Coastal Angler Magazine | April 2023 | The Florida Keys Edition

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MAHI A Few Facts About Everyone’s Favorite Fish

By CAM Sta

On the end of a line or wrapped up in a tortilla, dolphin sh are a worldwide fan favorite. Here are a few facts you might not have known about mahi-mahi:

• What’s in a Name? Mahi-mahi is the Hawaiian term for the sh historically called dolphin or dolphin sh in the mainland United States. In Polynesian “mahi” means “strong,” and “mahi-mahi” translates to very strong. Although most U.S. scientist still refer to the species as dolphin sh, the term mahi has become more

prevalent in recent years, perhaps through foodsh marketing or to avoid confusion with the mammal also called dolphin.

Spanish speakers typically refer to the same sh as “dorado,” which means “golden.” Obviously, this comes from the sh’s color, and dorado is also used widely in the Paci c as well as in English-speaking South Africa.

Dolphin sh are found in all the world’s tropical and subtropical oceans. ey go by many names in many languages. ey are Shiira in Japanese, goldmakrele in German, lambuka in Arabic… and the list goes on.

• All the Pretty Colors: Dolphin sh are revered for their gorgeous colors, which change according to their excitement level. ey can change colors and even icker from day-glow green and yellow with blue highlights to lighter blue and metallic silver over the course of a ght. As soon as you pull them out of the water, this brilliance begins to fade. ese changing colors are due to cells called chromatophores in their skin. Chromatophores re ect light, contain pigment, and are controlled by central nervous system, which gives mahi their awesome chameleon-like abilities.

• Rabbit of the Sea: Part of the allure of mahi for anglers is their prevalence. When they are around, there are usually a lot of them around. ey grow quickly and reproduce proli cally, like rabbits. Dolphin sh can grow up to 3 inches in a week and reach sexual maturity in just ve or six months. ey spawn two or three times a year, and each female can release up to a million eggs during each cycle.

• Size Matters: While smaller “peanut” mahi travel and feed in giant schools, larger individuals cruise in smaller packs of two to ve sh. e average dolphin only lives two or three years, and they have a lifespan of ve to seven years. e IGFA all-tackle world record weighed 87 pounds and was caught o Costa Rice in 1976.

• Speed: Dolphin sh are estimated to swim up to 50 nautical mph, which allows them to feed on pretty much anything they can t in their mouths. is includes their little brothers and sisters.

• Management: It’s usually bad news for anglers when the federal acronyms pay special attention to a species. However, years of declining catches have led Florida shermen to call for tighter regulations for dolphin sh in the Atlantic. Currently, NOAA and SAFMC are looking at options.

Florida boasts some of the best dolphin shing in the world. e sharp multi-year decline in the shery is alarming. Last year, while SAFMC mulled potential regulations changes in federal waters, Florida preemptively slashed limits in state waters by half—from 10 sh to ve sh per person, with the vessel limit dropping from 60 to 30 sh per day.

SAFMC did not follow suit. With opposition to tighter regulations from North Carolina, where dolphin shing appears to be getting better, the per-person bag limit in federal waters of the South Atlantic remained at 10 sh per person, while the daily vessel limit was modi ed from 60 sh to 54 sh. ere is a minimum size limit of 20 inches in federal waters o South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. ere is no minimum size limit o North Carolina.

Many Florida anglers were stunned by the decision to pretty much allow federal regulations to remain as they were. Changes, however, are likely on the way. NOAA/SAFMC have initiated a “management strategy evaluation” with a stated goal of annually determining dolphin sh supply before allocating harvest equally to di erent regions and user groups. We might get a look at what that means by 2024.

• Grocery Shopping: Most of the mahi-mahi you nd in restaurants or at the grocery store comes from the Paci c. In the South Atlantic, just seven percent of the total catch limit is allocated to commercial shing.

MAKE IT A DOUBLE!

Tim Barefoot

A“double tackle” is what I call rigging two lures on the same main line. In certain situations, this appearance of a school of eeing bait sh or shrimp is irresistible to predators, and I’ve got a clean and simple way to rig a double tackle.

is the time of year, a double tackle can be deadly in inshore sheries. Spring brings huge schools of small, immature bait rolling up the creeks o the Intracoastal. ey push into the shallow bays and up the rivers trying to nd a place to hide from all the predators. Rigging two identical baits together can be irresistible to predator sh, and at the same it confuses them. I think sh look at this tackle, with baits zigging and zagging, and are forced to decide which one to eat, rather than whether or not to eat.

ere is always the possibility of catching two tackle. It happens a lot.

Speckled trout, striped bass and American shad are a few likely candidates for this tackle. Spring trout sometimes key on juvenile shrimp, and this tackle is a dead-ringer for the job. American and hickory shad are complete idiots for this tackle, as they stage in tight schools and you o en catch doubles. For the speckled trout, I like a 3-inch DOA Shrimp. For shad, I prefer small so -plastic worms.

Depending on water clarity, I sh 20- to 30-pound uoro for trout and 8- to 12-pound uoro for shad. is a very ne line between using a uoro light enough to get the bite and heavy enough to withstand the force of two sh yanking against each other on the line. e knot that connects everything together is pretty simple, but it takes a little practice to get it just right. It is a must to moisten the uoro when cinching the knot

down tight, as it will cut itself if it’s not wet. Test your knots, pulling hard on them, before use.

I’m going to get sporty this year and make a double-squid tackle for the black n tuna. I may get two at once, but that’s a gamble I’m willing to take. Stay in touch to my YouTube channel for video featuring the black ns. I think the black n tackle will be made with 50-pound uoro.

Regardless of the lure, I use jig heads that make baits walk the dog underwater like a Gotsh the front lure with a jig head, and it zigs and zags with the same cadence of the trailing lure, which has no jig head, just a hook. O en the trailing bait gets the bite.

I’m not going into a lengthy explanation in writing about how to make this tackle, but will show an up-close detailed video that explains this simple knot and rigging completely.

To see video instructions on rigging Tim Barefoot’s double tackle, go to https://youtu.be/FsdUGwyM9c4. For more, visit barefootcatsandtackle.com.

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Catch More Springtime Crappie

By TAM Sta

It’s the time of year when crappie shing can get mighty easy. However, you can always strive to load the cooler with more and bigger sh. Here are a few tips:

• Know Your Prey: Crappie are on the move this time of year. ey might be staged up at prespawn or postspawn depths, or they might be right up on the banks in a foot and a half of water spawning. Knowing their cycles will help you nd them.

Before and a er they spawn, crappie hold on brush and structure just outside of their spawning areas. ey move up into the shallows to spawn in waves, and this can go on for a month or more. So, while some sh are easy targets when they’re spawning or guarding fry on super-shallow brush, there are other, possibly larger, sh feeding a little deeper.

If you’re not catching the numbers or size you’d like to see in the shallows, get on the trolling motor and use your sonar to nd the creek channels and rst drops o the spawning areas. Find some good brush or search the fronts of docks. You might nd big schools slab crappie. Pitch jigs or minnows to individual brushpiles or slow troll these deeper areas to nd sh.

• Ditch the Bobber: A minnow under a bobber is a traditional and e ective crappie rig. It is not, however the most e cient way to catch them in most situations. During the spawn, male crappie are the ones that stay shallow and guard the nests. ey are aggressive, and they are not necessarily feeding when they attack. ese sh are particularly susceptible to gaudy, brightly colored jigs.

Crappie jigs are the best way to cover water both on

spawning banks and on deeper brush. Even when they’re feeding heavily, crappie on brush won’t chase their prey more than a few feet. A jig allows you to make numerous casts and thoroughly cover the water horizontally and vertically in the time it would take to hook and soak a single minnow under a bobber.

Move quickly until you nd the you can slow down and catch them all. If you still want to support the local live bait store, go ahead and buy some minnows and thread them through the lips on a crappie jig.

• Scent: You might not need it all the time to catch sh, but scent helps crappie nd your lure and convinces them to eat. It doesn’t hurt to tip your jig with a minnow, and arti cial attractants like PowerBait Crappie Nibbles or JJ’s Magic can sometimes make them bite when they’ve got lockjaw.

• Network: Make friends with other crappie anglers. ere’s no shortage of available crappie in most lakes. Sharing information with other anglers helps everyone stay on top of the sh. You don’t have to tell anyone where you sunk your Christmas tree in January, but a little give and take doesn’t hurt when you’re talking about stages of the spawn or e ective colors.

For more crappie shing, visit www.coastalanglermag.com.

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BIG BLUEFISH ARE ON THE WAY

By Emily Rose Hanzlik

With spring nally here, the ocean is open to many possibilities here in South Florida. One of my favorites is the arrival of larger blue sh, which tend to migrate this direction at this time of year.

Blue sh are a popular game sh in almost all the waters surrounding the United States. Smaller blue sh from 7 to 9 inches are sometimes called snapper. ese sh have extremely sharp teeth, with prominent canines on both the top and bottom jaw.

Blue sh are common along the Atlantic coast of the United States, and

range from Cape Cod down through Argentina. eir migrations are a tricky subject. Most people believe blue sh travel from Florida up to New Jersey, and then back down to Florida. However, this has never truly been proven. While doing some research, I found a few studies that never came to a clear conclusion.

What we do know is that blue sh spawn at the edge of the Gulf Stream o Florida in spring. e timing varies from year to year, but there is usually a three to seven-day window when larger blue sh swim closer to shore. For Florida, this is the time when we catch our largest blue sh, and this week is normally sometime in April.

Most smaller “snapper” blue sh tend to hang around mangroves, estuaries and bridges to ensure their safety. is provides them with cover from predators and access to smaller prey also hiding in these “safe” areas. Once they get large enough, they move o the coast to feed on larger, more abundant prey. ey are typically found in inlets, around piers and o the beaches, where large bait schools ensure a better hunt with less energy being exerted.

When hunting for blue sh, you’ll want to start where the bait is. Most of the time you will see blue sh schools popping bait schools on the surface, and other blue sh will be cleaning up the mess below. For this situation, you can use any kind of spoon, X-Raps or jigs. Normally, you’ll want to use a small piece of wire so that they don’t cut you o

If you don’t see blue sh popping baits, you can look for oil slicks. Some experts say they can smell the odor from their oils. But, for those who can’t “sni out” the sh, you can throw chunks of dead le over bait and let it stink up the water to draw them in. Usually a 2-inch chunk of mackerel, jack or even dead bait sh like sardines will attract any blue sh in the area.

Currently, on the east coast of Florida, you can keep three blue sh per person, per day. Many people prefer to use blue sh as bait, while some will make a stew or cook them whole. e IGFA all-tackle world record blue sh was a 31-pound, 12-ounce monster caught out of Hatteras, North Carolina.

Emily Rose Hanzlik holds 56 IGFA world records in various categories. She hails from West Palm Beach, where she has a part time Bow n Guide Service as well as shing classes for Jr. Anglers. Find her on social media @emilyhanzlikoutdoors.

Photo courtesy of Grant Bataille @grantbataille

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PORGY, SNOWY GROUPER, BLUELINE TILEFISH

At its late February commission meeting, FWC approved regulations changes to cut possession limits for three species and establish new open seasons for two of them in Florida’s Atlantic state waters. e modi cations are consistent with current and pending regulations for federal waters of the Atlantic.

• e bag limit for red porgy will be cut from three to one sh per person, per day. An open season of May-June will be established.

• e snowy grouper bag limit will be one sh per vessel, per day. is is a decrease from one sh per person, per day. An open season of May–June will be established.

• e blueline tile sh bag limit will be reduced from three sh to two sh per person, per day, and for-hire captain and crew will be prohibited from retaining a bag limit.

Last year, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council approved management changes to help rebuild the red porgy and snowy grouper stocks, which are over shed and undergoing over shing, and to reduce the risk of over shing for blueline tile sh.

e red porgy recreational limits will be e ective April 1 in Atlantic state waters, and the snowy grouper and blueline tile sh regulations will go into e ect at a later date once pending federal regulations have been implemented.

For more information, visit MyFWC.com.

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RELEASE DEVICES Now Required in State Waters

Anglers pursuing reef sh in Florida state waters will now be required to have a descending device or venting tool onboard that is ready for use. ey will also be required to use the device or tool on sh exhibiting signs of barotrauma prior to release. is new rule was scheduled to become e ective April 1 a er being approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at its February meeting.

Release mortality is a top sheries management challenge. As reef sh are reeled up from depth, they can su er a pressure-related injury known as barotrauma. If not treated correctly, barotrauma can be lethal to sh Descending devices or venting tools can help sh recover from the e ects of barotrauma.

Barotrauma mitigation tool requirements have already been adopted in Gulf and Atlantic federal waters. In Gulf federal waters, shers have the choice of possessing either a descending device or a venting tool that is rigged and ready for use. In Atlantic federal waters, shers are required to have a descending device that is readily available for use. is new rule for Gulf and Atlantic state waters allows anglers to choose which type of tool

best ts their circumstances.

A summary of the proposed rule presented at the meeting also indicated a concern about private anglers either not being aware of the requirements or not having con dence with the use of such devices. FWC has committed to an outreach program designed to raise awareness on the proper use of barotrauma mitigation tools.

Find current reef sh gear requirements at MyFWC.com/ReefFishGear. Anyone who plans to harvest or attempt to harvest, including catch and release, certain reef sh species in Gulf or Atlantic waters from a private recreational vessel must sign up for the free State Reef Fish Angler designation and renew it annually. Learn more at MyFWC.com/SRFS and sign up today at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

For more information, go to MyFWC.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF RETURN ’EM RIGHT

ANGLERS LAND NEW IGFA WORLD RECORDS

The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) tracks record sh catches around the globe. eir world record database is a great source to see some of the sh anglers are catching around the world. Here are a handful of catches recently approved for the record books. To see all newly approved IGFA records, visit igfa.org.

Pin’s Snakehead

On Aug. 12, 2022, Ng Yam Pin landed this beautiful 28-pound giant snakehead in Rawang, Malaysia to set IGFA’s mens 20-pound line class world record. Pin caught the big snakehead on a Duo Fangbait lure and released the sh a er recording the weight and proper measurements. e IGFA all-tackle world record for giant snakehead was also caught from Rawang. It weighed 30 pounds. Bluch’s

Rainbow Trout

On Nov. 5, 2022, Aussie angler Frank Bluch was shing the Tekapo Canal, New Zealand, with guide Nicor Sutherland, when he landed this impressive 21-pound, 13-ounce rainbow trout. It set the new IGFA men’s 2-pound tippet class world record. e sh ate a y Frank calls the “Orange Monstrosity.” e all-tackle world record rainbow was caught from Lake Diefenbaker, Canada. It weighed 48 pounds.

Ochmann’s Wels

Joachim Ochmann caught this huge 140-pound, 10-ounce wels from Rio Ebro, Spain on Oct. 1, 2022. It took him nearly two hours to land the new IGFA men’s 16-pound line class world record. He released it a er taking proper weight and measurements. e all-tackle world record wels was caught from River Po, Italy in 2010. It weighed 297 pounds, 9 ounces.

Okuyama’s Grass Carp

Fumiya Okuyama holds several IGFA world records for grass carp, and he recently set another with this 109-centimeter (nearly 43-inch) sh he caught on Oct. 20, 2022, to establish the new IGFA all-tackle length y world record. e all-tackle world record by weight was caught at Piasuchnik Dam, Bulgaria in 2009. It weighed 87 pounds, 10 ounces.

Florida Keys

MY FAVORITE TIME

It’s spring in the Florida Keys and if you have been reading my reports for the last few years you know it’s my favorite time of year because my old friend the Silver King comes to town, and of all the fishes that swim in the sea, the tarpon by far is my favorite!

As a child, I went snook fishing with a group of guys and one of them was so upset that he had hooked a tarpon so he handed the rod to me and said you deal with this thing and so I did and have been doing so for the rest of my life.

By: Capt. Greg Poland

My old friend who handed me that rod many mango seasons ago only wanted to catch something he could eat and to be honest, I never cared for the taste of fish, so give me a slice of pizza and a tarpon over a snook any day! The annual migration of tarpon will bring the fish from both sides of the State to the Keys and Everglades waters, and they will be here for a while so if you have never experienced a tarpon on the line, now is the time to get your tackle prepared and go catch one. I like to use a 20lb spinning rod or conventional outfit depending on the situation and bait I am fishing with, and for the last few years have been fishing beaded line with a long fluorocarbon leader with a circle hook. Depending on the area I am fishing and the bait I am using, I will add a bobber or a sinker to the leader and use a light drag and increase it after the fish is hooked. The best part of tarpon fishing comes about 30seconds after the fish is hooked, that’s when your fish turns into an Olympic athlete and will put on a show better then Circ do Sole, so hold on tight and enjoy the ride.

Often, we are fishing around a bridge so the ride might take you scaredy close to the concrete but with a good boat driver, it will give you a great story to tell at the local watering hole for years to come. If you are like my old friend who only wants to catch something you can eat, that is fine with me, there is room on the water for everyone and for the next few months. I will most likely not be in your favorite snapper spot! I have just come off a stretch of fishing the Gulf for spanish mackerel and the patch reefs and have spent a lot of time at the fish cleaning table. We have been chumming heavy and using a mixture of pilchards and live shrimp. The mackerel and mangrove snapper bite had been good and lots of action for everyone on board.

— Contact Capt. Greg at 305.393.3327 or email gregpoland@icloud.com | Instagram: gregpoland Facebook: Fishing in the Florida Keys with Capt. Greg Poland

SPRING TUNA

By: Capt. Bruce Andersen

W

There are so many different ways to catch blackfin tuna. Trolling, small feathers, and squid skirts on light tackle is a fun and effective way to catch football tuna especially for less experienced anglers and families with kids. Vertical jigging can be very effective and is especially good for more experienced anglers and jigging enthusiasts. Fishing with live baits, such as pilchards, cigar minnows, or ballyhoo can often be the most effective way to catch larger, blackfin tuna in the Florida Keys.

SCAN

USE

www.theknottydawg.com

On the Captain Easy, we use several different techniques to catch the tuna, but my favorite by far is live bait fishing for them. Live bait chumming while drifting baits back into the current on 20-pound spinning tackle has got to be one of the most fun ways to catch a fish that there is. Watching a 25-pound blackfin tuna explode on the baits sometimes just 20 or 30 feet behind the boat is a sight to see. When it all comes together, there’s nothing that could be more exciting.

e’ve got so many different types of fishing available to us this time of year in the Florida Keys, that sometimes choosing what to fish for can be the most challenging part of the day. One fish that makes up a big part of our offshore fishing is the black fin tuna. Fishing for black fin tuna can be good any time of year, and the most consistent fishing probably takes place in late summer and early fall, but often the month of April can produce some of the biggest blackfin caught all year long. Blackfin tuna may not get as big as the yellowfin and bluefin tuna that they catch in other places but catching them on light tackle here in the keys is probably as fun as any type of tuna fishing there is and one of the most fun activities to do on the water anywhere.In order to have a great day tuna fishing, you will need a couple of things to come together. Clear, blue water, and a strong current are two conditions that will usually really help turn on the tuna bite. The tuna in the spring will often come and go and you can have periods with a very hot bite that can go on for weeks with lulls of slower fishing between them, so you also need to get lucky and time it right to get in on a hot bite. The availability of bait also plays a big part. Most days in order to get the tuna fired up you’ll want to have plenty of live baits to chum with in addition to your hook baits. So, catching a livewell full of fresh cigar minnows, ballyhoo, or pilchards (my favorite tuna bait) is a very important part of the day.

— www.captaineasycharters.com

You can reach Captain Bruce Andersen at Capt. Easy Charters, MM 85, call 305.360.2120 or email at: captbrucekey@comcast.net

By: Caitlyn Gatrell

While this is not of the typical species I often write about in my fishing articles, it is too cool to not include! During our times out in the Ten Thousand Islands, we often see rays, whether they are swimming by in big schools, rushing off after we spook them when trolling on the surface, or even free jumping out of the water. They always seem to be nearby, and we have had quite the experience with a couple rays on some islands out there.

If you fish with me, you know I will always have a line in the water while we are stopped at an island, usually for a bait stop or to just relax and eat some lunch. I tend to just loosen my drag, let my rod sit in the rod holder, keep an eye out, and wait for that drag to start screaming. I always throw on a live bait, usually a pilchard or finger mullet.

After a while my bait will kind of start to slow down and not swim much anymore, and that’s when it tends to sink to the bottom. This becomes the perfect chance for these rays to scoop the bait up as they stroll along the bottom. Typically, I will notice my line seems to get tight but doesn’t seem to really “take off”. It almost gives the impression that it is stuck on something. At least that’s what it seemed like the first time I hooked into one of these rays. Once I start to reel a bit, that’s when I can tell there is definitely something on the line, when it gives a little bit of resistance as it tries to slowly swim away. Not too long after, the stingray will just take off down the beach or out into deeper water. I will say, compared to other species I catch, even tarpon, this species has got to be the biggest arm workout for me. My arms will be hurting after reeling in these rays! The fight takes a bit of time, as usually when I get them up close, they take off again and I have to just let them run. Getting them in and up close is a struggle enough, but watching out for that barb is another challenge!

I usually keep a safe distance, snap a photo, and then will try to get the hook out or cut the line as short as possible. I typically don’t even need to help them back in the water as they are already fired up, flapping their fins quickly to take off deeper into the water. While it is a fun fight, stingrays are not my favorite species to catch as they have me needing to take a break afterwards, lol, although I admire their beauty and strength!

OFF THE BEATEN PATH

By: Capt. Angelia Swanson

When the seas are not conducive for fishing or I don’t have a charter booked, you can find me doing ecotours through the Tavernier Creek mangrove trails. The trails are special! They are not accessible by boat, only kayaks or paddle boards, and most people don’t even know they exist. The mangroves serve so many special purposes on our little island chain, and it gives me much pleasure to teach people about them and have them experience the vast array of wildlife found within them. The mangroves serve as our fish nurseries, so the abundance of fish is amazing as well as crabs, jellyfish, birds, and so much more.

I had one of those perfect trips recently with the Farnsworth family from Michigan. Their 2 young children were absolutely brilliant and hung on my every word as I talked to them about the ecosystem. These children were so bright that they even asked lots of intelligent questions as well. We entered the trail head that day and our first encounter was with a manatee. Great start to the trip! As we moved through the trails and the mangrove canopy got more lush and narrow, the adventure just got better and better. The children handled a harmless Cassiopea jellyfish and were curious, excited and so involved in this tour. The end of that amazing trip was the best. As we were coming back out of the trail, mullet started popping out of the water 4 or 5 feet in the air around one of their kayaks and one even landed IN their kayak! Sheer delight for the whole family and myself. They got a real Keys experience that they will not soon forget, and neither will I.

Yesterday was another epic day. I took two large groups out at different times. On both of the trips there was an American Crocodile laying on a small bank for all to see. We took turns getting close enough to take pictures but far enough away to not disturb the beautiful creature.

This kayak ecotour is an affordable way to get your family and friends out on the water and experience one of the most diverse and delicate ecosystems in North America. It’s also a great way to enjoy a special Keys experience when the weather does not permit for fishing or snorkeling. To make your reservation go to keyskayak.com and use the coupon code Ask4Angelia to get a discount.

Another great touch to these tours is returning to our dock to a quaint and lovely restaurant called Dockside Raw Bar and Grill. It has a great menu (try the lobster roll!) and cold drinks for you to cool off after your ecotour experience. With live music on Wednesday night and a lovely “keysy” gift shop, owner Angel Borden has done a fabulous job!!

— Come out fishing with me by contacting me at: floridasaltycowgirl.com | 813-610-0078

HERE FISHY FISHY

By: Beth Steele

ll anglers love this time of year…it’s the time change. We get to fish during the season where we have a little bit more daylight in the evening. It’s time to challenge our techniques and improve our successful trips. This helps us land the fish we are targeting. One of the big things to remember is to make sure we know what fish are in season. My favorite is always fishing for Swords. I have released quite a few this month and I’m always excited for the big girl. My goal this summer is a

Anickel. Wish me luck!

Remember, The Florida Keys is one of the best places to fish! You never know what you will reel in. That’s the most exciting part. Whether you’re trolling, fishing backcountry, deep dropping, or reef fishing, getting a fish on is truly a delight.

We are getting ready for busy season. Make sure to book your spring and summer charters at www.HookerBooker.com. If you can’t find a Captain in the area you’re looking for, we’ll personally help you find one! Also, don’t forget to check out your favorite tackle spots for the latest gear and supplies. I do most of my shopping at Bud ’n Mary’s Marina, Two Conchs, and The Tackle Center. It’s going to be a great season; I can feel it!

— Beth Steele | Owner, Hooker Booker LLC fishing@hookerbooker.com | @hookerbookerllc

TIDE CHART

Ginger Perreault, P.A., GRI Realtor 305-731-8148

Ginger@SeafarerRealty.com

Danial Marrs, PSA Realtor 305-767-3495

Danial@SeafarerRealty.com

Alexia Mann, GRI, MRP, AHWD Broker/Owner 305-209-5166

Alexia@SeafarerRealty.com

Jen Davis Realtor 815-236-1328

Jen@SeafarerRealty.com

Michele Safos, MRP Realtor 724-691-6613

Michele@SeafarerRealty.com

Milly Perez, RSPS Realtor 305-363-8869

Milly@SeafarerRealty.com

Realtor 306-906-1954

Sabre@SeafarerRealty.com

Janell Lawrence Executive Assistant 305-414-8160

Janell@SeafarerRealty.com 11400 Overseas Hwy, Ste 105 Marathon www.SeafarerRealty.com

DIVING AND FISHING THE CHANGING TEMPS

By Captain Tony Young

April is one of my favorite months to dive and fish, I see it as a transition month for many species. For the upper Florida Keys, this is our last month of targeting Wahoo on the nearshore sites, and we start to see Mahi Mahi come through as the water begins to warm up. It is also a great time of year to bottom fish wrecks for Mutton Snapper and African Pompano, before the water continues to warm to its summer temperatures. If you’re gearing up for a day of fishing in early April, this article is for you.

Fishing the wrecks is an absolute blast and keeps you guessing every time you put a bait down. Although drifting for muttons on the bottom is everyone’s preferred method, throwing the anchor and getting a chum slick going is a good way to fish if you have the patience. This will open you up to catching the large yellowtail snapper in the mid water, muttons on the bottom, and possibly Wahoo or other Mackerel on your surface lines. We often get slicks going and jump in to dive after we catch a few fish, you will be amazed at what is swimming right below your boat. Gearing up for a bit of everything will keep you catching fish and put a good variety of groceries in your boat.

Anchoring on wrecks isn’t always an option and sometimes is not the best method for the conditions you have that day. If you see other boats drifting a wreck or if there are divers in the water, it is best to set adrift and get in line with the other boats. This is the same for if you are diving, be sure to respect the boats fishing and give them enough space to complete their drift. One good tip for divers is to shorten up your float lines on busy days. This will keep you from getting tangled up with your dive buddies and possibly other boats. If you are seeing a certain fish on your drops and know the boats fishing are not set up for it, let them know and help them out. Same goes for those fishing, if you’re loaded down on live baits, throw a few freebies in for the divers. Those live baits will circle the divers’ flasher rig and help attract fish in for them. Always better to work together on a busy day.

For divers, one of the mistakes we make in April is focusing too hard on the flashers for Wahoo and not paying close enough attention to the water surface. On a full day spent freediving, we usually see Mahi coming through and if you’re not paying attention, they will pass you by. Have a mid-sized reel gun ready to go and clipped off to your flasher rig. The Mahi swim by fast and you will want to shoot a shorter, more maneuverable gun for those fish. I prefer a 55’ Hatch Amero gun with spectra slip tip and 60-meter reel. If the shot is good, let the fish swim for a few seconds and see what else comes in. This is a great way to lure a fish from a distance that you would not have otherwise seen. This goes the same for fishing, make sure you always have at least a line or two on the surface, this will ensure that you get a chance at any fish swimming by your boat. I like having at least one live bait rigged on a circle hook with wire, this way you can land any mackerel that hits it. Pelagic fish are hard to figure out, one day they could be stacked up on one spot then another day in a completely different area. But if you’re putting in the work, you might as well make the most of every spot you visit.

March and April are by far my two favorite months to spearfish, I love the transition of species with the changing water temperatures. April is also the final month before Grouper and Hogfish open up on May 1st. Once that happens, we focus mainly on the reef and target those species. If you haven’t signed up already, be sure to visit www.livelikejeff.com and get registered for the fourth annual Captain Jeff Leonia Reel and Steel Classic! This tournament is hosted on May 1st, opening day for Grouper and Hogfish, by the Safe Harbor Angler House Marina in Islamorada. There are divisions for both male and female in scuba spearfish, freedive spearfish, and rod/reel. This tournament is an absolute blast and has tons of great prizes and food for everyone! All proceeds from this tournament will go to support the Jeff’s Juniors summer kids camp, in his memory! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out at my number below!

Dive Safe!

— Capt. Tony Young can be reached at Forever Young Spearfishing in Islamorada, FL at 305-680-8879

PEACE, MEANING & PURPOSE THROUGH FLY FISHING FLY FISHING

Gunshot wounds to the head, multiple traumatic brain injuries and blast injuries from Improvised Explosive Devices, and psychological and moral trauma are just some of the wounds that have accompanied combat veterans home from combat in the post-9/11 era.

These are the kind of wounds that Warriors & Quiet Waters Foundation (WQW) enables Warriors to heal from, overcome, and learn to thrive again following combat. They’re also the specific wounds that a group of veterans who recently accompanied WQW to Islamorada, FL in March continue to overcome. How? Through peak experiences in nature centered around fly fishing.

WQW was established in Bozeman, MT in 2007. For the first time in WQW’s recent history, the organization recently conducted a week-long veteran’s fly fishing program outside of Montana in the Florida Keys. According to WQW’s CEO, Brian Gilman, an Iraq and Afghanistan combat veteran himself, WQW recognized the opportunity to expand their veteran programming to Florida, because the Keys offer the same kind of pristine nature and tremendous fly fishing that can be found in Montana – without

the snow and cold of the harsh Montana winters.

WQW uses the power of nature, fly-fishing, and other immersive outdoor activities to enable combat veterans to find peace, meaning, and purpose in their lives after military service. According to Gilman, they strive to create what he calls “peak experiences in nature” – experiences that leave veteran participants with a strong sense of awe, wonder, and gratitude. WQW combines these experiences with camaraderie and a sense of belonging between the veterans and program volunteers, along with long-term engagement to enable veterans to make meaning of their combat experiences, find respite from the effects of their wounds, and grow beyond trauma.

WQW came to Florida looking for these peak experiences in nature, and found them in abundance in the Florida Keys. WQW’s staff, volunteers, and some of the best professional fly-fishing guides in the Keys spent a week fly fishing for tarpon, snook, red fish, permit, and bone fish in the waters off Islamorada. The four Warriors — who come from across the country —woke up to spectacular coastal sunrises, experienced once-in-a-lifetime fishing opportunities during each day, and returned to home-cooked meals provided by WQW’s volunteers. The Warriors came to Florida filled with anticipation and left full of great memories, gratitude, and a commitment to thrive despite their wounds of war.

Warriors & Quiet Waters Foundation in a non-profit Veteran Services Organization headquartered in Bozeman, MT. Their programs are offered 100 percent cost free to their veteran participants and are fully funded by private, corporate, and foundation donors. To support their work enabling veterans to thrive, go to www.wqwf.org.

Fishing Charters (Inshore, Offshore, Reef, Wreck, Back Country) • Snorkeling • Inshore • Offshore • Sandbars Capt. Anthony Abate SaltwaterCowboyChartez@gmail.com Saltwater Cowboy Charters

Captain for Hire Call today to book your adventure! 305-282-7746 www.undertheradarcharters.com 214-577-3880

Cruises PREMIER KEY WEST GUIDE SERVICE Inshore / Backcountry / Flats Sandbar / Sunset trips Pathfinder 2500 Hybrid All anglers welcome! Can accommodate 1-4 passengers Capt Bryson Shaaber www.silvertidecharters.com Call/Text 904-994-1215 Instagram @captbryson Facebook “Silver Tide Charters”

FLORIDA KEYS FISHING GUIDES

PERSISTENCE PAYS

By: Capt. Chris Johnson

We’re coming into my favorite time of year to fish in Marathon. The spring months bring spawning migrations and congregations to make for exciting catch-and-release fishing everywhere from offshore to the bridges to the gulf.

Sailfishing has been very good this past winter, with many boats returning to the dock boasting double-digit releases. The depth where you’ll find the sails ranges anywhere from right on the reef out to 200 feet. The key is to have good, blue water. The ideal is powder blue water pushed up against purple water. Waves of three to four feet create what is called “tailing,” which is just what you’d think. The sailfish tails stick out of the water as they surf down the surface of the wave. Just about any of the usual cast of sailfish baits work, including goggle eyes, pilchards, ballyhoo and cigar minnows. Much as you would with dolphin, pitch your baits in front of the fish. When they see it, typically they light up and attack it. It’s an incredible sight! This is a visual fishery, and it’s not unusual to see 50 sailfish on a day when conditions are perfect.

You may also find dolphin and cobia in the same areas mixed in with the sailfish, so be sure to keep a keen eye out. All the same live baits used for sailfish will attract their interest. The dolphin are making their appearance earlier every year. With the warm waters currently, they should be piling through now like we usually have to wait until May to see. The first waves of fish are typically slammers and gaffers, with the schoolies following later on.

The seas can be a bit challenging, so be mindful and pick your day. Look for birds – primarily frigates, not terns – on the water surface. They will pinpoint the location of larger dolphin. While one strategy is to troll lures near the frigates, we recommend employing a skirted Bionic ballyhoo. An option is to visually spot the fish yourself and toss a live bait directly in front of it. Pilchards, goggle eyes and pinfish work well. Persistence pays to get the fish to eat. Continue trying as long as you can see the fish on the surface. Should you lose sight of it, try trolling in ever-widening circles from where you first saw it. Sometimes these big fish just won’t eat, so it’s best to move on to the next frigate bird on the surface.

There are also plenty of blackfin tuna offshore at the Marathon humps. Sharks tend to be heavy this time of year, so landing larger blackfins of 20 pounds or greater can be an effort in futility.

On the wrecks, the bite for big amberjacks hits its peak as these fish are in the area to spawn. Fish in the 70- to 90-pound class are common.

The mutton snapper bite is also rapid as they, too, begin to gather to spawn later in May and June. Baits for the AJs and muttons are pinfish, pilchards and live ballyhoo.

On the artificial reefs off Marathon, we have an excellent permit fishery. This is another visual fishery, although best accomplished with cleaner water and calmer conditions than you want for sailfish. The permit are often schooled up off the top or very near the main wreckage and are in massive schools of 300 to 500 fish. The average size is 15 to 25 pounds, with some monsters pushing 40. A small, 2- to 3-inch blue crab fished on a jighead with 20-pound tackle will do the trick for you.

Permit is a catch-and-release fishery, so be sure to release all fish unharmed as they are here to spawn.

Yellowtails are the main event on the reef. The largest specimens can be found in 40 to 60 feet of water. Be sure to use copious amounts of Bionic chum, and any kind of small cut bait or shrimp will work as baits. Just ask your local tackle shop what’s working best in your area.

The tarpon are here in full force around the bridges. Marathon has three players when it comes to bridge fishing for tarpon: Long Key, Seven Mile and Bahia Honda. Baits and techniques vary bridge-to-bridge. Again, check with your local tackle shop. Of course, if you really want to land big tarpon without wasting a lot of time and money, hire a local guide as we’re highly tuned in to this very specialized fishery.

There also plenty of big-fish action on light tackle with sharks round the shallower flats. For those desiring the ultimate shallow-water challenge, fishing for bonefish, permit and tarpon on the flats is hitting its stride right now.

— Capt. Chris Johnson | SeaSquaredCharters.com 305-393-2929 | Facebook.com/MarathonFishing Marathon Florida Keys

MONROE COUNTY

SHERIFF’S OFFICE BOATING SAFETY TIPS TO REMEMBER

The weather is starting to warm and that means larger crowds on the water. The Monroe County Sheriff’s We urge mariners to stay safe and respect other boats. Use common sense, stay alert, have fun, and come home alive! Please remember these safety tips:

• Be Weather-Wise

Always check local weather conditions.

• Use Common Sense

Operate at a safe speed, especially in crowded areas. Steer clear of vessels that are restricted in their ability to slow or turn. Respect buoys and other navigational aids.

• Designate an Assistant Skipper

Make sure more than one person on board is familiar with all aspects of your boat.

• Develop a Float Plan

Always be sure someone else knows where you’re going and how long you’re going to be gone.

• Use Life Jackets

Assign and fit each person onboard with a life jacket.

• Avoid Alcohol

Save the alcohol for later. BUIs are just as serious as DUIs.

• Learn to Swim

Proper boating safety means knowing how to swim.

• Take a Boating Course

Take a local course or check online tutorials.

• Get a Free Vessel Safety Check

The U.S. Coast Guard offers boat examinations to verify the presence and condition of safety equipment.

• Boating Must Haves

Working VHF radio, Fire Extinguisher that’s not expired PFDs and throwable PFD Flares that are not expired and First-aid kit

Boaters should also be mindful of migrant vessels underway at sea and others that are abandoned in nearshore waters. Always report migrant vessels underway to the U.S. Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16. Migrant vessels lack the safety and operational features of normal boats.

CALL 911 IF A CRIME IS TAKING PLACE

Crime Stoppers offers a reward for the arrest of anyone in a felony criminal case.

If you see anything suspicious, call the Sheriff’s Office immediately! It is our job to check out suspicious activity. Your call may be the one that helps us catch the bad guys!

If you see something you think may be suspicious.

Call CrimeStoppers with any crime tips: 1-866-471-8477

Submit tips online at www.floridakeyscrimestoppers.com

e have the pleasure of being able to catch tarpon year-round in the Florida Keys, however Spring tarpon is the best time of the year! Different seasons call for unique tarpon fishing techniques. For example, in the peak winter months when pilchards migrate into the flats, docks and bridges we mostly target domestic juvenile tarpon with razor bellied and sandy key pilchards. In the heat of the summer, we target domestic tarpon and a few migratory tarpon with pinfish with their tails cut off, cut bait and fish carcass’s. Stationary baits work best in the heat of the summer because the tarpon turn lethargic and are less likely to chase baits. They become more opportunist than anything. During the fall, we like to use small free lined shrimp under the dock lights at night and large free lined shrimp under the docks and bridges in the day light. The spring tarpon bite is the best because that’s when the big hungry spawning migratory tarpon show up. This annual migration typically starts in April and ends in July. I’ve seen it last as little as three weeks and as long as four months. A sure sign the tarpon migration is about to happen is when you start seeing the big schools of mullet showing up. Tarpon are weird acting prehistoric fish. Sometimes they will only feed on one kind of bait and that bait only. Sometimes they’ll feed on almost anything you cast at them. Marine Biologist say during several days during the tarpon migration they will only feed on pass crabs, because their bodies demand it during spawning to birth healthy offspring. Some of the best places to target tarpon during springtime are bridges. During the spring we target tarpon at three main bridges in the middle Keys.

The 7 Mile Bridge: I spend most of my tarpon fishing time at the famous 7 Mile Bridge. We like to flat line and free line live mullet at the 7 Mile Bridge. A 10-to-12-inch mullet works best. We hook the mullet in the roof of its mouth and the hook comes out the snout of its nose between its nostrils. Some people make the mistake of hooking the mullet under its chin and through the top of its lip which pins its lips together and renders him unable to breath water which drowns the mullet quickly. By hooking it in the roof of the mouth and up the snout allows it to breath water through its mouth and gills and keeps the mullet alive a lot longer and keeps him streamlined and swimming in the current. If there’s no current, we sometimes hook the mullet in the back or the anus. We use a 7.0 or 8.0 circle hook tied with a circle knot with 50lb to 80lb mono fluorocarbon 8ft leader on 40lb to 50lb braided main line on a large 7ft to 8ft heavy action rod and 10k spinning reel. We typically put out two mullet

CAPT. JOEL’S FISHIN’ HOLES

By: Capt. Joel Brandenburg

Wat a time. One long 75yds and one short 25yrds. Makes for less tangles when the tarpon strikes.

The Bahia Honda Bridge: At Bahia Honda Bridge pass crabs and small blue crabs are the ticket. Sometimes we flat line them with a little piece and Styrofoam glued on the top of the crabs back and sometimes we free line the crab on a balloon or bobber. The speed of the current determines to technique and presentation. Funny thing is you can use mullet at Bahia Honda Bridge like you do at 7 Mile Bridge and never get a bite at Bahia Honda and vice versa you can use crabs at 7 Mile and never get a tarpon to look at it. They like certain baits at every bridge. A week or so out of the year during spring, the migratory tarpon gorge themselves on a little blackish/redish worm that hatches called the Palolo worm. When the Palolo worm hatches Bahia Honda Bridge is the best.

If you are fortunate enough to be at Bahia Honda when the hatch happens, and you have proper Palolo worm lures or fly’s the bite can be phenomenal. They won’t feed on anything but the Palolo worm during the peak of the hatch.

The Long Bridge: Best bait at the Long Bridge is live mullet with their tails cut off and an egg sinker or a chunk of cut bait or fish carcass and an egg sinker. This technique is met with much controversy by avid tarpon anglers and local captains. The basis of the controversy is that tarpon at Long Bridge use to feed on live mullet like they do at 7 Mile Bridge, but over time people have been targeting tarpon at Long Bridge with dead and crippled bait and have turn the tarpon lazy and conditioned them to wait on chummed pieces of fish.

In the recent past at the Long Key Bridge, you could experience a tarpon clubber a live mullet on top of the water, know you get less bites and t he bites you do get are less exciting. Many experienced tarpon anglers and Local Captains look down on anglers how to chunk and chum for tarpon at Long Bridge.

— For a charter with Captain Joel or Jojo

Brandenburg of Ana Banana Fishing Company in Marathon Florida Keys call cell 813-2674401 or office 305-395-4212 or visit www.

marathonkeyfishingcharters.com or visit us in person at Ana Banana Marina located at 11699 Overseas Hwy Marathon Florida Keys. Look for the big yellow Ana Banana sign with antlers around it.

Florida Keys

If you have a catch to brag about send your picture and caption to: flkeys@coastalanglermagazine.com

Gusty Babino with her 1st ever Yellowtail, 22” caught off Tavernier

Capt. John Ryan landed this nice 35lb. Permit wreck fishing

Sheila caught this larger Mahi in 1100 feet of water under floating bamboo off Key Largo

Kyle caught his Mahi trolling a seaweed line off Key Largo

Kim & Tom Szurok landed this beautiful Sailfish close to the Sombrero Light in 150’ water

Michael D’Angelo with a 35lb+ African Pompano out of Bud N Mary’s Marina in Islamorada

Let’s grow with Florida together.

LARGEMOUTHS ON LAKE SANTA FE Springtime

Iget the springtime bass itch when the azaleas bloom. It’s the time of year when largemouth bass spawn on Lake Santa Fe.

Bass spawn around the full moons of February and March on this 5,000-acre Alachua County reservoir. is year, I planned my annual Santa Fe trip for March 2-3, ahead of the March 7 full moon.

It was like entering another world that morning as my wife Kim and I motored onto the main lake. Mist rose through the lake’s ancient cypress trees. Wood ducks whistled and banked overhead. Ospreys squealed at us from nests high in the cypress, and loons serenaded us from open water.

Just being there made me feel so fortunate. I thought back to when I was 12 years old on my rst Santa Fe trip with my dad and brother. We stayed at Gri ns Lodge, which was a famous destination for speckled perch, bream and bass shermen in the 1960s and 70s. ey had small cottages for rent and a sh camp run by an old

man named Roy Gri n.

Ol’ Roy taught me to sh Santa Fe. Over the years, he kept telling me to get away from the shoreline and to slow troll. I never really understood why until sonar showed me the grasscovered humps and ledges holding congregations of bait and game sh.

On the lake, Kim and I slowed to trolling speed to get lines out. I sh 7-foot mediumaction rods with Ambassadeur 5500s loaded with 15-pound mono. e rig is simple, just a #2 wide-bend hook tied directly to the line. I hook wild-caught shiners through both lips from the bottom up.

We pull baits very slowly with a three-rod spread. Using level-wind reels, I let baits out 50 or 60 yards behind the boat. I leave the spool in cast mode and tighten the anti-backlash knob to provide enough tension to keep the baits from pulling line. You know you’ve got a bite when the line starts running out.

We only got two lines out before our rst

strike. When the middle rig started paying out line fast, I picked up the rod and pointed it at the sh. A er 20 seconds, I engaged the reel, took up the slack and set the hook hard with a sweeping motion. I reeled fast to keep pressure on the sh and kept the rod tip low to discourage the bass from jumping.

e rst sh was a fat 4-pound female that was full of eggs. Kim landed the second sh, a gorgeous 5-pounder. We caught several more in the 4-pound range before I landed a fat 8-pounder to nish an action-packed three-hour morning with eight total sh. We released them all safely a er admiring the beautiful dark coloration characteristic of Santa Fe bass. I believe this is caused by the clear but tannin-stained water.

We experienced a great nature show, and I told Kim the bass we caught were like a bonus.

Oh, how I love Ol’ Santa Fe!

Danny Patrick is co-publisher of the Northeast Florida edition of Coastal Angler Magazine.

By Danny Patrick

Ashore-based charter shing group intended to catch the largest shark they could from Pensacola Beach, Fla. on Feb. 12. ey did not, however, expect to crank in the estimated 13-foot great white that picked up their bait.

John McLean, of Big John Shark Fishing Adventures, runs shore-based charter trips for clients who want to catch the sh of lifetime. On this particular trip, his clients wanted to “go big, or go home,” so they used a huge yellow n tuna head for bait and enlisted the help of local charter captain, Capt. David Miller, who paddled a small kayak 900 yards o the beach in rough surf to deploy the bait.

Normally, McLean uses a remote-controlled boat to deploy his baits, but these baits were too large for the RC boat to handle. ey had a big sh on before Miller even made it back to shore.

“As soon as his kayak had hit the sand, we were hooked up to a massive shark,” said McLean in a YouTube video documenting the catch.

“I’ve never seen one that fast before,” he says in the video as line rips o the spool of an oversized big game reel.

All four of his clients took turns cranking the reel while everyone else gathered around to help secure the rod rack Mclean drives into the sand and uses to battle giant sharks. Even with heavy gear, the torque of the ght with heavy braided line loosened the reel from the reel seat.

“ is shark was the strongest sh I had ever had on the line. It took all four of my clients switching in and out to land this shark,” McLean said. “ is is the only time I’ve ever seen my shing gear pushed to the absolute limit.”

It took a little more than an hour to bring the giant shark into the surf, and as soon as McLean realized it was a great white, his attention turned to releasing it as quickly as possible. ey used a tail rope to control the giant white shark, and with the leader removed from its mouth, pulled it into deeper water to revive it before it swam away on its own.

White sharks are federally protected. ey must be released immediately when they are caught, so McLean did not take measurements. However, he has extensive experience with big sharks, and he estimated this one at about 13 feet. A 13-foot white shark can easily weigh more than 1,000 pounds.

Great whites are a rare catch in the Gulf of Mexico, and especially from shore. is was not McLean’s rst monster white shark, though. In early March of 2021, also on a shore-based charter in Pensacola Beach, McLean’s clients caught and released an estimated 12-footer.

Check out Big John Shark Fishing Adventures at bigjohnshark shingadventures.com, and see the video at http://bit.ly/3LjTtyw.

Salina spinning reels feature a hybrid carbonite and Japanese felt DFD drag system that outputs more than 33 lbs of fsh stopping power. Constructed from advanced LITECAST body material that is 15% lighter than die-cast aluminum, these reels are built for both light inshore and heavy ofshore use. With an interchangeable screw-in handle system and six available models from 4000 to 14000, Salina spinning reels are designed to maximize your success on the water.

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SA-10000A

Famous for its incredible strength, the Palomar knot ties well in all line types. at’s a huge advantage, and few knots can equal it on that front. Tied properly, this knot won’t slip even on braid, making it a popular choice as an all-around knot for securing line to swivels, hooks and pretty much anything else where a snug connection is desired.

It’s also quite easy and fast to tie, though it can be a tricky choice for lures because it requires a large loop to be passed completely over and around your terminal tackle.

For more tips and tricks, check out https://usangler.com

Re-Discover Old Florida Waterfront Charm

The Perfect Vacation Getaway for Fishing, Boating & Outdoor Enthusiasts

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

• FULLY FURNISHED 3 ROOM COTTAGES WITH FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHENS

Kingfsh Lodge includes a wide screenTV and bar for small gatherings

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

• Boat Trailer Parking on site w/ Water and Power

• 250 Foot Dock w/ Covered Area

• FREE Ice / FREE Guest Dockage

• Cable TV, Hi-Speed Internet

• 2 miles to the Ft. Pierce Inlet

• 12 miles to the Gulf Stream

• Laundry, BBQ Grilles and FREE use of our Kayaks

349-2206

THE ULTIMATE MIXED BAG in the Salmon Capital of the World

By Capt. Lukas Brickweg

The wondrous world of summer shing in Alaska draws anglers from around the world who ock to these rich waters annually. Ketchikan, Alaska, nestled in the heart of the sprawling temperate rainforest known as Tongass National Forest boasts the title of “Salmon Capital of the World,” and for good reason.

But salmon are not all visitors can expect to catch in this world-renowned shery. As an experienced captain who runs daily charters out of Ketchikan during the season, I still nd myself surprised by the productivity of these waters. Along with ve species of salmon, we also land big halibut, giant lingcod, paci c cod and rock sh in our daily catch limits. e shing is superb, and so is the wildlife watching. Hit the water with us, and I will gladly hand over the binoculars when marauding pods of orcas show up on the surface or when magni cent humpback whales breach. We share these waters with eagles, sea lions and so much more. It makes a perfect shing getaway for the entire family.

e awe-inspiring beauty that surrounds Ketchikan is something that must be witnessed to understand. From the rugged terrain of old growth forest in Tongass down to the vibrantly rich waters, each day surprises visitors with landscapes and

wildlife that make Ketchikan a bucket-list destination.

Who doesn’t dream of giant halibut or monstrous king salmon on these scenic waters? Peak season runs from midJune through September, with the absolute best shing during the months of July and August. is occurs when we have an overlapping run of king salmon, silver salmon and pink salmon. All the while, big halibut will have moved in from deep water to feed on the abundance of food present. For these reasons, one can expect to catch all species with potential record catches of halibut, salmon, lingcod and rock sh hitting the docks by day’s end.

Here’s what you might expect on a good fullday charter. We start out bottom shing for halibut in 150 to 400 feet of water until we get a limit. Using deep-water jigging rods, you’ll be tasked with reeling in hard- ghting halibut from the depths. en we switch gears to trolling with electric downriggers, running four rods for all ve species of wild Paci c salmon. Whether or not we hit our limit of salmon, we usually end the day jigging with light tackle for giant lingcod and pelagic rock sh to top o the day’s catch. Why settle for one species

when you can sh for them all?

A processing service will llet, vacuum seal and box up your catch to be shipped home overnight or taken on your ight as a checked bag. Ketchikan is easily accessible with convenient commercial ights, just two-hours out of Seattle, and lodging accommodations are available for groups of all sizes.

Book your dream trip to Alaska with Capt. Lukas Brickweg, of Ketchikan’s Finest Fishing Charters, at www.ketchikan shingtrips.com, call (907) 6174717 or email at ketchikan shingtrips@gmail.com.

FEDS SLASH ALABAMA RED SNAPPER QUOTA

is federally imposed catch limit is the latest point of contention in a two-decade-long power struggle between the Gulf states and the federal bureaucracy over management of one of the region’s most iconic and economically important sheries. Recreational red snapper shing brings millions of tourism dollars to the Gulf Coast each summer. In Alabama, o cials say the quota cut will bring an early end to the season.

e cuts are the result of a complicated formula used by NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to assess red snapper stocks. Federal regulators and environmental groups are pointing to 2022’s reduced red snapper landings as evidence of a depleted shery. In 2020, recreational anglers o Alabama caught 1.1 million pounds of red snapper. In 2022, that gure dropped to less than 500,000 pounds.

AL.com reported that Sean Powers, a leading researcher in the 2020 Great American Red Snapper Count, said the limited landings in 2022 were caused by reduced angler e ort because of high gas prices and poor weather. “ e number of days people went out was half and we caught half of the quota,” Powers told Al.com. “ at’s straight forward. I don’t think it re ects on the health of the stock.”

It’s worth noting that the Great American Red Snapper Count is the study that showed there were more than three times as many red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico than the gures NMFS was previously using to set quotas. For years, sheries managers and politicians from all the Gulf states have been speaking out against NOAA’s “ awed science,” and the Snapper Count seemed to prove their argument. Since the study, NOAA has come up with a new system it says melds the Snapper Count with federal and state surveys. ere is plenty of skepticism over NOAA’s “calibration.”

“Red snapper shing is a huge part of Alabama’s Gulf Coast economy, which is why I’ll continue pushing back against the Department of Commerce’s disastrous proposal to decrease limits for red snapper anglers based on inaccurate data,” said U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R/Ala.) to Al.com.

Frustration is again mounting over federal management of the red snapper shery in the Gulf of Mexico. is time, the uproar is coming from the Alabama coast, where NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) slashed the state’s 2023 recreational quota by more than 50 percent.

Alabama’s quota this year is 558,200 pounds, down from 1.1 million pounds in 2022. e Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council meets in April, and there is a possibility Alabama’s quota could increase slightly.

See www.al.com to read an excellent article on the issue by John Sharp.

WALK THE DOG FOR SPRINGTIME BASS

The months of covering water with your favorite topwater are upon us, and what a wonderful time it is! In some parts of the country, bass are already done spawning. While in others, the move to the shallows has only just begun. No matter the circumstances of your sh, they are on the feed and will certainly bite your lure if the right situation presents itself.

Where I live in Florida, the bass have already nished with their spawn. ey are roaming and chasing food to replenish themselves a er a few hard weeks up in the shallows. One of my favorite ways to catch these sh is by covering water with a walk-the-dog style topwater. Not only is it just the coolest bite ever, but it is also a bait that can mimic a ton of di erent food options. is should be used to cover water at a fast pace. Once you locate groups of sh, slow down with something else. row topwater around anything the treble hooks won’t get hung up on, and remember to stay near areas where sh just nished spawning.

In many other parts of the country, bass might currently be up in the shallows spawning. is is another awesome time to throw a walking topwater. Use it to nd sh spawning, and then slow down and pick up a few more sh with a slower bait, if needed. e target options are endless. Grass ats, shallow banks, wood, points, anywhere bass might be spawning is the perfect place to throw a walking bait.

Up North, sh might be in the very early stages of prespawn or even still have ice over their heads. Whatever the case may be, sh will bite a walking bait when the time is right… or when the water is in a liquid form. I have been very successful, especially on smallmouths, throwing a spook-style bait around spawning ats and points for very aggressive sh that are preparing to spawn. Some of the greatest shing memories

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I have from those parts of the country are from the prespawn. row it over rocks or grass points where bass chase bait as they feed up ahead of the spawn. Walk it over open water or down the bank; they will bite it.

Topwater rod and reel setups can be fairly simple. I like a shorter rod, which makes it easier to walk the dog, with a moderate action, so you don’t rip the hooks out of the sh. e 13 Fishing 7’3” Medium Defy is an a ordable rod with the perfect action. I pair this up with a 7:5:1 Concept A2 spooled with 40-pound Seaguar Smackdown braid for long casts and minimal stretch. e 13 Fishing Power Slide is an awesome topwater for these situations, and I always stick to natural bait sh colors. Grab one of these, get out on your favorite body of water and have some fun!

Details of services provided can be found online at BoatUS.com/Agree. TowBoatU.S. is not a rescue service. In an emergency situation, you must contact the Coast Guard or a government agency immediately.

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

TYLER WOOLCOTT

YAMAHA 22 FT FSH LINE: FISH AND PLAY IN VERSATILE LUXURY

Yamaha’s product line of 22 FT FSH boats has made quite the splash since hitting the water in August of 2022. Building upon the success of Yamaha’s versatile 21-foot center console line that it replaced, there are three separate 22-foot FSH® models that come with Yamaha’s best center console technology and features.

“Speci cally, the new models are 9 inches longer, with gunwales 2 inches higher at the helm and 4 inches higher at the bow than the previous 21-foot line,” said Jon Sutter, Yamaha Boats Product Planning Manager. “And the gunwales are thinner too, which adds to the roominess when passing by the center console.”

is series begins with the value-minded 220 FSH Sport powered by twin 1L TR-1 HO (High Output) engines. Moving up the line is the featurerich 222 FSH Sport, and the premium 222 FSH Sport E being the pinnacle of the series.

O ering sleek lines, agile handling, and superb performance, the new Yamaha 220 and 222 Series center console boats are big, with twin Yamaha marine engines generating up to 360 horsepower. Both 222 FSH models feature added performance delivered by twin 1.8L HO motors. All three models come with a fabric or berglass-molded T-Top with four “rocket launcher” rod holders.

e new 22-foot platform continues Yamaha’s trend toward contemporary design with its deep cockpit and great freeboard, enabling a spacious interior and large bow and cockpit areas.

e center console is nicely nished with plenty of room for Yamaha’s Connext® 5-inch touchscreen that controls the boat’s entertainment and vital system functions, a glass windshield, stainless steel steering wheel, a locking glove box, and a 9-inch Simrad® marine electronics system. And for the rst time on a Yamaha center console boat, all three models get a wirelesscharging phone mount.

ere’s nothing better than hanging out at a favorite cove listening to a great summer playlist. Yamaha has you covered here with its a Hertz® premium sound system that comes standard on the 222 FSH Sport E. is marine sound system comes with a Hertz® head unit, four deck speakers, and two speakers in the color-matched hardtop.

All three 22’ FSH models come standard with mounts for optional swimup seats. At anchor, two removable seats can be attached to the stern. ese seats sit just below the water’s surface, providing comfortable in-water seating facing the transom of the boat. And since the reboarding ladder is located between both seat positions, egress onto the swim platform is a breeze.

Fishing Amenities for Anglers

Understanding that fishing is the heart and soul of this product line, anglers around the globe have the below features to look forward to when purchasing a Yamaha 22FT FSH series boat:

• Storage for eight rods under the gunwales

• Storage for six rods on the side of the console

• Aerated 26-gal stern livewell

• Simrad® multi-function display

• Jet Wash® washdown system

Ultimately, Yamaha’s 22’ FSH models have set the standard in versatile luxury, while continuing to keep the end consumer in mind with its plethora of convenient amenities. Whether you’re enjoying its premium sound system or relaxing with the award-winning swim up stern seating, your days on the water can only be enhanced with Yamaha.

Learn more at YamahaBoats.com

222 FSH Sport E

Doing Your Homework

Eat, sleep, sh, repeat. Although I would love to live this life, it is just not possible… yet. I recently saw a cartoon that listed things I like to do in my spare time. Go shing, buy shing tackle, research shing and talk about shing. is rang true to me since this sport consumes my thoughts as it does many of yours. Here are a few things that I do when I am not shing that help me when I do have the opportunity to go. With the high winds of spring upon us, we all might have a little more dock time than water time.

I’m fascinated with weather. Not only do I look at the current conditions and forecast where I am, but I also look at it in areas where I travel to sh. is does a couple of things for me. First, it allows me to see possible great weather opportunities when I might be able to plan ahead and sneak away. It also keeps me from going on a day when the weather might be great, but the previous several days featured winds blowing strong from an unfavorable direction. For example, here on the Texas coast, southwest is a detrimental direction for high winds. It muddies most bays on our coast. e previous days’ wind velocity and direction are good to know and determine where I head when I launch the boat.

I spend a lot of time on the road, and I like listening to shing podcasts. Some of these give general information, and some are weekly reports covering current conditions and activity. ese can be great to stay in tune with what is happening and to learn from new points of view on approaching certain situations. ey might also cover new products I want to try.

Di erent social media platforms also keep you in tune. Find reputable anglers or guides in your area or an area you plan to go. Some frequently post how-to or what’s been working for them. ey might also talk about how to approach a certain area. If you like to travel to new areas, which I do, knowing how to approach an area can be key. In my local waters, we might approach a spot one way, but if I go to another state they may do the opposite. Knowing the local game plan can save the day.

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

Last but not least, I look at satellite imagery very o en. One tip is to change the view and the year the image was taken for areas you sh. ese images can be dramatically di erent than the current images, and they might o er a much-improved view of bottom structure to point you to a spot you’ll want to try next time you are on the water.

e weather is warm, don’t forget to take a kid shing!

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES®

How To Rock a Walking Stick

An essential part of a gentleman’s wardrobe

In the 17th century, the walking stick overtook the sword as an essential part of a gentleman’s wardrobe. Though it was primarily used as a decorative accessory, it could also function as a weapon if necessary. For men of the era, these walking sticks were a statement piece, and a way to communicate their wealth and refinement.

carats

Today, walking sticks still represent status and prosperity –– a way to show off your deep pockets without being too flashy. In that vein, we present the Santa Fe Walking Stick. Made of eucalyptus wood painted a glossy black with an antiqued silverfinished sculpted handle, what gives this piece of finery a distinctive edge is an 18-carat turquoise inlay that’s been enhanced to bring out its best blues. Don’t be bashful about your affluence. See why the Santa Fe Walking Stick is the embodiment of sophisticated elegance for the modern gentleman.

Don’t delay: Our must-have Santa Fe Walking Stick was one of our best-selling items this past year. Because of this, we can only offer 723 walking sticks at this price with this ad! See why Stauer is becoming one of America’s fastest-growing sellers of walking sticks today!

Praise for Stauer Walking Sticks

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Speci cations:

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