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Venice, Louisiana:
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Mike Iaconelli
Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events
Talks Kayaks Inshore
PHOTO COURTESY OF JEFF SCHNEIDER VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 267
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Each month, Coastal Angler Magazine and The Angler Magazine staff search our vast coverage area for photos that will grace our covers. With well over a million readers in diverse coastal and inland markets, our magazines strive for broad national appeal as well as local-level intelligence to put anglers on fish. The cover is different depending on which edition you, the reader, are holding. The following is a little information about this month’s covers.
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COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE Venice, Louisiana Redfish
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The cover of this month’s Coastal Angler Venice, Louisiana: editions features a gorgeous Louisiana red A Paddler's caught by Kaku pro-staffer and Louisiana Heaven tuna captain Jeff Schneider while fishing from the deck of a Kahuna SUP. There is perhaps no better place in the world to chase redfish from a paddle-powered boat Local Bass Pro Mike Iaconelli than Venice, Louisiana. Kaku’s president Talks Kayaks Inshore Kevin Hawkins tells us all about it in this issue. With thousands upon thousands of acres of marshland situated around the mouth of the Mississippi Delta, it is a paradise for inshore species and the anglers who target them. There are so many options for kayak and paddleboard anglers around Venice. They range from mothership trips out in the Gulf of Mexico for big cobia, jacks and bull reds to easier hand-launch expeditions off the side of the road in Venice, where marsh ponds and canals in tall grass make it easier to find fishing out of the wind. No matter where or how one decides to deploy a little plastic boat in the waters around the Delta, the fishing will be fantastic. It truly is heaven for anglers under paddle power.
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Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events
PHOTO COURTESY OF JEFF SCHNEIDER
VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 267
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THE ANGLER MAGAZINE Bass Pro Mike Iaconelli: Down Off The Deck
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Professional bass tournament angler and Mike Iaconelli TV personality Mike Iaconelli is one of the most recognized anglers in the world. The 2003 Bassmaster Classic Champion and 2006 Make New Lures Angler of the Year, “Ike” can claim to have won Confidence Lures Local almost every major award in professional bass fishing. But he’s also a self-described fish-head, who will fish anywhere, any way for anything that will pull on the other end of a line. It’s fitting that the rig pulling his stateof-the-art Bass Cat boat also has a Hobie kayak strapped to the roof for quick and easy, on-the-spot fun fishing. In this month’s magazine, Ike tells us about his love of kayak fishing in a question-and-answer session that delves into some of the tools and techniques he uses inshore. Ike is one of the best bass fishermen in the world, and his tournament skills translate well to saltwater. The cover of this month’s The Angler Magazines is of “Ike” with a good redfish caught while filming for his TV show “Going Ike” in Port Fourchon, Louisiana. We interviewed him in the run-up to this year’s Bassmaster Classic, and taking a moment to talk kayaks seemed a breathe of fresh air for him during crunch time. Talks Kayaks Inshore
ELITE SERIES PRO MIKE IACONELLI CHASES VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 267
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Kayakin’ The Spring
By Patrick Sebile
L
ife is getting vibrant. Things are warming up, and spring is here. As a ritual long established, I feel the need to be close to nature. And to me there’s no better way to experience the feeling of life awakening than riding a kayak with a rod in my hand. I have fished and guided from all kinds of boats, from small skiffs to majestic deep-sea vessels, but a small plastic shell puts me right next to the fish, my hands always a few inches from the water’s surface. It’s not a money matter, as I own boats. Perhaps it is the challenge? I definitively spend more time each year fishing from my skiff or bass boat, and surely catch more fish from these boats. They are true fishing machines, helping me cover lots of water to find fish. And they can carry all the gear necessary for any situation. On my kayak, I have to think effectively about what my needs are and carefully consider every single thing I will bring onboard. It’s a good way to find the balance between needs and wants. So how do I fish while kayaking? In freshwater and saltwater, my approach is to slowly and surely cover every spot. In a kayak, I am much more aware of, and more capable of, targeting the places where fish hide. Superbly silent, my Pro Angler carries me at the edge of two worlds, above the surface where we
live and the liquid world, which holds the object of all our passions. My kayak tackle boxes have a variety of carefully selected key lures that will help in different situations and environments, nothing more than what I will need. I carry Magic Swimmers, hard for open water and soft for heavy cover and structure. A Flatt Shad snagless is effective in both open and snaggy areas. Twitch baits like the Stick Shadd definitely go into my box, as they are needed if fish are active. A handful of plastic worms, a couple of bucktails, and then a topwater or a pivot frog will complete this set to fish from a ’yak. Seated just above the water, gliding silently with gentle movements of my feet on the pedals, rod in hand and with eyes searching, I use the smooth approach to get as close as I can to the spot or to the fish. Then all that’s left is a short but accurate cast. Proximity also gives me greater enjoyment of seeing the fish and seeing it bite. That’s why I love kayak fishing this time of the year. And you never know; I may let my lures sit in the tackle box and simply hook a shiner or a shrimp and let it swim. Or maybe I won’t even do a thing, just watch the water and the life that surrounds it—just enjoy life… and a kayak ride. Patrick Sebile is the owner and lure designer of Sebile Innovative Fishing (www.sebile.com).
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Mike Iaconelli Talks Kayaks And Redfish
Editor Nick Carter had the chance to interview professional bass angler Mike Iaconelli just before the Bassmaster Classic. We didn’t want to jinx Ike by talking about the Classic, so we asked the Hobie pro about his love of kayak fishing.
W
hat’s the appeal in stepping down from the deck of a bass boat into a kayak? Ike: Growing up in southern New Jersey, I consider myself a small-boat angler first. Many of my early childhood experiences fishing involved fishing from the bank, rowing a small jonboat or paddling a canoe. Kayak fishing fills a huge niche in my fishing life. Outside of competitive bass tournament fishing, I’m still a huge fish head. That means fishing for all freshwater and saltwater species in my down time. When I’m fun fishing or filming for TV shows, I love to access remote places that I can’t get into with my full size bass boat. Kayak fishing is also a HUGE breath of fresh air to leave behind the big boat and all of the time and preparation that go along with launching and running that boat. With your tournament schedule, do you get to spend much time on the salt? Ike: I definitely try to go inshore and offshore fishing each fall when the tournament season concludes. This past fall, I spent a week in Port Fourchon, Louisiana hanging out at Hobie Worlds 6 and filming a kayak fishing episode for season two of my TV show, Going Ike, which premiers this spring on the Pursuit Channel! I had a great time catching big redfish and trout, plus it was awesome meeting the Hobie World Championship competitors from all over the world who love fishing as much as I do. I also had a chance to go offshore fishing with my buddy Ish Monroe in San Francisco during November. We were mainly targeting lingcod, and it was an amazing day of fishing! Where do you put your kayak in and what do you fish for in New Jersey? Ike: I mostly fish the small lake behind my house, which has largemouth bass, northern chain pickerel, crappie and sunfish. My son, Vegas, got a brand new Hobie kayak from Santa for Christmas this year. The fish in our lake better watch out this summer! I’m really looking forward to spending time with my family and pursuing exciting new fishing adventures. How do redfish compare to “green fish?” Ike: Anyone who has caught a big redfish would agree that they are definitely more powerful and are a very aggressive fish in general. One of my favorite things about targeting redfish is that most of the time I can focus on shallow-water power-fishing techniques and search for active, feeding reds. With the “green fish,” there are a lot of times that I have to slow down and present a bait to them slowly such as with a jig, worm or finesse fishing.
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What skills, techniques and gear from your bass arsenal translate well to inshore? Ike: Casting accuracy/ presentation, reading tides and powerfishing techniques are the first three that come to my mind. Often when I’m inshore fishing, I am targeting fish that are relating to a grass edge or current break. If I can make accurate, quiet casts, there’s a good chance I’m going to catch more fish! Having grown up fishing the Delaware River, which can have up to a 7-foot tide swing between low and high tides, I’ve spent much of my life learning how fish position based on the tide level and current. This experience translates extremely well to inshore fishing…. I bring a lot of traditional power-fishing gear that you’d also find in my Bass Cat boat when I’m fishing for bass: Abu Garcia “Ike” Series Rods, Berkley Trilene braided/ monofilament/ fluorocarbon fishing lines, Rapala Skitter Walk and Skitter V topwaters, VMC jigheads, and Berkley Powerbait and Gulp swimbaits, grubs, and more soft plastics. How is your Hobie rigged out? Ike: I have a Power Pole Micro Anchor to stop the kayak on a dime. This is a very crucial piece of equipment, which allows me to quickly stop and fish an area without the kayak drifting with the current or wind. This is huge when you are fishing specific targets such as points, current breaks, laydowns, docks and more. I also have a Lowrance HDS 9 Touch unit, a storage crate for my Flambeau Zerust tackle boxes and tackle bags, landing net, rod holders, and of course, Hobie’s Mirage Drive pedals so I can keep my hands fishing instead of paddling! Electronics play a huge role on the bass tournament scene, what’re your thoughts on electronics in kayaks? Ike: Electronics play just as huge of a role in kayak fishing. I really use it the same as with my Bass Cat boat! As I just mentioned, I run a Lowrance HDS 9 Touch unit on my Hobie for its GPS/ sonar abilities. I rely heavily on the information I can gather from the Lowrance such as mapping/ bottom contours, reading the water temperature, and using the sonar for locating fish, cover and structure to name a few. I may mount a Hydrowave on the Hobie as well soon. It’s another great innovation in electronics, and I use it often in my boat to fire up fish. I’m always interested in adding tools to my boat or kayak that help me catch more fish!
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f there’s a heaven for folks who fish from paddle-powered boats, it must look a lot like Venice, Louisiana. This narrow spit of marshland at the Mississippi River Delta is a maze of canals and bays that flush into the Gulf of Mexico with fecundity born of joining waters. Channels and marsh ponds tucked into thousands of acres of wetlands make it the perfect habitat for redfish, seatrout, flounder and other species. It’s like the landscape was designed for fishing and exploring with a paddle. Kevin Hawkins was born and raised in Tarpon Springs, Fla. He is the president of Kaku Kayaks & Paddleboards but calls himself the company’s chief pro-staffer. He prides himself on the amount of fishing he does and designs his boats on experience. Venice is one of his favorite testing grounds. Whether its launching roadside into the marsh, a trip outside the pass from remote Port Eads or a mothership expedition to the Gulf ’s famous oil rigs, it’s the perfect setting to test his boats. It doesn’t hurt that the fishing is awesome. When the seas aren’t too rough, there’s no adventure quite like a mothership trip out to the oilrigs in search of cobia, kingfish and bull reds. Kaku pro-staffer Capt. Jeff Schneider is also a tuna captain who runs a 36-foot Contender when he’s not paddling a small plastic boat. With kayaks loaded, it’s about an hour and a half run from Venice Marina out to 50-foot-deep rigs in West Bay. Hawkins described a day he fished with Schneider, and although the primary target was cobia, a big 45-inch redfish was the highlight. Armed with big 5000 reels and 40- to 50-pound tackle, they dropped Kaku Wahoo kayaks into 2- to 3-foot seas. Even on the stable fishing platform, Hawkins said it might have been a bit much for new paddlers. For a veteran it was fun. “It’s awesome, man. I love paddling a good kayak in that stuff and busting over big waves,” said Hawkins. “When it gets rough like that, it’s fun.” They fished a series of four or five structures linked by a bridge, which gave space to paddle around and explore. Hawkins said he paddled right up to the corner of a pier, dropped his jig straight down and began back paddling before jigging. That’s when the big bull red ate. “When you’re in the shallows and they pull you around, they call that the Cajun sleigh ride,” Hawkins said. “When you’re in deep water like that, he heads straight down. He was pulling me, and that kayak was smashing straight down on those waves. It was pretty intense.” Invariably, fish seek something to wrap the line around, and only by kicking off a beam was Hawkins able to keep himself from going
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Experience Heaven
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under the rig and losing the fish. He gave a piece of advice for battling big fish from a kayak in deep water. “Keep the tip of the rod toward the front of the boat,” he said. “When the rod goes to the side, that’s when you run the risk of flipping.” If an open-water mothership trip seems a little much, Port Eads sits on the southernmost tip of Louisiana, right at the end of the Mississippi River. It’s only accessible by boat, and reasonable prices buy lodging and good meals. Also known as South Pass, the location is a few minutes paddle from the open Gulf and offers excellent fishing for big jacks, reds, cobia, blacktip sharks and any number of other species big enough to warrant medium-heavy rods, 3000 to 4000 reels and 30- to 40-pound-test lines. Hawkins likes artificials and prefers Slayer Inc.’s Sinister Swim Tail rigged on a 4/0 jig head. For him, sinking bait outside the pass would detract from the reason he fishes from kayaks and SUPs in the first place. “Kayaks are about stalking and hunting the fish,” he said. “You’ve got to use your instincts to find them. I don’t like to just sit on a hole and fish bait.” It’s as much fun as you can have sitting down… or standing up if seas are calm enough for an SUP like Kaku’s Kahuna, which is specifically designed for fishing. But perhaps the best bet for calm waters is a third Venice option, to launch roadside. Highway 23 runs from New Orleans to Venice, and Tidewater Road is where the pavement ends. There are any number of places to hand-launch a kayak or paddleboard. Hawkins mentioned Yellow Cotton Bay as well as a series of marsh ponds and cuts at a circular canal known as The Pinwheel. Once you find fish off the grass edges, it’s probably the best inshore action in the world, and it’s easily accessible to paddlers. Popping cork rigs are a no-brainer, but Hawkins said once you get tired of catching scads of rat reds and trout, it’s time to switch to the paddletail rig he likes to fish outside the pass. “We’re looking for the big ones,” he said. “You’ve still got to be ready for the big ones. No matter where I am in Venice, I’ve got a 30-pound rig.” For more information on Kaku Kayaks & SUPs, see kakukayak. com.
To learn more about fishing from a Kahuna Paddleboard, go to
FISHINGLIFE.CO
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The 12.5′ length of the Wahoo helps ensure stability. The Wahoo spans 33″ wide, great for fishing! Weighing only 74 lbs, the Wahoo is WWW.kakukayak.com lightweight, but incredibly stable. The Wahoo has a capacity of 400lbs.
KAKUKAYAKS.COM
STABILITY LIKE YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN!
The Most Versatile Paddle Craft… Ever! The new Kahuna offers extreme stability, versatility and durability. Mount coolers, seats, storage boxes, rod holders and more to its rugged frame. It’s the first paddle craft of its kind to offer fully integrated mounting for the Micro Power Pole Shallow Water Anchor!
THE DAY’S BIG CATCH SHOULD BE YOUR ONLY FOCUS Insurance coverage through BoatU.S. makes for a great start to what could be an epic day of fishing. Our policies are designed with coverages custom-made for Anglers and include 24/7 claims service from boating experts. • Agreed Value Coverage for Your Boat, Engine(s) and Boating Equipment • Broad Cruising Areas • Charter and Guide Coverage Options Available • Coverage for Fishing Gear • Tournament Coverage • Water Towing and Roadside Assistance from TowBoatU.S. – the Nation’s Largest Fleet
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Paddlesports Product Review COVERALLS KAYAK COVER
CREEKKOOLER FLOATING COOLER
Who says kayak covers need to be bulky and thick? CoverAlls kayak covers deliver protection, strength and durability in a lightweight, tough material that keeps your kayak clean and dry year-round. Protect your kayak from nature and the elements. Prevent dirt, debris, pollen and leaves from piling up in the cockpit and seat. Block bugs and critters before they move in. Keep water out with material that’s not just water-resistant—it’s water-PROOF. Our covers are also UV-resistant to preserve your kayak’s hull and rigging from the sun’s damaging rays. Best of all, CoverAlls kayak covers are a breeze to use. They slip on quickly, draw closed with a single poly cord and cam lock—not zippers—and get snug with durable Velcro straps. There’s even a built-in red flag for transport. The cover slips off easily and stows neatly in an included compact stuff bag that even fits in most deck hatches. Spend more time with a rod and reel and less time with a hose and scrub brush. See how much better protection can be at www.coveralls.biz!
Space is always at a premium when you’re on the water in a paddle-powered vessel. Whether it’s a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard, a lack of stowage often forces us to leave behind the things not absolutely necessary for the activity at hand. On a larger boat where there’s plenty of room, many anglers wouldn’t think of going fishing without a cooler full of iced-down beverages. With the new Creekkooler, those navigating under paddle power can have the same luxury. The Creekkooler is an innovative floating cooler designed with dual-wall construction and top-quality insulation to retain ice and keep things cold for extended periods. Its shape cuts through the water, limiting drag and allowing it to be pulled easily behind a boat. Creekkooler has a 30-quart capacity and will hold 30 12-ounce cans and 20 pounds of ice. It has four drink holders on deck and a 1/8-turn watertight lid that makes it a great tool for extra dry storage, too. Whether it’s for keeping drinks cold during a day on the water with buddies, packing in provisions for a multi-day float trip, or extra dry storage for the stuff you need but don’t have room in the boat for, Creekkooler is an innovative new product that will make your excursion under paddle power more comfortable.
WWW.COVERALLS.BIZ
KANOOLERPRODUCTS.COM
WHALEBACK PADDLEBOARDS TORTUGA
When I’m not in the studio or at the racetrack, I’m fishing. Every chance I get. I recently started SUP fishing, and the 12’6” Tortuga by Whaleback Paddleboards is a real game changer. At 12’6” x 34” x 10.5”, with twin pontoons, the stability is ridiculous. I can walk nose to tail and all around the rails to reel in fish from any direction. Its 3-inch side bite tracking fins allow me to squeeze into shallow flats, and its maneuverability and stability is great offshore as well. With a fullcoverage, water-resistant traction pad, the deck space is unmatched. And its 28 customizable
By Matt Nix, Racin’ Nation Radio
WWW.WHALEBACKPADDLEBOARDS.COM
JACKSON KAYAK KRAKEN 13.5
Jackson Kayak’s Kraken 13.5 is an all-new option for paddlers looking to tackle big water. Based on The Kraken 15.5 platform, the 13.5 sheds some length for more maneuverability but with all the punch of its big brother. This kayak, just like the original, is designed for the most challenging paddling environments and intended for the offshore and big-lake kayak angler. It’s a natural follow up to the first collaborative design between legendary kayak angler, Jim Sammons and Jackson Kayak’s design team led by Tony Lee. The new Kraken 13.5 is a boat shaped and built to accommodate those hitting the open water in a nimble, smaller footprint but still capable of big water management. It’s designed for punching through surf, handling rough offshore currents, swells, beach landings and those who desire ultimate performance and maneuverability. With more features than can be listed, Jackson has considered all the needs of bigwater anglers and packed them thoughtfully into this kayak. Its great-tracking hull has the speed to cover miles and the volume and storage to carry you and your gear comfortably on long outings. 16
inserts and deck tie downs let me rig up my YakAttack lean post, rod holders, GPS and paddle holder and still have room for the cooler, cup holder and lawn chair. Because let’s face it, nothing’s better than celebrating a good catch with a cold one. Whether you’re an experienced SUP fisherman or just getting started, the 12’6’ Tortuga is the board for you. It sets you up with everything you need. You just have to find the fish. All Whaleback boards are made in the USA. Visit www.whalebackpaddleboards.com or call 561-3361612 for a dealer near you.
PAU HANA BIG EZ ANGLER At 11 feet long and available in both 32 and 36 inches of width, Pau Hana’s Big EZ Angler is built to be stable, the perfect platform for fighting any game fish. This paddleboard is derived from the classic Big EZ, and is shaped to provide anglers the balance they need while remaining easy to maneuver in shallow water without disrupting fish underneath. It is lightweight at just over 30-pounds, which means it is easy to launch anywhere there’s a place to carry it to the water. It can be rigged up for any kind of fishing, can handle heavy loads and carry all the gear you need. With a soft and stylish deck and space in between the pieces for water drainage, the Angler comes pre-equipped with 25 multiple threaded mount attachment points using Pau Hana’s innovative SeaMount System. Coolers, tackle boxes, anchors, nets, rod holders, paddle clips, lights and anything else an angler needs can be easily mounted on deck. The Big EZ Angler is a real teak paddleboard with the capacity to carry everything an angler needs and provide a stable platform to fish from.
WWW.PAUHANASURFCO.COM WWW.JACKSONKAYAK.COM APRIL 2017 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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Paddlesports Product Review RAM MOUNTING SYSTEMS Whether you are on a lake, stream, whitewater, inlet or ocean, kayaking is all about adaptability. RAM has created a complete line of rust-resistant mounting solutions for kayaks that allow anglers to mount items where they are needed. RAM Mounting systems offer the widest selection of kayak fishing accessories to adapt to a wide range of fishing scenarios. With a patented ball-and-socket design, RAM mounts allow anglers to mount almost anything at the perfect angle. This provides flexibility to mount equipment within reach, but out of the way. RAM’s kayak mounts and fishing accessories are rugged, compact, and have no sharp edges or points. All of our kayak mounts are backed by a lifetime warranty and are made in the USA. RAM mounts are the solution for mounting anything you might need on the water. A full line of rod holders covers everything from fly rods to conventional baitcasters and spinning rods of all sizes. Electronics, like fishfinders, chartplotters, phones, tablets and cameras can be mounted securely where they are needed. RAM even has a special system for mounting transducers for depthfinders. If there is something that needs to be mounted on a kayak, chances are RAM has thought of it and designed a product to hold it.
WWW.RAMMOUNT.COM
THE SKIMMER KAYAK MOTOR KIT Paddle fatigue getting to you? Want to motorize your kayak or canoe? There’s no need to pay $2,000 for a motorized kayak. Watercraft Technologies’ The Skimmer is a simple system for motorizing your kayak or canoe, and it costs less than $400. It is a lightweight, portable motor that mounts easily to your stern. Just snap it on when you need it. Fishing has never been easier, safer and more convenient. Go farther and save your energy for fishing! Increase your range! Catch more fish! The Skimmer weighs only 6 pounds. It’s 12v battery operated. There are easy controls for steering and motor lift. It’s environmentally safe, with no pollution, oil or gas spills. The Skimmer is made for saltwater, but does great in brackish or fresh water. It is able to propel a craft 2-4 knots and lasts two to five hours per charge. Imagine running your kayak at that speed and that long with zero effort! This propulsion system is great for people who want to get on the water and not worry about paddling hard into a swift current or strong wind. It is also great for those with shoulder, back or elbow issues. This kayak trolling motor kit carries a one-year, full parts replacement policy. See The Skimmer in action and order online at www.kayaktrollingmotor.com or order by phone at 631-848-3119.
WWW.KAYAKTROLLINGMOTOR.COM
MALIBU X-WING CONSOLE
Storage is a huge issue when all the gear you need at hand must fit in a space the size of your legs and lap. Malibu’s X-Wing Console is a fantastic option for storing and organizing gear in the cockpit of a kayak. Mounting of electronics, rod holders and other accessories can all be accomplished on one unit without drilling unnecessary holes in a kayak’s deck. A dry-storage compartment included in the unit makes the perfect place for valuables as well as being a great place for a battery. The X-Wing slides back and forth on a track mounted to the gunnel, so placement can be customized on the fly so it’s there when you need it and out of the way when you don’t. It’s also completely removable for storage and transportation. The X-Wing fits Malibu Kayaks, and modifications and adapters can be used to make the console fit other brands.
WWW.MALIBUKAYAKS.COM
YAKGEAR COOLER SEAT A cooler is one of the most valuable tools in most anglers’ arsenals. It goes everywhere and serves as a refrigerator, stepladder, poling platform, storage box and even a seat. YakGear’s Cooler Seat and Rigging Kit allows anglers to turn their cooler into a more comfortable and practical seating platform. Perfect for fishing, paddling, camping, tailgating and hunting, the YakGear Cooler Seat and Rigging Kit consists of the YakGear Sting Ray Seat and the necessary hardware to mount and secure the seat to a cooler. The kit is compatible with all coolers that feature “Front Locking Holes” including Yeti, Grizzly, Engel, Yukon, Icehole, some of the Bison models, and many more. The YakGear Sting Ray Seat features built-in back braces, which allow rigid back support without pressure from an exterior backrest. While most seats slouch down or fold over, the YakGear back braces hold the seat in place. As an additional feature, the seat has an aggressive non-slip pad to prevent unwarranted movement while sitting.
YAKGEAR.COM APRIL 2017
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INSPIRED BY STRENGTH HELL-FOR-STOUT CONSTRUCTION INCLUDES STAINLESS STEEL GEARS AND UP TO 30-POUNDS OF AVAILABLE DRAG.
NEW KOMODO SS REELS & SHADOW STALKER GULF COAST RODS Powered by aluminum framing, stainless steel drive and high-output Carbonite drag, Komodo SS reels in 350 and 450 sizes are instant favorites. Compact and comfortable with enough line capacity for incredible versatility inshore and offshore. • Shadow Stalker Gulf Coast 1-piece rod actions deliver superior sensitivity and back it with OC-9 carbon reinforcement for amazing strength when the fish of a lifetime strikes. okumafishingusa.com
Okuma KomodoSS-ShadowStalkerGC-Strength 7.625x5.0125.indd 2
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FLY FISHING A Modern Take On Booking Fishing Guides And Charters
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a better way. In April 2016, Fisher Guiding was founded. Since then, Hill has been working full time to turn his dream of easy one-stop shopping for charters and guided trips into reality. Fisher Guiding is a web-based service that lets anglers book trips with guides and charters online. It allows potential customers to search, review, message and pay guides all through an easy-to-use website. This service allows guides and captains to advertise and book clients based on available dates. It makes payment hassle free and allows guides and captains to market to customers in a way never before available. For some independent guides, the local fly shop is the only avenue available for them to book clients. Fisher Guiding is looking to supplement and modernize by offering a variety of scheduling and booking tools. Right now, Fisher Guiding currently has booking options from Alaska to the East Coast, Bahamas, Belize and Costa Rica. Although the consumer website just launched eight days ago, Fisher is already off to a great start with trips booked and new guides joining daily making for a constantly growing community. “Ultimately, the goal is to have guides and charters representing every market and fishing destination in the USA and around the world,” said Hill. It will be interesting to see how Fisher Guiding impacts the industry. The advantages are obvious for guides and charter services, but the greatest benefit may be for the consumer. Customers can read reviews and even message guides right through the website. Booking and paying for trips can be handled in two easy steps. While all change forces adaptation, a more competitive and transparent system will serve both the professionals and consumers. Ultimately the goal of Fisher Guiding is to make guides and charters more accessible to the public and contribute to the growth of the sport. A high tide will raise all the boats. See for yourself at www.fisherguiding.com.
FLY FISHING
ooking fishing guides and charters has not really changed at all for 50 years, so the industry is ripe for change and improvement. That is what Edward Hill—founder of Fisher Guiding– thought before launching his online service for guides and captains and the anglers who use them. Hill worked at Front Range Anglers before By Charlie Warfield graduating from the University of Colorado. There he saw firsthand how the guiding business worked in the local area. After school, he did private sector work in Washington, D.C., but after a couple years felt the need for a change and a new challenge. He began planning a trip to the Everglades with his father to do some fishing and reflection. Hill began searching the Internet for local guides. He was frustrated by the lack of information and the hoops he had to jump through to get hold of a guide. He had to look up guides and then call them for available dates and rates. It was a hassle, and it then turned out the guides he tracked down didn’t have the dates available he was looking for. Hill thought there must be
CHOOSING THE CORRECT BAITFISH FLY
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f you look in many fly anglers’ boxes, you will see a huge array of flies in all shapes, sizes and colors. However, having the one correct fly in the box is the key to fishing success. Picking the correct flies for any saltwater fly fishing situation is key to whether or not you’ll be catching fish. Walking into a fly shop and looking into the fly bins can prove mindboggling to the uninitiated. The bins are filled with so many flies with which the fledgling saltwater fly fisher has little or no knowledge. Saltwater flies differ from their freshwater cousins in size and dress. Sometimes, like the kid in a candy store who is more influenced by the attractive wrapper than its contents, the beginning saltwater fly angler often chooses the eye-candy, over-dressed flies far too bulky to resemble a baitfish or a crab, flies that hook fishermen rather than fish.
Baitfish patterns
I believe a sparsely dressed baitfish pattern is preferable to a bulked up flashy fly. Why? The sparsely dressed fly will have a more natural look than will an all-too-spruced-up fly. Also, my experience has shown that a fish is far less selective when presented the sparsely dressed fly. The fly is only an imitation, a hint, of what the fish is feeding on, producing in the fish a reflexive action to strike. Perhaps one of the most important parts of the saltwater fly is its large eye that resembles closely the good-sized eyes on baitfish such as sardines, pilchards, and anchovies. Game fish zero in on that oversized eye when chasing and feeding on baitfish. Focusing on that eye results in fewer lost meals.
Color
Natural colors work best. Olive green, browns, tans and
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FLY FISHING Upstate New York
Bass On The Fly! By Mathew DeRosa
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t was a very successful spring steelhead season on New York’s Salmon River. Approaching the tail end of the season, a friend and I made a “last chance” trip in hopes of finding a few final drop-back steelhead left in the system. We fished the lower section of the river, near Lake Ontario, to increase our chances of a tight line. It was one of those days when spring starts meshing into summer. The sun was shining with a few high clouds, the warm breeze was 70 degrees, and we had the river to ourselves. For an angler, being outside and fishing in a short sleeve shirt with no one around should be enough to call any day a success. This day was about to get better. As we cast into a river with increasing water temps and a majority of the steelhead already back in Lake Ontario, our expectations of a tight line were low. Soon enough, as we launched large flies
into the water, the addicting tight line grabs began. These fierce strikes were not steelhead, but hungry smallmouth bass. We enjoyed a full day on the river swinging 4-plus-inch flies and catching more than 25 smallmouth bass apiece. Are you a bass fisherman? Have you experienced the power of a bass on a fly rod? Smallmouth and largemouth bass will aggressively hunt down prey, which makes catching them on a fly rod extremely enjoyable. The late spring and early summer months are perfect to experience bass on the fly in Upstate New York. Altmar, N.Y. is on the Salmon River a short drive from the Tug Hill Sportsman Club. Both the Salmon River and the Tug Hill Sportsman’s Club are great places to learn how to fly fish and test your skills on bass. The beautiful scenery and vast expanse of meandering clear water make the Salmon River a top-priority fishing location in late spring. Favorable river conditions draw in large numbers of smallmouth bass. The river has more than 12 miles of public fishing property, and you can fish all day without encountering another angler. Smallmouth enter the river in April to spawn and remain in the system until September. Average Salmon River smallmouth bass range from 2 to 3 pounds; some weigh more than 5 pounds. Bass are present the entire length of the river from Altmar to the Douglaston Salmon Run. Tug Hill Sportsman Club The Tug Hill Sportsman Club is located on 450 acres of gently rolling land and is home to four lakes. The lakes make up about 45 acres of pristine largemouth bass-infested water. New to fly fishing or experienced, the opportunity to catch a world-class largemouth is there. The fish in these small lakes have had unpressured feeding, growing and reproductive conditions as the property has been carefully managed for more than 25 years. The goal is to provide guests with the highest quality angling. Enjoy Tailwater Lodge’s relaxing accommodations and fish the Tug Hill Sporting Club with Zero Limit Adventures! Matthew DeRosa is a guide with Zero Limit Adventures. For more information on the Tug Hill Sportsman’s Club and Zero Limit Adventures, visit www.zerolimitadventures.com.
whites are all great color combos for baitfish patterns. You should, however, carry a selection of blue and white, red and white and, of course, chartreuse and white in your fly box.
Size
Depending on what type of fish you’re pursuing, the size of your flies will vary. But, in most saltwater fly fishing situations, you’ll also need baitfish patterns that range from a small anchovy patterns in size 6 to large sardine or pilchard patterns in size 2/0. Remember, just as it is on the spring creek or on the large river, it’s all about matching the hatch, weather it’s insects or baitfish.
For more flyfishing with Bowman, go to
CAMFLYFISHING.COM
35 Acres of Private Access to the World-Renowned Salmon River 42 Luxurious Accommodations On-Site Bar and Restaurant • Daily Hot Breakfast Included Salmon River, Altmar, NY 315-298-3434
TailwaterLodge.com
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You could get a discount when you combine your auto and boat policies.
for your boat geico.com | 1-800-865-4846 | Local Office Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. Multi-Policy Discount available to auto insureds that have purchased a boat policy through the GEICO Marine Insurance Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2017 GEICO
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GULF COAST
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For Better Red Snapper Management
By David Rainer, ADCNR
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Photo courtesy of Controlled Descent Lures
hris Blankenship, director of the Alabama Marine Resources Division, was recently in Silver Spring, Maryland, and Wa s h i n g t o n , D.C., to continue spreading Alabama’s common-sense approach to the management of the fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico. Blankenship and the directors of the marine resources divisions of the other four Gulf states visited with members of Congress on a variety of issues, especially the red snapper fishery, which has been the center of controversy for the last decade. The federal snapper season for 2017 has not been set, but it is not expected to be much different than the ridiculously restrictive 2016 dates. “Rep. Bradley Byrne has reintroduced legislation that would take away some of the strict quotas. That would give us some flexibility, which is what we need to get away from these short seasons and find some other management strategies,” Blankenship said. One of the goals in Washington is to get Alabama’s state waters border set permanently to 9 miles. Sen. Richard Shelby added a provision in last year’s budget resolution that extended that border to 9 miles, but it expires with the budget. Blankenship hopes Alabama’s Congressional delegation can find a way to make it permanent. “That would allow us more state management of the reef fish fisheries,” Blankenship said. “And we’re hoping Congress will make changes in the Magnuson-Stevens Act that will give NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) more flexibility in the way it manages the fisheries. We want NOAA to move away from hard quotas and move to other management strategies that would change overfishing limits and still build healthy fisheries while allowing more access.” Blankenship also went to Silver Spring, Maryland to meet with NOAA Fisheries. The trip was to promote Alabama’s method of counting red snapper. Alabama is known for unparalleled red snapper fishing, but Marine Resources contends that NOAA has been drastically overestimating the amount of snapper landed in Alabama each year, which leads to extremely restrictive seasons. Alabama’s mandatory Red Snapper Reporting Program, otherwise known as Snapper Check, has been in effect for three years. The Alabama Snapper Check estimated a little more than 1.5 million pounds of snapper were landed in 2016 by the recreational sector during federal and state seasons. NOAA Fisheries’ survey program estimated that more than 2.7 million pounds were landed in Alabama. The overestimated catch has been consistent for the three years Snapper Check has been in existence. Blankenship said when the statistics are examined, Alabama is much more confident in the Snapper Check estimate than the fed’s. Blankenship has petitioned NOAA Fisheries to certify Snapper Check and use its data to determine the 2016 Alabama landings as well as use the Snapper Check numbers to set the season dates for 2017. “They have been very receptive to our program,” he said. “We’ve been responsive to their input, and we feel like it’s more of a formal process to get it certified. We have no reason to think it wouldn’t be certified since we have worked with them and their consultants all through the process.” COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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a d i r o l The F s ’ e l d n a Panh . . . e s i d a r a P g Boatin
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(850) 227-9393 • psjmarina.com Proclaimed the “Friendliest Marina on Florida’s Gulf Coast,” the Port St. Joe Marina is at the heart of Florida’s Forgotten Coast on the eastern shore of pristine St. Joseph Bay on Florida’s northwest Gulf Coast. The amenities offered at this exceptional northwest Florida marina include transient slips, a 450ft lay-a-long transient dock, wet slips, and a dry barn facility storing boats up to 32 feet. We also have a gift shop, the popular Dockside Seafood & Raw Bar restaurant, WiFi Hotspot Internet Access, charter fishing, boat rentals, party boat fishing trips, and more!
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(850) 235-6911 • baypointmarina.net
A boater’s paradise, Bay Point Marina is gently tucked away along the Grand Lagoon in Panama City Beach, Florida, yet conveniently located just five minutes from the beautiful Gulf of Mexico and 15 minutes from the Intracoastal Waterway. Fortunately for patrons and guests, Bay Point Marina is also just minutes by boat from Shell Island, which offers excellent snorkeling, superb fishing and some of the most secluded beaches available in North Florida. This quiet, full-service marina offers worldclass facilities and services including 180 protected slips, housing for boats up to 125 feet and luxury pontoon boat rentals at a relaxing price.
Boating is our business. Having fun is yours!
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With little to no winter this season, we have high hopes for April fishing. Usually we are caught in the “transition month” with April. Even with that term(I hate by the way) we always have a great time in Apr. historically, the warmer the water and higher the salinity , the more predictable the trout will be. If temps and levels are good, I would easily say to look for an early spawn leading up to, and following the full and new moons. The best areas we fish are almost always over oyster laden bottoms. Big live shrimp/ pogies/mullet/croakers on the Carolina rigs do well. If you can, try and fish the peak tide swings. If the temps drop, and or salinity gets outta whack, don’t sweat it. Typically, we are playing with the big bull reds in the open bays of the Louisiana Marsh, until the trout gang up. Watch for terns, gulls and or pelicans diving. We like to throw the Boat Monkey popping corks because of their extra weight and durability. Forty pound mono leaders, 3/8 ounce jig heads and good soft plastics will get it done. Our go to spinning reel for this punishing work, has been the Okuma Inspira in the 30-40 class, spooled with 20-30 spider wire. April is productive in close as well. The biggest black drum we see all year will be on the near shore reefs along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. There will also be trout, reds, puppy drum and sheepshead lingering around. Little girl laying in trout is Taryn Rush Live or dead shrimp will get the of Pass Christian, MS most attention there, just bring extra tackle, your gonna surely donate some to the reef. Get it out and enjoy it, Just make sure your tackle, trailer, electronics, motor, safety equipment, and FISHING LICENSES 50lb Drum “Another satisfied customer with Shorethingcharters”?
are up to code. Get the kids out on the water, have fun and be safe
Capt. Sonny Schindler Shore Thing Fishing Charters Bay St Louis, MS www.shorethingcharters.com 228-342-2295
1 MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST
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Phone: (228) 466-4970
BAY SAINT LOUIS Date 2017/04/01 2017/04/02 2017/04/03 2017/04/04 2017/04/05 2017/04/06 2017/04/07
Day Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
2017/04/08 Sat 2017/04/09 Sun 2017/04/10 Mon 2017/04/11 Tue 2017/04/12 Wed 2017/04/13 Thu 2017/04/14 Fri 2017/04/15 Sat 2017/04/16 Sun 2017/04/17 Mon 2017/04/18 Tue 2017/04/19 Wed 2017/04/20 Thu 2017/04/21 Fri 2017/04/22 Sat 2017/04/23 Sun 2017/04/24 Mon 2017/04/25 Tue 2017/04/26 2017/04/27 2017/04/28 2017/04/29 2017/04/30
Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Time Hgt 12:23 AM 0.06 L 03:00 AM -0.01 L 04:33 AM -0.08 L 05:34 AM -0.09 L 06:20 AM -0.02 L 06:47 AM 0.12 L 06:54 AM 0.29 L 05:17 PM 1.04 L 06:58 AM 0.46 L 06:40 PM 0.86 L 07:05 AM 0.62 L 02:07 AM 0.98 H 12:50 PM 1.26 H 04:07 AM 0.92 H 12:42 PM 1.44 H 01:02 PM 1.6 H 01:29 PM 1.72 H 01:58 PM 1.8 H 02:30 PM 1.84 H 01:05 AM 0.25 L 02:45 AM 0.23 L 03:55 AM 0.2 L 04:46 AM 0.2 L 05:25 AM 0.23 L 05:54 AM 0.3 L 06:12 AM 0.42 L 05:28 PM 1.15 L 06:21 AM 0.58 L 12:42 AM 1.15 H 01:14 PM 1.28 H 02:40 AM 1.11 H 12:22 PM 1.44 H 12:19 PM 1.67 H 12:42 PM 1.9 H 01:14 PM 2.08 H 01:53 PM 2.18 H 12:38 AM -0.03 L
Time Hgt 03:01 PM 1.86 H 03:46 PM 1.89 H 04:38 PM 1.85 H 05:35 PM 1.74 H 06:37 PM 1.58 H 07:49 PM 1.39 H 02:35 PM 1.11 H 09:20 PM 1.21 H 02:26 PM 1.11 H 11:42 PM 1.07 H 02:11 PM 1.15 H 07:42 PM 0.68 L 07:11 AM 0.75 L 08:33 PM 0.53 L 07:13 AM 0.85 L 09:19 PM 0.4 L 10:02 PM 0.31 L 10:48 PM 0.26 L 11:43 PM 0.25 L 03:03 PM 1.85 H 03:40 PM 1.83 H 04:20 PM 1.77 H 05:06 PM 1.69 H 06:02 PM 1.56 H 07:19 PM 1.4 H 01:54 PM 1.24 H 09:27 PM 1.24 H 01:37 PM 1.23 H 06:42 PM 0.91 L 06:27 AM 0.76 L 07:38 PM 0.65 L 06:33 AM 0.94 L 08:29 PM 0.4 L 09:20 PM 0.19 L 10:14 PM 0.04 L 11:16 PM -0.03 L 02:35 PM 2.19 H
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM
3/19/17 7:32 PM
VENICE OFFSHORE
Spring is here again. We will start seeing live bait show up in certain spots. It will be a toss up between running long to the floaters or catching schoolie yellowfin on the shelf. The Mississippi River will play a big role in April as to where we fish. Snow melt from up north will cause the River to rise. Ideally we would like to see a slow warm up in the north. Since we didn’t see a lot of snow up north this year due to warm weather. How far the melt will push dirty water into the Gulf, we just don’t know yet. If the currents act correctly there will be blue water underneath the dirty water making it possible to catch Tuna on live bait. While we may not have as much fog to deal with, keep an eye out for large trees and other debris floating down the river from up north due to the snow melt. On the plus side of this. Once these trees make it to a rip line or blue water they become a habitat for bait fish. Which in turn will attract the apex predators. I have caught Dolphin, Wahoo, and White Marlin off of one floating telephone pole in blue water. Good Luck and stay safe.
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BRIGHT SIDE
CALL SOUND SOLUTIONS AND LET’S LIGHT IT UP TODAY! AQUALUMA’S
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Thanks and Stay safe out there
Plaquemines Parish | Venice, Louisiana Capt. Brett Ryan Venice, La 504-231-1842 www.captainbrettryan.com 2 MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST
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Seafood Market Hours: Mon 7am-12pm, Tues-Fri 7am5pm, Sat 7am-3pm Jr’s Deli Hours: Tues-Fri 10:30am-2:30pm, Sat 10:30am-2pm
Seafood is best when it’s fresh - we all know that. Depend on us at Desporte & Sons Seafood to bring you only the best in seafood. Fresh seafood is readily available here and you will find that it is easy to enjoy You and your family will be treated like family here. We want you to not only be satisfied, but comfortable as well. Celebrate seafood with us. Come relax and enjoy yourself. Make your time here a time to remember. If it swims, we got it! 1075 Division Street Biloxi, MS 39530
Desporte and Sons Seafood is a family run business, the oldest family run seafood market situated on the Gulf Coast in fact. The business has been passed down generation to generation, and the family runs the business as if they’re serving their own family. They have a great attention for detail. They choose only the best fish to serve you and your family whether you’re taking it fresh from the market or cooked from Chef Tim’s kitchen for lunch. It’s always the freshest it can get, and the family is always there to serve you. They work there day in and day out and love what they do. Sean and Artie are the owners of the business, and work alongside other family members. They plan to keep the tradition going forever!.
Call Us Today! 228-432-1018
Tourist Always Welcome
SHRIMP FISH CRABS CRAWFISH
DESPORTE & SONS SEAFOOD MARKET & DELI 1075 Division St., Biloxi Contact: 228-432-1018 Monday 7 a.m. to noon Tuesday-Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday closed
Oldest Seafood Family on the Coast! Over 115 Years in Business! We Pack For Travel & Ship Anywhere In The US.
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Florida Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin: June 21-25, 2017 Emerald Coast Red Fish Classic, Baytowne, Sandestin, FL: June 2017 Flora~Bama Fishing Rodeo Perdido Key, Florida June 2017 Panama City Tournament, Panama City, FL: October 2017 Pensacola Big Game Fishing Club · Ladies Billfish: May 12-13, 2017 International Billfish: June 28 – July 1, 2017 · Junior Angler: July 16-17, 2017
·
Alabama The Blue Marlin Grand Championship of the Gulf, Orange Beach, AL: July 11-17, 2017 Orange Beach Billfish Classic: May 17-21, 2017 ·
Mobile Big Game Fishing Club: Memorial Day Outboard Shootout: May 2017 · Memorial Day Tournament: May 2017 · Junior Angler Tournament: July 2017 · Billfish Limited Tournament: July 2017 · Ladies Tournament: Aug 2017 · Labor Day Invitational: Sept 2017 · Labor Day Outboard Shootout: Sept 2017
Mississippi Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic: June 5 – 11, 2017 Mississippi Gulf Coast Big Game Fishing Club: · Jeff Alexander Memorial Tournament (Bluewater) · Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo: July 2017 · Ladies Tournament (Bluewater): July 2017 · Sonny Johnson Memorial Tournament (Bluewater)
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“Leading Lady”
by Big “O” Charters
I saw this adjective used last week in an article about a Broadway Show, and the star of the show who was the leading lady. This is a fishing magazine and not a New York Tabloid, however, the name really brought to mind a fish I like to catch and I’ll call her my Leading Lady. I have fished all over the country and up into Canada several times. We all have our favorite inshore fishes. Salmon, walleye, perch, catfish, crappie, bass, bluegills, just to name a few, I’ve caught all of the above species and still do and I love all of them. Consequently, how would anyone go about picking a leading lady out of the list I just gave and a few more that are swimming in our American waters. Well I’m a fishing guide along our gulf coast, and I’ve been at this game for 16 years now. In my neck of the woods, I can easily say that out leading lady is the red fish, namely the “Bull Red”. Before you start arguing with me, let me give you a little history. It wasn’t too many years ago that the redfish was considered a trash fish. Some of the locals, including myself, knew how game this fish was and how good it was as table fare. However, the majority of sport fishermen along our gulf coast were into speckled trout, flounder, and a little further inland, the largemouth bass. I too, liked to chase these same critters, especially the bass. Then along came Paul Prudhomme. His blackened redfish recipe took the country by storm. It wasn’t long before this fish was being served in almost every restaurant in America. All the local sport fishermen along the gulf coast started keeping some of these “trash fish”, to bring home to Momma to blacken on a Friday night. Once the redfish became targeted the sport fishermen realized that he wasn’t that easy to catch, but the tactics used to catch bass could be used to catch reds, and the redfish’s status grew to be equal to the trout, bass, and many other sport species. The fight on rod and reel of the redfish is legendary. The rest is history.
OK, so why do I call this fish the “Leading Lady”? All the big fish, the ones we want to catch, in the redfish family, are females. Our wildlife managers limit the numbers of redfish we can keep over 27 inches. In Louisiana we can keep one red over 27 inches. These are the “Bulls” and they are females. They produce the eggs that procreate the species. So they are protected and rightfully so. Why are they called “Bulls”? I don’t really know, except for the fact that they fight like bulls. If you can imagine how a rodeo bull would be like on the end of your rod and reel, then you can get the feeling you will have when you tie into a 35 inch bull red. This Leading Lady is known in the charter fishing industry as the “money fish”. We have an abundance of bull reds in Louisiana, and I get an abundance of people all across the USA that want to come down for the sport of catching “Bulls”. This not only puts money in the pocket of a guide, but the marina’s, restaurant’s, gas stations, hotels, all reap the benefit of this money fish. This is all good for the economy. Then we have redfish tournaments. They occur all year long at some marina along our Gulf Coast. They too bring the fishermen and the money to our local economy. I’m not an economics major, but I know this is all good. So how do we catch a Bull? There are many ways, I’m going to touch on some that I use all the time. I’ll probably miss a few, but that gives me material for a future article.
man made magnets for reds. The rocks holes and crevices are good hiding places for crabs, shrimp, and small fishes. This is what Momma red eats, so it’s natural that we can find bulls here. I like to use a 3/8 once jig head, with a dark plastic jig, preferably purple and gold. I then like to tip the hook with a piece of fresh shrimp (market bait). The 3/8 jig gives me enough weight to reach the bottom, the dark plastic is easier for a fish to see in stained water, and the shrimp adds a little smell to the offering. Redfish have a keen since of smell. Bounce this along the bottom close to the rocks and fish it slowly like you are worm fishing for bass. Wait for the tell-tell, tap-tap. When you feel it set the hook “hard”, then set it again. A bull red has a hard mouth, so you have to drive the hook home. I normally use 50 pound braid for this type of fishing, and don’t use cheap hooks. A 30 inch bull can easily straighten out a poor quality hook. Sand bars. We have many sand bars in Venice, Louisiana. These are usually caused by the passes that flow off the mouth of the Mississippi River. The bars are usually shallow, 2 to 3 feet deep, so I’ll use a different tactic. Sand bars are home to mullet and mullet are a favorite of the Bull Red. Everyone has seen a mullet jump out of the water and then “plop” back. I just said “plop” and Mrs. Red can hear this sound also. This is like a dinner bell to the redfish. So I use what I call a “noisy cork”. There are many “popping corks” on the market. I prefer a Styrofoam cork with a big scooped mouth on top. These big corks sound more to me like the “plopping sound the mullet makes when reinterring the water. Under the cork I’ll put 2 feet of 30 pound leader and a ¼ once jig. I’ll then put a big piece of plastic in a dark color. Queen Cacahoes in purple and chartreuse is my favorite. I don’t usually put shrimp on this offering because the sand bars have lots of catfish. I don’t want any catfish. I’ll drift across the bar with the current and or wind. Cast the lure as far from the boat as possible, and “POP” your cork. You want it to make as much noise as possible. This noise attracts the Bull Red. When she reaches the source of the noise she will see your jig, eat it, and the fun begins. Sometimes, when doing this type of fishing, a bull will hit your cork. When this happens I know it’s time for my final fishing method. Top Water. Yes, the bull just slammed my cork. I have a rod ready in my boat just for this occurrence. Tied to the end of my rod will be a “walk-the-dog” type lure. Top Dogs, Zara Spooks, etc. there all basically the same. We walk the dog with a popping action to our rod. This in turn makes the lure ‘Plop-plop-plop” from side to side, this looks like an injured mullet. No self-respecting Bull can resist this easy meal. “BAM”, your lure just disappeared into Momma Reds mouth. Once your heart gets out of your throat and back into your chest, you’ll realize why I call her my “Leading Lady”. She’s in shallow water and will give you the fight of your life. I’m getting excited just writing about it. Wow, there you have it. These are just 3 of the ways we can target and catch Bull Reds in the south. As said in the beginning of this article, there are many sport fish all across this United States. However, even with her humble beginning the “Bull –Red” will always be my “Leading Lady”! Capt. Owen Langridge Big “O” Charters L.L.C. 225 978 1136 www.bigocharters.com
Rock jetties. Lots of the passes entering the Gulf of Mexico. Are lined with rock jetties. The rocks are put in place to keep the water flow from washing all the land away. Rock jetties are like COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM
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VISIT: Anglers vacation in Destin, Florida. There’s no questioning this quaint coastal community’s claim to fame as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” Optimally positioned a mere 30 miles from the celebrated 100-fathom curve, the abundant deep waters hosted here are packed full of a wide variety of serious sized fish that are just waiting to be reeled in.
Destin was founded on fishing and it’s more than a hobby along our coast - it’s a way of life. Anyone who considers themselves an Angler knows about spending time on the water here. However what you may not know is this special Fisherman’s paradise is it’s also the go-to vacation destination for the whole family.
and something you have to see to believe. Popular pursuits include an array of watersports as well as our favorite activity, sitting in the sand with a drink in our hand. Off the beach, rousing escapades include an active nightlife, delectable dining, world-class golf, and significant shopping.
charter boats in the entire Gulf of Mexico. In addition, there are several “party boats” that offer an affordable way to hook ‘em. Other excursions include inshore fishing on the abundant Choctawhatchee Bay, fly fishing along its tributaries, and surf fishing on our sugary white shores.
Of course there are the pristine sugar white sand beaches that frame our Emerald-toned Gulf waters. The sand is cool, even on hot summer days and the water is vibrantly colored
We do have to admit though; most of your time will be enjoyed casting a line. Deep sea fishing here is big business and you can choose your vessel among the largest fleet of private
Come catch memories and fish in Desitn, Florida. For accommodations ranging from intimate studios to estate-sized beachfront homes visit us online at oceanreefresorts.com.
SOUVENIR MAGAZINE 6 MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST
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228.297.6308
Darrin’s Auto & Marine, LLC Sales | Service | Repair | Accessories 12300 A Parkers Creek Rd • Biloxi, Mississippi 39532 www.darrinsmarine.com
Paradise Bar & Grill Inn Presents it’s 7th Annual COBIA PHOBIA! This one of a kind Small Boat Cobia Tournament offers a great place to weigh-in your catch and enjoy amazing grilled food along with great live music. All boats must be 29' and under OR powered by an outboard motor.
Be sure to call for more details and plan on getting over to this year’s COBIA PHOBIA! HELD Mid-APRIL ON PENSACOLA BEACH. 21 Via de Luna Dr. | Pensacola Beach, Florida
WE ARE THE MISSISSIPPI BOAT DEALER FOR BLAZER BAY
Call us for more details! (850) 554-7888
12300-A Parkers Creek Rd. Biloxi MS 39532 (Woolmarket Exit 41) www.darrinsmarine.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM
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PASCAGOULA Date 2017/04/01 2017/04/02 2017/04/03 2017/04/04 2017/04/05 2017/04/06 2017/04/07 2017/04/08
Day Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
2017/04/09 Sun 2017/04/10 Mon 2017/04/11 Tue 2017/04/12 Wed 2017/04/13 Thu 2017/04/14 Fri 2017/04/15 Sat 2017/04/16 Sun 2017/04/17 Mon 2017/04/18 Tue 2017/04/19 Wed 2017/04/20 Thu 2017/04/21 Fri 2017/04/22 Sat 2017/04/23 Sun 2017/04/24 Mon 2017/04/25 Tue 2017/04/26 Wed 2017/04/27 Thu 2017/04/28 Fri 2017/04/29 Sat 2017/04/30 Sun
Time Hgt 01:39 PM 1.61 H 12:32 AM -0.06 L 01:42 AM -0.05 L 03:15 AM 0.0 L 04:31 AM 0.07 L 05:09 AM 0.18 L 05:37 AM 0.34 L 05:55 AM 0.51 L 03:40 PM 0.67 L 05:01 AM 0.66 L 04:49 PM 0.53 L 12:46 AM 0.92 H 09:34 AM 0.93 H 02:49 AM 0.89 H 10:02 AM 1.1 H 10:33 AM 1.23 H 11:06 AM 1.34 H 11:43 AM 1.41 H 12:33 PM 1.46 H 01:27 PM 1.48 H 02:15 PM 1.48 H 02:58 PM 1.45 H 12:49 AM 0.16 L 01:41 AM 0.21 L 02:50 AM 0.29 L 04:01 AM 0.39 L 02:42 PM 0.75 L 04:17 AM 0.53 L 04:12 PM 0.55 L 04:38 AM 0.7 L 05:16 PM 0.32 L 02:19 AM 0.96 H 09:42 AM 1.16 H 10:09 AM 1.38 H 10:41 AM 1.57 H 11:19 AM 1.71 H 12:06 PM 1.77 H 01:03 PM 1.76 H
Time
Hgt
02:25 PM 1.65 H 03:10 PM 1.61 H 04:00 PM 1.5 H 05:14 PM 1.35 H 06:40 PM 1.2 H 10:08 PM 1.09 H 12:04 PM 0.72 H 11:17 PM 1.0 H 11:36 AM 0.79 H 05:04 AM 0.75 L 05:40 PM 0.4 L 05:19 AM 0.83 L 06:28 PM 0.29 L 07:17 PM 0.21 L 08:06 PM 0.15 L 08:57 PM 0.13 L 09:53 PM 0.12 L 10:57 PM 0.12 L 11:57 PM 0.13 L 03:46 PM 1.37 H 05:08 PM 1.26 H 06:43 PM 1.14 H 11:17 AM 0.79 H 10:03 PM 1.03 H November-March Hucks is open Wed-Sun. Closed Mon-Tues during the cold season. 11:05 AM 0.83 H 11:34 PM 0.98 H Home of the world famous 09:35 AM 0.94 H
almost
HUCK’S BURGER
04:56 AM 0.87 L 06:15 PM 0.11 L 07:19 PM -0.06 L 08:26 PM -0.17 L 09:42 PM -0.23 L 11:12 PM -0.22 L
Steaks Seafood & More
Waterfront Grill – Bar – Marina Phone & Fax - 288-497-4309 3000 Oak St, Gautier, MS 39533
Long.88 o61’N / Lat.30 o38’W www.huckscove.com
Hours T- F:11a -10p • SAT:11a -12p SUN: Noon-10p • MON: Closed
Grocery & Grill
2012 Ingalls Ave., Pascagoula, MS 39567 228-762-3322
Keith Delcambre Store Hours: Mon. ~ Sat. 8:00 a.m. ~ 8:00 p.m. Sun. 8:00 a.m. ~ 6:00 p.m. 10 MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST
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Owner
Deli Hours: Mon. ~ Sat. 10:30 a.m. ~ 7:00 p.m. Sun. 10:30 a.m. ~ 5:00 p.m.
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Date Day 2017/04/01 Sat 2017/04/02 Sun 2017/04/03 Mon 2017/04/04 Tue 2017/04/05 Wed 2017/04/06 Thu 2017/04/07 Fri 2017/04/08 Sat 2017/04/09 Sun 2017/04/10 Mon 2017/04/11 Tue 2017/04/12 Wed 2017/04/13 Thu 2017/04/14 Fri 2017/04/15 Sat 2017/04/16 Sun 2017/04/17 Mon 2017/04/18 Tue 2017/04/19 Wed 2017/04/20 Thu 2017/04/21 Fri 2017/04/22 Sat 2017/04/23 Sun 2017/04/24 Mon 2017/04/25 Tue 2017/04/26 Wed 2017/04/27 Thu 2017/04/28 Fri 2017/04/29 Sat 2017/04/30 Sun
BILOXI Time Hgt 02:06 PM 1.79 H 01:13 AM -0.29 L 02:27 AM -0.32 L 03:31 AM -0.28 L 04:26 AM -0.15 L 05:11 AM 0.03 L 05:44 AM 0.26 L 05:58 AM 0.5 L 04:27 PM 0.81 L 05:46 AM 0.71 L 06:07 PM 0.65 L 01:21 AM 0.93 H 11:44 AM 1.13 H 11:42 AM 1.31 H 11:54 AM 1.46 H 12:13 PM 1.59 H 12:38 PM 1.69 H 01:08 PM 1.76 H 01:44 PM 1.79 H 12:42 AM 0.08 L 01:40 AM 0.08 L 02:33 AM 0.11 L 03:20 AM 0.17 L 03:59 AM 0.28 L 04:30 AM 0.43 L 04:50 AM 0.63 L 04:35 PM 0.86 L 04:48 AM 0.86 L 05:58 PM 0.59 L 10:57 AM 1.39 H 11:05 AM 1.66 H 11:31 AM 1.92 H 12:07 PM 2.12 H 12:50 PM 2.23 H 01:37 PM 2.23 H
Time
Hgt
02:58 PM 1.85 H 03:57 PM 1.82 H 05:07 PM 1.71 H 06:32 PM 1.55 H 08:13 PM 1.38 H 09:55 PM 1.21 H 01:37 PM 0.85 H 11:33 PM 1.05 H 12:13 PM 0.96 H
Serving The Best Food On The Coast Since 1969
04:53 AM 0.86 L 07:12 PM 0.5 L 08:06 PM 0.37 L 08:57 PM 0.26 L 09:49 PM 0.18 L 10:43 PM 0.12 L 11:41 PM 0.09 L 02:25 PM 1.79 H 03:12 PM 1.74 H 04:08 PM 1.66 H 05:18 PM 1.55 H 07:00 PM 1.4 H 09:09 PM 1.25 H 12:08 PM 1.01 H 11:23 PM 1.13 H 11:14 AM 1.15 H 07:08 PM 0.31 L 08:14 PM 0.06 L 09:22 PM -0.14 L 10:31 PM -0.26 L 11:40 PM -0.3 L
Mississippi Gulf Coast Time for some topwater fishing! I am having success throwing the spook jr. on calm days and on days that there is some chop I am throwing a skitterwalk early and late in the days. The color depends on what you feel confident in but for me it has been the C85mr trout pattern. Walk the dog with a fast retrieve and get ready for action. Mirrodines have also been handling the job on the speckled trout. Change up the speeds of your retrieves until you find what’s working best for you. Keep to natural colors in the cleaner water and louder more brite colors in the darker waters. Slow flutter bounces with soft plastics across the bottom have been the ticket on reds and flounders at creek mouths on outgoing tides. I am throwing the saltwater assassin 4” sea shads on a 1/8oz. pro elite jig head.
3212 Mary Walker Drive Gautier MS 228.497.1591 To find out about the monthly Fish Outs go to www.mbkfa.com. April 29th Paddlepalooza XIV will be at Bridgeside Marina in Grand Isle,LA. Every year hundreds of kayakers head to south Louisiana to try their luck at catching a Cajun slam consisting of 1 red, 1 trout, and 1 flounder. There are categories with 5 places paid out for Cajun Slam, Trout, redfish, flounder, and most spots on a red. This tournament is always a great time with stories to tell for a lifetime. We have a running tab of these and all other tournaments on our Kayak Fishing U Facebook page. Remember while fishing from a kayak to always think safety. We are low to the water and not always easily seen. Keep a 360 degree light on at dark and low light conditions, wear a PFD, keep hydrated, and let someone know your float plan.
Not to miss this month Redfish Rumble will return on April 8. This tournament will take place in St. Bernard Parish. AnBenton Parrott glers can weigh in a Six Pack Stringer with up to 3 redfish Hobie Regional Team / Everything Kayak Pro Staff Fishing Guide and any combination of 3 trout and bass) for a total of 6 fish.
dbparrott@bellsouth.net
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Harbor Docks Charities to Host 2017 Cobia World Championships The 2017 Cobia World Championships, one of the largest fishing tournaments on the Gulf Coast, will begin Friday, March 24, with the Captains’ Meeting and Kickoff Party at Harbor Docks Restaurant. Fishing for the tournament will begin the following day, March 25, and will conclude on Sunday, May 7.
own fishing rod and reel.
Presented by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, The Cobia World Championships attracts a broader range of participants than any fishing tournament of its kind, with dedicated tournament divisions for women, children, fly fishermen and standup paddle boarders.
Formerly known as Rally for Recreation (founded in 1986), Harbor Docks Charities hosts numerous fundraising events throughout the year including the Cobia World Championships and Crab Cruncher Classic fishing tournament as well as the Caddyshack Classic Golf Tournament and Harbor Docks Charity Auction.
During the 2017 Cobia World Championships, Harbor Docks will also be hosting a weekend tournament, the 2017 Harbor Docks Frank Helton Crab Cruncher Classic Cobia Tournament, presented by Mojo Sportswear Company. This will be the second leg of the 2017 Emerald Coast Cobia Triple Crown tournament series. The captains’ meeting for the Crab Cruncher Classic will be held on Thursday, April 6 and the tournament will conclude on Sunday, April 9. The Emerald Coast Cobia Triple Crown champion will be announced Sunday, April 23. The focal point of both tournaments will be to raise money for Harbor Docks Charities 23rd Annual Take-A-Kid Fishing day, to be held Sunday, November 5, 2017. The goal for this charity event is to treat 300 children to a memorable day aboard some of Destin’s finest charter boats and have every child receive their very
In 2016, 122 vessels and thousands of anglers competed for over $290,000 in cash and prizes and helped raise $27,745 to go towards the 22nd Annual Take-A-Kid Fishing Day.
In order to participate in the Cobia World Championship presented by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, or in any of Harbor Docks Charities other tournaments, please visit their website www. cobiaworldchampionships.com or pickup an entry form in person at Harbor Docks in Destin, Florida. For more information about the Cobia World Championships or the Frank Helton Crab Cruncher Classic, please visit www. cobiaworldchampionships.com. You may also call Eddie Morgan at (850) 837-2506 or email Eddie at eddie@cobiaworldchampionships.com.
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Picking the Right Inshore Rod
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By Tobin Strickland CAM Special Correspondent
M
any overlook the importance of selecting the right rod for the job as it relates to casting artificial lures. There are five things to consider with casting performance in regard to graphite rods. The first is the modulus of the graphite in the blank. Higher modulus graphite weighs less and is stiffer. Then there’s power of the blank, the tip action, the weight rating for the blank, and finally the rod length. For example, a medium power 6’6” or 6’9” rod, with a fast tip rated for 1/8 to 1/2 oz. is a great rod for inshore casting and fighting speckled trout and redfish with lures that range from 1/8 to ¾ oz. This rod specification will be well suited for topwaters and subsurface walkers. A medium light rod power with a fast action tip may cast the smaller lures slightly better, lures like the Mirrolure Little John on 1/16- or 1/8-oz. jig head or a swimbait hook. The higher the graphite modulus of the blank, the lighter the blank will be and still keep the performance. For example, for my soft plastic rod I use a Lew’s Custom Lite Speed Stick in a medium lite action, 6’10” and rated for 1/8 to ½ oz. It’s constructed from 85 million modulus graphite. It’s light, casts far and accurately and is extremely sensitive. I can still cast larger lures such as She Dogs on this blank, and it makes for a lighter stick working lures all day. Tobin Strickland created TroutSupport.com - Tech Support for speckled trout and redfish anglers. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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Tackle Corner:
By Mike Pehanich
Angling for comfort and joint health
O
nce upon a time, fishing was deemed a passive, even contemplative game, a quiet pastime spent under a straw hat and a warming sun. No more! Modern angling is an active endeavor generally characterized by energetic casts, and plenty of them. The aggressive style of the modern angler takes its toll on the body with back, wrist, elbow and shoulder injuries. “As we get older, our bodies kind of fall apart,” said Bassmaster Elite Series angler Mark Menendez during an outing on Kentucky Lake. Menendez has developed tendinitis in his elbow. “I have had to figure out ways to fish that are less taxing on my body.” He has changed technique and equipment to reduce the wear. He fishes soft swimbaits like the Strike King Shadalicious far more these days, working them on relatively light spinning tackle and line testing no more than 10 pounds. It’s effective and easier on his elbow. The other adjustments he makes relate to his tackle. He lauds the Winn grips now featured on Lew’s Custom Lite, Lew’s Tournament Performance TP1 Speed Stick and Lew’s Mach Speed Stick rods. “The advantage to the angler is that the Winn grip adheres to your hand, but it’s not sticky,” he explained. “It just makes you feel you have a good grip on your rod and reel. The grips also allow me to make longer casts because I have better control of my rod and reel.” Musky and saltwater anglers are also taking advantage of the “tacky” feel and security of the non-slip polymer to protect against joint stress. Eavesdrop on a group of musky fishers for long and you’re bound to hear complaints of sore elbows and forearms. Many musky anglers are building custom rods with Winn grips, employing larger 1.25-inch Straight Taper split grips or a Straight Taper fore
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grip coupled with a 15-inch Straight Cylinder Saltwater grip capped with a fighting butt to extend the rear handle to 18-plus inches. Winn will add a new 18-inch grip to the Saltwater line this spring. Builders of custom surf and offshore rods are already making plans for its use. But oversized grips and rod wraps are finding favor with other anglers, too. At the Bassmaster Elite Series event at Lake Okeechobee in February, anglers with arthritic hands and joint issues noticed the booth Winn shared with North Fork Bait & Tackle owner and rod builder Steve Keller, who also operates a Winn Authorized Service Center at his store in Jensen Beach, Fla. Arthritis sufferers noted their preference for larger grip diameters to ease gripping pressure. The 1.25-inch Winn grips caught their attention, as did the array of offerings in the Winn Superior Rod Wrap line of overwraps, which enable the angler to put a layer of non-slip Winn polymer over existing cork or EVA grips. Winn grips and rod wraps (www.winngrips.com) are available in a wide range of sizes and colors. The Winn interchangeable grip system offers an endless combination of configurations.
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TIPS FROM A PRO
FRESHWATER LEARN CONFIDENCE IN NEW TECHNIQUES
BRANDON LESTER
G
rowing up in southern middle Tennessee, I was fortunate to have a lot of really good fisheries within a couple hours of my house. I had my choice between the Tennessee River lakes like Guntersville, Wheeler and Wilson or the typical highland reservoirs located in the hills of Tennessee. I spent many days fishing club events and absorbing every bit of knowledge I could. It helped me become a versatile angler and to stay in tune with the seasonal movements of bass. These things helped prepare me for the situations I would later face on
the Bassmaster Elite Series. I remember my very first Elite Series event. It was at Lake Seminole. I had never been to the lake and didn’t know a thing about it. After a tough first day of practice, I ran way up the Flint River to see if I could find something up there all to myself. What I found was a couple of small backwaters with clear water and fish that were setting up to spawn. These places had been completely overlooked, and I finished 21st in that tournament. I caught almost every fish on a floating worm, something that is very popular during the spawn around my home waters. That tournament and many others since have taught me that no matter where you go in the country, or what body of water you’re on, there will always be something that fits your fishing style. It may not always be the winning pattern,
but more times than not, I would rather be fishing for fewer fish with more confidence. The very best lure in any tackle box is confidence. But this doesn’t mean I stubbornly sticking to the same techniques I’m comfortable with. Successful tournament anglers must keep up with the latest trends. Lures, line, rods, reels and everything else are constantly evolving. It helps to stay on the forefront. As I travel the country, I learn a lot of new techniques and about new baits that work in particular regions. Every time I go to a tournament and a new technique arises that I’m not familiar with, the first thing I do when I get home is take it to a nearby lake and try to learn it. When trying to learn something new, it’s best to do it in areas you know hold fish. A good example of this was at the first Elite Series event of this year at Lake Cherokee. Cherokee is in east Tennessee, but it is much different than my home waters. There is a hot new trend among the locals there called the “Damiki rig” that is dynamite for catching smallmouth relating to baitfish. It is a small fluke-style lure rigged on a Lake Erie-style jig head that allows for precise placement of the lure at depth. I had heard about the rig leading up to the tournament and tried it in practice, but I never could figure it out. Our tournament was actually won on that rig, and several of the top guys were doing it. After that tournament was over, I spent the next day on my home lake with nothing but that rig. I wanted to learn everything there was to know about it. I went on to catch some big smallmouth on my home lake with it, and although I still don’t consider myself an expert, I feel like I can catch them on it next time the opportunity arises.
Get more tips from Lester at
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Endless Fishing Opportunities
In Marathon
By Capt. Chris Johnson, SeaSquared Charters Marathon, the very heart of the Florida Keys, offers fishing options as vast as the crystal blue waters that surround the islands. to experience the exhilaration of big game sport fishing closer to shore and easier on your budget. Rounding out the sport fishing options in Marathon are bonefish, snook, Goliath grouper, permit and barracuda. Each challenging in its own right and all worthy of a place of honor on your trophy wall.
F
ill Your Trophy Wall With visions of Ernest Hemingway’s exploits in their heads, adventurers flock to Marathon from around the globe to fulfill their dreams of catching the sportfish of a lifetime. The offshore deep blue waters are the realm of the mighty swordfish, who live in the 1,500-plus-foot depths. Fishing for swordfish is highly technical and is best done with an electric set-up. While a magnificent creature to display above the fireplace, swordfish are also prized for their food value. Closer inshore are sailfish, which are unsurpassed in their size range for combined strength and spectacle. These silver speedsters, with their distinctive blue fan-shaped fin, are free-roamers that seem to prefer the coral reef areas. They are best fished for where their favorite foods are plentiful, such as along weed lines or around schools of blue runners, goggle eyes or pilchards. Perhaps the most elusive of all the sportfish in the Marathon waters is the Silver King. The tarpon that visit the Middle Florida Keys each spring love to hang out at bridge passes, where their food of choice is easily obtainable. These areas are known for their relative calm conditions, making tarpon fishing a comfortable experience for all anglers, even those prone to seasickness. Using light spinning tackle and circle hooks, fishing for tarpon is about as sporting as it gets. And, to hook one and chase it through the bridge pilings, hoping to be rewarded with a few jumps and maybe a picture at the side of the boat is an unforgettable experience. With a plethora of media coverage of sharks, catch-and-release fishing for them has become increasingly popular. The Marathon area sees a vast spectrum of sharks, including lemons, blacktips, bulls, blacknoses, nurse, spinners, hammerheads and tigers. These range in size from little guys to behemoths at 12 to 15 feet in length. Light tackle, shallow water angling for sharks in the Middle Florida Keys presents the opportunity 30
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Fill Your Dinner Plate When it comes to catching fish with a top-quality food value, you’d be hard-pressed to find a greater bounty than contained in the waters surrounding Marathon. On the Atlantic coral reefs and wrecks, snapper of all variety are plentiful for the taking year-round. Yellowtails, mangroves, muttons and lanes offer endless rod-bending entertainment and fill the bellies of hungry anglers at the end of the day. Grouper – blacks, reds and gags – are ever-present as well, although they tend to retreat to deeper waters during the summer heat. Additionally, the season is closed for them from January 1 to May 1. There are many more species that provide high-quality table fare – too many to list – but include amberjack, cobia, kingfish, Spanish mackerel, cero mackerel, pompano and on and on. Marathon’s offshore waters are fishing central for pelagic species that provide angling excitement. Venture 26 miles out to the Marathon Humps and you will be in tuna heaven. Blackfin and skipjack tuna are abundant year-round, and the only thing that can prevent you from getting there to catch them on any given day are the winds. But, on a calm day, the ride out and back is comfortable and the catching typically rapid-fire. Dolphin (mahi) and wahoo roam the open sea in a continuous hunt for food. Anglers seek them along weed lines and around any sort of floating debris. Feeding birds, particularly frigates, also indicate their presence. The spectacle of the blue and yellow blaze of a dolphin or the blue and white zebra-like stripes of a wahoo on the end of your line is indelible. Entertain The Family. There’s nothing finer for family bonding than spending quality time together on the water, away from the interruptions of everyday life. Marathon boasts multiple venues that are ideal for a day of family fun fishing. The patch reefs, Hawk Channel, the Seven Mile Bridge and the nearshore bay waters are chock-full of fun-catching fish. Snapper, hogfish, porgy, yellowjack, maybe even grouper, keep the rods bent with tasty rewards at the end of the day. Just for fun, there are sharks, barracuda, jacks and more. Catch ’em and release ’em and on to the next! So, whether you’re looking to fill your trophy wall or your dinner plate, or just have a great day out with the family, Marathon offers the fishing opportunities to make your dreams come true. Capt. Chris Johnson specializes in offshore, gulf/bay, reef/wreck, sailfish, shark and tarpon fishing with SeaSquared Charters, docked at Faro Blanco Resort and Yacht Club in Marathon. You can reach him at 305-743-5305, http://SeaSquaredCharters.com and http://Facebook. com/MarathonFishing.
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Register For
The Bahamas Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament
A
Photo courtesy of Controlled Descent Lures
nglers with the guts to mix big-game tournament fishing with kayaking will head to beautiful Grand Bahama this month to compete in the Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament April 2023. This two-day kayak fishing tournament will attract anglers and their family members from all over the world for a chance to win more than $40,000 in cash and prizes, and all to help raise funds for the Humane Society of Grand Bahama. There will be free entertainment, food, drinks, a huge raffle and lots of fun for the entire family! “This event, now in its fourth year, has gained tremendous interest and notoriety for anglers and sporting enthusiasts from throughout the USA, Canada, China and Brazil. We have seen the competition grow each year from 40 anglers in our inaugural year in 2014 to some 280 participants last year,” said Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (BMOT) spokesman Richard Treco, Sr. “The high level of competition, coupled with our incredible on-island authentic cultural experiences and diverse product offering, makes this event most attractive for the seasoned as well as relatively new to the sport, angler.” Joe Hector, of Extreme Kayak Fishing International and organizer of the event, said he is excited to work with The BMOT on this tournament, and is particularly pleased with its rapid growth. “The Bahamas Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament truly is the gold standard for kayak fishing in the world, as it provides everything into one great getaway: fun and family adventures, awesome fishing from white and blue marlins to huge mutton snappers, friendly people and the most beautiful destination in the world,” said Hector. Pre- and post-tournament packages range from $595 triple or qua-
druple occupancy for a three nights stay to $1,370 single occupancy for a seven nights stay, which includes tournament registration, hotel accommodations at the Flamingo Bay Hotel and Marina, round-trip transportation for the angler and his/her kayak from Port Everglades to Grand Bahama, a cocktail reception and awards dinner. Fish caught during the tournament will be given to the Grand Bahama Children’s Home, Flamingo Bay Hotel and Marina, and volunteers assisting with the project. For more information or to register for the tournament, visit www. extremekayakfishing.com or call 954-661-0175.
To learn more about the event and how to register, go to
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UNDER THE SEA
SLINGS AND POLESPEARS
from companies have challenged this SHERI DAYE traditional design by changing the here’s a fun retro-movement taking hand position. The place in spearfishing—a trend toward Headhunter Guerilla primitive hunting gear. Slings and Sling has a comfortable polespears are used in places that do not allow trigger mechanisms, such as Bermuda or the grip, which transfers the weight load from Bahamas, but they are growing in popularity the wrist and distributes the force throughout the forearm. Sea Archer slings look like an outside these regions too. This could be attributed to the new Sling/ underwater bow and arrow. The user holds Polespear category for world records, run by the body of the sling just as they would with a the International Underwater Spearfishing bow and arrow. There’s nothing more beautiful Association (IUSA). However, I suspect the than watching a skilled underwater hunter real reason is that many hunters appreciate using a sling and hitting the mark with a freethe challenge and simplicity, not unlike land- flying shaft! Polespears are another fun option. hunters opting for bow-and-arrow over rifles. It’s a beautiful art form that evokes images of They can be made of fiberglass, aluminum Indians using extreme stealth and having great or carbon fiber. The tip can have a flopper, three-prong paralyzer tip or a slip-tip. Neritic respect for their prey. Slings and polespears are great tools for Diving company makes polespears with someone who is either learning how to spearfish interchangeable sections that can be assembled or interested in improving their hunting skills. in different length configurations. Users may Compared to modern spearguns, they force a choose to use a shorter polespear when hunting diver to become calmer and stealthier because in dirtier water or in tight spaces. When diving of their shorter range. One must slow down and in deep clear water, fish may not be cooperative study the behavior of fish in order to get closer and a longer polespear may be desired. The to them. While both slings and polespears are ability to quickly construct your weapon of powered using rubber bands without trigger choice is one of the best recent innovations, along with magnetic slip-tips that don’t fall off mechanisms, these two styles differ. Slings, sometimes called “Hawaiian slings,” while diving. I must admit that I can’t help feeling a are similar to a slingshot where the band is pulled back to launch the spear. Traditionally, smug sense of satisfaction when I land an the shooter was a tubular-shaped piece of wood elusive fish with a simple stick and rubber with a hole drilled down the center so the shaft band. Regardless if you are a novice or could slide through when being launched professional, primitive hunting offers a forward by the band. Recent innovations fun and entertaining challenge. Why not
T
Charles Duffie with a polespeared hogfish. Photo by James Ferrara.
add another skill to your spearfishing resume and another choice in your toolkit? It will double your fun and make you a better hunter! Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter and producer of “The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo” in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.
For more Sheri Daye, go to
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
3/20/17 3:40 PM
Spearfishing Course for Freedivers
By Capt. Chad Carney Photo courtesy of Controlled Descent Lures
I
n 2016, Freediving Instructors International (FII) presented their new spearfishing course at The Blue Wild Expo in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. If you’re new to spearfishing or a veteran, this wealthof-knowledge course, from many of the world’s best spearfishermen and freedivers will be invaluable. All students must already have a Level 1 freediving certification from an internationally recognized agency. FII founder Martin Stepanek, and freediving instructors John Dornellas and Cameron Kirkconnell, wrote the textbook for the course, called FII Spearfishing. The first course was taught by Martin and John at Florida Freedivers, Jonathan and Kelsey Dickinson’s dive shop in North Palm Beach, Fla. just days before The Blue Wild. Jonathan became a FII Spearfishing Instructor in September and taught the course to most of his staff and several customers since. The classroom section of the course runs a half day and is packed with great content including spearfishing ethics, freediving safety, location safety about dive planning, site obstructions, currents, marine animals, divers and boats. Information about spearfishing gear, it’s handling and use is covered thoroughly along with underwater hunting skills and techniques. The second half of the day is the pool training, where speargun handling and float line training is hands-on. The provided spearguns are unique in that they can be loaded in the water with total safety, because their shafts are completely stationary, as they are permanently bolted to the muzzles and mechanisms. Otherwise, the spearguns are fully functional and allow the best practice for pool or confined water training. Hunting styles and tricks are also taught and practiced in the pool around a portable artificial reef at the pool bottom where students will stalk a foam fish. Certification is completed with the classroom and pool session, along with a written test. A day of real ocean spearfishing is an option and may vary from location to location, but in the Palm Beaches, Jonathan says they plan for a day of spearfishing in moderate depths where water entries with gear can be polished, and also float lines can be used in currents. Reefs with low structure are available for stalking with, aspetto and agguatto techniques. The photo is Jonathan Dickinson with a recent 70-pound amberjack!
Check out www.floridafreedivers.com and www.freedivinginstructors.com for more information about the course and spearfishing and freediving equipment. Capt. Chad Carney runs diving and spearfishing charters in southeast Florida and can be reached at 727-4237775 or chad.carney@yahoo.com.
To learn more about Florida Free Divers, go to
Nothing gets you closer to the fish than your small craft. And nothing anchors you better than a Power-Pole Micro anchor made just for your vessel. Add the Micro Battery Pak and you’re ready to go wherever adventure takes you.
OFFSHOREANGLER.CO COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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FISH & FISHING
THE LIGHT WAND MARK SOSIN
L
earning to fish a fly in saltwater adds a new and extremely challenging dimension to the sport. Light-wand enthusiasts on the marine scene don’t have to trip over tradition that sometimes limits the thinking and performance of their brethren who focus attention solely on trout and salmon. There are differences. When you work over fish in a stream, you often have ample time to contemplate the situation, change flies if the first one doesn’t work, and even try several approaches. Even a shoreline largemouth bass lays claim to a stationary feeding station near a log or under the lip of a lily pad. Saltwater critters remain on the move, probing and prowling continuously or they hold on a seat in the restaurant until the water level rises or falls a certain amount. Then, they change position. If you happen to spot your quarry, you only have seconds to get a fly in front of it. The first cast has to count. Simple hesitation can cause you to miss the opportunity. When you are blind casting, it’s important to read the water and recognize another set of signals. Predators frequently follow a feeding rhythm tied directly to the stage of the tide. Since they are not restricted to a few deep pools or the tail end of a run, finding them and presenting a fly with accuracy requires detailed knowledge of their habits and habitat. Casting in saltwater demands a bit more distance than it does in many freshwater settings. False casting becomes a handicap when you’re trying to drop a fly in the path of a cruising gamefish. You won’t have time to admire the tight loops or match the distance to the target precisely before dropping the fly gently on the skin of the water. The repeated surges of a powerful marine denizen tethered to flyline, leader and backing, or the task of driving a fly into the wind and in front of a cruising fish have no parallels in other forms of angling. Once experienced, these challenges trigger an insatiable appetite that demands more.
For smaller species of fish, a 9-weight fly rod that is 9-feet long would be my first choice. The reel should be single action, hold adequate backing, and left or right hand retrieve. You should turn the handle with your primary hand rather than what many fly fishermen do today. With a 9-weight rod, the reel should hold at least 200 yards of 20-pound dacron or braid. The second outfit for larger fish starts with a 12-weight or 13-weight rod and a reel that holds at least 275 yards of backing. Again, if you are right handed, choose a right hand retrieve. If you’re new to fly fishing, the time to break out the fly rod is when fishing is very good and your chances of success are boosted. It pays to keep it rigged and handy all the time. Let me warn you that catching fish on a fly rod becomes addictive. Once you start hooking fish on the light wand you will also be hooked.
For more Mark Sosin visit
CAMFISHING.COM
BE ONE WITH THE FISH An Aqua-Vu HD underwater camera is the quickest way to find big bass. Unlike pixels and mysterious sonar signals, an Aqua-Vu reveals a live, crystal clear image of the underwater world. See largemouths buried in vegetation and brush, smallmouths hidden beside boulders, suspended spots and everything else beneath your boat.
DISCOVER THE TRUE UNDERWATER WORLD, IN REAL TIME AND FULL COLOR HD. > XD Camera with ultraclear 720p resolution > Waterproof & Sunlight Viewable 7-inch LCD > Anti-Spook IR Underwater Lights > 100-feet HD Cable, Charger & Custom Storage Bag www.aquavu.com
UNDERWATER VIEWING SYSTEMS
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
3/20/17 3:40 PM
UR-Cut
FIELD TEST
DEXTER UR-CUT FILLET KNIFE
Ergonomically perfect. Virtually non-slip. Unmatched comfort. Unmatched control. Takes minutes to do.
A slippery knife can make filleting fish a difficult chore. Dexter UR-Cut Fillet knives were designed to eliminate this problem, while providing comfort and control by custom molding the grip to a user’s hand. Coastal Angler put Dexter’s design to the test at the docks with a cooler full of sheepshead, which are known to be difficult to clean. The customization involves boiling the handle before dipping it in cold water and gripping it tightly so the owner’s grip is impressed on the handle. With attention to thumb position during the process, we were able to customize the grip to the exact position our fillet men prefer. It took just a few minutes, and the result was a well-balanced tool that felt secure and comfortable in the hand. Then we took our blades to the cutting table. Dexters are known for maintaining a super-sharp edge, and having just the right amount of flexibility. Past experience has taught us they are also easy to sharpen. We were not surprised to find the blade on our new UR-Cut knives performed flawlessly working along spines and ribcages. Our hands and the table were coated in slime, and this is where the URCut showed why it is more than just a good knife. We intentionally created a slippery situation by not washing down, and the non-slip properties of the custom handles performed as advertised. For more information, visit...
UR-Cut features the same legendary DEXSTEEL, super-sharp edge, and just-right flexibility that you are used to with Dexter... 1.Dip handle in boiling water for 2 minutes. 2. Dip in cold water for 1 second. 3. Grip and form handle for 10 seconds. 4. Put back in cold water for 10 seconds and your done.
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM 3/1/17 1:39 PM
TROLLS 6-10 OR UP TO 20 KNOTS — NO WEIGHTS NEEDED
APRIL 2017
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O/B MOTOR BRACKET Mounts to your existing swim platform
RATED FOR 2 & 4-STROKE ENGINES UP TO 15 HP OR 132 LBS.
ADD SOME KICK WITH PANTHER’S ALL-NEW SWIM PLATFORM O/B MOTOR BRACKET Transform your boat into a fishing machine and make trolling for your favorite species more efficient and productive. www.MarineTechProducts.com
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PANTHER SWIM PLATFORM OUTBOARD MOTOR BRACKET Now, with the new Panther Swim Platform Outboard Motor Bracket you can transform the family boat or even the work boat into a fishing machine. The convenience of having a kicker motor makes slow trolling for your favorite species much more efficient and productive. The new bracket easily mounts to most swim platforms and features three levels of convenient height adjustment to accommodate most platform heights and motor shaft lengths, for optimal prop depth and performance. • Rated for two- and four-stroke motors up to 20 hp with max motor weight of 195 pounds • Constructed of black powder coat aluminum • Comes complete with transom support bar for weight support torque resistance For more information, contact MarineTech Products at 1 651-486-2010 or visit
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Rod Holders
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
3/20/17 3:41 PM
Ohio Man Charged With
Cleaning Out The Fishing Aisle
NEVER WAX AGAIN! RESTORE AND PROTECT YOUR BOAT
M
ost anglers would probably enjoy a shopping spree in the fishing section of the local Walmart. An Ohio man allegedly helped himself to not one, but two free-ofcharge shopping sprees last October, and has now been charged with stealing an estimated $3,800 worth of fishing gear, according to NBC affiliate WLWT. Warren County, Ohio prosecutor David Fornshell told reporters that Derrick Marcum, “pretty much cleared out the aisle.” According to the WLWT report, Marcum was arrested last October when he attempted to carry two backpacks stuffed with fishing gear out of an Ohio Walmart. He was arrested that same day for the theft of $1,300 worth of gear. But it wasn’t until recently that investigators connected that incident with another theft that occurred the previous day at another Ohio Walmart. Marcum allegedly filled five plastic bins with tackle and then proceeded to the self-checkout, where he paid only for the bins. Investigators valued that heist at about $2,500. A grand jury indicted Marcum, and he waits in jail for his arraignment, according to reports. Jail time seems a pretty steep price, even for thousands of dollars worth of fishing gear.
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JEFF SCHNEIDER PHOTO COURTESY OF VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 267
• New Orleans, LA SOLD! • Baton Rouge, LA • Lafayette, LA • Corpus Christi, TX • Austin, TX
APRIL 2017
F R A N C H I S E
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For More Information On These And Other Franchise Locations
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#1
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suzuki spring savings Three Limited Time Offers Make A Good Deal Even Better Suzuki Gives You All Three So You Don’t Have To Choose One Or The Other
Buy a new Suzuki outboard from 25 to 300 horsepower and take advantage of not just one, but ALL THREE Suzuki Spring promotional offers.
Add cash rebates on select models and you can get up to $800 cash back. Plus our Repower Financing is available at attractive interest rates (on approved credit.*)
Just say, “Gimme Six!” and you’ll get six years of product protection. That’s right, you’ll get Suzuki’s three-year limited warranty and Suzuki’s 3-Year Extended Protection Plan at no extra charge.
See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer today and find out how you can get the ultimate deal on the Ultimate 4-Stroke Outboard.
Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 300 HP.
Cash Rebates on select models. See your dealer for details.
REPOWER FINANCE
Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards (OAC).*
For details and the name of your nearest participating Suzuki Marine dealer, visit www.suzukimarine.com
Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 300 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 4/01/17 and 6/30/17 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Cash Rebates apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 4/01/17 and 6/30/17. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Customer and participating Dealer must fill out the appropriate rebate form at time of sale. Customer will have the choice to either apply the cash rebate against the original dealer invoice (Suzuki will credit Dealer parts account) or have a check sent directly to the customer. There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 4/01/17 and 6/30/17. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2017 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
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PENNFISHING.COM
LET THE BATTLE BEGIN The Slammer is back! Featuring a full metal body and rotor, IPX6 sealed gear box and spool design, a full Brass CNC Gear system,
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