EXPERIENCE THE
FIGHT!
This Property is a Fisherman’s Dream! Come dock your boat behind the house and get ready for scallop season! Enjoy the serene outdoors or take your boat directly to the Gulf of Mexico and enjoy some fishing!
Full Variable Speed Control Powerful Brushless Motor Retains Handle Function Digital Line Counter Auto Stop, 12/24VDC Compact & Sleek Design
855-HOOK-ONE
Go to VRBO.com and look for listing #1387064 email tracybythebeach@gmail.com or call 305-849-1226 Spring and Summer Specials Available Now!
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 27
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MAY 2019
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4/17/19 10:55 AM
Why Bass Get Away
BO-JO
the
TIPS FROM A PRO
FRESHWATER BRANDON LESTER
W
hen a fish gets off, it’s many times due to a poor hookset. However, even a fish that’s hooked solidly can shake free. Slack in the line is the main reason for hooks coming out of a fish’s mouth. Slack can come from several factors. Let’s look at three basic scenarios. • The fish swimming directly at you very quickly • The fish getting the line wrapped in cover • The fish jumping Sometimes a fish will make a hard run at the boat. Often this results in slack line and the hook coming out. A high-speed reel and quick recognition of the situation are key to keeping slack out of the line. A longer rod will help keep a tight line and pressure on the bass. Depending on your surroundings, you can also keep the line tight by walking backwards. In addition to the potential for line breakage, fish getting into cover can cause slack in the line. Once a fish turns its head with the line tight against cover, there’s potential for slack to form. Keep heavy pressure on the fish when it buries up in cover, and get it out into open water as quickly as possible. That’s another plus to a powerful hookset; it gets that fish moving in the right direction. Losing a fish when it jumps and throws the bait can really break your heart. Your best bet is to do everything possible to keep a bass from jumping in the first place. Sticking the rod tip down in the water will often keep a bass from jumping. Turning the fish quickly in the opposite direction as he begins to warm up for a leap will also keep its head down and eliminate a jump. Probably the most obvious way for fish to get off is for your line to break. Line breaks either because it gets damaged or it will break at the knot. Breaking at the knot is very discouraging. One tip to reduce this occurrence is to wet the line when cinching down the knot, especially with fluorocarbon. You also need to be proficient at several different knots. There are apps online that explain knots for each situation. The Palomar knot is the strongest knot and is useful for a wide variety of situations. The pound test line you use has to be paired with the proper power rod and the proper sized hook. Use the line weight rating on your rod’s specifications as a starting point. A stout 5/0 Mustad Grip Pin 3X Max flipping hook needs line that is at least 20 pound test or greater. Lighter line is going to be better for smaller hooks, fished on medium-power rods. My brand of rods, MHX, has the suggested line sizes on the blanks when you purchase at www. mudhole.com. Quality line you can trust is also important. Vicious No Fade Braid (www.GetVicious.com) is a line I highly recommend. It’s not going to break, and it’s also going to keep its dark green color over multiple fishing seasons.
fISHLIGHT
�e U ltimate Fish Attractor!
FREE Shipping!
Wa t c h o u r 1 - M i n u t e V i d e o by scanning the barcode or...
visit Bo-JoF ishlight.com ... or call 478-951-1490
“If you or someone you know has a pond, lake or boat-dock, get a BO-JO FISHLIGHT! The best fish attractor I’ve ever seen!” - Fish Fishburne
Electronics Box/ Lockable Storage Life Jacket Storage Bag Folds for Storage
For more on Lester visit,
NATIONAL
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MAY 2019
I
Rocket Launchers Integrated Grab Rails
More Than Just A Folding T-Top • Universal for any center console 24-50” wide • Many options to customize your T-Top • Install it yourself or by a Fishmaster dealer • Folds twice for storage, low clearance, or HOA compliance
877-777-8693
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM Fishmaster Angler Ad.indd 1
CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 28
Weather Protection
FISHMASTER.COM/ANGLER
FISHINGMAGAZINE.FISHING 28
Angler/Coastal Angler special offer! Hook a 19% discount! Enter coupon: CA19
3/25/2019 10:23:58 AM
4/17/19 10:55 AM
FRESHWATER
O
T
er
FishLight.com
!
o .
m
90
w ock, T!
n April, on the same stage where Bassmaster Elite Series pros were weighing in during the Lake Hartwell tournament, 2019 Bass Fishing Hall of Fame inductee Davy Hite was surprised by the South Carolina Senate with a resolution honoring his career. Rep. Jay West, acting on behalf of the resolution’s sponsors, Sen. Michael Gambrell and Sen. Floyd Nicholson, made clear that Hite was being honored not just for his angling exploits, which include the 1999 Bassmaster Classic title, the 1998 Forrest Wood Cup, and the 1997 and 2002 Bassmaster Angler of the Year awards. He certainly cited those achievements, but added that his prior career in the National Guard and subsequent career as a broadcaster and his role as a steward of our natural resources also justified this recognition. Hite attended his first Bassmaster Classic as a spectator in 1996 and had a dream “just to maybe qualify for one.” Instead, he visited the Classic stage 14 times during a career that earned him nearly $2 million in B.A.S.S. winnings alone. “When you get to fish for a living, and now get to talk about fishing for a living, it’s a great thing,” Hite said onstage. He will be formally added to the rolls of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame at its annual induction dinner at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Mo., on Sept. 19. For information, go to www.BassFishingHOF.com or contact BFHOF executive director Barbara Bowman at bfhof.barbara@gmail.com.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
B.A.S.S Photo
r!
Catch More Memories I
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MAY 2019
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NATIONAL
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10:23:58 AM
CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 29
4/17/19 10:56 AM
Learn more + find your local NuCanoe dealer at www.nucanoe.com | 888.226.6310
GLAMPING! • Wire Support System • Waterproof • 5 Foot Sidewalls • Zippered Front and Back Door
541-316-8368 info@elkmountaintents.com 30
NATIONAL
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MAY 2019
I
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Old Town Discovery 119 Solo Sportsman
For 2019, Old Town has unveiled an innovative new solo canoe, the Discovery 119 Solo Sportsman. Combining the best of both worlds, this hybrid canoe, packed with fishing and hunting-specific features, offers the simplicity and utility of a classic solo canoe with the agility and sleek handling of a kayak. The super stable design and lightweight body presents the perfect easy-to-transport watercraft for a day of fishing or hunting. The Discovery 119 Solo Sportsman is a cutting edge take on one of Old Town’s most beloved solo canoes, the Discovery 119. The Solo Sportsman features exceptional comfort and stability, with a kayak-style contoured seat complete with an adjustable backrest and a built-in cup holder. Padded armrests and adjustable foot braces provide multi-purpose functionality and customization. The Discovery 119 Solo Sportsman includes two flush mount rod holders, a recessed thwart accessory track for complete customization, and molded in tray storage for tackle and shotgun shells. The open and spacious hull provides ample storage for decoys, rods, tackle and a trusted dog. This innovative new boat comes with a lifetime hull warranty.
www.oldtowncanoe.com/solosportsman
Gim dan exp men use part turn with to c Hyp Offe nam
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
4/17/19 10:56 AM
SZ_Q2 Pro
Start the new boating season off right with the Ultimate 4-Stroke Outboard from Suzuki. Buy during our Spring Sales Event and get Suzuki’s 3-Year Limited Warranty plus 3 years of Extended Protection at no extra charge.There are Instant Savings on select models, and Low-Rate Financing is also available. See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer for all the details.
3 Years Limited Warranty + 3 Years Extended Protection
Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 350 HP.
INSTA
SAVINNT GS SAV
SELECE RIGHT N T SUZ UKI O OW ON UTBO ARDS
REPOWER FINANCE
Instant Savings on select models when you buy during this promotion. See your dealer for details.
Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards on approved credit.* [60 Months]
To learn more, visit www.suzukimarine.com. Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 04/01/19 and 06/30/19 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. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 04/01/19 and 06/30/19. 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. (Suzuki will, in turn, credit Dealer’s parts account.) 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 credit worthiness. $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 04/01/19 and 06/30/19. “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. © 2019 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
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CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 31 SZ_Q2 Promo_1PG_WIP.indd 1
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MAY 2019
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4/17/19 10:56 AM 3/15/19 2:26 PM
SUPER COUPON OVER 5,000 5 STAR REVIEWS Customer Rating
1,000+ Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com
BEATS
SUPER COUPON
WARN
12,000 LB. TRUCK/SUV WINCH
Customer Rating
NOW
9 $2999
12,000 LB.
CAPACITY
YES
EFFICIENT SERIES WOUND MOTOR
YES
YES
DUST AND WATER RESISTANT WINCH
YES
4.4
LOADED LINE SPEED (FPM)
3.6
AUTO LOAD BRAKE
YES
YES
CABLE TENSIONER
NO
3/8"
CABLE DIAMETER
3/8"
359
AMP DRAW @ 12,000 LBS
457
399 99
$
SAVE $421
PRICE
*61826006 * 61826006 *WARN 96820 stated specs
26" x 22" SINGLE BANK 72" x 80" EXTRA DEEP CABINETS MOVING ALL CABINETS ALL SIZES BLANKET ALL COLORS
Customer Rating
$5 99
COMPARE TO
19
MODEL: 77280
SAVE 70%
8
$ 99
Customer Rating
SAVE $1,470
$279
COMPARE TO
SNAP-ON $
1,750
ITEM 64434 64433 shown
BLACK
ITEM 64432 64431 shown
ITEM 56234 56104 shown
99
ORANGE
ITEM 56235 56105 shown
299
*61718875 * 61718875
$ 99 *61719360 * 61719360
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 9/3/19*
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 9/3/19*
ITEM 69505/62418/66537 shown
MODEL: KRA4008FPBO
SUPER COUPON
YELLOW
ITEM 56233 56106 shown
2 HP GAS POWERED RECIPROCATING SAW EARTH AUGER WITH 6" BIT WITH ROTATING HANDLE
SUPER COUPON
MECHANIC'S GLOVES Customer Rating
RED
ITEM 64163 64162 shown
GREEN
YOUR CHOICE OF COLOR
Cannot be used with other discounts or prior purchases. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 9/3/19 while supplies last. Limit 1 FREE GIFT per customer per day.
SUPER COUPON BLUE
SUPER COUPON
$4
COMPARE TO
14
214
SAVE $169
6" DIA x 31" L
NOW
$1 7999
COMPARE TO
$
34998
EARTHQUAKE MODEL: E43, EA6F
ITEM 56257/63022 shown
Blade sold separately.
COMPARE TO
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 9/3/19*
SUPER COUPON
PORTER-CABLE $ 98
SAVE 66%
59
MODEL: PCE360
ITEM 65570/61884/62370 shown
$1 9 $
28
99
*61731361 * 61731361
*61740142 * 61740142
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 9/3/19*
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 9/3/19*
SUPER COUPON
SAVE $370 $359 COMPARE TO
HONDA
AWP
19
NOW
8
98
$ 99
MODEL: 3L-2216
ITEM 38168/62163/62349/61467 shown
99
$4
SUNFORCE
$
292
44
MODEL: 50180
ITEM 64335/63585 shown
$
MODEL 9800 Customer Rating
$1 49
99
22 80 SAVE 69%
ITEM 63094/90984/60405/63056/63057/63150/61524 shown
*61745772 * 61745772
Custome
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 9/3/19*
SUPER COUPON
SAVE $142 $ 19999
$1 0999 $14999 COMPARE TO $
PELICAN
12" DUAL-BEVEL SLIDING COMPOUND MITER SAW NOW
$13999
NOW
26999 SAVE $160
MODEL: IK-226758
$
18999
COMPARE TO
ITEM 64520
Case contents and locks not included.
• Laser guide
229
80 PROFESSIONAL $ WOODWORKER MODEL: 8637
Blade sold separately.
SAVE $89
Customer Rating
ITEM 69684/61776/61970/56597/61969 shown
*61766714 * 61766714
*61773450 * 61773450
*61777763 * 61777763
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 9/3/19*
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 9/3/19*
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 9/3/19*
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
200 LUMENS LED SUPER BRIGHT FLIP LIGHT • Wireless, tool-free and easy installation
Customer Rating
SAVE 55%
NOW
COMPARE TO
ROUGHNECK $ 99 MODEL: 27918
$
56 $39 99
ITEM 60343/67338 shown
99
4
$ 49
NOW
$299
COMPARE TO
PROMIER $ 99
4
MODEL: SW-SWITCH-12/24
SAVE $58
COMPARE TO
$54
CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 32 hft_coastalangler_0519_spread_M-REG163327.indd 2
• 1.3 • Adju
$
$
$
NOW
6799
BUFFALO BLACK BULL $ 35
ITEM 64189/64723/63922 shown
ITEM 38119/62520/60238 shown
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 9/3/19*
1750 PRES
Customer Rating
MODEL: DP5UL
*NATIONAL 61785837 * *61797610 * *61806780* • THEANGLERMAG.COM6 1 8 0 6 7 8 0 6 1 7 8 5 8I3 7MAY 2019 I COASTALANGLERMAG.COM 61797610 LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 9/3/19*
1500 WATT DUAL TEMPERATURE HEAT GUN (572°/1112°)
99
SAVE 40%
113
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating
8", 5 SPEED BENCHTOP DRILL PRESS NOW
COMPA
CELES
MODEL: 5505
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 9/3/19*
Customer Rating
32
COMPARE TO
COMPARE TO
KEEPER
1199
*61758127 * 61758127
2 PIECE 1500 LB. CAPACITY VEHICLE DOLLIES
89
WATERTIGHT PROTECTIVE CASE • 50-3/8" L 13-5/8" W 5-1/8" H
NOW
NOW
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating
Tools sold separately.
COMPARE TO $
MODEL: GX390UT2QAA2
ITEM 60349/60340 shown ITEM 69736, CALIFORNIA ONLY
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 9/3/19*
Customer Rating
SAVE 75%
68999
Customer Rating
$
*61741660 * 61741660
100 WATT SOLAR PANEL KIT
12" TOOL BAG WITH 21 POCKETS
$
SAV 72%
$699
9 99 1 3 $ 99
99
12
SUPER COUPON
13 HP (420 CC) OHV 4 PIECE, 1" x 15 FT. HORIZONTAL SHAFT RATCHETING TIE DOWNS GAS ENGINE • 400 lb. working load NOW
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$
Wheel kit and battery sold separately.
• Includes electric start
Customer Rating
• 16 f
9 $5299 $59999
MODEL: EB6500X1AT
*61730250 * 61730250
Customer Rating
99
2,669
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 9/3/19*
• Drill speeds up to 320 RPM
$
NOW
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SOLA
ITEM 6
*61721640 * 61721640 Customer Rating
399
MODEL: H
COMPA
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ITEM 62434, 62426, 62433, 62432, 62429, 64178, 64179, 62428 shown
MODEL: 25521
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$
SAVE 66%
VALEO $ 99
SUPER COUPON
8750 MAX. STARTING/ Customer Rating 7000 RUNNING WATTS 13 HP (420 CC) GAS GENERATOR • GFCI outlets
99
5
Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, safes, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trencher/backhoe, welders, Admiral, Ames, Bauer, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Diamondback, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 9/3/19.
ITEM 63086/68530/56169/56171/63085 shown ITEM 68525/63088/56168/56170/63087 CALIFORNIA ONLY
NOW
$ 99
60" H WITH
*61706632 * 61706632
13
PERFORMANCE $ 52 MODEL: W2364 TOOL
72099
SUPER COUPON
BLUE HAWK $ 99
COMPARE TO
$
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 9/3/19*
NOW
ANY SINGLE ITEM*
ALL IN A SINGLE SUPER POWERFUL LIGHT
WARN 96820
*61712595 * 61712595
ITEM 64045/64046/63770 shown
WITH ANY PURCHASE
• Super-Strong, Ultra-Lightweight Composite Plastic • Magnetic Base & 360° Swivel Hook for Hands-Free Operation • 3- AAA Batteries (included) • 144 Lumens
12,000 LB.
YES
20% OFF
FREE
SUPER BRIGHT LED /SMD WORK LIGHT/FLASHLIGHT
*
SUPER COUPON
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 9/3/19*
$8
COMPARE TO
BLACK+DECKER $ 06
28
MODEL: HG1300
SAVE 67% $
99
14
99
ITEM 35776/62340/62546/63104/96289 shown
*61821937 * 61821937 LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 9/3/19*
4/17/19 10:56 AM
99
COMPA
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ANY SINGLE ITEM*
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399
MODEL: H7723
$1 1 999
SAVE $279 $14999
ITEM 63395/93454/69054/62603 shown
NOW
99
$12
COMPARE TO
SAVE $1599 724 48% ITEM 63750/63181 shown
GAME WINNER $ 99
24
MODEL: CT8850PDB, CTB8185BK, CTC720
MODEL: FSGWHE1030
*61834802 * 61834802
*61842725 * 61842725
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 9/3/19*
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 9/3/19*
• 16 ft. of LED lamps
$
SAVE 72%
$
COMPARE TO
HAMPTON BAY
32
97
Customer Rating
MODEL: 84130
ITEM 62533/63941/64625/68353 shown
COMPARE TO
290
75 SHELTER $ MODEL: 76377 LOGIC
$
120 $ 19999
ITEM 62859/63055/62860 shown
DRIVE ITEM 1/4" 61277/63881/2696/94735 Item 239 3/8" 61276/63880/807/94892 shown 1/2" 62431/63882/239/94850 E YOUR CHOIC COMPARE TO
HUSKY $ 97
SAVE 88% $1999
89
MODEL: H2DTWA
SUPER COUPON
CLICK-TYPE 17 FT. TYPE IA TORQUE WRENCHES MULTI-TASK LADDER
Customer Rating
$9
99
• • • •
$
Versatile - 24 configurations Safe + Secure + Stable Super Strong - Holds 300 lbs. Weighs 34 lbs.
W
13999 $1N0O999
COMPARE TO
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298
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MODEL: XE M17
Customer Rating
ITEM 67646/62514/63418/63419/63417 shown
*61852117 * 61852117
*61857701 * 61857701
*61871655 * 61871655
*61879910 * 61879910
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 9/3/19*
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 9/3/19*
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 9/3/19*
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 9/3/19*
SUPER COUPON
NOW
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COMPARE TO
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99
$ 99 72 99 SAVE 45% 49
MODEL: 14593491
ITEM 62774
Customer Rating
$1 999
$
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3999
COMPARE TO
Customer Rating
MODEL: 2000020293
K TOOL
$
5587 SAVE 37% $4699
MODEL: KTI61205
ITEM 38847/69596/62393/61197 shown
ITEM 62314/63066/66383 shown
*61881257 * 61881257
*61885511 * 61885511
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 9/3/19*
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 9/3/19*
524 shown
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$
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MODEL: 430/EHP
r Rating
5999
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$
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Customer Rating
NOW
ITEM 64715/64478/63287 shown
99
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*61892110 * 61892110
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17999 $15499
$
$ $
$
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139
99 Customer Rating COMPARE TO $ HOBART MODEL: 77054 $
2997 SAVE 66%
MODEL: 1467H
ITEM 61610/63122/91214 shown
ITEM 63711/98563/61585/62387/47257 shown
*61895471 * 61895471
*61904218 * 61904218
*61911056 * 61911056
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 9/3/19*
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 9/3/19*
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 9/3/19*
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 9/3/19*
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• 1.3 GPM • Adjustable spray nozzle
NOW
$79
$
$
MODEL: PROTAC 1L
*61893067 * 61893067
1750 PSI ELECTRIC PRESSURE WASHER
Rating
COMPARE TO
STREAMLIGHT
6" DIGITAL CALIPER
$9
$999
ITEM 64799/63934 shown
NOW
1499
RADIANS
NOW
SUPER COUPON
99
COMPARE TO
SAVE 83%
LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 9/3/19*
NOISE CANCELING 40 VOLT LITHIUM CORDLESS ELECTRONIC EAR MUFFS 14" BRUSHLESS CHAIN SAW Customer Rating NOW
$1 1
5"
*61891715 * 61891715
SUPER COUPON Customer Rating
Customer Rating
NOW
SAVE $2999 50%
COLEMAN
SUPER COUPON
6 TON HEAVY DUTY 588 LUMENS TACTICAL STEEL JACK STANDS FLASHLIGHT
20-60 x 60mm HEAVY DUTY FOLDABLE SPOTTING SCOPE ALUMINUM WITH TRIPOD SPORTS CHAIR Customer Rating NOW
9
499
99 9 6 1 $ SAVE
5799
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 9/3/19*
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NOW
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*61848009 * 61848009
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Customer Rating
$8 99
$3999
98
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 9/3/19*
1299 NOW
YOUR CHOICE
SAVE • Air delivery: 0.6 CFM @ 90 PSI 59% $ 62 COMPARE TO PORTER-CABLE MODEL: PCFP02003
*61845333 * 61845333
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SOLAR ROPE LIGHT
ON
9
ITEM 63537/64195/63852 shown
SUPER COUPON
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B. PANCAKE
Customer Rating
9 $2399 $26999
COMPARE TO
ITEM 69269/97080 shown ITEM 61615/60637 95275 shown
NOW
SAVE $484
A. HOT DOG
B
• 4.0 amp hour battery
99
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3 GALLON, 100 PSI OIL-FREE AIR COMPRESSORS
.50 CAL METAL 20 VOLT LITHIUM CORDLESS Customer Rating A AMMO CAN EXTREME TORQUE Customer Rating 1/2" IMPACT WRENCH KIT
60" HARDWOOD WORKBENCH Customer Rating WITH 4 DRAWERS
battery tely.
99
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9999
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99
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44 SAVE $94 BRIGGS & $ STRATTON MODEL: 20600 ITEM 63255/63254 shown
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1782-18B Coastal Angler.indd 1 COMMON CVRS_0419.indd 3
For: Coastal Angler
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NEW FROM THE ALL NEW
Introducing the newest member of the NauticStar family: the 32 XS Offshore. This outstanding saltwater
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IT’SXS CRAZY 32 COOL! OFFSHORE
With its 10’ 6” beam, the 32 XS Offshore offers a [a] spacious and comfortable bow that features a large forward lounge seat and plush wrap-around seating. The head console has a fully lined interior with a stainless steel sink, SeaDek® floor and electricSEE flush porcelain toilet. [b] IT It has a large helm station to allow for dual 12-inch (standard) or 16-inch AT THE MIAMI INTL (optional) multifunction displays. [c] The leaning post features ergoBOAT SHOW nomically correct Llebrock® double billfish seats with flip-up bolsters BOOTH A237 and pivot arms. [d] It has a sink, tackle storage, and a slide-out, 35 Qt. YETI® cooler or optional refrigerator. The D-channel, integrated T-top can be fitted with a variety of options such as a retractable shade, and folddown cockpit television. Aft, the jump seats flip-up for a roomy fishing deck with [e] port and starboard 8.8 cu.ft. in-floor fish boxes and large port side dive door.
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Call (662) 200-4664 or visit our website:
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Factoryinstalled installedwith with Factory
NauticStarBoats.com Some photos shown with optional equipment
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