Coastal Angler Magazine | August 2019 | Florida Keys Edition

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THE FLORIDA KEYS EDITION

Nearshore Destination + Kingfish Basics

SURF EXPO IN ORLANDO SEPT. 5-7 2019

PHOTO COURTESY OF DARYN ANDREW WHITE VOLUME 24 • ISSUE 293

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NEARSHORE BONANZA

OUT OF PANAMA CITY

By Nick Carter

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he rising sun revealed unaddressed devastation as Capt. Randy Cnota backed his 22-foot Pathfinder down the ramp at Tyndall Airforce Base. Less than a year after Hurricane Michael rocked the Florida Panhandle, we launched near the heart of the destruction.

Just east of Panama City and a short drive from the catastrophe that unfolded at Mexico Beach, this slice of the Panhandle is a community doggedly enduring the slow process of rebuilding. The bright boards of new framing show progress in neighborhoods of single-story homes. Blue-tarped roofs, shredded metal buildings and acres of tall pines snapped like so many twigs are reminders of just how far there is to go.

At the docks, bare wood pilings and concrete footings are left from what was a bustling little marina before the storm surge. But the fish don’t care. And with an eager 8-year-old angler perched on the leaning post, Capt. Randy pointed us toward the open Gulf of Mexico.

This was early July, during the Gulf red snapper season, and Capt.

Randy’s numbers would take us a few miles out to some hard-bottom that promised big snapper. But first we had to catch bait, which was plentiful in the form of Spanish sardines balled up around the markers just outside the pass from St. Andrews Bay. The 8-year-old would have spent all day catching sardines on a Sabiki rig, but shortly we left the other boats jockeying for position at the marker. We had our bait, and Capt. Randy now had an idea of how the boy would handle his first fishing trip on the open ocean.

The kid emitted enthusiasm, and it’s a good thing we didn’t make a several hour run. The waiting would have driven him mad. Bigger boats out of Panama City can comfortably take anglers dozens of miles out to deeper water, quick limits and huge fish, but this nearshore trip was more our speed. Less than 10 miles from the coast, and even inside the 9-mile state waters, there are wrecks, reefs and hard bottom in the 100-foot depths that offer plentiful bottomfish as well as shots at some big pelagics.

Within minutes at our first drop, the boy was hooked up with a big bonito, and Capt. Randy was steering with one hand, while holding the butt of the rod with the other. The kid had a death grip on the handle and cranked with all his might.

“You’re gonna have to come over here and make sure this rod doesn’t get pulled out!” Randy barked at me with both hands full.

But I couldn’t. On the other side of the boat, I was pumping and grunting on what turned out to be a stud red snapper. Somehow, both

fish made it onto the deck, and Randy went right back to work feeding out a freelined sardine from the stern.

“Where there’s Bonnies, there’s kings,” he called the shot. Shortly thereafter, he handed me a rod with line ripping off the spool. I came up tight on a good king mackerel. It was one of three kingfish we had on that morning, but it was the only one that made it in the boat.

Through the morning, the fish kept us continuously busy. We caught more red snapper than we could keep track of as well as gag and red grouper. Capt. Randy was great with the kid. Seeing the big bottom rigs were too much for an 8-year-old, Randy tied up a chicken rig on a lighter rod, showed the boy how to bait and fish it and then set him loose. Although the beeliners we were hoping for didn’t show up, the boy had a field day hauling snapper and triggerfish off the bottom. He was particularly proud of an FWC-tagged trigger he caught.

“Part of the fun is you never know what you’re going to catch when you’re out here,” said Randy as he unhooked a 2-foot-long smoothback pufferfish. The whole time out, we kept eyes peeled for weeds and surface activity that might belie the presence of mahi-mahi or cobia. In the week before our trip, Randy managed to put clients on a sailfish and a big blackfin tuna. Although we didn’t encounter these species, we did watch in awe as two 10-foot tiger sharks circled uncomfortably close to the boat.

We went home with a cooler full of fish. But more importantly, while those meaty chunks of snapper sizzled in hot oil, the boy regaled his grandparents with stories of the trip. His first time was an experience he will never forget.

Snapper seasons may be over along the Gulf Coast, but if you find yourself hankering for a good fishing trip that’s fun and easy, consider hiring a captain out of the Panama City area. Capt. Randy said fall brings better opportunities for sailfish and tuna nearshore, and with his smaller boat, he is also well equipped to fish inshore. The fall redfish and trout bite can be off the charts.

These hurricane-battered communities remain in recovery, but the fish, beaches and visitor ammenities are still there. Go spend some time at Panama City and eastward along The Forgotten Coast. You’ll be glad you did, because the fishing is pretty spectacular.

Capt. Randy Cnota is co-publisher of the Panama City/Forgotten Coast edition of Coastal Angler Magazine and owner of C-Note Charters. Check him out online at www.cnotecharters.com or call 229-834-7880.

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Urban Chrome In Grand Rapids, Michigan

Photo by Aaron Peterson Photography, LLC for Experience Grand Rapids

By Tom Werkman

W

hy do people feel the need to head to remote destinations a million miles from nowhere to fish? Some of the best fishing opportunities exist right under our noses, and many times they are very close to major metropolitan areas.

The Grand River is just such a place. Michigan’s largest river runs through the heart of the state’s second largest city, Grand Rapids, and offers great fishing through its 252-mile run from rural headwaters in Hillsdale County down to Lake Michigan.

Downtown Grand Rapids: Home to more than 37 craft breweries, Grand Rapids is Beer City. But there is another side of Grand Rapids that few know about. It offers the

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lure of big-river fishing in an urban environment.

The river through downtown Grand Rapids offers the angler a unique opportunity to fish for steelhead in swift rapids beneath the city’s skyscrapers. On an early leg of their run up out of Lake Michigan, these fish are strong and as hot as they come.

From October through December and again during March and April, droves of steelhead run through downtown as they migrate through and hold up in the rapids. Some of the best steelhead fishing lies between Sixth Street Dam and the Fulton Street Bridge. It’s not uncommon to see people wading the river, fishing from the banks or in boats landing these chrome bullets.

When fishing here, the angler can expect to only move a few times to get on fish. Once you have your spot, you don’t want to move very much as it can be crowded at times. If you’re not on a fish right away, be patient.

These fish get backed up at the dam and constantly move around in search of the fish ladder to pass through and continue their migration up the river.

Lowell To Ada Section: Just minutes from downtown Grand Rapids, a roughly 10-mile stretch of the Grand River between the towns of Lowell and Ada offers fishing that is a little more secluded. From late spring through early fall, this section offers smallmouth bass and northern pike.

There is little public access here, and the angler can expect solitude and no-pressure fishing in a remote river setting just outside Grand Rapids. A typical trip involves floating in a drift boat or jet boat from Lowell to Ada, covering a lot of water while casting to the banks, river timber and rocks.

Bald eagles, osprey, blue heron and deer are common sights on this piece of river. Rarely will the angler lay eyes on another boat or fisherman.

On the Grand River, one can enjoy spectacular fishing and then enjoy a cold beer and everything else the city has to offer.

Tom Werkman, and his son Max, are owner/guides at Werkman Outfitters, a guide service on the Grand River in and around Grand Rapids, Michigan. Contact them at tom@werkmanoutfitters.com or check them out at werkmanoutfitters.com.

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FISH & FISHING

FOCUSING OUR EFFORTS MARK SOSIN

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t may seem logical, but it’s not always right. My favorite example is George Westinghouse, the man who invented the air brake for oversized vehicles. Researchers relied on logical thinking and experimented continuously on using air to apply the brake. It didn’t work. Westinghouse took an opposite approach and used the air to hold the brake off the drum until the driver stepped on the brake pedal and released the air.

The common approach to understanding fish behavior lies in applying human values with the assumption that a fish’s brain has the capacity to reason. Just because a particular lure looks good to us does not mean it’s a fish’s favorite, too. Few of us can boast even the slightest knowledge of the release that triggers a fish into striking or simply passing up an offering.

And, we probably wouldn’t recognize it if we saw it.

Repeated observations hold the key to helping us focus our efforts on techniques that have worked in the past. As an example, fish have an amazing alertness to movement. It can cause them to flee a situation or take advantage of it and feed. The same applies to underwater sound. Low frequency vibrations such as those that indicate a fish is in distress usually cause predators to investigate with the hope of finding food.

The more natural a bait or lure appears to a fish, the greater the chance a strike will occur. When you can see your quarry

and observe hesitation of any type, assume that something in your offering appears unnatural. Fish may be curious, but they are seldom in the habit of wasting energy to pursue something needlessly. Many species have the ability to measure energy expended in chasing food against the value received.

Because fish are creatures of habit, they tend to do the same things over and over. That’s why captains and guides boast the ability to find fish. The quarry may hold in one spot with uncanny precision day after day, month after month, and year after year.

If that fish is caught or leaves for any reason, another will take its place. Those fish that work a tide follow the same pattern daily. Even offshore skippers understand reliable patterns that fish follow and troll the waters where their quarry should be.

For some unknown reason, fish tend to hold at the same depth over a wide area. If another angler can tell you the depth where he found fish, you don’t need to know the precise spot. Keep in mind that water temperature can play a role. Each species has its upper and lower limits. As water temperature drops, fish tend to swim slower and chase an offering for shorter distances.

Figuring out what motivates a fish to strike a bait or lure becomes a continuous challenge for leading anglers as well as the scientific community. The important thing to remember is that fish do not think like humans. Their basic approach is simple, yet it is not always easy to detect. The more you observe fish behavior and understand that it follows patterns and procedures established a long time ago, the more successful you are going to be.

For more from Mark Sosin, visit

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REDBREAST SUNFISH?

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t first glance, Alphonso Jackson’s 2-pound, 1-ounce redbreast sunfish might not seem all that impressive. But when you consider the size of your average redbreast, this thing is a monster.

Jackson was fishing the Lumber River in central North Carolina’s Scotland County on June 10 when he caught the fish on a cricket. It bested a 36-yearold North Carolina state record for the species by 5 ounces. The previous record, caught in 1983 by Ronald Stanley in Big Swamp in Bladen County, N.C. weighed 1 pound, 12 ounces.

Jackson’s fish also outweighs the world record. The current IGFA all-tackle world record for the species has stood at 1-pound, 12-ounces since 1984. That fish came from Florida’s Suwannee River. Wikipedia claims the heaviest redbreast on record weighed 2.3 pounds (2 pounds, 4.8 ounces), but there’s no information as to where that weight came from or whether it was angler-caught. So, if Jackson bothers to complete all the paperwork properly, he would definitely be the new IGFA record holder.

Jackson, 43, is an avid fisherman, a passion he attributes to his father Johnny Jacobs who taught him how to fish when he was a boy, and one that he has passed on to his children, ages 23, 18 and 17. They were with him the day he caught the massive readbreast.

“We started fishing in a pond but weren’t having any luck, so I said to my kids, ‘Let’s go back to where I learned how to fish.’ And this is what we caught,” Jackson said. “I’d like to thank my daddy for teaching me how to catch fish and where to catch fish.”

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TIPS FROM A PRO

READ GRASS MATS FOR BIG BASS

BRANDON LESTER

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ate summer and early fall absolutely scream for a frog. With big bass holed up in thick vegetation, working a frog across grass mats can lead to some of the most explosive strikes in fishing.

I always look forward to the frog pattern setting up around this time of year. This year should be especially sweet because of the reemergence of Alabama’s Lake Guntersville as one of the best bass fisheries in the nation. This Tennessee River impoundment is frog fishing heaven.

Over the last decade the Guntersville bass fishery saw a bit of a decline. But the “Big G” has come back in a big way. Bassmaster ranked Guntersville the No. 2 fishery in the nation in this year’s “100 Best Bass Lakes” listings. It is fishing lights-out, with five-fish tournament sacks regularly approaching and surpassing 30 pounds.

I just came off a top-10 finish in the June Elite Series event on Guntersville. Some fish came off frogs, but the best patterns I found were deep cranking and worms. You can bet the frog bite will ramp up soon, though.

No matter where you fish, the key to topwater frog fishing is reading the grass. To really dial in a pattern, you need to observe what’s happening on the lake.

At Guntersville, the two prominent grass types are hydrilla and milfoil. There are other types, but these are the two you will encounter

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most often. From the time the grass first tops out in the summer until the first frost of the fall, I will concentrate on milfoil. Milfoil creates a great canopy and is hollow underneath, so the bass can get through it to get to your frog. When the hydrilla is still green, it is so thick that a bass has trouble seeing your frog on top of the mat. With that said, later on in the fall when the hydrilla starts to turn brown and break up, it starts to get hollow underneath. That is the time to start targeting it more.

Another key to frog fishing is to listen and watch for “active” grass. Bass school up in grass mats just like they do on ledges, points and humps, so it is important to find a mat that has activity in it.

Listen for bluegill popping the mat or watch for shad to flicker. Those are signs that bass are not far away. Also, look for points, turns and indentions in the mat itself. Anything different will often hold bass.

Rod selection is important for hauling bass out of matted grass.

I throw a MHX-MB-874. This rod is 7’3” heavy power with plenty of backbone, but more importantly it has enough action in the tip to allow the fish to eat the bait. I use 50-pound Vicious braid and a 7:1:1 reel.

Try a topwater frog on your next trip out, or better yet plan an excursion to Guntersville for the trip of a lifetime.

For more Lester visit,

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Shore-Based Shark Fishing Permit & Education Available Online

The education and permit requirements also apply if you plan to fish from shore for any species of fish with tactics and tackle including: • fishing with a metal leader more than 4 feet long • Using a fighting belt/harness • Deploying bait by any means other than casting (kayaking for example) while using a hook that is 1.5 inches or larger at its widest inside distance OTHER REGULATION CHANGES:

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• Prohibit of chumming when fishing for any species from the beach.

• Require immediate release of prohibited shark species when fishing from the shore and require anglers to cut the leader or hook to prevent delaying release of prohibited species.

• Require that prohibited shark species remain in the water (when fishing from shore or from a vessel).

• Require the use of non-offset, non-stainless-steel circle hooks to target or harvest sharks when using live or dead natural bait (when fishing from shore and from a vessel).

• Require the possession/use of a device capable of quickly cutting the leader or hook when targeting sharks (when fishing from shore or a vessel).

These rules are intended to increase survival of released sharks, improve information-gathering from the fishery and address public safety concerns.

lorida’s new shark fishing regulations were enacted July 1, including a mandatory, no-cost, annual Shore-based Shark Fishing Permit and educational course for shore-based anglers and other requirements that apply to all shark fishing and fishing from the beach in general.

The Shore-based Shark-Smart Fishing educational course and Shore-based Shark Fishing Permit are now available online. To take the educational course, which must be completed before getting the permit, visit MyFWC.com/SharkCourse.

The permit is required for all shore-based shark anglers age 16 and older, including those 65 and older who are normally exempt from needing a fishing license. Those under 16 are required to take For more information, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on the educational course unless they are fishing with an adult who already holds the permit. Persons under 16 are not required to get the “Recreational Regulations” and “Sharks.” permit.

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FLORIDA LOBSTER SEASON

Sheri Daye

T

he beginning of Florida lobster season gets many divers more excited than kids at Christmas. Barely able to sleep, the divers nestle all snug in their beds, while visions of lobster dance in their heads. Whether locals or out-of-state visitors, many arrange their vacation plans around this special time, either during the two-day mini-season or the actual start of lobster season on Aug. 6.

Mini season falls on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July, while the regular season is Aug. 6 to March 31. Some will brave the two-day mini season, when tourists descend on the state, and some simply wait until Aug. 6 when things calm down.

The most popular destination in Florida is The Keys, where shallow warm waters provide great breeding grounds and easy dives. However, the east coast from Miami to Jupiter and beyond can also be popular and productive destinations. Generally speaking, the farther north you go, the farther out and deeper you will need to dive, but you can also be rewarded with larger lobsters.

The biggest challenge is finding lobster spots. Divers who find good spots tend to go back to them year after year and, understandably, don’t like to share their locations. However, there are

plenty of charter boats that specialize in taking new divers or tourists to productive spots.

What you need to know: 1) A recreational saltwater fishing license and a spiny lobster permit are required to harvest spiny lobsters. Information is available online at MyFWC.com.

2) The recreational limit for spiny lobster is six per person, and the carapace must be longer than 3 inches. By law, it must be measured in the water. Possession and use of a measuring device are required at all times. You can google “how to measure a lobster” to be sure you are doing it correctly.

3) The possession of egg-bearing lobster is prohibited.

Egg-bearing lobsters have hundreds of orange eggs that are easily visible and attached under the tail. While most lobsters have completed reproduction by the start of season, some still have eggs in August and beyond.

4) Do not take lobsters using any device which could puncture, penetrate or crush the lobster. The most common methods are the net and tickle stick combination or the looper. There are plenty of videos online to show you how to use each method.

5) Lobsters must be landed in whole condition. Separating the tail from the body is prohibited in state waters, so bring a cooler large enough to hold the entire catch until you reach land.

6) Although most people wring/twist the tail, it’s possible to get more meat by cooking the whole lobster. Just split it in two lengthwise and broil.

Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer of “The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo” in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.

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FLORIDA MARINE FLEA MARKET AND BBQ FEST

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lorida Marine Flea Market and BBQ Fest Sails Into West Palm Sept. 1415. The 10th Annual Florida Marine Flea Market and BBQ Festival will be held Sept. 14-15, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd, West Palm Beach, Fla. Bargain hunters looking for deals can visit marine booths, as vendors exhibit and sell their nautical and marine-related merchandise and services during the twoday festival. The marine flea market area will have offshore rods, reels, tackle, dock lines, halyards, sheet lines, anchor lines, ladders, seats, bimini tops, life vests, mooring whips and bases, gauges, wakeboards, skis, wake surfers, kneeboards, boat covers, scissors, fenders, antique collectibles and maps, marine artifacts, lures and lines, boating apparel, taxidermy, diving equipment, and all kinds of other marine items. Come by for some super discounts on surplus, liquidation, closeouts, new and used boating and fishing supplies.

The event promises some super discounts on new and used boating and fishing supplies as well as liquidation and closeouts items.

Speaking on the location, event promoter Larry Burdgick said, “The South Florida Fairgrounds is the perfect venue since it’s right in the heart of Palm Beach County. It offers the space we need along with free great parking for our guests.”

The South Florida Fairgrounds is located at 9067 Southern Blvd West Palm Beach, Fla. The Marine Flea Market is easily accessible from I-95 and the Florida Turnpike and there are acres of free parking.

Admission is $10 and Children 12 and under are free.

Visit The Florida Marine Flea Market, Boat Show and BBQ Seafood Festival website www.FLNauticalFleaMarket.com for more information, discount tickets, vendor applications and specific driving directions. Contact Under the Sun Promotions, Inc. at 954-205-7813.

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RECORD FLATHEAD

A

69.3-pound flathead catfish was recently certified as a new Florida state record.

Measuring 47 inches long, with a girth of 34.25 inches, the monster Yellow River flathead bested the old record of 63.8 pounds.

The angler, Marvin Griffin, of Santa Rosa County, is no stranger to the Yellow River or huge catfish. Griffin’s family has been fishing the Yellow River for years and they have caught exceptionally large catfish there. Griffin’s uncle, James Auston Jr., caught a state record flathead catfish in the Yellow River, which held the record from 2011 until 2016.

“I have always wanted to catch a state reFWC Photo cord,” said Griffin. “After my uncle caught his, I made it a mission of mine to catch my own.

“I wasn’t expecting to catch a state record when I started fishing that day with John Babb. But, it was the first and only fish we caught that day. I never would have been able to bring the fish into the boat without his help.”

Flathead catfish are a non-native fish found in many northwest Florida panhandle river systems. Flatheads prefer long, slow-flowing, moderately turbid rivers. Their solitary lifestyle makes them more difficult to catch than other catfish.

Adult flathead catfish feed primarily on live fish, crawfish, freshwater clams and mussels.

To properly certify a new Florida state record, an FWC biologist must identify the fish species and witness its weighing on a certified scale. Anglers can check the current state records at BigCatchFlorida.com by clicking on “State Record,” and should notify the nearest FWC regional office if they believe they have caught a record fish. Contact information for FWC regional offices can be found at MyFWC.com/Contact by clicking on “Contact Regional Offices.”

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Bug Days Of Summer

Photo by Zachary Nolan

By John Lidington

F

lorida’s spiny lobster season is here! Starting Aug. 6, you can collect these tasty crustaceans known as “bugs” to populate your dinner plate.

You’ll see heavy-gloved divers adorned with nets, snares, tickle sticks, measuring gauges and game bags headed offshore. Getting outfitted to catch “bugs” is easy. Pura Vida Divers, on Singer Island in Palm Beach County, has everything you need. Or check out your local dive shop.

Before you hit the water, there are some things you should know to protect yourself and the reef.

The problem with catching a bug is that the lobsters you want are

hiding. They’re under ledges, or deep inside holes. To find them, you’ll have to get close to the reef and the dark hollows bugs inhabit.

Often, lobsters are not the sole inhabitants of these hollows.

Moray eels and sea urchins hide away in cracks and crevices. Lionfish are another spiny hazard. Encountering any of these is a potential dive ruiner. Using a tickle stick or snare to probe dark recesses will help keep your hands out of harm’s way.

The intensity of the hunt can cause trouble for both the diver and the reef, too. Netting the lobster as it makes a dash for freedom, measuring it and getting it into your game bag can distract you. It’s then all too easy to have an unpleasant encounter with one or more marine touch-me-nots or damage delicate reef life.

When you see a likely hiding spot for bugs, take a minute to assess the surrounding area. Look for things that could damage you or that you could damage. Identify anything that might limit your freedom of movement and decide whether those limitations might compromise your, or the reef ’s, safety.

Remember, lobster regulations in Florida are strict, and violations will cost you $100 or more. If you are harvesting lobsters during regular lobster season, you must adhere to these rules: • If you are age 16 - 65, you must have both a Florida saltwater fishing license and a spiny lobster permit to harvest up to six lobsters per day.

• Only harvest lobsters whose carapace, or top shell, length is greater than 3 inches. Measure your lobster underwater, and immediately release any “shorties” or lobster with eggs (large orange blobs on the underside of the tail). Don’t remove the tail of a lobster until you are back on the dock.

Bug hunting does require some preparation. But when you dip that warm lobster tail in drawn butter and pop a bit in your mouth, you’ll agree it’s worth the effort!

If you have your fishing license and lobster permit, you’re welcome to hunt lobsters on Pura Vida Divers’ charters. Check out their schedule at www.puravidadivers.com.

FWC PYTHON TEAM Refinishing REMOVES 500TH SNAKE

T

he FWC Python Action Team has removed the program’s 500th invasive Burmese python from the wild.

Team members Beth Koehler and Peggy van Gorder captured the snake on June 25 at Everglades and Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area. It was a 9-foot, 10-inch female and weighed 20 pounds, 14 ounces.

“The capture of the 500th snake by our Python Action Team marks a significant milestone for this program,” said Eric Sutton, Executive Director of the FWC. “Governor DeSantis has been instrumental in keeping this topic a priority. We’re proud of the great work that these men and women do every FWC Photo day, and it would not be possible without support from the Governor and Legislature.”

The FWC designed the Python Action Team to further engage qualified individuals with python management efforts. Team members are paid for their efforts to survey for and, when possible, capture Burmese pythons in specific areas throughout many public lands in South Florida.

Occasionally, the FWC receives reports of large nonnative constrictors through the Exotic Species Hotline (888-IVEGOT1). If available, Python Action Team members are sent to capture it and prevent new populations from establishing in new areas.

Burmese pythons became established in Florida as a result of escaped or released pets. People should never release nonnative pets in the wild in Florida. It is illegal and can negatively impact native wildlife and habitat. The FWC has an Exotic Pet Amnesty Program that allows nonnative pets to be surrendered without penalty. Visit MyFWC.com/PetAmnesty for more information.

For more information about the FWC’s Python Action Team, visit MyFWC.com/Python.

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Capt. Cliff Lumpkin, Publisher 305-849-9093 www.coastalanglermag.com/florida-keys April Lumpkin, Publisher 305-849-9104

by Greg Poland

I

t’s been a hot summer & if you have been on the water you know the morning or late afternoon bite is where it’s at, in the middle of the day the best bet is to be in the swimming pool or at the sandbar! I have been leaving the dock at sunrise and trying to talk my clients into only fishing a morning trip or doing a split trip and going back for the late afternoon bite. We have been having a lot of fun with the mahi mahi and with all the sargassum weed floating around you will easily find a school of mahi to catch. I always like to run out to the 500ft mark before starting and like to run till I find birds working a patch of weed line then I will troll a squid on one side of the boat and a Hogy soft lure on the other, just run parallel to the weed line and do your best to get your baits under the birds and you are sure to catch a fish. After you’re hooked up, keep a fish in the water next to the boat so the school sticks with you while you load you cooler with dinner. I had the guys from ceramic pro install their product on the interior of my boat & it’s worth every penny when you are catching mahi because your boat can get pretty messy check them out at www.ceramicpro.com it sure makes cleanup easy. In the backcountry there are still a few tarpon around but the bite seems to be over by 8am so get out there early, we have been getting into some snook and redfish along the shorelines and it’s a great time to catch a big shark in shallow water if you have kids around and they want to pull on something big! I would love to get you and your family out on the water this summer so give me a call at 305393-3327 or send me an email and let’s get you out on my new Contender

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0819 keys coastal angler.indd 1

Capt. Greg Poland 305.393.3327 gregpoland.com Instagram gregpoland Facebook: Fishing in the Florida Keys with Capt. Greg Poland

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AUG. 2019

FLORIDA KEYS 1

7/17/19 10:12 AM

by Capt. Dallas Hopper

T

he nighttime snapper bite for yellowtail and mangroves has been red hot! We’re using 1/16th oz jig heads tipped with cut ballyhoo, shrimp, live pilchards and live pinfish for bait. We’ll target them by anchoring in 30-65 feet of water over top of reef and rock piles and chumming. If the fish are there it won’t be long until you see them up close in the chum slick.

Mahi fishing is still going strong and showing no signs of stopping, we’re finding plenty of fish in the 400-850’ range. There have been copious amounts of sea grass offshore and on the calm days it forms into large mats. These large grass mats hold an abundance of life, shrimp, minnows, crabs and of course mahi. Try soaking live bait around these grass mats, the mahi will hang around and some times deep underneath filling their bellies on the baitfish that hide in the grass.

We have been doing a lot of deep dropping lately which has been super productive!

It can be a surprise as to what you might catch, we have caught grey tilefish, snowy grouper, yellow edge grouper, barrel fish, black belly rose fish and even a couple of crazy looking alfonsino.

Some of the best tasting fish come from the bottom that we all pass over every day while chasing mahi. We’re dropping on the bottom in 500-1200 feet of water, that’s deep! If you’re feeling sporty you can break out the hand crank reels or use the electric reel to do what we call “grocery fishing”.

August is one of the warmest months of the year but also one of the calmest, so make sure you take advantage of the calm weather and enjoy everything our watery playground has to offer.

Capt. Dallas Hopper Fantastic II Charters “guaranteed fish” 305-451-2890 charterkeylargo.com

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7/17/19 10:12 AM

PETITION TO PRESERVE FLORIDA FISHING HABITATS

F

rom secluded mangrove creeks to expansive seagrass flats, healthy habitats are vital to the health of our flats fisheries. Unfortunately, a staggering amount of Florida’s coastal habitat has been decimated by development, pollution, and altered freshwater flows. Florida Bay has lost one third of its seagrass, while Tampa Bay has lost nearly half of its mangrove forests. In the Indian River Lagoon, mosquito ditches and impoundments hinder fish access and have greatly reduced the amount of usable nursery habitat. In the Keys, the number of flats classified as “severely degraded” due to propeller scarring has increased 90% over the past 20 years.

The only way to protect our fisheries from further decline is to conserve and restore what habitat remains. Of special concern are the places juvenile fish reside, which are often in close proximity to areas impacted by human development. For many species, the amount of healthy nursery habitat determines the size of the adult population. This means that many of the declines in fish populations that we are seeing today are a direct result of the habitat loss Florida has suffered in the past.

No amount of regulation can prevent further decline to the flats fishery unless we begin incorporating habitat into fisheries management plans. Steps must be taken to identify and assess critical habitats, to protect those that are intact, to restore those that are degraded, and to effectively manage them all. If we fail, fish populations will continue to decline regardless of the regulations created to safeguard them. We call on you as anglers and guides to be the voice for healthy habitats.

Sign the Habitat is the Future of Florida Fisheries petition (https://www.bonefishtarpontrust.org/habitat/petition/) to express your support for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to collaborate with Bonefish & Tarpon Trust to create a new way to manage our fisheries that focuses on habitat. This includes habitat identification, habitat protection, habitat restoration, and incorporating habitat into fisheries management plans.

Nick Roberts, Director of Marketing & Communications, Editor, Bonefish & Tarpon Journal Bonefish & Tarpon Trust • (786) 618-9479 • www.BTT.org

Photo: Pat Ford

Winners Team Contagious

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FLORIDA KEYS 3

7/17/19 10:12 AM

By Capt. Chris Johnson

The wait is over!

Lobster season is here!

It opens August 6 and continues through March 31.

Combo reef and offshore fishing bounty for the Fuller group, from Homosassa FL, with Capt.

Jason Bell and SeaSquared Charters.

Whole bunch of mahi plus some hefty muttons for the Halinski brothers with Capt. Jason Bell and SeaSquared Charters.

Summertime snapper fishing is great family fun!

The Nowak family, from Elmhurst IL, had a great time with Capt. Jason Bell and SeaSquared Charters.

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AUG. 2019

Lobstering is a great way to get wet and have fun with family and friends, with a tasty spiny lobster dinner as a bonus at the end of the day.

Rock holes located anywhere from one to ten miles or more out in Florida Bay provide plenty of spiny lobster for everyone. Your limit is six per person, per day. Be sure to follow the regulations as provided on MyFWC.com, as you can be assured, they are strictly enforced by agents on and off the water.

August is a great time for snapper fishing on the reef, where the mangroves and yellowtails respond well until Muttons for the Donnelly family, from mid-morning. When the sun gets high in the sky, the fish St. Johns FL, on their second outing with easily see your line, and the bite can slow a bit.

Capt. Alex Bell and SeaSquared Charters.

This time of year, you’ll need to use abundant quantities of chum, as the snappers on the reef are spawning and react best to copious amounts of food. We supplement our block chum with YellowtailUp and ChumDrop.

We concentrate on the hard-hitting mangrove snappers as they are more aggressive and easier to catch. You’ll find them in the shallower, 35- to 50-foot, depths. They average two to four pounds, but we’ve seen them as big as ten pounds!

Live baits do the trick most often, including pilchards, small pinfish to about three inches and small ballyhoo. Some days, the mangroves prefer a chunk bait, such as a slice of pinfish or ballyhoo, or even whole dead pilchards. Drift these baits back in your slick the same as yellowtailing, or fish them on jigheads at or near the bottom.

Slightly heavier leaders are required for the mangroves, as their teeth can cut through the lighter leaders rather easily.

And, with these bigger baits, we like to use larger Owner SSW hooks in either 1/0 or 2/0 sizes. Jigheads ranging in size from ¼ to ½ ounce will cover all current conditions.

The Slate family, from Mount Airy NC, The yellowtails are less aggressive, so it’s best to use light caught mahi with Capt Alex Bell and 15-pound leaders, small #4 to #6 hooks and small chunks SeaSquared Charters. of cut bait, such as ballyhoo, to mimic the pieces of chum drifting in your slick.

Our typical setup for mangrove and yellowtail fishing is a 7-foot Star Stellar Lite 12- to 20-pound rod with a Penn Slammer III 5500 reel spooled with 12-pound Berkley Pro Spec and 20- to 25-pound Seaguar fluoro leaders.

While you’re fishing on the Atlantic side, check out the deeper wrecks and artificial reefs for nice size mutton snapper and very large black grouper. The Marathon area sees muttons up to 20 pounds this time of year, although the majority are in the 12- to 14-pound class. Live ballyhoo, pinfish or cigar minnows are the baits of choice.

Whether you fish on top of the water or underneath, we hope you have a great August in Marathon!

Capt. Chris Johnson Specializes in offshore, reef/wreck,gulf/bay, saifish, shark, tarpon and lobster fishing with SeaSquared Charters 305-7435305 SeaSquaredCharters.com For daily fishing reports with pictures, please click over to Facebook.com/MarathonFishing

Mangroves and a bonus mutton for the Bland group, from Ocala FL, with Capt.

Alex Bell and SeaSquared Charters.

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7/17/19 10:12 AM

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AUG. 2019

FLORIDA KEYS 5

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7/17/19 10:13 AM

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FLORIDA KEYS 7

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7/17/19 10:13 AM

For more information or to advertise Call Cliff at 305.849.9093 cliff@coastalanglermagazine.com

Fuel Delivery Service from

Key West to Key Largo 305-852-2881

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0819 keys coastal angler.indd 9

AUG. 2019

FLORIDA KEYS 9

7/17/19 10:13 AM

FLORIDA KEYS BRIDGES OPEN TO FISHING:

• Channel 2 (MM 73) • Channel 5 (south end, MM 71) • Long Key (MM 63-65) • Tom’s Harbor Cut (MM 61.2) • Tom’s Harbor Channel (access from north end only, MM 60.6) • Seven Mile Bridge (south end only, MM 40) • Spanish Harbor (MM 34) • South Pine Channel Historic Bridge (MM 30) • Kemp Channel (MM 23) • Bow Channel (MM 20) • Park Channel (MM 18.5) • Shark Channel (MM 11)

FLORIDA KEYS BRIDGES CLOSED TO FISHING: • Little Duck Key-Missouri Historic Bridge, (MM 39.5) • Missouri-Ohio Historic Bridge (MM 39) • Ohio-Bahia Honda Historic Bridge (MM 38.5) • Lower Sugarloaf Channel (MM 15.8)

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7/17/19 10:13 AM

By Capt. Mike Weinhofer

A

ugust fishing is the Heat of the Summer. Some fisheries don’t bite well in the mid-day because the water temps just get to hot. So, plan on fishing early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The Tuna fishing offshore is often a slow bite midday but for a different reason. The tuna see so well with their big eyes the mid-day sun offers them the perfect view of everything. Even light leaders whether trolling or live baiting can be tough on tuna’s midday. If you spot the tuna birds before 10 among a sunny day you should still be able to get the bite. I use the small 4 inch dolphin catcher from Williamson in a purple/black or blue/white seem to work the best for me. Push your lures way back and don’t troll under the birds’ troll past them and make a hard turn to put the lures under the birds. They often will bite about 2 hours before sunset as well. The dolphin on the other hand you can often get to feed all day. Be prepared with chunks of ballyhoo through them when the school follows up the first bite. This time of year, it is not uncommon to find weed lines with debris. I like to keep a magnum 30 on one of the rods just waiting to drop it and troll by debris in the line, wahoo love them, The reef continues to be good all thru August for yellowtail and mangrove snapper and the occasional mutton, On the deeper edge of the reef the grouper lay in wait for the bait to wash off the edge. So, if you want to target grouper look in the 90-120 area off the reef edge.

In the harbor and the channels off Key West the tarpon has settled in but as the water gets warmer the larger fish will begin to migrate offshore in the deeper cooler waters. The small tarpon will hang in there much longer. Snapper and the occasional grouper will be in the harbor and channels.

On the flats watch your water temperatures as the water gets hot mid-day the fish will fall off the shallow flats and feed down flats edges in the slightly deeper areas. The tarpon bonefish and permit are still in the flats.

It is a great time of year to fish in Key West. Enjoy the calm weather and beautiful water just remember to drink plenty of water and don’t forget the sunscreen.

Capt Mike Weinhofer Compass Rose Charters 305-395-3474 • www.KeyWestFloridaFishing.com

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AUG. 2019

FLORIDA KEYS 11

7/17/19 10:13 AM

a k off Islamorad Henr y Steinbuc n to ut 29 inch m

Capt Ryan O’Sullivan of Two Conch Charters putting his clients on a mount worthy grouper.

Captains Christia n Koulouvaris an d Emily Simes, of Si ze Matters Char ters, with a nice 164 lb swordfish.

Capt Ryan O’Sullivan keeping it in the family and putting his nephew on his first permit.

Eleusis Chouza with a nice wahoo caught at 200 ft south of Cudjoe Key.

Captain Kip McM anus and Scott Talkington of the Lower Ke ys caught this m onster dolphin in 800 ft of wat er, 56.6 pounds , 67 inches and 33 inch girth

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

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7/17/19 10:13 AM

ourselves while out in the blistering sun.

We now know the sun’s rays are very harmful to both our skin and health. This is especially true for anglers, who spend long hours in direct sunlight. Protecting ourselves is a matter of making a conscious decision along with using products and accessories that shield us from the sun’s harmful rays.

Sunscreens in the form of lotions are sold at nearly every store you shop and come in a variety of applications. It is important to use the correct lotion for the specific activity you are engaged in as well as to follow the directions on applying and reapplying.

Over the last decade or so, modern sun protective clothing was popularized. Today, it is among the preferred methods of UV protection. Shirts, pants, buffs, bathing suits and accessories have all been developed with UV protection, and you have many choices of where to purchase.

Coupled with application of sunscreen to any exposed skin like ears, legs, feet or the backs of your hands, UV protective clothing is as good a defense from the sun as exists.

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, KINGFISH BACK TO THE BASICS Photos by Gene Dyer

By Gene Dyer

K

6 barrel swivel. I like to stay on the long side with my leader to be a bit stealthier. This step will help to avoid line twist, especially when using a spinning reel.

Now it’s time to put together some rigs. You’ll need some #5 stainless steel, coffee-colored wire, and depending on the bait that is available, octopus hooks ranging from 3/0 to 7/0 and some treble hooks in size 4 and 6. If you are using smaller baits like pilchards, you’ll want to use a smaller main hook and smaller treble hook for your stinger.

For bigger baits like goggle eyes, blue runners and speedos, step up your hook size for your main hook and stinger. Use a haywire twist to attach a 20inch length of wire to the main hook. Don’t over do it, as four to five twists on a 45-degree angle will suffice. Finish off your haywire with three to four straight wraps to secure the connection.

Now it’s time to attach your stinger to the main hook. Again, depending on the size of your bait, attach 4 to 8 inches of wire to your stinger hook with a haywire twist and then attach the other end of your stinger rig to the eye of the main hook with another haywire twist. It’s extremely important to rig your stinger with enough slack so that your bait will swim naturally.

Now you are ready to attach your rig to your leader. Use an albright knot to connect your rig to your leader. If you don’t know how to tie an albright knot, do an Internet search and plenty of pages and videos will pop up.

You can fish this setup a couple of different ways. If you will be drifting, fish at least two rods. You’ll want one bait on the surface and one deeper, from 30 to 60 feet. Send your surface bait out first and allow it to swim away from the boat. You can attach a balloon to your main line to help keep track of where your bait is. Depending on conditions, add 4 to 8 ounces of lead to your deep rod. Slip your lead on above the swivel or attach it to the main line with a rubber band.

If you utilize the rubber band method, it’s highly likely that you’ll lose your sinker on the strike.

These rigs can also be used for slow trolling baits. Slow trolling can help determine what depth the fish are in. Start trolling in about 60 feet and head out to 200 feet and then back to 60 feet. Once you find the fish, set up your drift at the depth.

When kingfish strike, they typically go on a long run away from the boat. Take your time and slowly work the fish toward the boat. Don’t be surprised if you get it close and it takes off on another short run after it sees the boat. Let the fish run and tire out. You should then be able to get your fish back to the boat for a gaff shot to the head.

ing mackerel are aggressive predators with extremely sharp teeth. To catch them with consistency, you must prepare accordingly. Though there are many ways to rig your rods for kingfish, I’d like to focus on a few techniques that have worked for me over the years. These techniques can be utilized on both spinning and conventional tackle.

To start, you’re going to want a rod in the 7-foot range that has a sensitive tip, so you can feel the bite, but also some backbone to turn the head of a smoker that just peeled off 100 yards of line in 20 seconds. Sometimes, a big king will swim right back at the boat after a blistering run, and you will have a better chance of coming tight with a higher speed reel. You’ll want nothing less than a 5-to-1 gear ratio.

When it comes to line choice, you can certainly spool your reels with braided line, but I prefer 20- to 30-pound monofilament, as I’m kind of old school and learned to fish for kingfish before braid became so popular. That said, you’ll want to connect your main line to Gene Dyer is co-publisher of Coastal Angler Magazine’s Fort Lau4 to 10 feet of 40- or 50-pound fluorocarbon leader with a size 4 or derdale edition. Contact him at gene@coastalanglermagazine.com.

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

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FLY FISHING 16

CHUMMING UP MAKO SHARKS One of the greatest adversaries on the fly rod in saltwater is the shortfin mako shark. The mako is considered by many as the fastest of all sharks, but what makes this great gamefish stand out is not only its fighting ability but its tendency to leap 20 feet in the air once hooked!

The mako shark is one of saltwater fly-fishing’s outstanding but unappreciated gamefish. Found on both in the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, a smaller mako in the 20- to 30-pound range can be perfect for the beginning saltwater fly fisherman; of course, fishing for sharks is a tad different than fishing for bluegills in your Uncle Ned’s farm pond.

First, you’ll need a boat, preferably a boat over 18 feet that can handle fairly choppy seas. Most center-consoles will do; however, a skiff with a beam of 8 feet or wider and a not-too-deep V will settle in the water better and reduce pitch and roll to a minimum, guaranteeing a much more stable casting platform.

A chum line is the most effective way of attracting makos into casting distance of your boat. Chumming attracts the larger makos and will allow you to sight-cast to them.

Into a chum bag, place the belly sections or fresh carcasses of tuna, bluefish or bonito. Then place the bag into a milk crate or five-gallon bucket, lower this mess by rope over the side and listen for the musical score from the movie “Jaws” to begin. You won’t have long to wait once that chum slick begins to spread. Ideally, you should use fresh carcasses, but store-bought chum will suffice. One bit of important advice: Less is more when chumming; you don’t

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need much; no matter how small the slick, a shark can smell it from miles away.

Now that you have the boat and chum, the next thing to do is find a mako. On the West Coast we are fortunate to have the continental shelf only a few miles offshore. On the east coast, you’ll have to venture bit farther offshore. Keep your eyes peeled for working birds and surface-busting bait; constantly check the water temperature, looking for readings between 66 and 70 degrees. But, be patient when chumming. I will wait at least an hour and a half before moving to another spot, but there have been occasions when the sharks make their appearance within a few minutes.

Once in the slick, makos will stick around for most of the fishing day.

Drifting allows you to cover more water and, in the process, attract more makos to your boat.

By choosing the right season, having the right chum and chumming the right areas, you can count on hooking and releasing a good number of makos during the course of a single day on the water.

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For more Bowman, go to

CAMFLYFISHING.COM

SEATECH MARINE KE SERIES ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROLS

Many boaters spend a small fortune repowering their boats, which makes sense considering the engine is one of the most important components. However, most people

fail to then upgrade their old engine controls. KE+ electronic engine controls should be your next step to refitting your boat.

The technology cultivated through 40 years of producing the highest quality controls for marine commercial vessels, fishing vessels, yachts and small pleasure craft goes into the KE Series electronic engine controls. Guaranteed to provide the helmsman unequivocal reliability, ease of use and comfort, the KE Series electronic engine controls are perfect for installation in nearly every marine vessel.

Contact Seatech Marine Products toll free at 866-456-1379 for more information, pricing and dealer opportunities. www.seatechmarineproducts.com

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CAT TRAILER Headquarters

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Now Offering Catamaran Trailers.

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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Steel Yourself

Limited Collector’s Edition

At $59, this blade of legendary Damascus steel is a real steal

D

amascus steel is the stuff of legend. Using a technique first mastered in the ancient city, swords made from Damascus steel were known to slice gun barrels in half and separate single strands of hair in two, even if the hair simply floated down onto the blade.

Now, you can be a part of the legend. The 7 ½" August Knife features a blade of modern Damascus steel, inspired by the production techniques and legends of history. Damascus steel blade knives can cost thousands. So, at $59, the price itself is also legendary.

What customers are saying about Stauer knives...

êêêêê “Very hefty, well-built knife and sheath. Extremely goodlooking and utilitarian.”

Once a lost art, we sought out a knifemaker who — R., Lacey, Washington has resurrected the craftsmanship of Damascus steel to create the August Knife. The elusive, ancient production technique mixes different steel alloys to form a super steel–– the outcome is a beautiful one-of-a-kind pattern of banding and mottling reminiscent of flowing water.

With the August Knife you’re getting the best blade money can buy. What you won’t get is the inflated price tag. We know a thing or two about the hunt–– like how to seek out and capture an outstanding, collector’s-quality knife that won’t cut into your bank account.

Limited availability. Only a handful of artisans make these blades, with each handcrafted knife taking months to perfect. We currently can get less than 1500 this year, so we can’t promise they’ll stick around for long–– especially at this price. Call today!

Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price. But we believe once you wrap your fingers around the August’s handle and experience the BONUS! Call today and you’ll also receive this beauty of its Damascus steel blade, you’ll be ready genuine leather sheath! to carve out your own legend.

August Knife non offer code price $149*

Offer Code Price Only $59 + S&P Save $90

1-800-333-2045

TAKE 60 % OFF INST ANTLY! When you use

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Your Insider Offer Code: AGK282-01 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.

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14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. AGK282-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

*Discount is only for customers who use the offer code versus the listed original Stauer.com price.

Rating of A+

• 7 ½" overall length • Genuine Damascus steel blade • Stainless steel guard • Leather handle • Includes genuine leather sheath

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.™

Start the new boating season off right with the Ultimate 4-Stroke Outboard from Suzuki. Buy during our Spring Sales Event and get Suzuki’s 3-Year Limited Warranty plus 3 years of Extended Protection at no extra charge.There are Instant Savings on select models, and Low-Rate Financing is also available. See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer for all the details.

3 Years Limited Warranty + 3 Years Extended Protection

Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 350 HP.

INST

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SELECE RIGHT N T SUZ UKI O OW ON UTBO ARDS

REPOWER FINANCE

Instant Savings on select models when you buy during this promotion.

See your dealer for details.

Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards on approved credit.* [60 Months]

To learn more, visit www.suzukimarine.com.

Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 04/01/19 and 06/30/19 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 04/01/19 and 06/30/19. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Instant Savings must be applied against the agreed-upon selling price of the outboard motor and reflected in the bill of sale. (Suzuki will, in turn, credit Dealer’s parts account.) There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees.

Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 04/01/19 and 06/30/19. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2019 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

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