Coastal Angler Magazine | April 2022 | Miami Edition by Coastal Angler Magazine

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BIG FISH IN LITTLE PLASTIC BOATS

PELAGIC HUNTING TOOLS

DOWNSIZE FOR INSHORE ACTION VOLUME 27 • ISSUE 325

PHOTO COURTESY OF JUSTIN HOOVER IG: @REDFISHING321 / YOUTUBE: THE BACKWATER ANGLER

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SIGHT FISHING By Nick Carter

“It’s about as close to Florida as you can get. You’re nglers are drawn to SUPs for many reasons. For Justin Hoover, the allure immersed in the mangroves,” Hoover said. “Most of a paddleboard is the style of fishing it of the time I’m alone for 10 or 12 hours a day on a paddleboard because nobody can reach where I’m at. allows. Hoover is from Brevard County, Florida. The fish… they’ve never seen people. It makes it really For more than 30 years, he has explored easy for me, and it makes it really enjoyable.” Hoover only targets fish he sees and studies their the backwaters and flats of central Florida’s Atlantic coast, where big fish push into super body language before making a cast. He can tell by skinny water that’s inaccessible to conventional looking if a fish is likely to eat his lure, particularly redfish, which clamp down their fins and “snake” along boats. “There’s nothing else better. It’s literally the shoreline when they’re actively feeding. “I’m looking for wakes, pushes, busts on the hunting, almost by foot,” he said of his passion. “I draft 2 inches. It makes it easier to travel to places shoreline and tails. If I’m not seeing any of that or you can’t reach, especially those back areas where seeing something that gives me that feeling there could big redfish will go back and pretty much retire for be a fish in this pocket, I’m moving on,” he said. Covering water quickly is Hoover’s primary tactic. the rest of their life.” Hoover’s platform of choice is a LIVE He advised newcomers to the sport to keep moving. “Cover the ground. That’s the easiest way to catch Watersports L2Fish board. It is a 12-foot catamaranstyle SUP that is super quiet and stable. He is a fish,” he said. “Don’t get stuck in one spot on a certain minimalist in terms of gear, preferring to hit the group of fish. Just constantly keep moving. You’ll end water with just a pocket full of lures, three rods up finding that fish that’s going to bite.” His favorite targets are redfish, snook, tarpon and and a cooler that serves as a seat and dry storage. He does most of his fishing with a medium-light black drum. “When I go out, all of them are on the list,” Hoover spinning rod and also carries a heavy spinning rod in case he sees a really big fish as well as a fly said. “I’m going down the line. I’m going straight to rod for subtle presentations. The lures he fishes their house, knocking on the door and saying, ‘Hey, are are mostly ultra-realistic Chasebaits soft plastics. you hungry today?’ If not, then I’m moving on to the He rarely throws topwater because the water is next fish.” It sounds like a lot of fun. so shallow that fish can’t get an angle on surface baits. Check out Justin Hoover on Facebook, Instagram and watch his Youtube channel The Backwater Angler.

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Suzuki Unveils New V6 for Performance Boats S uzuki Marine previewed the new flagship of its SS (Sport Series) motors at the Bassmaster Classic in March. This new engine, the DF250SS V6 4-Stroke, is a high-performance outboard engineered to deliver extra kick for today’s performance-based boats. It is sized and designed for bass boats, bay boats and shallowwater applications. New for 2022, the DF250ATSS is the first SS Series outboard to feature compatibility with Suzuki’s state-of-the-art Suzuki Precision Control (SPC) electronic shift and throttle system that will integrate with Suzuki’s Digital Pro-Pedal Foot Throttle. Suzuki SS outboards were created to bring powerful hole shot, strong mid-range pull and great fuel economy to anglers and boaters. Now, by integrating with Suzuki’s proven SPC system, boaters can add crisp, responsive shifting, silky smooth acceleration and sports car-like operation to the mix. In addition to Suzuki’s SPC integration, the new DF250SS features a new lower unit gear case with an asymmetrically designed skeg. This new design slices through the water efficiently for improved performance, while providing enhanced steering stability. Inside this streamlined case are powerful gears for delivering plenty of low-end torque and the ability to swing a larger propeller.

More options include the newly updated intake system, the updated Thrust Mount system to reduce engine vibration and deliver stable operation under high loads, and a new line of Watergrip propellers designed to enhance overall performance. The new Suzuki Big-Block V6 engine design ensures that the DF250ATSS not only delivers exhilarating hole shot, but also eye-watering acceleration all the way to wide-open throttle. Today’s premium performance boats need to look as good as they perform, and the new DF250SS also includes a new revised cowling design that features additional louvers, upper cover grips and new updated “SS” graphics. Suzuki continues with the popular Matte Black color as well as Suzuki’s optional new White. It is available in 20” (L) and 25” (XL) shaft lengths to accommodate different boat styles. In addition to the new DF250ATSS model, Suzuki is also adding a new 115hp SS outboard for 2022. Suzuki’s new DF115SS outboard is ideal for smaller bass boats, aluminum fishing boats, flats skiffs and other vessels that need high performance with light weight. With this latest inline 4-cylinder model added to the line-up, Suzuki Marine now offers a range of high-performance SS Series outboards in 115hp, 200hp and 250hp.

Like all Suzuki 4-stroke outboards, these new SS Series models are backed by the company’s leading 5-Year Limited Factory Warranty, providing anglers with the ultimate in confidence and security. To learn more about the new 250hp and 115hp additions to Suzuki’s popular SS Series family— or the company’s complete line of technically advanced 4-stroke outboards from 2.5 to 350 horsepower — contact Suzuki Marine USA headquarters at (813) 687-7200 or visit www.suzukimarine.com.

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APRIL 2022

NATIONAL 7

BIG FISH Kayak Catch & Release

ou’ve done it! Thousands of casts, dozens of early alarms, countless cups of coffee, and now there’s a monster fish on the hook, and from your kayak, no less! It’s a feat to be proud of. However, if you plan on releasing that fish, your attention should soon turn to proper handling techniques, which ensure safety for you and the fish. A sprinkle of chaos is expected when bringing a big fish into a small, plastic boat, but a few easy steps can ensure the fish goes home safely.

1. Keep Them Wet! Regardless of species, once you’ve netted or attached lip-grips to a fish, keep them in the water as much as possible. This is always true if you need to set up a camera, grab pliers or lay out a measuring board, and it’s especially important in summer months, when release mortality increases due to warmer water. I prefer to use lip grips on bigger catches, since it mitigates the need to untangle a large, fired up fish from a net. Storing commonly used tools nearby is also key, particularly in a kayak where space is limited. Once you’re set up, it’s time for a photo or a measurement!

By Matt Stone

2. Holding Techniques If there’s one thing anglers universally love, it’s the “hero shot.” You know, the one where you and maybe your buddy grin widely while posing with a monster catch. I’m a big fan of hero shots, and of taking them properly. Handling the fish safely is key here, and that means keeping hands away from their gills, holding them horizontally and supporting their belly. Never weigh big fish vertically on a scale. This point is often debated in angling circles, and I respect both schools of thought, but I go with horizontal holds because I think the photos come out better. With length and girth measurements, you can figure out a rough weight, anyway. Now, smile big and grab that picture… and no straight-arming!

3. Respect and Revive Properly reviving big catches is important. It ensures continuity of strong genetics, allows a future angler a chance at the same fish, and it simply feels good knowing you’ve encountered an incredible animal and returned it home safely. Face the fish into current, open its mouth, and if possible, pedal or paddle your kayak to get water flowing over their gills. Revival can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. A fish is ready to go when it raises its dorsal spines and lightly clamps onto your hand, or straight up kicks off and swims away like a rocket. If you don’t already emphasize this process, I encourage you to not only take revival time, but to enjoy it! Thank the fish, watch them swim off and get casting again! Everyone should have a process for catch-and-release fishing. Above all, if you plan on releasing a fish, show it respect and reverence for the experience it has given you. Matt Stone is a teacher from Chester, Conn. and a pro staffer for Old Town and Daiwa as well as a member of the Black Hall Outfitters Fishing Team. Check him out on Instagram @sunrisekayakfishing.

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NATIONAL 9

YAMAHA 210 FSH

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 in and out of places that other center console boats can’t access. These boats include all the features fishing enthusiasts require as well as family features 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 award-winning 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 fishfinder, a GPS unit and other marine electronics. The 210 FSH comes equipped with Yamaha’s 4.3-inch 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

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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 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 and enjoying activities at the stern. Moreover, the boat’s leaning 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. VISIT WWW.YAMAHABOATS.COM TO LEARN MORE.

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NATIONAL 11

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GO HOG WILD

By Will Schmidt

t wasn’t that long ago when we all thought the only way to get hogfish was to take a plunge with a spear gun. Now-a-days, it’s considered one of the most action-packed trips you can take, albeit a lot of the action is weeding through the plethora of other fish that come to the party.

Despite decades of thinking hook-and-line hogfishing was impossible, they are actually easy to catch. Tackle requirements are very modest; medium spinning tackle is plenty stout. Rigging is simple, too, a knocker rig with a 2-ounce egg sinker and a #4 circle hook is all you need. No swivel is needed to separate the sinker and hook, as you want your bait right on the bottom. Let the sinker slide all the way to the hook. Hog Balls can be deadly as well, but remember when using natural bait a circle hook is a must (it’s the law). Other than that, you’ll need plenty of shrimp, 4 to 5 dozen per person. Hogfish tend to hang out in areas with plenty of grunts, triggerfish and small grouper, which all seem to be much quicker to eat than hogfish. You’ll need to weed through their friends to get to your hogfish dinner. The good news is, all the other fish lead to an action-packed adventure perfect for kids and impatient anglers, alike. Many people use whole shrimp, but I’ve found half shrimp are equally effective and help the bait go further. Finding hogfish is not that difficult either. They like good hard bottom, especially areas with sea fans and nice ledges. You’ll need to start in at least 35 feet, and I’ve had great trips all the way out to 100 feet and deeper. If you don’t already have a few spots in your arsenal, mapping software like Garmin’s Navionics Vision+ can help you find good places to start. You can even use it on a tablet to scout spots from your couch before you go. Once you are there, if the action isn’t almost immediate, move to the next spot. These fish tend to hang out around hungry schools of buddies. The fun really starts once hogfish join the party. They are hard fighters and unlike the others that tend to just pull straight down, hogs will run side to side and are a blast on light tackle. Best of all, hogfish make great table fare and taste similar to snapper, which they are often misclassified as. They are actually a species of wrasse. It is important to be careful handling undersized fish. Hogfish are hermaphrodites. All of them are females until they reach a certain size and maturity when some become males. Since smaller fish are crucial to reproduction, they should be handled gingerly to give them the best chance at survival. Will Schmidt is a seasoned tournament angler who has been writing about fishing from more than two decades. For a great hogfish trip, contact Capt. Troy Leaf at Sureelfishing.com.

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College Scouts Witness Stellar High School Fishing on “The Big O”

his spring marked the launch of a much-anticipated partnership between NSR Fishing and Florida BASS Nation at the South Trail and Spring Trail events at Lake Okeechobee. The mission for NSR (National Scouting Report) is simple. NSR Fishing is building a database of qualified high school anglers for use by college coaches across the country. Florida produces some of the best talent in tournament bass fishing, and NSR scouts were excited to get out on the “Big O” to identify young anglers showcasing their skills and knowledge of the lake. National Scouting Report CEO Rusty Rigney was honored to be the keynote speaker for the Florida BASS Nation pre-tournament meeting. Glenn Cale, Florida BASS Nation Director, said as he introduced Rigney: “NSR has been working with athletes and their families in traditional sports for over 40 years. Now, they are here to see what you Florida anglers are all about.” Rigney detailed the full NSR program with the anglers and their families. He told them: “We are looking for the best anglers in the state of Florida. It’s not just about wins and finishes, it’s about becoming the complete angler that can bring real value to a collegiate program.” Saturday, Feb. 12 set up perfect with bluebird skies and more than 170 South Trail anglers hitting the water. NSR scouts were out filming and evaluating many teams in the points race for the year, but there was also a lot of buzz about a few teams that had large bags of fish. At weigh-ins, Connor Swindle and Max Lofton of the Hendry County HS Bassmasters placed third with 20.15 pounds. Michael John Teate jr. and Evan Newell of Mid Florida Youth Anglers finished second with 21.88 pounds.

bl Drew Pitts and Luke Romesburg of the Tampa Bay Jr Bass Club stole the show and took home first place with a giant five-bass limit of 32.18 pounds. Sunday welcomed another 170-plus boats for the Spring Trail tournament. NSR scouts were anxious to get on the water to see how young anglers would adjust to higher winds and rain that were moving in early Sunday. Many predicted lower weights. However, six high school anglers from the Okeechobee Brahmans team proved everyone wrong, taking the top three spots. Joshua King and Hunter Daniels brought in the heaviest sack of the day with 30.35 pounds. Behind them were Lane Davis and Korbyn Lewes with 24.81 pounds. Third place went to Rafe Sexton and Hillary Martin with 23.16 pounds. With two 30-plus-pound bags of fish and many over 20, several Florida high school anglers made a case to be considered NSR 5 Star Anglers. NSR Fishing’s search for the best anglers in the country continues over the next couple months with scouts heading to legendary fisheries like Lake Guntersville, Lake Seminole and Lake Palestine, where more of the best anglers in the country will show off their skills.

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APRIL 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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7/15/21 8:30 AM

By Richard Matteson

April Surf Fishing on the Treasure Coast

pril is windy and will be the last good month of fishing for many of the winter fish like pompano, mackerel and bluefish, before they move north. Some of these fish, especially bluefish, will remain but in relatively small numbers. Pompano can be caught all month on the beach with orange fish bites and sand fleas. In the Indian River Lagoon, try jigging from the bridges with pompano jigs (chartreuse or hot pink) on moving tides. I’ve also caught random pompano in the lagoon on ¼-ounce jigs with a 4-inch tail (white). Permit have also been caught on the beach on small crabs, fish bites or large sand fleas. Both permit and pompano are usually 50 to 70 yards offshore. The mackerel bite is still good on the beach early in the morning and when bait is present. The early morning bite is in the trough around the close breakers. Small spoons (1-ounce silver crocodile or gold Johnson spoons) with treble hooks seem to work best, but the fish will hit any lure retrieved quickly near the surface. The mackerel are still in the Peck’s Lake area, where you need to fish from a boat. The bluefish bite has been sporadic with fish chasing bait. The bluefish bite has been best in early morning or when bait is present. Some large snook are being caught in deeper water of the St. Lucie River both North and South forks, at the Crossroads and around deep piers and bridges. Large Tomahawk jigs and live or cut bait fished early in the morning, at dusk or at night work the best. There are still some snook on the beach, but rarely. April is a month you can harvest one snook between the 28”- 32” slot. Trout are scattered in the lagoon and can be caught on jigs and topwater lures like a Skitterwalk or Zara Spook on warm afternoons. The best trout areas are north from the power plant to the Vero Beach flats. The flounder bite is still good on small jigs and live bait on the flats and around the bridges. Some redfish have been caught on jigs tipped with live shrimp from the power plant north. It’s best to target mangroves on high tide in the afternoon. As usual, there are scattered schools of ladyfish and jacks cruising the beaches. Some nice jacks in the 5- to10-pound range have been taken on jigs and shallow-running crankbaits. The ladyfish and jack bite has been good when bait is present. Remember, see the birds, find the bait, catch the fish! Richard Matteson is a long-time contributor to Coastal Angler Magazine who is dedicated to Stuart Rod and Reel Club. Contact him at (336) 414-3440.

6 FLORIDA

APRIL 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

C MLF PRO MATT STEFAN AND MUD HOLE CUSTOM TACKLE JOIN FORCES

ud Hole Custom Tackle, the world leader in rod building and custom tackle crafting, and Matt Stefan, established Major League Fishing professional and custom rod builder, have agreed to an exclusive sponsorship for the 2022 MLF season. “On the water and off, Matt Stefan is a true professional and has really established himself as one of Major League Fishing’s top contenders,” said Steve Sweeney, Managing Director of Marketing & Communications at Mud Hole Custom Tackle. “The fact that Matt has proven great success on the water with his own custom-built rods makes him an ideal angler to promote our core business. We are so pleased to grow our relationship with Matt and we look forward to an amazing 2022 season.” Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Matt Stefan is a 7-time FLW Forrest Wood Cup/MLF Title Championship qualifier with three top 10 placements in MLF competition and over $500,000 in career earnings. When not tackling largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass on the tour with his custom-built rods, Matt enjoys following the stock market and fishing for fun with his wife and two sons in their hometown of Junction City, WI. “I’m really excited about collaborating with the Mud Hole team and taking our relationship to the next level,” said Stefan. “I’ve been building custom rods with Mud Hole, MHX and CRB for years and have enjoyed incremental success every season. I’m looking forward to sharing my passion for professional fishing and for custom rod building with anglers everywhere.” For more information, visit mudhole.com.

8 FLORIDA

APRIL 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

A Spring Mixed Bag by Capt. Christopher Tavera @MiamiSkinDiver

s March winds down, and our South Florida blue water diving season comes to an end one of my favorite times of the year is upon us! I can finally put away my 3 mm wetsuit. The blue-water guns go back in the closet, and the wahoo leads are off the boat. It’s time to get my dive gear out and the yellowfin gear ready. For the next few months my charters will cross the gulf stream for a mixed bag of skin diver reef treats, and screaming drag yellowfins. Spring fishing and diving in the Bahamas is some of the best in the world. I’ve had some of the most outstanding days of my saltwater career in April. The pilchards are thick and easy to find around Miami. The days are getting longer and the yellow fins start to chew over in the Bahamas. The diving is fantastic. I normally plan three day trips around the weather so we can maximize our fishing and dive time. Every successful trip will start with some prep work. When I hit the tackle shop I pick up two flats of sardines for chunk baits. I get 3/0, 4/0, and 5/0 circle hooks, both offset and standard. I always have 40, 60, and 80 pound fluorocarbon leader, and I never leave without a couple packs of mahi hooks. Here’s a tip, let those sardines thaw out at home and then put them into 5 gallon buckets. Refreeze them till you hit the water. This little trick will save your fingers from being cut off during unsteady knife work at 40 mph. True story. If my dive gear needs some love, I’ll head over to my local dive shop for a quick gear check. The number one thing that people overlook is the rubber bands on their polespears and Hawaiian slings. If you haven’t used your shooters since last summer, it’s time to replace the rubber. Don’t run 100 miles, draw back on your first fish, and then watch your spear bounce off your target. Now that the prep work is out of the way, let’s go. I normally leave the 305 around 6 am loaded up with live pilchards and my chunk baits. It will take about an hour and a half to reach bimini on a flat day. I want to be tied up at the Bimini Big Game Club to clear customs right when they open. Remember to use “Click 2 Clear” for Bahamian customs, immigration. Click 2 Clear is the Bahamian online system and registration is required. Do this before you leave on your trip. Use travel.gov.bs for your visa, and do this days beforehand as individual accounts and profiles are set up and there may be additional requirements. (Note: this is the procedure as of this writing. Always check with local authorities before any trip for updated travel procedures and requirements) cont’d on page 2

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

APRIL 2022

MIAMI 1

A Spring Mixed Bag

cont’d from page 1

Once I’m legal, let the fun begin. I like to tuna fish between the Ginger Breads and the Issacs about 60 miles northeast of Bimini. It will be late morning or early afternoon by the time we get there, hardly prime time for yellowfins. So to get some fish in the boat, and kill some time we’ll spearfish along the edge. I like looking for coral heads in 25 to 45 feet of water. I’ll try and find more isolated heads and work the drift with the current. We’ll pick up some nice muttons and hogfish. We always dive in pairs for safety, and to keep the sharks at bay. They get turned up if it’s outgoing green water. Hit a fish or two and keep moving if it’s a falling tide. After some reef treats are on ice it’s time to hit the tuna. We’ll get out of the water around 1:30-2pm and run out to the fingers. Be sure to check the bigger weed lines on the way out as the mahi are pouring through this time of the year. Next fire up that radar and start chasing the birds about 10* miles off the bank. You want to see good signs of life under each flock. Set up in front of them and make it rain pilchards. Get a bread crumb trail going. If you mark them down deep, don’t be afraid to soak on a flock, chunking. I believe the yellows do loops around good areas. They will find you even if the birds move off. Don’t be afraid to fish till dark if you’re comfortable running home in the dark! Remember to bleed and ice your tuna down correctly. I make a brine in my wing box where I let them cool down and bleed out before I transfer them into my fish box. It makes a world of difference in the quality of the meat.

If you like my articles and want to see the catches behind them please like, comment, and subscribe to my social media channels @miamiskindive . Get out there and get after it! Be safe on and in the water! Captain Christopher Tavera @MIAMISKINDIVER 305.984.4777

2 MIAMI

APRIL 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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suzukirepower.com | 1-800-545-4574 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

APRIL 2022

MIAMI 3

FRESHWATER by Captain Mike Tojdowski

eacock Bass spawning season is in full swing! You are likely finding fish on beds or seeing them escorting their fry, until they are big enough to defend themselves. One unique characteristic of peacock behavior is that males and females stay paired after breeding and work as a team to protect their nest, eggs, and finally their young. Both fish may stay on the nesting site for several months. During this time the adult fish are extremely aggressive but that doesn’t mean they are feeding. Most likely they are attacking or just trying to remove any possible threat to their bed site. This is the behavior that makes the spring and summer such an attractive time of year for peacock anglers. Please keep in mind if you are going to target these fish to be a responsible angler and only catch one of the two parents. This will ensure that the fish that was caught will return to their mate and the juvenile fries will be protected. By taking both fish off their beds, you almost guarantee they will either abandon the nest and/ or their fry will be eaten by other predators in the area. Additionally, you will be leaving the bed vulnerable to competing Midas Cichlids that will more than likely destroy the eggs and nest quality. Let’s all do our part to preserve Miami’s amazing local fishery so future generations can enjoy! Clearer waters this time of year allows for site casting on bigger fish in deeper waters. Throwing Jerk Baits, Flukes and Poppers will almost certainly get strikes, especially when you pause for a few seconds between every 4 or 5 cranks. Keeping in mind cooler water requires you to fish slower since prespawn fish are holding deeper and may require a bit more coaxing to get them to strike. Captain Mike Tojdowski Follow us in Urban Legends Fishing Charter Follow us on Instagram @Urbanlegendsfishing or check out our Website ULFish.com

4 MIAMI

APRIL 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

BLACKfin by Coastal Angler Magazine Staff Writer.

he Black Fin tuna is among our most coveted offshore eaters here in South Florida and it remains an important species both recreationally and commercially. They are not the world renowned culinary gold standard for tuna, commanded by the monster bluefin and yellowfin that curcum navigate the globe. In fact the black fin is one of the smallest species in the tuna family and also has a narrow range unique to the Western Atlantic. They are highly migratory, and as the seasons change can be found from Northern Brazil all the way up the Eastern seaboard to Massachusetts. In the summer months, above the equator, they migrate to the extreme Northern portions of their range chasing increasing water temperatures as they warm to above 70 degrees. Black Fins can be found in South Florida year round, however we are in the middle of their migratory range. The fish that we see seem to always be on their way somewhere. In the winter they are headed to the equator but in spring they travel through South Florida in force. The fish can grow to just under 50 lbs although one that size would be rare. An average fish is about 20 inches corresponding to a weight of about 7 lbs. The all tackle record (as of this writing) according to IGFA, was caught in 2006 in Marathon, and weighed in at 49 lbs 6 oz Black fins like some other tuna are known to travel in schools and can be observed forcing large numbers of panicked baits to the surface and pinching them between frigates and other seabirds as they dive, snap and gorge. The fish don’t spend all of their time at the surface. Researchers have documented the fish diving to over 600 ft.

Captain Danny Ramos @BlueDreamFishing, likes to start targeting black fins in the later part of the month. “If we don’t see birds right away, we’ll troll a zig zag pattern from the reef out to about 500 feet dragging cedar plugs and small feathers. Once we find the fish we’ll zero in on that depth. Tuna can be really fast. Sometimes you will find a flock of diving birds chasing the school and they’ll be moving so fast you can’t catch them. Normally if you see a big flock of diving birds, maybe 10 or more, it’s Tuna. Get out in front of them and cast a one or two once bucktail. I like either white, or blue and white. Work it fast through the school. When the fish are frenzied, it’s a reactionary bite. They just don’t want to let that bucktail get away.” Whatever your method, blackfin tuna pull hard, are fun to target, and make great eating. Whether prepared as sashimi, grilled or fried make sure you bleed all tuna by cutting the artery below the gills. Get out there and make it happen.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

APRIL 2022

MIAMI 5

FRIED

and the

WRONG WAY

n old salty friend of mine had a great seafood adage that has stuck with me over the years. He said “There’s only two ways to cook fish, fried and the wrong way…” -Though I’m not sure I totally agree with him, fresh fried fish, done right, sure is hard to beat. Deep fry seems like a simple preparation but let me assure you I have figured out all sorts of ways to screw it up. Read on and I’ll share with you a few tricks to ensure that crunchy, flakey, and savory are part of the vocabulary of any guest you’ll have over for dinner after a successful fishing trip. Breading can be a subject of endless conversations among chefs and seafood connoisseurs alike. My brother-in-law insists on pancake mix, others love corn flakes and corn meal seems to be the hallmark of southern dishes. Another approach that I may or may not be privy to is using crushed saltine crackers as a breading. My old man prefers to season first with salt and pepper and dust lightly with good old fashioned flour. Beaten eggs and or egg whites can help make a more robust coating stick and if you really want to get fancy you can flour, then egg, then bread. In contrast to concocting your own seasonings and breading there are a wide variety of premixed fish fry brands that turn out great results. Be sure to note whether or not they are labeled “seasoned” on the front label so that you don’t double up on the flavor. A personal favorite of

6 MIAMI

APRIL 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

mine is Louisiana Seasoned Crispy Fish Fry Seafood Breading Mix. Whatever your preference, fried does seem to have a place with all of us who covet the chance to harvest and prepare our own wild foods from the seas or lakes or streams or rivers. Temperature is another area of discussion, but I think we can all agree that constant temperature is important. Whether you’re cooking at 350°, 365° or even 375 degrees, you want your oil temperature to stay as constant as possible. If you’re like me and you don’t have an industrial deep fryer, consider using cast iron and a digital thermometer to help you keep the temperature where you want it. Cast iron is about as dense as you can find in a cooking vessel and more dense means a slower rate of change in temperature. It’s also good practice to cook your fish in small batches as the less you add to the pot the more heat you retain. We have all added too much fish and dropped our temperature wildly beyond the threshold of best temperature practices resulting in either soggy nuggets or burnt breading. The oil… what oil do you fry with? First of all, let me ask you this… are you going to reuse the oil or toss it after a single meal? When deep frying you want to use a neutral flavor oil with a high smoke point. Peanut is expensive but has a higher smoke point, vegetable oil is cheap and versatile. Corn, canola, and sunflower are similar to vegetable oil. Don’t burn the oil. Once oil reaches its smoke point, it’s likely to take on an acrid flavor. In South Florida the most common fried fish preparations call for a mild white fish like grouper or snapper. Dolphin is extremely popular and hogfish is also an excellent choice. I find that the culinary rules are more like guidelines and any fresh fish can be a candidate for the deep fryer. We fry tuna nuggets a little hotter and a little faster so the breading browns before the fish cooks all the way through. In the summer you might try chunking your lobster tails and adding lobster bites to the mix. There are of course many more fry preparations including batters, and flash frying and double frying and more. The results are subjective and your preferences will dictate how you fry. Whether fried or the wrong way, the important thing is that you try.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

APRIL 2022

MIAMI 7

g n i l e TheTrav Fisherman by Capt. Bouncer Smith

y first fishing adventure of March 2022 was to Panacea Florida. This little fishing village is about 50 miles south of Tallahassee Florida. I stayed at The Oaks RV resort and hotel. I made this trip at the urging of Gary and Linda Hall. We have been friends for nearly 60 years. Gary and I ran charter boats from the Castaways Motel docks in Sunny Isles Florida. The Halls now live in western North Carolina’s mountains and escape the cold to Panacea every February and early March. Gary and I fished a charter with Tanner (Panacea Guide Service) on Tuesday. Tanner was a hard working guide with a very comfortable flats boat. He put us on a great redfish bite in the morning. As I have seen many times, the weather got perfect and the fish quit biting as the clock struck noon. Tanner showed us numerous good looking locations, but they were so secret even the fish never heard about them. He cleaned our catch and directed us to Posie’s to get our fish fried or blackened for a great dinner with Linda. Wednesday Gary suggests a quick trip to Crum’s for live shrimp and then take a road trip west to some land based fishing sites. We struck out in Carrabelle Florida at our first stop. But our second stop was a gold mine. We fished a pier that had been a causeway bridge wrecked by a hurricane and replaced with a new causeway. The old road is now a well appointed fishing pier that produces a variety of good fishing throughout the year. Here we fished live shrimp with anywhere from a small split shot to a 1/4 ounce jig depending on the current. We caught lots of trout from 14 to 22 inches and Linda caught several sheepshead. Thursday was pretty slow. Our first stop produced good redfish action, but they were all very small except Linda’s beautiful 26 3/4 inch redfish. Friday I enjoyed a countryside drive back to my home base in Marietta Georgia. I’ll be headed to South Florida for turkey hunting with Matt Tambor, an Awards dinner for the IGFA Legendary Captains and Crews, the West Palm Beach Boat Show, the Ralph Brown Celebration of Life, Ryder Raymond’s second birthday party and I hope, some fishing.

OUR TIP OF THE MONTH

When Gary Hall encounters shrimp or other baits smaller than desired he adds a colored round bead on his leader that slides right down to his hook. This still allows a free weight bait, but just a little bit bigger profile. He goes red bead, or go home. Small jig heads will do the same job and often replace split shots or sinkers. Capt Bouncer Smith 305-439-2475 captbouncer@bellsouth.net Note from the Editors and Publishers of Coastal Angler Magazine about Captain Bouncer: Captain Bouncer Smith is a legendary Captain in South Florida, and might we add an amazing fisherman. Although he is now retired he continues to contribute to the magazine and continues to share his vast wealth of fishing experience through a new series of books he has released called The Bouncer Smith Chronicles. All three books are currently available on Amazon. We would encourage you to look them up and enjoy them as we have! This Man is part of our South Florida fishing heritage and part of the Coastal Angler family. Please consider supporting him so that he can continue to share the wisdom of 50 plus years of sportfishing experience in South Florida.

8 MIAMI

APRIL 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

APRIL 2022

MIAMI 9

Change The Way You Catch Live Bait

THEBALLYHOOP.COM

www.USHarbors.com

Flamingo, Florida Bay, FL - Apr 2022 High

Date

Fri

4:17

2.4

4:18

2.4

11:45

0.1

Rise

Set

7:17