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Heads Of Cold Steel Winter Steelheading In Upstate New York

By Frank Geremski -The Angler Magazine of Upstate NY publisher

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inter steelhead fishing can be chilling, but once you hook into a 10-pound, lightning-fast bolt of silver, your blood will be boiling. The speed and explosion are what lures steelheaders to expose themselves to harsh Great Lakes winters. And there’s more. On Upstate New York’s Salmon River, there are plenty of beautiful, large, lake-run brown trout mixed in. Plus, today’s lightweight protective clothing provides comfort between strikes.

The Salmon River in Oswego County, N.Y. (www.visitoswegocounty.com) offers consistent steelhead fishing during the late fall, winter and spring. In fact, the river has runs of trout and salmon from Lake Ontario all year long.

With many quality tributaries along its length and a hatchery, this highquality wilderness river once was home to a legendary Atlantic salmon run.

Rebounding populations of Atlantics still exist due to restoration projects, but Pacific salmon dominate the scene in late summer and fall. Huge chinook salmon, some heavier than 30 pounds, and coho salmon run up 14 miles of prime spawning and fishing waters each fall. A good number of steelhead (rainbow trout) follow the salmon to feed on the eggs dropped during this legendary fall salmon run. The steelhead feed aggressively during the salmon run, and they remain in this beautiful blue-ribbon river all winter, providing more than six months of explosive action. Winter thaws and early spring rains invite the remaining Lake Ontario steelhead to spawn and join their riverwintering kin. It’s a truly dynamic trophy trout experience.

The Salmon River holds big fish. Ten-pound steelhead are commonplace.

Fish in the teens are a definite possibility, and persistent steelheaders get chances every year on specimens in the 20-pound range. When salmon first enter the Salmon River in September and October, steelhead and lake-run brown trout mix in with pacific salmon making their spawning run. Both trout species feed on salmon eggs, and just when the salmon die off, the brown trout begin to spawn. Their eggs supplement the steelheads’ diet. Large numbers of giant trout and steelhead winter in the river, with additional fish running up from Lake Ontario all winter and early spring.

When they first enter the river, these brightly colored bullets aggressively strike offerings like egg sacks, bright Estaz flies or beads that imitate eggs.

Midriver matriculation brings them past the village of Pulaski, where there are about 10 miles of mostly public fishing access to deep holes, runs, rapids and every kind of trout water. Several high-quality tributaries flow in along the way and provide excellent spawning grounds up to what’s considered the upper section of the river. Natural reproduction does occur, and New York state operates a large hatchery on the upper end of the Salmon River.

Since the Salmon River is a tailwater, this upper section is fishable all winter and never ices up. With egg availability diminishing, the winter steelhead diet evolves to more nymphs and stoneflies. Fly fishing is effective yet challenging.

This section of river is ideal for fighting and landing large fish, with catch and release encouraged. Many trophy steelhead in the teens are photographed for replica mounts, and brown trout in the 5- to 10-pound range are caught regularly, with fish in the teens a possibility.

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The Salmon River has a reputation for tight quarters during the peak of the salmon run.

Crowds diminish during winter steelhead season.

Weekdays bring even less competition. Two very select permit-only resort properties are located on the two best sections of river offering managed access and exclusive riverside lodging.

On the upper river, The Tailwater Lodge in Altmar, N.Y. has private southside access to Schoolhouse Pool and the runs and holes above and below. This is the prime wintering spot for a large percentage of steelhead and the best access for ice-free angling.

The Tailwater is an Orvis-endorsed lodge, which includes an on-site fly shop, “The Woodshed.” Zero Limit Adventures Guide Service, also Orvis endorsed, has a collaborative relationship with Tailwater Lodge and provides outstanding guidance to this section and the entire Salmon River. They’ll get you dialed into current river conditions and what the fish are feeding on. The Tailwater Lodge’s opulent accommodations coupled with their location on the river and exclusive access make it the Mecca for Salmon River steelheading.

This large section of river provides various speeds of current and holding water with ice-free conditions all winter. Tactics for hooking these giants include fly fishing, spinning, float fishing and center-pin techniques. The Angler Magazine highly recommends booking an experienced licensed guide on your first day to instruct you on equipment, fly or bait selection and technique. Allow Tailwater Lodge (www.tailwaterlodge.com) and Zero Limit Adventures (www. zerolimitadventures.com) ease the entry into this elite pursuit.

Douglaston Salmon Run (DSR) manages more than 2 1/2 miles of exclusive access in the lower end of the Salmon River where steelhead first enter from Lake Ontario. Early steelhead action can be fast and furious. Winter access is dependent on weather conditions, as the middle and lower sections of the Salmon River get slushy or iced over during mid-winter cold speels. DSR (www. douglastonsalmonrun.com) publishes an accurate and honest daily report that functions as a great information source for river conditions and fish movement.

The highly challenging adventure of hooking and battling your first 10-pound-plus Great Lakes steelhead will certainly not be your last. This divine experience will put you in a league of sportsmen who are the only ones to understand this trophy steelhead quest. It’s a feeling like the adrenaline rush of your first buck or sailfish. This heart-pounding adventure on a beautiful river will provide a memory that can be yours forever.

To check out the “Men of Steel” video, go to

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12/15/16 3:09 PM

Live the Legend.

Don’t miss the legendary Salmon Run on New York State’s famous Salmon and Oswego Rivers. Enjoy the best steelhead fly fishing in the Eastern U.S.

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Editor’s Note: 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.

COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE Houma, Louisiana

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The big black drum on the cover of Coastal Angler’s January editions was caught by Banging The Drums Of Jacki Shae, whose south Florida upbringing Houma, La. taught her a love of fishing from an early age.

Winter Chrome In On a recent ladies-only fishing trip to the Upstate N.Y. marshes around Houma, Louisiana, Jacki learned a newfound respect for black drum.

Local This often overlooked cousin to the everpopular red drum might not be much on looks, but it puts up a heck of a fight and grows even larger than the big bull reds prized by so many anglers. Rumor has it the fish on the cover was caught with one of those kids’ Barbie rods spooled with 30-pound test.

With tutelage from their guide Brittney Novalsky, the ladies also did battle with some of the big redfish Louisiana is famous for.

Four young women staying on a houseboat and hauling big fish from the Louisiana mud… what more could anyone ask for from a fishing expedition?

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The covers of this month’s editions of The Angler feature a beautiful chrome steelhead Winter Chrome In caught by Zero Limit Adventures Guide Rob Upstate N.Y. Reynolds. The photo was taken by Zero Limit Banging The Drums Of Adventures Guide Matthew DeRosa.

The fish was caught on the Salmon River in Oswego County, New York. To learn more Local about this fantastic fishery view this month’s article “Heads of Cold Steel” by The Angler Magazine Upstate New York publisher Frank Geremski. Zero Limit’s diverse team of guides offer tailored trips of a lifetime and expertly fish many tributaries of central and western New York. They can be reached by e-mail via mderosa@zerolimitadventures.com by phone at 585-766-2421, or view their website at www.zerolimitadventures.com.

Zero Limit has a collaborative relationship with the opulent Tailwater Lodge www.TailwaterLodge.com in Oswego County. Tailwater Lodge offers exclusive access and wonderful accommodations on the banks of the Salmon River, home of legendary trophy salmon, steelhead and brown trout runs from Lake Ontario. Call Tailwater Lodge for availability and reservations at 315-298-3434. To learn more about Lake Ontario, the Salmon River and Oswego County fishing go to www. visitoswegocounty.com or call 1-800-248-4FUN. Houma, La.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF ZERO LIMIT ADVENTURES GUIDE MATTHEW DEROSA VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 264

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LADIES DRUM UP ACTION IN THE LOUISIANA MARSH

By Jacki Shea

I

find myself staying in the strangest places when I go on fishing adventures. But as long as it involves fishing, sleeping on a couch or on the ground really doesn’t matter.

On this particular trip, my friends and I found ourselves in a small houseboat on a river in the Louisiana marshes west of New Orleans. It was tiny, there was only one bathroom (picture four girls trying to use one bathroom), and the bed sheets smelled like a man after a long day of fishing. You might be wondering what brought us to such a place, and I will give you two very good reasons: redfish and black drum.

Enormous specimens of these two drum species come into the marsh each fall and winter, 20 to 30 pounds to be more specific.

If you plan on making the trip to Louisiana to do some inshore fishing, it is not necessary to stay on a houseboat; however, I highly recommend it. When

you wake up each morning, you are on the water ready to fish with your boat tied up next to you.

Of the drum family, redfish seem to be the most popular inshore species. Redfish are always a great fight, especially the big bulls. But many anglers seem to overlook black drum, which are sometimes referred to as a “mud donkeys.”

It is not an attractive fish, nor is it great for eating; therefore, it is not commonly targeted. This fish does, however, grow the largest of the drum species, and it fights with the same action and power as a bull red. Now that I’ve caught a few, I believe black drum can look very pretty once the Louisiana sun hits those scales just right.

Redfish and black drum are thick in the Louisiana marshes all year, but the season for the monsters runs from September to January, when big fish move from offshore into the marsh following migrating baitfish. When the baitfish show up inshore, the big fish won’t be far behind.

For bait you can use live or artificial depending on whether you are trying to sight fish or just toss a line out and wait.

On our trip, we used a standard knocker rig, with an egg sinker and a hook, and sank split live blue crabs and shrimp to the bottom and waited.

The fishing is quite simple when you know where the fish are, although a guide is recommended for those unfamiliar with the waters because it’s easy to get lost in the marsh. Keep an eye out for cold fronts. The cold fronts clean up the water and bring the fish closer to the surface, which makes for perfect sight fishing. The fish also enjoy the cooler inshore water, so they will be more abundant and active.

Check out Jacki’s YouTube channel Jacki Shea Fishing for videos of her fishing adventures. Her guide for the Louisiana trip was Brittney Novalsky who can be contacted through www.fishingadventureswithbrittney.com.

For more fishing with Jacki Shea, go to

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By Tom Karrow Researcher Tom Karrow assessing fishery health in Abaco with a Bahamian angling guide from the Delphi Club.

Photo by Andrew O’Neill

W

hen I first started fly fishing in the 80s, the sport was not nearly as popular as it is today. Shops carrying fly tackle were sparse, people with knowledge of the sport were few and far between and getting lessons was nearly impossible. When I think back to those days, recalling the number of flies I lost in trees, the frequent tangles I developed and the shear lack of fish I caught, it is a wonder that I kept with it. Indeed, if it were not for the fly tying component of the sport, I might well have thrown in the towel. I love fly tying; being able to create something to fool fish with is a marvelous achievement.

In contrast to my early fly fishing days, today there is a seeming abundance of information on the sport, from equipment, to angling destinations; everyone seems to have some insights. On top of this has been the advent of the Internet, a treasure trove of information and misinformation. The fact of the matter is, fly fishing is not nearly as complicated as it may seem. It is simply a form of fishing that allows for lightweight or nearly weightless “lures” to be used, which without the added weight in the line could not be presented to a fish. In some cases, fly fishing is a far superior method for fooling fish and in others, deep waters for example, far more challenging.

When it comes to heavily pressured or sensitive fish, especially those inhabiting shallow inshore waters, I would argue fly fishing can often out-produce other techniques. Being able to imperceptibly drop a fly in front of fish when they are used to loud splashes from heavy lures or live baits can often result in fooled fish.

Fly fishing is sometimes called an art, perhaps because of the apparent delicateness of the cast, the manner in which the line travels out over the water, or because many incorrectly, consider it hard. So let me correct this fallacy. Fly fishing is not hard, it does not need to be complicated and it can be very easily learned.

If you really want to learn to fly fish, I would suggest a trip to the Bahamas. The weather is beautiful, the waters are stunning, and the people, culture and food are marvelous. The chance of catching fish is very high, as the guides are great instructors and a week’s worth of fly fishing immersion would provide incredible advancement in understanding and skill level.

Throughout my travels in the Bahamas, I have met many wonderful guides and visited many top-notch facilities. To highlight one Bahamian guide or lodge is simply impossible. However, when it comes to learning the sport, be honest. When booking a trip to a lodge, perhaps directly or through a travel company like Yellow Dog Fly Fishing or Frontiers International, tell them what you want. Tell them you are a beginner.

Tell them you want to learn. Through this strategy, those in the know will put you with facilities and personnel best suited to an instructional 12

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Great equipment meets great Bahamian culture.

Photo by Tom Karrow

environment. You want a location that offers everything, lodging and food of course but also equipment, casting lessons, fly tying lessons, safety instruction along with patient and professional guides.

One common thread that has become apparent through my research in the Bahamas is the respect that Bahamians have for travelers, specifically bonefish anglers. Bahamians openly welcome tourists, recognizing the importance that bonefishing has on local Family Island communities. Bonefishing on some Bahamian islands provides employment for up to 80 percent of the local population. With that level of economic importance, industry professionalism is critical along with healthy fisheries. In the Bahamas you will find both a high degree of angling knowledge and amazing fisheries. The Bahamas are certainly an excellent place to consider taking a trip and a phenomenal place to learn to fly fish. What I find most attractive about the Bahamas is the shear diversity available. With more than 700 islands, there is something for everyone. And for anglers, old and new, there are always new opportunities to learn from.

Tom Karrow is a sustainable tourism scholar from the University of Waterloo. His research focuses on the Bahamian bonefishing industry, centered on the guides and their knowledge, stories and experiences.

For more on his research see: http://tomkarrow.wixsite.com/bahamasguide-tek, and follow Coastal Angler Magazine for updates and more.

Tom Karrow can be reached at tkarrow@uwaterloo.ca or tomkarrow@ gmail.com.

For more Bonefishing in the Bahamas, go to

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Elite Series™ Bassmaster Lester Pro Brandon t the rods tha builds all of he Elite he uses on t ment Trail. a n r u o T s ie r Se

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no weight reduction had gone into the components above the handle. The guides were large and weighty. As a result, the rod was annoyingly front-heavy, even when I mounted two of the spinning reels I had tabbed for the task. Lost balance led to lost feel and sense of control over my bait. It took an oversized reel to bring anything resembling “balance” to this rod, and the resultant combo was still cumbersome.

“It’s hard to get a rod perfectly balanced without knowing the reel a guy plans to put on it,” said Russ Lane, a Bassmaster Elite Series angler known for his talent for tackle tinkering.

Lane wraps many of his rods with Winn Superior Rod Wrap (www.winngrips.com) to give them the same advantages of hand control and comfort that he gets with the Denali Attax rods and other rods in his arsenal already fitted with Winn grips. But at times there’s a secondary benefit to the wrap.

“Sometimes adding the Winn rod wrap can add just enough weight to balance a rod,” noted Lane.

He faced a formidable “weight-forward” balance challenge with the flipping/pitching rod he uses to punch matted vegetation with soft plastic lures and 1.5-ounce tungsten

By Mike Pehanich weights. “I needed to add more weight to the handle,” Lane recalled.

As usual, he covered the cork mid-grip of this 7-foot, 6-inch Denali Lithium Flipping Stick (Xtra Heavy) with the ightness” has been the dominant thrust of rod evolution for years.

Lightweight guides, skeletal reel seats, split grips… these and other polymer overwrap. Before he added the wrap to the butt grip, however, he developments have served rod builders in their ongoing quest to added Storm SuspenStrips—adhesive-backed rectangles of soft lead that he reduce rod weight and, in turn, diminish fatigue and enhance angler comfort generally uses to add weight to his jerkbaits—to the tapered butt grip.

“You can get the balance perfect by adding just enough lead tape over the and feel on the water.

Oddly enough, radical downsizing of rod components sometimes produces butt grip before adding Winn overwrap on top of it,” explained Lane. “Balance the opposite of its intended effect if rod balance is significantly compromised makes a big difference when you are flipping those heavy tungsten weights in along the way or when heavier-than-usual lures or terminal tackle enter the heavy cover all day long.” picture.

Several seasons ago, a rod manufacturer asked me to road test a new midFor a word from Lester on the benefits of Winn Grips, go to priced spinning rod the company was planning to bring to market. The design team had taken the split grip concept to an extreme, virtually eliminating the mid (rear) grip altogether and adding a very airy foam to the butt grip. However,

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Shown above: Chad Roberson, President of H2O Sports congratulates Danny Amador on his new boat.

hat’s a real mouthful of salutations, but the winner of Coastal Angler and The Angler Magazine’s Boat Giveaway contest is certainly deserving of all three. Danny Amador was drawn as the winner of the 15’10” Cape Craft boat with 75 hp Honda engine and a Coyote trailer. A massive fire at H20 Sports Manufacturing delayed much of their manufacturing, and Danny Amador had to wait until Dec. 9 to pick up his brand new Cape Craft vessel.

That’s where the story gets really interesting. Dec. 9 is Danny’s birthday. Yep, and as all December birthday people know it’s always “Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas.”

Coastal Angler Magazine would like to salute Danny Amador for his patience in receiving his boat. Unforeseen circumstances can sometimes alter even the best of transactions. Danny Amador’s patience and H20’s commitment to fulfilling the contest award represented the best of our industry. In addition to Danny’s boat, motor and trailer, Chad Roberson, H20 Sports Manufacturing’s President, insisted on

throwing in a free bimini top and invited Danny Amador to pick his favorite custom color for the boat. Good things are worth waiting for.

Special thanks to Top Notch Marine in Fort H2O Staff and Danny Amador shown at H2O Sports headquarters.

Pierce, Fla. for their assistance in titling this boat to our Florida winner. Once again to Danny Amador: “Congratulations, Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas!”

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UNDER THE SEA

Center s LIONFISH: CAN’T BEAT ’EM? EAT ’EM! SHERI DAYE

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lthough beautiful to look at, the invasive lionfish poses a severe threat to Atlantic and Gulf waters.

They are known for having spines that can sting if not handled properly, but the meat is perfectly safe and delicious to eat. In other words, they are venomous but not poisonous.

Lionfish is becoming increasingly common on restaurant menus and is even available at Whole Foods grocery stores. Connoisseurs often compare the quality to hogfish – a fine, delicate white meat.

The scientific community concluded that home aquarists are to blame.

Much like the python in the Everglades, it only took a few released invasive individuals to begin the breeding cycle. Since they are a new and strange looking species, native fish are not consuming lionfish. Yet lionfish are consuming juvenile native species at an alarming rate. Adding to the problem, they also breed at an amazing rate. Females reach sexual maturity at six months and release up to 30,000 eggs every five days. They now cover the east coast of the U.S., the entire Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic side of Central and South America, and can be found between 2 and 1,000 feet deep.

The most effective way of hunting them, by far, is spearfishing. Since they have no natural predators, they are not wary which makes them easy to spear. Just handle the spines with care and you will be rewarded with a delicious meal while helping the environment!

Lionfish hunting tips: 1. First, you must find them! Unfortunately, they are everywhere—look on reefs, wrecks, sometimes out in the open and often in ledges and holes.

2. Handle them carefully and do not to let the fins puncture your skin. If stung on the hand, remove any rings right away. The best treatment is heat, which breaks down the venom. Heat packs or hot water collected from the boat exhaust can be used.

3. Use the specially designed pole spears (such as Neritic) and use lionfish containers (such as the Zookeeper), which are puncture-proof.

These specialty items can be found on the LionfishHunting.com website or your local dive shop.

4. Once back on the boat/shore, place lionfish into cooler and continue to handle with care. The protein-based venom is broken down by heat but preserved by cold.

5.

Lionfish can be filleted just like any other fish. See LionfishHunting.com for a good set of instructions with photos on how to fillet.

6. Lionfish can be prepared like any other white-meat fish. Many recipes can be found online. For an impressive presentation, they can even be cooked whole as cooking neutralizes the venom.

P. S. The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo, which takes place April 2017 in Ft. Lauderdale, will have a Lionfish Pavilion featuring several exhibitors along with a cook-off event where several chefs will be showing off their best recipes and giving samples. Happy Hunting!

Sheri Daye 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.

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SOUTHEAST dad as a kid and has fished almost every day for the past 33 years! Dave will be at the boat show all weekend.

Meet Mermaid Kelly Mermaid Kelly is a Professional Mermaid who swam all the way from Florida. She will have a meet and greet and photo op all weekend.

She loves to swim and she loves visiting humans on the land.

Coastal Fishing Expo The Coastal Fishing Expo will be held all weekend, hosted by Coastal Angler Magazine. Come meet the fishing experts as they teach tips of the trade.

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he Charleston Boat Show is an annual tradition in the Lowcountry.

Now celebrating 37 years, the show has expanded with more outdoor space. There will be more than 80 boat brands and hundreds of boats on sale at “show only” pricing beginning Friday, Jan. 27 through Sunday, Jan. 29 at the Charleston Area Convention Center Complex.

Meet Wicked Tuna’s Capt. Dave Carraro Capt. Dave Carraro is the captain of FV-Tuna.com on NatGeo’s smash hit show Wicked Tuna. Dave holds a U.S.C.G 100-ton Master License and has an invaluable 32 years of experience with Gloucester Fishing Charters. He began fishing with his

Live Music Outside As part of the boat show celebration, there will be live music outside including Return Of The Mack Duo featuring Chris Dodson and Markie Morantz; Classic Rock, Blues, R & B with Ronnie Johnson and Dale Baker and Saluda Shoals, a musical collaboration between singer/songwriter Henri Gates and vocalist Cassie Verhaeghe.

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FROM EDITOR UP THE THE CREEK FreD rourk

W

e have worked our way through summer and now we’re headed into sportsman season for those of you who are true anglers. This summer, the Georgetown area has had an unusual sequence of weather that backed up rivers. From what I understand, he beensea asthe it’s floodgates have openedtrout on lakes in upstate for the first time insimply 50 years.referred, Early sometimes summer brought run-off rain to the coast, but also called spotted trout, mostly normal showers in the second half of the season. speckled trout, and winter

THE MIGHTY SEA TROUT

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I’m ready. Since the males of all the drum species attract females the same way, nature has provided each of them with trout, is a fish that many of us its own distinctive drumming target in the late fall and right frequency. on through early winter. These Speckled sea trout are ravenous fish are neither exceptionally predators. Their scientific name large, the South Carolina in Latin translates to “dog like record is 11lb 13oz, nor are fish” probably because of the they drag burning fighters. resemblance of their teeth to a What they are is fun to fish for canine’s. Once you find where and great to eat. They are not they are staging to ambush their true trout, trout are part of the prey they are relatively easy to salmon family of fish species catch using a variety of baits. winds ain the sum- or while speckled trout are in the How A about floatnorth rigeastwith shrimp mer or a 73 degree day in August? drum family along with redfish, shrimp imitation under it is my So what’s a sportsman to do? Go fishing, yes, black drum, croaker, whiting, preferred rig. I usewhen a popping just go.

Do not be disappointed your number hole isn’t happening; on and and spot. When speckled trout orone rattling float, a move couple years scout. There is bait around and if you spend spawn, which is for a long time ago I was fishing with some time, you’ll find it. Think outside of your my normal and revisit fishing holes you may have as I beginning in late April and friend Englis Glover and hit before without luck. If you don’t have time, 2010 MK early September, going through watched the current carry my you can always head south to greener pastures.

2011 the males drum to tell floathaspast a very fishythings: looking I E W The Lord his way of balancing O V E R V will the weather, fish, andI all of his“watch critters, in-this” the females to come on over, grasstheledge said cluding us.

If You Advertised Here...

2010 2011

MK

O V E R V I E W

and I popped the cork once and three seconds later had a nice little 2lb trout on the hook.

Even though shrimp works great, sampling studies show that trout 18 inches and larger primarily eat fish, mostly finger mullet, menhaden, and mud minnows. I have seen my fishing partner Levi Walls catch many a trout on finger mullet which is a good go to bait when shrimp are scarce.

Trout will also readily take artificial baits, anything from twitch baits to jigs with a soft plastic grub to topwater lures work very well. My personal best trout of 7.5lbs came from a MirroLure Top Dog Jr. When you catch a big trout a decision has to be made, a few weeks ago I was fishing near Matt Eisenberger and Paul Pancake, both accomplished trout anglers. They were having a good day and caught several 6lb plus trout and many other smaller ones. They released those big trout and kept a couple of the smaller ones for dinner.

They did that because they know that those big ones are the breeders. As a female trout gets bigger it produces more eggs and produces them more often than the smaller females.

They truly are the baby trout fish factories that the species relies on. Robert Wiggers of the SCDNR says that when you kill one big trout you’re not killing one fish, you’re killing thousands. Since speckled trout are not commercially harvested and are rarely caught in shrimp trawler nets, any decline in their numbers is squarely on the recreational anglers. A couple years ago those of us that trout fish were catching remarkable numbers of 13 inch trout, those same trout are now grown up and are the reason why we are catching so many big trout this year. So that is the decision when you have a big trout on the end of your line. Just how important is that trout dinner?

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MYRTLE BEACH/GEORGETOWN 6

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SMART FISHING GeorGe smart

I

ARTIFICIAL OR LIVE?

f you are like me, my first years of fishing were always with live bait.

It just always seemed like the only way to really fool a fish was to give them the real thing. After all, that was what they were eating in their natural habitat. The problem seemed to be that sometimes you were hard pressed to come up with the live bait.

You had two choices, either go catch it yourself or find someone else that had went out and caught it and then you could buy it from them. After you finally find the live bait, there was the challenge of keeping the live bait fish or shrimp alive. You were either constantly pulling a bait bucket in and out of the water or you needed a good live well with a nice pump to keep fresh water circulated constantly. Not to mention the extra cost or purchasing the bait and the question of how much do I purchase to get through that fishing trip. I just think knowing how to fish artificial baits has some advantages over live especially when the live bait might not be available.

The number one reason I like artificial bait over live is that if you learn to use artificial correctly, you can definately catch more fish in less time. I can’t tell you how many times I went fishing after a work day and I wanted to get on the water as soon as possible to maximize my fishing for a couple of hours.

When you are in a school of fish and even when you aren’t chances are that you can put that artificial bait right back at the fish just as soon as you get the last one off the hook.

If you’re scrambling for the bait bucket or chasing the bait in the live well you are wasting precious time.

The fish more than likely will be 4 MYRTLE BEACH/GEORGETOWN moving on as soon the prey they are feeding on moves so you better be ready to put your presentation back in front of them as soon as possible.

Another important advantage is control. Assuming you know how to fish an artificial bait properly, you can have more control over that bait verses a live bait. Placing the bait in the strike zone more often will result in more strikes. If I lose one of my artificial lures I just reach in my tackle and tie another on. If all your live bait is gone

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Pawleys Island The next thing is coverage. I can’t 10970 Ocean Highway 843.848.2049 tell you how many times I have fished in one of my favorite holes Georgetown just after another boat has trolled through that hole with live bait and I 1187 North Fraser Street 843.436.6800 pull up and anchor the boat and start casting in a circle pattern around the Mt. Pleasant boat and catch fish that the previous 1127 Queensborough Blvd. 843.972.4300 angler never knew was there. Most times I use the 180 degree approach North Myrtle Beach and I can cover 3 to 4 times the water that the live bait fisherman 1801 Highway 17 South 843.848.2260 covers and find that fish that was Member feeding just beyond their reach but SouthAtlanticBank.com well within mine. For instance, I can cast my artificial into an oyster bed and work it just to the edge and let it drop down. Fish are constantly patrolling the outside edges of oyster beds keeping a close eye for the unsuspecting bait fish that is leaving cover. Your best opportunity for success is recognizing these areas and using that knowledge to your full advantage.

The last thing is saving the live bait to help support the food chain for bigger and fatter fish. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen fishermen bring in a live well full of dead bait because they overloaded the live well and insufficient oxygen killed the remaining bait. This bait almost always gets thrown overboard when the day is over and wasted.

Protecting the natural bait helpsANGLER to COASTAL MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2013 keep fish in the area and keeps them healthy. Natural resources have to be maintained to promote future fisheries I’m not advocating just fishing with artificial lures only but there are these advantages that put you in control of successful time on the water.

Having both live bait and artificial bait at times will make you a better fisherman when you are looking to be as successful as possible. See you on the water!

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UP THE CREEK FreD rourk

W ANOTHER YEAR OF FISHING

e have worked our way through summer and now we’re headed into sportsman season for those of you who are true anglers. This summer, the Georgetown area has had an unusual sequence of weather that backednother up rivers. year From what of I understand, fishing, floodgates have been opened on lakes in the things are great when you upstate for the first time in 50 years. Early can spend your year onto the water. summer brought run-off rain the coast, but mostly normal showers indue the second half of 2016 was unusual to dealing the season.

A

proud of your efforts and let’s get better educated as to how we can be better stewards of the resource.

If you have a group of anglers or a club that is interested in learning more about the subject, feel free to contact me and I’ll put you in touch with the right people.

SCDNR biologist are more than willing to speak to your group and will be happy to educate anyone interested. Let’s make education the key verses regulation, much easier way to accomplish the same goal. For folks that don’t know it our fishing regulations are written in the state house and senate and we all know how that works. Our efforts can make a difference in spite of the snail’s

Murrells Inlet, Little River, all great reports on size and numbers.

Recently learned from DNR biologist not to touch trout you with two flood situations flowing don’t intend to keep. If you place through Georgetown and nearby your fingers on trout the fish will estuaries. The flood of 2015 didn’t lose its scales and sores will form subside until April 2016, there anywhere you touch them. So just was so much sweetwater headed take pliers and release overboard to the coast it took that long any fish you don’t intend to before the water finally turned keep. Trout spawn constantly green again. Hurricane Matthew so they have generated plenty of repeated this process once again fish to pull you down. There is but the good news was it didn’t also a connection between trout flood inland areas and dissipated and reds, if trout numbers are up pretty quickly. The river folks redfish numbers are down. Seems How about north east winds in the sumwouldn’t blow it off that easy as to case.dayOne species will merbe or athe 73 degree in August?

So what’s a sportsman to do?

Go fishing,the yes, they were dealing once again with take advantage and dominate just go. Do not be disappointed when your flooded property. But as saltwater creek fishing. number one hole isn’t happening; move on and fishing goes it had much less of scout.

I believe will be There isthere bait around anddiscussion if you spend somemake time, you’ll find it. Think of your an impact. Why talk about floods? to changes to outside redfish in normal and revisit fishing holes you may have Because coastal fishing is directly 2017. toluck. pressure onhavelarge hit beforeDue without If you don’t time, 2010 MK you can always southand to greener impacted by 2011 this and catches were spawn sizehead fish the pastures. sheer The Lord has his way of balancing things: O V E R V I E W far from normal. Being creatures number of hooks targeting reds the weather, the fish, and all of his critters, including of habit, adjusting is tough, but of all us. sizes the reduced numbers You Here... beat a fishermanIfover theAdvertised head will require some adjustments. your ad would appear in one of I can offer is to do long enough he’ll get the message Best advice the world’s MOST your POPULAR 2010 MK and research before making a 2011 make some changes. outdoor publications!

Some positive news is the trout decision as to how you feel about fishery didn’t suffer at all through the subject. SCDNR is the leader the floods. Coastal South Carolina in redfish research for the entire has had a c o u n t r y. booming These fish trout bite have been through studied ADVERTISEfrom every the fall and HERE TODAY! 10,000 Copies Distributed seems fish a n g l e For Information, Call: 10,000 Copies Distributed in the Greater Myrtle Beach Area.

DAVE SMALL imaginable. in the Greater Myrtle Beach Area. stocks are 843.503.9791 doing fine. Good news coming Our biologist have decades of daves@coastalanglermagazine.com from the entire coast with good data to support their findings and catch reports from everyone unfortunately redfish stocks are COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2013 I speak to. Recently fished a declining in spite of great efforts redfish tournament in Beaufort to catch and release by coastal with my Brother Danny. If we anglers. Have to say I am proud could have weighed trout instead of recreational anglers and your of reds we would have been in the efforts to conserve such a fun fish. top 10. Really large trout in good Even with an 87% release rate and numbers, almost like the reds slot and bag limits, the numbers couldn’t get to the bait before a are declining. These efforts gator ate our offerings. These should equate to better numbers were large two to three pound but it’s not the case. Could be CAPTAIN FRED ROURK fish and were nailing anything we due to mishandling caught fish 843-241-4767 • fishfred1@yahoo.com offered. From McClellanville, and education is the key to better US Coast Guard Licensed and Insured Santee Rivers, North Inlet, success for released fish. Be

SWEET TEA CHARTERS

With

O V E R V I E W

pace that changes move through our legislature. My good buddy, Captain Greg Holmes, said, “let’s be proactive, not reactive”, sounds like good advice.

So if you plan to fish in January, reds can be great fun, trout will go deep and fish require you to slow down, if it’s moving, it’s too fast.

There is a renewed spirit in our country, feel the same about fishing. I look forward to a future so bright you have to wear shades, while scouting for fish. I saw this quote in Mt Pleasant, “What if you got up this morning and the only things you have, are the ones you gave thanks for yesterday”. We are so blessed, let’s look after our blessings.

Captain Fred Rourk

MYRTLE BEACH/GEORGETOWN 6

Daily Charters From Georgetown and Pawleys Island, SC

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YAK ONEY UP THEM CREEK

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YAK FISH RIGHT THROUGH WINTER

e have worked our way through summer and now we’re headed into sportsman season for those of you who are true anglers. This summer, the Georgetown area has had an unusual sequence of weather that backed up rivers. From what I understand, floodgatest’shave beentoopened on lakes in the tuff get up early during upstate for first time in 50 years.

Early of thethecooler month in search summer brought rain to the butyour fish that run-off are willing to coast, tug on mostly normal showers in the second half of line. The days are shorter and the the season.

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Advantages such as having the creeks all to yourself. And most of the bait fish will be gone, so your lure or bait may be the only temperatures most likely will be game in town. This gives you the freezing at times. But, your drive advantage because Red Fish and pushes you to drag your kayak Trout will be much more willing down to the creek. Be assured to attack an artificial lure vs. that the same species you love to during the summer month when catch during the summer months there is a ton of small bait fish and are still there. Maybe even a few Shrimp are everywhere. more may be lurking around to Before you get out there make put a bend in your rod. sure you have the right gear on Lots of people think that all to keep yourself dry and warm. of the fish leave when the water Safety is the most important gets cold. But for the diehard thing. Water proof wear such anglers that get out there in the as Immersion pants and jackets winter time.a They know resident that is will of keep you warm, dry, and “I’m lifelong Murrells Inlet, about north east winds the asumnot the truth. Slot size Red Fish, How comfortable.

The usein of peddle mer orkayak a 73 degree day as in August?

Black Drum, Flounder, and such ahelp Hobie will help my yearsTrout, of experience will So what’s a sportsman to do? Go fishing, yes, many more species of fish will be you handswhen dryyour by not just go.

Do keep not be your disappointed you catch more roaming around looking for food having water splashmove uponor number one holefish” isn’t happening; and drip while trying not to become food. you.

Always a life jacket scout.on There is bait around wear and if you spend some for time, safety. you’ll find The it. Think outside of your also —ofDave Whatever you bait choice Altman/Owner is? full jackets normal and revisit fishing holes you may have and If you present it correctly to the add an extra wind block hit beforeMurrells without luck.

If you don’t have time, 4298 Hwy 17 Business Inlet SC 2010 fish they will warmth for you. A beanie type hat MKeat. Fishing in the you can always head south to greener pastures. winter 2011 time has its advantages. or balaclava head things: and ears The Lord has his way will of balancing O V E R V I E W

warm. So prepare yourself to stay dry and warm.

Once you get out there the fish will and can be anywhere on any given day. Lots of time you can begin your search on ledges and drop offs. But one dead giveaway where the fish might be is predators. In the winter time when fish tend to slow down because they are cold blooded animals. Dolphins and Porpoises move into the creeks looking for easy meals. If you see them in the main channels cruising the banks.

Fish way up shallow or deep.

If they are in the middle of the channel fish the edges. But they are a dead giveaway that fish are in the area. Chances are the fish will be way back up in the creeks or up in the shallowest places they can find in order not to be eaten.

Small pieces of cut Mullet of shrimp can usually get you some great bites back in these areas for Red and Black Drum. I paddle tail lure fished on a 1/8 ounce jig head will probably get you a trout. Just Shrimp on a jig head will do the trick as well and you could fish it deep of shallow.

If you are Targeting Speckled Sea Trout in the winter, you can start out by trolling a paddle tail or suspending stick baits slowly

behind your kayak. Once you get into an area where you get a couple of strikes, you can stop and set up to fish there. Troll different areas. Start shallow and go deep or troll at a certain depth once you have found the fish. Normally the 4 to 6 foot depth is a good starting depth. Live bait is not out of the question but if you pick the right selection of fake baits, they are hard to beat this time of year.

Trout like coolers waters and low light situations so early morning and late evening tend to be the best times. Night time can be just awesome if you have the correct set up and lights. This is also the time of year for true Gator Trout if you play your cards right.

So winter time is still a great time to get out and catch a bunch of fish without having to fight crowds. The fish move around a good bit but once you key in on them and know what to look for it can be super productive. The fish also tend to school up when it is cold out so there are times when winter fishing is even better than summer time fishing. Just practice some self-restraint and not keep too many so they will still be out there when you go back. Good luck, stay warm and be safe out there.

the weather, the fish, and all of his critters, including us.

If You Advertised Here...

2010 2011

MK

Take a Short Drive For a Long Day Of Fun your ad would appear in one of the world’s MOST POPULAR outdoor publications!

O V E R V I E W

10,000 Copies Distributed in the Greater Myrtle Beach Area.

10,000 Copies Distributed in the Greater Myrtle Beach Area.

ADVERTISE HERE TODAY! For Information, Call:

DAVE SMALL

843.503.9791

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SEPTEMBER 2013

COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE

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COASTAL KIDS UP THE CREEK

FreD rourk

W

SLOW DOWN FOR WINTER BASS

e have worked our way through summer and now we’re headed into sportsman season for those of you who are true anglers. This summer, the Georgetown area has had an unusual sequence of weather that backed up rivers. what I understand, s theFrom temperatures continue floodgates have been opened on lakes in the to drop in the south the bass upstate for the first time in 50 years. Early progressively slow summer brought run-off rain to thedown. coast, butThis mostlydoes normal the second halfcannot of notshowers meaninthat fishing the season. be good, instead it means tactics

A

factor of your productivity.

Developing skill with a graph is a process and nothing can replace time on the water studying. After finally locating a school of fish have to match the situation. Bass give them time to settle down are cold-blooded before returning to which means as fish for them. the water begins Presentations to get cold bass for winter bass can begin to become vary dependent on sluggish. If you a number of factors have ever seen a but some main snake on a cold staples include morning you know jerk-baits, spinnerthey move slowly baits, small and react slowly, spoons, squareHow about north east bill winds in the sum- and just like bass they cranks, mer or a 73 degree day in August? are cold-blooded. jigs.

The ability So what’s a sportsman to do? Go fishing, yes, In addition to to cover just go. Do not be disappointed when water your is number one hole isn’t happening; on and moving slowly very move important scout. There is bait aroundwhen and if you spend to their metabolism looking some time, you’ll find it. Think outside of your drastically slows establish pattern normal and revisit fishing holes you maya have down, 2010 meaning so don’t starting hit before without luck. If you have time,with MK you can always head south to greener pastures. they do2011 not have reaction baits is The Lord has his way of balancing things: O V E R V I E W to eat as much as they would as the in weather, always a good call.

Just remember the fish, and all of his critters, inwarmer months. tous. pace yourself and make repeated cluding If You Advertised Here...

As all bass fishermen know casts to likely areas. There is a fine youris ad would onewithin of finding the fish more thanappear half in line pace and efficiency. the battle.

This is especially true Bass fishing is subjective to a lot the world’s MOST POPULAR 2010 MK 2011 in the colder of variables, outdoor publications! months. When so find the line looking for bass where efficiency in the winter, meets pace. clear water After a pattern combined with is established it river channels, can be replicated creeks or bluff or improved on ADVERTISEto target bigger walls are often HERE TODAY! good starting 10,000 Copies Distributed fish. Sometimes For Information, Call: 10,000 Copies Distributed in the Greater Myrtle Beach Area. points.

These DAVE SMALL in a school the in the Greater Myrtle Beach Area. deep-water larger bass will 843.503.9791 daves@coastalanglermagazine.com drop offs often separate from times hold shad, the smaller which bass in aANGLER waterMAGAZINE COASTAL SEPTEMBER 2013 are the key on many column, varying lakes to finding retrieves and winter bass. lures to target Deep water isn’t the only place specific water columns can often winter bass can be caught. Shallow produce key bites. flats near deep water are also Cold weather can prove to be wintertime hot spots especially on difficult to figure out and establish a warmer winter day. To be able to a pattern in, but the winter months find productive areas with bait and can also hold some phenomenal structure electronics are a must. fishing. With the right equipment, Having quality electronics are knowledge, and patience it can be important in locating schools of very productive fishing. Good luck bass but being able to understand in any upcoming fishing adventures and read them is the determining and until next time keep on fishing!

O V E R V I E W

MYRTLE BEACH/GEORGETOWN 6

pa

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JANUARY FISHING CONDITIONS

What do our ratings mean?

POOR day basically means the fish will either steal all your bait or will not even touch your line.

FAIR day means that you may catch one or two fish but you will have to work hard to do so.

GOOD day means that you will catch enough fish to feel gratified.

BEST day means that you will catch something almost every time you cast your line in the water.

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SPT UP

GRAND STRAND FISHING FORECAST

W

e have mer an man season f anglers. This has had an un backed up ve riv floodgates hav w upstate for th goals summer brou mostlyWhile norma the season.

E

WHERE - WHAT - HOW

Little River/Cherry Grove

ICW/Waccamaw River

Murrells Inlet

Pawleys Island

Schooled up redfish will be the target of many anglers in the Little River/NMB fishery. Gulp shrimp on a jig head comes highly recommended by the pros who fish for them often. Get in to the shallows and quietly search, if you’re not seeing them you’re not fishing for them. The deeper holes will be holding speckled trout. A variety of soft plastics on jig heads and will entice bites from trout, changing colors and mixing and matching may be required to find what they like that day.

The Waccamaw River and its creek systems will see a lot of catfish being caught. Cut baits like mullet, eel, or shad will get the job done. Largemouth bass is also a target for anglers on the river. They will chase most any artificial bait if you retrieve it slowly. Work the backwaters during the warmest time of the day for bass. Drop a shiner in some deep holes and you are likely to pull up some crappie.

The flounder bite in Murrells Inlet has remained surprisingly strong late into last year and early into this year. Let the current carry a Carolina rigged mud minnow into a deep hole and you may catch some keepers. If you’re sneaky, you can creep up on some schooled reds in the shallows. Throw a jighead with a soft plastic and work it so slowly its barely moving for the best chances for a strike. Trout will be much sought after in January in Murrells Inlet. The tried and true shrimp under a float is the way to go.

The black drum bite in Pawleys Island is looking really good this year. Shrimp fished on Carolina rigs on the bottom is the best choice. Some anglers prefer the shrimp ripe and others more on the fresh side, either will produce. The trout bite is going strong, use shrimp under a popping cork. Imitation shrimp like DOA will put some fish in your cooler as well.

year fo even c the re myself of thin as wo definit time o getting fish th that I’v that m grandc the wa it is a that l made sport. she’s n it, but startin how i enoug I’m ex 2010 MKannou 2011 by one not be Januar and h daddy daddy As time o little m to10,000 kno Co in the Greater will be In yea fishing at time SEPTEMBER 2013 on the will so some so ma becaus the wa I forg time. heat o set up leanin that fis import O V E R V I E W

Georgetown/Sampit River

Georgetown/ Winyah Bay

Pier & Surf

Offshore

Largemouth bass anglers will find plenty of fish in the Sampit River in January. Spinnerbaits will be very effective by letting it sink and working slower than usual. Target them at the mouths of feeder creeks and along ledges. Redfish, typically slot sized, will also be there.

Any bait that will catch a bass will also attract the attention of a red. Don’t overlook the silver perch that will be there this time of year. Cut shrimp fished deep is the key.

Sheepshead fishing around the rocks is staying strong, the usual bait fiddler crabs are hard to find so try substituting mussels or cut shrimp. Pour some clam juice in a bag of rice the night before you go and throw that out there as a simple and effective chum to improve your odds. The redfish will be schooling up and staying shallow to avoid the dolphins. Be stealthy when stalking the schooled reds and use a small jig with a 3 ½ inch grub worked slowly to get them to bite.

Pier and Surf fishing can be hit or miss this time of year. The advantage is it’s convenient and easy to stop and throw a line in the water. Whiting, croaker, and black drum will be the target species from the Pier and Surf right now. Use shrimp to catch any of those species.

The water temps out there are cooling down. Wahoo have shown up strong with some boats averaging five a trip. The blackfin tuna bite is also on with some 30 pounders being caught at the Georgetown Hole using light fluorocarbon.

A few boats have gotten into some billfish including sailfish, white marlin and blue marlin.

8 MYRTLE BEACH | JANUARY 2017 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM | THEANGLERMAG.COM

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COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2013 12/15/16 1:09 PM

SPEAKIN’ ENGLIS UP THE CREEK FreD rourk

W

e have worked our way through summer and now we’re headed into sportsman season for those of you who are true anglers. This summer, the Georgetown area has had an unusual sequence of weather that backed up very rivers. year From we what go I understand, into January floodgates have been opened on lakes in the with incredible and unreachable upstate for the first time in 50 years. Early goals forrun-off Newrain Year’s resolutions. summer brought to the coast, but mostlyWhile normal 2016 showers was in the an second half of unbelievable the season.

CATCHING HER FIRST FISH

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stressful trip and yes the big one got away. But, for some that would not dampen the fun, but I like to let the fish beat me not my own mistakes. year for myself on the water, I did not I also ran out for an afternoon trip even come close to accomplishing chasing Spanish mackerel and left all the resolutions that I had set for my wire at the house. After an hour myself. I can blame it on a number if catching three hundred mullet for of things but having my daughter, chum and bait, I ended up hooking as wonderful as it has been, has over ten big fish and losing all to cut definitely put some restraints on my offs. This was an easy fix and one time on the water. But the joy of that would have never happened had getting to watch her catch her first I been taking time to prepare before fish this year was worth any time I rushed off to the water. that I’ve been forced to miss. I know We have all gone to the water that most of you have children or and forgotten something important grandchildren that you get to go on How andabout it does justinathe little north make east winds sum-more mer orconcentration a 73 degree day inon August? the water and enjoy time with. But, preparation that So what’s a sportsman to do? Go fishing, yes, it is an incredible feeling to watch much more valuable. Don’t get me just go. Do not be disappointed when your that little human being that you wrong, know to ‘er move is human. number one holeI isn’t happening; on and But scout.in There is bait around anderrors if you are spend made fall in love with your favorite most cases these easily some time, you’ll find it. Think outside of your sport. I realize that at three years old avoidable with a little attention to normal and revisit fishing holes you may have she’s not actually falling in love with preparation. youdon’t have hit before without luck.IfIf you have read time, my 2010 MK you can always head greener it, but the articles oversouth thetolast fivepastures. years you 2011fact that she’s actually The Lord has his way of balancing things: O V E R V I E W starting to understand fishing and understand that I am a very simple the weather, the fish, and all of his critters, inhow it happens and what we do cluding is fishermen.

I don’t buy thousands in us.

If You Advertised enough enjoyment for me.

In 2017 tackle Here... of every type and I don’t fish ad would appear onethe ofmost expensive rod and reel I’m extremelyyour excited and happy to in with POPULAR ourworld’s family isMOST growing set ups. I like simple is better and I 2010 MKannounce thatthe 2011 outdoor publications! by one more this year. While we will like to work smarter not harder. not be finding out the sex until late Of course the fish we are targeting January obviously I’m super excited always dictate this but minimizing and hope that it’s a boy but this my choices makes decision making daddy will be happy with another that much easier. I now use my daddy’s girl. “smarter than me” phone to keep As I prepare to watch my free notes on anything I realize I need time on the water dwindle down a beforeADVERTISE my next trip and it gives me little more this year, I am excited timeHERE to getTODAY! tackle ready to hit the 10,000 Copies Distributed Forand Information, Call: to10,000 know that my time on the water water my preparation is being Copies Distributed in the Greater Myrtle Beach Area.

DAVE SMALL in the Greater Myrtle Beach Area. will become so much more valuable. done in the days leading up to a trip 843.503.9791 In years past I would probably go instead of the minutes. daves@coastalanglermagazine.com fishing with very little preparations I would like to wish all of you a at times.

Due to the fact that my time very prosperous andCOASTAL healthy 2017MAGAZINE ANGLER SEPTEMBER 2013 on the water was not as precious as it from my family and many tight lines will soon be. I would grab rods and throughout the year. But I do hope some bait and go and forgot about that you will take your time and so many details. It didn’t matter prepare for each trip as you venture because I knew I would be back on out this year on the water. Think the water the next day and anything about every scenario that you could I forgot I would just have next encounter with your target species time. This year I remember in the and prepare accordingly. As always heat of the reef flounder bite, I got I hope that you will fish smarter set up only to realize I left my net not harder and keep your chaos leaning against the house. Anyone organized! that fishes for flounder realizes how Tight Lines. Capt. E important a net is. It made for a very O V E R V I E W

TV Show “Reelin’ Up The Coast” is a dynamic fishing show hosted

by Captain Englis Glover that takes place in the waters off the South Carolina coast. But it isn’t just about catching fish! Captain Englis Glover (Capt. E.) uses his vast knowledge of the water to educate the viewer as well as entertain. Whether it’s fishing for Red in the creeks of Georgetown or Sailfishing off the coast of Florida, Capt. E shows his viewers how to bring in the big one!

ReelinUptheCoast.com

843.655.5459

MYRTLE BEACH/GEORGETOWN 6

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And on the drums, Caleb Hartley

Bragging rights for 84 year old Franklin Ward!!

Capt. Crumb kayaking for trout

Here’s a Capt. Dan Carey getting it done inshore another nice wahoo

Ed Librick found the one he was looking for

Eric Rosch says well how do you like that!

Now thats a weakfish! by Chase Blackmon

Ronald Stalvey of Stalv eys Bait & Tackle got it done in the salt

Heather Harold pulled thi s drum out of Murrells Inlet

10 MYRTLE BEACH | JANUARY 2017 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM | THEANGLERMAG.COM

CAM January 2017 Grand Strand.indd 10

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“I’m a lifelong resident of Murrells Inlet, my years of experience will help you catch more fish” — Dave Altman/Owner 4298 Hwy 17 Business Murrells Inlet SC

Take a Short Drive For a Long Day Of Fun

Open to the public 7 DAYS A WEEK

A bull whiting and a smile gets Jack Burton the honor

• Sporting Clay 647 Hemingway Lane • Georgetown, SC • Quail *Pick up at Myrtle Beach Bass Pro Shop 843-546-1466 Customer Service Desk • Deer • Turkey • Pheasant Tower Shoots • 3-D Archery Course

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MYRTLE BEACH/GEORGETOWN 5

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January 2017 Tides • Garden City Pier (Ocean), Myrtle Beach South Carolina LOCAL ADJUSTMENTS

Little River (town)

LOCAL ADJUSTMENTS

Georgetown Lighthouse

+0 hrs 13 min H

+0 hrs 26 min

H

+0 hrs 39 min L

+0 hrs 25 min

L

Murrells Inlet (Divine’s dock)

Georgetown Sampit River

+0 hrs 10 min H

+1 hrs 25 min

H

+0 hrs 50 min L

+2 hrs 00 min

L

Pawleys Island -0 hrs 24 min H -0 hrs 21 min L

North Inlet +0 hrs 30 min H +0 hrs 08 min L

Waccamaw River Wachesaw Landing +3 hrs 11 min

H

+4 hrs 00 min

L

Waccamaw River Enterprise Landing +5 hrs 01 min

H

+5 hrs 35 min

L

12 MYRTLE BEACH | JANUARY 2017 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM | THEANGLERMAG.COM

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SOUTHEAST

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TIPS FROM A PRO

FRESHWATER WINTERTIME CRAPPIE FISHING

BRANDON LESTER

E

very year as my bass tournament season comes to an end, I start thinking about crappie fishing. I like to take a break and let the competitive flames refuel a bit. When the calendar strikes November and water temperatures dip into the 50s in Tennessee, I take several days to go crappie fishing. These fish make really good table fare, they are also very fun to catch, especially the big ones like you find in winter.

I am well aware of how good crappie fishing is in spring. But for the way I fish for them around home, fall and winter are when you can really fill the livewell.

It works the same way when fishing laydowns. I look for laydowns on vertical banks that have a good-sized trunk. If they have a big trunk, I know there is a good-sized treetop out in the water. If they are there, I will see them on my SideVision.

Once you find fish, cast exactly where they are or just beyond them, not 3 feet to the left or right. If you miss a crappie’s strike zone by 6 inches, you’ve missed it by a mile. Make the cast, count your bait down to the desired depth and reel just fast enough to maintain that depth.

No jigging, nothing fancy, just a

Crappie stack up in large schools this time of year, at it’s not hard to catch them if you know what to look for.

Crappie always hang around cover of some type. The two key pieces of structure on my home water are boat docks and laydowns. There are a few docks that seem to always hold fish, but I like to hunt for them with my Raymarine electronics. I turn on SideVision mode and start searching. Crappie will be in big schools, and I might go down a line of 50 docks with only one dock holding the mother lode.

To see how big they are and to make sure they are crappie, I will put an Aqua Vu camera down there and check them out.

Most of the docks I fish are floating, and the magical depth is normally at least 20 feet of water under the dock. The crappie will normally be suspended under these docks anywhere from 8 to 15 feet down, depending on the water clarity.

slow reel.

My favorite jig head is a 1/32-ounce ball-shaped jig head with a good sharp Mustad hook, but I will go up to a 1/16-ounce if the wind is blowing or I’m fishing deeper than normal. Any soft plastic minnow imitation in the 2-inch range with a straight tail will work. Stay away from twist-tail grubs for this method because they cause your bait to rise too much. I use a S721 MHX rod built with supplies from Mud Hole Custom Tackle, including a Winn grip. It is 6-foot-long, super-sensitive and has the perfect action for controlling small baits. I team it with a 1000-size spinning reel and 4-pound Vicious Panfish line in fluorescent green. The green line helps me detect light strikes.

These tips will help you all the way up until crappie start moving shallow to spawn. These fish are fat and healthy this time of year. So get out and have some fun this winter.

Get more tips from Lester at

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Surprising Winter is the Best Planting Time

I am often asked when is the best time to plant fruiting plants. My answer is usually the same; the best time is 20 years ago or today. The second best time to plant is during the winter months. Plants are dormant, and can be easily shipped and planted with no stress on the plant because there is not a lot of maintenance once the plant or tree has been planted. Simply dig a good hole, water thoroughly

at planting, and take the rest of the winter off. Even though there are no signs of growth above ground, the root systems will have time to get adjusted to their new location and begin to initiate new root growth.

There are plenty of advantages of growing your own edibles. First of all, you know what has been done over the course of the growing season from a chemical stand point.

Second, the fruit just taste

better coming out of your home orchard versus buying fruit from the grocers that have little to no flavors. Thirdly, it is good for your soul and you will feel more connected to the environment and nature.

Whether it is an apple tree, muscadine vine or a blueberry bush; now is the time to plant. Let’s Grow Together.

Greg Ison, Ison’s Nursery and Vineyards, 800733-0324, www.isons.com

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estled in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, Jackson County is home to the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail and its centerpiece, the Tuckasegee River, which dissects the county as it flows north to Fontana Lake. The “Tuck,” as it is known to the locals, is a beautiful tailwater trout fishery used for the 2011 USA Fly Fishing Championships, in which the Gold Medal was won by Team USA member Logan Egan.

The most popular time to fish the Tuck is during the delayed harvest (DH) fishing season from Oct. 1 to the first Friday in June each year. During this time frame, the Tuck is a catchand-release fishery with artificial-lure, single-hook restrictions. This stretch of specially regulated water runs about 5.5 miles outside the small towns of Dillsboro, Sylva and Cullowhee. The boundaries of the DH are marked by signage on the banks.

These regulations appeal to fly fishers and spin fishers alike. You will not only see anglers stripping streamers, drifting nymphs, and casting dries, but you will see a fair number of spinner fishermen taking good numbers of brook, rainbow and brown trout.

Jackson County receives an annual stocking of 92,800 trout, the most in the state of North Carolina. In October and November 2016, the Tuck DH section was stocked with 19,600 trout.

Rainbow and brook trout made up about 80 percent of this number, and the other 20 percent were brown trout.

Normally, trout reach 12 inches in length before making it into the Tuck, but anglers should expect to see, and potentially land, some trophy-sized trout on any drift or presentation.

Many anglers wade the river, and drift boats are also popular. Stream flow is controlled by Duke Energy, which posts three days of release schedules on their website, www.duke-energy. com under the Nantahala link. Duke Energy has also provided boat ramps on Old Cullowhee Road and North River Road that many drifters use while floating the Tuck. South River Road is a popular area for anglers and guides due to the number of pull-offs that parallel the river and make accessing the river easy. Access to the Tuckasegee is great compared to some other rivers in the area, but there is some posted private property. Be sure to avoid it.

The Tuck is also part of the North Carolina Mountain Heritage Trout Waters program, which allows anglers to fish with a special three-day license that costs only $5. Many anglers opt to purchase a regular fishing license with a trout stamp since the fee is fair and it gives access to almost all the state’s trout waters. A non-resident can purchase a 10-day fishing license and trout stamp for $33 or an annual fishing license and trout stamp for $51.

The Tuck DH runs very close to downtown Sylva, yet its beauty catches most first-time anglers off guard.

In fall, the red, yellow and orange leaves dancing on the trees highlight the contours of the surrounding mountains. A bald eagle might closely judge your fishing skills, watching for its opportunity to show you how it’s done.

Winter brings cleansing and the occasional snowfall, in which many local anglers find solitude chasing trout on tiny midges. Winter fishing pressure is minimal, which makes it a great time to land a large trout if you’re willing to test your mental toughness wading in cold water.

Spring comes to life with budding trees and insects hatching, signaling the coming summer. Anglers spend late evenings on the Tuck sight casting to rising trout honed in on larger dry flies and emerger patterns. Spring evenings can be very peaceful, since most anglers have broken down their rods by 6 p.m. and are headed to the local brewery or one of the many unique restaurants or food trailers in downtown Sylva or Dillsboro. There is a list of local restaurants and breweries at www.mountainlovers.com, or just ask local fly shop employees for their recommendation.

In 2016, the North Carolina General Assembly proclaimed Jackson County the Official Trout Capital of North Carolina. Jackson County is home to 4,600 miles of trout streams with a good mixture of hatchery supported streams and wild streams.

Check out www.NCTroutcapital.com for more information.

Jackson County was also the first to have an officially designated Fly Fishing Trail, which highlights 15 different streams and rivers for any angler to test their skills. Many have taken the challenge of catching and releasing trout or smallmouth bass in each location. There is a map that gives detailed information about each stream, directions, and the type of fish anglers can expect to catch.

More information is available at www. flyfishingtrail.com.

If you are looking for a fishery with plenty of trout and the opportunity to catch a 25-incher, the Tuck is for you. It is relatively close to Atlanta, Knoxville, Charleston and Charlotte. The Tuck is just an hour west of Asheville, N.C., and it is at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Blue Ridge Parkway. This makes for a nice and easy weekend retreat, or it can be a popular destination for longer stays due to accessibility and other local attractions. Come and experience North Carolina trout fishing at its best!

Shannon Messer owns Appalachian Flies and manages and guides at Blackrock Outdoors Orvis Authorized Fly Shop at 570 West Main Street, Sylva NC 28779. Contact him at 828-6314453 or appalachianflies@gmail.com.

North Carolina’s Tuckasegee River, A Southern Gem

By Shannon Messer

For more fishin’ on the North Carolina Tuckasegee River, go to

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FISH & FISHING

A DIFFERENT APPROACH MARK SOSIN

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t’s commonplace today, but more than a halfcentury ago few anglers even thought about it.

The late Dr. Webster Robinson wanted to catch either a sailfish or striped marlin on a fly rod while casting from a boat that was out of gear so that the fly was not being trolled. Working with his skipper, Capt. Lefty Reagan, these angling legends fathered the concept of teasing a fish.

They reasoned that if they could raise a billfish on a hookless bait, capture its total attention by keeping the tasty morsel just out of reach, work the fish within casting range and substitute a different offering at the last minute, the mission would be successful. I knew both men well and listened intently as Web Robinson described the process to me in detail. He even gave me a copy of the fly he used.

Teasing ranks as an extremely effective technique for countless species in a variety of situations. Working on sailfish or marlin on the offshore grounds is just one phase. Sometimes known as bait-andswitch, it’s nothing more than using a live bait, dead bait or a certain artificial to excite a fish enough so it will eat the lure or bait you want it to devour on the tackle of your choice.

Very light tackle enthusiasts often tease their quarry into striking so that the line doesn’t break on the initial contact. I’ve teased countless species from sharks, albacore and tuna to striped bass, redfish, barracuda, amberjack, snook and many more.

Let me share a couple examples to show you how effective teasing can be. Using a spinning outfit, I rigged a plastic worm exactly the same way as I would for largemouth bass. Pacific sailfish normally don’t include plastic worms as part of their diet. We teased one with a bonito belly and, once the boat was out of gear, I cast the worm. My partner yanked the teaser out of the water and the fish inhaled a plastic worm faster than you can read this.

I met a man who showed me beautiful flies for offshore species.

When I told him I could catch a sailfish on a cigar just as easily as with one of his flies, he laughed at me. We were shooting a television show in Panama, and late in the day Capt. Karl Anderson asked if I had a cigar. He rigged it with a leader and hook, attached it to a flyrod and waited for a sailfish to show in the trolled teasers. We stopped the boat, Karl yanked the teaser away from the fish, and I cast the cigar. Within seconds, the sailfish crashed the cigar, went airborne, and all you could see was tobacco showering through the air. As Karl put it, that’s no longer theory.

Teasing fish opens a broad new dimension to the sport. As an angler, it allows you to hook fish on all types of tackle using any bait or lure you choose including cigars and plastic worms. Try it and you’ll become hooked on the technique just as I am.

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FLY FISHING

CASTING FOR REDFISH: BEYOND THE DOUBLE HAUL

I

t is well-known that the double haul and the back cast are essential for fly fishing for redfish. Here are three more casts I believe are very important when targeting winter reds with a fly.

Fly Repositioning Cast This cast is wonderful when you need to recast a fly to a redfish that refused it or when you missed your target. It works best when 20 or more feet of line are outside the tip-top. It is essential to the success of this cast to not rush picking the fly line up off the water.

The key is to load for the back cast by beginning with the rod tip close to the water and slowly lifting the line off the water. Then wait to feel the rod load on the back cast. Once you feel the rod load, make a forward cast, allowing the fly to hit the mark. I’ve witnessed far too many fishermen rush to recast, and in doing so, miss their target on the second cast.

The Quick-Cast For The Short Game When sight casting, you will need to execute some short, quick accurate casts. The short cast is one of the most difficult casts to make because a fly rod made for short casting has yet to be built.

When red fishing, unless I know I’ll be making long casts, I keep roughly 40 feet of fly line stripped into a line management basket (a bucket if fishing from a skiff) and 20 feet of line outside the fly rod’s tip-top. The first 15 feet of the belly section of the line will easily load the fly rod with minimal false casting. Place the fly between the index finger and thumb of the hand not holding the rod. If a redfish is spotted at close range, make a back cast while at the same time releasing the fly from your hand and cast to the redfish.

Master The Cross-Wind Cast The wind blows where redfish live. The most difficult winds to a fly flinger are the cross-wind and the following-wind. Both are guaranteed to give the angler fits.

The best cast for these challenging situations is the Belgian cast, a very quick cast that when executed correctly presents the fly under challenging conditions. The key is to make an extended side-armed back cast, followed by a high extended-arm overhead cast that will provide the angler distance when working in a big wind. A word of caution: The side cast may produce the painful problem of a fly imbedded in the angler if the wind is blowing toward the casting arm.

Put It To The Test When targeting winter redfish, the fly angler will be presented with many different casting situations depending on weather conditions. It’s important to understand and execute each of the casting techniques discussed. Once mastered, a trophy redfish is only a cast away!

Conway Bowman caught this 41.65-pound IGFA fly-caught world record redfish out of Hopedale, La.

For More Fly Fishing with Bowman, go to

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FISHING AND DIVING

The Maldives

By Capt. Terry Fisher

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t had been 20 years since I had boarded a followed by fishing. The Maldivian government live-a-board to fish and dive. My friend, Capt. is famous for it’s eco-friendly approach and Wayne Hasson, president of Aggressor and serious application to fish conservation. The Dancer Fleets, invited me to accompany him to government’s prohibition of net and long-line the Maldives for a world-class fishing and diving fishing for commercial purposes has sustained the expedition. Over the years, Wayne and I have abundance of fisheries. Commercial fishermen use fished and dived many exotic locations, including line and pole, preventing by-catch of species other waters of the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Pacific than their main target, which is tuna. Sport fishing, and Atlantic. This was my first visit to the Indian therefore, has thrived. Among the game fish found Ocean. are giant trevally, barracuda, wahoo, dorado, A three-leg flight from Miami through New yellowfin tuna, sailfish and marlin. Bonefish and York and Dubai landed us in Male, the small, permit inhabit the flats. bustling capital of the Maldives. Upon arrival, There are many charter fishing operations Wayne and I quickly cleared customs and were in the Maldives. I had numerous opportunities to assisted by a friendly and helpful crew of the be transported to beautiful sand beaches in the mother ship. We were transported aboard a ‘Dhoni’ middle of the Indian Ocean to fish for bonefish, (dinghy) by water, to lush accommodations aboard giant trevally, jack crevalle and other species. the Maldives Aggressor. This live-a-board vessel While sailing to new dive sites, we used a ‘Dohni’ boasts a full-service galley, huge salon, 10 guest to troll and catch tuna, sailfish, wahoo and dorado. state rooms and decks for relaxing, sunbathing, At night aboard the Maldives Aggressor, we dining under the stars or just getting away for bottom fished for grouper and snapper. some private time. This luxury yacht offered all Trolling, spinning, fly-fishing gear, including of the comforts and amenities of a five-star, land- lures and fly presentations are basically the same as based property with toilets, lavatory and shower we use in the states. Diving various locations and facilities to satisfy the most demanding guests. seeing up close the numerous species that I would This voyage, Dive with the Owners Week, fish for was an added and educational bonus. provided me the benefit of being surrounded Perfect water clarity offered a vast array of marine by a number of crew, divers and fishermen, life at every dive destination. representing more than 10 different countries.

The Maldives is a nation of islands. It is also For information on this trip of a lifetime, visit the “Honeymoon Capital” of Europe and parts www.maldivesfishing.com or www.aggressorfleet. of Asia. Temperatures range from 77 to 86. There com. Contact Capt. Terry Fisher of Cape Coral, are 26 atolls with 1,190 islands. One island boasts Florida’s Fish Face Charters at fishfacecharters@ a rainforest. Only 209 of the islands are inhabited yahoo.com. with a total population For more fishing in the Maldives, go to of only 400,000.

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ll tournament anglers want to win. The questions are: How bad do you want that win? How much are you willing to sacrifice? How much are you willing to put on the line chasing the big win?

The answers aren’t cut-and-dry or crystal clear. Most tournament anglers I know are perfectly content competing at the club and local level for beer money. But don’t underestimate the will of those guys either. I recently competed in a Deerpoint Team Trail event with Travis Poole in which a win would have been a few hundred dollars for us to split.

It was low threat, low entry fee and big fun. You’d think that given the conditions that day, any sane man would’ve stayed at home. Approximately 4 inches of rain fell that day, the wind blew and lightning popped around our heads all day. Still, most guys that entered the event that morning brought their catch to the scales in the pouring rain hoping to claim the prize. The weather didn’t seem to dampen their desires one bit. They wanted it bad enough, at least they did that day.

For the professional angler, the weather is just one of many elements they must fight to stay in the game. Family, sponsorship obligations, mechanical problems and financial burdens are just a few of the non-fishing issues that require an angler to do a gut-check nearly every day. All these things must be tended to before the angler can even set out to find fish for a coming event, and he’s usually a one-man crew. Some of the top touring anglers have support networks taking on some of this for them, but rest assured, they didn’t get there with them. Stories from many of the top pros sound the same, tales about sleeping in the cab of their trucks for weeks on end, dining on peanut butter day after day, selling possessions off to fund the next event, and practicing in horrible weather because they only have two days to figure out unknown waters.

If there was one thing I could define that separates the successful tournament angler from the others, it’s this: he wanted more.

The guy in this picture is my friend Johnny Nguyen. He is a great example of what I just described. I can’t tell you how bad he wants it, but I can tell you he possesses at least one critical element for fishing success: the undeniable, unflappable, hard-core love for the sport. No tournament here, just him out fishing on a day he probably shouldn’t have been. But there he is, doing what he loves. Some get it, others never will.

Randy Cnota is the co-publisher of Coastal Angler/The Angler Magazine’s Panama City/Forgotten Coast edition.

For More fishing with Randy ‘C-Note’ Cnota, go to

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hose of us who live life outdoors know it’s not always sunny. It can get downright ugly, and many times the best bite of the year is on the leading edge of a nasty front. With good foul weather gear, wind and rain should never stand between anglers and feeding fish.

Pelagic Gear, a company founded on and devoted to the ocean lifestyle, has developed a line of gear that guarantees anglers will stay happy and dry, no matter what Mother Nature sends rolling in.

Pelagic’s Dri-Flex Lightweight Jacket is perfect to throw in the bag for those dewy mornings or windy evenings when there’s a slight chill. Pelagic’s DRI-FLEX fabric provides the comfort of a lightweight jacket while protecting you from the elements with water repellant technology.

When it’s time to take protection from the elements up a notch, anglers shouldn’t get caught on the water without

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Pelagic’s Hurricane Jacket. For more than a decade, this 100-percent waterproof outerwear has been the choice of hardcore captains around the world. It was designed specifically for the harsh conditions of the marine environment with technical features that cater to the needs of anglers. With welded zipper technology, reflective hex-safety patches and a moisture-wicking liner, the Hurricane Jacket keeps anglers dry and shielded in bad weather.

And then there are those times when you need protection all over. Pelagic’s Stormbreaker Foul Weather Jacket and Bib are a full barrier to the elements. The suit is made of a lightweight PVC that is 100-percent waterproof, yet comfortable to wear.

Again, it was designed specifically for anglers, with a loose cut for optimal maneuverability and plenty of ventilation. This is also the perfect rain barrier for the traveling angler. It is lightweight and packs easily, so an angler never has to leave the docks without the full protection from harsh conditions.

Good foul weather gear is essential to every angler. When it comes to selecting protection from the elements, it makes sense to choose gear designed specifically for fishing. Any outerwear will do if the mission is a stroll through the park. Pelagic Gear’s line protects anglers and keeps them fishing in the kind of brutal conditions only found on open water.

To learn more about the Pelagic Lifestyle, go to

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FITEC CAST NETS Fitec International has been providing the very best cast nets available to anglers for over 50 years. They are the world’s largest manufacturer of cast nets and their products are in stock or online with all major retailers and distributors where cast nets are sold.

The superior quality in their handmade nets gives anglers the fun and performance they deserve while out on the water. Hold a Fitec net next to a competitor and you will see there is no comparison. Fitec’s Super Spreader and Ultra Spreader cast nets are simply the best!

Fitec offers four distinct categories to ensure you are able to get the net you need. The patented EZ throw cast net is designed with a disc feature that is perfect for the novice. The RS, or Recreational Series, is designed for shallow waters or for the person who wants a lighter net.

The SS, or Sport Series, nets are designed with a 1-pound per radius foot weight system and are the No. 1 selling cast net in the country. Finally, the GS, or Guide Series, nets are designed for the serious angler, built with the highest quality standards and the fastest sink rate.

Fitec values your business. They go to work every day with you, their customer, in mind. Their mission is to “bring innovative quality products to customers, with drive and passion every day.”

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Seeking to become the leading and most comprehensive manufacturer of all things diving and fishing, Hammerhead Spearguns has made another addition to its lineup of gear. They are proud to announce the launch of the Dentex NT, a utility glove so durable yet flexible it’s almost like having a second skin on the hands.

The Dentex NT comes with an ANSI Cut Level 5 and Puncture Level 3 and is woven from Hammerhead’s signature red Dentex fabric, but now it has a Sandy Nitrile coating on the palm and fingers, giving it increased resistance to heat and chemicals, plus additional grip. The Dentex NT is also known to be extremely pliant, molding seamlessly into your hands, so no clumsy mitten-hands here. You can even pick up a penny while wearing them!

The wide range of things you can do with the Dentex NT gloves is staggering. You can use them not just when you fish or handle tricky, spiny sea critters but also when doing repairs or squaring off with hazardous materials. Welding a piece of metal to fix your boat? Piece of cake! Filleting tuna? Sure thing! Changing lines and hooks? Say goodbye to line abrasions and getting pricked, stabbed, or poked on your fingers. Sharp tools and hot objects no longer pose a threat to your valuable hands.

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While many docks along the Florida coastline buckled to the force of Hurricane Matthew this fall, widespread reports from boaters and anglers indicated that docks utilizing ErgoDock technologies held up considerably better. With the damage and debris left in Matthew’s wake, the resilience of ErgoDock proved significant—not only because of its strength, but because of expected durability against future hurricanes that routinely batter the coast.

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ErgoDock is a multi patent-pending marine surfacing system that is revolutionizing the dock design and repair industries.”

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ErgoDock products can be used in various stages of a dock’s life whether for preservation, safety, aesthetics or for any combination of the three. Still want that traditional wood dock look?

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT XTRATUF CAMO-LINED LEGACY BOOT Designed to keep fishermen sure-footed on the water, XTRATUF’s Camo-Lined Legacy Boot is the ideal boot for fishing in the elements. An interior camo lining and XTRATUF logo that are visible when the boot is rolled down adds a pop of color to XTRATUF’s classic performance boot.

Not your typical rubber boot, the Legacy is triple-dipped to create a seamless coating of rubber that further strengthens an already watertight material, thus sealing the boots and making them impervious to fish oils and chemicals. The soft, pliable and lightweight neoprene latex rubber gives the Legacy boots unparalleled comfort and flexibility. The hand-laye r e d construction allows for flex and strength at critical stress points on the boot. A signature chevron outsole design and unique rubber compound provides maximum surface contact for ultimate traction and stability in even the most severe fishing and work conditions. These 100 percent waterproof boots will keep the warmth in and the cold out when the temperature drops.

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2000 WATT CONTINUOUS/ 4000 WATT PEAK SAVE POWER INVERTER

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139

ITEM 60432/63019/63018

$

Customer Rating 69662 shown

$

129

99

$

16999 $268.99

comp at

LIMIT 4 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt.

Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 5/1/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

WOW29 PIECE TITANATEIUMD SUPER COUPON

NITRIDE CO HIGH SPEED STEEL DRILL BIT SET

SAVE 78%

Customer Rating

$

ITEM 62281 61637 shown

19

SAVE $73

ITEM 60338 69381 shown

$

119

89

99

comp at 99 $163.06

LIMIT 3 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt.

Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 5/1/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

6" VARIABLE SPEED DUAL ACTION POLISHER Customer Rating ITEM 69924 shown 62403/62862

$

99 54 $ 99

comp at

69 $149.99

LIMIT 4 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt.

Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 5/1/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

R PE ON SU UP CO 1500

LB. CAPACITY DUAL WHEEL SWING-BACK BOAT TRAILER JACK ITEM 69779/67500 shown Customer Rating

SAVE 37%

$

99comp29 at $44.99

27

$

Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, automotive lifts, compressors, floor jacks, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trenchers, welders, Admiral, Badland, Bauer, Bremen, CoverPro, Creekstone, Daytona, Diablo, Doyle, Drummond, Earthquake, Franklin, Hercules, Holt, Jupiter, Lynxx, Maddox, Portland, Predator, Quinn, StormCat, Tailgator, Union, Viking, Vulcan. Not valid on prior purchases. Nontransferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 5/1/17.

WOW

SUPER COUPON

$59.97

GAS RECREATIONAL GENERATOR

SAVE 95

ANY SINGLE ITEM

comp at

R 900 PEAK/ PE ON 700 RUNNING WATTS SU UP O C Customer Rating 2 HP (63 CC) 2 CYCLE

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20% OFF

$199299

.com or by calling our stores or HarborFreight t or coupon or prior LIMIT 4 - Good at used with other discoun 800-423-2567. Cannot be from original purchase with original receipt. days 30 Original coupon must be purchases after s last. Non-transferable. day.

Offer good while supplie 5/1/17. Limit one coupon per customer per presented. Valid through

$

VALID NOW ON 5,000 + ITEMS

99

LIMIT 5 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt.

Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 5/1/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

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How Does Harbor Freight Sell GREAT QUALITY Tools at the LOWEST Prices?

We have invested millions of dollars in our own state-of-the-art quality test labs and millions more in our factories, so our tools will go toe-to-toe with the top professional brands.

And we can sell them for a fraction of the price because we cut out the middle man and pass the savings on to you. It’s just that simple!

Come visit one of our 700+ Stores Nationwide.

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RAPID PUMP® 1.5 TON ALUMINUM RACING JACK

WINNER

Customer Rating

– Truckin' Magazine

ITEM 95659 shown 61634/61952 • 580 lb. capacity

89

$

9999

$

99

7

$ 97 VALUE

LIMIT 1 - Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or prior purchase. Coupon good at our stores, HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Offer good while supplies last. Shipping & Handling charges may apply if not picked up in-store. Nontransferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 5/1/17. Limit one FREE GIFT coupon per customer per day.

WOW

SUPER COUPON

A

3 GALLON, 100 PSI OILLESS AIR COMPRESSORS A. HOT DOG

ITEM 69269/97080 shown

B. PANCAKE

ITEM 95275 shown 60637/61615

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$3999 $

comp at

18 VOLT CORDLESS 3/8" DRILL/DRIVER WITH KEYLESS CHUCK

LIMIT 4 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt.

Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 5/1/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

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ITEM 69651/62868 62873/68239 shown

Includes one 18V NiCd battery and charger.

$

19

99 16 99 comp at

$49.21

ITEM 69249/69115/69137 69129/69121/877 shown

Customer Rating

RETRACTABLE AIR HOSE REEL R PE ON WITH 3/8" x 50 FT. HOSE SU UPCustomer Rating ITEM 93897 shown CO 69265/62344

$ $

2999

49

99$69.99

comp at

LIMIT 3 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt.

Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 5/1/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

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Blade sold separately.

12" SLIDING COMPOUND DOUBLE-BEVEL MITER SAW WITH LASER GUIDE

Customer Rating

$

12 VOLT, 10/2/50 AMP BATTERY CHARGER/ ENGINE STARTER Customer Rating

LIMIT 3 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt.

Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 5/1/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

SAVE $499 64% comp at $8.48

LIMIT 8 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt.

Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 5/1/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

ITEM 60581/60653 shown

comp at

SAVE $259

LIMIT 7 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt.

Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 5/1/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

SAVE 57%

5999 $98.62

$ 99

2

SAVE 65% $

Customer Rating

7 FT. 4" x 9 FT. 6" ALL PURPOSE WEATHER RESISTANT TARP

SAVE $129

$ $

99 59 99

89

comp at

$189

LIMIT 4 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt.

Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 5/1/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

Customer Rating

YOUR CHOICE

$319.01

LIMIT 5 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt.

Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 5/1/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

R PE ON SU UP CO

SAVE 59%

15999

$119.99

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6 PIECE SCREWDRIVER ITEM 62728/62583 SET 47770/62570 shown

SAVE $219

$5999 comp at

WITH ANY PURCHASE

Customer Rating

ITEM 69252 68053/62160 62496/62516 60569 shown

$

FREE

26", 4 DRAWER TOOL CART

SAVE $60

• 3-1/2 Pumps Lifts Most Vehicles • Weighs 34 lbs.

SUPER COUPON

$

ITEM 69684 shown 61969/61970

99 139 99

199

comp at

$399

LIMIT 5 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt.

Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 5/1/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

WOW SUPER12"CORATUPREAONCHDERET BAR CLAMP/SP

ITEM 46807/68975 69221/62123/63017 69222 shown

SAVE 85%

$ 99 $399 .76

2

comp at

$20

Freight.com or by calling prior our stores or Harbor LIMIT 6 - Good at be used with other discount or coupon orreceipt. with original 800-423-2567. Cannot from original purchase be purchases after 30 dayss last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must day.

Offer good while supplie 5/1/17. Limit one coupon per customer per presented. Valid through

At Harbor Freight Tools, the "comp at" price means that the same • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed • 700+ Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com item or a similar functioning item was advertised for sale at or above the "comp at" price by another retailer in the U.S. within the • Over 30 Million Satisfied Customers • Lifetime Warranty • 800-423-2567 past 180 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location.

No other meaning of "comp at" should be implied. For more On All Hand Tools information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.

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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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and a smooth yet powerful Dura Drag System. The Slammer is not only back…. it’s better than ever before.

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