The Angler Video Magazine | May 2022 Edition

IT'S GROUPER TIME! @CAMTAMagazine

WATCH VIDEO

LONG DISTANCE LURES

GIANT BASS ON LIVE BAIT

WORKINGMAN'S

DRUM

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPT. QUINLYN HADDON CAPTAINQUINLYN.COM / IG: @CAPTAINQUINLYN

VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 10

F R A N C H I S E

MAY 2022

O P P O R T U N I T I E S

A V A I L A B L E

W O R L D W I D E

Contents

VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 10

MAY 2022

Giant Gulf Bluefin Caught Off Destin, Fla.

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It's Grouper Time Again! By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

10

Shiner Fishing for Giant Florida Largemouths By Nick Carter

20

Product Spotlight: Dometic Marine's New Megaplate

25

Tarpon Fighting Tips

26

By CAM Staff

26

Caring for Bass at Summer Tourneys

40

44

30

Product Spotlight: Dexter Versa-Flex

Fly of the Month: Hidalgo's Hoochie Momma By Carlos Hidalgo

34

Florida Sets 57-Day Gulf Snapper Season

50

Sight Fishing for Giant Kiwi Browns By Nick Carter

55

36

Product Spotlight: Lawless Lures' Recoil Baits Become a Better Fly Angler...Instantly!

60

The Working Man's Drum By CAM Staff

66

Product Spotlight: Penn Slammer IV

71

A Beginner's Guide to the Bass Spawn

72

By CAM Staff

Tactics for Big Dolphin

By CAM Staff

10

By Steve Daniel

By CAM Staff

By Jeremy Harris

By John Brooks

Alaska's Prince William Sound Offers Powerhouse Fishing

76

By Christopher Batin

Making Memories

80

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

Missouri Paddlefish Record Fails By CAM Staff

84

Monster Blue Cat Smashes Mississippi Record By CAM Staff

87

Offshore, But In Reach

88

By Will Schmidt

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888-800-9794 | info@vidmag.com www.VidMag.com EDITOR IN CHIEF : Ben Martin • camads@coastalanglermagazine.com COO : Tracy Patterson • tracy@coastalanglermagazine.com ART DIRECTOR : Laura Kelly • graphics@coastalanglermagazine.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR : Nick Carter • editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com WEBMASTER : Ryan Clapper • webmaster@coastalanglermagazine.com

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Columns Lures

14

Rigging & Jigging

29

Fly Fishing

56

By Patrick Sebile

By Tim Barefoot

By Capt. Cinway Bowman

Contest

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GIANT GULF BLUEFIN Caught Off

Destin, Fla. WATCH

VIDEO

I

t was not yet certified at presstime, but it appears Florida has a new state record for heaviest bluefin tuna after a boat fishing out of Harborwalk Marina in Destin returned to the docks Sunday April 17 with an 832-pound, 2-ounce behemoth.

The No Name, captained by Jake Matney, with crew Devin Sarver and Jett Tolbert, and Matney’s family aboard, set out from Destin on Saturday April 16 in pursuit of marlin. They were 160 miles out into the Gulf of Mexico when the big bluefin bit. It took nearly five hours to bring the fish to the boat.

“We were stoked to finally land one that we could bring in and hang up,” Tolbert told ABC 3. “It’s harder than people think. On the last trip, we fought one for 10 hours, and it broke off. So bringing in this one meant a lot to me.”

The existing state record for bluefin tuna is 826 pounds, 8 ounces. It was caught off Destin in 2017 by Capt. Joey Birbeck and crew Dennis Bennett and Josh Goodson. The IGFA all tackle world record for bluefin is held by a fish caught off Nova Scotia, Canada in 1979. That monster weighed 1,496 pounds.

For more giant catches, see coastalanglermag.com.

FISH WITH THE BEST

Available at

MUDHOLE.COM THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

MAY 2022

7

FURUNO AND SUZUKI PARTNER TO PUT MORE FISH IN BOATS With High-Precision FishHunter Drive ™

F

uruno and Suzuki partnership is delivering all-new control features for boaters utilizing select Suzuki outboard models driven by the Furuno NavPilot 300 Autopilot.

These new features offer enhanced autopilot controls for precision navigation of routes and advanced fishing features for anglers while jigging or trolling. Requiring only a simple software update, the NavPilot 300 can take advantage of new FishHunter™ Drive boat control features leveraging Suzuki’s Precision Control, which automatically adjusts tilt and trim at designated engine RPM. With Speed Control, the boat will run at a preset speed, adjusting engine RPM as needed to account for changes in wind and tide to maintain a constant speed. There is no need to adjust the throttle to maintain a consistent speed when trolling or navigating. Speed Control also helps increase the accuracy of ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) information.

The Route Smoothing™ feature decreases the speed of turns as the boat approaches waypoints while navigating an active route. If the boat speed is too fast when approaching a turn, the boat can overshoot the waypoint, resulting in an undesirable deviation from the route.

Route Smoothing™ remedies this by reducing the speed before executing the turn, helping to keep the vessel on course, and minimizing fuel consumption lost to errors.

The Point Lock™ feature maintains a fixed boat position by controlling the rudder and throttle, countering the effects of wind and current which are constantly working to move the boat. Point Lock™ is an invaluable tool for anglers while fishing a wreck or reef and for any boater desiring accurate, hands-free position control. Point Lock™ is also ideal for boaters who occasionally have to wait for a bridge to open so they can pass.

When arriving at the final waypoint, boaters normally choose to either continue in a straight line or circle around the destination waypoint.

With the new Auto Stop On Arrival feature, the NavPilot 300 automatically stops the vessel at the destination waypoint. When combined with the Point Lock™ feature, it allows the vessel to maintain a fixed position at the destination waypoint.

The new SABIKI™ Lock is designed for fishermen and takes advantage of the SABIKI™ fishing mode available with the NavPilot 300

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MAY 2022

Autopilot. In this mode, the helm is steered automatically by the NavPilot to maintain vessel position while the angler needs only to adjust the throttle to maintain a fixed position.

FishHunter™ Drive’s new SABIKI™ Lock expands upon this functionality by controlling both the rudder and throttle to maintain vessel heading, freeing the angler to focus 100% on jigging and other vertical fishing.

“SABIKI™ Lock is a real game-changer for anglers already utilizing Furuno’s SABIKI™ mode,” said Eric Kunz, Senior Product Manager for Furuno USA. “It’s incredibly useful for helping to keep lines straight while jigging and bottom fishing, but it’s an especially valuable tool for kite fishing.”

THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

These new FishHunter™ Drive features are in addition to Furuno’s conventional FishHunter™ modes, which offer unique navigation features for fishing, regardless of engine type. For example, when you find a school of fish with a Fish Finder or a flock of birds with your Radar, it’s simple to drop a point on that target, send it to the NavPilot, and engage FishHunter™ to maneuver in an orbit, spiral, figure-eight, or zigzag pattern around the target. Suzuki’s new FishHunter™ Drive modes enhance the utility of Furuno’s FishHunter™ in terms of precise maneuvering and speed control.

FishHunter™ Drive features are available in combination with the Furuno NavPilot 300 and specific SUZUKI outboards outfitted with both hydraulic steering and Dometic Optimus Electronics steering systems, including the DF140BG, DF115BG, DF150AP, DF175AP, DF200AP, DF250AP, DF300AP, DF300B, DF325A, and DF350A outboards.

FishHunter™ Drive supports configurations of up to 4 engines. Many of these new features can be selected and controlled directly from an interfaced MFD (Multi Function Display), such as the flagship NavNet TZtouch2/TZtouch3 or the GP1871F/1971F combination Chart Plotter/ Fish Finder units. FishHunter™ Drive features are also available in the Suzuki SMD7/9 and SMD12/16 MFDs. To learn more, visit suzukimarine.com or www.furunousa.com/en/products/navpilot_300.

PARTING WATERS

LIKE NO OTHER INNOVATION DRIVES SUZUKI ON THE WATER Unparalleled throttle response and silky-smooth shifting along with the outboard industry’s first Contrarotating Dual–Prop design, the 350hp outboard is in a class of it’s own. With Suzuki Marine’s reputation for performance and reliability, you can rest assured your boating day is going to make memories that will last for years to come.

YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

5 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY applies to qualifying purchases of Suzuki outboard motors sold and delivered to the retail purchaser, for pleasure (non-commercial) use only, from April 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022.

See Suzuki Limited Warranty for additional details. Suzuki, the “S” logo, and Suzuki model and product names are Suzuki Trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2022 Suzuki Marine USA, LLC. All rights reserved.

IT’S GROUPER TIME AGAIN!

By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

M

ay is finally here, opening grouper season for fishermen on the Atlantic Coast.

For the past several months of the season closure, charter captains in the Florida Keys have been boasting incredible throw-back grouper catches. The reopening of this species enriches each fishing trip with an extra opportunity for a great fighting fish, which is also excellent tablefare.

Grouper fishing can easily be peppered into a day of fishing by dropping a bottom rig down while yellowtail fishing, trolling lures or stopping offshore to deep-drop for snowy grouper while on the mahi hunt.

While the fishery in the Keys may not be famous for its bottom fishing, there is no reason it shouldn’t be. Red, black and gag grouper are plentiful and close to land. Snowy grouper aren’t too far either, and can be reasonably reliable to target.

Snowy grouper are found within 1,000 feet, and can be targeted with electric or hand-crank set ups.

Electric reels are advisable when mahi season is in full swing, as to make quick work of the one-per-boat limit of snowy grouper.

The trek offshore for a single fish might seem like a waste of time, but there is a little more to it. Snowy grouper can get quite large and yield impressively

sized, excellent tasting fillets. There are also the welcomed bycatches of rosies, barrelfish and tilefish while deep dropping in these areas. Furthermore, there should be ample opportunities for mahi fishing on the way to and from the spot.

Another reason the electric reel is preferable is an 8-pound weight should be used to keep your bait on the bottom in the heavy current.

Keep your weight as close to the bottom as you can and utilize a chicken rig, with multiple hooks along the leader, baited with just about anything. Continuously recheck the bottom to

make sure it hasn’t gotten away from you, and bring a spare weight or two, as it isn’t overly difficult to lose one while fishing this way.

Targeting red, black and gag grouper on the reef can be a little different than typical grouper fishing on the west coast of Florida.

Heavy weights can easily get snagged on the rocky bottom in the heavy current, potentially making inexperience quite expensive in terms of lost tackle. There are also plenty of smaller reef fish waiting to pick apart your bait.

Over-baiting can be a good tactic, but the most reliable way to bypass these

conditions, is to simply freeline a live bait on a jighead.

After breaking client’s hearts by releasing trophy grouper throughout the closed season, we are thrilled to be able to add these tasty critters to the icebox yet again.

Right now is an excellent time to visit the Florida Keys and enjoy our full fishery.

Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Blue Magic Charters out of Marathon, Fla. Check her out online at www.captainquinlyn.com and on Instagram: @captainquinlyn.

“I REALLY UNDERSTAND...

ACHIEVEMENT IS THROUGH HARD WORK.” Join us in introducing U.S. Army Veteran, MMA Fighter, and captain of Lion’s Tale Adventures, LIONEL JAMES. Better known as Captain Lionel, he is a game-changer in the Florida Charter industry. He first cast a line more than 4,000 miles away in Anchorage, Alaska, where he cultivated lifelong friendships, a love of fishing, and a desire to foster that love in others.

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ionel James first discovered a love for fishing while growing up in Alaska. He carried that same passion to football, to serving in the US Army, and to MMA fighting. Now having proven to himself that he can take this on, Lionel is after something even bigger, making a positive impact in the fishing community and the youth of today.

Cutting his teeth on the frigid waters of Alaska to now working as a professional guide in the Florida gulf, meet Pro Team Member Captain Lionel James whose mental and physical strength personify what it means to be XTRATUF. Growing up on two wildly different oceans, Lionel James knew from an early age that passion, drive, and perseverance are critical to achieving each of

his life pursuits.

Fishing was something that Lionel and his father shared through good times. It provided them both an escape from reality and gave them a place to be at peace.

U l t i m a t e l y, Lionel found his way back to Florida where he now leads a charter fishing business, Lion’s Tale Adventures, and commits time to

mentoring the next generation of fishermen.

Growing up as a kid in Alaska was not easy, nor was becoming an MMA fighter. Lionel isn’t afraid to take on any challenge, no matter how tough it may be. It’s coming out on top and proving to himself that he has what it takes to succeed that’s given him the confidence to start something of his own.

For Lionel, he’s committed to introducing the sport of fishing to children, making it more accessible, and something they can enjoy.

Life lessons go far beyond fishing when spending time on the water with him.

Take a look and learn more about him in the “I AM XTRATUF” video series.

Check out Lionel James’ charter business at lionstaleadventures.com and on Instagram @lionstaleadventures.

Find out more about XTRATUF by visiting XTRATUF.COM.

LURES

CASTING FAR: THE DYNAMICS OF LONG DISTANCE LURES

PATRICK SEBILE

I

’ve enjoyed fishing from the shore since I was a teen angler, and one thing that became obvious to me very quickly was there are numerous situations when casts are a tad bit short to reach targeted fish in specific situations.

This is a constant truism when fishing from the bank, the beach, a pier or jetty, but it also applies to boat anglers. Quick, long casts are often required for fast-moving fish like tuna.

Long casts are also useful when it’s necessary to keep the boat away from reefs, boulders and breakers for safety or to avoid spooking fish.

Long ago, I began making sure to always have lures in my possession that were especially efficient for reaching out long distances. These lures sometimes trade realistic swimming action for distance, yet there are also a few that find a balance between great range and great action.

When you read the packaging of a saltwater lure, and especially a surf-fishing lure, it often mentions how good the lure is for long-distance casts—or how

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MAY 2022

THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

good it is supposed to be.

The problem is, there is no scale. There is no quantifiable reference for comparing lures that honestly presents the real numbers of yards any given lure will deliver. Marketing

promises do not always translate into real performance.

To make things more complex, there is theoretical and real distance. A lure that casts great on a parking lot with no breeze can turn into a disaster when casting into an onshore breeze at night, which are conditions many serious fishermen face in the surf.

There’s no magic, and what makes some lures reach farther distances than others is a mix between their concept, their balance and, to a certain extent, the gear used to throw them when the goal is to reach a little bit farther than other anglers.

This conversation is all about the physics that translates to longer casting distance for better fishing results. The key points that will help you pick the proper lures to do the job are shape, buoyancy, the position of weight on the lure, the total weight and sometimes extra appendages, such as side wings that really help a lure fly as far as possible.

These elements are just a primer to a discussion on lures designed for distance.

Next month, I plan to go in-depth on ways you can select lures that will truly help you cast super-long distances to reach fish other lures cannot. Arming yourself with a long-casting arsenal gives you an edge in catching fish, simply because you’ll be able put a lure in front of them.

Legendary angler Patrick Sebile is a world record holder and an award-winning designer of innovative lures and fishing gear. Check out his creations at abandofanglers.com.

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SUMMER GETAWAY WITH GILLZ AND REEL LIFE

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ummer in Florida is finally here.

The beaches bless us with the bluest of water with touches of salty breezes. Beaches aren’t the only places to experience in Florida though. Throughout summer, when plants and flowers are at their best condition, families of locals and tourist pack up for an exploration of a lifetime. Tents, blankets, snacks, and nature. Florida has more than beaches.

We have camping and for all your outdoor needs, GILLZ and Reel Life have your back.

Let’s not sugar coat it – Florida summers are hot and humid. GILLZ has that in mind with the Men’s Pro Series Long and Short Sleeve UV Shirts. Featuring UPF 50+ and our ultra-cooling GILLZ Tec, you won’t be uncomfortable or overheated as you camp all week long at Ginnie Springs and fish on one of their many rivers.

Pairing one of those with the Pro Series Hybrid Shorts, that includes our new Advanced Ventilation System that keeps you even more cool and comfortable as you enjoy the outdoors.

When you’re experiencing fun in the sun, whether its canoeing and kayaking, or paddle boarding down the rivers of the campsite, the Reel Life Sun and Water

collection is there to protect you for your entire trip! Our Women’s Seabreeze Long Sleeve provides you with UV protection with breathable and quick drying fabric that’s thin enough for even the hottest of days. The Ocean Washed collection gives both men and women unique and creative designs for wherever in Florida you plan to be. Bright colors, fun designs, and feather soft fabrics all give you the best of the best for your go-

to vacation shirt.

Florida is full of excitement and experiences. From the campground to the hotel, Both Gillz and Reel Life are there for your Florida vacation needs!

Stay protected, comfortable, and in style with us!

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THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

MAY 2022

17

Regulations made simple

Use the Fishbrain app to check up-to-date fishing regulations for any species, accurate based on your GPS location.

Checking regulations - and exploring fishing maps - has never been easier!

Photo: RippinLipz1

Download for free!

Understand Fishing Regulations Like Never Before

E

very angler motoring across Florida’s coastal waters is actually gliding over a web of invisible lines, criss-crossing the blues and greens of the sea. These invisible lines divide different regulation zones, and are critically important for anglers to understand. For example, moving only a small distance might mean a shift from state to federal waters, and regulations might change between these neighboring areas. We’re used to flipping through pages of paper regs, practically needing a lawyer by our side to explain the exact location boundaries and regulations for different fish species… but not anymore!

The Fishbrain app now provides all the fishing regulations Florida anglers need to know, right in the palm of your hand. With a quick tap of your screen, you can bring up the regulations for individual species and boundaries separating different units, or zones.

Your Fishbrain map accurately determines which body of water you are on and where on it you are located, so you can know where you are in relation to any boundary. This allows for zero confusion in trying to determine which

unit you are in, and which species you can legally target or keep.

To quickly and easily access these regulations, all you need to do is open the map in the Fishbrain app and tap the “Regulations” icon in the bottom right of your screen. You can then select the specific species - including both freshwater and saltwater fish - you are targeting, or others you may inadvertently catch. Immediately you are informed whether a species is in season or not.

If you tap on a species, you will see even more data - including slot sizes, bag limits, special gear regulations and more.

Regulations are updated directly from state agency websites as soon as they change.

This provides the fastest solution you could want for getting the up-to-date regulations you need.

Fishbrain has been a trusted resource for more than 500,000 anglers in Florida who have used the app to find fishing spots, choose the right tackle, and interact with other anglers. Now we are happy and proud to provide regulation information to our community of anglers as well.

You can download the Fishbrain app for free on the App Store, Google Play Store, or by visiting fishbrain.com Fish smart. Fish confident. Fish with Fishbrain.

Visit FISHBRAIN.COM to learn more.

Shiner Fishing for Giant Florida

LARGEMOUTHS

By Nick Carter

B

ass tournament anglers get excited about 20-pound five-fish limits, and a 30-pound tournament sack is a lifetime achievement for most. It takes a little bit more to impress hawg hunter Sean Rush.

Rush makes a living guiding clients to trophy largemouth bass, mostly on Rodman Reservoir in north Florida. The best five fish haul his boat has seen weighed 61 pounds, 9 ounces. Think about that. That’s a more than 12-pound average.

Rush said it was the best fishing day he’s ever witnessed, with two fish well over 13 pounds and the smallest of the five weighing a measly 11 pounds, 1 ounce. Most bass anglers across the country spend a lifetime seeking out a single 10-pound-plus largemouth.

Rush’s anglers did five lifetime’s worth of trophy catching in a single day on April 26 of 2021.

“And we probably lost between three and six fish that were that big or bigger,” Rush added after rattling off the astounding statistics. “Those guys were from New Jersey. They had never done any Florida shiner fishing before.

I told them it was all downhill from there.”

The downhill slide, however, is not too steep. Even a decent day using Rush’s techniques on Rodman produces results that would impress just about anyone. When it comes to catching big largemouths, he’s got several advantages over your average angler.

Location is a big factor. Rodman is

a 9,500-acre giant bass factory. It is a 15-mile long stump field with a deep river channel running down the middle of it and the matted vegetation Florida fisheries are known for.

In more than three decades guiding, Rush said his clients have boated close to 1,000 bass better than 10 pounds. He landed 73 10-plus-pounders last year alone and has overseen the landing of eight fish on FWC’s TrophyCatch Hall of Fame list, which is for

fish heavier than 13 pounds. He does 95 percent of his trips on Rodman.

“If fishing is good, we commonly catch 30 to 60 fish a day,” he said. “The average size at Rodman is pretty solid. Usually we’ll have fish in the 8- to 10-pound class on the top end of that range.”

Tactics are everything when it comes to catching fish like that. Live bait provides a huge advantage over the lures tournament

anglers must fish. Rush fishes exclusively with live, wild-caught shiners, which he keeps lively in a huge bait tank on his custom-built, 22-foot Prodigy Razor. The tournament guys can keep their fiberglass glitter rockets. Rush’s sturdy aluminum boat is rigged out for the style of fishing he does, and it’s powered by a 150 hp Mercury with a power-assisted hand tiller.

The tackle is also sturdy.

Rush pairs heavy duty Daiwa 300 Lexa baitcasting reels with super heavy 7 ½and 8-foot rods he said are essentially musky rods.

He fishes straight 20-pound Berkley Big Game in green, which is thin enough for low visibility and strong enough to get the job done. He hooks his shiners through the tail above the anal fin with 3/0, 4/0

or 5/0 Eagle Claw 84s, which are standard J hooks with a slight offset.

In a typical spread, his anglers will work shiners under bobbers set 3 to 5 feet deep, and he’ll throw out one or two shiners on freelines to swim up under the vegetation. For big fish, he prefers shiners 7 to 9 inches long.

Rush’s big-fish reputation has gotten around, so he stays booked 300plus days a year. His favorite time of year is fall, before the December through February spawn.

“It’s prespawn, the fishing pressure is lower and the fish are feeding up that time of year,” he said. “The fish are also big then. They look like gorillas.”

Late spring and summer are also good, once fish settle back into normal patterns after the spawn. Most of the year he targets them around floating mats of vegetation and deep river bends. The exception is during the spawn, when bass push up on the flats. Rush does not bed fish, though. He’ll set up on mats near known spawning flats and try to catch big females staging.

One more thing: don’t call Rush if you want to eat bass or have a trophy mounted.

Rodman is managed under regular Florida regulations—which allow five fish, with one fish longer than 16 inches—but Rush’s trips are catch-and-release.

“I’m up front and honest about it on the phone,” he said. “If they even talk like they want to keep one, I just won’t take them.”

Contact Capt. Sean Rush and Trophy Bass Expeditions of Central Florida through the website at www.floridatrophybass.com.

use the coupon code coastalangler for 10% off your next purchase

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MAY 2022

23

GEAR UP FOR SUMMER

ENGINEERED TO HANDLE THE STRONGEST OUTBOARD ENGINES ON THE MARKET Today’s engine manufacturers are building engines that are more powerful and heavier than ever before. Dometic’s new Mega Jackplate has been developed to withstand the power of high performance engines and provide boaters with the ability to maximize the output of their engines while offering more flexibility in shallow water. The Mega Jackplate is rated to 600 HP and is an extension of our existing product line. It will be offered in 6”, 8” and 10” setbacks. There will be 2 versions available, a standard bolt pattern designed to fit engines like Yamaha XTO and a wide bolt pattern designed to fit Merc 500/600.

www.dometic.com

DOMETIC MARINE’S NEW MEGAPLATE DESIGNED FOR HIGH-POWERED OUTBOARD BOATS

D

ometic Marine now offers its new Mega Plate — a meticulously engineered and robustly built electro-hydraulic jack plate system designed for today’s large, heavy and powerful outboard motors. This includes the new V12 600 horsepower engine from Mercury.

Dometic’s Mega Plate expands the company’s jack plate offerings to cover gasoline engines over 400HP rating. It will be offered in 6-inch, 8-inch and 10-inch setbacks to accommodate a range of installations and will come in two versions: A standard bolt pattern for Yamaha XTO and Mercury 450R engines, and a wide bolt pattern for Mercury 500 and 600 horsepower outboards.

This new system brings the many advantages of jack plate engine height control — including better top speed, fuel economy and shallow

water hole shot performance — to today’s large offshore center consoles, power catamarans and other fishing boats. Hull performance and ride comfort for passengers can also be fine-tuned by precisely adjusting the height of the engine(s) on a boat’s transom.

Mega Plate has been rigorously cycle tested by Dometic engineers to ensure product longevity and robustness. Mega Plate includes four sacrificial Novalloy anodes to minimize corrosion in the harsh saltwater environment. It also includes the built-in ability to mount Power Pole shallow water anchor systems directly to the sides of the plate.

Mega Plate brings smooth, rigid control of the ride experience to this popular class of boats, but that’s just the beginning. A builtin Smartstick linear position sensor and the

ability to easily integrate with Dometic Digital Switching technology compatible with all HTML5 capable MFDs give boaters complete control of multiple engine height positions just with the touch of a finger.

Dometic’s Mega Plate will be a must-have performance accessory for this extremely popular category of saltwater boats.

Learn more about the new Mega Plate for outboard motors up to 600 horsepower, or Dometic Marine’s Xtreme Jackplate for “smaller” outboards up to 400 horsepower, or the company’s complete line of advanced products for today’s fishing boats, visit www.dometic.com.

WWW.DOMETIC.COM

By CAM Staff

Tarpon Fighting Tips I

t’s tarpon time, and as big fish flood the channels, bays, flats, beaches and passes up the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, every angler with a monster silver king on the bucket list hopes to get a piece of the biggest show on water. Most of the time, all they’ll get is the aerial show.

Whether it’s a thrown hook from a head-shaking leap, a sharp gill plate that cuts the line, or a big hammerhead that makes the line go slack, hooking a big tarpon is a lot easier than putting hands on one.

Studies have shown less than 40 percent of hooked tarpon make it boatside to have their photo taken.

Here are a few tips to help you turn a hook-up into a great release photo.

1.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPT. JEFF MAGGIO

BOW TO THE KING:

If you have any interest in tarpon at all, you’ve heard this one already, but let’s just get it out of the way for those who don’t know. When a tarpon jumps, stop reeling, drop your rod tip and point it at the fish. When the fish is doing all its head shaking and tailwalking, a slack line doesn’t provide as much leverage to throw the hook.

When the fish lands, lift the rod tip back to about 45 degrees and reel quickly to take up the slack.

2.

PREDICT THE JUMP:

Watch the fish’s behavior and you can often predict when it will go airborne. A hard run usually culminates with a big jump. Also, when you see the line angling up, it means the fish is headed to the surface. Pay attention and you won’t be caught off guard.

3.

GO HARD ON THEM:

Tarpon are big and powerful. If you don’t break their spirit quickly, they just might break yours. Use heavy tackle and do everything you can to get them in quickly. Use an anchor buoy to quickly unhook and chase fish down. This allows you to gain line and maintain the upper hand.

By adjusting the drag, you can let the fish tire itself out more quickly. Start with the drag lower in the early stages of the fight, when the fish is still making long powerful runs that can break the line. As it begins to tire from running and jumping, start ramping up the drag pressure and continue pumping and reeling. If you’re good enough, palming the reel allows you to manually control drag pressure without committing to a higher setting. This can save you if a fish has a sudden second wind.

Keep the heat on a big fish from start to finish.

If it runs to the right, swing your rod to the left and vice versa. By keeping constant pressure against the direction the fish is trying to go, it is sometimes possible to convince them to give up.

4.

DON’T FEED THE SHARKS:

Sharks always seem to show up when there’s tarpon fishing going on, and it’s a pity so many big tarpon end up getting sharked on the end of a line. When sharks show up, ethical anglers pull lines up and move. Reeling in half a fish is worse than reeling in no fish at all. If a big shark shows up during the fight, clamp down on the drag and try to break the line.

For more, go to coastalanglermag.com.

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THE SCREEN TELLS ALL

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Tim Barefoot

s you should know by now if you read my articles or subscribe to my YouTube channel, I like to fish for everything with fins. From offshore in 300-plus feet of water to creeks, there is one thing that makes us more effective now than we were years ago: electronics!

When I was very young, we went to the very first mark off the beach and loaded up on sea bass, gray trout (weakfish), flounder and whatever else would bite a crude chicken rig with cut mullet. Those days are gone. Now, we have evolved to using the most advanced electronics available to locate and stay on fish. We’ve got side imaging and live WATCH VIDEO imaging technology, which is not (almost) cheating, to… screw it… It’s cheating, and what’s below us and how deep. The marks near the I’m doing it. bottom are African pompano and other bottom fish.

I love a gag grouper like Peter loved the The marks in the 100-foot range are blackfin tuna.

Lord, and I also like to fish for bass as well The other photo is of crappie in a creek. I was as drum, trout and snook. Electronics like watching them in real time using Garmin LiveScope. side scan make me dangerous. They are the Regardless if you’re fishing in 300 or 15 feet of water, difference between being close to a good having the correct electronics will make a huge place on a ledge or wreck versus being ON difference.

THE SPOT. We rely on our fishing instincts to catch fish. I’m It’s now possible to see whether you’re a believer in the “cleanest” terminal tackle being the close to a stack of baitfish or on it. The stack most effective tackle. The most important thing of of bait is the key to catching instead of just all, though, is to position your boat on top of fish. soaking baits. Look for the giant stack of bait, because that is what For this, proper electronics have become essential. holds predators, bottom fish below and pelagics above.

For example: The video link at the end of this article as well as the Check out barefootcatsandtackle.com, and watch this video https://youtu.be/qGzW6QFZHKE on using electronics offshore. blue photo on this page are a prime example of electronics telling us

THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

MAY 2022

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NOAA PHOTO

WATCH

VIDEO

PHOTO

BY JED

RECORD

TACTICS FOR

BIG DOLPHIN

By CAM Staff

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nyone who’s spent some time offshore knows how to catch dolphin, right? It’s just a matter of trolling the currents in good clear blue water and looking for stuff floating on the surface. It really doesn’t matter what it is. Whether it is weeds, wood, a plastic bucket or a single coconut, anything could hold baitfish, which will in turn attract the mahi. And if there are flying fish or birds, particularly frigate birds moving up current, you know you’ve found fish. Now it’s just a matter of getting lines in the water.

But what if you’ve moved beyond catching schoolies one after the next and your ready to target bigger fish? The good news is it might not even require a move if you’ve already found the birds and bait. Bigger fish, your gaffers and slammers, don’t typically travel with the schools; they pair off, a bull and

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a cow, but they enjoy the same water and conditions as the schoolies. Chances are there are a few bigger fish hanging below the school picking off whatever falls below the feeding frenzy.

That first dolphin you hook up always gets staked off the bow to keep the school nearby. This fish should be switched out to keep it fresh, but sometimes it doesn’t get the chance to get tired. Often a big bull will rise up and clobber the poor fish. This is evidence enough that the big fish you’re seeking are likely lurking under the fracas awaiting the opportunity for an easy meal.

The lesson here is to always keep a pitch bait ready to throw to these fish immediately when they show up around the edges of a school. A 20- to 30-pound spinning outfit rigged with fresh large ballyhoo or a whole 8-inch squid can be just the thing to make that big fish commit. You’ll want about a 5-foot, 40- to 60-pound fluorocarbon leader

THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

to stand up to the abrasion, and finish it off with a 6/0 or 8/0 gold live-bait hook. It can be wise to keep a bait ready on a bucktail jig, as well. Sometimes a few ounces of lead is what’s needed to get the bait down to those bigger fish.

We’ve all heard the maxim, “big fish, big bait.” When you’re pulling baits along a weed line for big dolphin, it’s true. Trolling smaller baits will likely catch more fish, and it will catch some big fish, too, but larger fish are looking for something big and loud to get them excited. Running big teasers is a good way to make that noise, and big horse ballyhoo either naked or on big softheads are often the bait that seals the deal.

These techniques will ramp up your chances of boating big dolphin the next time you’re out seeking floating debris and fish. But regardless of the size fish you find, catching dolphin is a blast, and right now is a great time of year to do it.

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FLY OF THE MONTH

Hidalgo's Hoochie Momma

HIDALGO’S HOOCHIE MOMMA

By Carlos Hildago

I

love fishing streamers for trout. This may be leftover from my days fly fishing for peacock bass and saltwater species in Florida. It may also be because casting and stripping is just more fun than high-sticking a nymph. Or maybe it’s because streamers attract the biggest trout. For these reasons, and probably a few others, you should carry a few streamers in your trout boxes, and the Hoochie Momma should definitely be one of them.

I think two keys make this fly effective. The oversized head pushes water and emits vibrations that fish sense with their lateral lines, and the UV Krystal Flash presents very interesting visual effects.

The Hoochie Momma can be stripped quickly, stripped slowly with occasional dead drifts, like a dying minnow, or even allowed to dead drift.

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By Carlos Hidalgo HOOK – Streamer hook, downturned eye, 4x long, size 12-6 THREAD – brown UNDERBODY – lead wire (optional, but recommended in strong currents) BODY – tan diamond braid WING – red squirrel tail topped with a few strands of tan/UV Krystal Flash HEAD – reddish brown chenille EYES – gold 3-D molded stick-on eyes, glued with five-minute epoxy

Contact Carlos Hidalgo at cah6620@gmail.com if you would like to submit a pattern for consideration in this column. Also, email Carlos to purchase a copy of his book “South Florida’s Peacock Bass.”

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SIGHT 2022 T E K C U B FISHING FOR GIANT KIWI BROWNS la

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in South Island, New Zealand A shadow undulates just above the bottom of a clear-blue pool, its presence made known by the belly flash of a brown trout turning to pick off some passing morsel. A smaller fish would be nearly invisible, perfectly camouflaged against the browns and grays of a dappled stone bottom. But this fish was easy to spot. At 9 or 10 pounds, it stands out, a wavering

form that seems out of place, too large for a small headwater stream.

Cicadas buzz and click incessantly from the bush on a warm New Zealand summer evening. A spun-hair cicada fly on the end of a 16-foot leader floats drag-free, high on the surface of the pool.

A gust catches the fly’s wing and briefly skates it just an inch across the surface. The dark form rises

from the bottom to inspect.

This is sight fishing for enormous brown trout in the Nelson Marlborough region of New Zealand. Undeveloped national parks provide miles of clear mountain streams where large wild trout feed gently in bubbling waters. Here, on the top end of New Zealand’s South Island, there are large

rivers with huge populations of fish, and there are also extremely remote headwaters that careen through heavily forested mountain valleys. In these high tributary streams, best accessed by helicopter, there is an anomaly that presents anglers with an exciting prospect. The smaller and more remote the stream is, the larger the fish are.

It’s the reason heli-fishing New Zealand is the stuff of every fly fishers dreams.

But as hard as they are to access, these fish are not easily hooked or landed. They are extremely wary in clear water. Kiwi winds can make casting difficult, and fishing super-long leaders that are understrength for the

PHOTO BY ANDREA LAI

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size of the fish is a necessity is z if one expects a take from la older, wiser fish. Often these n d, ne w fish will give you just one shot.

If you can’t land your fly on the mark and get a good drift over its feeding lane on the first try, it will disappear into deeper water. You might as well move on. It’s a skills test with enormous rewards.

For a wild trout fishery that is so bountiful, it’s hard to believe the brown trout New Zealand is famous for are not native. They were introduced from Europe for fishing in the 1860s and spread like wildfire. Some even made it out to sea, where they then spread into other rivers.

The species is remarkably well suited to the cold, clean waters of the islands, as is evidenced by the current IGFA world record, a 42-pound, 1-ounce giant to 10-pound fish. With flight caught in Ohau Canal in the spring of 2013. times that average 20 hours or more and the Yet 40-pound trout should not be the potential for rain to wipe out a whole week of expectation for traveling anglers. A few fish fishing, it is an expedition one should practice in the 17- to 20-inch range is the norm, and for and set aside several weeks to do. those with the skills and means to fish more It’s an adventure justified for the skilled remote waters can expect a shot at those 8- fly angler in love with the anticipation, the 38

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tension, of watching the action slowly unfold before the take. Where else in the world could one watch a 10-pound brown rise to delicately slurp a dry fly off the surface?

BLACKRIFLECOFFEE.COM THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

MAY 2022

39

Caring for Bass at Summer Tourneys

By Steve Daniel

WATCH

T

VIDEO

here is nothing that gets my blood boiling like seeing a bass club killing bass released at their weigh ins. The top tournaments in the country pride themselves in having a 100 percent release rate, which is hard to achieve in the hot summer months. Here are my thoughts on conducting a summer weigh in.

• Never allow anglers to use their own bags. No more than three official bags should be available. What this does is ensure bass come straight from the livewell to the scales. It eliminates time spent standing in line, when the bass are sitting in a bag with no aeration.

• In the summer months, try to have an earlier weigh in, say 1 p.m. instead of the normal 3 p.m. Most summer fish are caught in the morning, and riding them around in boats the last hours of a tournament is the reason for a lot of the weak and dead bass. Remember, a weak fish usually dies later even if it was alive at the scales.

• Get bass back into the water as soon as possible with the least amount of stress.

TIPS FOR A HEALTHY LIVEWELL • Get fresh water in the morning and use a catch-and-release chemical. Put a bag of ice in the well if it’s hot. Ice in a cooler can be used later in the day.

• Only recirculate water from the morning.

Never run warm water from the lake into the well.

• Use a scale to keep up with your catch.

This will keep you from dragging bass out of the comfort of your well-maintained livewell for culling.

• If you hook a fish deep, cut the hook off and leave it in the bass. The bass will do much better than you trying to remove it and possibly cutting a gill.

• This is my last tip, and it works great in the summer here on lake Okeechobee where

the water gets as hot as 96 degrees. I use an air pump, the same one I use to keep live bait alive. I hook it up to the trolling motor batteries. The pump, a Power Bubbles, is the size of a small brick and has two air lines that I run to the livewell. I put the air pump in a soft cooler with ice packs.

It pumps cold air from my Techni Ice cooler into the livewell. At the end of the day, bass are harder to catch in the livewell than they were in Lake Okeechobee.

An extremely successful professional bass tournament angler, Steve Daniel is a 30-year veteran Okeechobee guide and the voice of Okeechobee fishing on WRVO Radio Network 1’s Hooked up with Steve and Deb. Check out the show at www.renoviolaoutdoors.com.

Contact Steve and Deb at 239-560-2704 or email stevedaniel84@yahoo.com.

Lake Chatuge May Hybrids and Spotted Bass

T

he hybrid bass bite is in full swing. These Lake Chatuge monsters are right in the midst of their spring spawn.

Currently, they are feeding pretty aggressively on bait in the backs of creeks and in shallow areas around the mouths of creeks. The far south end and far upper ends of the lake have been pretty decent. We are seeing most of our fish in the 25 to 50 foot range. Your early morning and late evening bites will be the best. Pulling planer boards and free lines with live blueback herring and shad will be your best technique.

Towards the end of this month, we’ll start to see these hard-fighting fish school up in the mouths of creeks and off points around the lake. When these hybrids school up, it can most certainly make for an unforgettable fishing trip. We typically average 30 to 60 hybrids

By Darren Hughes

in a morning and sometimes in less than 2 hours. These fish will range in sizes from 6-15 pounds and fight like no other. Also, look for an awesome top-water bite to get fired up soon. I usually keep a Red Fin or a spook at the ready.

The spotted bass bite has also been excellent. Fish should be coming up off their beds and are super hungry. They will be schooling up off shallow points and humps throughout the lake.

Recently, we have been boating 25 to 30 fish a trip. A lot of these spots have been averaging 4 to 6 pounds. Focus on shallow areas around creeks and off points and humps. Down-lining live bluebacks has worked the best. Also, watch for a strong top-water bite to start.

When these schooling spots start chasing up bait and busting on the surface, they’ll hit almost anything

14 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

MAY 2022

you can throw at them.

May is a fantastic month for catching a lot of trophy hybrids and spots on this North Georgia lake. Give Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service a call and let the area’s #1-rated guide service put you on some of Lake Chatuge’s best trophy hybrids during the fishing trip of a lifetime. We are Murphy, NC’s and

Blairsville, Georgia’s premier fulltime guide service, specializing in striped and hybrid bass. We also serve Lakes Hiwassee and Nottely, and Lake Blue Ridge in Blue Ridge, GA. So, come fish with the pros for the opportunity to be featured in Angler Magazine, and let us help you get your fish on!

Darren Hughes is a member of The Angler Magazine Fishing Team and a guide for Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. Look him up at www.bigolfish.com or give him a call at (706) 745-6569 or (828) 361-2021.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

MAY 2022

41

Visit Cherokee County

One can never get lost here visitcherokeecountync.com

Cherokee County, situated in Western North Carolina encompasses the communities of Murphy, Andrews and Brasstown, where forested mountains seem to touch the sky, lakes sparkle like jewels in the sun and the air is crisp and clean. It is a quiet area located in the south western corner of North Carolina and has come to be known as the “Gateway to the Smoky Mountains.”

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CHOOSE FIBERGLASS PONTOON HULLS FOR THE BEST BOAT RIDE EVER StyleCraft Boats Makes Proprietary Fiberglass Pontoon Hulls

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luminum has dominated the platform boat industry for years, until now. Move over aluminum, fiberglass pontoon hulls are the way to go for so many reasons.

StyleCraft Boats creates multiple versions of the popular pontoon boat all based on proprietary fiberglass pontoons with a racing hull design. The advantages of fiberglass over aluminum are great for the boat owner.

Starting with the design, StyleCraft Boats uses A&M Manufacturing fiberglass pontoon hulls with a successful track record of a quarter century. The unique design is not round but flat on the bottom. This produces a very shallow running boat with a draft of eight to 10 inches.

The flat bottom pontoon also enhances the boat’s performance. Getting on a plane is much quicker and the boat quietly glides across the water with less friction. As a result, less engine horsepower is needed. Less horsepower means less fuel demands. With today’s gasoline prices increasing daily this is a huge plus.

Ever see an aluminum hull with welding scars that weaken the aluminum, bent fins, creased sides? The durability of fiberglass eliminates these issues. The fiberglass on a StyleCraft Boat is 1/2 inch thick, with much more body than aluminum with equivalent weight.

StyleCraft Boats can take the abuse and mishaps with little to no harm.

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CROCODILE BAY The Ultimate Fishing Experience C

rocodile Bay boasts the largest professional sport fishing fleet in Central America with in-house captains and mates able to cater to all skill levels. At the helm stands Diego Camacho, Director of Fishing and expert fisherman. Anglers will enjoy offshore, inshore, as well as the now all-new kayak and shore fishing excursions. Each is uniquely challenging and equally rewarding. The fleet of 24 and 25-foot center consoles Boston Whalers and 33 and 35-foot tower Strike are easily accessed from the 800-foot private pier.

Crocodile Bay offers world-class catch and release bill fishing in the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy going after sailfish, striped, blue and black marlin, dorado, tuna and wahoo. And when fishing in Costa Rica’s Golfo Dulce (Sweet Gulf) you will find roosterfish, cubera snapper, jack trevalle, bluefin trevally, sierra mackerel, tripletail, and grouper to be excellent throughout the year. Are you ready to strap in and reel in a yellowfin tuna that can reach up to 300 lbs? Do you think you have what it takes to beat the Roosterfish resort record at 106 lbs?

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Just as Crocodile Bay Resort, Botánika is destined to become a world-class vacation destination and a new Costa Rican legacy.

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FLORIDA SETS 57-DAY GULF SNAPPER SEASON

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t’s time to start making plans. Florida WATCH recently announced a 57-day recreational red snapper season for the Gulf of Mexico.

It will be the longest season anglers have seen since the states took over management of red snapper.

The 2022 recreational red snapper harvest dates will include a summer and a fall season for those fishing from private recreational vessels in state and federal waters of the Gulf. Charter vessels without a federal reef fish permit who are limited to fishing in state waters will be able to participate in the 2022 Gulf red snapper season.

“Snapper season is one of the most exciting times to be fishing in Florida, and I am excited to announce the longest season since the state took over management of red snapper,” said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at an event in Destin. “People travel from all over to enjoy the recreational opportunities we have in Florida that can’t be found anywhere else. Florida is proud to continue providing access and opportunities to all who want to experience the Fishing Capital of the World.”

The 45-day summer season will begin on June 17 and continue through July 31. The 12-day fall season is the longest fall season since the beginning of state management and spans the following dates: • October 8-9 • October 15-16 • October 22-23 • November 11-13 (Veteran’s Day Weekend) • November 25-27 (Weekend after Thanksgiving)

“Gulf red snapper season is a harvest opportunity that Florida residents eagerly anticipate each year,” said Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Director Eric Sutton. “Our agency looks forward to providing multiple days of red snapper harvest opportunities in Gulf state and federal waters this season.”

“Up here in the Panhandle, the red snapper is one of our most important fisheries,” said Justin Leake, Owner, Panama City Inshore.

“We want to thank you Governor for not only helping to manage these fisheries but also, your clean water initiatives. What you are doing right now is going to help us have access to these fisheries and ensure that they are here for our kids as well.”

If you plan to fish for red snapper in state or federal waters from a private recreational vessel, even if you are exempt from fishing license requirements, you must sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler (annual renewal required) at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

VIDEO

For more on Florida red snapper regulations, visit MyFWC.com.

Cast Your Line in Clay County.

In a place where the water is always sparkling and the fish are always jumping, fishing isn’t just a hobby – it’s part of our culture. Take the scenic route and explore Clay County’s not-so-secret fishing spots to reel in a new experience.

Visit exploreclay.com to find your new go-to spot.

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Stay With Us For A Florida Fishing Vacation Of A Lifetime!

Just as few places compare to Crystal River when it comes to salt or freshwater sport fishing, but there is no other hotel or resort in the area that compares to the comfort and outfitting you receive at Plantation on Crystal River.

• Waterfront Resort • Onsite trailer parking* • Water parking* • Adventure Center Dive Shop: Live bait, tackle, ice, area charts and fishing reports • You catch, we cook at West 82 Grill* *Included with your stay at Plantation on Crystal River with purchase of Fishing Package

Adventures Begin Here From the peace and tranquility of swimming alongside manatees to the rush of adrenaline of hooking an evasive gag grouper in the Gulf, there are many memories waiting for you in Crystal River.

Discover all the excitement, fun and lifelong memories we have to offer for your next adventure.

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LAWLESS LURES’ RECOIL BAITS

W

hen was the last time you saw a truly original idea for a fishing lure? With the invention of the new Recoil Baits fishing lure, Lawless Lures has brought something truly innovative to a market that has been stagnant for years.

Lawless Lures Recoil Baits are something completely different from the same old redesigned or repackaged lures that litter the aisles of your favorite tackle shop. You definitely won’t find anything like it in your grandpa’s tackle box, and that gives you an edge over other anglers who have been showing fish the same thing over and over again for years.

Touted as “Lures So Deadly They Should Be Illegal,” Lawless Lures Recoil Baits employ a patented state-of-theart slip mechanism that produces a twitching action not possible in a fishing lure prior to this Lawless design. Years of experimentation, design, molding and testing have culminated in a lure that

accurately mimics the distressed movements of dying prey. With a twitch of the rod, the recoil baits twist and convulse like a baitfish in distress. Seriously, you’ve got to see it to understand. These lures behave just like a minnow in its death throes. To predatory fish species, there is no easier meal than a prey item struggling to survive.

Effective on a wide range of species, and really any fish that eats smaller fish, there is nothing else like the recoil baits. It’s the kind of innovation that you can expect from Lawless Lures.

Recoil Baits 9-Piece Kit The Lawless Lures Recoil Baits 9-piece kit has everything you need to discover the effectiveness of this innovative new lure. It includes three Rogue Lures, three Outlaw Lures, three Ladrón Lures and three T-hooks specially designed for the lures.

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FLY FISHING

THE VENTURING FLY ANGLER

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altwater fly fishing can take you to places off the beaten path. Whether you’re inclined to travel far or stick closer to home, traveling with a fly rod packed in your luggage can be a great adventure.

Here are some of my favorites.

From April through June, you have shots at tarpon of all sizes, fishing over white sand flats just a few hundred feet off the shore. If you’re lucky enough and your timing is right, you might experience the legendary palolo worm hatch. There is nothing more exhilarating in saltwater fly fishing than having the opportunity to target tarpon during this annual springtime event in the Keys. The sight of very large tarpon lazily slurping these tiny red worms off the surface will give any angler buck fever!

of glassy water conditions, there is a good chance of hooking a few rolling tarpon from the beach!

BAJA (LOS CABOS AND BEYOND) Baja’s East Cape is a far-out adventure where West Coast saltwater fly fishing got its start more than 50 years ago. Baja is rugged and wild, where the blazing hot, cactusfilled desert meets the deep blue waters of the Sea of Cortez. Los Cabos is your starting point. Drive north along the beaches to Los Barrilles, also known as the East Cape, and you find some the best roosterfish fly fishing in the world. This area is a sight fisherman’s dream, where roosterfish run along the beach in ultra-shallow clear water, looking for sardines and mullet to eat. The best approach for the fly angler is to stake out in a bait-filled area and wait for the roosters to swim within casting range. Be aware! Roosterfish are one of the toughest game fish to catch on the fly, but once you entice the pes gallo to take the fly you’ll return year after year to pursue these great and unique gamefish.

KEYS TARPON I love the Florida Keys! There are few things that get me more stoked than the thought of sight fishing a fly to a cruising tarpon in shallow water over a white sand flat! The fishing areas in the Keys are endless.

If I were to pick one spot that gives the angler the best opportunity to hook a tarpon of a TEXAS COAST (SOUTH PADRE ISLAND) lifetime on the fly, it would be Bahia Honda.

If you’re looking for a great fly-fishing/ camping adventure, then South Padre Island on the Texas Gulf coast is about as good as it gets! The dune-lined beach runs more than 30 miles east of the coastal town of South Padre. You’ll find great camping So, get out and go! Venture off the beaten among the sand dunes and excellent fly fishing for redfish, jacks and sharks. Also, path and explore waters close to home or far if the wind lays down and you get a day way. But make sure you pack your fly rod!

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Become A Better Fly Angler…

Instantly!

By Jimmy Harris

I

’m often asked how long it takes someone to become a relatively proficient fly angler. The sport does have a bit of an image issue in that it is believed to be difficult to learn. The fact is, you can make fly fishing as easy or as difficult as you want. It’s your decision. I may become ex-communicated from the fly fishing community for this article, but here are some outright lies you’ve probably heard about it: • You’re only fly fishing if you’re using dry flies, fishing upstream to rising fish. Bull! You’re fly fishing if you’re using a fly rod with a fly line with a leader.

You can fish dry flies, nymphs (underwater), streamers or terrestrials (ant, beetle or earthworm imitations) at any distance or depth you want.

• Strike indicators (bobbers) are the sign of a novice angler. First, they aren’t. I know lots of great anglers who use them, and I can tell you that without one you are missing most of your strikes. I don’t care who you are and how many years you’ve fished. A strike indicator can help you detect when your fly is taken, and without it you are missing more fish than you can imagine.

• You must be able to consistently make 40- and 50-foot casts with totally drag free drifts or you’ll spook the fish. Wrong! And this is your primary key to instantly becoming a better fly angler. Unless you’re fishing a crystal clear spring creek in Idaho, you can get amazingly close to a trout, and as long as you can make a 10-foot cast you can catch fish.

By choosing your position wisely, you can use the broken surface of the stream (rough water) to hide your presence. Make short casts, hold your rod high in the air to keep your fly line off the water (high sticking) and follow your fly or indicator with the tip of your rod so it will float or drift as naturally as possible to any nearby trout. When you reach the end of that drift and the current causes your fly to rise to the surface, raise your rod tip to where you see your fly skating on the surface and make a simple water haul cast. In one motion, cast your fly back into the run or pocket. No back casts, no dastardly open loops and no wind knots.

Easy as pie!

I promise you’ll begin catching more fish. You can learn to make those long casts later if you want, and you can experiment fishing without an indicator to see if you prefer it. You can even learn all the scientific names of bugs if you’re so inclined. I never have been able to do so, but I can still catch some fish.

Jimmy Harris owns Unicoi Outfitter in Helen, Ga. See their website at www.unicoioutfitters.com.

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ou don’t need an invitation to have fun in Upcountry South Carolina: Come kayak crys-tal blue lakes, hike to rushing waterfalls, dig into local cuisine, attend family oriented events and breathe fresh mountain air. But when you hold a South Carolina fishing license, it feels like an official ticket to enjoy the great outdoors.

Fish bite year-round in the lakes, rivers and streams of Upcountry South Carolina, which is located in the state’s northwest corner in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Devils Fork State Park in Salem is a great place to access Lake Jocassee, which holds state records for rainbow trout, brown trout, redeye bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass and yellow perch. Or try your luck at Lake Hartwell, at Lake Hartwell State Park in Fair Play and Sadlers Creek State Park in Anderson, three-time host of the Bassmaster Classic.

The Chattooga River boasts healthy wild trout populations and is also regularly stocked by Oconee County’s Walhalla State Fish Hatchery. The Whitewater River above Lower White-water Falls is another great option for wild trout. Lake Keowee, at Keowee-Toxaway State Park in Pickens County, swims with largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, crappie, bluegill, yel-low perch, catfish, brown and rainbow trout.

Pick up everything you need—including advice— at local fly shops or book a guided fish-ing trip. Sam Jones, of Jocassee Charters, puts anglers on trophy trout. Buster Green’s Guide Ser-vice reels in stripers,

THE BEST PLACE TO DROP A FISHING LINE

hybrids and bass on Hartwell and Keowee. Chattooga River Fly Shop leads fly fishing trips on the Chattooga and Chauga rivers.

Even if you don’t fish, you can still get on the water. Jocassee Lake Tours offers tours of the lake and of Jocassee Gorges, which National Geographic called a “destination of a Lifetime.”

Some amazing spots can only be reached by boat. Several tours are offered, so you can learn from a naturalist while riding on a pontoon or paddle a kayak through coves and under waterfalls.

Prefer to captain your own boat?

There are several rental companies, including Tri-County Boat Rental, on Keowee, Jocassee, Hartwell and other lakes.

If you’d rather be under the water, Jocassee is a world-renowned freshwater diving desti-nation that boasts visibility of more than 50 feet at depth. Lake Jocassee Dive Shop offers lessons and guided trips to see “The Wall,” where a section of mountain was blasted to build the dam, or a 40-foot swim-through wooden sailboat.

From fishing to boating, hiking to camping, biking to bird watching and more, the Up-country’s state parks are a great place to play. Dip into the swimming hole at Oconee State Park. Hike to the tops of Pinnacle and Table Rock mountains at Table Rock State Park.

Explore the 13,000-acre Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area at Caesars Head State Park. Or create your own adventure at any of the Upcountry’s 13 state parks.

Visit UpcountrySC.com to learn more.

FOR REEL

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.

Perfectly Seasoned FishUpcountrySC.com

864-233-2690

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

Llebroc Builds Better Boat Seats

L

lebroc Industries began business in 1981 as a medium to high-end seat manufacturing company. During the 80s they evolved into a front-line manufacturer of a diverse group of automotive products for pickups, Suburbans and SUVs. But, in 1997 Llebroc switched primary focus to marine seating. Their first customers were Champion and Skeeter, both manufacturers of bass boats.

Since then, the company rapidly expanded their scope of operations to include seating for boats and ships of every size and description.To accomplish this in such a short span of time, they exercised extensive experience in automotive seating, and now, just 24 years later, Llebroc is creating the most innovative concepts and designs in seating for the marine industry.

Their Series 1 line, for use in an enclosed helm with limited exposure to the weather, currently features eight models with standard features that include: power coasted 1-inch square tube steel; molded foam seat cushions, armrests and headrests; Modern Allante vinyl upholstery; and a 24-month warranty.

The Series 2 line for both indoor and outdoor use currently numbers 14 models with an array of standard features that include all-aluminum construction; UV texture powder coating; UltraLeather material (standard); dual positive lock seat-back adjusters; multi-position arms; Llebroc’s AquaFlex Mitigating System, which provides a level of compact and safety previously unavailable in marine seating; and a three-year warranty.

All Llebroc seats offer free shipping in the continental United States.

Llebroc also produces all-weather seating (11 models), bass boat seating (7 models), seat accessories and all the necessary hardware required for proper installation and utilization. Simply stated, Llebroc creates the highest quality marine seating that can be found on today’s market. It begins with initial concept drawings and proceeds on through each stage of production. In addition, every effort is enhanced by dedication to superior customer service. Each Helm Chair features rugged durability, extraordinary comfort, functional design, an impressive list of standard features and, perhaps best of all, an affordable price.

For information about Llebroc products and services, visit www.llebroc.com or call Toll Free: 800-284-5771 • Fax: 817-831-3623.

By CAM Staff

Young angler Hayes Grinnell did battle with this big black drum while fishing the Texas coast with Slinging Mullet Guide Service and Get Em Guide Service.

n some circles, black drum don’t get the respect they deserve. Maybe it’s their appearance? With weird chin barbells and a humped head, they hug the bottom, looking like the hunchbacked cousins of the sleeker redfish inshore anglers adore.

Or maybe it’s their reluctance to take a lure?

Black drum feed primarily by scent, and while you might catch one slinging a spoon, targeting them requires bait, which is more effort than plug and paddletail aficionados are willing to put forth.

However, for anglers who aren’t too prissy to get their hands dirty, black drum have a whole lot to offer. They are the workingman’s drum, found nearshore and inshore throughout the Gulf of Mexico and up the Atlantic seaboard to New England.

Black drum pull hard, with powerful bulldogging runs regardless of size. And they grow quite large, reaching weights well over 100 pounds. On top of that, they provide consistent action in a wide range of areas where they can be caught. Shore-bound anglers can target them from docks, bridges, jetties and piers, where drum hunt crustaceans around structure. Surf anglers often connect with them on quartered blue crabs cast outside the breakers. From a boat, passes and inlets are prime feeding grounds as is nearshore structure. Shallow-water anglers find younger specimens way up in the estuaries tailing like redfish for fiddler crabs in tidal creeks.

Their movements are seasonal, but as long as you’ve got bait, you can pursue black drum pretty much anywhere you choose. Like most fish, they

Tony Pilkenton hooked this nice 33-inch black drum near Haulover Canal in Titusville, Florida.

bite best on a moving tide, when your bait’s scent disperses over a wide area. They’ll eat halved blue crabs, whole fiddler crabs or mud crabs with backs cracked to let a little scent out, and also live or dead shrimp or fresh cut bait. On the northern end of their range, anglers add clams, mussels and blood worms to the array of baits a drum will eat. As long as your bait is on the bottom smelling like food, it’s likely to draw the attention of a drum.

Rigging and gear are pretty simple. A classic Carolina rig with just enough weight to keep the bait on bottom will get the job done in most situations. Up in the creeks, where you’ll be doing more casting and maybe even sight fishing, baits can be fished on a jighead or even a simple hook with a split shot.

Tackle in the 20-pound class is a good

Laura Cherie hooked this big, beautiful black drum near Jacksonville, Florida.

(IG: @lauraloves2fish)

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starting point, and it’s wise to beef up to pull big drum off structure. They do get big.

The IGFA world record, caught in 1975 off Delaware, weighed 113 pounds, 1 ounce.

Fish in the 40- to 50-pound range are regular catches across the drum’s range.

Those big fish aren’t good to eat, though.

The meat is often full of worms by the time fish reach weights heavier than about 15 pounds. Smaller drum are excellent table fare.

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FISH MAPPING NOW AVAILABLE ON

Find your

EDGE “Caught this kingfish in the gap between two storms using SiriusXM Marine.”

— Captain Jeff Fletcher “Hooked Up”, 32' Cape Horn Gulf Breeze, Florida

Captain receives complimentary service.

See recommend fishing locations for popular gamefish including kingfish, tuna, billfish, wahoo, mahi and swordfish. View plankton and temperature fronts, weed lines, and more — plus the latest satellite weather, sea conditions and forecasts. Get all that and SiriusXM entertainment on your Raymarine Axiom display.

ALSO AVAILABLE ON

Trial Offer Details: Activate a new monthly subscription to either: (i) SiriusXM Marine Fish Mapping or (ii) SiriusXM Marine Fish Mapping and the SiriusXM Platinum audio entertainment plan on the same device, and receive your first (1) month free for each activated service (a savings of $99.99 on Fish Mapping and $22.99 on Platinum plan), plus get free device activation (an additional savings of $25). A credit card is required on this offer. Service will automatically renew every month thereafter and, at the beginning of your second month, you will be charged at then-current rates (currently, $99.99/mo. for Fish Mapping and $22.99/mo. for Platinum plan). Fees and taxes apply. You must cancel your subscriptions during your promotional period(s) to avoid future charges. Please see our Customer Agreement at www.siriusxm.com for complete terms and how to cancel, which includes calling us at 1-800-985-9200. All fees, content and features are subject to change. This offer may be modified, suspended or canceled at any time. Subscription and hardware sold separately. Your Platinum subscription plan may be eligible for a multi-radio discounted rate if maintained on the same account as an activate full-price SiriusXM Marine Weather or Fish Mapping subscription package. © 2022 Sirius XM Radio Inc. SiriusXM and all related logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc. and its respective subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Helm Photo: Color Blind Media.

Raymarine Now Offers SiriusXM Fish Mapping Service SiriusXM Fish Mapping Now Available on Raymarine Axiom Displays with SR200 Satellite Weather and Entertainment Receiver

R

aymarine and SiriusXM recently announced that the SiriusXM Fish Mapping service—designed to help saltwater anglers locate fish faster and save fuel— is now available on Raymarine’s Axiom line of chart plotter displays.

SiriusXM Fish Mapping provides regularly updated, science-based fishing data directly to compatible Axiom displays using the SR200 SiriusXM Satellite Weather receiver and running Raymarine’s new version of the LightHouse 4 operating system.

“We are very pleased to make SiriusXM Fish Mapping available to saltwater anglers using Raymarine’s Axiom displays,” said Dave Wasby, VP of Aviation, Marine, and Music for Business for SiriusXM. “Fish Mapping offers several distinct features that help anglers see where game fish are most likely to be biting, helping them save time and fuel. This service also complements SiriusXM’s best-in-class weather and audio services to make Raymarine boaters’ time on the water more productive and enjoyable.”

The SiriusXM Fish Mapping service is now available on select products from all major marine electronics manufacturers.

Fish Mapping provides eight distinct features to identify the most promising areas to fish in North American waters: • Fishing Recommendations identify the areas that oceanographers recommend for zeroing in on six distinct target species.

• Plankton Fronts show locations of greatest plankton concentration next to relatively little plankton – particularly beneficial info when they occur near temperature fronts.

• Plankton Concentration contour lines show areas with dense plankton concentrations.

Baitfish feed on plankton which attracts game fish.

• Sea Surface Temperature Fronts reveal significant temperature changes that create distinct boundaries between bodies of water, which concentrates nutrients and attracts baitfish.

Strong and very strong fronts are good places to find game fish.

• Sea Surface Temperature Contour lines are simplified graphic representations of sea surface temperatures to help target areas where specific fish species can be found.

• Weed Lines show the most recent sightings of weed lines, which provide habitat for bait and game fish.

• Sea Surface Height Anomalies represent areas of upwellings, eddies and convergence zones where nutrient-rich water is favorable for finding fish.

• Sub-Surface Water Temperatures provide water temperatures up to 30 meters beneath the surface, to help identify where targeted game fish tend to hunt within their preferred temperature range.

The SR200 is easy to install and use, and its reliable antenna provides the best possible reception, even on the fringes of SiriusXM’s extensive coverage area (up to 150 nautical miles offshore).

Anglers who already have SiriusXM Weather and a SR200 can easily upgrade to the SiriusXM Fish Mapping service using their compatible Axiom display. A free one-month trial subscription of Fish Mapping is available, and the software update is available at no cost.

Consumers who do not yet have a SR200

receiver will need to purchase it and subscribe.

There is currently a $100 rebate available with the purchase of a new SR200 and subscription activation to the SiriusXM Marine service.

The Fish Mapping service is $99.99 a month and includes all of SiriusXM Marine’s Weather information. The service can be suspended at no charge for up to 6 months each year. The SR200 also supports SiriusXM’s audio entertainment service which features a wide variety of channels that offer ad-free music, plus news, sports, comedy and more. Access to SiriusXM’s audio channels can be added to a Fish Mapping subscription.

For more information on the SiriusXM Marine Fish Mapping service, including Offer Details for the trial subscription offers and rebates, visit siriusxm.com/fishmapping. Learn more about SiriusXM on Raymarine and Raymarine Axiom displays at raymarine.com/multifunction-displays/marine-weather/sirius-xm.html

A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO THE

BASS SPAWN

By John Brooks

WATCH

B

eing a successful bass angler is about more than just throwing lures and hoping for the best. You need to know where the fish are holding, what’s driving their movements, and how you can make the most of the opportunities that present themselves.

The first step is recognizing that largemouth bass move around a lot, depending on factors such as water temperature, spawning patterns or the movements of their forage. You need to have at least a basic understanding of all these factors in order to find them.

Bass are actively on the move in spring, transitioning from deep winter haunts toward shallower water to spawn. The three stages of spring bass fishing (prespawn, spawn and postspawn) come with different bass behavior patterns, and the fish can be found in a wide range of depths and locations, depending upon what phase they’re currently in. On top of that, bass spawn in waves, meaning there are likely fish in all three stages on any given day.

Here are three tips for finding largemouth bass in spring:

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PRESPAWN Before spawning, bass gather around cover in deeper water close to their spawning grounds. This could be deep weed beds, brush piles, submerged timber or ledge drops and channels just off the shallow spawning flats.

During prespawn, bass feed actively to build energy for the stress of reproduction, which makes them easier to catch.

Search baits are important for locating prespawn fish. Look for cover in 10 to 15 feet of water adjacent to spawning areas. Cover a lot of water with crankbaits, jerkbaits and spinnerbaits.

SPAWN When bass are on the beds, larger females can often be located in the shallows by sight.

Look for the circular beds and watch for movement over these areas. These fish aren’t actively feeding when they are on the beds, but it is possible to aggravate them into taking a jig or soft plastic by repeatedly dragging it through the bed.

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Some anglers are opposed to harassing bedded bass, and sometimes the fish just won’t bite. If this is the case, look for other areas of the lake where the fish are still in the pre-spawn phase.

POSTSPAWN After the spawn is complete, female bass move away from the spawning area to recover, while the male bass stay for several weeks to guard the eggs and newly hatched fry. At this time, you can exploit the protective behavior of the males by triggering reaction strikes with a wide variety of topwater lures or un-weighted soft plastics.

Soon after this, bluegill and other bream species begin spawning in the same types of areas as the bass. They become a primary food source for bass in early summer. Bream beds look like large honeycombs on the bottom, and some people claim to be able to find them by smell. Find the bream beds, and fish around them with prop baits, swim jigs or swimbaits.

For more, go to coastalanglermag.com.

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YAMAHA 210 FSH

T

here’s something unmistakably cool about the iconic design of center console boats. They are the sports utility vehicle of the boating world.

Yamaha’s 210 FSH center console boats are a modern take on the classic center console design, focusing on greater versatility made possible by Yamaha’s patented jet-drive technology.

Unlike other center console brands with outboard motors that dominate the stern, the 210’s dual engines and driveline are housed in the hull underneath the captain’s leaning post, providing a true 360-degree experience perfect for fishing. And because no outboard motor lower units are protruding under the boat, the shallow draft can get you and out of places that other center console boats can’t.

These boats include all the features that fishing enthusiasts require and family features that are perfect for an entire day out on the water to include watersports, swimming, and lounging – all in the same boat and at a competitive price starting under $46,000.

The 210 FSH is available in two variations, the 210 FSH Deluxe and 210 FSH Sport.

The 210 FSH Deluxe comes with wiring for dual batteries, stainless steel rub-rail, head compartment curtain, a trolling motor mount, and premium seating/cushions. The 210 FSH Sport comes with Deluxe features and the addition of a custom T-top.

Both models come with Yamaha’s awardwinning TR-1™ High Output marine engines.

Located under the starboard bow seat is an insulated fish locker, and there is a dedicated locker for a full-size Danforth® anchor. There is more storage below the port bow seat, in the sole, and inside two large consoles.

In front of the helm console is more seating, and the console lifts to reveal an extra deep, large storage area that can also serve as a changing room or a head compartment.

The helm is thoughtfully designed with convenient access to all boat control switches, a locking glove box, and an open area to flush mount electronics such as a fish finder, a GPS unit, and other marine electronics.

The 210 FSH comes equipped with Yamaha’s 4.3” Connext Touchscreen Display, which is NMEA® compatible to send vital engine information to third-party electronics.

The transom area on the FSH Series is unlike any other center console boat on the market. Since the engine and drive train are mounted in the hull, the entire back of the boat is open for unobstructed casting, towing,

SPECIFICATIONS Yamaha 210 FSH LENGTH: 21’ 3” WEIGHT: 3,003 lbs.

BEAM: 8’ 6” DRAFT: 17” DEADRISE: 20 degree SEATING CAPACITY: 10 FUEL CAPACITY: 50 Gallons

and enjoying activities at the stern. Moreover, the boats’ lean post is convertible and can be flipped back toward the helm for added comfort and versatility.

The 210 FSH features Yamaha’s signature two-tier swim platform that sits low at the water’s edge. A retractable stern ladder makes reboarding after swimming a breeze.

The transom also includes a tow eye for watersports.

And like all Yamaha boats, the 210 FSH features Yamaha’s patented clean-out ports that allow for removing debris from the jet pump without having to get in the water or swim under the boat.

TO LEARN MORE, VISIT WWW.YAMAHABOATS.COM

ALASKA’S 2022 PRINCE BUCKET WILLIAM SOUND OFFERS POWERHOUSE FISHING IAM SOU

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laska’s Prince William Sound offers anglers a wealth of fishing adventure. The region can be reached via road, air and ferry service, yet is remote enough to offer solitude and fishing extravaganzas that match those found in western Alaska’s trophy waters.

The secret to fishing Prince William Sound is knowing how to fish it, and who to contact to make it happen. For instance, Orca Adventure Lodge outside of Cordova offers bush plane or boat access to about 15 remote streams at locations throughout Prince William Sound and the Gulf of Alaska. At the right time, each stream offers fishing that makes anglers shake their heads in amazement.

Nealy and Dennis Morain, of Baton Rouge, La., visited Orca to fly fish Alaska together for the first time. They were dropped off at a remote chum, pink and silver salmon stream.

“When we arrived, we saw the water boil with salmon,” Nealy said. “We walked upstream for 100 yards and saw thousands of fish holding in the current. I was just learning how to fly fish, and my casts weren’t perfect, but the salmon didn’t care. From our arrival, the action was a fish-a-cast until the fish wore out our tippets or we took a breather.”

The couple also caught enough oceanfresh silver salmon, halibut and rockfish to ship home several 50-pound boxes of fillets.

If you detest long travel times each day

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to the fishing grounds, look into an overnight at Fox Island, adjacent to Kenai Fjords National Park. The surrounding waters hold trophy halibut, ling cod to 50 inches and abundant rockfish, as well as salmon. For non-fishing members who tag along, surprise them with a Northwestern Fjord tour. This 9-hour cruise takes in the coastal highlights of Kenai Fjords National Park and offers opportunities to get close to stunning tidewater glaciers, Orcas, feeding humpback whales and other wildlife.

One of the best do-it-yourself fishing adventures in the Prince William Sound is via the Alaska Marine Highway. Car-top a skiff or haul a boat and trailer onboard

the ferry docked at Whittier with passage to Valdez or Cordova to explore the ferry’s 3,000-plus miles of routes. The trip can be as inexpensive or expensive as you desire.

From the Lower 48, anglers can board the ferry in Bellingham, Wash., and travel up Alaska’s Inside Passage to towns where fishing and adventure beckon. End your trip in Prince William Sound, and return home via the Alaska Highway or return ferry to Bellingham.

Unlike a fly-out trip, you can haul whatever gear you can pack in your vehicle. A caveat here: Remote Alaska bays and inlets are not for inexperienced boaters.

Battling barn-door-sized halibut in the 400-pound range is a sport for the strong of heart and arm. Halibut charters are easily found online by searching visitor bureau sites of Whittier, Seward, Cordova and Valdez.

You can leave the boat skippering to a charter outfit or save money by renting a fishing boat for the day. Most salmon fishing is done within sight of shoreline in Valdez Arm, or you can rent a larger boat and head for open water.

Christopher Batin is author of award-winning books and DVDs on Alaska fishing, which includes the best-selling book, Fishing Alaska on Dollars a Day, available on Amazon.

BRING HOME THE BAIT. Home of America's #1 cast net, the SuperSpreaderTM , and the industry's largest net selection – from beginner to pro.

SHOP NOW AT CASTNETS.COM OR AT FINE BAIT & TACKLE DEALERS THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

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PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES

Making

Memories M

ay is a great month to take or introduce a child to the sport of fishing. The summer crowds haven’t arrived, the weather is tolerable, and there should be a nice breeze to keep it comfortable. If your child is already catching more than you, this is a great time to teach them some new techniques or how to use a new lure.

Jetties, piers or docks are great locations to target this month, and sheepshead can be an entertaining target for the beginner. They can be corporative, and a nice trophy for a child.

At times, they can be easy to catch and will provide a solid fight for the saltiest of anglers.

Sheepshead love structure. Focus your attention on the most barnacle-encrusted structure you can find. At times you can hear them munching on those barnacles! If it is legal in the area you are fishing, scraping barnacles off the structure is a great way to chum for sheepshead and really

gets them fired up. Small live or fresh dead shrimp are great, readily available bait.

Small jacks, croaker, pinfish and whitting are also good options to give young anglers a strong tug and a good time. Once again, live and dead shrimp are a good choice to lure in these aggressive feeders. Beach fronts, jetties and structure are good areas to target them.

If your child is up for a challenge and wants to learn something new, like my 11-year-old, May is a good month to explore. With optimal water temperatures that keep fish aggressive, May is ideal. My son and I were in our favorite local tackle shop one day, and he picked up a custom painted lure and showed it to me. The owner, Mike, had painted these and they are renowned for catching big trout. My son had never fished one, but wanted to learn and catch a big one!

For a few weeks, every time my son walked into the lure room and saw the Corky hanging

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

on the rack, he would say, “Dad let’s go fishing.”

He wanted to use the lure from Mr. Mike and catch a big trout.

When we finally had a chance to hit the water, conditions were not ideal. We went to learn how to work the lure, if nothing else. My son did accomplish catching his first fish on a Corky.

Even though it was not the big trout he planned on, it gave us a good laugh and memories that will last forever.

This photo shows his first fish on that style of lure… the first of many I am certain. Go grow up little pinfish. Hopefully the next time we meet you are in the belly of a big trout!

Take a kid fishing, leave the electronics at home, and everyone will have fun learning something from each other!

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

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INTRODUCING THE PENN

SLAMMER IV The Slammer IV redefines PENN’s already unbeatable reputation, bringing durability and power together in a sleek, battle-ready reel.

It’s more than just a workhorse; it’s the must-have reel for anyone fighting underwater monsters.

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PENN SLAMMER IV O ver the years, the PENN Slammer has proven itself on the water to be a durable, dependable and highperforming spinning reel, designed to stand up to the corrosive marine environment with the power and finesse to battle large and powerful saltwater game fish.

The best reel on the market just got better.

With the release of the new Slammer IV, PENN brings anglers a new and improved version of a reel that has risen to legendary status.

PENN updated the Slammer with superior waterproofing, a wider range of useable drag and smoother operation, which adds to both the durability and performance of a reel that is already iconic among serious saltwater anglers.

Building off a proven IPX6 sealed, fullmetal body, PENN tweaked the Slammer’s Dura Drag system to be better sealed and also to offer a wider range of usable drag.

Improved resistance to sand, salt and time make the Slammer IV a reel you just might pass down to your children. And you’ll be handing down a reel that’s smoother and more

powerful than ever before.

The system is bearing supported for silky smoothness, and the addition of all-brass CNC gear technology to an 8+1 stainless steel bearing system and Hydrophobic Roller Bearing has made the Slammer IV the ultimate workhorse reel.

The Slammer IV redefines PENN’s already unbeatable reputation to bring together a tough, sleek and battle-ready reel that will serve you for years in the harsh marine environment.

The Slammer IV is available in sizes from 2500 all the way up to 10500, allowing you to do battle with pretty much any fish in the sea. Whether you’re fishing

inshore, from the surf and jetties, dropping on offshore reefs or trolling the deep blue, the Slammer IV in its different sizes will not disappoint. It’s a general-purpose rig, designed for high performance in a variety of fishing styles, whether that’s casting and reeling, bottom fishing, jigging or trolling.

You will not find this combination of durability and performance at any price, yet the Slammer IV just happens to be one of the more moderately priced reels on the market.

WWW.PENNFISHING.COM

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WATCH

VIDEO

MISSOURI PADDLEFISH RECORD FALLS

A

n Illinois angler broke the Missouri state record for paddlefish in March.

He snagged a 140-pound, 10-ounce paddlefish at Lake of the Ozarks. It beat out the previous record—set in 2015 at Table Rock Lake—by just one ounce.

Record-breaking angler Jim Dain, of Pittsfield, Ill., was on a family fishing trip and almost decided not to take the boat out because of shifting weather conditions the day he caught his monster fish.

“The forecast was calling for storms, and then it changed to no rain, so we went out,

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but it just kept getting colder,” Dain said. “We weren’t having much luck, but decided to fish for another hour. So we took another turn, and that’s when the drag on the reel started. It felt like a tree was on the line!”

Paddlefish are an interesting target for anglers because they are filter feeders and will not take lures or baited hooks. The most popular method for catching them is to troll large, un-baited treble hooks to cover water and hopefully snag one.

“We got 16 one-gallon bags of meat out of this catch,” laughed Dain. “We’ve fried it,

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grilled it and made paddlefish tacos the other night. We’ll be having paddlefish for a while!”

Missouri’s paddlefish seasons run March 15-April 30 on its major paddlefish snagging waters: Lake of the Ozarks, Table Rock Lake, Truman Lake and their tributaries. There is a minimum length limit of 32 inches. The paddlefish season for the Mississippi River is March 15 through May 15 with a fall season of Sept. 15 through Dec. 15.

For more information, visit the Missouri DNR website at dnr.mo.gov.

Recreation, culture and history abound in the Western North Carolina county of Madison.

Madison County is located 15 miles north of Asheville on the North Carolina/Tennessee border in the Smoky Mountains of Appalachia. There are many attractions in our 452 square mile area, of which 73 percent is forest.

Nearly one fourth is public land managed by the US Forest Service.

Tourism Development Authority

Madison County Visitors Center 56 South Main, Mars Hill, NC 28754 • (828) 680-9031

www.visitmadisoncounty.com

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MONSTER BLUE CAT SMASHES MISSISSIPPI RECORD

By CAM Staff

T

he Mississippi River near Natchez, Miss. has a history of producing giant blue cats. The most recent monster catfish, caught on April 7, weighed 131 pounds and absolutely crushed the existing state rod-and-reel state record.

Eugene Cronley, of Brandon, Mississippi, had just set up in a 90-foot-deep hole downstream of Natchez. About five minutes after making his first cast, the big fish took the cut skipjack he was using as bait, according to a report in the Mississippi Clarion Ledger.

“He hit the rod and started pulling drag,” Cronley told the Clarion Ledger. “We had to untie the boat and float down the river.

“I couldn’t move him. I’d pull on him and take in a foot of line and he’d pull and take 10 feet. I just sat there like I was hung up.”

After a 40-minute fight on 30-pound line, the angler’s exhaustion made hauling the fish into the boat a chore. Cronley has caught 50-pound fish from the area before, and he didn’t realize exactly how big this fish was until he put eyes on it. Then, it was time to start

looking for a certified scale with the capacity to weigh such an enormous fish.

Cronley’s fish waited on ice for three days before he was able to get a certified weight. Fish lose weight when they are out of the water. The Clarion Ledger reported that the fish had an initial weight of 138 pounds on uncertified scales. Even out of the water for three days, Cronley’s blue cat shattered the previous rod-and-reel state record of 95 pounds, caught from the Mississippi near Natchez in 2009. In 1997, a 101-pound Mississippi trophy record blue catfish was caught in the same stretch of river.

The IGFA all-tackle world record for blue catfish is 143 pounds. It was caught from Kerr Lake, Buggs Island, Virginia in 2011. Cronley’s catch, if certified by IGFA, would possibly be a new 30-pound line class record.

The 30-pound line class record stands at 111 pounds. It was caught in 1996 from Wheeler Reservoir in Alabama.

For more Mississippi fishing records,visit mdwfp.com.

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Offshore, But In Reach...

By Will Schmidt

W

WATCH

VIDEO

ith technology helping us get farther away from shore, it is imperative that we have a reliable way to communicate with others. It’s not unheard of for people to take a bay boat 40 miles offshore where VHF might not be heard. While Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB) and Personal Locator Beacons (PLB) are a great way to request assistance in an emergency, they lack the ability for two-way conversations.

Satellite phones are an option but are cost prohibitive for most of us. Luckily, the satellite network has created a new choice with two-way texting devices like the Garmin inReach Mini, which I find offers a great mix of features, affordability, size and peace of mind.

All these devices require a subscription plan, but most are affordable and allow you to pause them during off seasons. There are several manufacturers and options on the market, and they have many different features. Some have built-in keypads for easy composition of messages, but that makes the size larger.

Most will pair with your cell phone, making it simple to create and send messages. They all also have SOS buttons that send a distress message along with your location to a communication center.

Like EPIRBs and PLBs, they will continually transmit your location to search and rescue, helping them to find you quickly.

Unlike the others, you are notified when your SOS is received.

You can also communicate the nature of your emergency and answer vital questions from rescuers via text. The small size and waterproof rating means you can clip these devices to a life vest and continue sending and receiving information should you need to abandon ship.

Furthermore, you can send non-emergency messages to check in with others. The inReach Mini allows you to create three preset messages that can be quickly sent and have unlimited sends on each of their data plans.

This is a great feature for sending useful updates and non-emergency messages such as: “Just checking in, everything is fine.” Or “Everything is ok, but we are running late.”

Other features many of these devices offer are waypoint navigation, tracking and weather reports. If navigation features are of primary importance to you, a larger device with a bigger screen might suit you better. Since mine is a backup navigation device, the connection to my phone is sufficient. I can even pair my inReach with my chart plotters to quickly send and read messages while underway.

Whether you travel offshore, into the backwoods or to a remote island lodge, if you want the ability to summon help or just check in at home when off the grid, these satellite devices offer great usability in an affordable easy-to-use option.

Will Schmidt is a seasoned tournament angler who has been writing about fishing from more than two decades.

don't stop reeLing Alex Kendrick reel salty www.reelsaltydestin.com

season and is only going to get better. Trolling lures 10-15 knots is ideal starting around the 90’ mark. Keep an eye out for weed lines and large patches of grass, you never know what’s below them. Whenever I see grass patches I like to stop and sight fish for Mahi, Tuna, Wahoo, and Triple tail.

For Mahi I like to keep a light pitch rod with 20# fluorocarbon and 2/0 Owner circle hook. Live bait works really well on the larger bulls and cut squid works better on the smaller chicken dolphins. If lures are your thing I prefer Yozuri Crystal Minnows and honestly color doesn’t matter. Pitch around the weed lines or patches and look deeper down for the bigger Mahi. As for Tuna with all the chumming going on, I like to send down a vertical jig on 60#-80# test at least 100’ below the boat. Working your jig through the water column is a good way to fire up any kind of fish that may be lurking around in the shadows. If you have a large diamond jig I’d put some heavy wire in front of it for a chance at a wahoo. Triple Tail are amazing fish on light tackle and I recommend 15#-20# fluorocarbon and #2 Owner hook. Live shrimp work really well along with small cuts of squid.

If bottom fishing is your go to joy Vermillion snappers, Groupers, and Rock salmon is my target. For Vermillion snappers I like using a 2-3 hook chicken rig mixed with cut squid and Boston mackerel. Let your weight sit right on the bottom and wait for those 2-3 light bites. Rock salmon and Groupers like to hide out in the rocks and caves, so a slip lead is what I like to use. Heavier leader line for Groupers and larger baits close to the bottom. Feel the bite and start cranking. The first 20’-30’ are the most important so DON’T STOP reeling.

When it comes to offshore fishing don’t give up. There’s a lot of trial and error. Figure out what works best for you and as always keep your lines out and keep them tight.

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