FREE
THE FLORIDA KEYS EDITION
WINTER'S
@CAMTAMagazine
BIG UGLIES
A Florida Fishing Charter with Coastal Angler Mag!
COOL WEATHER
SEATROUT VOLUME 29 • ISSUE 346
FEBRUARY 14-18 PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPT. JAMIE THRAPPAS YELLOWDAWGFISHING.COM | IG:@YELLOW_DAWG_FISHING
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM
F R A N C H I S E
O P P O R T U N I T I E S
A V A I L A B L E
JANUARY 2024
W O R L D W I D E
Progressive Casualty Insurance Co. & affiliates. No. 1 rating based on 2021 boat market share. Data is sourced from Ratefilings.com.
Never let your traditions fade. Protect your boat. Insure every moment with America’s #1 boat insurer. 1- 800 -PROGRESSIVE / PROGRESSIVE .COM
Get a quote in as little as 4 minutes
THERE ARE STORIES TO TELL B E L O W T H E S U R FA C E
RUN THE WATER™
//
YAMAHABOATS.COM
©2023 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. Follow instructional materials and obey all laws. Drive responsibly, wearing protective apparel. Always drive within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvers, and respect others around you. Don’t drink and drive. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT YAMAHABOATS.COM OR CALL 1.800.88.YAMAHA.
Throw Yourself a Bone Full tang stainless steel blade with natural bone handle —now ONLY $79!
T
he very best hunting knives possess a perfect balance of form and function. They’re carefully constructed from fine materials, but also have that little something extra to connect the owner with nature. EXCLUSIVE If you’re on the hunt for a knife that combines impeccable craftsmanship with a sense of wonder, the $79 Huntsman Blade is the trophy you’re looking for. Stauer® 8x21 The blade is full tang, meaning it doesn’t stop at the handle but Compact extends to the length of the grip for the ultimate in strength. The Binoculars blade is made from 420 surgical steel, famed for its sharpness and its -a $99 valueresistance to corrosion. with purchase of Huntsman Blade The handle is made from genuine natural bone, and features decorative wood spacers and a hand-carved motif of two overlapping feathers— a reminder for you to respect and connect with the natural world. This fusion of substance and style can garner a high price tag out in the marketplace. In fact, we found full tang, stainless steel blades with bone handles in excess of $2,000. Well, that won’t cut it around here. We have mastered the hunt for the best deal, and in turn pass the spoils on to our customers. But we don’t stop there. While What Stauer Clients supplies last, we’ll include a pair of $99 Are Saying About 8x21 power compact binoculars and Our Knives a genuine leather sheath FREE when you purchase the Huntsman Blade. Your satisfaction is 100% “This knife is beautiful!” guaranteed. Feel the knife in your — J., La Crescent, MN hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, “The feel of this knife send it back within 30 days for a is unbelievable...this complete refund of the item price. is an incredibly fine Limited Reserves. A deal like this instrument.” won’t last long. We have only 1120 — H., Arvada, CO Huntsman Blades for this ad only. BONUS! Call today and Don’t let this beauty slip through your you’ll also receive this fingers. Call today! genuine leather sheath!
FREE
Huntsman Blade $249*
Offer Code Price Only $79 + S&P Save $170
1-800-333-2045 Your Insider Offer Code: HBK221-01 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.
Stauer
®
Rating of A+
14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. HBK221-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com
*Discount is only for customers who use the offer code versus the listed original Stauer.com price.
California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product. • 12” overall length; 6 1/2” stainless steel full tang blade • Genuine bone handle with brass hand guard & bolsters • Includes genuine leather sheath
Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®
WELCOME
By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon
Tuna Town TO
I
had only been fishing a few years when I wound up taking a job in Venice, Louisiana. I had gotten the lead on a first mate position through a mutual friend of a captain who I had never met before. When I called the captain, I asked when he needed me. He told me, “yesterday.” So I went to the tackle shop, bought my first pair of slickers, and hit the road. The only thing I knew about Venice was that there was no cell phone service and no women. As I drove down the road south of New Orleans, I began to notice ships on both sides of the road simultaneously. I realized I had better call someone to let them know I was heading to a deadzone in the middle of nowhere, filled with lonely, salty men. I arrived at night and located my captain’s houseboat, where I would be staying. I made the jump across to the boat and opened the door without knocking—as I was instructed to do. A dozen men, drinking beer, went silent as they stared at me. I looked around the room at the welcoming party, and the walls that were lined with shelves of alcohol bottles and a deer head decorated with Mardi Gras beads and bras. They offered me a beer and I declined. After the 14-hour drive, I most definitely wanted a beer, however, this did not seem like the time and place to let my guard down. The captain showed me the boat docked out back, my bunk where I would be staying, and told me what time to set my alarm for the charter the following morning. I had no idea what to expect or what I had gotten myself into, but I quickly fell in love with the fishery and a week-long trip turned into a year and a half. The fishermen there were nothing but respectful and treated me like one of the guys. I had only been fishing for two years at the time and had a lot to learn. I spent evenings teaching myself how to tie snell knots and throw a cast net. When the locals would go out fun fishing and bring back coolers with hundreds of trout, they were more than happy to teach me how to fillet fish. The fishermen didn’t cut me any slack for being a woman, which I was grateful for. I worked just as hard as they did, earned respect, and learned everything I needed to become a competent fisherman. I was openly doubted every step of the way, until I was able to learn and prove myself, which I did. But I was told that if I made it to the fall, there was no way that a woman could handle shrimp-boat season. Shrimp-boat season involves pulling behind shrimp boats and then boarding them by jumping from the bow of your boat onto the tires that hang from the stern of the shrimp boat. Then you promptly scurry up before your bow has a chance to crush your feet. You then shovel bycatch into a bag or basket, get it back to your boat, and hopefully get yourself back on the boat before your crew hooks up to a big tuna and abandons you there for the fight. The goal is to not die, break your ankles or get murdered by the shrimp-boat crew in the process. I did make it to the fall, and I did survive shrimp-boat season, and it was some of my favorite fishing I’ve done, to this day. It wasn’t until I left that the ball-busting ceased and I received positive feedback, when a captain called to tell me I did a really great job and that I’d earned a place and should come back for the following season. I am so grateful Tuna Town was a stop on my journey to where I am now. I am indebted to the fishermen there who helped teach me things the right way, without mercy. Capt. Quinlyn Haddon, with Sweet e’nuf charters out of Marathon, Florida Keys, can be reached at (504) 920-6342. See CaptainQuinlyn.com and @captainquinlyn.
TZT
Un
n
Go on a power trip with
GET BENT. With all this power, you'll find, pinpoint & catch fish like never before.
TZT19F 19" M ulti Touch IPS Display TZT16F 16" Mu lti Touch IPS Dis play
TZT12F 12" Hyb TZT9F 9" Hyb rid Touch IPS rid Touch IPS Display Display
Unleash the power to see fish clearer, deeper & on both sides of your boat, with unprecedented clarity. Built-in Dual Channel1 1kW TruEcho CHIRP™ 1
2kW/3kW TruEcho CHIRP™ "Deep Impact" Power Booster2
TZT9F is a Single-Channel 1kW TruECHO CHIRPTM
DFF3D Multi Beam Sonar See 120° Port-Starboard 2
Hi-Power Radar3 With Bird Detection Mode
Compatible with TZT12F/16F/19F only
Get the whole story at NavNet.com
3
Premium Fishing & CMOR Charts
Requires external sensor
3
PROTECTION
MONTHS
RINSE-ON CERAMIC www.gtechniq.com
TIPS FROM A PRO
Rinse On, Rinse Off Ceramic Sealant
TIPS FROM A PRO
THROW UMBRELLA RIGS FOR WINTER BASS
When the bass are feeding up on baitfish in the winter, the natural bait ball presentation with multiple baits swimming together drives these bass absolutely crazy. It can make for a very fun day on the water. Setting up your “rig” is not complicated. Depending on how deep you are looking to fish, use 1/8-ounce jig heads for shallow water (10 feet or less) and ¼-ounce jig heads for anything deeper than 10 feet. Pick TYLER WOOLCOTT out some small 3- to 4-inch natural shad colored boot-tail swimbaits to attach to your jig heads and that’s all there is to it. inter can be a tricky time of year to go fishing, The winter months is typically the time when bass to feed up before but I want to tell you about a bait that might help you put some more fish in the boat. In fact, this lure is so good that they spawn. Whether you see it going on or not, they are eating a lot of bait somewhere on your some tournaments don’t allow body of water. You can throw anglers to use them anymore. this rig basically anywhere, I’m talking about the Alabama and if there are fish around, rig, which some people call they will bite it! I throw it the umbrella rig. around grass, rocks, docks, This device made its debut open water, points and on the bass fishing scene in ditches. 2011 and absolutely dominated the tournament fishing scene Gear for a few years before it was When throwing an A-rig, eventually outlawed by most it can get pretty heavy once professional fishing series for you add all the jig heads and basically being an unfair way swimbaits onto it. You’ll want to catch fish. The rig consists to use a big heavy rod with of a baitfish-style head where some strong line. A 13 Fishing you tie your line with multiple Muse Black 7’6” rod paired metal-wire arms that extend with a Concept A 6:8:1 reel is out where you attach jig heads a good fit. Spool this up with with a swimbaits. Most come 20-pound Seaguar Abraz-X standard with five metal arms line and you are good to go! and five jig heads. Good luck out there! Even though the Alabama rig is outlawed by most pro fishing leagues, that doesn’t mean you can’t use it when you are out fun Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. fishing or even fishing smaller tournaments. It is a fish-catching machine! Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcottfishing.com.
W
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
JANUARY 2024
NATIONAL 7
A GREAT LAKES FORMULA FOR
By Nick Carter
JUST ONE FISH
C
obi Pellerito’s goal in a day is just one fish, and with the surge in Great Lakes smallmouth fisheries, there’s a good chance he’ll find what he’s looking for: one giant smallie. “Big smallmouth is my jam,” he said. “It’s not like tournament fishing, where you’re looking for a limit. I’m out there looking for one big fish.” Pellerito theorized that three invasive species are responsible for Great Lakes smallmouth achieving grotesque proportions with weights in the 7- to 8-pound range. European round gobies and rusty crayfish from the Ohio River Basin have become important prey species since their invasion. European Zebra mussels are forage for another smallmouth favorite: perch, and these filter-feeders also create clear water, which is great for visual hunters like bass.
8 NATIONAL
JANUARY 2024
Pellerito bemoaned the destruction these invasives wreak but figures we might as well take advantage. THE FORMULA: The size of the Great Lakes system is incredible. From a home base in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Pellerito has explored parts of it from Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, downstream through lakes Michigan, St. Clair, Huron, Erie and over to the St. Lawrence River. Over this vast expanse, state fisheries reports tell him where the largest smallmouth are. “Once you’ve picked a fishery, there’s no substitute for time on the water,” he said. “Find the most desirable structure in the lake or in the part of the lake you’re fishing.” Smallmouth can be patterned seasonally. From there, Pellerito fishes long days to eliminate water. He looks for big points and transitions in bottom composition. He seeks out subtle structure like boulders or logs on barren flats. Bait presence is important, whether its gobies or crayfish in the rocks, perch in the grass or balls of suspended baitfish. THE FISHING: When he finds an area he likes, Pellerito covers water quickly with a crankbait. He likes a Megabass Deep-X 300, which dives 12 to 15 feet. “Covering water until you find where the fish are is important, then you slow down,” he said. “The biggest fish tend to be a step off from where the rest of them are.” Big smallmouth hold in “wolf packs” of two or three fish, and this can sometimes lead to days of more than “just one fish.” Recently, Pellerito boated an incredible 35-pound, 9-ounce five fish limit. Find one big fish, and it pays to pick that area apart. For this, Pellerito switches to classic drop shots or tubes. A standard tube crawls through the rocks like a goby or a crayfish. With the drop shot, Pellerito fishes a Megabass 3-inch Hazedong, which looks like a goby. It takes light line to draw strikes in clear water. Pellerito uses 15-foot leaders of 5- to 7-pound fluorocarbon with a main line of 8- to 10-pound braid. He’s experienced tremendous success with these tactics. This season, he boated 39 fish heavier than 6 pounds, 19 heavier than 7 pounds and two heavier than 8 pounds. To see more of Cobi Pellerito’s giant fish, see his Instagram @cobi.pellerito.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
THE ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING A NEW BOAT
Performance Bulletin Available
Suzuki RePower Centers are stationed around the southeast to help with your Suzuki service and repower needs.
59 YEARS OF REPOWER EXPERIENCE!
Mastry Engine Center has received the Suzuki Marine Super Service Award and has been ranked #1 in Suzuki Marine US Sales!
Lou’s Marine, Inc. Gulf Breeze
Custom Marine Service Saunders Yacht Works
Panama City
McKenzie Marine
Gulf Shores
Repower packages designed to best fit your needs and not stretch your budget. Financing available.
St. Augustine
Oyster City Suzuki Apalachicola
On-Site Marine
Offshore Performance Marine
Ruskin
Fort Pierce
Mastry Engine Center Clearwater
All Suzuki repowers come with the new Suzuki 5-year factory warranty.
Innovation Marine Corp. Sarasota
Bayfront Yacht Works Siesta Key
Twin Screws Marine Service
Marina One
Deerfield Beach
Fort Myers
Diversified Yacht Services
Fort Myers Beach
Many of our Suzuki RePower Centers feature Water Accessible Drop Travel Lifts. Request a quote! • suzukirepower.com • 1-800-545-4574
Atlantic Marine Store Hialeah
Boat Services Group Key West
CATCH FRENZIED SPANISH MACKEREL
S
panish mackerel are a year-round target, but this time of year they love following bluefish schools to clean up injured baitfish left behind. During this time, bluefish and mackerel all tend to school together into a feeding frenzy of terror. I definitely wouldn’t want to get my hand in the way of any of those toothy fish. Spanish mackerel are sometimes confused with baby kingfish and cero mackerel, since they can school all together. However, there are a few ways to differentiate these fish, which is important since they all have different regulations. All these mackerel have yellow spots on their sides, but there are a few differences to look for. Cero mackerel have yellow lines along their lateral line that are combined with the yellow spots. King mackerel tend to have smaller spots that are closely grouped along the lateral line. As for the Spanish mackerel, they have large uncontrolled spots. There is simply no rhyme or reason for their pattern. Another way to identify Spanish mackerel is they usually have a wider girth compared to the other mackerel. A large Spanish mackerel is considered to be around 24 inches and over 5 pounds, while kingfish are typically over 20 pounds and ceros tend to be smaller. Spanish mackerel are typically nearshore fish that hang close to shore in order to feed on bait
schools by pushing them into the breakers. In certain locations, you can find Spanish inside the intracoastal. In specific conditions, if the water becomes too warm, mackerel move deeper to find their preferred 70 degrees. Spanish mackerel are found off the Atlantic coast of the United States and in the Gulf of Mexico. They follow a migration pattern of spending the winter off Florida and then move north to North Carolina in early April and all the way up off the coast of New York by June. There are many ways to target Spanish mackerel. Some use live bait such as sardines, baby pilchards and smaller threadfins. A simple freeline with a short wire leader to a live bait hook and one of these smaller baitfish can be deadly. The wire is not absolutely necessary, but mackerel do have extremely sharp teeth. When mackerel are tailing bluefish schools, they are normally frenzied. They’ll slash at everything that comes their way. I like throwing crappie jigs into the frenzy, and I think any kind of small jig will work. A lot of commercial anglers use popping corks with a spoon tied about 4 feet below. The pop gets their attention, and then the shiny fluttering spoon is too much for them to resist.
FWC PHOTO
By Emily Hanzlik
For larger Spanish mackerel, X-Raps or other diving crankbaits work best since they imitate larger baits. If you’re throwing a lure, don’t use your favorite one. There is a good chance you might lose it. Emily Rose Hanzlik holds 62 IGFA world records in various categories. Find her on social media @emilyhanzlikoutdoors.
• CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF SERVING OUR COMMUNITIES • SAVE • TINY HOMES FOR SALE • CARPORTS • EXCELLENT FINANCING OPTIONS • STORAGE SHEDS • ADU HOMES FOR SALE •
BUILD YOUR DREAM BUILDING IN 2024 WITH THE KEEN’S BUILDINGS 3D DESIGNER.
STEEL BUILDING •
25
$289.05 /Month
FROM BOAT PORTS TO GARAGES. DESIGN YOUR OWN BUILDING, WITH OUR 3D DESIGNER.
$238.70
$141.24
/Month
/Month
30X40X14 CUSTOM METAL GARAGE AS-LOW-AS $328.95/MO
20X25X12 WITH 12X25 LEAN-TO AS-LOW-AS $235.18/MO With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.
With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.
12X30 DOUBLE ROLL-UP DOOR AS-LOW-AS $198.18/MO
$457.00 /Month
$305.40
$45.00 30X40X12 CUSTOM STEEL GARAGE
(2) 12X10 ROLLUP DOORS, (1) WALK-IN DOOR, AND (3) WINDOWS AS-LOW-AS $569.44/MO
7 Locations
SERVING ALL OF FLORIDA AND SOUTH GEORGIA
/Month
20X20 BOAT-PORT TOP SELLER AS-LOW-AS $55.44/MO With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.
LIVE OAK (Corporate Office) P: 386-364-7995
CHIEFLAND P: 352-490-5028
PERRY
LIVE OAK SUPER CENTER P: 386-364-1548
DADE CITY P: 352-583-2410
MASARYKTOWN P: 352-797-2291
620 W. Howard St. (Hwy 90 W.)
211 72nd Trace
$158.40
/Month
/Month
2561 N. Young Blvd.
20229 US 301
P: 850-223-1939 2444 South Byron Butler Pwky
24X36X12 METAL BUILDING W/
(2) 12X36X10 LEAN-TO’S + UTILITY STORAGE AS-LOW-AS $365.18/MO WAYCROSS
P: 850-223-1939 2203 Memorial Drive Waycross, GA 31501
SCAN THE QR CODE TO VIEW OUR PRODUCTS
10X20 ROBIN
AS-LOW-AS $189.18/MO
KEENSBUILDINGS.COM View our inventory online.
568 S. Broad St.
• END OF SEASON SALE • SAVE • TINY HOMES FOR SALE • SALE • $0 DOWN FINANCING OPTIONS • EXCELLENT FINANCING OPTIONS • FREE DELIVERY AND FREE SETUP • APPLY NOW •
2 FLORIDA
JANUARY 2024
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
STEEL BUILDING •
Repower Center ✓ Large Inventory Cal lU ✓ Financing Available s ✓ Guide & Gov't Discounts ✓ Factory Trained Technicians ✓ Custom Fabrica�on Solu�ons ✓ Service and Maintenance RELIABILITY IS A FAMILTY TRADITION MEET THE NEXT GENERATION
advanced marine
Advanced Marine Services 1322 Carolina Ave Saint Cloud, FL 34769
407-498-5142 866-768-2628 advancedmarine.com
BOAT INSURANCE SINKING YOU? 6913 Norton Ave. West Palm Beach, FL 334054
Hurricane Season (561) 758-8758 Phone orders Can Be shiPPed
Be prepared with extra ropes, chains, anchors, shackles, and more!
SAVE
50%Insurance
up to
on Boat
GET THE
LOWEST RATES!
BOATS & $37,000 $75,000 JETSKI From: $264/yr $474/yr
Custom Spliced Dock Lines & Anchor Rodes
$100,000 $250,000 $500,000 $586/yr $2,975/yr $5,985/yr
GET A QUOTE! (888) 977-4500 (954) 785-5000
BoatInsuranceFlorida.com Bradley Insurance Group
Covering Boaters throughout the South Since 1988
Your #1 Source for Boat Insurance COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
JANUARY 2024
FLORIDA 3
By Astrid deGruchy
No Telling What You’ll Catch
ON THE PATCH
P
atch reef fishing is the epitome of, “You never know what you’re going to catch.” These underwater gems are filled with all sorts of fish, and it makes them fun and exciting places to be an angler. Patch reefs are small coral formations found in the shallower parts of the water. They were named for the patchy appearance when viewed from the surface and form wherever hard bottom exists in 10 to 25 feet of water. The rocky bottom, combined with ledges, coral heads and other growth provides the structure fish love. Many of these areas are well-known here in the Keys, but if you’re up for some exploration you can find less-pressured patch reef especially when the water is clear and visibility is good. Just keep an eye out for rocky or live bottom. These areas are usually not too far from shore, so they’re easy to reach and perfect for angling action. All sorts of fish congregate around these patches. The variety includes mutton snapper, mangrove snapper, yellowtail snapper, lane snapper, hogfish, black grouper, red grouper, gag grouper, porgy, cero mackerel, yellowjack and barracuda. We fish a lighter setup on the patch reefs, and this makes for a blast. Our go-to is a PENN Authority 4500 reel with the PENN Carnage III rod. Live bait like pilchards or shrimp work like a charm. If catching live bait is a problem for you, just stop at a local tackle shop and grab some live shrimp, pinfish, or even some frozen ballyhoo. Keep it simple, and tie on a knocker rig or jig head. Anchoring the boat in the right position to present baits around the reef is an important part of this style of fishing. Dropping bait on the sandy areas near the reef allows you to fish the bottom without getting hung up. Chum can be a good idea, but don’t be so quick to put out the chum as soon as you get lined up. I recommend breaking it out only if the fishing is tough. Chum can attract some of the “trash fish” like blue runners, jacks and sharks. Also, make sure you’re up to date with the rules and regulations. There are so many species you might catch, and some of those species might be out of season. Patch reef fishing is a blast. It’s a mix of stunning views and tons of action. If you want to experience this, the cooler months are the best for this type of fishing. That’s when some better-quality fish move into the shallower reefs.
Whe Cen and rem add sing
Visit www.beansportfishing.com to book a charter and experience epic patch reef fishing in the Sportfishing Capital of the World.
4 FLORIDA
JANUARY 2024
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
Water Acce
One if by Land . . . Two if by Sea With Mastry Suzuki RePower, It’s Your Choice
Join The Revolution Whether considering repowering your trailer boat or your offshore beast, there is a Mastry Suzuki RePower Center that can serve your repower dreams. Mastry Suzuki RePower centers are the best in the business and have the experience, technical know-how and boating passion to make your repower project a remarkable success. With total boat systems capabilities your local Mastry Suzuki RePower Center can address all your upgrade aspirations. Essentially transforming your boat into a totally new boat at one single location. With 15 Locations Across the Southeast There is a Mastry Suzuki RePower Center Near You.
REPOWER THE ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING A NEW BOAT *Get with the Program!
When you purchase a new Suzuki outboard from an authorized Mastry RePower Center you qualify to become a member of the Mastry Suzuki Owner’s Edge. Owners receive an identification card that provides them with important information about their Suzuki outboard motor as well as a passport to additional benefits during ownership. Members enjoy a detailed engine maintenance schedule, Mastry Suzuki RePower Trade Program and special pricing from Mastry Suzuki Partners.
suzukirepower.com | 1-800-545-4574 Water Access CA 231209.indd 1
12/9/23 12:24 PM
No Profile Boat Lift
Four Piling Boat Lift
RE
Eq Su the on
Durable boat lifts expertly designed with Florida in mind. ShoreStation hydraulic boat lifts are a reliable choice for coastal residents and boating enthusiasts alike. Their strong construction, made with corrosion-resistant materials, allows them to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including sun, storms, and saltwater damage. ShoreStation provides a steadfast solution for protecting waterfront investments, offering peace of mind to owners in the Sunshine State.
DISCOVER THE SHORESTATION ADVANTAGE
Q Se
Ma qu inn lift saf tod hy ne an wa con an les
ShoreScreen
REVOLUTION™ Canopy
No Piling Required Freestanding Boat Lift
REVOLUTION™ Series Canopy Cover
Solar Battery Charging System
Equipped with exceptional weather resistant fabric and breathable SunTex 80 woven mesh ends for maximum protection and durability, the REVOLUTION™ Series Canopy is the most innovative canopy on the market.
Never miss another moment on the water. Power your lift with clean, free solar power. Our speedy 20 watt charger features solar regulator drainage protection, saving your battery from permanent damage caused by overcharging.
Quickly Secures Boat Made from the highest quality materials, our innovative hydraulic boat lift is one of the fastest and safest lifts on the market today. When you have a hydraulic lift, there’s no need to worry about wind and waves getting in your way. This lift will give you confidence to safely land and secure your boat in less-than-ideal conditions.
Contact us today
& transform your waterfront! 772.247.4774 shorestation.com
SLIP CORKS AREN’T JUST FOR LIVE BAIT
T
Tim Barefoot
here was time in my life when I was fanatical about live bait, and a lot of the fishing I did was under a sliding cork. Well, that ship has sailed, at least the live bait part. I still fish under a sliding cork, but I now fish artificial lures under the cork for several reasons, only one of which is the evolution of soft plastic baits. Here are a few arguments for fishing artificial: 1) There’s no need to catch and store live bait. 2) My entire tackle box is now small and light enough to fit in a backpack for travel. 3) Soft Plastics are versatile in terms of presentation, and they’re effective. 4) Artificials can be cast farther and more accurately. 5) You can be ready to fish at a moment’s notice anywhere, under almost any conditions. These advantages add up to the sum of my new fishing style under a sliding or popping cork. I cherish my two- or three-hour mini vacations after work, wherever I am while traveling. I travel quite a bit and can bail out of the truck and fish for whatever is there. I’ve grown fond of fishing under and around bridges for several species, and the ease and effectiveness of this style of fishing is easy to love. In addition to fishing just a single lure under a cork—or without a cork in deeper, faster water—I’ve started fishing a tandem tackle. The bottom bait is the jig head for the weight, and the second bait has no weight and just trails out behind the jig. Some days, it’s all bites on the jig; other days, it’s a third or more of the bites on the weightless trailer. This suspended bait and trailer under a cork is not only effective, but it keeps you from staying hung up. Once I figure out how deep the water is, it’s easy to adjust the depth. I typically keep one rod set up for 6 feet deep as a starting point. If I see the cork laying over, it means the jig is sitting on the bottom. I’ll shallow it up a bit to where the jig is just off the bottom and makes a clean drift. If the water is deeper, I’ll adjust it deeper. The end goal is to keep the jig a foot or two off the bottom and allow a natural drift. I like to fish a pair of DOA Shrimp on this tackle in saltwater, and this same tactic is deadly in freshwater with Zoom Flukes or Super Flukes for smallmouth, largemouth and striped bass. The other bait I love for this style of fishing is Gulp! baits. For more detailed videos of the tandem tackle and how to tie it, and the construction of my sliding cork set up, visit my Youtube channel and/or the website. For more from Tim Barefoot, visit barefootcatsandtackle.com.
•A
•SUP •ENH •99%
8 FLORIDA
JANUARY 2024
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
*LIF 16 BREVARD
JA
JANUARY OPPORTUNITIES By: Capt. Greg Poland
H
appy New Year to all and I hope you and your family had a great holiday season and you found some new tackle under your tree! As the cold fronts roll in this time of the year, we are sure to have great action as anglers will find themselves with some great fishing opportunities in the Everglades National Park and the Gulf of Mexico. With mild temperatures and an abundance of marine life, this month promises an exciting mix of inshore and offshore adventures. Over in the Everglades, the cooler temperatures have ushered in an array of inshore species eager to feed in the shallows of the National Park. The mangrove-lined channels and expansive grass flats are bustling with activity. Snook, redfish, and seatrout are the stars of the show, responding well to live bait presentations and artificial lures. I like to target the mangrove edges during high tides for snook or use a bighead with a live shrimp on the bottom for redfish. This is my favorite time of year to run into the Gulf of Mexico, as January marks the beginning of the winter migration with pelagic species like spanish mackerel, kingfish, and cobia making appearances along with some great shark action. I like to fly a kite way back behind the boat with a live spanish and watch the big sharks blow up on the surface, often while trying for that big shark we wind up with a whopper kingfish. The photo of the tiger shark ate a live mackerel off the kite. However, weather conditions in January can vary, so I run SXM on my Simrad, not only do I have great music, but it gives me a current up-to date forecast of the weather around me. This is the time of the year to keep a close eye on the forecast and be prepared in case the wind picks up. January offers a diverse and rewarding fishing experience in the Everglades National Park and the Gulf of Mexico so whether you’re exploring the intricate mangrove channels or heading offshore in pursuit of pelagic species, this month sets the stage for unforgettable angling adventures. If you’re looking to get out on the water give me a call and set up a 1/2 day or full day adventure on your boat or my new Contender. — Contact Capt. Greg at 305.393.3327 or email gregpoland@icloud.com Instagram: gregpoland Facebook: Fishing in the Florida Keys with Capt. Greg Poland
JANUARY MAGIC I
love January in the Florida Keys for so many reasons. A new year gives us a new start with new personal goals. The air is cool, and our windows are open, and our winter fish are here in full force! As our water cools, it By: Capt. Angelia Swanson brings the Gulf Stream just a little closer to our beautiful shoreline. The cooler water also creates baitfish movements closer to our shore and brings the pelagic fish near our reef edge. It is my absolute favorite time of year for fishing! Wahoo, sailfish, and large kingfish are abundant, and they are thrilling to catch. Trolling along the reef edge has always been very successful for me in these cooler temps. It’s amazingly satisfying for me to watch a client fight their first BIG sportfish. There’s nothing in the world like a thirty- or forty-minute fight with a large angry fish doing aerial jumps and making your drag scream. Adrenaline flows strong and wow, it is the best natural drug in the world! The cooler water also brings the cero mackerel to the reef if you are trolling shallow or flat lining live bait. These tasty mackerel are much more palatable than most of the mackerel family and they are here in droves. If you are bottom fishing on our beautiful reef, it’s the perfect time to catch Mutton snapper which is a favorite of all anglers for table fare. They prefer the cooler waters and come in from their deep offshore summer spots and enjoy the lower temperature, shallow waters of the reef. Hang on to your rod and reel, because these large mutton snapper are fighters!
2 FLORIDA KEYS
JANUARY 2024
When choosing a fishing spot over one of our many wrecks, you can capitalize on the bigger kingfish, schools of permit, and an abundance of sharks to keep that adrenaline rush flowing. Another reason I love January so much is that our manatees have made the long trek south down our Gulf Coast from their winter spots in our many freshwater springs and returned for the refreshing water temps in our Keys. If you are doing your own boating, please keep an eye out for these enormous marine mammals. They have no fear of boats and will hang around the docks and marinas in search of fresh water. The majority of the manatees are covered in prop scars for this very reason. Be on the lookout for them in and around canal systems. They are easily spotted and avoidable and have no natural predators except for humans in boats. They are no longer considered endangered, but are still being classified as threatened, so let’s all work to keep these gentle giants safe. As you ponder your new year and travel plans, keep the Florida Keys in mind. So much beauty and wonder exist here and if you need to book a fishing charter, ecotour, snorkel trip, or simply a tour of our islands, give me a call! It would be my pleasure to share my unusual world with you!— Come out fishing with me by contacting me at: floridasaltycowgirl.com | 813-610-0078
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FLORIDA-KEYS
Bringing in The New Year By: Capt. Bruce Andersen
W
Penn – Daiwa – Shimano – Fin Nor – Okuma Rod & Reel Sales / Service / Repair Bait: Live – Frozen – Fresh Ice: Bagged – Block – Bulk
FISHING CHARTERS & GUIDE SERVICE Pelagic a nd Ocean Smith Costa Sunglasses ic A p parel & H Optics and Apparel ats Tackle Bo No-See-Um Dexter T-shirts - Hats x - Visors Insect Repellant Knives
Calcutta dise Merchan
Triple D and Tuna Killers
Torme n Fishin tor g Gear
Mile Marker 48 / Marathon / 305.289.0540
www.thetacklebox.com
4 FLORIDA KEYS
JANUARY 2024
inter is here, the New Year has come, and it’s the perfect time of year to head offshore and get in on some live bait sportfishing in the Florida Keys. Whether you’re dangling them from kites, slow trolling them on the surface behind the boat, or drifting alongside a wreck with your lines on the bottom, having a well full of frisky live bait is the ticket to success this time of year. On my charter boat, the Captain Easy, we will usually start each day catching bait. Whether we are cast netting pilchards on the edge of a flat, catching cigar minnows with a sabiki rig on a grass patch, or cast netting ballyhoo on a patch reef we always put in the time to catch fresh live bait when heading offshore. In addition to the bait we catch each morning, I’ll also often bring baits like goggle eyes that have been caught ahead of time and kept in a bait pen at the dock. The goggle eyes usually must be caught at night. They live really well in a cage or a bait pen at the dock, so we’ll usually head out every couple of weeks and load up with a couple of hundred goggle eyes to store and use on our day trips. Catching goggle eyes at night can be hard work, but it’s also a lot of fun. In the past I’ve usually gone out with just the crew or family on the boat just for the purpose of catching these bait fish. It’s a unique experience. Heading out at the end of the day and seeing one of the nicest Florida Keys sunsets you’ll ever witness usually with Alligator Reef Lighthouse in the foreground. Once darkness falls and the bait is located, it can be nonstop action. We’ll usually use large Sabiki rigs made specifically for goggle eyes and It’s not unusual to catch five at a time. We try to handle the bait very carefully and not touch them, de-hook them right into the live well so that they don’t bruise and stay extra lively for our fishing charters. It has often occurred to me that fishing for goggle eyes in the evening is such a cool and unique experience that more of the customers should really get to see what it’s all about. If you’re looking to get out and see for yourself, give me a call and maybe you can join me next time! — 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
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FLORIDA-KEYS
catchtching hoo on eading
its like at the ell in a e dock, t every oad up d gogon our
ST A CLICK U J AW FROM 'U R E
AY
ime of hing in s, slow wreck e ticket
YO
in ar
a Fresh Catch Book your RV Site or Rental ONLINE NOW!
yes at rk, but he past th just he boat catchunique out at seeing a Keys witness r Reef ated, it ally for he bait so that
ning is ally get lf, give
rs.com arters, ast.net
33000 Overseas Hwy. Big Pine Key, FL 33043 COVECOMMUNITIES.COM
FACEBOOK.COM/CAMFLORIDAKEYS
305.290.4118 JANUARY 2024
FLORIDA KEYS 5
MIXED BAG
By: Beth Steele
H
oliday season is upon us and it’s the most wonderful time for a beer! I released a swordfish on one trip after catching two large sharks. They sure have been biting nonstop this year. The seas have been rather choppy with strong blowing winds as this is the time to really watch the weather and to respect the seas. It makes it a little difficult to go offshore when the weather isn’t cooperating. Thankfully I got lucky catching my record size cobia, a nice kingfish and mutton snapper. Cobia is so delicious when it’s fresh, and I secretly love the fight! As the sun dipped below the horizon casting beautiful colors of orange and pink across the waves, it was time to head in for the day. On another trip I pulled stone crab traps and released a bunch of baby lobsters, saving some big stone crab claws for dinner. As always, I can’t wait to see what next month brings! Here Fishy Fishy! — Beth Steele | Owner, Hooker BookerLLC fishing@hookerbooker.com @hookerbookerllc
6 FLORIDA KEYS
JANUARY 2024
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FLORIDA-KEYS
G YOUR FLORIDA KEYS MERCURY AUTHORIZED REPOWER CENTER
ORDER YOUR NEW V10’S 350 & 400HP TODAY Rack Storage • 24/7 Security • Service • Sales • Parts • Fuel PLATINUM MERCU RY MARINE DEALER
LAUNCH SCHEDULER APP
BOATS
ShelterBayMarine.com | 305-743-7008 77 Coco Plum Drive, Marathon, FL 33050 24’ 43’ 41’ N - 81’ 00’ 49’ W FACEBOOK.COM/CAMFLORIDAKEYS
JANUARY 2024
FLORIDA KEYS 7
A RESOLUTION TO REFLECT L By: Brendon Allen
iving in Florida year-round, it is easy to take for granted the beauty and abundance of experiences we have at our fingertips. The swaying of a sabal palm on a breezy day, the soft lapping of waves on a sandy shore, and the abrupt pull of a monster fish feel simultaneously close yet so far away for many of us. The demands of modern life require us to create routines that can easily turn into cages if we’re not careful. Most of us know the value of pausing and taking a moment to appreciate what we have, but how many of us actually take the time to do it? When visiting mountainous parts of the country, I often envy the local population’s constant exposure to the towering peaks that serve as daily reminders of nature’s majesty. Florida’s majesty can be found in places large and small; however, our greatest treasure, the ocean, is often hidden from us as we make our daily commutes. One of the many drawbacks to living at sea level. This is why moments of reflection, and subsequent planning, are so important. When inspiration strikes, don’t hesitate to call a friend to see if they’re free to fish, or plan a weekend with the family to your favorite beach. These moments can be restorative and are easily obtained, despite our many distractions, with the proper resolution. As Henry David Thoreau once wrote, “it is remarkable how easily and insensibly we fall into a particular route and make a beaten track for ourselves.” Don’t let the beaten track of honking horns and the artificial glow of high-resolution gadgets replace the melodic chirping of willets or the last light of a setting sun. Just like the flashing lights in the rear-view mirror as you make your way home from work, these things are closer than they appear.
WINTER
8 FLORIDA KEYS
JANUARY 2024
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FLORIDA-KEYS
N
CAR PROBLEMS?
WE COME TO YOU!
beauty swayves on eously equire areful. reciate
MOBILE TIRES, OIL CHANGES & BRAKE SERVICES Superb Customer Service The Best Selection of Vehicle and Auto Parts
e local s daiplaces idden wbacks quent to call mily to ly ob-
• • • •
ly and r ourl glow or the w mirr than
Get onsite service for your convenience Save with our competive prices Trust in skilled, knowledgeable technicians Enjoy fast, friendly & professional services
Call us for an appointment today! 305-849-6072
TiresOnLocation.net
The Perfect Upgrade For The Boater That Has Everything
Total Boat Security & Lift Control At Your Fingertips Easy Installation Works With New & Existing Boat Lifts Live Video & Anti-Theft Security Notifications Automatic Service Position Feature Connect With BT, WiFi, or Cellular
www.lift-mate.com lift_mate
(252)543-8628
Use Promo Code ANGLER23 By 1/31/23 For $50 Off & Free Shipping FACEBOOK.COM/CAMFLORIDAKEYS
JANUARY 2024
FLORIDA KEYS 9
Who Doesn’t Want to be Here… Welcome to Los Cayos! We created an authentic “Keys inspired” lifestyle brand. It’s the no-worries, always-sunny, warm breezes, and sunshine experience that everyone wants to live! Here on the island, you don’t move at the pace society tells you to. It’s no wonder our catchphrase is “Who doesn’t want to be here...” Come join the Los Cayos family and take the journey with us. We may not know exactly where we’re going, but we’ll know when we get there! Capt. “Franker”
Happy New Year from Our Island to Yours! - Los Cayos Apparel
LosCayosApparel.com | LosCayosBeer.com |
10 FLORIDA KEYS
JANUARY 2024
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FLORIDA-KEYS
@LosCayosApparel @LosCayosBeer
We’re happy to announce our recent partnership with Coastal Angler `Magazine as their exclusive apparel brand for the Florida Keys Region!
Mark Your Calendars!
Keys Deck & Dock Supply’s
NAUTICAL MARKET Presented by the pool spa Billiard Store
February 24th & 25th
Saturday 8am - 5pm • Sunday 9am - 3pm Founders Park • MM 87 Bayside • Islamorada “The Boat Show With A Beach!”
Scan to Learn More!
DONATION: $5 Contribution to the Scholarship Fund • ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT AREA YOUTH FREE SHUTTLE BOTH DAYS DURING SHOW HOURS FROM CORAL SHORES HIGH SCHOOL, MM 90
TIDE CHART KEY LARGO
www.USHarbors.com
Key Largo, South Sound, FLJANUARY - Jan 2024 2024 High
Date
Low
TIDE CHART ISLAMORADA
www.USHarbors.com
Islamorada, Florida Bay, FLJANUARY - Jan 2024 2024 High
Date
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
Moon
Mon
12:00
1.3
12:23
1.4
7:18
0.2
7:50
0.2
7:05
5:42
1
2
Tue
12:45
1.3
1:03
1.3
8:03
0.2
8:36
0.2
7:06
5:42
3
Wed
1:34
1.3
1:45
1.3
8:52
0.3
9:24
0.2
7:06
5:43
4
Thu
2:27
1.3
2:32
1.2
9:46
0.3
10:14
0.1
7:06
5
Fri
3:24
1.3
3:24
1.2
10:43
0.3
11:06
0.1
6
Sat
4:23
1.3
4:21
1.2
11:40
0.3
11:59
7
Sun
5:22
1.4
5:19
1.3
8
Mon
6:18
1.5
6:15
1.3
12:50
9
Tue
7:11
1.5
7:10
1.4
10
Wed
8:01
1.6
8:02
11
Thu
8:49
1.7
12
Fri
9:36
13
Sat
14
Low
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
Mon
1:11
0.6
2:16
0.4
9:19
0.0
9:06
0.2
7:06
5:45
2
Tue
1:55
0.5
2:53
0.4
9:57
0.1
10:13
0.2
7:06
5:46
3
Wed
2:48
0.4
3:33
0.5
10:35
0.1
11:25
0.1
7:06
5:47
5:44
4
Thu
3:54
0.4
4:18
0.5
11:12
0.2
7:06
5:47
7:06
5:44
5
Fri
5:22
0.3
5:06
0.5
12:34
0.1
11:52A
0.2
7:07
5:48
0.0
7:06
5:45
6
Sat
6:53
0.3
5:57
0.5
1:38
0.0
12:37
0.2
7:07
5:49
12:34
0.3
7:07
5:46
7
Sun
8:07
0.3
6:49
0.6
2:36
-0.1
1:26
0.2
7:07
5:49
-0.1
1:25
0.2
7:07
5:46
8
Mon
9:04
0.3
7:41
0.6
3:28
-0.1
2:17
0.2
7:07
5:50
1:41
-0.2
2:14
0.1
7:07
5:47
9
Tue
9:50
0.3
8:33
0.7
4:16
-0.2
3:07
0.1
7:07
5:51
1.5
2:31
-0.3
3:03
0.0
7:07
5:48
10
Wed
10:32
0.3
9:25
0.7
5:02
-0.2
3:57
0.1
7:07
5:52
8:54
1.6
3:20
-0.4
3:52
0.0
7:07
5:49
11
Thu
11:11
0.3
10:17
0.7
5:46
-0.2
4:47
0.1
7:07
5:52
1.7
9:45
1.6
4:10
-0.4
4:41
-0.1
7:07
5:49
12
Fri
11:49
0.3
11:08
0.7
6:29
-0.2
5:38
0.0
7:07
5:53
10:23
1.8
10:37
1.7
5:00
-0.4
5:31
-0.2
7:07
5:50
13
Sat
12:26
0.4
7:11
-0.2
6:32
0.0
7:07
5:54
Sun
11:10
1.7
11:31
1.6
5:51
-0.4
6:22
-0.2
7:07
5:51
14
Sun
12:00
0.7
1:04
0.4
7:54
-0.2
7:30
0.0
7:07
5:55
15
Mon
11:57
1.7
6:44
-0.3
7:16
-0.2
7:07
5:52
15
Mon
12:54
0.6
1:43
0.4
8:36
-0.1
8:35
0.0
7:07
5:55
16
Tue
12:26
1.6
12:47
1.6
7:40
-0.2
8:12
-0.2
7:07
5:52
16
Tue
1:50
0.6
2:24
0.5
9:18
0.0
9:47
0.0
7:07
5:56
17
Wed
1:24
1.5
1:39
1.5
8:39
0.0
9:11
-0.2
7:07
5:53
17
Wed
2:53
0.5
3:10
0.5
10:01
0.0
11:04
0.0
7:07
5:57
18
Thu
2:26
1.5
2:36
1.4
9:42
0.1
10:12
-0.2
7:07
5:54
18
Thu
4:10
0.4
4:03
0.5
10:47
0.1
7:07
5:58
19
Fri
3:31
1.4
3:37
1.3
10:46
0.1
11:13
-0.2
7:07
5:55
19
Fri
5:46
0.3
5:04
0.5
12:23
-0.1
11:37A
0.1
7:07
5:58
20
Sat
4:37
1.4
4:40
1.3
11:49
0.2
7:06
5:56
20
Sat
7:20
0.2
6:09
0.6
1:40
-0.1
12:33
0.1
7:07
5:59
21
Sun
5:40
1.4
5:42
1.3
12:13
-0.2
12:48
0.2
7:06
5:56
21
Sun
8:32
0.2
7:12
0.6
2:50
-0.1
1:33
0.1
7:07
6:00
22
Mon
6:37
1.4
6:39
1.3
1:09
-0.2
1:42
0.1
7:06
5:57
22
Mon
9:24
0.2
8:08
0.6
3:50
-0.2
2:33
0.1
7:07
6:01
23
Tue
7:28
1.5
7:29
1.4
2:01
-0.2
2:32
0.1
7:06
5:58
23
Tue
10:04
0.2
8:57
0.6
4:37
-0.2
3:28
0.1
7:06
6:01
24
Wed
8:12
1.5
8:14
1.4
2:49
-0.2
3:17
0.1
7:05
5:59
24
Wed
10:37
0.3
9:42
0.6
5:17
-0.2
4:18
0.1
7:06
6:02
25
Thu
8:52
1.5
8:55
1.4
3:33
-0.2
4:00
0.0
7:05
5:59
25
Thu
11:07
0.3
10:22
0.6
5:52
-0.2
5:03
0.0
7:06
6:03
26
Fri
9:29
1.5
9:35
1.4
4:14
-0.2
4:40
0.0
7:05
6:00
26
Fri
11:33
0.3
11:00
0.6
6:25
-0.1
5:45
0.0
7:06
6:03
27
Sat
10:03
1.5
10:13
1.4
4:52
-0.2
5:17
0.0
7:05
6:01
27
Sat
12:00P
0.4
11:36
0.6
6:57
-0.1
6:26
0.0
7:05
6:04
28
Sun
10:37
1.4
10:51
1.4
5:29
-0.1
5:54
0.0
7:04
6:02
28
Sun
12:26
0.4
7:28
-0.1
7:07
0.0
7:05
6:05
29
Mon
11:10
1.4
11:29
1.3
6:05
0.0
6:29
0.0
7:04
6:02
29
Mon
12:12
0.5
12:54
0.4
7:58
0.0
7:50
0.0
7:04
6:06
30
Tue
11:44
1.3
6:41
0.0
7:04
0.0
7:03
6:03
30
Tue
12:49
0.5
1:22
0.4
8:26
0.0
8:36
0.0
7:04
6:06
31
Wed
12:09
1.3
7:18
0.1
7:41
0.0
7:03
6:04
31
Wed
1:29
0.4
1:52
0.4
8:52
0.0
9:29
0.0
7:04
6:07
1
12:18
1.3
Lower Keys Angler’s Hideaway
Unrivaled no-bridge ocean access from private basin. • Sprawling 2.5 lots and bay bottom ownership! • Walking distance to Geiger Key Marina. • Generous 2,476 living space, perfect for entertaining. • Call the Lisa Ferringo Group for information today! • 7 Cormorant Lane, Geiger Key, FL $1,389,000 •
The Lisa Ferringo Group
29967 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
305-797-1221 | www.lisaferringo.com 12 FLORIDA KEYS
JANUARY 2024
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FLORIDA-KEYS
Moon
TIDE CHART
KEY COLONY BEACH www.USHarbors.com
Key Colony Beach, FL - JanJANUARY 2024 2024 High
Date 1
AM
ft
Mon
Low
TIDE CHART KEY WEST
High
Date
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
Moon
12:32
1.6
6:19
0.2
6:22
0.5
7:07
5:47
1
www.USHarbors.com
JANUARY 2024
Key West, FL - Jan 2024
Low
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
Mon
12:32
1.5
1:37
1.1
7:12
0.1
6:59
0.5
7:10
5:51
2
Tue
12:36
1.7
1:13
1.6
6:57
0.4
7:18
0.5
7:07
5:48
2
Tue
1:16
1.3
2:14
1.2
7:50
0.2
8:06
0.4
7:10
5:51
3
Wed
1:28
1.6
1:55
1.6
7:38
0.5
8:18
0.4
7:07
5:49
3
Wed
2:09
1.2
2:54
1.2
8:28
0.3
9:18
0.4
7:10
5:52
4
Thu
2:26
1.4
2:41
1.7
8:22
0.5
9:20
0.3
7:07
5:49
4
Thu
3:15
1.0
3:39
1.3
9:05
0.4
10:27
0.2
7:10
5:53
5
Fri
3:31
1.3
3:29
1.7
9:11
0.6
10:19
0.2
7:08
5:50
5
Fri
4:43
0.8
4:27
1.3
9:45
0.5
11:31
0.0
7:11
5:53
6
Sat
4:40
1.3
4:21
1.7
10:03
0.6
11:16
0.0
7:08
5:51
6
Sat
6:14
0.8
5:18
1.4
10:30
0.5
7:11
5:54
7
Sun
5:46
1.3
5:14
1.8
10:55
0.5
7:08
5:51
7
Sun
7:28
0.7
6:10
1.5
12:29
-0.2
11:19A
0.5
7:11
5:55
8
Mon
6:46
1.3
6:08
2.0
12:08
-0.2
11:46A
0.5
7:08
5:52
8
Mon
8:25
0.7
7:02
1.7
1:21
-0.3
12:10
0.5
7:11
5:56
9
Tue
7:37
1.3
7:01
2.1
12:59
-0.3
12:36
0.4
7:08
5:53
9
Tue
9:11
0.7
7:54
1.8
2:09
-0.5
1:00
0.4
7:11
5:56
10
Wed
8:25
1.4
7:53
2.2
1:48
-0.5
1:25
0.3
7:08
5:54
10
Wed
9:53
0.8
8:46
1.9
2:55
-0.6
1:50
0.3
7:11
5:57
11
Thu
9:09
1.4
8:45
2.3
2:35
-0.6
2:15
0.2
7:08
5:54
11
Thu
10:32
0.8
9:38
2.0
3:39
-0.7
2:40
0.2
7:11
5:58
12
Fri
9:52
1.5
9:36
2.4
3:22
-0.6
3:06
0.1
7:09
5:55
12
Fri
11:10
0.9
10:29
2.0
4:22
-0.6
3:31
0.1
7:11
5:58
13
Sat
10:35
1.6
10:27
2.3
4:08
-0.5
3:58
0.0
7:09
5:56
13
Sat
11:47
1.0
11:21
1.9
5:04
-0.6
4:25
0.1
7:11
5:59
14
Sun
11:18
1.7
11:21
2.2
4:54
-0.4
4:54
0.0
7:09
5:56
14
Sun
12:25
1.1
5:47
-0.4
5:23
0.0
7:11
6:00
15
Mon
12:01
1.8
5:40
-0.3
5:54
0.0
7:09
5:57
15
Mon
12:15
1.8
1:04
1.2
6:29
-0.2
6:28
0.0
7:11
6:01
16
Tue
12:17
2.0
12:47
1.9
6:26
-0.1
6:58
-0.1
7:09
5:58
16
Tue
1:11
1.5
1:45
1.3
7:11
0.0
7:40
0.0
7:11
6:01
17
Wed
1:17
1.7
1:35
1.9
7:15
0.1
8:05
-0.1
7:08
5:59
17
Wed
2:14
1.2
2:31
1.4
7:54
0.1
8:57
-0.1
7:11
6:02
18
Thu
2:23
1.5
2:27
1.9
8:07
0.3
9:16
-0.1
7:08
5:59
18
Thu
3:31
0.9
3:24
1.4
8:40
0.2
10:16
-0.2
7:11
6:03
19
Fri
3:39
1.3
3:25
1.9
9:03
0.4
10:25
-0.2
7:08
6:00
19
Fri
5:07
0.7
4:25
1.5
9:30
0.3
11:33
-0.3
7:11
6:04
20
Sat
5:03
1.1
4:28
1.9
10:03
0.4
11:30
-0.2
7:08
6:01
20
Sat
6:41
0.7
5:30
1.5
10:26
0.4
7:11
6:04
21
Sun
6:18
1.1
5:31
1.9
11:03
0.4
7:08
6:02
21
Sun
7:53
0.6
6:33
1.5
12:43
-0.4
11:26A
0.4
7:11
6:05
22
Mon
7:15
1.1
6:29
1.9
12:29
-0.3
11:59A
0.4
7:08
6:02
22
Mon
8:45
0.6
7:29
1.6
1:43
-0.4
12:26
0.3
7:11
6:06
23
Tue
7:59
1.2
7:21
1.9
1:20
-0.3
12:51
0.3
7:08
6:03
23
Tue
9:25
0.7
8:18
1.6
2:30
-0.5
1:21
0.2
7:10
6:07
24
Wed
8:34
1.2
8:06
2.0
2:04
-0.3
1:37
0.2
7:07
6:04
24
Wed
9:58
0.7
9:03
1.6
3:10
-0.5
2:11
0.2
7:10
6:07
25
Thu
9:06
1.3
8:48
2.0
2:45
-0.3
2:21
0.2
7:07
6:05
25
Thu
10:28
0.8
9:43
1.6
3:45
-0.5
2:56
0.1
7:10
6:08
26
Fri
9:37
1.4
9:27
2.0
3:22
-0.3
3:03
0.1
7:07
6:05
26
Fri
10:54
0.9
10:21
1.6
4:18
-0.4
3:38
0.1
7:10
6:09
27
Sat
10:09
1.4
10:05
1.9
3:56
-0.2
3:44
0.1
7:06
6:06
27
Sat
11:21
1.0
10:57
1.5
4:50
-0.3
4:19
0.1
7:09
6:10
28
Sun
10:41
1.5
10:44
1.8
4:29
-0.1
4:24
0.1
7:06
6:07
28
Sun
11:47
1.0
11:33
1.4
5:21
-0.2
5:00
0.1
7:09
6:10
29
Mon
11:14
1.6
11:24
1.7
5:01
0.0
5:05
0.1
7:06
6:08
29
Mon
12:15
1.1
5:51
-0.1
5:43
0.1
7:09
6:11
30
Tue
11:47
1.6
5:32
0.1
5:48
0.1
7:05
6:08
30
Tue
12:10
1.3
12:43
1.2
6:19
0.0
6:29
0.1
7:08
6:12
31
Wed
12:05
1.6
6:04
0.2
6:35
0.1
7:05
6:09
31
Wed
12:50
1.1
1:13
1.2
6:45
0.1
7:22
0.1
7:08
6:12
12:22
1.6
Moon
ONE STOP SHOPPING /keywestmarine
kw_marinehardware
FACEBOOK.COM/CAMFLORIDAKEYS
JANUARY 2024
FLORIDA KEYS 13
AFRICAN POMPANO By: Capt. Tony Young
D
uring the winter months in the Florida Keys, we hear a lot about wahoo, sailfish, and other mackerel species that travel through with the cooler water temperatures. However, one fish that is very special and often forgotten about is african pompano “AP”. Landing an AP on hook and line, or spear, is a huge accomplishment and usually underappreciated. Don’t get me wrong, catching a sailfish or shooting a wahoo is a thrill of a lifetime, but having an african pompano hit the deck is a moment that does not come along very often! Let’s dive in and break down some tactics that will help you make the most of your offshore trips this coming winter. It is not a secret that AP’s like hanging around wrecks or deep structure, but homing in on the conditions that they favor will take some time. These fish are generally in pairs or small schools, swimming tight circles around the structure they are on. We often see african pompano on the reef as well, however here they are traveling and usually do not stay in one place for very long. Catching an african pompano is a true thrill, they do not go down easy. Most of my fish have always been caught off the bottom rods with live bait, their initial fight feels similar to a large mutton snapper or grouper. When the fish gets tired, they will flip sideways and use their skinny and tall body shape to create drag in the water. Be careful at this point, the fish is putting a lot of extra tension on the line, it is easy to break them off if you are running a light leader. Shortly after this happens you will see a large spot of silver spinning in circles as you bring the fish closer to the surface. When a grouper or mutton snapper gets close to the surface, they will begin to float up quickly as their swim bladder expands with the decreased water pressure. AP’s will do this as well, but not to the extent as other fish, you will need to stay ready to fight the fish until you get them on the boat. Many times, we’ve had african pompano get a burst of energy that takes them back down, if you’re not ready they will likely break off. For this reason, I think it is best to rig your weight so it can be unclipped from the line, allowing you to reel in any length of leader up to the fish. Enjoy this moment and take some good pictures before they lose their color. African Pompano have some of the most beautiful patterns of any fish we catch. You probably won’t hear many divers say this, but I truly believe that shooting an african pompano is far more difficult that any wahoo or grouper. For instance, the last wahoo I shot was in 14’ of water and my last AP was shot in over 80’ of water. Landing a large AP on a single breath is a huge undertaking and great accomplishment. These fish are always deeper, they are hard to approach, the shot needs to be perfect, and like all other jacks they dive straight down when hit. I only run slip tips with a float line for this reason, when targeting AP’s. You need to place the shot near the pectoral fin, which will catch good bone and hold well as you fight the fish. They will try to swim down to the structure they are on, and all this commotion will attract the predators. Goliath groupers love to bust in and break up the party, they will try to eat your fighting fish until you get them far enough off the bottom. I believe it is important to fight the fish immediately and if you have three divers in the water, have one of them dive down and assist by pulling on your float line. If your shot is placed right, it will hold and your tension from pulling will help turn their head up, this will make it easier to surface your fish. Shooting AP’s near the tail will almost always lead to a tear out or a predator eating them. Because these fish swim down when shot, it is important to keep your line clear from your body as you bring them in. Enjoy every second and know that landing an african pompano is one of the most difficult fish to shoot in the Florida Keys. The winter months are here and it’s our opportunity to catch our favorite cooler water pelagic fish! Pay attention to the conditions you have success with and never miss an opportunity to get out on the water. Be courteous of other divers and anglers, know that everyone has the right to be out diving and fishing. No boat, fishing or diving, has the right over another boat. Dive Safe! — Capt. Tony Young can be reached at Forever Young Spearfishing in Islamorada, FL at 305-680-8879
N O
102451 Overseas Hwy Key Largo, Fl 33037
hed at 0-8879 FACEBOOK.COM/CAMFLORIDAKEYS
JANUARY 2024
FLORIDA KEYS 15
FOOTBALL SEASON
F
By: Jessica Harris
A
s the new year is here, football season is coming to an end. Whether you’re an NFL fan rooting for the Miami Dolphins or sticking to college hyping up your fellow Gators, there is one thing for sure, the football of the water will be coming soon. The Blackfin Tuna! Blackfins tend to bite vigorously in the fall months and right back at it in the spring months. But why do we call that fighting little fish a football? Because that’s exactly what they’re shaped like and most of what you catch, big or small, still resembles one. A football tuna. So don’t get discouraged because football season is over, because it’s actually just getting started. Blackfin Tuna are such a fun fish to catch. Besides their football shape, they are known for hard runs, explosive bites and great table fare. Now don’t get me wrong, blackfins can be caught year-round in South Florida but if you want to specifically target them, fall and spring months are ideal. The larger tuna will be caught in the spring months during migration. They like to eat in the low light, spending most of their time deep down
16 FLORIDA KEYS
JANUARY 2024
hunting squid. Their big eyes help them to see great down there. If you’re planning to go fishing for blackfin tuna, the best way to target them are trolling and jigging. It’s a good idea to scale down your leader material and hooks because of their excellent eyesight. Kite fishing is a fun way and efficient way to target them as well. Keep in mind that they are a little boat shy, so you’ll really need to step up your teaser game. If you’re wondering what to use to catch them, live bait is always the answer. So now that you are a little more knowledgeable on the blackfin tuna sportfishing game, get out there and try to catch some! As an avid angler myself, I must say, I am not big on sushi. BUT, fresh blackfin on the boat is on a whole new level. Just don’t forget to bleed it out first. Happy New Year and to a new year of fishing, I hope it’s a great one.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FLORIDA-KEYS
17 FLO
FLORIDA KEYS FISHING GUIDES Snorkeling • Inshore
Offshore • Sandbars
•
•
Call today to book your adventure! 305-282-7746
Capt. Anthony Abate SaltwaterCowboyChartez@gmail.com
Saltwater Cowboy Charters
Captain Jason Calhoun 305.587.0711 Key Largo, FL
Lockitupcharters #lockeditupflkeys
Fishing Charters (Inshore, Offshore, Reef, Wreck, Back Country) Captain for Hire Sunset Cruises
Lockitup Charters
www.lockitupcharters.com
• Keys Backcountry & Everglades Nat’l Park • Night Vision Tarpon Experience
Capt Bryson Shaaber
• Peacock & Largemouth Bass
Flats/ Backcountry Charters 904-994-1215 captbryson
www.silvertidecharters.com
www.undertheradarcharters.com
214-577-3880
Fishing, Snorkeling & Scuba Charters Sightseeing Tours 305-731-5611 Key Largo Captain Carlos Lima Captain Carlos Paez
candcaquaadventures.com candcaqua
Capt. Carlos Padron
786-719-0033
Se Habla Español
1/2 Day, 3/4 Day & Full Day Charters Offshore, Reef & Private Sandbar Trips
bluewaterblissfishing.com Key Largo Based 17 FLORIDA KEYS JANUARY 2024
bluewater_bliss_fishing COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FLORIDA-KEYS
By: Caitlyn Gatrell
I
f saltwater fishing is your cup of tea, then you most likely know all about popular gamefish like snook, tarpon, redfish, and more. Beyond the gamefish of saltwater fishing, there are other cool species you can catch while fishing for the ocean’s creatures. One of my favorite not-so-common saltwater species to catch is the parrotfish, and one of the best locations to find these guys is the Florida Keys. Their beautiful colors and unique build are what catch my attention. We visit the Keys yearly, so we see quite a few each time we’re down there. I don’t really fish for these guys, but there’s been a couple times where they just so happened to be interested in my bait. This beautiful blue fish you see in the photo is a parrotfish that decided to bite my hook while fishing off a bridge in Marathon. We were using shrimp on circle hooks, with a sinker attached due to the fast-moving current. We tend to walk the bridge until we reach deeper points, and we cast
18 FLORIDA KEYS
JANUARY 2024
our bait along the pilings. This hungry parrotfish was in a little group with other colorful parrotfish, just nibbling along the piling, on the search for some food. Once I felt that little tug and saw my rod tip bend down, I began to reel in and sure enough a flash of blue was seen below the surface. It’s always fun fishing along the brides of the Florida Keys because you come across so many different types of marine species. In just one trip we had sharks, turtles, stingrays, tarpon, and various fish species stroll by us. That was only an hour or two trip too! You can find plenty of tropical fish while visiting the Keys, whether you’re in Key Largo or you’re all the way south to Key West! The Keys is a global fishing capital after all, so there’s a very diverse ecosystem present. Areas you can expect to find tropical fish in the keys consist of piers, docks, jetties, bridges, pilings, reefs, wrecks, and even some mangrove islands. You can reach these areas by land or by boat, so you have plenty of opportunities to get out there and get your eyes on some beautiful fish. There are also numerous aquariums and research centers throughout the Keys that allow visitors for hands-on opportunities and viewing experiences with many, various marine species. Instructor-led shows are often held for visitors to learn about the critters, which is especially fun for the young ones. Whether you’re interested in fishing, or you just enjoy being by the ocean, you’ll love every minute you spend in the waters of the Florida Keys. And if you’re an inshore angler like me, sometimes it’s fun to have a unique species on your line!
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FLORIDA-KEYS
F I N D
Y O U R
N E X T
B O A T
Island Boat Show is a ministry of Island Community Church. All profits from Island Boat Show 2024 support local and global missions and ministries of the church, as well as higher education scholarships for local students. Find your new boat at the Island Boat Show, January 19-21, 2024.
FACEBOOK.COM/CAMFLORIDAKEYS
JANUARY 2024
FLORIDA KEYS 19
KAYAK FISHING
J
By: Randy Morrow
F
or many decades, one of the most sought-after shallow water fish in the Florida Keys has been the gray ghost of the flats, a/k/a bonefish. Known for their spookiness and long, drag peeling runs, most of my anglers are stunned by the speed and endurance of these fish. Recently, the number of bonefish, particularly the large ones, has spiked upward and made for some explosive, exciting sight-fishing in the shallows. With water temps cooling down from the blistering summer levels, the bones have had a strong presence on the Gulfside flats, and even stronger on the Atlantic side. Traditionally considered a spring/summer/fall (warm water) target, I’ve noticed them being more tolerant of cooler water in recent years, almost becoming a year-round possibility. Winter cool fronts, especially the stronger ones, can push water temps down to 70 degrees or lower, and generally the bones will move off to deeper Atlantic water for more warmth and temperature stability. But if the flats water is in the mid 70s or above, you should be able to find targets. Now let’s talk a little about how to fool one with a lure or fly. My workhorse fly for bonefish is a medium-weight, tan shrimp pattern with orange accents. I would say this gets the job done about 80 percent of the time. But on certain days, the fish seem to be more keyed-in on crabs, so I always have some small, weighted crab flies in my box. Generally I’ll throw the shrimp fly first and if I get 2 blunt refusals, I’ll immediately switch to the crab pattern. Presenting the fly about 2 feet in front of the fish with a short, medium speed strip usually makes the connection. But if you’re having trouble getting an eat, definitely mix up your stripping cadence, trying slower, longer strips, or faster strips and try to find what they are liking that day. I find most of my bones in about 2 feet of water, but they will sometimes come in even more shallow, showing wakes and tails as they feed. In this scenario, I’ll switch a lighter, bead-chain fly. It’s the same shrimp pattern, just lighter weight. Conversely, there are days when you’ll find the fish in deeper water - 3 feet or more. For this you’ll want the same shrimp fly with a heavy barbell to get down to the fish quickly. So to really be ready, you’ll have 3 weights of shrimp flies in your box. To target them with spinning tackle, I prefer a 1/4oz buck tail jig in tan or white. Add to that a thumbnail-sized piece of fresh (not frozen) shrimp, and you have a terrific rig for bones. Similar to the weight/depth issue in the last paragraph, you’ll want a lighter jig head (1/8oz) for skinny water and a heavier one (3/8oz) for deeper water. As always, call, text or email if I can help you with your kayak fishing pursuits!
— Randy Morrow, Kayak Fishing Guide | LowerKeysKayakFishing.com randy@lowerkeyskayakfishing.com | 305-923-4643 20 FLORIDA KEYS
JANUARY 2024
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FLORIDA-KEYS
ww
Gu
s e id
l l a B
Swa mp
G
Join us for the FKFGA th Annual 34
Fishing Tournament
ISLAMORADA, FLORIDA KEYS
2024 February 2 - 3, 2024 Safe Harbor Angler House
Feb 2 Kick Off | 5:00 pm Registration | Online Silent Auction | Live Music: The Carousers
Feb 3 2024 Swamp Guides Ball Tournament | 7 am - 3 pm Scoring | 3 - 5 pm Awards | 6 - 9 pm
Register www.fkfga.org
Auction www.32auctions.com/SGB2024
CHANGE OF SCENERY By: Capt. Joel Brandenburg
H
appy holidays to all of our Florida Keys fishing friends and family! I’ve just returned from a month-long deer hunting trip. I fish 300 days per year so I can afford to hunt the other 65 days. We started out in Sparta, Georgia and took a nice 8pt buck. Then went to Berring, Missouri and harvested a beautiful 10pt buck and from there I traveled to Osgood, Indiana. I had an encounter two days in a row with a monster 10pt buck. I was bow hunting and he was just out of range both times to make an ethical bow shot. I felt strongly he would show up in the next few days after those encounters and I would get a better chance at him especially since rifle season had started and I had switched from a bow to a rifle. Even though I had him patterned and played the wind right on each sit in the tree stand he didn’t show up for five days. On my last evening hunt thanksgiving afternoon, I took my late buddies 14-year-old daughter Jaelynn hunting. She always hunted with her dad, and he passed away in a tragic accident a few years ago and I promised her I would take her hunting. On thanksgiving evening about 15 mins before dark from our two-person ground blind we see a giant buck step out of the woods and onto the edge of a cut corn field at about 250 yards away. I told her to lift my 30-06 rifle slowly and put the cross hairs on the buck. She said, “I can’t shoot that buck from this far away!” I said, “I can” and grabbed the gun, aimed, and pulled the trigger. The buck jumped straight up, hit the ground flat on his back and flopped around like a fish out of water. Legs in the air like a sprayed roach. I tried to make a second shot and click, third shot and click and forth shot boom and missed the buck as he was crawling back into the bush. For whatever reason two bullets misfired. To make a long story short, we drove up to the spot that I hit the buck and found him. Being the biggest buck I’ve ever shot, along with the pressure I put on myself to be an ethical hunter who makes ethical shots, there was a lot on the line to find this buck. Once I realized this buck had enough strength to jump the tall fence, plus it was getting pitch black dark and I didn’t want to spook a crippled buck further back into the deep woods, we backed out and phoned a friend. I called my hunting/fishing buddy Jeff Foster who owns a local bait shop in nearby Versailles, Indiana and ask him to bring this special blood light and come to Osgood, Indiana and help us track this buck. Now that’s a great 22 FLORIDA KEYS
JANUARY 2024
buddy who will leave his family on Thanksgiving night to help a friend in need. We tracked the blood trail another half mile back in the woods and the blood trail ended on the bottom of a riverbed. We walked around in the woods for hours looking for that buck but didn’t find him. I had to fly back to the Keys the next morning. The next morning, I jumped on my plane and my buddy Jeff joined up with another buddy Todd and the farmer/landowner Dave put together a search party for hours and miles with no luck finding that buck. Last time I felt even close to what I was feeling is when we lost a giant Blue Marlin last year off the coast of Marathon in the Florida Keys. Before I left, I gave Jaelynn my 30-06 Ruger riffle with Vortex scope, hard gun case and ground blind. Even though it was a story of the one that got away that hunt was very sentimental for both Jaelynn and I in honor of her late father and maybe that hunt will help assure that Jaelynn won’t ever be the kid who gets away. Most kids who love to hunt and/or fish stay out of trouble. I hope her dad was looking down smiling at us. Hunting and fishing are unpredictable, with a lot of luck and lack of luck sometimes. There’s no guarantees except our “No Fish No Pay” policy. Captain Joel’s Fishin’ Holes is usually about a fishing adventure and not about hunting. However, while I was away hunting, my 25-year-old son was chartering most every day, and between him and some other fellow captain colleagues here is what I hear: the yellowtail bite is on fire between 50ft deep and 70ft deep at the reef and the sharks have settled down so you can land most of your gamefish rather than half of your gamefish. The Mahi bite is good at around 650ft. This time of year, the mahi bite usually slows to a halt, but since they started late this year, I guess they’re ending late too. I also think it’s good because we haven’t been hit with any major cold fronts yet. Mutton and grouper bite is ok. Tuna bite is ok, and the Marathon Humps have been very unpredictable lately. The bridge and back country action is heating up with quality mangroves and yellow jacks. The wahoo bite has been great during full moons in the early morning and late afternoons around deep wrecks. Best bait for wahoo is live baby bonita. Anglers have been catching billfish, sailfish shallow, swordfish deep. — For a charter with Captain Joel or Jojo Brandenburg of Ana Banana Fishing Company in Marathon Florida Keys call cell 813-267-4401 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.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FLORIDA-KEYS
• I s w • I m f o c h w • I • I • D t • I t • K • I • D • K t • T • D m • I d
Crim
If you suspi
CAL
Y
anana 401 or rs.com
MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
MARINE THEFT PREVENTION • Install motion sensor lights. Make sure areas around the boat are well lighted. • Install surveillance cameras and make sure they will capture the face of an intruder. Cameras are often installed too high and only capture the top of a suspects head or the brim of the hat he is wearing. • Install a GPS tracking device on your boat and/or engines. • Install a boat alarm. Alarms are very effective at preventing equipment and boat thefts. • Disconnect the batteries to disable the trim / tilt function. Keep the engine down, touching the ground so the lower unit can’t be removed. • If the boat is on a trailer, chain the rims together or boot one of the wheels to prevent the boat and trailer from being stolen. • Keep a trailer hitch lock on at all times. • Install bolt locks on the engine or put extra-long engine bolts on and bend the ends. • Destroy the threads on one bolt so the nut can’t be removed. • Keep valuable electronics in a secure location. It might be a hassle, but it will same you thousands of dollars in the long run. • Take pictures and record serial numbers if available. • Don’t leave fishing and diving equipment unattended outside. It only takes a thief a minute - literally - to take it. • If you are gone for an extended period, call your local Sheriff’s Office substation. Our deputies will keep an eye on your property while you are away.
DOWNLOAD OUR APP!
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!
CALL 911 IF A CRIME IS TAKING PLACE 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
Use Your Phone Camera and click on this QR Code for more info.
Florida Keys
What a great day, when the conditions get right in the winter, Main Attraction finds the mahi.
e ook in th ed a Sn ny on d n la y Antho homle Buddy T ing with Capt. harters h C is f y o y b a B r Cow SaltWate
Mark ho ld out of M ing a stuff m aratho u n Sailfis tton snappe r, h Marin a. Nice aboard the Be work Ca n ptain B Ofishal en Zdan !
What’s better than ho neymooning in the Flo rida Keys, well catching a be autiful grouper for din ner with the Main Attractio n crew! Nicely done!
Dave and Ku rt, lo and SlamTi ngtime clients of Cap me Cha t. Pablo big Tunas ou rters tearing up the t of Marath on!
raction Charters, ping with Main Att prize! op dr ep de nt we apper Mark Busch d got a queen sn on a calm day an
If you have a catch to brag about send your picture and caption to: flkeys@coastalanglermagazine.com
BOATHOUSE Discount Marine Supplies
sliding . I still e cork plastic
Marine Supplies
OEM Marine Parts
Jacksonville
Locations Same Low Prices
,
Melbourne
Certified Service Department
under r mini te a bit
fishing bridges nd the of this o love. just a rk—or deeper, started . econd ays, it’s on the is not ure out
Authorized OEM Marine Engine & Parts Dealer Trailer Parts
Trailer Sales
oint. If om. I’ll akes a goal is drift. er, and Super r bait I
to tie outube
m.
• AUTOMOTIVE • COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL
CTX NANO-CERAMIC TINT •SUPERIOR HEAT REJECTION MELBOURNE •ENHANCED STYLE 557 N. HARBOR CITY BLVD •99% UV PROTECTION MELBOURNE, FL 32935
(321) 254-2535
JACKSONVILLE
5615 BLANDING BLVD. JACKSONVILLE, FL 32244
904 7787775
BoathouseDiscountMarine.com
*LIFETIME WARRANTY 16 BREVARD
JANUARY 2019
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM
CATCH OF THE DAY FROM SEA TO SIZZLE
Make steak the catch of the day with a celebratory stop at Ruth's Chris. After a day on the water, join us for signature sizzle, hand-crafted cocktails and legendary hospitality. NORTH FLORIDA
CENTRAL FLORIDA
PONTE VEDRA BEACH 814 A1A N., Suite 103 Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 904-285-0014
ORLANDO 7501 W. Sand Lake Rd. Orlando, FL 32819 407-226-3900
JACKSONVILLE 1201 Riverplace Blvd. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Jacksonville, FL 32207 904-396-6200
WINTER PARK 480 N. Orlando Ave. Suite 100B Winter Park, FL 32789 407-622-2444 LAKE MARY 80 Colonial Center Pkwy. Lake Mary, FL 32746 407-804-8220
TAMPA 1700 N. Westshore Blvd. Tampa, FL 33607 813-282-1118 ST. PETERSBURG 131 2nd Ave. N. St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-821-4139 SARASOTA 6700 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34231 941-924-9442 LAKEWOOD RANCH 6490 University Pkwy. Sarasota, FL 34240 941-315-6669
SOUTH FLORIDA WEST PALM BEACH 651 Okeechobee Blvd. West Palm Beach, FL 33401 561-514-3544 BOCA RATON 225 NE Mizner Blvd. Suite 100 Boca Raton, FL 33432 561-392-6746 BONITA SPRINGS 23151 Village Shops Way Suite 101, Coconut Point Mall Bonita Springs, FL 33928 239-948-8888
FORT LAUDERDALE 2525 N. Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305 954-565-2338 AVENTURA 2980 NE 207th St. Aventura, FL 33180 305-912-1266 CORAL GABLES 2320 Salzedo St. Coral Gables, FL 33134 305-461-8360
Y
WW WA NO NOW NN
Repower Center Inventory Reduc�on Sale
MORE THAN
30K LIONFISH
202 2023 20 20
SPEARED IN 2023 CHALLENGE advanced marine 407-498-5142 T
PR
CALL FOR DETAILS - LIMITED QUANTITIES - WHILE SUPPLIES LAST
advancedmarine.com 1322 Carolina Ave, Saint Cloud, Florida
he results are in for Florida’s 2023 Lionfish Challenge, and it was a record-breaking year for divers working hard to protect our reefs from the scourge of invasive lionfish. With 281 participants embarking on 917 trips, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) annual four-month tournament removed 30,494 lionfish from Florida waters. It was a recordbreaking year for participation, nearly doubling the program’s previous high. The total number of lionfish removed was also a new record and beat last year’s numbers by nearly 5,000 fish. The event is one tool in FWC’s box to beat back the invasion of these beautiful but destructive little critters that plague Florida’s reefs. Lionfish are native to the Indo Pacific and the Red Sea. They were first reported off the Atlantic coast of Florida in 1985, and since then have spread like wildfire. They now inhabit the Atlantic coast up to North Carolina, the entire Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean. Lionfish are well equipped to outcompete native species on warmwater reefs. An array of venomous spines makes them unlikely prey item for larger fish, and they are voracious predators of smaller native fish and invertebrates. Lionfish reproduce prolifically and populate suitable habitat in high densities. They reduce native reef populations and have negative effects on overall reef habitat and health. They are a nasty invasive, and humans killing them continuously is the only way to combat them by controlling their numbers. By the way, they taste pretty good sizzled up in butter. Divers competing in the Lionfish Challenge are rewarded for their efforts, and winners are announced at the conclusion of the tournament. The following are the divers who speared the most lionfish in the 2023 Lionfish Challenge.
N
202 20 2023 2 20
With 16-Inch & 12-Inch Heavy Duty Beach Wheels, Custom Axle Kits & Pompano Rigs! 16-INCH: $129.99/Pair with Bushings $169.99/Pair with Bearings 12-INCH: $119.99/Pair w/Bushings $159.99/Pair w/Bearings • Fits 3/4 Axles • 350 lb. Weight Capacity Per Pair • Stainless Steel Needle Roller Bearings We Sell 3/4 In. Solid Aluminum Axle Kits for $34.99!
779.770.2100 • benjaminsbeachwheels.com 12 FLORIDA
JANUARY 2024
PR
Recreational Division Lionfish King: Baye Beauford-1,514 lionfish Second Place: Dale Wolber-1,145 lionfish Third Place: David Connerth-773 lionfish
Commercial Division Commercial Champion: Jerry Butler-1,208 lbs. of lionfish Second Place: David Garrett-744 lbs. of lionfish Third Place: Alex Fogg-516 lbs. of lionfish
Military Prize Eric Larson-591 lionfish Get involved through the FWC Reef Rangers Facebook page at Facebook.com/FWCreefrangers
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
2
WAS: $22,995 WAS: $22,995 WAS: $22,995 WAS: $22,995 NOW: $22,395 NOW: $22,395 NOW: $22,395 NOW: $22,395 2023 2023 2023 2023
PRO SKIFF 15 CC
WAS: $22,995 NOW: $22,395
WAS: $29,870 WAS: $29,870 WAS: $29,870 WAS: $29,870 NOW: $28,870 NOW: $28,870 NOW: $28,870 NOW: $28,870
2023 2023 2023 2023 2023
PRO SKIFF 17 CC
WAS: $29,870 NOW: $28,870 2023
Seawall Erosion Control
SIGNS OF SEAWALL EROSION Competitive Pricing Serving All of Florida Family Owned Guaranteed Work Free Estimates Free 2nd Opinions Experienced and Reputable Fully Licensed
1. Cracks in the seawall vertical panels or seawall cap 2. Depressions in your yard 3. Water bubbling up from the ground 4. Small sinkholes along the wall 5. Leaning or bowing of a seawall
SCHEDULE YOUR FREE EVALUATION NOW
888.426.1002 www.FloridaSeawallSolutions.com
#CBC1255391
W
river River was y betwe W reprod River situati bass. Conse Chipo state w popul Th when and d shoal FW of sho Then pure s Ov shoal subseq than 6 these
THE RACE TO RESCUE
By Nick Carter
CHIPOLA SHOAL BASS
W
hen it comes to warm-water fly fishing, shoal bass are about as fun as it gets. These pugnacious river bass are native to only one river system: The Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin, and their preferred swift-water habitat was years ago reduced to tributaries and stretches between dams in Georgia, Alabama and Florida. While Georgia claims the healthiest native, reproducing populations of the species in the Flint River and in pockets of the Chattahoochee River, the situation is a little more tenuous for Florida’s shoal bass. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), The 95-mile-long Chipola River is the last remaining waterbody in the state with a known naturally reproducing shoal bass population. The species was dealt a massive blow in 2018, when Hurricane Michael ripped over the Panhandle and depleted more than 90 percent of the Chipola’s shoal bass population. FWC stepped in to suspend harvest and possession of shoal bass in the Chipola River and its tributaries. Then they began hatching and releasing genetically pure shoal bass into the river. It appears to be working. Over the last two years, 11,000 fingerling shoal bass have been stocked into the Chipola. In subsequent samplings, DNA analysis showed more than 60 percent of yearling fish sampled came from these stockings.
“The stockings over these past two years have certainly made an impact on the population; shoal bass that were stocked last year are already within the 9-10 inch range,” said FWC biologist Andy Strickland. This is the first time genetically pure shoal bass have been successfully raised in an FWC hatchery, which is a big deal because genetic impurity is one of the largest threats shoal bass face. Across their native range, interbreeding with introduced non-native black bass species like Alabama bass and spotted bass has muddied the gene pool except in small pockets where genetically pure populations are isolated from interlopers. “It is extremely encouraging not only to successfully spawn this species in a hatchery setting but also to document the significant contribution the hatcheryreared fingerlings have made to the existing shoal bass population in the Chipola River to date,” said Bob DeMauro, Hatchery Manager at FWC’s Blackwater Research and Development Center. Biologists will continue to monitor Chipola River shoal bass and evaluate these stocking efforts in years to come. To learn more about a great shoal bass fishery, visit flyfishga.com.
1
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
JANUARY 2024
FLORIDA 15
Cruising Into Adventure: Your Ultimate Guide to the 2024 Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show
G
et ready to set sail into an ocean of excitement at the 2024 Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, where innovation meets Miami’s vibrancy and electric culture. This year promises an experience like no other, and we’ve got the scoop for navigating you through the show’s must-see experiences. Taking place throughout President’s Day weekend, Feb. 14-18, the show has historically welcomed over 100,000 visitors and featured more than a thousand highly sought-after boating and marine products, generating major economic revenue for the recreational boating industry and over a billion dollars to the state of Florida.
16 FLORIDA
JANUARY 2024
The World’s Largest Boat and Yachting Show: From Miami’s Mainland to the Deep Blue Embark across the City of Miami and Miami Beach, stopping at six iconic show locations, each with its own unique charm. From the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) to the Venetian Marina to test drive the latest vessels at sea trials, there’s a maritime wonderland waiting for you at every stop. Other show locations include: the Progressive Boat Show Experience at Pride Park, Herald Plaza, Museum Park Marina, and SuperYacht Miami at Yacht Haven Grande Miami. Unleash the Adventure with 2-Day Passes Dive into our exclusive 2-Day passes, the golden
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
key to unlock all that the show has to offer. Whether you’re eyeing the latest in fishing or charting the course to explore the docks and enjoy over 100 food concessions and satellite bars sprinkled throughout the show, the 2-Day pass is your ticket to an extended celebration. Make sure to stop by the Stella Artois Beer Garden and Goslings Island Bar for a refreshing pause between the vessels up for exhibition. Looking to indulge in the luxury of the show’s Windward VIP experience? This year, the VIP passes are available at two exclusive locations – Herald Plaza and MBCC. Elevate your journey by securing tickets for one or both and enjoy premium perks that come with VIP status. Exclusive access to areas like Superyacht Miami is provided to Windward passholders. VIP ticket holders will also receive a complimentary one-day admission to Art Wynwood, Miami’s premier winter art fair, taking place Feb. 16-18. A Seamless Experience: From Water Taxis, Shuttles, Brightline Skip the traffic headaches by using the water taxi or the show’s bus shuttle network. Visiting from Orlando, Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Aventura? Hop on the Brightline and enjoy a complimentary shuttle to the show at Herald Plaza. Water taxi tickets require a separate purchase. As the excitement builds, the 2024 Miami International Boat Show invites you to embark on an unforgettable adventure. Celebrate the maritime lifestyle, cutting-edge technology, and the latest in personal boating and yachting. Secure your tickets by visiting miamiboatshow.com.
FEBRUARY 14-18 • MIAMIBOATSHOW.COM
ENTICE BIG TROUT WITH
ERRATIC ACTION PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES®.
By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
A
common principle anglers abide by during winter months is to slow down their retrieve or presentation. Although this is a good default option, it may fail to entice strikes of those big, cold, winter trout. Let’s discuss. Some of my favorite lures for targeting trophy trout in the winter are those that suspend, slow sink, and have an erratic movement. When I
define a slow presentation, I am referencing the speed at which the lure moves toward the angler, the retrieve speed, not the motion. As a young angler, I was always told to slow down when it’s cold and then slow it down a little more. Although this has its place, it should not be set in stone, or ice if it’s really cold. OK, enough of the bad jokes. When trout are cold and may not be feeding
as aggressively as we would like, an extremely erratic motion can entice the strike. This erratic motion makes the lure dance in place with little to no forward movement. I use a rod with a whippy action for this. This allows me to point my rod tip at the lure and shake it up and down aggressively causing the lure to almost dance in place. I then let it pause, suspending or slow-sinking as I reel up the slack. I then repeat this practice, modifying according to the conditions. Fishing braided line is imperative for this method. The stretch in mono will not allow your slow-sinking lure to dance in place at the end of a long cast, but the zero stretch of braid makes it move like it is on a wire. I learned this the hard way 20 years ago. I was fishing with four friends, and I was the only one using mono and the only one not catching. I mimicked every move my buddy made to no avail. I then ask him to cast his lure and retrieve it near me. I watched it dance past with great action. I then cast my lure near him. Although I moved my rod more vigorously, he said my lure was moving in a straight line as if I was just reeling it in. I switched to braid on the next trip and never went back, and of course this dancing method started to produce fish! If you pay attention to the strike, this method will let you know if you should modify your retrieve. If they bite on the pause, you may want to slow it down a bit. If they bite on the shake, you may want to speed it up. I hope this helps you land more big trout this season. Good Luck! Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures®, and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com
Cast Lures in a Mitzi Tournament 17
Visit www.mitziskiffs.com for a Dealer Near You. 10 NATIONAL
JANUARY 2024
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
Impossib le Entire Bo Price x LESS TH For AN
Survive Just About Anything for Under $20
O
n any outdoor adventure, Mother Nature’s job is to present you with challenges. Some days she’s more demanding than others. And on those days, you’d better come prepared. The Stauer Survival Box is a near-guarantee you’ll be up to the challenge. The stainless steel multitool offers wire cutters, knife, bottle opener, file, a set of screwdrivers, a pair of pliers and much more. The powerful flashlight has three different settings, and the tactical loop watch is a reliable, water-resistant timepiece that clips to your hip and never leaves your side. All told, opening the Survival Box gives you instant access to nine different tools for JUST $19.50. Regularly sold for $99, we’re offering this collection of survival essentials to you for A FIFTH OF THE NORMAL PRICE! Why? Because we’ve had an incredible year and we feel like giving back to our valued customers. As this kit has proven to be one of our all-time best sellers, we can only extend this offer while supplies last. Of our initial run of 1,737, more than half have already sold. Your move, Mother Nature. Survival Box Specifications: • Multitool: 3 ¼" x 1" folded • Flashlight: 3 ½" x 1", 260 lumens, takes AA batteries (not included), three LED light modes: strong, medium and caution flashing • Watch: 2 ¾" x 1", battery type SR626SW (included) Survival Box $99 $19.50* + S+P Save $79.50 *You must use Insider Offer Code: SVB226-01 to get this price. California residents please call regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product.
1-800-333-2045
$20
Regularly priced at $99, take advantage of this special offer while supplies last!
Praise for Stauer’s Survival Box
“[It] has everything!” — Carol T., Anaheim, CA
Box includes flashlight, watch and multitool with wire cutters, knife, bottle opener, file, screwdrivers, pliers and more!
Your Insider Offer Code: SVB226-01 Stauer, 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. SVB226-01, Burnsville, MN 55337 www.stauer.com
AFFORD THE EXTRAORDINARY
I
By Capt. Jamie Thrappas
A BIG INSHORE SURPRISE!
t was a chilly winter morning, and my crew—a good friend Zach and his two sons—all knew it was going to be either a tough day or a great one. It was a typical morning for winter here in the Daytona, Fla. area, with overcast skies, highs in the low 60s and a dominant wind and swell headed from the northeast. The inshore bite is typically pretty good this time of year, with a variety of different species usually willing to cooperate. Red drum are a favorite backcountry target during the colder months. When they move up on the flats to feed, it can lead to good action on spoons and paddletails. On the end of the outgoing tide, we hoped to bag a few redfish before the switch, but the bite never happened. We kept busy with some small permit, pompano, mangrove snapper and even a flounder. By the time the tide switched mid-morning, the bite had slowed down with just a few small sheepshead taking our bait. Sheepshead are delicious, and around here the causeways of the Intracoastal along with barnacle- or oyster-encrusted docks, bridges and jetties are a pretty good bet for picking up a few for the cooler. They love sand fleas and fiddler crabs but will also eat shrimp on a jig head or Carolina rig. Something I like to do while targeting other species is to leave baits out for red or black drum. I had two dead stick bottom rods out the back soaking halved blue crabs in the hopes that a drum would be hungry enough to pick it up. With the action pretty slow, and while we still had some time left in the trip, I decided we should make a move. I told Zach’s younger son Gavin, who is an employee of mine at Yellow Dawg Bait & Tackle in Ormond Beach, to reel in the back rods that had been soaking. At first it looked like he had a snag as the rod bent when he picked it up, but then the drag took off. Big black drum are tanks! It’s almost like they have shoulders and they’ve been working out all week waiting for you. The big ugly that highlighted that trip was somewhere in the 50-plus-pound range, a trophy for sure! Gavin, who is the younger guy in the photo, will be in U.S. Coast Guard boot camp when this edition hits the racks. His dad, Zach, is a veteran, along with his other two sons Logan and Cameron. A big thanks to all the men and women out there who serve our country! Capt. Jamie Thrappas is Co-Publisher of Coastal Angler - Volusia County and owner of Yellow Dawg Fishing. Check out yellowdawgfishing.com. To win a free half-day inshore or offshore charter with Capt. Thrappas, enter the Fish with Coastal Angler drawing at coastalanglermag.com/contest.
CLEANS EVERYTHING.
PERIOD.
Clean, Waxes & Protects Glass, Lexan, Isinglass, Metal, Gelcoat, Fiberglass, Paint, Plastic & Rubber
Remove & Prevents Oxidation, Scuff Marks, Bird & Spider Poop, Fish Blood, Rust, Water & Exhaust Stains
Restores Gelcoat, Fiberglass, Metal, Plastic Windows & Rubber
USE CODE BOAT10 FOR 10% 0FF
www.koenigpolish.com • 1-877-843-9929 12 NATIONAL
JANUARY 2024
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
Fish With Coastal Angler! Win an Awesome Charter with Coastal Angler Mag's Volusia Co-Publisher and Capt. Jamie Thrappas and Yellow Dawg Fishing Charters!
FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN, ENTER ONLINE AT:
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/CONTEST
Do you live in Florida? Do you have family or friends who live in Florida? Did you know you can help our oceans and estuaries? By purchasing one of these Specialty License Plates you can directly support critical scientific research, outreach and education! BUY YOUR PLATE TODAY AT YOUR LOCAL TAX COLLECTOR’S OFFICE OR ONLINE AT
hboifoundation.org/license-plates benefitting programs at
3545 Ocean Drive, Suite 201 ~ Vero Beach, FL 32963 772-466-9876 | www.hboifoundation.org Like us on Facebook!
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
f
JANUARY 2024
NATIONAL 13
The Alternative TheQuality Quality Alternative The Quality Alternative ToHigh HighCost Cost Fishing Fishing To Boats! To High Cost FishingBoats! Boats! The SeaEagle Eagle® ®FishSkiff FishSkiff™™ 16 Skiff The Sea 16Roll-Up Roll-UpFishing Fishing Skiff ®
™
Traditional fifishing shing boats boats are are great great way way to to get get to to the the fifish. sh. They They are are stable, stable, fast fast and and provide provide aa great great platform platform for for fifishing. shing. Traditional
Traditional shingproblem boats arecost. great way ato14get to the They fast andandprovide aonly great Thefionly only Buying or 15 15 footfififish. shing boatare canstable, cost $30,000 $30,000 that isis only theplatform beginning.for fishing. The problem isis cost. Buying a 14 or foot shing boat can cost and that the beginning. The only problem is cost. Buying a 14 or 15 foot fi shing boat can cost $30,000 and that is only Fuel, transportation and storage costs can add up to thousands of dollars more a year. Fuel, transportation and storage costs can add up to thousands of dollars more a year. the beginning. Fuel, transportation and storage costs can add up to thousands of dollars more a year.
The Sea Sea Eagle Eagle®® FishSkiff FishSkiff™™ 16 16 The ® ™ OffSea ersEagle True Quality Quality Alternative TheOff FishSkiff 16 ers AA True Alternative
Offers A True Quality Alternative
unique 16’ 16’long long skiff skiff that that motors motors up up to to AA unique 21 mph with a 10 hp outboard, holds 1, 2 or 3 anglers mph with 10 hp outboard, holds 1, A21unique 16’ along skiff that motors up2toor 3 anglers and costs costs only only aa few few dollars dollars in in gas gas to to motor motor all all day. day. and
21 mph with a 10 hp outboard, holds 1, 2 or 3 anglers and costs only a few dollars in gas to motor all day.
he FishSkiff FishSkiff features features 360° 360° swivel swivel seats seats giving giving you you aa TThe clear high high view view of of the the water. water. clear
The FishSkiff features 360° swivel seats giving you a
Now Featuring Featuring Now High Pressure Pressure Drop-Stitch Drop-Stitch Keel High Now Featuring Keel for precise precise steering steering and and superior superior motoring motoring for High Pressure Drop-Stitch Keel (U.S. Patent # 8,286,573 B2) (U.S. Patent # 8,286,573 B2)
for precise steering and superior motoring (U.S. Patent # 8,286,573 B2)
clear highgive view the water. ow gunwales gunwales give youofsuperb superb access to to the the water water for for LLow you access
landing && releasing releasing fifish sh and and getting getting on on && off off the the boat. boat. landing
Low gunwales give you superb access to the water for
ther features features include built-in sh the rulers, landing & releasing fish andinclude getting on & fifioff boat. OOther built-in sh rulers, multiple rod-holders, rod-holders, non-slip non-slip EVA EVA foot foot pad pad and and multiple convenient carry handles. carry handles. Other featuresconvenient include built-in fish rulers,
multiple rod-holders, non-slip EVA foot pad and he FishSkiff FishSkiff 16 16 takes takes only only few few inches inches draft, draft, TThe convenient carry handles. so fishing skinny waters is a dream. so fishing skinny waters is a dream.
TheBBecause FishSkiff 16 takes only fewbe draft, ecause packs small, can beinches taken on on deep lakes, lakes, itit packs small, itit can taken deep inland bays, widewaters rivers and and secluded harbors. soinland fishingbays, skinny is asecluded dream. harbors. wide rivers
Because it packs small, it can be taken on deep lakes, inland bays, wide rivers and secluded harbors.
16’ xx 54” 54” Infl Inflated ated •• 60” 60” xx 24” 24” xx 11” 11” Defl Deflated ated •• 16’ Weighs 95 95 lbs. lbs. for for hull hull && transom transom •• Weighs •• Low Low Profi Profile le 6” 6” Thick Thick Drop Drop Stitch Stitch Chambers Chambers •• Infl Inflates ates to to 15 15 psi psi Takes UpxTo To24” 10 xhp hp11” Motor • 16’ x 54” Inflated • 60” Deflated •• Takes Up 10 Motor • Motors Up To 21.5 mph To & 21.5 mph • Weighs 95• Motors lbs. forUp hull transom
• Low Profile 6” Thick Drop Stitch Chambers • Inflates to 15 psi • Takes Up To 10 hp Motor • Motors Up To 21.5 mph
800-944-7496 •• Dept. Dept. CS014B CS014B 800-944-7496
Go online online or or call call for for aa FREE FREE catalog catalog or or to to order order Go
800-944-7496 • Dept. CS014B
NO trailer trailer required!! required!! NO 16’ Boat Rolls up up 16’ Boat Rolls NO trailer required!! to fifitt in in aa bag bag in in your your trunk trunk to
16’ Boat Rolls up to fit in a bag in your trunk
ed!! kk up r trunk
Delayed Harvest Trout By Nick Carter
A
AT FIRES CREEK, N.C.
delayed harvest trout stream is a better place than most to spend a winter afternoon, and if you can find a two- or three-day warming trend, there’s a good chance you’ll get into some pretty good fishing. North Carolina’s Fires Creek has a 2-mile stretch of delayed harvest water on U.S. Forest Service land off U.S. 64 between Murphy and Hayesville. Rainbow, brown and brook trout are stocked in the creek and protected under catch-and-release, single-hook, artificial only regulations during the October into June delayed
harvest season. It’s a small-stream setting with more and bigger trout than one would find in most creeks this size. The creek is gorgeous, with clear plunge pools and deep bend runs sliding into skinny pocket water that twists for miles through the bottom of a rhododendron-choked valley. Even the rounded river rocks are notable for their beauty, with striking dark gray and tan bands that’ll make you want to stash a few flat stones in your vest to take home. The fishing is about like any other delayed
harvest in terms of fish size and the density of stockings, but it is a small stream, so you’ll be tempted to—and you should—explore your way upstream instead of settling in on the big holes. Small streams are just more fun when you fish them that way. Around each bend lies a new challenge, another series of pools and runs. Tightlining nymphs is probably the most effective way to fool fish this time of year. They might fall for the standard “junk flies,” but a few months into the DH season, the fish might also be looking for something more natural. In winter, the aquatic insects will be small. Little black stoneflies, midges and blue-winged olives might hatch off on a warm afternoon and lead to some dry fly action, but unless you see bugs in the air, you’re better off fishing subsurface imitations of these insects. A double-nymph rig with a big attractor nymph below a smaller more natural looking nymph is always a good option. The foot bridge at the Fires Creek Picnic Area is the lower boundary of the DH water. Access above the foot bridge is easy on a streamside trail and also along Fires Creek Wildlife Road. This gravel track parallels the creek way up into its headwaters. The delayed harvest ends at the Forest Service 340A bridge. Upstream of this point, the trout population trends toward stream-born rainbows that top out at 10 or 11 inches. For GPS coordinates to access points and detailed maps of North Carolina and Georgia’s best trout water, check out “Flyfishers Guide to North Carolina & Georgia.” It is available at fly shops, on Amazon, and signed copies are available from the author by e-mailing nsc8957@gmail.com.
The Return of a
Custom Built Quality Outdoor BBQ Products Since 1989
Pig Cookers, Patio Grills, Smokers, Customized BBQ Trailers
For More Info 1-252-236-4464 www.BQGRILLS.com 6043 Hwy 301N, Elm City, NC COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
JANUARY 2024
NATIONAL 15
A FEW THOUGHTS ON
SHEEPSHEAD By CAM Staff
S
heepshead have become a wintertime staple when water temps drop and the regular cast of inshore characters become more difficult to target. If you’re a cold-weather inshore angler, you’re probably already familiar with sheepshead, so here are a few tips you might not have heard yet. Finding Fish: Convict fish travel and feed in packs. Once you locate them, the action can be fast, but you have to find them first. Obviously, they like structure like bridges, docks and jetties, where they can happily gnaw on barnacles. When considering structure, older, rambling docks with lots of pilings provide more surface area for established colonies of crustaceans. These can be honeyholes, but keep moving if you’re not catching fish. You might run a dozen different structures in a day and catch 90 percent of your fish on one. In the clear water of winter, sheepshead can often be sight fished, and they don’t really spook, so look for them before casting. If the water is too dingy to see them, you can sometimes hear them crunching shells if you listen quietly. Chum ’Em Up: This might sound silly, but sheepshead get excited about free food just like any other species of fish. Keep a shovel on the boat and scrape barnacles off the structure you’re fishing. This rings the dinner bell, and it’ll also help you spot them as they dart around to pick off the falling morsels. Looking for scraped pilings is also a good way to identify where other anglers have chummed sheepies before. Play the Tides: Pretty much every fish feeds best on a moving tide, but a ripping flow can be detrimental when fishing for such a structure oriented fish. Fast moving water tends to pin sheepshead right up against structure. This, and the tide itself, can make presenting baits more difficult. Find a moderate tide, and
sheepshead will spread out and move around a little more, which makes them easier to catch. Position yourself up-current and allow your baits to drift down into the fish. The Business End: Although they are not skittish, sheepshead can be selective. Whether you’re fishing fiddler crabs, shrimp tails, sand fleas, oysters or clams, use a small, short-shank hook and hide it inside your bait. Also, fish braided line. Braid has less stretch, so those little bumps when a sheepshead taps your bait translate better to the rod tip. Braid also has better abrasion resistance for when they pull you around a piling, but the increased sensitivity is key. With their black and white bars, convicts are notorious bait thieves. You need to know it the instant they suck in your bait.
SPECIALIZING IN RESTORATION OF AGED, SUNBURNT, OR FADED LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAYS.
WE SERVICE MORE THAN JUST GAUGES! CHART PLOTTERS, VHF’S, RADARS, SOUNDERS, AUTOPILOTS, JET SKI CLUSTERS, AND MUCH MORE.
904-701-9726 • GAUGESAVER.COM 5049 HIGHWAY 17 SOUTH, GREEN COVE SPRINGS, FL 32043
16 NATIONAL
JANUARY 2024
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
If your device has an LCD that has faded over time, or want to inquire about possible repair options for your unit, give us a call or visit our website!
Flip Flip Hooray!
A perfect symbol of fun in the sun for only $79
H
ere’s a memorable beach moment: You’re basking in the warm sun, toes in the sand, letting the gentle turn of the foam-capped waves lull you into a state of complete relaxation. As your eyes scan the endless horizon of blue on blue, you’re rewarded with a school of dolphins making their way across the sea. There’s no denying their signature shape as they leap from the water. If you don’t see anything else extraordinary the rest of the day, you can take solace knowing you’ve witnessed one of nature’s most playful and intelligent creatures in their natural habitat. Why not re-create that special toes-in-the-sand moment with our Blue Topaz Dolphin Pendant? The beloved sea mammal has been captured mid-jump in sterling silver. And, tucked into its fins is a full two carats of shimmering blue topaz. Nothing captures the shimmering color of the ocean in the midday sun like blue topaz. With its sparkling clear blue color and high refractive index, blue topaz is one of the top-selling blue gemstones. And with our special price, you have quite the catch.
Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Enjoy the Blue Topaz Dolphin Pendant for 30 days. If it doesn’t pass the test swimmingly, send it back for a full refund of the item price.
A full two carats of shimmering blue topaz set in sterling silver
Limited Reserves. A full two carats of genuine blue topaz set in sterling silver for this price is as rare as a dolphin sighting. We cannot guarantee availability for long. Call today!
Limited to the first 1900 responders to this ad only! To show exquisite details, pendant shown is not exact size. Chain sold separately.
“Enormously popular, significantly intelligent and scientifically sophisticated, dolphins are amidst the most beloved animals among people.” — Dolphins-World
“This sterling silver dolphin is absolutely beautiful and the blue topaz is like the color of the ocean”
— Vivian, Cabool, MO
† Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.
Blue Topaz Dolphin Pendant non-offer code price $395 † Offer Code Price Only $79 + S&P Save $316! You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.
1-800-333-2045
Your Insider Offer Code: DPP349-03 Please use this code when you order to receive your discount.
14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. DPP349-03, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com
• 2 ctw blue topaz; ½ ctw The Ultimate Diamond Alternative®, DiamondAura® • .925 sterling silver setting • Sterling silver chain sold separately
Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®
Rating of A+
SAVOR THE SEASONS in Upcountry South Carolina
Every season is the best season to explore the many treasures in the Upcountry.
A N D E R S O N C H E RO K E E G R E E N V I L L E O C O N E E P I C K E N S S PA R TA N BU R G
Perfectly Seasoned
FishUpcountrySC.com 864-233-2690