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trailered. Fishing from the bank, from a pier or in the surf provides freedom of movement for them to explore. If they lose interest in fishing, they can chase crabs, look in the buckets of neighboring anglers, hunt for shells or wade the shallows.
Catch And Keep Like sports trophies, Children want and take pride in having something to show for their efforts. Allow kids to take part in the process of catching, cleaning and cooking fresh fish for dinner. In the process, they’ll learn how the meat they eat makes it to their plate.
A Few Tips
T
o a father and an angler, there’s nothing sweeter than the phrase, “Daddy, can we go fishing today?” I heard those words the first time three years ago from the open face and high-pitched lilt of a 6-year-old boy. It was the reward for years of careful cultivation. We’ve fished together since he was a toddler. Before, it had always been my idea, a way to drag him outside on a warm afternoon. Those early trips to a small neighborhood pond were frustrating. He wanted to do it himself, so Dad picked through snarled lines while the boy mucked around in the shallows, throwing rocks and scaring fish. At some point, I gave up on catching fish. That pivotal moment freed us both to enjoy time
together. To a 4-year-old, sharing crackers with minnows that dart from beneath a dock is as engaging as a fish on the line. Frogs, turtles and the blue heron that fished the same spawning flats we did were as integral to the experience as fish. Now, as a 9-year-old, that kid stands in the front of the boat, ties his own rigs and pounds the banks with skill. Watching his growth as an angler is immensely rewarding, and keeping it fun was/is the key to feeding his desire.
The Fishing
Fishing is more fun when fish are biting. Pond bream are great for young anglers because techniques are simple and the action is fast. In saltwater, seatrout and whiting provide the same kind of action that keeps their attention. For the first few outings, leave the boat
• Be Patient: Don’t plan on fishing yourself. The adult’s job is to cast and untangle lines, bait hooks, unhook fish and avoid being hooked. • Take Snacks: The most important items in the tackle box are snacks and juice boxes. • Don’t Push It: If your kids would rather throw rocks, let them. • Their Gear: Children love stuff that is theirs. Get a small tackle box for them to carry. Load it with a small pair of pliers and a few inexpensive lures. • Lures: Some kids just want to throw it out and reel it in. Small inline spinners and some jigs are designed to catch anything that swims, and there’s no wrong way to fish them. • Let Them Learn: Nothing is more aggravating than being constantly told what to do. Offer help, but let them learn from their own mistakes.
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By Gary Turner
W
e were trolling along under blue skies when the back right rod started bleeding line. It was a good fish, whatever it was. But just like that, the line snapped and the fish was gone. We were all pumped after the first bite of the day. Off West Palm Beach, Stacy Flemming, Jimmy Dean and I had met the bait man early to get some goggle eyes. We were in search of big fish. Mahi, tuna, sailfish and cobia were all on the list. As we pulled baits, boats began to arrive on the water. There was a Trump boat parade that morning, a Trumptilla, and nearly all of them
came out to fish. It got a little crazy, so we decided to move farther out. That was our lucky move. As soon as we got baits back in the water, a rod started shedding line, not at a furious pace, just leisurely. “He doesn’t even know he’s hooked yet,” said Dean. About that time, line started screaming out of the reel. The fish made a long first run, and as I started to reel down on it, it leapt. It was a nice sailfish! After what seemed like an hour, the fish started to slow. We maneuvered close, and Dean grabbed its bill and unhooked the 4/0 circle hook. He revived the fish and let it swim away.
Dean has a saying, “On the boat, all is calm until it’s chaos.” Oh, how true that is! We were enjoying the sunshine and 100-foot water clarity when we hooked the next fish. Then, all of sudden, we had two. Fleming and Dean grabbed the rods. I scrambled to clear the lines. Dean’s fish came unbuttoned, but Fleming had a leaper on. We soon saw why that sailfish was doing its best to stay in the air. A large bull shark had spotted it. The shark was all over our fish! Regulations say you should leave sailfish in the water, but we had to save this one. As I backed the boat in, Fleming and Dean yanked it in the boat just as the shark made another run at it. Whew, that was exciting! With the shark out of sight, we stood watch as Dean revived and released his fish. After several more, we called it a day. The next day, we didn’t see much activity until afternoon. A large shark passed with cobia in tow, but none took our baits. Then we saw diving birds and fish smashing baitfish on the surface. About a minute later, the back-left rod bent hard. Fleming got a hold of it, and that fish was moving. When we finally saw color, it was a tuna. Fleming reeled as fast as he could, while we watched another big bull shark homing in on the tuna’s trajectory. The shark hit the tuna right above the tail but couldn’t hang on! Injured, the tuna came quickly to the gaff. We had one more hookup from that school of tuna before we decided to drop baits on a wreck to top off the cooler. It was a great couple of days off South Florida. If you’ve got an extra seat on your boat, contact Gary Turner at gary@purgeright.com.
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This is one of the more tricky fishing forecasts I’ve ever written. A lot of variables are gonna come into play for May. Even a bad May fishing is still better than most months. If March and April have been any indicators for things to come, May is gonna be stellar! I’ve always been an optimist, so here goes nothing... The Spillway was in the process of closing while I am writing this. Let’s just assume that launches, bait shops and waterways are gonna stay open. The term “social distancing” couldn’t be better applied than on a boat. Our boats will really be fishing EVER-WHERE!!! The Louisiana Marsh has been a 100 times better this year than last year. The shrimp should be pushed in all throughout the marsh. Go To spots like Isle Au Pitre, Flatboat, and Brush Island should be teeming with schools of hungry trout. Watch for flocks of diving gulls to point the way to feeding trout. Once you find a school of keeper sized trout, you can almost throw a bare hook to catch em. A simple Boat Monkey popping cork with 2 feet of leader and a good soft plastic(Matrix) will get it done. The big sow trout should be over the shell bottoms. When the bait shops start getting croakers, get ready for some fun. A 2/0-4/0 Khale hook will hold most croakers. Carolina rigs work very well. I always use just enough weight to keep it on the bottom. It looks like the triple tail are gonna be in good this year. Keep a watch out when passing buoys, channel markers or floating debris. Just get a big live shrimp near em, and HANG ON!!! The near shore reefs have been consistent, and should be all month. For those not wanting to make a long run, these structures are awesome. Trout, reds, black drum, sheepshead and flounder should all be on them. You’re gonna loose some hooks and sinkers, so just plan for it. Live or dead shrimp works great on these. This has with out a doubt been the most boats we’ve have ever seen on the water. PLEASE be courteous to other fishermen. It doesn’t matter if you are launching, wading, fishing outta the boat or joy riding. Use a little common sense and respect other people. Be mindful of your wake, and “social distancing”. There’s plenty of fish, and places to fish.
As Always, Have Fun and Be Safe
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Big Bass on the Fly
When someone uses the term, “big bass” it could mean different sizes for different people. For instance, a big bass to Kevin VanDam is obviously much larger than what I would consider big. Another factor in what determines if a fish is considered “big” is the method in which it was caught. A two pounder on a cane pole will put up a much better fight than if you caught it on a bait casting rig. Well, lately all I’ve been casting is a fly rod. My standards for which I considered fish “big” has dramatically changed. Since starting fly fishing, I’ve been chasing many different species of fish, but one that has been at the top of the list, is a largemouth bass. Not just any bass would do though, I wanted a solid 20” plus fish. One in the 4-5 lb range on the fly rod. Knowing it would be a challenge just to get a fly in front of one that size, I hit a lake near home that is renown for above average catches. I started the morning off slinging a walking topwater on a baitcaster. Nothing. As the sun started rising I went deep and targeted fish suspending in 10 feet of water with a crankbait. It was working great. I was consistently catching fish in the 16-19” range, but couldn’t find any over 20. After finally giving in to the fact I could probably land an 18” fish on the fly, I started slinging flies. I chose a fly that imitated the baitfish I was observing. A shad fly about 3” long. The fly was one I unskillfully tied myself. Surprisingly, it swam very naturally with long slow strips of the line. Within 10 minutes of starting to cast it, I had a subtle take only yards from the front of my kayak. I set the hook and instantly knew, this was the one. As the fish fought, I worked to get the line back on the reel. Finally after literally 2 minutes of fighting, the fish entered the net. I knew it was considerably bigger than any other fish I’d caught that day. Sure enough, after a measurement, I finally had that 20” largemouth. Since starting to fly fish, I’ve learned a lot about fish that I was overlooking before. Cast have to be more intentional and casting with stealth isn’t easy. I feel like I’m becoming a better fisherman, simply by changing the methods I’m using to catch fish. I thought I would sacrifice numbers and size of fish when I replaced the casting rods with the buggy whip. I’ve been pleasantly surprised that my numbers are up considerably from this time last year, and I’ve caught more fish in the “big” range for their respective species. I hope you continue following my journey, next month, fingers crossed, redfish.
Jeff Jones
Good Vibes, Tight Lines, and God Bless
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Offshore Report Derek Stiglet Nelson Outdoors Pro-Staff
June 2020
As of May 22nd, Red Snapper season has been open for recreational anglers here in Mississippi state and federal waters. Red snapper season is probably the most sought after for most folks here on the coast. There is a huge population of Red snapper along our coastline that inhabit the offshore rig platforms and sunken shipwrecks in our state fish havens throughout the Gulf. For snapper, I use a variety of setups but my go-to is the Penn Fathom reel in either a 2 speed or a single speed. The Fathom 25s up to the 40s work just fine and have the drag power to handle these fish to pull them up and out of the structure. I pair the Fathom reel with a Penn Carnage jigging rod 5’8” in length. It will handle the 25-40 size range of reels and it is rated for 80-200lb braid. I’ll add a 6’ top shot of Seaguar Fluorocarbon in either 60 or 80lb test and using a single uni knot, I tie on a 7/0 or 8/0 Mustad circle hook. Depending on the size fish I’m targeting and the baits I am using will determine the size of the hook and leader to use. Snapper will eat just about anything but my go-to baits are fresh, frozen squid, cigar minnows or pogys. You can pick up all of your necessary tackle, baits and performance clothing at Nelson Outdoors located on Market st in Pascagoula, Ms. Also, you can get your reels spooled with braid or mono and have your reels serviced as well.
Nelson Outdoors is your one stop shop for all your hunting and fishing needs. 2034 Market St. Pascagoula, Ms 39567
228-769-6699 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
JUNE 2020
MISSISSIPPI 7
Tide Chart Sponsored by:
Seaway Marine Center 13247 Seaway Road Gulfport, Ms 39503 228-276-1712
SeawayStorage.com Louisiana, South Pass, Gulfport Harbor, Mississippi Sound
June 2020
N 30° 21.6' / W 89° 04.9' Date
Day
1
Mo
10:05a
High Tide 1.0
High Tide
1:53a
Low Tide
Sunrise
Sunset
Moonrise
Moonset
5:58a
7:51p
3:34p
3:03a
2
Tu
9:22a
1.3
5:56p
3
We
9:25a
1.7
6:49p
0.1
5:58a
7:52p
4:40p
3:40a
-0.3
5:58a
7:52p
5:47p
4
Th
9:51a
1.9
7:42p
4:19a
-0.5
5:58a
7:53p
6:55p
5
Fr
10:27a
2.2
5:01a
8:36p
-0.7
5:58a
7:53p
8:02p
6
Sa
11:08a
5:48a
2.3
9:27p
-0.7
5:57a
7:53p
9:06p
6:40a
7
Su
8
Mo
11:49a
2.3
10:16p
-0.7
5:57a
7:54p
10:05p
7:36a
12:29p
2.2
11:01p
-0.5
5:57a
7:54p
10:57p
9
8:35a
Tu
1:06p
2.1
11:41p
-0.3
5:57a
7:55p
11:42p
10
We
1:40p
1.8
5:57a
7:55p
11
Th
2:06p
1.6
12:14a
-0.1
5:57a
7:55p
12:21a
11:30a
12
Fr
2:13p
1.3
12:38a
0.1
5:57a
7:56p
12:56a
12:25p
13
Sa
12:51p
1.0
12:44a
0.4
5:57a
7:56p
1:28a
1:17p
14
Su
10:15a
1.0
12:15a
0.5
5:57a
7:57p
1:58a
2:09p
15
Mo
9:08a
1.2
6:05p
0.4
5:58a
7:57p
2:27a
3:01p
16
Tu
8:50a
1.3
6:11p
0.1
5:58a
7:57p
2:56a
3:54p
17
We
8:59a
1.6
6:39p
0.0
5:58a
7:57p
3:28a
4:48p
18
Th
9:21a
1.7
7:12p
-0.3
5:58a
7:58p
4:02a
5:44p
19
Fr
9:51a
1.8
7:48p
-0.4
5:58a
7:58p
4:40a
6:41p
20
Sa
10:23a
1.9
8:26p
-0.5
5:58a
7:58p
5:23a
7:40p
21
Su
10:58a
2.1
9:05p
-0.5
5:59a
7:58p
6:13a
8:37p
22
Mo
11:35a
2.1
9:45p
-0.5
5:59a
7:59p
7:08a
9:31p
23
Tu
12:14p
2.1
10:26p
-0.5
5:59a
7:59p
8:07a
10:22p
24
We
12:55p
1.9
11:08p
-0.4
5:59a
7:59p
9:10a
11:08p
25
Th
1:35p
1.8
11:47p
-0.3
6:00a
7:59p
10:14a
11:49p
26
Fr
2:13p
1.6
6:00a
7:59p
11:18a
6:00a
7:59p
12:22p
12:27a
6:01a
7:59p
1:25p
1:04a
0.7
Low Tide 5:07p
9:35p
0.5
0.7
Sa
2:29p
1.2
12:16a
0.0
Su
10:28a
0.9
12:20a
0.4
29
Mo
8:31a
1.0
5:03p
0.4
6:01a
7:59p
2:29p
1:40a
30
Tu
8:07a
1.3
5:31p
0.0
6:01a
7:59p
3:34p
2:17a
©2020 FreeTideTables.com - For comparison only - Times are local - Tides in feet from MLLW
8 MISSISSIPPI
9:35a
28
0.5
JUNE 2020
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
Full
10:33a
27
10:54p
Phase
3rd
New
1st
Brown’s Corner Store 7000 Bayou Cumbest Road Moss Point, Mississippi
Bait/Tackle Beer Deli Open 4am-9pm 7 days a week
(228)285-7909
Non-Ethanol Fuel 2020 Snapper Season is Here Stay Safe and Be Prepared with a Sea Tow Membership. Don’t take a chance and go offshore with out it!
228-374-1092
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JUNE 2020
MISSISSIPPI 9
Recomended Gollotts Fresh Catch Seafood 200 E Eighth Street Biloxi, Ms 39530
228-967-7448
Coastal Eats Quave Brothers PO’Boys 1027 D’iberville Blvd D’iberville, Ms 39540
228-392-8683
Come by Boat or Car!
Dressed and Pressed PO’Boys and Crawfish
District on the Alley
The Bayou
1310 27th Ave Gulfport, Ms 39501
228-284-0963
2411 Beachview Dr. Ocean Springs, Ms 39564
228-327-9020
Live Music-Dog Friendly-Outdoor Seating
Crawfish-Live Music-Cold Beer
Killer Crab & Seafood 3208 Ladnier Rd Gautier, Ms 39553
228-623-8553
Crawfish-Crabs-Fresh Seafood
Happy Crawfish Season!
Would you like to have your rest�rant added to our Coastal Eats Director�? Give us a Call! Coastal Angler Magazine 228-860-0068
10 MISSISSIPPI
JUNE 2020
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8080 US-49 N GULFPORT, MS 228-864-1988
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04/30/2020 ExpEXP: 5/31/2020 JUNE 2020
MISSISSIPPI 11
Saltwater Spotlight Kenny DeNiro- Ocean Springs Maringe Mart
Fast forward from the early 1950’s as a youth in Pueblo, CO to 1998, Kenny DeNiro ( pronounced like the money) opens the Ocean Springs Marine Mart. Prompted by his own need for convenient marine fuel, bait and supplies. Kenny has a full service dock side marine store including fuel and live bait. Q: Can you give the reader a little information regarding your business background ? A: I went to work in our family business, Biloxi Sales and Service, this gave me a lot of on the job training in everything related to running a retail operation and customer service. Q: How do you maintain a supply of live bait for the store ? A: The company owns its own shrimp boat that runs 6 days a week, Tuesday through Sunday. Live shrimp are usually available beginning in the Spring of the year and ending in the Winter. The dead shrimp are frozen and are available almost any time. Live shrimp are sold by the dozen and the size depends on what the shrimp boat net takes in. Other live bait can consist of croakers, bull minnows, catfish and eels. The eels are flown in from the northern states by commercial carrier and are in top demand for cobia fishing. Q: What other bait is available at Ocean Springs Marine Mart? A: We stock a large variety of frozen bait. Frozen shrimp is the most popular along with squid, cigar minnows, pogies (menhaden), frozen eels, and frozen chum. Ballyhoo and mackerel are available with a 24 hr. lead time request. Q. Are there other options in the OSMM instead of bait? A. We have just about everything you would need for a day on the water. Tackle, artificial bait, drinks, snacks and of course ice. If you forgot something at home we can probably handle it, including sunglasses and hats. Q. Speaking of a day on the water, what are the fishing opportunities in the area? A. There are a number of professional guides that book out of the Ocean Springs harbor area. You can find their information here in the store or possibly speak with them on the dock. Q. Who makes up your customer base? A. We have mostly local patrons who have shopped with us for a long time. After over 20 years we are moving into another generation of customers. Also, our fuel business brings in out of town craft and we have visits from the crews of the local commercial shrimp operators. Q. How has the Corvid-19 Virus affected OSMM? A. As with the rest of the country there are many people temporally out of work and out of school. Fishing is not only a hobby and pastime for this area but the marine industry is a way of life for many. Out on your boat is about the best way to “social distance”. We followed the regulations and have been able to stay open. The store has a small footprint and we can accommodate most customers without them coming inside. Hopefully things will change soon! Q. What’s coming up this year as far as fishing seasons for sport fishing? A. One of the most popular is the red snapper season which begins in 2020 on May 22 and runs until July 12. They are mainly found offshore in depths of 30 ft. or more and make some of the finest table fare available from the Gulf. More details can be found at www.dmr.ms.gov. Q. Is there an unusual story or event that you recall involving the OSMM ? A. Some years ago I owned a local bar with a full-size Marlin hanging inside. During one of the hurricanes the property received a lot of water and many items were washed away. A local resident and friend found the Marlin floating in Ft. Bayou and returned it. The mount was restored and is hanging over the entrance to the docks at OSMM. A survivor for sure!
Ocean Springs Marine Mart is located at 1320 Harbor Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 228-875-0072
Patton Pending-Ocean Spring, Ms
12 MISSISSIPPI
JUNE 2020
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NEW & PRE OWNED BOATS SALES MARINE SERVICE CENTER AND INSTALL
Powered By:
4417 Tennessee Ave Gulfport, MS 39501
228-731-3955
www.coastalmarinesales.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
JUNE 2020
MISSISSIPPI 13
Recomended Ocean Springs Marine Mart 1320 Harbor Road Ocean Spirngs Ms, 39564
Bait and Tackle Hull & Hitch
Nelson Outdoors
228-967-7505
228-769-6699
11032 D’iberville Blvd D’iberville Ms, 3540
228-875-0072
2034 Market Street Pascagoula Ms, 39567
Live Bait- Dead Bait-Fuel-Ice
Tackle-Apparel-Hardware-Service
Tackle-Apparel-Rod&Reel Service
A & A Tackle Box
Gorenflo’s Tackle Shop
Rising Sun Crab Traps
111 West 2nd Street Pass Christian, Ms 39571
119 Beach Blvd Biloxi, Ms 39530
228-452-5600
228-432-7387
www.risingsuncrabtraps.com Biloxi, Ms
228-967-7130
www.aamarinehardware.com
Tackle-Frozen Bait-Fuel-Ice
Crab Traps-Bait Pens
Sea 2 Swamp
Wicked Bait and Tackle
Willies Fuel & Bait
228-265-5823
228-206-0943
4850 Gautier Vancleave Rd Gautier, Mississippi
228-205-3964
13011 Highway 49 South Unit B Gulfport, Ms 39503
Tackle-Apparel-Hardware-Service
Tackle-Frozen Bait-Live Bait
Located Inside
Long Beach Harbor Long Beach Ms
Live Bait- Dead Bait-Fuel-Ice
Come cool down with a frozen daiquiri onadded ourto our beautiful 3200 Mallett Road you like to have Would your business Director�? patio or D’iberville Ms Giveget us a Call! a frozen drink to go! 228-392-3395 Coastal Angler Magazine 228-860-0068
14 MISSISSIPPI
JUNE 2020
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Captains Meeting Sept. 11th
Sept. 12th-13th
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King Mackeral
Sponsorship Oppurtunies Availible! COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
JUNE 2020
MISSISSIPPI 15
Capt. George Spivey’s
Follow Us On:
985-398-0006 Find Them at the Following Retailers
Bay St. Loius
Gulfport
Pass Christian
Gulfport
Ocean Springs
Diberville
Pascagoula
www.highwaterfishinglures.com As Seen On
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228-806-5140 Tune in Sunday Mornings at 10:30am on WLOX-TV
Headin’ South 16 MISSISSIPPI
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Headin’ South
Recomended Reel Southern Charters 1320 Harbor Road Ocean Springs, Ms 39564
228-860-0068
Charter Fishing Go Topless Fishing Charters 119 Beach Blvd Biloxi, Ms 39530
Saltwater Therapy Custom Charters
228-217-3045
1320 Harbor Road Ocean Springs, Ms 39564
228-861-7359
Inshore-Offshore-Family Friendly
Inshore-Offshore-Shark Fishing
Inshore- Islands-Family Friendly
Barlow’s Charter and Guide Services
Chasing Dots
Kraken Sportfishing
601-818-8610
228-238-9027
1320 Harbor Road Ocean Springs, Ms 39564
228-861-8535
Inshore-Offshore-Duck Hunting
Mega-Bite Fishing Charters 3366 Bay Shore Dr. D’Iberville, Ms 39532
228-861-4627
Deep Sea-Red Snapper-Barrier Islands
119 Beach Blvd BIloxi, Ms 39532
Capt. Douglas Alan Patrick Ocean Springs, Ms 39564 Redfish-Speckled Trout
Inshore-Offshore-Red Snapper
Would you like to have your business added to our Director�? Give us a Call! Coastal Angler Magazine 228-860-0068
228-382-4070 Authorized Dealer of Quality Aluminum Boat Lifts
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JUNE 2020
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Seven C’s Marine Biloxi, MS
228-435-3389 18 MISSISSIPPI
JUNE 2020
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Dauphin Island Fishing Forecast
Well, we are back ! Summer is here and the cool nights and days are gone. We are in the full summer fishing pattern now. As the day warms, speckled trout can be found in deeper water around structure, such as the Mobile Bay gas rigs and reefs and wrecks in Mississippi Sound. I use a slip cork rig and a live shrimp on the smallest hook you can get by with, a #8 usually when fishing around this type structure in deeper water. Fish with the bait suspended off the bottom 2 to 3 feet, or in the lower one third of the water column. You should have no problem finding live shrimp now, they are quite abundant. The Gulf beach side of the Island and around Sand Island will hold specks and redfish in the holes and drop offs. Live shrimp under a popping cork in water 3 to 6 feet deep are a good bet for now early before the sun gets too high and the water warms; tight lining or free lining a live croaker on the bottom in deeper water will work well too. We have been finding good numbers of redfish (red drum) everywhere along with white trout, ground mullet and spanish mackerel. June gives you quite a variety of fish species to target here around the Island. Early morning, just at daylight and late afternoon right at dusk, the top water bite for speckled trout is a fun way to catch them either wading or fishing from the boat. I will use a variety of top water baits in various colors. I love the Yo-Zuri top water baits like the 3DB Pencil baits. My favorite is the Ghost Shad color, but I also prefer the other mullet imitations with silver sides, dark back, either green or black, but the chartreuse, and the hot pink work well too. When you are wading you can cover much more area. Call me, let’s go fishing! Until next time, tight lines, and good fishing to you Capt. Charlie Gray Gray Gulf Charters Dauphin Island / Mobile Bay / Ft Morgan Alabama 251.379.5067 Charlie@Graygulfcharters.com www.Graygulfcharters.com
REEL SMOOTH Rod and Reel RepAir 228-617-4388
Fast Quality Service
228-967-7505 Hull & Hitch 11032 D’Iberville Blvd D’Iberville, Ms 39540
Parts- Repair-Apparel-Tackle
Rod Eye Replacement Reel Repair and Cleaning Custom Built Parts Custom Rod Building Grip Replacement Drop Off Locations: Nelson Outdoors Hull & Hitch 2034 Market Street
11032 Diberville Blvd,
Pascagoula, MS 39567
D’Iberville, MS 39540
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
JUNE 2020
MISSISSIPPI 19
“He Blocked Out the Sun” Part 1 of the Capt. Jeremy McHugh Story Written By: Heath Hippel
ne of the special things about saltwater fishing is the unknown. That next tug on your line could be something bigger than you’ve ever hooked, stronger than you’ve ever tangled with, so acrobatic that it jumps clear out of the water, or maybe even all three! These unexpected moments are unforgettable. For fishermen, especially saltwater fishermen, there are few fish that create these types of moments more than Tarpon. For shallow water, near shore excitement, Tarpon cannot be beat. They might be the perfect game fish, God’s gift to fishermen. But if you grow up in Mississippi, like Jeremy McHugh did, you don’t hold out much hope that you’ll be able to tangle with one anywhere close to home... In this three part series we’re going to learn how Jeremy discovered the secret to finding tarpon off the Mississippi coast. We’ll meet the mentor who provided clues and encouragement, and finally hear a first hand account of what it’s like to hook, fight, and land these awesome fish. The Catalyst Jeremy McHugh was born and raised in Gulfport. He’s fished all his life, and starting using artificials in his early teens. By his late teens he was using artificials exclusively. His favorite fish to target was speckled trout as he wade fished along the coast. He credits his fishing buddy, Mark McDonald, and Mark’s Dad with introducing him to wade fishing. He turned it into a living when he started guiding in his early 20s. He loves helping people catch fish and sharing his love of the region. One day he was fishing with his Dad when one of those unforgettable moments happened... “We were fishing the Louisiana marsh, wade fishing a shell key.” Captain Jeremy explains, “It was about 9:30 in the morning, and I was throwing a top water in waist deep water. I was wading back to the boat when all of a sudden I see a Tarpon roll on my top water, take it, and start peeling line!” “He broke the surface twice, and the third time jumped completely out of the water!” he said. I couldn’t help but interrupt, “What did it look like?” And I’ll never forget his answer... “He blocked out the sun.” Captain Jeremy went on to explain that the fish had to have been over 100 pounds and at least 5 feet long. Never in a million years did he expect to hook a Tarpon that day, much less one so big. He was fishing near an 8 foot cut, so there was some explanation for the fish being there. But it was still an incredible experience to hook a Tarpon in waist deep water. And yes, I said “hook a Tarpon”. As Captain Jeremy went on to explain, on that third jump the Tarpon spit his top water out, all the way back over his head. “What top water were you using”, I asked, wondering if he would remember. Without hesitation, “Bone Super Spook, and I still have it!”Captin Jeremy’s Dad couldn’t believe it either, asking excitedly if that was really a Tarpon he hooked. When he confirmed that indeed it was, they were both on cloud 9. But they agreed that it would probably never happen again. It was just unheard of where they fished. Then I asked Captain Jeremy how often he had heard about Tarpon as he grew up fishing in Mississippi. Not very much, he answered, but he did share a couple of stories. A charter boat captain named Scott Simpson caught a couple in the early 2000s, including the state record 167 pounder. Another story was of a couple brothers who caught one in a local fishing competition. But he never knew anyone who targeted them specifically or caught them consistently. As you can imagine, after Captain Jeremy hooked and fought that Tarpon he told his fishing buddies. And they thought if it happened once it might just happen again. A couple weeks later four of them 20 MISSISSIPPI
JUNE 2020
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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were fishing the same spot. They were catching a lot of trout, but also had a couple of strange hook ups with potentially bigger fish. They were probably jacks, but might they be Tarpon? Captain Jeremy’s long time fishing buddy Mark was fishing a topwater on his trout set up when the unexpected happened once again. He hooked up with a Tarpon, began fighting it, and managed to remain relatively calm and quiet. But sensing he was in for a long fight, and remembering he didn’t have a full spool of line, he told Jeremy, “Go get the boat!” Captain Jeremy knew they were a long way from the boat, probably half a mile, but he started walking back to get it. It took 15-20 minutes for him to get back to Mark, but incredibly he was still hooked up with the Tarpon. When he pulled up alongside his friend, he offered to hold the fishing rod while Mark climbed in. But Mark refused*, determined to fight the fish himself. Jeremy remembers, “Mark wouldn’t hand off the rod and tumbled into the boat, slipping on all the gear at his feet!” *Fishermen have a code, certain unwritten rules they abide by. One is fighting a fish by yourself. You see, if Mark had let Jeremy hold his rod then he wouldn’t have gotten credit for catching the fish. Not all the credit at least, and this applies to records as well. From the IGFA website: 1. From the time that a fish strikes or takes a bait or lure, the angler must hook, fight, and land or boat the fish without the aid of any other person, except as provided in these regulations. 2. When angling from a boat, once the leader is brought within the grasp of the mate, or the end of the leader is wound to the rod tip, more than one person is permitted to hold the leader. Mark didn’t know if he had hooked a record fish or not. He and Jeremy both wondered if there were line class records for Mississippi. Mark was fishing with 10 pound test after all, and would almost certainly set the record. But Mississippi did not keep line class records. Back to the story... By following the fish when he made his runs, Jeremy was able to help his friend Mark fight and finally land the Tarpon two and a half hours later. They reveled in the accomplishment, and estimated the fish weighed 90 pounds. Not a record fish (officially), but one that neither of them would ever forget. This definitely planted a seed in Jeremy’s mind. But they didn’t hook another Tarpon, and Jeremy got busy growing his charter business. He became quite skilled at guiding his clients for trophy speckled trout. For the next several years that is exactly what he did. But then he was presented with an opportunity to take a summer off from guiding and travel the Gulf with the Done Deal Fishing Team. The Done Deal Team competes in the Gulf Coast Triple Crown Series, five blue marlin tournaments held every summer. Jeremy was eager for a change of pace, and to learn about a new type of fishing. He was in a supporting role with the Done Deal Team. After the season ended Jeremy and the rest ofthe crew headed back to Grand Isle on the house boat. This was mid-July, and Jeremy was eager for a little time off. Thinking he was free the next day, Jeremy and a buddy of his had a few pops one night. Actually more than a few. And that made the unexpected wake up call he got at 6:30 the next morning pretty painful. His boss informed him that he was going on a Tarpon trip with David. Jeremy wanted to tell his boss to pound sand, but looking back he’s sure glad he didn’t.... Next time we’ll find out who David is and learn why Jeremy says, “That trip changed everything.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
JUNE 2020
MISSISSIPPI 21
h t f e Mon o o t o t h h P
Photo of the Month is Sponsored by: Reel Southern Charters Capt. David Kuehn 228-860-0068
228-327-9020
2411 Beachview Dr Ocean Springs, Ms 39564 22 MISSISSIPPI
JUNE 2020
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JUNE 2020
MISSISSIPPI 23
Edgewater Mall Near the Food Court
sunglassworld.net 228-388-8619
Corks-Hats-Sunglass Lanyards-Keychains- Custom Stamping
24 MISSISSIPPI
JUNE 2020
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ogram EICO
By CAM Staff By CAM Staff
J
ust like their saltwater brethren, “landlocked” striped bass in reservoirs across the country are highly mobile. Even restricted by dams, they retain the instinct to migrate, and this tendency leads to some of the most exciting fishing that exists. When stripers run up rivers and creeks each spring and summer, anglers are likely to encounter very large fish in small waters. The fish come in waves, with an initial spring spawning run followed by a larger influx when summer heat pushes fish in search of thermal refuge. Garner Reid, of Georgia’s Cohutta Fishing Company, has made it his life’s work to target big river-run stripers with a fly rod. Sure, he could catch them sinking cut bait, but it’s more fun to dance streamers around blowdowns in anticipation that a 20-plus-pounder might be waiting in ambush. The furious fights can be compared to those of big redfish, only they occur in a river, where current and cover work against the angler. “If a big striper decides he’s going to wrap your line around a snag, there’s no way you’re going to stop it,” said Reid. “You’ve got to be a little lucky.” Reid’s homewaters are Georgia’s Chattahoochee and Etowah rivers, but striped bass run in every system where they are present.
The Caney Fork, the Hiwassee, the Cumberland, the Saluda, the list of Southeastern rivers with good striper runs is long. Reid has fished a lot of them and said the similarities are a reminder that striped bass are by nature a saltwater species. “The amount of flow coming down the river dictates where you find fish,” he said. “Dam releases are like tides. High water is a large incoming tide. Just like in saltwater, the fish are pushing up as high as they can get.” Striped bass become ambush predators in these “mountain tides.” In high water, they post up in creek mouths and on big blowdowns. When flows are low, they retreat to the depths in oxygen-rich holes below shoals. Their sensitivity to sunlight means they’re most likely to prowl in low light.
Reid said fish in ambush mode are more active. The fishing is faster, and floating or intermediate lines with un-weighted streamers can be worked relatively shallow. When stripers retreat to the depths, it’s sometimes necessary to break out sinking line and weighted streamers for a slow presentation fish can’t resist. With this need for versatility, Reid carries an arsenal of 8- to 10-weight rods rigged with floating, intermediate and full sinking lines. Fly selection is determined by available forage. Popular streamers like Clousers, Deceivers and Half & Halfs fit the bill in sizes and colors to match natural baitfish. On a particular river, that might be a 2-inch threadfin shad or it might be a 9-inch rainbow trout. Reid said bigger fish, which can weigh 20, 30, even 40 pounds, prefer larger baits. Even with a 10-weight fly rod, it’ll take some luck to get a fish like that to the boat. Check out Cohutta Fishing Company at www.cohuttafishingco.com. Follow Garner Reid on Instagram and Facebook.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
JUNE 2020
NATIONAL 13
ings K Summer
CATCH UP WITH THE
OF
By CAM Staff
Mike Weskalnies caught this kingfish fishing with Show Me The Fish Charters off Anna Maria Island, Fla.
I
PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPT. LARRY MCGUIRE.
t’s that time of year when warming water temperatures in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico have sent king mackerel on their annual migrations. The action is pretty much year-round down in South Florida and the Keys, but their northward progression makes them more and more prevalent now through early fall in Atlantic waters up through the Carolinas and as far west as Texas in the Gulf. Kings prefer a water temperatures from about 68 to 73 degrees, which is extremely specific for any species. This magic temperature window is why they’re moving, and it’s how anglers find them. While anglers in central Florida see the front end of the migration in early spring, kingfishing gets better in north Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina through the summertime. The same is true in the Gulf. Summer is when they start showing up thicker in the northern regions of the Gulf. No matter where on the migration route your fishery is, kingfish will be looking for the same things when they get there. They prowl the open ocean around offshore structure and green plankton-rich waters in the thermal range where they are comfortable. They can be found on ledges, reefs, oil rigs and wrecks because that’s where the baitfish are. In summer, when baitfish move closer to shore, the kings come with them. Spotting kingfish slashing through schools of bait is one of the most exciting spectacles in sport fishing. At speeds in excess of 30 mph, they crash through teeming wads of baitfish, sometimes sending showers of threadfin into the air. Finding feeding kings is a matter of identifying preferable temperature breaks and structure using charts before heading offshore. Once there, electronics become important to scout for underwater activity. If you’re lucky, diving birds will give away bait and surface-feeding kings. Trolling is generally the most effective method to target kings, and although they will hit lures, good live bait is preferred by most tournament guys who are specifically targeting big smoker kings. Blue runners, pogies (menhaden), pilchards, threadfin herring, any bait with some silver flash is good. Switching them out and keeping them lively is important. And when the fishing is slow, it doesn’t hurt to break out a sabiki rig to catch whatever bait is on-site. Idle speed is about right for pulling live baits. It’s important to stagger depth and distance from the boat to cover a wide swath of water. Bumping the boat into neutral and just drifting when the sonar shows good bottom or good bait can also lead to a hook-up. If you’re moving slow enough, a good chum slick might be in order to draw them in.
14 NATIONAL
JUNE 2020
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A A
couple state record fish arrowed by bowfishermen this spring raise the question: Is there a size threshold where baitfish become gamefish? A striped mullet from Arkansas and a gizzard shad from Missouri were both recently recognized as alternative-method state records. The mullet measured nearly 25 inches in length and weighed 5-pounds, 6-ounces. It was arrowed from an oxbow lake off the Arkansas River a few miles upstream of its confluence with the Mississippi River. The gizzard shad weighed 3 pounds, 9 ounces. It was caught from a private pond in southeastern Missouri. Both fish are species considered to be bait by most anglers, yet both are certainly big enough to put a bend in a rod. Another question some might ask is what in the world a mullet was doing up the Arkansas River some 500 river miles from the Gulf of Mexico. Although they spawn in saltwater, striped mullet migrate into freshwater. According to Jeff Quinn, a biologist with Arkansas Game & Fish, they’ve even been known to navigate through the dams high into the Arkansas and Ouachita rivers.
By Alex McCrickard
lucky angler reeled in an unusual catch on Virginia’s Buggs Island Lake. On Easter Sunday, David Rathburn couldn’t believe the golden fish at the end of his line. Rathburn had already caught 15 crappie that afternoon fishing a Kalin grub on a 1/8-ounce jig head. “I have been fishing Buggs Island Lake for 50 years, and I always target crappie in the spring,” said Rathburn. He said that day the fish were holding PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID RATHBURN off bridge abutments and were suspended midway in the water column in about 15 feet of water. Soon he came tight to another fish off the abutment. The water was fairly clear, and when the fish got to within 3 feet of the surface he saw the colors. With a gold flash, the most unusual crappie he had ever seen was on the surface in front of him. “What in the world is that?” Rathburn recalled thinking. “I was shocked because I didn’t think it could possibly be a crappie.” Rathburn had caught the fish of a lifetime, a golden crappie. Dan Michaelson, a Virginia fisheries biologist, was surprised about Rathburn’s catch. The fish’s color is the result of a rare genetic mutation. “While this unique golden color isn’t unheard of in crappie, it certainly isn’t common. Consider also that as a fish matures they do everything in their power to avoid being eaten,” said Michaelson. “Often cryptic coloration or camouflage is a fish’s first line of defense against a predator and being a bright, gold color doesn’t lend itself well to a long life.”
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
JUNE 2020
NATIONAL 15
“Fo
Th Ac
“For Me, It’s a Fishing Tool”
The Perfect Social Distancing Activity Just Got E-Zer
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apt. Mickey Brelsford says his Rebel free-fall unit is the perfect fishing tool, providing him a “good, solid anchoring position.” In the past, using a windlass yielded poor retrieval results and left no room for customization, like adding special attachments or splicing rope and chain. “I don’t know how many times I’ve been on boats where [the line is] hanging up, snarling, getting knotted up in the windlass or shredding line,” Brelsford said. A retired policeman, Capt. Brelsford enjoys time fishing near the coast of St. James City, Fla. on his 37-foot “Nostalgic Lady,” a 1981 Hatteras Sportfish that carries 300 feet of 5/8 rope and 20 feet of heavy-duty chain. After adding a pulpit to his vessel, Capt. Brelsford used to pull up all his rope by hand, wasting time and energy on multiple retrieval and deployment attempts as he tried to find the perfect “boat position.” “The easiest way I can explain boat position is if you’re at the baseball game, you’re either playing—which is fishing— or you’re watching the game, which means you’re not,” Brelsford said. Brelsford decided he’d rather be in the
game than on the sidelines, so installing the Rebel EZ-5 became a no-brainer after researching product information and helpful documents on the company website, then calling the drum anchor winch manufacturer’s technical support team for additional pointers. Unlike E-Z Anchor Puller Mfg. Co’s two direct drive series (the Hero and Patriot series), the Rebel drum anchor winch has a clutch and friction plate design that allows the drum to free-spool when the clutch plate is disengaged. To get that “good, solid anchoring position,” press and hold the “raise/power up” side of the button for about five seconds. This will cause the clutch plate to once again rotate, but this time clamping down on the drum and holding the boat at anchor. “Once I deploy my anchor and it goes
into a free-fall, it’s straight down to the bottom as quick as it can go,” Brelsford said. “And then, once I set the anchor I can free-line out as much anchor rode as I need: that’s what I call boat position.” As an added bonus, the Rebel drum anchor winch is compatible with an E-Z Anchor Puller wireless long-range remote, which controls your drum anchor winch from anywhere on the boat. The wireless remotes are available for the Hero and Patriot series, as well. Capt. Brelsford purchased his on the company website, ezanchorpuller.com. “This [unit] here—don’t worry about it—it just rolls right on and keeps on rollin’. That’s what it is: E-Z!” Brelsford concluded.
Photo courtesy of Amber Rose.
A F
lorida fly fisher Kathryn Vallilee caught a massive 21-pound Key West permit on 6-pound tippet March 22. The catch, when approved by IGFA, is expected to crush the existing 21-year-old line-class world record by more than 11 pounds. “The fight for me was so tense because I knew this fish was the one,” Vallilee, who was fishing with Capt. Brandon Cyr, told USA Today’s For The Win Outdoors. “And I think my focus on fighting it was what makes that memory so vivid. When Brandon got the fish in the net, I just felt a wave of relief wash over me.” Vallilee is no stranger to the record books. She co-owns a Key West fly shop with her husband and already holds the 4-pound line class record. With Capt. Cyr, she has been chasing the 6-pound record all year. She and Cyr spotted three large permit as shadows over the white sand flats on March 22. She sight casted to them with a Skok’s Strong Arm Merkin fly, and the fish took. The previous record of 9 pounds, 12 ounces has stood since 1999.
t presstime, the 2020 Blue Marlin World Cup, a high stakes single-day tournament will take place as scheduled on July 4. With no captain’s meeting or awards ceremony, the Blue Marlin World Cup is a fishing tournament with built-in social distancing. Government restrictions might continue in places where the competition has been keen in the past. Travel restrictions might deter some anglers. But there are plenty of home-based spots where anglers can depart, like North Carolina, Ocean City, Virginia Beach, Orange Beach, Biloxi, Galveston, etc. These areas and many more have the potential to produce the winning marlin. All it takes is one big fish to win. The tournament entry fee for the Blue Marlin World Cup is $5,000 per team. The optional Big Blue Challenge (“BBC”) is an $8,000 entry. There is a winner for the tournament and for the BBC. If the tournament winner is also entered in the BBC, they can take home all the money in this winnertake-all format. The Blue Marlin World Cup is a one-day fishing tournament held around the world. Blue marlin weighing more than 500 pounds are the only eligible species and competing teams fish in their respective time zones from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Entries are weighed on certified government scales in their respective locales. Pending any new worldwide developments, the 2020 Blue Marlin World Cup will be held July 4. For more information or to register, visit: www.bluemarlinworldcup.com.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
JUNE 2020
NATIONAL 17
CustomBilt Pondtoon
The Pondtoon is the perfect small-water boat for avid river and pond anglers, duck hunters and bow hunters, as well as families with children or grandchildren. All boats are all-welded aluminum construction made and made in the U.S.A. with premium options to meet every angler’s needs. There are several styles to choose from that include: Fishing Series, Hunting Series, Pleasure Series, Farm/Pond Workboats, Search and Rescue and a new Camo boat. There are even wheelchair accessible models Pondtoon boats are factory assembled in three standard sizes with options and additional features that allow you to equip the boat for your fishing and hunting style at a very affordable price. Contact us to “customize” your very own CustomBilt Pondtoon boat. CONTACT CUSTOMBILT PONDTOONS AT (334) 684-2210 AND SEE THEIR WEBSITE AT BOATSANDFISHING.COM.
SPECIFICATIONS CustomBilt Pontoon
LENGTH: 14’ to 16’ BEAM: 5’ to 6’ MAX HP: 9.9 CONSTRUCTION: .090 Marine-Grade Aluminum BUILDER: CustomBilt Pondtoons 820 Hwy 27, South Geneva, AL 36340 18 NATIONAL
JUNE 2020
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GREAT SUN PROTECTION! double power capacity. That means you can connect two of them to work in tandem, delivering their full, combined power. Two lightweight EU2200is can easily start and run an RV air conditioner along with other appliances.
EU2200i Model Snapshot: Because More is More
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amping adventure goes hand-in-hand with fishing fun. These days, even the most remote fish camps are hi-tech, with satellite TVs, microwaves, tablets and blenders ready for the ultimate outdoor experience. Enter the portable generator—the real power behind outdoor enjoyment and no longer just reserved for emergencies.
Super Quiet for Some Super Fun Several years ago, Honda introduced the EU2200i Super Quiet Series inverter generator, as the most versatile and reliable portable generator for work, home or play. Outside enthusiasts took note. The Honda EU2200i replaced the company’s top-selling EU2000i, delivering the same legendary, dependable power—and more of it: 10 percent more (200 watts) at the same price. The Honda EU2200i provides better performance, class-leading fuel efficiency, quiet operation and improved ease of use and maintenance. The Honda EU2200i is the perfect portable power for any trip—letting customers power more with virtually no change in weight or cost. For example, an extra 200 watts could mean the addition of a slow cooker, fan, or computer to what’s already being powered—which adds up to greater value for the ultimate outdoor experience. With a larger engine, easy start-up process and easier maintenance, the Honda EU2200i is a versatile and reliable portable power choice. What’s more, this generator can be paired with another identically sized unit to
Honda designed the EU2200i with enhanced features that deliver customers ease of use, simplified maintenance and durable, dependable operation: • Operating sound level of 53 dB at 1/4 load and 62 dB at rated load. • Maximum AC output of 120 volts (V)/2200 watts (W)/18.3 Amps (A) and rated output of 120V/1800 W/15 A. • Run time of 3.2 to 8.1 hours on a single 0.95-gallon tank, depending on load. • Bigger oil filler opening, longer spout and larger oil drain gutter for easier and cleaner oil changes. • Fuel shutoff valve (“Fuel Off ” position) allows the engine to continue running until the majority of the fuel in the carburetor is consumed and the engine shuts off, which prevents stale fuel issues during storage. • Stamped metal recoil rope insert provides increased durability and reduces potential damage to the generator body. • Increase in the ventilation area of 2.31 square inches reduces cabinet air intake resistance, resulting in improved inverter cooling. The addition of new ducts allows air to move evenly over internal parts while improving air flow for better cooling. • Improved stator/rotor configuration uses the highest quality, most powerful magnets. • Operational contact points are color-coded, guiding the user through starting operation. • Inverter-technology equipped, featuring high-quality power output, a lighter, smaller size, higher fuel efficiency and quiet operation. To learn more about Honda Generators and the Honda EU2200i Super Quiet Series, see hondanews.com, honda.com, powerequipment.honda.com, facebook.com/hondagenerators and youtube.com/honda.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
JUNE 2020
NATIONAL 19
The Return of a Custom Built Quality Outdoor BBQ Products Since 1989
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DOA 2.75 Shrimp - the totally new design is the best of both worlds – it’s like fishing a jig and a DOA Shrimp. The weighted hook is super sharp and slips seamlessly into the body of the shrimp. Slightly smaller and heavier than the Original, it has a molded in rattle cavity to easily add sound, skips well, sinks fast, and casts like a bullet.
www.doalures.com 20 NATIONAL
JUNE 2020
apt. Tim Barefoot is having trouble concentrating. In the middle of May, he was on rockfish so thick he had to ice his arms in the evenings. Reports from across the Mid-Atlantic indicate huge spawning runs of striped bass up coastal rivers that ramped up in the middle Photo Credit: Tim Barefoot of March. This is very good news considering all the doom and gloom we’ve been hearing about Atlantic striped bass populations lately. Barefoot has first-hand information from the James, Rappahannock, Occoquan and Potomac rivers. “They have all been chock full of fish and bait this year,” he said. “And it’s the nicest class of fish we’ve seen in several years.” The action is incredible for fish in the 3- to 12-pound range, and Barefoot is seeing the occasional 15- to 20-pounder. But he was almost as excited about the baitfish as the stripers. “One of the most encouraging things was to see the way the herring showed up,” he said. “The herring are so thick they brought the loons with them from the ocean. And when the herring are here like that, everything’s feeding and everything’s healthy.” Typically the rockfish will stick around in the rivers until mid-June or later. Until then, Barefoot said there’s no need for live bait. He’s been wearing them out on a Super Fluke rigged on a Barefoot Jumping Jig with the barb mashed down for easy releases. For more information, contact Capt. Tim Barefoot through his website at barefootcatsandtackle.com.
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201578_DOA_1.14_Coastal Angler_Coupon Ad_3.762x5.012.indd 1
1/14/20 8:50 AM
PHOTO CREDIT: George Costa, TCO Outdoors
By Nick Carter
S
ure, 90 percent of a trout’s diet might come from below the surface, but there’s nothing that satisfies like solving the puzzle during a hatch and catching fish on a dry fly. No discussion of hatches is complete without mention of Penns Creek, Pennsylvania. This venerable stream is one of the best dry fly fisheries in the
country, boasting what may be the most famous green drake hatch in the East. From Coburn downstream to Glen Iron, Pennsylvania, there are roughly 20 miles of “Class A Wild Trout Stream,” and much of it is accessible only on foot through central Pennsylvania’s Bald Eagle State Forest. Penns Creek supports an incredible amount of insect life. Guide George Costa, with TCO Outdoors, said things pick up in April when blue-winged olives, Hendricksons and grannoms appear and lead into a riot of bug activity in May. “Sulphurs, March browns, caddis, blue quill, olives, pretty much everything under the sun is hatching,” said Costa. “It can be massive, and all at once.” These insects are a precursor to the main event, which is 10 days in early June when big meaty green drake mayflies conduct their courtship. The hatches move progressively upstream with warming water temperatures, and big size 8 to 10 patterns match the adult stage of this mayfly. Of course, all the other bugs will be on the water at the same time, so it’s wise for anglers to keep options open. Costa said the best pattern during a drake hatch is a size 16 sulphur. Penns Creek brown trout seem to prefer the flavor of the smaller pale yellow sulphur mayflies. Every fish in the river takes part in the annual smorgasbord. Brown trout are the dominant species, a few rainbows show up, and native brook trout enter the flow from tributaries. At Penns Creek, there’s a chance to catch tiger trout, which are a brown trout/brook trout crossbreed. Fish size is good, too. Costa said they average 13 to 16 inches, and there’s potential to encounter fish 20 inches and longer. Adventurous anglers who want to target large fish with dry flies should pack a headlamp. In the final stage of the green drake lifecycle, they molt into big white coffin flies. They lay their eggs and then die en masse, falling to the river in an event known as a spinner fall. Most of the action takes place after dark. The angler listens for fish slurping spinners off the surface and then casts a big size 6 or 8 pattern to the unseen target. The largest fish in the river feed during the spinner fall. For maps, GPS coordinates and tactics for the Southeast’s best trout waters, get a copy of Nick Carter’s book “Flyfisher’s Guide to North Carolina & Georgia.” It’s available on Amazon, and autographed copies are available by emailing the author at nsc8957@gmail.com.
Barefoot
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99 22 59 34
(4737)
ITEM 5889/62281 61637 shown
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* 73298005 * 73298005 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 8/3/20*
3-in-1 Portable 12v LED Magnetic Power Pack with Towing Light Kit Jump Starter
$
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Compare to Dewalt DW1369 $68.14
ITEM 92851
(2173)
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Compare to Snap-on Blue-Point KRBC10TBPES $830
Compare to Radians 980731 $22.08
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30", 5 Drawer Mechanic’s Cart
$
Save 45%
* 73297511 * 73297511 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 8/3/20* ®
Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, power stations, safes, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, welders, Admiral, Ames, Atlas, Bauer, Central Machinery, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Diamondback, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 8/3/20.
$ 49
.
(798)
*73289161 * 73289161
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72" x 80" Moving Blanket
$ 99
89
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(5596)
$ 49
Compare to Energizer HDB32Eh $15.98
ANY SINGLE ITEM*
WOW!
2
$ 89
Adjustable pressure relief valve equalizes pressure for easy opening
Save $ 155
Compare to RangeMaxx 1312-92 $9.99
20% OFF
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(593)
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Save $ 120 Use Online & In-Store
* 73308207 * 73308207 LIMIT 1 - Exp. 8/3/20*
Save 66% Compare to Porter-Cable PCE360 $59.98 ITEM 65570/61884 62370 shown
$
2799 .
1999
$
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* 73308249 * 73308249 LIMIT 3 - Exp. 8/3/20*
At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.
5/8/20 8:02 AM
3 6 0 - D E G R E E AC C E S S TO AN OCE AN OF POSSIBILITIES The engineless design of the FSH Series gives owners a spacious stern area, as well as 360-degree uninterrupted access to the water. With enhanced saltwater corrosion protection and a host of fishing and family-friendly features, Yamaha’s 2020 FSH Series is the best way to experience everything the coast has to offer. YA M A H A B OAT S . C O M
©2020 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. Follow instructional materials and obey all laws. Drive responsibly, wearing protective apparel. Always drive within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvers, and respect others around you. Don’t drink and drive. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT YAMAHABOATS.COM OR CALL 1.800.88.YAMAHA.
Sacred Stone of the Southwest is on the Brink of Extinction
B.
C
enturies ago, Persians, Tibetans and Mayans considered turquoise a gemstone of the heavens, believing the striking blue stones were sacred pieces of sky. Today, the rarest and most valuable turquoise is found in the American Southwest–– but the future of the blue beauty is unclear. On a recent trip to Tucson, we spoke with fourth generation turquoise traders who explained that less than five percent of turquoise mined worldwide can be set into jewelry and only about twenty mines in the Southwest supply gem-quality turquoise. Once a thriving industry, many Southwest mines have run dry and are now closed. We found a limited supply of C. turquoise from Arizona and snatched it up for our Sedona Turquoise Collection. Inspired by the work of those ancient craftsmen and designed to showcase the exceptional blue stone, each stabilized vibrant cabochon features a unique, one-of-a-kind matrix surrounded in Bali metalwork. You could drop over $1,200 on a turquoise pendant, or you could secure 26 carats of genuine Arizona turquoise for just $99. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you aren’t completely happy with your purchase, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price. The supply of Arizona turquoise is limited, don’t miss your chance to own the Southwest’s brilliant blue treasure. Call today!
26 carats of genuine Arizona turquoise
ONLY $99
“With depleting mines, turquoise, the most sacred stone to the Navajo, has become increasingly rare.” –– Smithsonian.com
Necklace enlarged to show luxurious color
A.
Jewelry Specifications: • Arizona turquoise • Silver-finished settings
Sedona Turquoise Collection A. Pendant (26 cts) $299 B. 18" Bali Naga woven sterling silver chain C. 1 1/2" Earrings (10 ctw) $299 Complete Set** $747
$99* Save $200 $149 $99* Save $200 $249 Save $498
** Complete set includes pendant, chain and earrings. Call now and mention the offer code to receive your collecion.
1-800-333-2045 Offer Code STC176-01
You must use the offer code to get our special price.
Rating of A+
* Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.
Stauer
® 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. STC176-01, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com
Stau e r … A f f or d the E x tr a o r di n a r y .®
One Life. Live It On The Water.
SM
Drive-On Dry Docking For Boats Up To 50 Feet
Life Can Be Complicated. Docking Shouldn’t Be. • • • • • • • • • •
“Start and Go” Convenience Effortless Spontaneous Trips Simple Drive-On Safely Moored in Seconds Complete Dry Docking Protection Prevents Fouling - Pays For Itself Spacious, Stable Walk-Around Platform Quick Loading, Safe Boarding Access Makes Caring for Craft Easy Maintenance-FREE
800-JET-DOCK
JetDock.com
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
JUNE 2020
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