Coastal Angler Magazine | September 2022 | Naples/Marco Island/Everglades/Bonita Springs Edition

FREE FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE COASTALANGLERMAG.COMVOLUME 27 • ISSUE 330 SEPTEMBER 2022 PHOTO COURTESY OF CHERLYN ARNOLD IG: @SLAYHERLYN @CAMTAMagazine FREAKYFISH Monster Florida THE QUEST FOR ROYALTYGAMEFISH SNOOK NAPLES/MARCO ISLAND/EVERGLADES/BONITA SPRINGS EDITION

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The water can be a little warm this time of year, and it makes bass finicky. When the bite gets tough, a drop shot flat out gets bit. It catches fish everywhere I go, and every angler should have the technique in their arsenal.There are a few reasons a drop shot can out-perform other techniques this time of year. The first of these is because of how versatile you can be with it. I have thrown a drop shot around rock, wood, grass and even in completely open water. Smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass will all pick up a drop-shot rig, so it’s a great option regardless of what part of the country you fish or what species you target.Another factor that makes this technique excel when other things aren’t working is it’s effective on heavily pressured and sluggish fish. Sometimes getting these fish to bite calls for light line and a smaller profile bait. The dropshot rig consists of a fluorocarbon leader leading to a hook of your choosing then, below the hook, about 12 inches of line tied to a drop shot weight on the end. This creates a rig that keeps your bait up off the bottom and drives finicky bass crazy.

TYLER WOOLCOTT DROP SHOT FOR FINICKY FISH

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Drop Shot Gear: Picking the right setup for a drop shot doesn’t have to be too difficult. I like a rod around 7 foot with a medium or a medium heavy action like the 13 Fishing Omen Black 7’1M. Pair up a 3,000 sized reel with some 10lb. Seaguar Smackdown braid and a 10-lb. fluorocarbon leader. Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website www.tylerwoolcottfishing.com.at

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There are a few different styles of baits you can use on the drop shot, depending on what your fish are feeding on. This is what I usually base my bait and color choices off of. I usually throw a small finesse worm like the 13 Fishing Joy Stick Ultra Thin or a baitfish-style bait like the 13 Fishing Vertigo minnow. Both baits are small in size and can really pick up some bites when the fishing is tough.Bait color is important, but I like to keep things fairly simple. I typically throw a green pumpkin or a black-and-blue worm style bait. For the baitfish-style lure, I stick with whites or natural baitfish colors. Remember, you are trying to be as finesse as possible to trick a bass that’s not hungry into biting, so something simple and natural will excel. This technique has worked wonders for me all across the country. From down South in Florida all the way up to New York, bass eat this rig up everywhere. Next time you’re on the lake and the bite is tough, downsize your presentation and drag a drop shot around. It will pick up a few more bites.

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Agiant snook should be on every angler’s bucket list. They’re big, they’re strong and they’re aggressive. Southern Florida boasts the most prolific snook fisheries in the world, and Capt. Patrick Smith, of Swamp to Sea Guide Service, operates in the heart of one of the best. Swamp to Sea fishes throughout Palm Beach County up to Stuart, Fla. At times, the snook fishing can be so good that the prospect is almost mundane for Capt. Smith. “If I’ve got clients who want to catch the snook of a lifetime, we’ll go out to the inlet and let them catch one or two. Then we’ll go do something else,” he said. “It’s cool to check a big snook off the list, but light tackle is moreCapt.fun.”Smith’s nonchalance about catching snook 35 to 43 inches long and up to 25 pounds is an attitude geared toward conservation of a species he loves. When big females congregate in the inlets to spawn around the full moons of summer, they are easy targets for anglers armed with big live baits like perch and croakers.

Throughout the summer, snook are catch-and-release-only to protect spawning fish. On the Atlantic side, snook harvest opens Sept. 1, with a 28- to 32-inch slot limit. Capt. Smith said the spawning pattern lasts well into September most years, but the big females are over the slot and must be released, anyway. He is more concerned with the beatings these fish take all summer long. His solution is to limit the number of fish he targets and to gear up heavy. Smith fishes 10,000 size reels on 50- to 100-lb. rods. He runs 80-lb. braid to a 60-lb. fluorocarbon leader and locks down the drag. The weakest link is an 8/0 thin wire circle hook, which is easier on the fish but must be changed out Heavyfrequently.gear combats a big snook’s propensity for bulldogging into structure. It also shortens the length of the fight to lessen the likelihood of fish succumbing to exhaustion or sharks. Smith said these large spawners can be 25 years and older. He urged anglers to handle them carefully for release and never to hold them vertically by their mouths.Ifyou’re looking for a snook to eat, there’s plenty of opportunity for that also. Between the moons some of the snook spread out to the bridges, docks and deep holes. The smaller, slot-sized males become more interested in feeding. Also, the mullet run will kick in toward the end of September. When mullet schools show up, everything from the fish to the anglers switch over to chasing bait. Contact Capt. Patrick Smith through his website www.swamptosea.com.

By Nick Carter

Before the Transition

“They’re not smart fish. If they’re turned on, they’re going to eat. If they’re not, it may be five hours before they do,” he said. “But there’s going to be 30 to 40 minutes on the tide when those snook are eating. There’s not a lot of thought that goes into it. If one is interested, they all are.”

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By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

Work with what Mother Nature gives you. Here on the upper Texas coast, we’ve had about seven years of excessive rainfall which, in general terms, made some of our bays unfishable for most of that time. Due to excessive fresh water, those of us who like to fish where the tributaries enter into the bays had to seek new areas where the salinity levels were suitable for speckled trout. This year, things are back to normal, and we need to relearn old patterns and work with what Mother Nature is giving us.

As always, the jetties are a favorite. The high current and cooler Gulf water attract every fish species that swims in our bays and nearshore waters. It’s not uncommon to catch some offshore fish there as well; it happens every year.

Although the temps are still high, you can have a successful day on the water if you modify your techniques. Remember to apply sunblock before you leave the dock, wear appropriate protective clothing and drink plenty of water. Stay safe and have fun!

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The Texas heat and drought are one for the record books and can make a day on the water unpleasant if you plan to stay much past noon, but there are some methods to help you be productive until things start to cool off. Many of the estuaries that were impacted by the floods are some of our deeper bay systems, and that is a good thing this time of year. Heading out early will greatly increase your odds and give you more time on the water while it is cool, relatively speaking. I have found these bays have been forgotten by some, and they’ve never been fished by those new to our sport, which makes for less crowds on the water. I target the deeper reefs in the upper stretches of the bay near the rivers. Locating new washouts can also pay off, and those are not on the maps or public knowledge, so doing a little recon before you head out on each trip can make for a more productive day.

Although I prefer lures over bait, success rates lean toward live shrimp or finfish this time of year. Depending on conditions, these can be free-lined, Carolina rigged, or fished under a loud popping cork. A free-lined shrimp tossed near a granite jetty is a good bet on any day. Stepping away from the live version, cut mullet or shad can be winners for a big pull from a red, black drum or shark. A circle hook Carolina rigged on the bottom can entice those large predators to strike. This is a great method if you have kids aboard.

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

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INLETSINREDSBULLTHE

The IGFA world record redfish weighed in at 94 lbs. 2 oz. It was caught off the North Carolina Outer Banks in 1984.

n September, with the famed mullet run in full swing, big bull redfish will be following schools of mullet and feeding heavily. It’s one of the best times of year to hook up with a bull red, and my favorite place to target them is in the Sebastian Inlet. Red drum, more commonly known as redfish, are a familiar species to most saltwater anglers. With beautiful coppercolored scales fading into a white belly, their distinctive mark is an eye spot at the base of the tail. Catching a red with multiple black spots is a true honor for many inshore and nearshore anglers. This eye spot is not merely a decoration, it also serves as a defense mechanism to confuse predators into thinking a redfish’s tail is its Reds can be found on the coasts of Mexico all the way to Cape Cod, Mass. Their habitats can vary widely due to redfish being euryhaline, which means they tolerate a wide range of salinity. Redfish are typically a nearshore species, meaning they can be found in estuaries, bays, mudflats, oyster beds and off of beaches. Young redfish prefer estuaries, where there is an abundance of prey as well as protection from larger predators. Once they reach about three years old, they tend to move off of the beaches into coastal areas. Once redfish reach maturity, at three or four years, they begin spawning. Their spawning season usually takes place from mid-August to mid-November; however, this may vary due to temperatures and other factors. Redfish usually congregate to spawn near or inside tidal inlets or fast-flowing water to ensure as many eggs as possible are fertilized. Males produce a drumming sound to attract females by contracting their muscles to vibrate their swim bladders. Females produce one-half to two million eggs per season. Most eggs do not make it to the safety of bay areas. During the mullet run, large schools of redfish follow migrating mullet. The easiest way to target these fish is to drop a live mullet below the main school of mullet. If you’re specifically targeting bull reds, you’ll want to give it a go at night. Drifting large chunks of ladyfish on an outgoing current will almost always produce a large fish. Occasionally, you will come across large schools of redfish feeding on the surface at the mouth of the inlet on an outgoing tide. When this occurs, use topwater plugs, swimbaits and large jigs. In the backcountry around the mangroves, gold spoons, live shrimp and small crabs work best.

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Emily Rose Hanzlik holds 51 IGFA world records in various categories. She hails from West Palm Beach, where she has a part time Bowfin Guide Service as well as fishing classes for Jr. Anglers. Find her on Social Media @emilyhanzlikoutdoors.

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“Improving and creating sustainable fisheries, coastal habitats and waterways is CCA Florida’s purpose,” CCA Florida Executive Director Brian Gorski said. “Today’s reef deployment is an extension of that commitment and also of our partnership with Duke Energy – signifying our mutual dedication to protecting Florida’s marine habitat for today and generations to come.”

Since 2018, CCA Florida and Duke Energy have released more than 110,000 redfish along Florida’s Gulf Coast in effort to relieve the declining population. The Duke Energy/CCA Florida Reef deployment is an expansion of its collaboration and symbolizes its continued dedication to enhancing Florida’s marine habitat and expanding fishing opportunities for local anglers.

6 FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 2022 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Artificial reefs initiate the development of natural, thriving habitats for various species of fish, invertebrates, and other marine life, such as smaller organisms that are vital food sources for other marine species, with the overall goal to create an ever-evolving ecosystem while enhancing fisheries and improving water quality.

T hose looking for some new numbers to fish off Mexico Beach now have them thanks to CCA Florida, Duke Energy and the Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association. In May, the organizations teamed up to deploy four 38,000-pound and four 5,000-pound artificial reef modules off Mexico Beach. They are calling the new honeyhole “The Duke Energy/CCA Florida Reef.” The eight reef modules were deployed by Walter Marine at the prepermitted Sherman Site, an area known for attracting red and gray snappers, amberjack, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, gag grouper and cobia. These specific reef structures, ranging in height from 8 to 25 feet, provide greater habit diversity while attracting fish and appealing to recreational anglers. The reef site is located offshore 11 miles west of Mexico Beach at approximately 29º 55.384, -85º 40.765.

For more information, go to ccaflorida.org.

“Duke Energy Florida recognizes the importance of environmental stewardship and the economic benefit it provides to the communities we serve,” Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president said. “We are proud to invest in CCA Florida’s work with the Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association to bring this new artificial reef to Mexico Beach, a win for marine life, local anglers and outdoor enthusiasts along Florida’s West Coast.”

New Artificial Reef Deployed Off Mexico Beach

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The only problem is the kings are there too. You may like to catch kings, and I apologize for that last sentence, but if I catch a king, it’s accidental. A lot of folks don’t even consider fishing at night, and certainly not fishing the light line at night, but it can be extremely effective for wahoo and kings. The first wahoo I ever caught from an anchored boat was at night, and it was a heck of an experience. We saw the fish swim under the lights, and I quickly put out a live beeliner. The beeliner swam away from the boat, and just as he got to the dark water, we saw the bite. I was instantly addicted to this style of bottom fishing and light lining versus just trolling for wahoo, tuna and dolphin. Dolphin will not eat at night, normally, but the night bite for tuna can be good. The stack of beeliners is the main thing I’m looking for as a good starting point for a place to fish. Gags and scamps will definitely go with the food (beeliners) until the beginning or middle of October. Then the gags will leave the beeliners to migrate inshore in search of cigs and sardines and to spawn. For more information, see www.barefootcatsandtackle.com.

THE CHANGE WILL BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER

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E verything offshore will start to notice when water temps drop a little at the end of the month, and even more obvious will be shorter daylight hours. All the fish we pursue will start thinking about one of three things: spawning, gorging to fatten up for winter or migrating back south. I’m most concerned with the grouper/snapper complex and the wahoo, so this puts my fishing in overdrive for the next few months. Groupers and snappers will be hot as a firecracker until after Christmas. Wahoo fishing will be at the peak by then as well. Another species I like to stay tuned into are the beeliners (vermillion snapper). When you stay in touch with these guys, you pretty much stay in touch with everything, because everything out there loves to eat a beeliner. The full moon is going to be on Saturday, Sept. 10. This will be a good time to spend the night at the break and have the livewell full to fish just before dawn. Beeliners will chew hard during this full moon, and the bite will shut down as soon as the moon disappears on the western horizon. If you can keep the bright lights going all night, the squid and the biggest, fattest beeliners will be readily available for the taking. When you have these two things gathered up in mass, you definitely have the wahoo and grouper there also. This is a good reason to keep the light line out with a fresh squid or a Boston mackerel just past where the light disappears into the dark water.

Tim Barefoot

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 FLORIDA 9

“By requiring the states to calibrate their more accurate—and NMFS certified—catch data to an outdated and fundamentally flawed MRIP, NMFS has failed to find an effective solution and is not making decisions based on the best available science while refusing to appropriately integrate the new data,” reads a letter from legislators. For more information on the continued political wrangling over red snapper, visit coastalanglermag.com.

The South Atlantic fishery seems to be in a situation similar to what the Gulf fishery faced a few years ago. Following years of ridiculously short red snapper seasons to rebuild the stock, anglers on the water report red snapper so thick that it’s the only species they can catch. These fish must be released, despite the high likelihood they will succumb to pressure-related injuries. Ultimately these discards count against fishermen.

Here we go again. The hubbub over federal management of red snapper seems never ending. Most recently, Southeastern legislators penned a letter asking NOAA to suspend consideration of area closures in the South Atlantic. Meanwhile, legislators from states on the Gulf of Mexico are pushing back against new proposed federal regulations. Both groups contend the federal government is not using “the best available science” in management decisions.

“Now, on top of a short red snapper season, it is our understanding that there are discussions about broad area or season closures of all bottom fishing to stop red snapper encounters altogether,” reads the letter. “This decision would be crippling economically for our states that rely heavily on our coastal Legislatorseconomy.”havecalled on NOAA to hold off on area closure consideration until data from the ongoing South Atlantic Great Red Snapper Count can be considered. Results of this study, which began in 2021, are expected by 2025.

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It’s worth noting that last year’s data from a similar study, the Gulf of Mexico Great Red Snapper Count, indicated there were up to three times as many red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico as the numbers federal managers were using to make management decisions. On that note, Gulf legislators are not pleased with how “more accurate” state data is being calibrated into the “fundamentally flawed” MRIP data that federal managers have used to set regulations for years. The “data calibration framework” included within proposed rule changes would result in reductions of the state annual catch limit for some states and increases for others. State annual catch limits would increase for Florida and Louisiana by 100,000 and 50,000 pounds, respectively. Texas’ limit would remain the same, while Alabama and Mississippi’s limits would decrease by 586,000 and 95,000 pounds, respectively.Theproposal would also increase the overall red snapper overfishing limit from 15.5 million pounds to 25.6 million, while increasing the acceptable biological catch from 15.1 million to 15.4 million. That might sound pretty good for anglers; however, legislators pointed out that this would reduce allowable catch from 97 percent to 60 percent of the sustainable limit.

LURES PATRICK SEBILE ROD, REEL AND LINE FOR DISTANCE

W e’ve talked a lot in this column over the last few months about lures that help achieve long-distance casts. Now, I’d like to cover the rest of the equipment that will help you cast farther and reach more fish.The first key element is the rod. When it comes to casting for distance, you want a fast-action rod. This is true if you are a surf angler, a boat angler targeting fast-moving tuna, or an inshore angler targeting shallow-water reds and trout that are easy to spook. The more flexible your rod is, the less momentum it will impart to the lure. Make sure your blank is stiff. Rod blanks come with a lure weight range. Most of the time the optimal lure weight for casting distance is between 1/2 and 2/3 of the weight the rod is rated for. So, for a 2- to 6-ounce rod rating, the best weight for long casts is typically 3 to 4 ounces. A rod rated for 3/8 to 1 ½ ounces usually casts farthest with a 3/4 to 1 ounce lure. Choose a rod that matches the lures you’ll be throwing. The rod handle is also a big deal when it comes to distance. For a spinning rod, you want the length of a forearm, plus a fist, between the reel seat and the butt of the rod. Length gives you leverage, but you don’t want it to be too long. For surf-casting rods, about 1 ½ times the length of your forearm seemsHigh-qualitybest. guides also make a big difference in how far you can cast. Typically you’re going to have to spend more for quality guides, but consider it an investment that results in consistently longer casts.

10 FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 2022 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM2 LOCATION JUNE 2020 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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

Proper guide placement makes a difference, as well. On some rods, the first guide is too close to the reel and/or the legs holding the rod to the blank are too short. This creates an angle at which the line hits the guide and adds drag to the line and lure. This simple detail can reduce casting distance as much as 10 percent. If you find a rod you really like, but the first guide is not seated properly, consider moving the guide. On the reel side, I prefer a slightly conic spool that dumps and winds line evenly. That is pretty much all you need from a reel dedicated to long distance. For line, stick to braid for its smaller diameter. I prefer braid with a smooth finish without coating. When distance is what matters most, do not hesitate to drop 25 to 50 percent lighter line than what you would normally use. For example, 40-lb. braid is common when surf fishing for striped bass. If you need longer casts to reach the fish, it is worth dropping to 30or even 20-lb. test. If you’re using a heavy lure, tie in a shock head 50 to 100 percent stronger to absorb the impact of the cast.

the last few months about lures that help achieve longdistance casts. Now, I’d like to cover the rest of the equipment that will help you cast farther and reach more fish.

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The first key element is the rod. When it comes to casting for distance, you want a fast-action rod. This is true if you are a surf angler, a boat angler targeting fast-moving tuna, or an inshore angler targeting shallow-water reds and trout that are easy to spook. The more flexible your rod is, the less momentum it will impart to the lure. Make sure your blank is stiff. Rod blanks come with a lure weight range. Most of the time the optimal lure weight for casting distance is between 1/2 and 2/3 it to be too long. For surf-casting rods, about 1 ½ times the length of your forearm seems best. High-quality guides also make a big difference in how far you can cast. Typically you’re going to have to spend more for quality guides, but consider it an investment that results in consistently longer casts. Proper guide placement makes a difference, as well. On some rods, the first guide is too close to the reel and/or the legs holding the rod to the blank are too short. This creates an angle at which the line hits the guide and adds drag to the line and lure. This simple detail can reduce casting distance as much as 10 percent. If you find a rod you really like, but the first guide is not seated properly, consider moving the guide. On the reel side, I prefer a slightly conic spool that dumps and winds line evenly. That is pretty much all you need from a reel dedicated to long distance. For line, stick to braid for its smaller diameter. I prefer braid with a smooth finish without coating. When distance is what matters most, do not hesitate to drop 25 to 50 percent lighter line than what you would normally use. For example, 40-lb. braid is common when surf fishing for striped bass. If you need longer casts to reach the fish, it is worth dropping to 30- or even 20-lb. test. If you’re using a heavy lure, tie in a shock head 50 to 100 award-winning designer of innovative lures and fishing gear. Check out his creations at abandofanglers.com. The very best hunting knives possess a perfect balance of form and function. They’re carefully constructed from fine materials, but also have that little something extra to connect the owner with nature.

The blade is full tang, meaning it doesn’t stop at the handle but extends to the length of the grip for the ultimate in strength. The blade is made from 420 surgical steel, famed for its sharpness and its resistance to corrosion.

If you’re on the hunt for a knife that combines impeccable craftsmanship with a sense of wonder, the $79 Huntsman Blade is the trophy you’re looking for.

The handle is made from genuine natural bone, and features decorative wood spacers and a hand-carved motif of two overlapping feathers— a reminder for you to respect and connect with the natural world. This fusion of substance and style can garner a high price tag out in the marketplace. In fact, we found full tang, stainless steel blades with bone handles in excess of $2,000. Well, that won’t cut it around here. We have mastered the hunt for the best deal, and in turn pass the spoils on to our customers. But we don’t stop there. While supplies last, we’ll include a pair of $99 8x21 power compact binoculars and a genuine leather sheath FREE when you purchase the Huntsman Blade. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within

Okuma’s new Salina spinning reels are lightweight, ready for battle, and designed for inshore and offshore duty. These reels are constructed of Okuma’s LITECAST body material which is 15 percent lighter than die cast aluminum. They are built for everything from light inshore to heavy offshore, and they’re perfect for high-speed vertical jigging or all-day casting.The Salina features a 6HPB +1RB corrosion-resistant stainless-steel ball bearing system with a full grease pack and waterproof seals. Salina’s Hybrid Carbonite and Japanese felt Dual Force Drag system puts out over 33 pounds of drag. With Okuma’s HDGII: High-Density Main Gear and precision machine cut brass pinion gear, you will get a smooth retrieve cast after cast. Okuma also uses a machined aluminum, screw-in handle arm with a machined aluminum twotone anodized ball handle knob. The three larger size reels feature a manual bail trip Therefunction.aresix models of Salina. The 4,000, 5,000 and 6,000 size reels feature high-speed 5.8:1 gear ratios. The 8,000, 10,000 and 14,000 size reels feature standard gear ratios of 5.4:1. All models have an interchangeable screw-in handle system that can be changed from left to right-hand retrieve. For more information on Salina Spinning reels, visit your local retailer.

SPINNINGSALINAREEL OKUMAFISHINGUSA.COM

ECS CUSTOM RODS

12 FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 2022 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

New Okuma ECS Custom rods are designed for the harsh environment east coast fishermen face daily. They are constructed with a hybrid 24ton carbon and e-glass blank that features Okuma’s UFR-II: Ultimate Flex Reinforcement rod tip technology for the ultimate in lifting power. With spinning, casting and trolling rods, the new ECS Custom series will adorn the back of your boat nicely. There are two spinning rods in the lineup with a 6’ Heavy and 6’6” Medium Heavy. Three casting rods for live bait and bottom fishing come in 6’ Heavy, 6’6” X-Heavy and 7’ Medium actions. There are also two trolling configurations. Two rods feature Roller Stripper and Roller Tip. These rods come in a 6’4” Medium Heavy and 6’ Heavy action. The other two trolling rods feature all roller guides and are both 6’ Heavy and X-Heavy actions. With the brute strength and drag-ripping speed anglers see on the east coast, Okuma went with only high-end components on the ECS Custom rods. All spinning and casting rods feature ALPS deep press 316-grade stainless steel guide frames with zirconium inserts. Models with All Roller Guides feature ALPS RX Series Rollers as well as Sea Guide Neptune Adjustable Rod Butts. All ECS Custom rods feature machined aluminum, anodized rod gimbals. For more information on ECS Custom Rods please visit your local retailer.

OKUMA

Caitlyn Gatrell

By: Caitlyn Gatrell

The Pumpkin Patch

Fishing down in the Ten Thousand Islands always calls for a good time, whether it’s the nice weather or the beautiful fish that we catch down here. I find that summer to fall, produces great fish ing, especially for red fish, giving us a chance to get our hands on these beautiful creatures. Typically, we plan our trips looking for that higher outgoing tide on a warm clear day, usually always proving to be some of our best fishing trips. One of my favorite reds came on a day just as perfect as described. With the mid-morning sun and clear skies, we stopped by some local islands, cast netting schools of mullet that swam by. Size matters, as we usually look for the medium to larger ones to get those bigger fish on the line. After getting a good portion of bait, we made our way around some patches of man groves, trolling around and throwing live mullet at every stump, branch, and structure we saw, just waiting for that per fect bite. I actually caught quite a few reds that day, but this one was the best for sure. After casting around a few spots, catching some smaller ones and letting them go back, I was able to get a bigger one on the line. It seemed within a few seconds my mullet that was sinking down near a large underwater tree branch must have been inhaled as my rod yanked down and my drag started screaming. I tightened down a bit and was able to pull it out enough to notice it was a red. As it came close to the boat it gave a strong tail whip and took off down the mangrove line. I continued to bring this fish in quickly due to the excitement but carefully to avoid any line tension. Once I got her in, we snapped a few pictures and gave a safe release, watching her swim back down into the murky waters, ready to grab the next mullet!

FACEBOOK.COM/CAMNAPLES/ | SEPTEMBER 2022 | NAPLES 1

1) Bay Ronto - sunk in 110 ft of water in a 1919 hurricane 31.5 n.miles off Boca Grande. In 1972 it was my first deep wreck. It’s broken into 5 major pieces now and the years have produced AJs, gags, blacks and 2)mangroves.Fantastico - a Honduran Freighter sunk in the 1993 No Name Storm, 47nm off Fort Myers Beach in 115 ft of water. I dove the 2nd trip there with a bunch of wreck/tech divers who swore it was the Roatan Express. I dropped on a big cobia which led me to the bow where I shot him in front of “Fantastico" painted the size of a bus!

3) D6W & D6E - Artificial Reefs with fiberglass boat molds 31.3nm off Venice in 109 ft. Because of the distance and little fanfare this site is good. i shot a 30# gag in the center, and the E area is very good.

6) L ong Island - a shrimp boat 47.9nm off Sarasota in a depth of 163 ft. I 1998 & 99 this wreck was upright & intact with the name welded on the bow. We shot gags, blacks and AJs.

5) Skyway Bridge Wreckage - is 58.5nm offshore Boca Grande in 170 ft. In May 1980 the freighter Summit Venture collided into the 200 ft high Skyway Bridge which spanned Tampa Bay. 35 people died in their vehicles with a Greyhound bus. On my dive I could see the bridge’s steel and concrete in very clear water, but I was maxed out on depth and dove the top 100 ft for AJs.

2 NAPLES | SEPTEMBER 2022 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/NAPLES/ Wrecks to Spearfish By: Capt. Chad Carney https://www.deeperblue.com/beginners-guide-spearfishing/https://www.facebook.com/floridaskindiver/chad.carney@yahoo.com727-423-7775 Coastal“FavoriteprintedAnglermySW FL Wrecks to Spear fish” in Dec. 2020. You can still see my top 6 by archives,ta,Napleschoosee-Magazinesclickingandyourarea,toSarasoscrolldowntowhereallarticles since late 2016 appear. I’ve been revisiting more middle range sites and some are shallower than 132 ft. Here’s my next 6 SW FL Wrecks.

Coastal Angler’s Outdoors Section - “Diving & Spearfishing” has 13 pages with some great stories written by their Editorial Staff, which includes lots by my good friend Sheri Daye. To my surprise I found 2 articles of mine. Pg 12 “Fall Spearfishing in Florida” and Pg 9 “Spear fishing Course for Freedivers.” Shoot straight Capt. Chad

4) USCGC Mohawk - a 165 ft cutter sunk 7-2-2012, 40nm off Fort My ers Bch. in 90 ft. This wreck is attracting lots of marine life due to its size, durability and dis tance offshore. Looking forward to diving this ship.

FACEBOOK.COM/CAMNAPLES/ | SEPTEMBER 2022 | NAPLES 3 You Can Trust Your Local Mastry Suzuki RePower Center – It Simply Makes Sense REPOWER When you purchase a new Suzuki outboard from an authorized Mastry RePower Center you qualify to become a member of the Mastry Suzuki Owner’s Edge. Owners receive an identification card that provides them with important information about their Suzuki outboard motor as well as a passport to additional benefits during ownership. Members enjoy a detailed engine maintenance schedule, Mastry Suzuki RePower Trade Program and special pricing from Mastry Suzuki Partners. THE ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING A NEW BOAT When Considering A Repower, Consider These Factors: • Twin Screws Marine Service has decades of repower experience providing proper rigging, controls, propeller matching and in water testing • With a Mastry Suzuki RePower owners gain improved performance, less noise and greater reliability • Options that will fit most any budget, financing available • Mastry Suzuki RePower’s exclusive Owner’s Edge Program* • All Suzuki RePowers come with Suzuki’s 5-years of protection suzukirepower.com | 1-800-545-4574 *Get with the Program! With 13 Locations Across Florida There is a Mastry Suzuki RePower Center Near You In the Fort Myers area - Twin Screws Marine Service is your certified Mastry Suzuki RePower Center Twin Screws Marine Service 16257 S Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, FL 33908 239-330-3387 Twin Screws Marine Service is Southwest Florida’s premiere service marine center and mobile marine service, located at 16257 South Tamiami Trail Suite B in Fort Myers, FL 33908. We offer 24/7 emergency mobile boat repair & factory certified marine service & repair. We are a Suzuki Marine Outboard RePower Center with Mastry Engine Center providing the best options, information and package pricing for excellent performance in repower. We offer Suzuki parts, accessories & warranty while offering full mobile marine troubleshooting and repair services to all of Southwest Florida. At Twin Screws Marine Service, you can expect the best! We have all of the credentials you expect and should require when selecting a company to service your boat. When you think of boat repair, maintenance or Suzuki RePower, Twin Screws Marine Service is the best choice!

Everglades and Backcountry

H

ello everyone, Captain Travis from Steady Fish Charters down in Everglades City, to update my fellow anglers on what all the big fish in the 10,000 islands area are biting on and when they are feeding the most this time of the year. During the late sum mer and ear ly fall, as we head downstartever,warm,stilltheandSeptemberintoOctober,waterisreallyhowitwilltocoolvery

By: Capt. Travis Freeman Steadyfishingcharters.com | Steadyfishing@yahoo.com239-285-2971

fast over the fall and winter months and get saltier and saltier in the back country of the Everglades, so this means more and more redfish, trout, tarpon and snook will be moving into the darker shallower backcountry bays looking for warmer waters and moving through creeks as well looking for anything from live white bait, shrimp and crabs to feed on. However, this time of the year, I like to cast a soft 3” paddle tail with a red or white 1/8oz jig head fishing anywhere from 2ft to 5ft of water. As far as plugs, always a sinking black back mirror lure 3 to 4” and of course live shrimp are always a great bait to use both in the backcountry and the near shores of the Gulf. I have also recent ly started catching more and more triple tail and permit as the water gets cooler in the Gulf and along the near shores. Both a low rising tide and a high falling tide have been very productive for myself and my clients. Let’s not forget how peaceful and mind bending the Everglades and Backcountry waters can be. Just a simple cruise through the beautiful mangrove islands and seeing the sunrise and sunsets along the coast of the Ev erglades, is more than therapeutic for most! Make sure you give us a call and let’s get you out on the water for a fishing trip of a life time or just a simple dolphin and shelling excursion making memories that last a life time. Pale Horse FC | palehorsefishingcharters.com | 239-285-7710 Not many places in the world can match Southwest Florida for both its fishing and beauty this time of year. Fishing this past month has had some very high temperatures but has been great! We’ve been trying to shoot for earlier in the day due to the heavy rains in the afternoon. Of course, there’s always a chance of disruption from a big storm since we are in the heart of hurricane season. August and September should round out our summer as we move into our fall fishing pattern. The beaches have been holding a lot of snook. Look for them very close to the shore and pitch in front of them. They can be very spooky, so make sure to present the bait way ahead of them in the direction they’re traveling and remember, always retrieve the bait back away from them and not towards them. Also, on the beaches and in the passes, catches of trout and pompano have been quite common. In the backwaters, it’s been the usual suspects of snook, reds, trout and Jack Crevalle. Mornings and evenings seem to be the best bites and help you avoid the heat in the middle of the day. In addition, there are plenty of juvenile tarpon around as well. Offshore has been awesome as well! Bottom fishing has been pro ducing mangrove and lane snapper, as well as red and gag grouper. There have also been cobia and permit on the wrecks who are eager ly taking baits! As we continue to move through our summer, fishing should continue being great, so get out there on the water and catch them up. Call today to book your fishing trip with Pale Horse Fishing Charters!

By: Capt. Billy Norris

4 NAPLES | SEPTEMBER 2022 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/NAPLES/

Summer Patterns

FACEBOOK.COM/CAMNAPLES/ | SEPTEMBER 2022 | NAPLES 5 World-Class FISHERMAN'S PARADISE Snook, Tarpon, Redfish, Sharks...Plus, Eco tours, Air boat and Swamp Buggy tours...Shelling, Dolphins, beautiful sunsets and more! Boat Ramp Fishing OffshoreChartersFishing Fish Cleaning Station Marina & Store Recreation Center Liar's Bench Pavilion Fire Pit & BBQ Grills Watercraft RentalsWi-Fi Book Online or Call: Visit our www.CoveCommunities.comwebsite COZY CABIN RENTALS - RV & TENT CAMPING 239-522-8220 1150 Hamilton Lane, Chokoloskee, FL 34138

Murphy’s Law

By: Capt. Tim Ramsey

6 NAPLES | SEPTEMBER 2022 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/NAPLES/

A couple months ago I took time off from trying to find a literary agent for my fourth mystery novel that won’t sell unless I kill someone (can you feel the frustration?) and went fishing. I rounded a corner into the backcountry and as I turned left, it felt like the boat wanted to go right. The wheel was fighting me a bit, so I looked behind me and to my surprise, the Power Pole was deploying all by itself. Well, Murphy was deploying it. Down it went, just about half-way. I stopped the boat, hit the button, and a nice stream of hy draulic oil shot out of the transom, but the thing didn’t budge. I wasn’t entirely surprised it broke. The Power Pole worked flawlessly for almost seven years. Fast-forward to a couple weeks ago. I had the Power Pole fixed while I was up in Jersey fishing then came back. We got everything ready and set off on a day chasing fish around. Boat started right up, no problem. Then things got weird. First, the front livewell pump started screeching like it was caught in a trap and trying to call its mother. I popped the canister off and believe it or not, a half-chewed Fla vor-Ice wrapper was in the highspeed intake line. I snapped the thing back together and it worked. I thought, “Murphy and his frozen treats.” After once more leaving the shrimp-less bait dock (Marina will go unmentioned), I hit the button for the GPS. Then hit it again. Nothing. So, I checked around the boat, pulled the throttle back and stopped forward motion, then hit the Pow er Pole button. Then hit it again. Nothing. The phrase “Murphy'' rang in my head along with thoughts of mon ey for the repair guy going over the side, and the image of the gorilla in the old samsonite commercial smashing suitcases. I gave myself a moment to regroup, and like a good Jersey transplant and army vet, I thought “if at first the button doesn’t work, mash it harder.” I did just that and voila’! The power pole goes down, but only a little. I mash it again, twice this time, and ‘Bob’s your uncle,” the thing does as adver tised, setting itself automatically.

Ispoke a few months ago about Murphy’s Law as it applied to fishing. Well, it seems Murphy and I have a close, personal relation ship. I don’t think he likes me. He knows I’m versed in colloquialism, you know, “A fool and his money” and “don’t count your chickens” and so on. I even made one of my own. It’s nonsense, but somehow appropri ate. “Murphy wouldn’t be Murphy if Murphy wasn’t Murphy.”

Pleased with my mechanical acumen, I round the console and open the front hatch. Tracing the wires from the GPS to the fuse panel, a voice in my head says “red wire off, must be bad.” Shut up, Murphy, I got this. I plug it back in, go back around the console, hit the GPS but ton and again, voila’, it works. Will this utter display of knowledge and skill ever cease? Is it too early to cele brate with a beer? Then another voice in my head said “remember, pride re ally does come before the fall.” I went back around the con sole and before closing the hatch, I scanned the area under the console for anything abnormal. That’s when I noticed the cable for the trim tab switch hanging freely, a smear of dried silicone on the tip, and two tiny electrodes protruding from the slots at the end. Not good. I realized that behind the switch on the console, there was nothing holding this cable on, just the silicone against the motherboard/ touch-sensitive pad/ ex pensive whatever you call it. Did my power pole guy “Samsonite Goril la” do his thing when he fixed the power pole? Did I knock it off while returning the first aid kit to its spot under the console last trip (yes, on top of everything else, I’m accident prone), or was it Murphy? I went back around the console and turned the engine off, then back on. No power went to the trim tabs. As if I really expected any. Right?

... if my Skeeter’s non-skid wasn’t the “skin-shredding nonskid from hell,” I might have fallen to my knees, arms outstretched, and wailed...

I asked myself if Murphy was real or just frustration and the innate need to assign blame for such misfortune but if indeed the latter was true, the only course of action to rectify the situation was to punch myself in the face, and that was not an option. There was fishing to do. Put it behind you, go catch a snook. At least that’s what I told myself. We pulled up to a patch of hard bottom near a small island in search of permit. Engine off, jack plate up, engine tilted out, we drifted slowly toward the target area. I hopped on the bow and deployed the trusty trolling motor. Went to the console, hit the breaker, the remote came on, I dialed-up to four on the trolling mo tor speed, hit the button and off we went. Something big broke water nearby. Better investigate. I hit the left turn button. Then I hit it again. Nothing. I tried right. Then tried right again. Nothing. In that moment, if my Skeeter’s non-skid wasn’t the “skin-shred ding nonskid from hell,” I might have fallen to my knees, arms out stretched, and wailed “is there anything that isn’t tainted?” After all, doing the Charleton Heston, Planet of the Apes (with a Jersey twist) “damn yous. Damn yous all to hell” would be ridiculous considering it would be cursing inanimate objects. Or does Murphy animate them? Instead of going insane, I lifted the trolling motor from the slot and steered it by hand from the top. Good to go. Mayhem averted. Fish were caught. Merriment was had. Adult beverages were consumed. Some days you’re forced to adapt. Days later, after about ten YouTube videos, I have a new trim tab switch and new trim tab steering box on the workbench. Well, like I said before, “Murphy wouldn’t be Murphy if Murphy wasn’t Murphy.” Wish me luck. See you out there!

FACEBOOK.COM/CAMNAPLES/ | SEPTEMBER 2022 | NAPLES 7

8 NAPLES | SEPTEMBER 2022 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/NAPLES/ MARCONAPLES ISLAND September/2022 • 25°58’N 81°44’W September/2022 • 26°8’N 81°48’W 3125 Bayshore Dr., Naples, FL 239.417.014134112 9148 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs, FL 34135 239.262.2940 www.USHarbors.com Marco, Big Marco River, FL - Sep 2022 Date High Low AM ft PM ft AM ft PM ft Rise Set Moon 1 Thu 4:30 2.7 5:53 2.4 11:21 0.5 11:11 1.4 7:06 7:47 2 Fri 4:59 2.8 7:13 2.2 12:24P 0.4 11:51 1.6 7:06 7:46 3 Sat 5:43 2.8 8:38 2.1 1:37 0.3 7:06 7:45 4 Sun 6:54 2.8 10:16 2.1 12:58 1.8 2:53 0.2 7:07 7:44 5 Mon 8:21 2.9 11:32 2.2 2:24 1.9 4:07 0.1 7:07 7:43 6 Tue 9:44 3.0 3:47 1.8 5:10 -0.1 7:08 7:42 7 Wed 12:14 2.4 10:56A 3.2 4:55 1.6 6:04 -0.2 7:08 7:41 8 Thu 12:48 2.5 11:56A 3.4 5:51 1.4 6:50 -0.2 7:08 7:40 9 Fri 1:22 2.6 12:51 3.4 6:41 1.1 7:34 -0.1 7:09 7:39 10 Sat 1:55 2.7 1:43 3.4 7:30 0.8 8:15 0.1 7:09 7:37 11 Sun 2:27 2.8 2:33 3.3 8:19 0.6 8:53 0.4 7:10 7:36 12 Mon 2:59 2.9 3:23 3.1 9:05 0.4 9:29 0.7 7:10 7:35 13 Tue 3:31 2.9 4:12 2.8 9:51 0.3 10:04 1.0 7:10 7:34 14 Wed 4:01 2.9 5:05 2.6 10:36 0.4 10:39 1.3 7:11 7:33 15 Thu 4:32 2.8 6:07 2.3 11:26 0.4 11:16 1.6 7:11 7:32 16 Fri 5:05 2.7 7:20 2.2 12:23 0.5 7:12 7:31 17 Sat 5:51 2.6 8:45 2.1 12:03 1.8 1:30 0.6 7:12 7:30 18 Sun 7:05 2.5 11:06 2.1 1:12 1.9 2:41 0.7 7:12 7:29 19 Mon 8:22 2.5 11:44 2.2 2:30 1.9 3:51 0.6 7:13 7:28 20 Tue 9:35 2.6 3:43 1.8 4:50 0.5 7:13 7:26 21 Wed 12:03 2.3 10:38A 2.8 4:41 1.7 5:36 0.4 7:14 7:25 22 Thu 12:22 2.4 11:29A 2.9 5:27 1.5 6:15 0.4 7:14 7:24 23 Fri 12:45 2.5 12:14 3.0 6:08 1.2 6:50 0.4 7:14 7:23 24 Sat 1:10 2.6 12:56 3.1 6:46 1.0 7:24 0.4 7:15 7:22 25 Sun 1:36 2.7 1:38 3.1 7:25 0.8 7:57 0.5 7:15 7:21 26 Mon 2:03 2.8 2:22 3.1 8:04 0.6 8:30 0.7 7:16 7:20 27 Tue 2:28 2.9 3:07 3.0 8:45 0.4 9:02 1.0 7:16 7:19 28 Wed 2:51 3.0 3:54 2.8 9:26 0.2 9:33 1.2 7:16 7:18 29 Thu 3:14 3.0 4:48 2.6 10:11 0.1 10:04 1.5 7:17 7:16 30 Fri 3:41 3.1 5:55 2.4 11:03 0.1 10:37 1.7 7:17 7:15 www.USHarbors.com Naples, FL - Sep 2022 Date High Low AM ft PM ft AM ft PM ft Rise Set Moon 1 Thu 3:27 3.0 4:45 2.6 10:28 0.7 10:16 1.5 7:06 7:48 2 Fri 3:57 3.0 6:13 2.4 11:33 0.6 10:48 1.8 7:06 7:47 3 Sat 4:40 3.0 7:52 2.3 12:51P 0.5 11:48 2.1 7:07 7:46 4 Sun 5:46 3.0 9:48 2.3 2:07 0.4 7:07 7:44 5 Mon 7:30 3.1 11:16 2.4 1:54 2.2 3:16 0.2 7:07 7:43 6 Tue 9:02 3.2 11:46 2.6 3:11 2.1 4:17 0.1 7:08 7:42 7 Wed 10:16 3.4 4:15 1.9 5:11 0.0 7:08 7:41 8 Thu 12:12 2.7 11:15A 3.6 5:09 1.6 5:59 0.0 7:09 7:40 9 Fri 12:36 2.8 12:05 3.7 5:58 1.3 6:42 0.2 7:09 7:39 10 Sat 1:01 2.9 12:51 3.7 6:44 1.0 7:23 0.4 7:09 7:38 11 Sun 1:28 3.0 1:38 3.5 7:29 0.7 8:02 0.7 7:10 7:37 12 Mon 1:56 3.1 2:25 3.3 8:15 0.6 8:40 1.0 7:10 7:36 13 Tue 2:25 3.1 3:15 3.1 9:00 0.5 9:16 1.3 7:11 7:35 14 Wed 2:56 3.1 4:06 2.8 9:46 0.5 9:50 1.6 7:11 7:33 15 Thu 3:30 3.0 5:05 2.5 10:37 0.6 10:22 1.8 7:11 7:32 16 Fri 4:09 2.9 6:18 2.3 11:37 0.7 10:46 2.1 7:12 7:31 17 Sat 5:06 2.8 12:49 0.8 7:12 7:30 18 Sun 6:38 2.7 11:48 2.4 2:00 0.8 7:13 7:29 19 Mon 7:59 2.7 11:58 2.4 2:24 2.2 3:03 0.8 7:13 7:28 20 Tue 9:09 2.8 11:33 2.5 3:29 2.1 3:58 0.7 7:13 7:27 21 Wed 10:08 3.0 11:34 2.6 4:17 1.9 4:45 0.6 7:14 7:26 22 Thu 10:55 3.2 11:52 2.8 4:56 1.7 5:24 0.6 7:14 7:25 23 Fri 11:34 3.3 5:30 1.5 5:59 0.6 7:15 7:23 24 Sat 12:14 2.9 12:10 3.4 6:03 1.3 6:33 0.7 7:15 7:22 25 Sun 12:37 3.0 12:44 3.4 6:37 1.0 7:05 0.8 7:15 7:21 26 Mon 12:59 3.1 1:21 3.3 7:13 0.8 7:37 0.9 7:16 7:20 27 Tue 1:17 3.2 2:02 3.2 7:51 0.5 8:10 1.1 7:16 7:19 28 Wed 1:35 3.2 2:50 3.1 8:33 0.4 8:42 1.4 7:17 7:18 29 Thu 1:57 3.2 3:48 2.8 9:19 0.3 9:13 1.6 7:17 7:17 30 Fri 2:28 3.2 5:00 2.6 10:11 0.2 9:45 1.9 7:18 7:16

FACEBOOK.COM/CAMNAPLES/ | SEPTEMBER 2022 | NAPLES 9 EVERGLADES September/2022 • 25°51’N 81°23’W 1150 Hamilton Lane Chokoloskee, FL 239-695-241434138 September/2022 • 26°17’N 81°49’W WIGGINS PASS 15881 Chief Ct., Ft. Myers, FL 239.489.088433912 PROALLEYTUNA Follow us on Facebook and sign up for email offers at www.CrowderBros.com Bonita Springs (239) 992-0169 East Naples (239) 775-2150 (239)Naples262-2940 Golden Gate (239) 455-3400 Marco Island (239) 642-7444 For More Information Visit SunshineAce.com www.USHarbors.com Wiggins Pass, Cocohatchee River, FL - Sep 2022Date High Low AM ft PM ft AM ft PM ft Rise Set Moon 1 Thu 4:11 2.3 5:29 2.0 11:27 0.5 11:15 1.1 7:06 7:48 2 Fri 4:41 2.3 6:57 1.9 12:32P 0.4 11:47 1.3 7:06 7:47 3 Sat 5:24 2.3 8:36 1.8 1:50 0.4 7:06 7:46 4 Sun 6:30 2.3 10:32 1.8 12:47 1.5 3:06 0.3 7:07 7:45 5 Mon 8:14 2.4 2:53 1.6 4:15 0.1 7:07 7:43 6 Tue 12:00 1.9 9:46A 2.5 4:10 1.5 5:16 0.0 7:08 7:42 7 Wed 12:30 2.0 11:00A 2.7 5:14 1.4 6:10 0.0 7:08 7:41 8 Thu 12:56 2.1 11:59A 2.8 6:08 1.2 6:58 0.0 7:09 7:40 9 Fri 1:20 2.1 12:49 2.9 6:57 0.9 7:41 0.1 7:09 7:39 10 Sat 1:45 2.2 1:35 2.8 7:43 0.7 8:22 0.3 7:09 7:38 11 Sun 2:12 2.3 2:22 2.7 8:28 0.5 9:01 0.5 7:10 7:37 12 Mon 2:40 2.4 3:09 2.6 9:14 0.4 9:39 0.7 7:10 7:36 13 Tue 3:09 2.4 3:59 2.4 9:59 0.4 10:15 0.9 7:11 7:35 14 Wed 3:40 2.4 4:50 2.1 10:45 0.4 10:49 1.2 7:11 7:34 15 Thu 4:14 2.3 5:49 2.0 11:36 0.4 11:21 1.4 7:11 7:32 16 Fri 4:53 2.2 7:02 1.8 12:36P 0.5 11:45 1.5 7:12 7:31 17 Sat 5:50 2.1 8:29 1.7 1:48P 0.6 10:22 1.6 7:12 7:30 18 Sun 12:11 1.7 7:22A 2.1 1:51 1.6 2:59 0.6 7:13 7:29 19 Mon 12:32 1.8 8:43A 2.1 3:23 1.6 4:02 0.6 7:13 7:28 20 Tue 12:42 1.9 9:53A 2.2 4:28 1.5 4:57 0.5 7:13 7:27 21 Wed 12:17 1.9 10:52A 2.3 5:16 1.4 5:44 0.5 7:14 7:26 22 Thu 12:18 2.0 11:39A 2.4 5:55 1.3 6:23 0.4 7:14 7:25 23 Fri 12:36 2.1 12:18 2.5 6:29 1.1 6:58 0.4 7:15 7:23 24 Sat 12:58 2.2 12:54 2.6 7:02 0.9 7:32 0.5 7:15 7:22 25 Sun 1:21 2.3 1:28 2.6 7:36 0.7 8:04 0.6 7:16 7:21 26 Mon 1:43 2.4 2:05 2.6 8:12 0.6 8:36 0.7 7:16 7:20 27 Tue 2:01 2.4 2:46 2.5 8:50 0.4 9:09 0.8 7:16 7:19 28 Wed 2:19 2.5 3:34 2.4 9:32 0.3 9:41 1.0 7:17 7:18 29 Thu 2:41 2.5 4:32 2.2 10:18 0.2 10:12 1.2 7:17 7:17 30 Fri 3:12 2.5 5:44 2.0 11:10 0.2 10:44 1.4 7:18 7:16 www.USHarbors.com Everglades City, FL - Sep 2022 Date High Low AM ft PM ft AM ft PM ft Rise Set Moon 1 Thu 5:52 3.0 7:10 2.6 1:12 0.7 1:54 0.4 7:04 7:46 2 Fri 6:22 3.0 8:38 2.4 1:42 0.9 2:59 0.3 7:05 7:45 3 Sat 7:05 3.0 10:17 2.3 2:14 1.0 4:17 0.3 7:05 7:44 4 Sun 8:11 3.0 3:14 1.2 5:33 0.2 7:05 7:43 5 Mon 12:13 2.3 9:55A 3.1 5:20 1.2 6:42 0.1 7:06 7:42 6 Tue 1:41 2.4 11:27A 3.2 6:37 1.2 7:43 0.0 7:06 7:40 7 Wed 2:11 2.5 12:41 3.4 7:41 1.1 8:37 0.0 7:07 7:39 8 Thu 2:37 2.6 1:40 3.6 8:35 0.9 9:25 0.0 7:07 7:38 9 Fri 3:01 2.8 2:30 3.7 9:24 0.7 10:08 0.1 7:07 7:37 10 Sat 3:26 2.9 3:16 3.6 10:10 0.6 10:49 0.2 7:08 7:36 11 Sun 3:53 3.0 4:03 3.5 10:55 0.4 11:28 0.4 7:08 7:35 12 Mon 4:21 3.1 4:50 3.3 11:41 0.3 7:09 7:34 13 Tue 4:50 3.1 5:40 3.0 12:06 0.6 12:26 0.3 7:09 7:33 14 Wed 5:21 3.1 6:31 2.8 12:42 0.7 1:12 0.3 7:09 7:32 15 Thu 5:55 3.0 7:30 2.5 1:16 0.9 2:03 0.4 7:10 7:31 16 Fri 6:34 2.9 8:43 2.3 1:48 1.1 3:03 0.4 7:10 7:29 17 Sat 7:31 2.8 10:10 2.2 2:12 1.2 4:15 0.5 7:11 7:28 18 Sun 1:52 2.2 9:03A 2.7 12:49 1.3 4:18A 1.3 5:26 0.5 7:11 19 Mon 2:13 2.3 10:24A 2.7 5:50 1.3 6:29 0.4 7:11 7:26 20 Tue 2:23 2.4 11:34A 2.8 6:55 1.2 7:24 0.4 7:12 7:25 21 Wed 1:58 2.5 12:33 3.0 7:43 1.1 8:11 0.4 7:12 7:24 22 Thu 1:59 2.6 1:20 3.1 8:22 1.0 8:50 0.3 7:13 7:23 23 Fri 2:17 2.7 1:59 3.3 8:56 0.9 9:25 0.3 7:13 7:22 24 Sat 2:39 2.9 2:35 3.3 9:29 0.7 9:59 0.4 7:13 7:21 25 Sun 3:02 3.0 3:09 3.4 10:03 0.6 10:31 0.4 7:14 7:19 26 Mon 3:24 3.1 3:46 3.3 10:39 0.4 11:03 0.5 7:14 7:18 27 Tue 3:42 3.1 4:27 3.2 11:17 0.3 11:36 0.7 7:15 7:17 28 Wed 4:00 3.2 5:15 3.0 11:59 0.2 7:15 7:16 29 Thu 4:22 3.2 6:13 2.8 12:08 0.8 12:45 0.1 7:15 7:15 30 Fri 4:53 3.2 7:25 2.6 12:39 0.9 1:37 0.1 7:16 7:14

10 NAPLES | SEPTEMBER 2022 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/NAPLES/

FACEBOOK.COM/CAMNAPLES/ | SEPTEMBER 2022 | NAPLES 11 OCTOBER 21-23, 2022 ANGLING. AUCTION. AWARDS. Two-Day Catch & Release Charity Tournament Register at www.conservancy.org/redsnook Benefitting For more information FUNDorredsnook@conservancy.orgemailcall239-403-4200THEFIGHT FOR CLEAN WATER

FACEBOOK.COM/CAMNAPLES/ | SEPTEMBER 2022 | NAPLES 13

Cubera are a long-lived species with one 2017 paper aging a fish to 55 years old! This makes the cubera the second longest lived snapper in its range with first place awarded to the red snapper which have been aged to 57 years old in the Gulf of Mexico. The time of year spawning occurs in this species can vary across cubera’s range but generally these snap per reproduce during the late spring to late summer with peak activity in Florida occurring in June and July. Cubera can become reproductive at 4-5 years old which correlates to 21.5 inches in total length. This species has been observed to grow rapidly for the first 12 years of their lives. In one study of 106 cu bera, the average size for a 5-yearold fish was 27.7 inches; however, snapper over 39 inches varied from 11 to 55 years old. This variability with size and age is common in longer lived large reef fish.M

CountyCollierExtensionUF/IFAS;AgentGrantSeaIFASUFSipos,MichaelBy:

The cubera is the largest of the Western Atlantic snapper spe cies, these fish can reach lengths of over 5 feet and weigh over 120 pounds! Its enormous adult size makes this species highly prized by game fishermen and commercial fisheries throughout the Caribbean and South Atlantic. The scientific species name cyanopterus was inspired by the Greek cyano- meaning blue and -pterus meaning wing which correlates to the blue-ish pigment that can be present on the membranes of the cubera’s fins which is something to keep in mind for positive identification! Th is species at a smaller size can be easily misidentified with its cousin the gray aka mangrove snapper (Lutjanus griseus). A surefire way to identify cubera snapper is to check the roof their mouths! A few species of snapper have distinct vomerine tooth patch shapes, a small area of sandpaper-like teeth located on the top palate of the fish. Gray snapper have a distinctive arrow shaped patch with a long tail while the cubera have a triangular shaped patch with no tail portion. This method of ID may be difficult to conduct with live fish as they may be snapping their teeth so it’s great to familiarize yourself with some other identifying characteristics although less definitive. The gray snapper’s teeth are smaller but also closer together than the cu bera’s larger spaced-out canines. The cubera have more robust features in comparison to gray snapper when observing their darker pigmented heavy-duty fins and the lip bone aka maxilla which is wider/thicker. Because these snappers are similar in appearance as juveniles, many regulatory bodies set the minimum size limit the same for both the gray and cubera; however, in Florida cubera do have a max boat limit of 2 fish over 30 inches which gray snapper do not. The cubera snapper can be spotted from from Massachusetts to Brazil in depths from 2-200 feet with higher occurrences of inshore sightings taking place in more tropical regions. Juvenile cubera have an association with softer bottom estuarine habitats such as sea grass beds and mangrove roots but as they grow, they tend to migrate to their adult rocky reefs, ledges and wrecks. A favorite bait among an glers when targeting big fish on deeper structures are large crustaceans which the cubera can make quick work of with its powerful jaws!

ichael Sipos is the Florida Sea Grant agent for UF/IFAS Exten sion Collier County. Contact him at sipos624@ufl.edu. For more fishy content and updates on upcoming educational programs, check out the Collier County Sea Grant Facebook page, YouTube Channel, Insta gram page or Michael Sipos’ UF/IFAS blog.

14 NAPLES | SEPTEMBER 2022 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/NAPLES/ For more fishy content and updates on upcoming educational programs check out the UF/IFAS Extension Collier County Florida Sea Grant Facebook Page, YouTube Channel, or Michael Sipos’s UF/IFAS Blog. Contact Michael Sipos at sipos624@ufl.edu. Atlantic Cubera Snapper Lutjanus cyanopterus • IGFA World Record: 124 lbs 12 oz, Garden Bank, Louisiana 2007 • Florida Record: 116 lbs 6 oz, Clearwater 1979

FACEBOOK.COM/CAMNAPLES/ | SEPTEMBER 2022 | NAPLES 15

Jesse Swann, 8 yo, caught this peacock bass on a shiner, 21” and 6.2 lbs.

Submit pics to: camswfl@gmail.com or text to 239.595.8265

Travis Schmahl on the successful hunt for reds.

@Fishntenacity was hot on the tarpon bite!

Brittany Cortes with someredfish action!

Photos submitted Courtesy of Coastal Angler Readers and Contributing Writers

Gabe C., 5yo, with his first sail catfish!

George Ramirez with a snook at Matlacha Islands.

Lexey catches her first speckled seatrout in Pine Island Sound.

Jorge and family boated thisnice backcountry tarpon outon a Captain Redfish Rob’sCharter, Naples.

Kyle Mugavero with a nice backcountry stud.

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The eight remaining pink-tagged bass are still swimming in the following Florida waterbodies: Lake George, Lake Talquin, Lake Walk-in-Water, Tenoroc Fish Management Area, Lake Trafford, Lake Istokpoga, Lake Rousseau and Johns Lake. With the 10-Tag promotion ending Sept. 30, FWC is dropping hints by way of online maps showing the area where each of the remaining bass were tagged. These new tagging maps of the remaining lakes could lead lucky anglers to the pink-taggedThroughbass.Florida bass telemetry and tagging studies, FWC biologists have found that where a largemouth bass is tagged and released can frequently coincide with where an angler catches the same bass weeks, months or even yearsDewlater.caught his 10-Tag bass within yards of where the fish was released with its pink tag in Lake Griffin. Of course, these hints come with a caveat: while bass can be predictable, there are many exceptions to their typical home range patterns and some bass are not homebodies at all. In contrast to Dew’s catch, the second reported 10-Tag bass caught by RJ Crawford in Newnans Lake was more than 3 miles from where it was tagged. These hints don’t eliminate water in which a 10-Tag bass might be found but should be treated as higher-probability areas. View each of the ranges on the maps located on the 10-Tag Celebration web page. For more information, go www.trophycatchflorida.com.to Bass Worth Thousands in Lakes

Still Swim

Florida

The first pink-tagged bass was caught by Florida angler Dale Dew from Lake Griffin on May 22. Florida angler RJ Crawford caught the second pink-tagged bass from Newnans Lake on June 11. Both anglers were awarded $5,000 Bass Pro gift cards and $1,000 AFTCO gift cards. They will also be entered in a drawing for an additional $10,000, which will be awarded at a ceremony this fall.

14 FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 2022 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Eight Tagged

With a deadline of Sept. 30, eight tagged largemouths worth thousands of dollars are still swimming in Florida waters.In celebration of Season 10 of FWC’s TrophyCatch big bass program, FWC tagged 10 largemouth bass with bright pink tags in Florida lakes. Just two of those pink-tagged largemouths had been caught as of presstime, so eight are still out there waiting for anglers to catch them and collect thousands of dollars worth of gift cards.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 FLORIDA 15

The grant program is open to new or existing freshwater and/or saltwater fishing clubs or teams at public, private and charter schools throughout Florida. To be considered for the grant, school fishing clubs or teams must have a minimum of five members and be represented by a school faculty member or parent who will follow the provided instructor’s manual.Thedeadline for submitting applications is Sept. 16, 2022 at 5 p.m. The application can be found online at MyFWC.com/SFC by scrolling down to “Florida’s R3 Fishing Grant Program.” Applicants can complete the form online or download the application to submit by mail or e-mail. Submit the downloaded applications to R3Fishing@MyFWC.com or mail them to: FWC’s Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management Attn: School Fishing Club Program Grant 620 S. Meridian St., Tallahassee, FL 32399. The 2022-23 School Fishing Club Program is supported by partners including Mud Hole Custom Tackle, Pure Fishing, Coastal Conservation Association and Baitstick Fishing. For more information, contact Brandon Stys at Brandon.Stys@MyFWC.com.

16 FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 2022 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

B ack-to-school season is underway and Florida parents, teachers and school staff can apply for funding to support school fishing clubs for students. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) 2022-23 School Fishing Club Program, previously named the High School Fishing Program, offers school fishing clubs or teams the opportunity to apply for the Florida R3 Fishing Grant. The application period is open until Sept. 16. This grant program is focused on engaging youth anglers to ensure the future of fishing in Florida.

The Florida Sport Fish Restoration R3 Fishing Grant will award up to 40 high school fishing clubs or teams $500 to assist with club expenses and the purchase of fishing licenses or gear for participants. Participating clubs and teams will receive an updated educational curriculum comprised of lessons and activities on fisheries conservation and resource management, plus a chance to win prizes by completing the program’s Conservation Project.“The School Fishing Club program is an important program for teaching the next generation of anglers about ethical angling and conservation in Florida,” said Director of Marine Fisheries Management Jessica McCawley. “I look forward to seeing the hard work and creativity each club puts into their conservation project activities each year to help preserve the health and quality of aquatic habitats.”

Apply for a Grant to Support School Fishing Clubs

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• Clean Them Quickly: An alternative to keeping scallops alive is to just clean them right away. There should be at least one person in the boat at all times, and this person can clean the scallops while the rest of the team is searching. Scallops open up when they are put on ice, so chunk them in a cooler and clean them while you’re on the water. You can discard the shells into the bay.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 FLORIDA 19

• Be Sure to Hydrate and keep yourself greased up with sunscreen. Also, know the seasons, limits and safety regulations for the area you’re scallop hunting.

For more information, including complete rules and regulations, go to MyFWC.com.

One trick to finding productive bottom is to pull a keen-eyed diver on a rope at idle speed. This will help cover water quickly, and once old eagle eye spots a few, you can put out the anchor.

Bay scallop season is winding down along the west coast of Florida. In most zones it will continue well into September, so here are some tips to help you have fun on the water and maybe pick up a last-minute limit.

• Keep Them Alive: Storing scallops in a livewell is a great idea if you’ve got one. They can also be kept in a cooler of ice, but be careful to drain the freshwater out of the cooler as the ice melts because it will kill your scallops. You want them to be living right up until you clean them.

• Search in a Pattern: Some divers search in a grid by swimming a straight line out from the boat and then moving sideways 5 or 10 yards before returning to the boat in a straight line. This way you’ll always be looking at fresh bottom.

• Hunt the Slack Tides: Finding scallops is generally easiest on a slack tide during calm days when currents are minimal. When the water is still, seagrass stands up straight, and it’s easier to spot scallops at the base of the grass.•Look in the Sand: Pay attention to those sandy potholes on the grass flats. Scallops like grass, but they are easier to see against a sandy bottom. Many times, if you spot one on the sand, there will be several in the grass around it.

TIPS FOR BETTER SCALLOPING By CAM Staff Charters.FishingGrassRockofcourtesyPhoto

• Find Your Spot: The most common advice on finding a good scalloping area is to look for the boats. It’s good advice. The flotilla bearing diver-down flags is hard to miss when you find it. Be courteous, give everyone plenty of room and drive the boat slowly, keeping an eye out for swimmers.

• Slow Down: If you find one scallop, slow down and search the area thoroughly. There’s usually another one nearby.

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D epending on where you fish on Florida’s east coast, the mullet schools have either already arrived or they are on the way. Each fall, mullet flood down the coast in an enormous migration to their spawning grounds off south Florida. Along the way, they are assaulted by everything that eats fish. It’s a special time to be an angler. Here are some of the basics of fishing the mullet run to help you get in on the action.

Find the Bait: Giant schools of bait pull all of the gamefish out of their summer patterns. Tarpon, redfish, snook, jacks, flounder, sharks, Spanish mackerel, bluefish and more transition from whatever they were doing and begin tailing and herding mullet pods. The predatory fish move with their food source. As an angler, you’re wasting your time if you’re not on top of the action.From a boat or from the beach, keep moving until you see fishy looking water. It’s unmistakable when you witness mullet fleeing from leaping jacks and tarpon, but the action can sometimes be harder to spot. Wear your polarized shades, keep the sun at your back and look for diving birds and the ripples of nervous water. There will be gamefish wherever there are huge schools of bait. Also, stay current with mullet activity in your area by sharing information with other anglers and being a regular at the local bait shops.

schools of mullet as they move down the coast. These are perfect feeding areas for gamefish because they provide ambush points as well structure to herd mullet against. Loud and Proud: When it comes to fishing artificials, anything that resembles a mullet is likely to get slammed around actively feeding fish. The hard part is getting marauding fish to notice your lure among thousands of real mullet. This is the time to make a commotion. Early in the mornings, loud topwater plugs that pop, walk-the-dog and throw a lot of water around will get noticed. When the topwater bite slows, it’s time to break out sub-surface plugs, spoons or paddletails on jigheads. Cast around the edges of the bait pods, because gamefish often target baitfish that stray from the pod.

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THE MULLET ARE COMING!

Check the Pinch Points: Seawalls, rocky shorelines, jetties and any other structure that juts from the shore will consolidate and channel

Bait is Everywhere: Live bait is king when it comes to getting bit. A single good throw of the cast net should provide all the bait you need once you find a good school of mullet. Many anglers prefer fishing 5- to 8-inch mullet, because they’re small enough to cast and they’ll draw strikes from fish of all sizes. However, if big tarpon are pounding a bait school, some anglers swear a foot-long mullet catches bigger fish. Either way, freelined mullet are tough to beat. Gamefish look for isolated and injured baits on the outside of the school. Your mullet, hooked just behind the anal fin, will look like the perfect meal as it struggles to stay near the surface. For more on the mullet run, go to coastalanglermag.com.

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For as much as we do know about the ocean and the species we love to pursue as anglers, it’s amazing the things still left to be discovered. A scientific paper recently published in the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences presents evidence that the Slope Sea off the northeastern coast of the United States is a major spawning ground for Atlantic bluefin tuna. The Slope Sea is an area of the Atlantic bounded to the north and west by the northeast United States Continental Shelf and to the south by the Gulf Stream. Science to this point had identified two populations of Atlantic bluefins. One returns to the Gulf of Mexico to spawn and another spawns in the Mediterranean Sea. A 2016 paper established the Slope Sea as a third spawning ground for the species, and this most recent research suggests the Slope Sea is a good place to be a larval bluefin. Researchers used plankton nets to collect larvae in the Slope Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. They compared larval growth in the two regions by studying larval otoliths, which are small bones found in the heads of tuna. Researchers also conducted larval transport simulations to estimate the movement of larvae floating in ocean currents forward and backward in time to evaluate the origin of the larvae. What they found was evidence that Slope Sea tuna larvae grow at a similar rate as those in the Gulf of Mexico. The paper notes that an additional spawning site likely offers resilience for the species in the face of harvest as well as climate change. For more information, read the research at cdnsciencepub.com.

BLUEFIN SPAWN STUDIED OFF NORTHEASTERN U.S.

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Florida angler John Kelly seems to have figured out how to catch big snook with a fly rod. According to the International Game Fish Association, Kelly caught this beautiful 88-centimeter (almost 35inch) snook with a crab pattern on the Indian River Lagoon on July 28. Snook longer than 40 inches are caught pretty regularly from Florida waters, so this one isn’t a true monster. However, IGFA said it could potentially set the all-tackle length fly world record for the species, replacing Kelly’s own record for an 86-centimeter snook he caught in early June. On top of that, Kelly submitted another application for a 91-centimeter snook he landed in early August. These potential records are currently pending and under review by IGFA. Records or not, it’s probably safe to say that Kelly has something figured out about targeting slob snook with fly tackle. For more information, go to igfa.org. a

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White catfish are rare anomalies that never fail to set social media abuzz each time an angler catches one. In most instances, biologists attribute the looks of these beautiful pinkishwhite fish to leucism, a genetic trait that results in reduced pigmentation and the pale, sometimes patchy coloration they display.

Contact Scenic City Fishing Charters via www.sceniccityfishing.com.

The Tennessee River’s WHITE BLUE CATS

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On June 28, 15-year-old Edwards Tarumianz caught a gorgeous, almost pure white blue catfish on the Tennessee River near downtown Chattanooga, Tenn. It was the latest in a string of such fish to come from one small stretch of river. While catching a white catfish has been likened to winning the lottery, it seems the odds are much higher on the Tennessee River below Chickamauga Dam.“It’s become pretty clear to us that we’ve got a little recessive gene floating around in the river right here in the Chattanooga vicinity,” said Richard Simms, owner of Scenic City Fishing Charters. “I actually saw another one just a week or so ago. A guy, just a regular fisherman, caught a piebald. So, yeah, we’ve got a recessive gene floating around.”

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Scenic City has three captains who specialize in guiding anglers to catfish. They’ve encountered four of these white catfish since 2018. Simms keeps records of his catches, and he estimated Scenic City catches about 5,000 catfish a year. While one white catfish in 5,000 caught is hardly good odds, it’s a lot better than one in a million. This one stretch of river is producing more of these strange fish than anywhere else we’ve heard of.

With their aggressive nature, willingness to hit almost anything, and ability to make drag screaming runs when first hooked, king mackerel are just a bunch of fun. Because of these qualities, there is a king mackerel tournament somewhere almost every weekend. Plenty of boats head out in pursuit of them from every port, and plenty of tackle dedicated to them is sold in coastal shops.

He recommends using a sea surface temperature chart and seeing where the water is hovering in the 70-degree range and starting your day at a reef or wreck in that zone. If you see bait working—and especially if you see kings feeding—give it a serious shot. If you have seen kings feeding in open water, you’ll never forget what it looks like; they skyrocket out of the water like a submarine-launched missile.

By Capt. Gordon Churchill

Paylor said a rule of thumb is to troll live baits at around 2 miles per hour. When you get a bite, the rod slams down and the reel starts screaming. Make sure your drag is not set too tightly or it’ll be over.You’ll get a nice long run when the fish is first hooked. The smaller fish of less than 20 pounds will run out of energy pretty soon. Bigger ones, from 30 to 50 pounds, won’t tire as readily, and the real monsters may do it a few times before they tire. Keep your drag set light and let the fish do its thing; follow it with the boat if necessary. A fish (besides sharks) that is the bane of king mackerel anglers is the amberjack. If you troll near any high spot, usually the top of a shipwreck, there may be a school of them there. Their detractors call them “reef donkeys” with disdain. When you are trolling with a carefully prepared trolling rig and putting in hours looking for trophy kings, one of these bad boys can mess you up. Tournament anglers especially dislike them. If you are out trolling for kings and a school of amberjacks show up in your trolling spread, don’t get mad. Have fun! These fish are a blast and hit topwater plugs with abandon. Cast soda-bottlestyle poppers in the 5- to 6-inch-long range such as the Rapala Magnum Xplode or the Yozuri Bull Pop, retrieve them with a big pull and a pause to make a huge splash, and be prepared for an amazing display. Often a group of them will come up together and slash at it with reckless abandon until one finally gets hooked. Be prepared with a heavy casting rod. I’ve caught them on 12-weight fly rods with the biggest popper I could make. They can show up at any time over any wreck or reef. You just have to be ready. If you’re not fishing in a tournament, why not go have fun with them instead of cursing at them. They will come in fast, hit hard and then keep you occupied for about 20 minutes while they try to pull you out of the boat. This article was reprinted from CoastalReview.org.

Gamefish Royalty

To get an idea of what a day chasing kings is like, I spoke Capt. Matt Paylor, of Sound-N-Sea Charters in Morehead City, N.C. For gear, he likes a 7-foot, live-bait trolling rod with a Shimano TLD reel filled to the brim with 20-pound line. Smaller, school-sized kings eagerly hit trolled spoons and frozen cigar minnows, and you can catch a lot of them.When 10- to 20-pounders are hanging out around a structure, such as artificial reefs, wrecks or ledges, casting to them with swimming plugs and topwaters can lead to fast action. For a challenge, try a 10-weight fly rod rigged with a sinking line and a big streamer fly attached to a wireAleader.20-pound king mackerel can make a fly reel sing, Paylor said, however, if you want to get the big ones, you have to use live bait. His go-to is live menhaden, but he also uses live bluefish in the 2to 3-pound range. For trolling live bait, tie 15 feet of 30-pound fluorocarbon to the end of your main line, and to that attach a double hook live bait rig made with No. 5 single-strand wire and size 4 “quad strong” trebleCapt.hooks.Paylor said kings are very predictable.

CATCHINGKINGSISABUNCHOFFUN

“They are so consistent with their yearly patterns that if you caught them in a spot in previous years, they are probably going to be there again,” he said.

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An angler from New Jersey caught a North Carolina state record for cubera snapper on Aug. 3. Thomas Madsen caught the 58-pound, 8-ounce fish offshore of Hatteras while fishing with Capt. Tyler Fleetwood and Sea Dream FishingMadsen’sCharters.big fish measured 49.5 inches total length and had a 41-inch girth. He caught it using a Shimano jigging rod, and a Diawa Saltist reel with 80-pound test. It replaces the previous record, which weighed 58 pounds and was caught off Beaufort Inlet in 2016.The IGFA all-tackle world record for Atlantic cubera snapper was caught off Louisiana in June of 2007 by Marion Rose. It weighed 124 pounds 12 ounces. For more information on North Carolina state records, find the State Saltwater Records webpage at deq.nc.gov.

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RECORD CUBERA CAUGHT OFF N.C.

“Until I caught this guy, I didn’t even know [xanthic bass] existed,” Chrenko wrote in a Facebook post. “For someone that lives and breathes fishing for smallmouth, this is one I’ll remember my entire life… I can only imagine that this little guy had to overcome crazy odds to survive the first couple of years of his life from predation. Being neon-orange would make for a tough life as a small freshwater fish.” Chrenko released his orange smallie after taking a few photos. For more weird fish, go to coastalanglermag.com.

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Xanthochromistic fish are orange because the red pigmentation in their skin is replaced by yellow pigmentation.

This is not someone’s escaped goldfish; it’s a bright orange smallmouth bass. Angler Josh Chrenko caught the rare genetic anomaly this summer from the Muskegon River in Michigan. Biologists explained that the fish’s odd coloration is due to a rare genetic condition called xanthochromism, which— like albinism or leucism—is usually caused by a recessive gene.

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