Coastal Angler Magazine | February 2022 | Lakeland & Sumter Edition

LAKELAND & SUMTER EDITION

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LOCAL CATCH PHOTOS

GRASS FLAT

GATOR TROUT

CURRENT INTEL FROM AREA CAPTAINS PHOTO CREDIT: PAUL MACINNIS IG: @RSOCFISHING

VOLUME 27 • ISSUE 323

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM

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ost folks associate the word “gators” with big scaly reptiles or a college mascot. Mention gators to a cadre of hardcore inshore anglers and you are likely to elicit fond memories of 30-plus-inch silver flanks speckled with black spots and gaping yellow mouths sporting a wicked pair of canine teeth. I’m talking about seatrout, big trophy trout that prompt some of us to wake up at 4 a.m. so we can be on the water throwing topwater plugs at first light.

Big trout don’t act like their smaller brethren, and the techniques that hammer schoolies won’t work on bigger fish. Most gator trout are caught on shallow grass flats 1 ½ to 3 feet deep.

Look for flats with dense grass mixed with a few sandy potholes that big trout use to ambush prey. The flat should also have a healthy supply of bait like mullet or pinfish, and it should be close to deeper water, so a wary old trout has a short escape route. During the hottest days of summer, big trout retreat to deeper water off the edge of a flat or seek out shade under mangroves or docks. During the coldest nights of winter, gator trout move into deep channels, canals and dredge holes where they can be targeted with sinking plugs and shrimp imitations worked slowly along the bottom.

Seatrout see well in low light, unlike their prey items, like mullet. So, big trout feed best during low light. It is best to

By Paul MacInnis

SLING LURES for Grass Flat Gator Trout

fish early mornings, late evenings, on overcast days and at night.

It may seem counter intuitive, but more trophy trout are caught on artificials than bait. Big trout are loners.

Lures allow you to cover a lot of water, increasing your odds of intercepting bigger fish. About 80 percent of an adult seatrout’s diet is fish. With that in mind, large mullet-imitating lures are a good choice. The classic gator trout lure is a topwater “walk-the-dog” bait like the venerable Zara Spook. Of course, big swimbaits and shallowrunning plugs also work, along with soft plastic shrimp.

A seatrout doesn’t grow to trophy size by being stupid. Big trout are wary and will evacuate a flat at the slightest indication of danger. Hull slaps and pressure waves from a drifting boat put wise old trout on high alert. It’s best to ditch the skiff and either wade or fish from a minimally invasive vessel like a kayak. It also helps to make long casts to get your lure in front of a fish before it detects your presence.

Catching a true gator seatrout is not easy, and even when you do everything right there is still an element of luck involved. When you finally catch that trophy fish, handle with care and release her gently. A mature female seatrout can release over a million eggs during a spawn. Let her go to release her big-fish DNA into the gene pool.

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ud Hole Custom Tackle is the world’s largest supplier of rod building and tackle crafting goods and instruction. The heart of Mud Hole is its people, who strive for excellence and truly care about what they do. From leadership to customer service, and from product development to the warehouse floor, Mud Hole is comprised of passionate anglers and rod builders who use their own products every day and are eager to bring custom rod building to anglers everywhere.

Established in the 1970s as a custom rod shop in New Jersey, and named after the famed Mud Hole trench at the outflow of the Hudson River, Mud Hole has truly humble, “tackle-shop” origins. Things really picked up in 1999, when the headquarters moved to Oviedo, Florida and the Internet made it easier to connect across the globe. Promoting the many benefits of custombuilt fishing equipment, Mud Hole Custom Tackle thrived and brought custom rod building to the masses.

As interest in rod building grew and the industry flourished, Mud Hole dedicated itself to providing accessible DIY rod building instruction and resources to anyone who wanted to learn. Today, the Mud Hole YouTube channel hosts almost 500 videos with over 10 million views, and is followed by over 31,000 subscribers. From Rod Building

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WHAT A TRIGGERS THE BITE? PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

ction, color, profile, style, which is more important when fishing artificials inshore?

I investigate this question more than the average fisherman does on each trip, because I manufacture lures. To prove my point, how many of you switch tactics or lures when the bite is hot? I do!

Years ago, I would not change a thing while the bite was on. If I lost the last soft plastic of a particular color, I would dig through every compartment to find one more identical to what was working. I might even rig it upside-down or sideways to get that last soft plastic to stay on the hook for a few more bites. Designing and fine-tuning lures has driven me to fish differently and explore more frequently, even when the fish are biting.

On a recent trip, I was trying a new design, even though I was more confident in one of my original designs for this scenario in these conditions. The bite was strong, I switched between two lures about every three fish just to see if there was a preference.

I started with the new design in a green-back, clear-belly color and caught a fish on the first cast! I was feeling confident, since it was a new lure and a new color, but it took dozens of casts to catch a few more fish. I switched to my original design in a pearl color. Once again, fish on the first cast! It didn’t take long to land a few more, and I decided to switch back to the new design, only this time in the same pearl color. My intent was to see if color was what the fish were keying on. Although I caught fish on both lures, the original produced considerably more fish per cast. I kept switching to gain knowledge and validate my findings.

Both lures were the same color and 5 inches long with very similar body size.

The actions, however, were completely different. One was a paddle tail, while the other was a soft jerk- or twitch-bait style. The fish on this day undoubtedly preferred the erratic side-to-side action of the twitch bait. Although I attempted to work the swimbait more erratically, the paddle tail did not have the quick side-to-side action that triggered the strike. Both lures were rigged on the same weighted swimbait hook, and I used the same rod.

In this scenario, the action and lure style were the keys to triggering the bite.

Even if you’re catching fish, it is a good idea to change things up from time to time.

The day before, in the same area, I caught an equal number of fish on both the abovementioned lures.

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

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I DO NOT FEEL THE NEED FOR SPEED (SOMETIMES)

fish) on as light tackle as possible. I like to slow it down, and use the correct tackle for the job, while getting baits down in the strike zone.

While drifting or trolling, I like to use a jig when I need to get my baits down deeper where the mid-day fish are hanging out. A 4-ounce Squid Decoy Jig is a good option because it drifts and trolls well and can be fished with or without bait. Tipped with cigar minnow or sardine, Tim Barefoot the jig looks like a squid that has caught supper, and everything eats squid. his is a play off the famous line from the movie This is a wahoo bait that can be fished with fluorocarbon instead Top Gun, but it has a clear meaning when it comes to fishing for palegics. Are there times when I want to high-speed troll of wire or cable, simply because almost all wahoo strikes on squid are to locate areas with fish? YES. Are there times when I want to troll 6-7 knots to catch numbers of good fish when they are on or near the surface feeding? YES. With all that said, are there times to slow down and get baits down to where the fish are in the water column? YES, Definitely! intended to cut the back half the These times are typically squid off before consumption. after 10 or 10:30 a.m., when Predatory fish know that they the sun is high in the sky, and can easily eliminate a squid’s on, or around a full moon. The only defenses… tentacles and a first reason is obvious. Fish don’t biting beak. have Maui Jims, so they adjust A stinger hook in the the amount of light they need/ head of a live or frozen cigar want with water depth. This is minnow or sardine will do especially true with wahoo and the work. There is only one tuna. And the full moon thing… major problem with this setup. they stay up all night eating with Don’t let it get too close to the “big light” on. the bottom, or you’ll have a Have you ever noticed how the bite dies down after 10 or 11 in the morning? Have you ever noticed grouper or big snapper bite. I think we just got ’em on a technicality. If the days around a full moon are typically slow? These are not just a you are “trolling for wahoo” and let the bait get too close to the bottom coincidence. Granted, the planner rod (aka “the meat stick”) is the one and catch a grouper, oh well, I wasn’t using circle hooks. Just sayin’. that produces in the middle of the day, and at daylight for that matter, See more from Tim Barefoot at barefootcatsandtackle.com. and around the full moon, but I much prefer to catch these fish (any

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Tim Barefoot

his is a play off the famous line from the movie Top Gun, but it has a clear meaning when it comes to fishing for palegics. Are there times when I want to highspeed troll to locate areas with fish? YES. Are there times when I want to troll 6-7 knots to catch numbers of good fish when they are on or near the surface feeding? YES. With all that said, are there times to slow down and get baits down to where the fish are in the water column? YES, Definitely!

These times are typically after 10 or 10:30 a.m., when the sun is high in the sky, and on, or around a full moon. The first reason is obvious. Fish don’t have Maui Jims, so they adjust the amount of light they need/want with water depth. This is especially true with wahoo and tuna. And the full moon thing… they stay up all night eating with the “big light” on.

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Have you ever noticed how the bite dies down after 10 or 11 in the morning? Have you ever noticed the days around a full moon are typically slow? These are not just a coincidence. Granted, the planner rod (aka “the meat stick”) is the one that produces in the middle of the day, and at daylight for that matter, and around the full moon, but I much prefer to catch these fish (any fish) on as light tackle as possible. I like to slow it down, and use the correct tackle for the job, while getting baits down in the strike zone.

While drifting or trolling, I like to use a jig when I need to get my baits down deeper where the mid-day fish are hanging out.

A 4-ounce Squid Decoy Jig is a good option because it drifts and trolls well and can be fished with or without bait. Tipped with cigar minnow or sardine, the jig looks like a squid that has caught supper, and everything eats squid.

This is a wahoo bait that can be fished with fluorocarbon instead of wire or cable, simply because almost all wahoo strikes on squid are intended to cut the back half the squid off before consumption.

Predatory fish know that they can easily eliminate a squid’s only defenses… tentacles and a biting beak.

A stinger hook in the head of a live or frozen cigar minnow or sardine will do the work. There is only one major problem with this setup. Don’t let it get too close to the bottom, or you’ll have a grouper or big snapper bite. I think we just got ’em on a technicality. If you are “trolling for wahoo” and let the bait get too close to the bottom and catch a grouper, oh well, I wasn’t using circle hooks. Just sayin’.

See more from Tim Barefoot at barefootcatsandtackle.com.

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FLORIDA 9 LOCATION 3

PHOTO BY JAMES MARTINS

an empty pail and hold it vertically on the surface of a pool, pond or tub of water, and you can easily recreate this for yourself. Apply force to the pail, straight downward, until its rim is just under the surface. Water rushes in to fill the pail until it has reached full capacity. If there are objects on the surface or suspended in the water, they will accompany the inrush of water. What you have done is introduced a void into the water. This empty space must be filled if water is to adhere to its own principles. Essentially, a vacuum effect occurs in which both water and the objects it contains are pulled into the void.

Fish generate a similar vacuum via the expansion of their mouths, and anything within range of that vacuum will be drawn inside. This form of attack is concentrated in the fish’s head, requiring little or no forward motion of the body. If the fish wants to swallow what it has trapped in its jaws, it will expel the water through its gill slits in a rapid jet. Between a closed mouth and the fish’s gill rakers, solid objects are trapped inside, where they can be directed down the fish’s throat. If the fish should decide it doesn’t want to swallow what it has in its mouth, it will simply open its jaws and let the water float out along with whatever else was inside.

It is much like a terrestrial animal opening its mouth and drawing in a big breath of air. Any airborne particulate matter will be taken in with the breath.

If something noxious is taken in—smoke, for example—it can be ejected by exhaling or coughing.

The difference between fish and terrestrial animals is the comparative enormity of most fish mouths and the great density of water compared to air. While a vacuum may be of little benefit to land animals, it is extremely useful to fish. Most fish, therefore, employ this technique to some degree in their feeding.

For the sake of efficiency and the surer capture of prey, predatory fish are likely to use this method in conjunction with a more traditional attack featuring forward motion of the body. When employed together, these techniques allow the fish to draw its prey closer and seize it with the most

By John Saporito security. When swallowing prey whole, they will turn it in their mouth so that espite different designs among the many species, there is a it can be taken headfirst—scales, fins and other parts folding tight against the commonality in fish when it comes to the capture of prey, a special body to facilitate an easier passage down the throat. procedure making use of the physical properties of the water they John Saporito is a lifelong fisherman, writer, and student of the seas. live in.

Visit him online at johnsaporito.com.

When a fish suddenly opens its mouth underwater, a void is created. Take

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If you have a suggestion for a distribution location for Coastal Angler Magazine, please let me know. You can view all 35 magazines in the U.S., including The Bahamas, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands at www.CoastalAnglerMagazine.com Please feel free to send me any fishing photos and comments about the magazine-I would love to hear from you!

E dition Highlights & Business Spotlight

Page 2-3 Sumter County Map

Page 4 Clays2Raise Tournament Page 8 Tournament & Events Annual Clays Shoot 2022

Page 10 59th Annual Tom Lause Dixie Tournament Page 14-15 Polk County Map Page 16 Find Us Here

Page 9 Photo of the Month

Polk & Sumter Edition Staff: Sales, Editing & Production- Mary Brasher Graphic Arts & Design - PPP Graphic Design Distribution - Mary & Larry Brasher, Joyce & Capt Dave Ochs Media Mgr - Patrick Powers Contributing Writers - Jim Veal Jr, Capt Dave Ochs, Capt. Scott Taylor, Capt Rick Burns, Allen Wyatt, Capt Bobby Woodard

Facebook -CoastalAnglerMagazineLakelandVicinity • Twitter - @camlakeland • Instagram- camlakeland • Youtube- CAM Sumpter Lakeland Each month I will bring you the latest and best knowledge for you to put to good use. I also invite you to share my passion for this area and if you would like to become a contributing writer contact us. You can read our magazine online anytime or sign up for a free digital subscription.

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Homosassa Area 1-Capt. Rick Burns 352-201-6111 8975 W. Halls River Rd • Homosassa, FL 34448 www.RealBurns.com Oxford Area 2- Oxford Mower & Repair 352-748-7485 • 352-748-7490 3185 E CR 466 • Oxford FL 34484 Landscaping Repair Service/ Outdoor Power Equipment Store Lake Panasoffkee 3- Pana Vista Lodge 352-793-2061 3417 Co Rd 421• Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538 www.panavistalodge.com 4- Catfish Johnnys 863-793-2083 2396 N County Rd 470 • Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538 www.CatfishJohnnyRestaurant.com 5- Big Bass Grill Lakefront Restaurant and Marina 352-793-8150 965 Co Rd 439 • Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538 www.bigbassgrill.com 6- Shrimp’s On The Lake 352-569-4583 907 CR 439B • Lake Panasoffkee, Fl 33538 www.shrimpsonthelake.com Bushnell Area 7- Sumter Realty 352-793-3202 239 N Main St • Bushnell FL 33513 Agent Evan Merritt 8- Canada Meds 352-569-1484 512 N Main St • Bushnell, FL 33513-5112 9- Devine Family Jewelry and Pawn 352-444-2058 8271 W C-48 • Bushnell, Fl 33513

The Scenic Sumter Heritage Byway Organization began as a Community Action Group in March 2009 in partnership with the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce with the express purpose of improving the southern entrance to Sumter County, therefore enhancing the visitor experience to the National Cemetary.

The Veteran’s Memorial Hwy was designated soon afterwards, and pursuit of a Florida Scenic Hwy designation began. A Corridor Advocacy Group (CAG) began meeting with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Five Scenic Highways Coordinator in order to pursue the “scenic” classification for a series of roads within Sumter County that encompass the communities of Webster, Bushnell, Sumterville, Lake Panasoffkee, Carlson, Rutland and the surrounding areas.

The roads that comprise the 62-mile Byway traverse rural communities, pastoral farmlands, cattle ranches, parklands, lush hardwood hammock, and floodplain forests within the Withlacoochee River Watershed. The corridor highlights the scenic view and rich heritage of Sumter County through byway travel. Attractions along the Byway include the General James Van Fleet Trail State Park, Richloam Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, Florida National Cemetary, Lake Panasoffkee, Withlacoochee River and the Half Moon Wildlife Management Area.

The Scenic Sumter Heritage Byway Organization is a grass roots organization committed to altering their vision for the byway based on a multi-year work plan. The SSHBO consists of volunteers who are passionate about the heritage, traditions, recreational and scenic resources fo their community. They work with their partners to showcase these resources, educate the community and advocate for community-based decision making that protects and enhances these resources. Find out how to partner, be a sponsor, or donate at www.sumterbyway.com.

10- ParGas 352-793-1982 1452 W C 48, Bushnell, FL 33513 www.pargas.com 11- Papaw’s Country Store 352-793-1080 8271 W C-48 • Bushnell, Fl 33513 Deli, Groceries, Beer, Live Bait, Tackle, LP Gas Follow us on Facebook Webster Area 12- Scenic Sumter Heritage Byway, Inc. 352-267-8801 P.O. Box 6 • Webster, FL 33597 www.sumterbyway.com/ sumterbyway@gmail.com 13- Webster Hardware & Farm Supply Ace 352-793-4831 120 N. Market Blvd. • Webster, FL 33597 www.WebsterFarmSupply.com Sumterville Area 14- Blackjack Sporting Clays 352-569-9469 3372 County Road 526 • Sumterville, FL 33585 blackjackclays.com • info@blackjackdays.com Dale Walker Owner/Operator Wildwood Area 15- M&M Old Hickory Smokehouse Bar-B-Q 352-399-6597 7993 NE 7th Path DR • Wildwood, FL 34785

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HOMOSASSA FISHING FORECAST If ole man Winter isn’t too hard on us in February, expect some reel good fishing. The seatrout, mangrove snapper, sheepshead and redfish will still oblige.

For the trout, places to concentrate will be the real shallow hard bottom flats.

With a high sun overhead, and the harder bottom, it makes for a little warmer water temps. Toss your topwater plugs, or weedless jerkbaits for best success.

For the mangrove snapper, the many springs up in the Crystal and Homosassa rivers will hold some keeper size fish resident and Capt which is 10” for the snappers. They’re some Georgia Ricks son-in-law, Robert of the best eating too. Use shrimp on a size Gentry with a nice catch of trout and spanish mack. #4 hook and that’ll get’em.

On the convict fish, (or sheepshead), we’ll find them schooling and spawning on the nearshore rock piles. utilize shrimp on a regular 1/8 oz. jig head for best results.

For the reds, also utilize the weedless jerkbaits and the ever popular gold spoons in ¼ oz. size. Work your island points, cuts, passes and banks. Also try the mouths of the rivers and around docks and potholes. We caught 2 off of 1 dock last month. So they’re there.

On the freshwater side, the speck, (crappie) season is in full swing this month as well.

Give us a holler and we’ll hook ya up for some fun action.

Call Martin (352)250-0534

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Submitted By: Capt. Rick Burns Real Burns Charters • 352-201-6111 Homosassafishingguide.com • www.reelburns.com

FEBRUARY 2022

POLK & SUMTER 5

Your Polk & Sumter Tournament News 2/3-5 Bassmaster Southern Open on the Kissimmee Chain out of Big Toho Marina www.bassmasters.com 2/5 Happy Hookers Club Bass Tournament on the Kissimmee Chain out of the City Ramp 2/6 NSCA Happy Valentines Shoot 8am-12pm Polk Sporting Clays www.polksportingclays.com 2/6 Tampa Pro Bass Tournament on the Winter Haven Chain South out of G. Roe Park www.tampaprobass.com 2/12 West Coast Couples Bass Tournament on Lake Walk in Water out of the Public Ramp 2/13 USA Bassin Fl-02 Tournament on Lake June out of Bishop Park www.usabassin.com 2/19 Clays2Raise Sporting Clay Fundraiser 8am-12pm at Blackjack Sporting Clays Contact Dawn Cary at sumterbyway@gmail.com or (352)267-8801 2/19 Dixie Country Bass Club Tournment on Lake June in Winter Haven out of H.L. Bishop Park 2/19 Bass N Boats Trail Tournament on Lake Reedy out of the Public Ramp www.bassnboats.com 2/19 Tampa Bay Bassmasters Tournament on the Winter Haven Chain South out of G. Roe Park www.tampabaybassmasters.com 2/20 Lakeland Bassmasters Draw Tournament on Crooked Lake out of Little Crooked Lake Public Ramp www.lakelandbassmasters.org 2/26 Lakeland Bassmasters Team Trail Bass Tournament on the Harris Chain out of Hickory Pt. www.lakelandbassmasters.org

Annual Clay Shoot 2022 Join us for the annual clay shoot at BlackJack Clays.

Sponsorships available.

Sunday February 20, 2022 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) The tournament will begin at 9 am with registration starting at 8 am.

Event Contact: Michele White Email: michele@ficap.org Contact Organization: Florida Independent Concrete and Associated Products, Inc. (FICAP) 3372 County Road 526 Sumterville, FL 33585 United States BlackJack Clays 407-302-3316 6 POLK & SUMTER

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KISSIMMEE CHAIN FISHING FORECAST Crappie fishing was great in January and I see no reason why this shouldn’t continue for the month of February. Cypress and Hatchineha canals are good bets for some big slabs. Run a slip cork rig with a minnow at 6’8’ on the 9’ ledge for best results. Lake Rosalie and Tiger Lake continue to produce limits of big slabs at night. Slip cork and minnow rigs scattered from 6’-10’ between 12’-16’ of water depth should produce consistent results.

Bass fishing has improved somewhat on the Kissimmee Chain as water levels continue to rise slowly. Bass are going on the beds on many of the area lakes as long as water temps stay in the 70’s a major spawn should occur during the full moon cycle this month. On Lake Kissimmee I like Eagles Nest this time of year for big Trophy Class Bass. Gator Cove on Lake Hatchineha is usually a pretty good place to Bass fish at this time. Top water hard baits are good in the mornings. Top water toad and flukes are also good. Top it all off with a weightless Senko in isolated cover. And now you have a pretty good formula for success. Fishing on the Kissimmee River remains strong for 2-5lb Bass. Speed worms with a 3/16oz. weight and a speed crawl with a 1/4oz. weight are are very effective baits. Senkos and scumfrogs are also producing sonsistantly. The Old River is also pretty consistant at this time. Use square-billed crankbaits and Carolina Rig worms with a 3/8oz egg sinker for a steady bite.

Submitted By: Capt Dave Ochs Kissimmee Chain Fishing (863) 455-6886 Back Water Fishing Adventures • Lake Wales, FL 33898

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POLK & SUMTER 7

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CENTRAL FLORIDA REGION FORECAST Well this has been one wild and crazy Winter so far from Thanksgiving up until now. We’ll go through the expected nice Florida weather then hit a speed bump and have another cold front from up north rudely interrupt us for a couple days then start all over again. As for the weather forecast for February, it’s looking to be a little warmer than usual with temps mostly upper 70’s to low 80’s and I am fine with that.

Let’s start out at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes fishing out of Camp Mack, A Guy Harvey Lodge, Marina & RV Resort. One of our biggest challenges here is fishing after the CJ making his Dad- and the Capt.

Corps had their dredging project in behind the camera - all smiles with Lake Cypress at the canal going up to a big, beautiful Central Florida Bass!

Lake Toho clearing sand bars at the entrances. It’s gonna take more rain and some water movement to clean up the waters but there are still good fish here.

When fishing these lakes I’m trying to find cleaner water but if it’s still mucked-up some I’m using something with flash and/or vibration in the open water. There will be spots & pockets of reeds or pads that are looking good and or that stick to the usual frogs, Gambler EZ Swimmers, and black & blue senkos.

Moving over to the Winter Haven South Chain of Lakes we’re facing totally different conditions, but that is due more to the lakes themselves than “maintenance” of the big lakes.

On this chain you will find many spring fed lakes with cleaner, clearer, “greener” water with lots of points, deep grass lines, etc. As much as I love fishing out of Camp Mack, these lakes are a lot of fun to play on any given day. I’ll always have a fluke, jerkbait, rattle trap, and a swim jig tied on, plus the obligatory senko that you never leave home without.

I’ll always have natural colors tied-on but once in a while you may need something “different” with a loud color scheme. I’m a firm believer in the watermelon reds, pearls, bone, bluegill, and natural shad colored baits. You can never go wrong with those, plus a little chrome in your hard bait selection is always key.

I do have to add with the increased boat traffic at the ramp and on the lakes, please be considerate of others around you. If you pull up to a single lane ramp, do your boat prep prior to pulling up & backing down blocking others from launching timely who did there prep further back. Also, when boats are fishing “just offshore” from docks, please do not assume you can run between them and shore. I say all that because I see it every day and want everyone here to enjoy their time on the water to the fullest.

As always please practice CPR - “Catch, Photograph, and Release”.

Capt. Scotty Taylor is the Official Guide for VisitCentralFlorida. org and is the Senior Pro Guide at Camp Mack, a Guy Harvey Lodge, Marina, and RV Resort.

NSCA - Happy Valentine’s Shoot Sunday, February 6, 8:00 am - 2:00 pm We will be offering a 100 bird Sporting Event in the A.M. and a 50 bird event for the P.M. Pre-registration for this event will be handled in ScoreChaser.

Registration from 8am - 10am European Rotation Shooters must be on the course by 10:30am Lunch is included and provided by the FFA with the menu to be determined.

Price includes tax, fees, and lunch. Please take advantage of the $5 discount by registering early on ScoreChaser.com.

Pre-Registered $74 For your convenience, you can pay online during the registration process 50 Bird PM event $35 lunch not included Jr or Sub Jr $55 Extra lunch ticket $15 Cart $25 Remember that carts are limited so if there are none available on ScoreChaser, then all carts are rented.

Submitted By: Capt. Scotty Taylor TMC Guide Services, llc • 855-354-8433 Scott@TMCGuideService.com • TMCGuideService.com Capt. Scott is the official guide for VisitCentralFlorida.org & Guy Harvey Camp Mack Lodge, Marina & RV Resort

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Boat/Personal Watercraft/Canoe/Kayak/SUP Dealers Manufacturers/ New & Consignment Sales/Golf Carts Hillman Motors Inc. 2701 Havendale Blvd. NW Winter Haven FL 33881 863-967-4628 • www.hillmanmotors.net M-F 9-7, Sat 9-5 Closed Sunday

Millers Fiberglass Repair 1505 S. Lake Shipp Dr. Winter Haven, FL 33880 863-551-1551 bobby.mfr@gmail.com We Now Have A Certified Marine Technician Offering Service Repair On Outboard Motors.

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Erwine’s Marine 250 S. Scenic Hwy • Frostproof, FL 33843 863-635-4492 www.ErwinesMarine.com Come in to check out our new line of Lowe's Jon Boats

Blackjack Sporting Clays 3372 County Road 526 • Sumtervile, Fl 33585 352-569-9469 • blackjackclays.com Blackjack Sporting Clays is proud to offer incredible amenities to both the public and private groups/events: 38 Stations; 3 Courses, Sub Gauge Course, Five Stand, Trap & Skeet, Cart & Gun Rental, Large Pavilions/Porch, Clubhouse, Merchandise, Paved Cart Paths, Bulk Clay Packages Sweet Ella’s Produce 326 State Road 60 E • Lake Wales Florida 863-223-8775

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Pana Vista Lodge 3417 Co Rd 421 • Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538 352-793-2061 www.panavistalodge.com Cottages - Rv Camp Ground Hook-Ups - Camping - Boat Sales & Service. JohnsonEvinrude Motors Sales & Service. Boat Rentals Pontoon Rentals - Licenses - Bait - Ice - Gas Ramp

Action Watersports 402 Progress Rd • Auburndale, FL 33823 Ph: 863-967-4148 The brands we offer: Hobie • Jackson • RTM Perception • Feel Free • Wilderness Systems Ocean Kayak • Old Town • Hurricane • Kiwi • Solo Skiff • Evoke • Pau Hana • Amundsen are all leaders in the Kayak, Fishing, and Stand Up Paddle Board industries. Our accessories are sure to make your water experience more fun and safe.

Alligators Unlimited Airboat Nature Tours Captain John Wathey 863-696-0313 14400 Reese Dr. • Lake Wales, Fl 33898 airboatnaturetours.com Our Airboats are the “Real Deal” not 20+ passenger Air-Busses! This guarantees your EVERGLADES AIRBOAT TOUR to be personal and powerful!

Bait & Tackle Shops/Outfitters/Apparel Taylor Made Charters & Guide Service Central Florida & Great Lakes Bass Fishing Capt. Scott Taylor USCG Licensed Captian The Official Guide for VisitCentralFlorida.Org & Guy Harvey Camp Mack Lodge, Marina & RV Resort Scott@TMCGuideService.com 855-354-8433 Bridgemasters 2131 Highway 60 E • Lake Wales, FL 33898 Phone: 863-676-1009 • Fax: 863-679-1638 www.fishermanscandystore.com

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Phillips Bait & Tackle 3780 Hwy. 92E • Lakeland, FL 33801 863-666-2248 cftm3780@yahoo.com • www.cftmr.com Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

Stretch Outdoors Discount Outfitters 848 W Daughtery Rd. • Lakeland, FL 33389 863-608-1513 We Now Carry Googan Baits!

Come In And Check Out Our New Lew’s and Abu Garcia Fishing Reels and Great Selection of Gambler and Bitter’s Baits. We also Carry Fitgzerald Rods and A Variety of Fitzgerald Fishing Products and 13 Fishing Products!

Guy Harvey Camp Mack Lodge, Marina & RV Resort 14900 Camp Mack Rd • Lake Wales, Fl 33898

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Ron’s Tackle Box The Old Angler’s Antique Gallery 380 S. Lake Shore Way • Lake Alfred, FL 33850 863-956-4990 • Fax 863-956-2525 imareellady2@aol.com

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Stones Bait & Tackle 2049 E Edgewood Drive • Lakeland, Fl 33803 863-940-4898 Instagram: Stones Outhouse Follow us on Facebook & Instagram A Variety of Freshwater Rods & Reels Available: NEW Abu Garcia Revo X Spinning Rods & Shimano SLX Rods . Large Selection of Strike King, Zoom & Gambler Baits.

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Big Fish Bait & Tackle 6908 US Hwy 98 North • Lakeland Fl 33809 863-815-9492 wwww.CentralFloridaAngling.com Bob Woodard-Owner Live Bait- Rod & Reel Repairs

Back Water Fishing Adventures Captain Dave Ochs Guide, Professional Angler Lake Wales Fl 33898 Cell: 863-455-6886 Overdue Adventures FL. “Cracker” Fishing Style Family Fishing, Shore Lunches, Waterside Dining Snorkeling Trips, Scalloping Trips, Egmont Key Day Trips Capt. Daryl Brown First Mate: Joy Brown 518 Main Street • Auburndale, FL 33823 863-559-4480

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2022 Team Trail Schedule 26 Feb Harris Chain 26 Mar Kissimmee Chain 16 Apr* Crooked Lake 21 May Lake Panasoffkee 25 Jun Lake Toho (Toho only) 10 & 11 Sep Team Trail Classic

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B.A.S.S. Nation Team Championship

2022 Draw Tournament Schedule Winter Haven Chain 23-Jan William G. Roe Park/Boat Ramp* Pairings

To qualify for the Lakeland Bassmasters Team Trail Championship, a team must fish a minimum of 3 tournaments. The Team Trail Championship winners go to the B.A.S.S. Nation Team Championship with the entry fee paid by the Lakeland Bassmasters. If the Team Trail membership is at least 50 teams, then the Team Trail Points winners will also go to the B.A.S.S. Nation Team Championship with the entry fee paid by the Lakeland Bassmasters.

Crooked Lake 20-Feb Little Crooked Lake Public Ramp

Contact: Matt Keeble (Tournament Director) email: mkeeble@hotmail.com or Jim Hooven (Club President) 863-698-9772 email: bassprez@tampabay.rr.com

Lake Panasoffkee 22-May Tracy’s Point

Lakeland Jr. Bassmaster members are welcome to fish with an adult 18+.

All participants must be members of B.A.S.S. and must join the Lakeland Bassmasters.

Harris Chain 17-Jul Hickory Point Rec Park

Kissimmee Chain 13-Mar Camp Lester Lake Okeechobee 23 & 24 Apr Harney Pond

Lake Toho Only 26-Jun South Port Ramp

Winter Haven Chain 21-Aug Lake Shipp Park

*Payout Based on 20 teams - Pays Minimum 3 Places

John’s Lake 18-Sep Hwy 50 Ramp

Guaranteed Payout Entry Fee: $80.00 Per Team* - Big Bass $20.00 Per Team

Kissimmee Chain 15 & 16-Oct Camp Lester Club Classic 6-Nov TBD

s

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Lakeland Area 1- Big Fish Bait & Tackle 863-815-9492 6908 US Hwy 98 North • Lakeland FL 33809 wwww.CentralFloridaAngling.com

Lake Alfred Area 17-Ron’s Tackle Box,LLC 863-956-4990 380 S. Lake Shore Way • Lake Alfred, FL 33850 www.ronstacklebox.com

2-Champs Sports Grill 863-647-5900 6645 S. Florida Ave • Lakeland, FL 33813 www.ChampsToGo.com

Haines City Area 18- Hoppy’s Marine 863-439-7616 31499 Highway 27 • Haines City, FL 33844 www.HoppysMarine.com

3- LineX Of Lakeland 863-581-9173 3000 State Road 37 S. • Mulberry, FL 33860 www.linexoflakeland.com

Bartow Area 19- Spurlows 863-635-0240 1264 N Broadway Ave • Bartow, FL 33830 SpurlowsOutdoorOutfitters.com

4-Phillips Bait & Tackle 863-666-2248 3780 US-92 • Lakeland, FL 33801 www.CentralFloridaTrollingMotor.com

Lake Wales Area 20. Sweet Ella’s Produce 863-223-8775 326 FL-60, Lake Wales, FL 33853

5-Stone’s Bait & Tackle 863-940-4898 2049 E Edgewood Drive • Lakeland, FL 33803 6- Stretch Outdoors Discount Outfitters 863-608-1513 848 W Daughtery Road • Lakeland, FL 33389 Auburndale Area 7- Action Watersports 863-967-4148 402 Progress Rd • Auburndale, FL 33823 www.ActionWatersports.net

21- Bridgemasters 863-676-1009 2131 FL-60 • Lake Wales, FL 33898 www.fishermanscandystore.com 22- Capt Dave Och’s Backwater Fishing Adventure 863-455-6886 Lake Wales, Fl 33538 23- Gary’s Boating Center 863-638-0537 15520 Highway 27 • Lake Wales, FL 33859 www.GarysBoating.com

8-Overdue Adventures 863-559-4480 Auburndale, FL 33823 Winter Haven Area 9. Caribbean Bait & Tackle 863-292-9755 1004 N Lake Howard Dr, Winter Haven, FL 33880

24-Guy Harvey Camp Mack Lodge, Marina & RV Resort 863-696-1108 14900 Camp Mack Rd • Lake Wales, FL 33898 www.GuyHarveyCampMack.com

10-Capt. Scott Taylor 855-354-8433 Official Guide for VisitCentralFlorida.org & Camp Mack’s River Resort Scott@TMCGuideService.com

25. Music Realty 863-676-2788 2035 State Rd. 60E • Lake Wales, FL 338998 www.musicrealtyinc.com

11-Hillman Motors Inc. 863-967-4628 2701 Havendale Blvd. NW • Winter Haven FL 33881 www.hillmanmotors.net

Frostproof Area 26- Erwine’s Marine 863-635-4492 250 S. Scenic Hwy • Frostproof, FL 33843 www.ErwinesMarine.com

12- Marine Supply of Winter Haven 863-297-7003 1700 3rd St SW • Winter Haven, FL 33880 www.MarineSupplyBoats.com 13- Millers Fiberglass 863-551-1551 1505 Lake Shipp Dr, Winter Haven, FL 33880 www.facebook.com/Millers-Fiberglass-Repair-157407427716301

Placida Area 27-Fly Em High Charters 863-224-1418 Capt Bobby Woodard 6499 Gasparilla Rd • Placida, FL 33946 www.Captain-Bobby.com

14- Polk Tractor 863-967-0651 3450 Havendale Blvd NW • Winter Haven, FL 33881 www.PolkTractorco.com 15-RKY Seafood 863-294-2300 175 Ave A NW • Winter Haven, FL 33880 16-Sweetwater Guide Service 863-837-7028 336 Magnolia Ave • Winter Haven, FL 33880

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Bull Bay Tackle Company Central Fl Trolling Champs Sports Grill Paid Supporters of the Magazine Ciao Bella Lake Alfred Auburndale Crowder Ace Hardware Gary’s Oyster Bar & Grill Action Watersports Curtis Design Harvest Meat Market Auburndale Library Extended Stay America Ron’s Tackle Box Best Western Inn & Suites Fish City Grill The Lake Alfred Chamber of Fun Bike Center Hamptons Clubhouse Commerce Marathon Grill Smith Overdue Adventures Harvey’s Lake Wales Pizza Connection Hibbett Sports All Star Grill Pro Nails Hooters Alligator’s Unlimited Sal’s Pizza Huntington Hills Golf & Brandi’s Barber & Beauty The Twisted Crab Country Club Bridgemaster Townsend Motors Inc. Jin Jin Chinese Camp Lester Traders Pawn Just Move Cherry Pocket Restaurant Walmart King’s Wok Crazy Fish Bar & Grill LaQuinta Inn Dyer Chevy Winter Haven Laundry Florida’s Natural Visitor’s AAMCO Transmission LineX of Lakeland Center Andy Thornals MoJo’s Restaurant Gary’s Boats Ard’s Awning, Inc. New Moon Japanese Rest Grape Hammock B&W Exhaust Pro Off The Wall Adventures & Caribbean Bay Bait/Tackle/ Guy Harvey Camp Mack Outfitters Lodge, Marina & RV Resort Old Salt Marine Rest.

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Pinch A Penny Juniors Fish Market Harry’s Old Place Red Top Pit Stop Lake Haven Bait Hillman Motors Russell’s Western Wear Lake Market Howard Johnson Hotel Sandpiper Golf Club Lake Wales Country Club Jeep Shoot Straight Leadfeather Guns & Archery Liars Lair Saloon Shooter’s McKibben Powersports Marine Supply Sky Powersports Music Realty Miller’s Fiberglass Repair Stones Bait & Tackle Honda Mobil Gas 1200 3rd St SW Stretch Outdoors Oakley Trucking Old Man Franks Tint Masters O’Reilly Auto Parts Oyster Bar Topatio’s Mexicano Rest.

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By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

Fishing the bay side may not even be a second choice this month, with the abundance of cobia, snapper, mackerel and the other usual suspects that frequent our shallow-water wrecks.

However, if the weather allows, fishing the Atlantic side is advisable.

Snapper and amberjack are a viable option, while being near an excellent pelagic fishery.

Wahoo and king mackerel will be cruising the reef, along with sailfish, tuna and the occasional mahi. Mahi may be few and far between in February, but they will likely be much larger than summer schoolies.

On the reef, incredible tailing conditions occur this time of year, which pushes migrating species to the surface. Once in a lifetime sightings can be had, but the most notable species affected by this anomaly is sailfish.

On days like these, we target sailfish by cruising waves along the reef and looking for fish swimming on the surface. Sailfish appear black in the water, and on sunny days you can see them several waves ahead, leaving ample time to set up a pitch bait for sight casting.

In the beginning of winter, when sailfish season begins on the reef, ballyhoo are extremely abundant, and the challenge is to get the fish to choose your bait out of the rest. This time of year, when bait is more scarce, your bug-eyed, red-nosed bait might actually have a chance at coming across as appealing to these hungry travelers.

Tailing conditions in Marathon are caused by an east wind that opposes the current of the Gulf Stream. Migrating fish are traveling against the current, and heavy wind creates waves that push in the direction they are going. By swimming on the surface, to the point where their tails even breach, they use the force of the wind to surf the waves. It gives them a little break. It is a breathtaking experience to see these fish with such clarity, as if they are in a rolling aquarium.

For obvious reasons, this type of fishing requires some heart to brave the he coldest month of the year may shut off a lot of fisheries around waves, and possibly some Dramamine. If you are prone to seasickness, take the country, but the Florida Keys thrive throughout the month of Dramamine the night before. This allows time for it to get into your system February. and eliminates the uncomfortable drowsiness that occurs from taking it the While the Keys are not immune to seasonal cold fronts, the temperatures morning of your trip. remain significantly higher than the rest of the country and provide the Capt. Quinlyn Haddon, of Blue Magic Charters, can be reached at versatility of being able to duck onto the bay side if waters on the Atlantic (504) 920-6342. Check out her social media: @captainquinlyn. side get too sporty.

SIGHT FISHING

Sailfish

IN TAILING CONDITIONS

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FEBRUARY JUNE 20202022 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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FLORIDA 15

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TYLER WOOLCOTT

I

n the South, bass are making their transition to prepare for the spawn. This time of year can present an awesome opportunity, with large groups of fish ready to feed before they head to the shallows to do their business.

One of the best ways to catch bass is to locate a large group of feeding fish with electronics and put them in the boat. This time of year is my favorite time to do it. Bass group up, stage on certain things in a little bit deeper water near spawning areas and feed heavily.

This scenario presents some very fun fishing days!

The first thing you need is a fish finding unit with side-scan capabilities and a little bit of patience. Finding the perfect spot sometimes isn’t easy, but when you do find it, it can be extremely rewarding.

The first step is to identify a general area in a lake where bass will eventually go to spawn. After that, you want to look for a transition area with structure that bass will stage on and feed before they

JUNE 20202022 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM FEBRUARY COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

move up to spawn. For most of the country, a transition area can be anything from deeper water with structure, points, or even deep banks leading near the spawning grounds.

Here in Florida, we look for submerged grass clumps or edges, brushpiles, and even shell bars in a bit deeper water near spawning areas. This habitat provides bass with an ambush point to feed heavily and an easy route to spawning grounds when they are ready.

Side scan is very helpful in for finding these things, as you can see the bottom 150 feet or more on each side of your boat at idle speeds.

This allows you to cover a ton of water and eliminate a lot of the guesswork. With some trial and error, you can actually see fish with this technology as well!

I know this technology is expensive and takes some time to learn and understand.

However, if you can get your hands on it and learn how to us it, your understanding of where these fish move, live, and feed will grow exponentially. The best way to learn is to get out on the water and find that special area for yourself. Content and video on the Internet helps if you get stuck in a technological bind or aren’t quite sure what you are seeing on your screen. You can always reach out to me on social media with questions. I’d love to help in any way I can.

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

TIPS FROM A PRO

TIPS FROM A PRO

UTILIZING ELECTRONICS TO FIND GROUPS OF PRE-SPAWN BASS

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UTILIZING ELECTRONICS TO FIND GROUPS OF PRE-SPAWN BASS

SEAWALL EROSION CONTROL I TYLER WOOLCOTT

n the South, bass are making their transition to prepare for the spawn. This time of year can present an awesome opportunity, with large groups of fish ready to feed before they head to the shallows to do their business.

One of the best ways to catch bass is to locate a large group of feeding fish with electronics and put them in the boat. This time of year is my favorite time to do it. Bass group up, stage on certain things in a little bit deeper water near spawning areas and feed heavily. This scenario presents some very fun fishing days!

The first thing you need is a fish finding unit with side-scan capabilities and a little bit of patience. Finding the perfect spot sometimes isn’t easy, but when you do find it, it can be extremely rewarding.

SAFE FOR THE The first step is to identify a general area in a lake where bass ENVIRONMENT will eventually go to spawn. After that, you want to look for a transition area with structure that bass will stage on and feed before Our Polyurethane they move up to spawn. For most Fills voids of the country, a transition area can Seals cracks Strengthens soilsbe anything from deeper water with structure, points, or even deep banks leading near the spawning grounds.

Here in Florida, we look for submerged grass clumps or edges, brushpiles, and even shell bars in a bit deeper water near spawning areas. This habitat Free Estimates Competitive Pricing provides bass with anofambush Free 2nd Opinions Serving All Floridapoint to feed heavily and an easy route to spawning grounds when they are ready. Side scan is very helpful in for finding these things, as you can see the bottom 150 feet or more on each side of your boat at idle speeds. This allows you to cover a ton of water and eliminate a lot of the guesswork. With some trial and error, you can actually see fish with this technology as well!

I know this technology is expensive and takes some time to learn and understand. However, if you can get your hands on it and learn how to us it, your understanding of where these fish move, live, and feed will grow exponentially. The best way to learn is to get out on the water and find that special area for yourself.

Content and video on the Internet helps if you get stuck in a technological bind or aren’t quite sure what you are seeing on your screen. You can always reach out to me on social media with questions. I’d love to help in any way I can.

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Take the next step and check out the rod building class schedule at mudhole.com/classes and sign up today. Mud Hole Custom MUDHOLE.COM/CLASSES Tackle. Your Rods. Your Way.

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By Richard Matteson

Cool Water, Hot Surf Fishing

F

ebruary is one of the coolest months for surf fishing, and it’s one of the best for cool-water fish. Mackerel, jack, bluefish and ladyfish are coolwater fish that are very active this month. February is also one of the best months for table fare like large pompano, whiting and croaker.

The schooling predator fish mentioned above are active chasing bait in the morning around daybreak and in the evening. They are shallow in the morning around the first breakers and running the trough, a deep cut along the shoreline under the closest breakers. Any shiny, fast-moving lure will produce strikes. I prefer small crocodile-style spoons (1-ounce) in the morning, a shallow-running crankbait, if there are no weeds, or small jigs (4-inch pearl white with a 3/8-ounce chartreuse jig head).

Schooling mackerel and bluefish will cut your line, so use a heavy 40-pound mono or fluoro leader tied onto braid. Whether it’s early morning or not, you need to find bait to be successful. Look for birds feeding. On any beach, there will usually be some schools of bait. They might be 100 yards away or a half a mile. Walk the beach and look for dark spots in the water and small splashes on top. Although birds will be feeding on large schools of bait, they may not see smaller schools. Make long search casts past the bait and use a fast, steady retrieve to pull the lure through the bait. The action can be fast and furious as long as you are around bait and feeding fish. All the cool-water predator fish will take live bait and cut bait. Greenies and live shrimp work as well as cut ladyfish and frozen shrimp. If it gets cold, try beach fishing with waders.

Numbers of pompano have been reported along many of the beach accesses in the Treasure Coast area, including Bathtub Beach and Middle Cove up to the Ft. Pierce Inlet. February is one of the best months for large 3- to 5-pound pompano. Pompano beach fishing is an art in itself and requires longer fishing rods as well as triple rigs baited with sand fleas or FishBites (red or pink).

One of the easiest ways to catch pompano is to fish the lagoon bridges (Jensen Beach Causeway/Stuart Bridge if you are in Martin county) with pompano jigs (pink) on moving tides. The whiting bite has been very good this winter with small pieces of frozen shrimp. Cast just past the shoreline breakers. When fishing live or cut bait on the beach, make sure you reel in pompano or whiting fast or your fish might be shark bait. The best table-fare beaches have deeper water. The best times are when high tide is moving in or out.

The weeds have been much better on the beach and the water is clear.

Richard Matteson is a long-time contributor to Coastal Angler Magazine who reports from the Stuart Rod and Reel Club.

Contact him at (336) 414-3440.

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CATCH SMALLMOUTHS IN THE MOUNTAINS OF NORTH CAROLINA

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By Capt. James McManus

ere in the western North Carolina mountains, we get a lot of visitors.

Snowbirds are what we call people who come here from up north to enjoy our milder climate. One snowbird most fishermen cherish is the smallmouth bass. We are at the southern end of their natural range, and almost all of our watersheds contain some.

Smallies have characteristics that endear them to anglers. They are aggressive, eat year-round, grow to respectable size and when hooked spend as much time out of the water as in.

You can find these beauties in most of our sizeable rivers. River fish seem to be more active in summer. I think it’s linked to terrestrial food items being more available. Floating area rivers like the Tuckasegee, Little Tennessee, Hiwassee and French Broad will keep you in fish regardless of your preferred method. For fly guys, any minnow or crawdad imitation will draw strikes, and in warmer weather nymphs and hoppers get their attention. Poppers and sliders can be lots of fun, just remember river smallies tend to be smaller than their lake buds.

I spend more time chasing lake fish. There is less competition from other anglers, and average size is much better. Winter and early spring are the best seasons, in my opinion, only because the females are chock-full of eggs. It is when we catch our largest fish of the year.

Many methods produce, and I throw a lot of jigs and jerkbaits. Lake fish have a variety of forage, so anything resembling threadfin shad, blueback herring or crawdads fits their menu. Dropshot, Shaky head and wacky-rigged worms all catch fish.

Average depth for smallies year-round is 45 feet, or so. However, our clear mountain lakes allow them to identify prey up on the surface. Don’t shy from throwing topwater just because you mark fish deep.

Especially when they are feeding up pre- and postspawn, you’ll find smallmouths on rock or gravel, where they love to eat little lobsters. They also suspend in open water to chase shad, but this is more of a warm-water behavior. On Lake Fontana, my home lake, we troll a good bit, and it’s not unusual to find them suspended at 45 feet over 200 feet of water.

I should note that while we still have good smallmouth fishing, invasive spotted bass have forced their way into smallie enclaves. For this reason, we never kill a smallmouth. If you like to eat fish, take all the spotted bass you want; they are better eating anyway.

Smallies and spots use the same spawning areas and hybridize. While not good genetically, it produces a fish that has that hybrid vigor, hence the name “meanmouth.” Markings and coloration make the smallmouth one of the prettiest of all fish. We should try hard to preserve them so our kids have the thrill of fighting one of the gamest fish around.

Captain James McManus owns 153 charters out of Sylva, N.C. Call him at (828) 421-8125. James fishing McManus/Instagram.

KEEP IT GENUINE PRECISION PROTECTION

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RUN LONG. RUN CLEAN. RUN STRONG.

Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-Approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. Suzuki, the Suzuki “S” ECSTAR and Suzuki model and product names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. © 2021 Suzuki Marine USA, LLC.

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REEL LIFE HOODIES

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Of course, if you don’t fish in winter, you might be looking toward warmer waters. The breathable vented design is ultra-lightweight and breezy to keep you cool without sweating. It’s a delicate balance when fishing for cobia in southern Florida, and a bonus that lets you wear it year-round.

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C-HAWK & MITZI SKIFF: DEPENDABLE SIMPLICITY

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here’s a certain type of boater who values simplicity and functionality over flashiness. Most anglers fall into this category. A simple boat comes with less hassle, allowing you to spend more time on the water.

Two brands that fit right into this niche for dependability and easy boating are C-Hawk and Mitzi Skiff. Across the product lines for both boats, a no-nonsense reputation has developed a considerable following among people who would rather fish than look at their boats. No trailer queens here!

“We build a keep-it-simple-stupid boat. If you want something you can soft scrub at the end of the day and put it away, you’re my guy,” said Brad Grubbs, the owner and manufacturer of C-Hawk and Mitzi Skiff. “We set out to make boats that are affordable to operate and affordable to own, and the philosophy has worked.”

C-Hawk, which has been around since the mid-1970s, offers lines of 16’ to 29’ center consoles and 22’ to 29’ sport cabins that were originallyw developed for commercial applications. C-Hawks remain widely used commercially, and many recreational boaters also see the value in a vessel

H that’s built to take a beating.

“Really, we just took a commercial-duty boat and put a little lipstick on it,” Grubbs said. “The boat is as tough as it ever was. It’s been the same boat for nearly 50 years.”

Mitzi Skiffs were designed for a specific purpose, yet the same philosophy applies. When the first Mitzi was designed in the mid-1990s, the concept was simple. There was nothing on the market with the shallow draft, clean layout and quiet maneuverability needed for fly fishing the flats. Those ideas propel the company today.

Almost 30 years later, Mitzi’s line of 15’, 16’ and 17’ skiffs achieve those purposes exceptionally well, and they are inexpensive to own and operate.

With the original design and continuing innovation, Mitzi Skiffs are flats boats other boat builders imitate.

C-Hawk and Mitzi Skiff boats are available exclusively through select dealers. Contact your local dealer to find out how they can be rigged out to fit your style of fishing.

SPRINGTIME FISHING...

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For more on Mitzi Skiffs, go to www.mitziskiffs.com.

For more on C-Hawk, go to chawkboats.net.

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ave yourself the parking headaches—oneshot your boat or trailer into position every time with one of Parkit360’s Electric Trailer Dollies. Parkit360 units are powerful and easy to use. Even large trailered boats, campers and cargo trailers are infinitely more maneuverable, especially in tight spaces, with a Parkit360 Trailer Dolly.

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WHEN FISHING SHALLOWS, YOU NEED A REEL WITH A REPUTATION THAT RUNS DEEP.

Packed with more fish stopping features than ever before, the PENN ® Slammer ® IV takes a tradition of excellence to a whole new level. An 8+1 sealed stainless steel bearing system with Hydrophobic Line Roller Bearing makes the reel as smooth as it is tough.

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GOOD FISHING Visit Upcountry South Carolina Stop by the South Carolina Lakes booth at the Bassmaster Classic Expo, March 4-6, 2022 at the Greenville Convention Center.

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Lake Hartwell, host of the 2008, 2015, 2018, and 2022 Academy Sports & Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk