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

Protect your baby (and their toys) with coverage for fishing gear and personal property too.

1- 8 0 0 -PROG RE S S IVE / PROG RE S S IVE .COM

Progressive Casualty Insurance Co. & affiliates. Additional charge may apply. Prices vary based on how you buy.

Shhhhh. No wake zone.

OUT HERE, AUTHORITY MUST BE EARNED. IT IS NOT GIVEN OUT FREELY.

Introducing Authority ™ , the spinning reel wit h a name that is set in steel. PENN ® ’s first IPX8 fully sealed body wrapped around a best-inclass stainless steel gear t r a i n a n d a 12 - p l u s - o n e stainless steel ball bearing system. All eight sizes and select high speed models come with a Dura-Drag™ system that can handle anyt hing t he ocean dishes out, making Aut hor ity t he most durable reel ever seated.

PENN. LET THE BATTLE BEGIN ™.

©2022 Pure Fishing, Inc.

America's #1 fishing map Real-time catch reports for any species.

Trusted by 14 million anglers.

Scan to download for free!

FOLLOW THE BAIT FOR NEARSHORE WAHOO

T

Tim Barefoot

his is the time of year when water temperatures allow pelagics like wahoo, dolphin and tuna to show up right on the beach… so to speak. I live in North Carolina, and every year there are stud wahoo caught “right on the beach.” Here “right on the beach” is the 20to 25-mile area off the beach.

For some folks in Florida, “right on the beach” might be that first sea buoy right out of the inlet.

In late summer, we have a monolithic water temperature from the Gulf Stream to the beach in the mid 80s. That allows wahoo to follow huge schools of bait wherever they go. This is what we call the beginning of the end… the end of summer. The cigar minnows and sardines come nearshore, and the wahoo follow them as far in as they are comfortable with the water depth, which is usually not much less than 75 or 80 feet. They will eat whatever they want, including live menhaden or cigs pulled around by king mackerel fishermen.

We call it the beginning to the end of summer, but it’s also the beginning of a wonderful time of year for me… fall and winter. The cigs and sardines come in. The pelagics follow them for a month or so

until the water starts to cool in mid September. Then the magic happens.

When cooling water runs off the wahoo, the gags show up in numbers.

It’s all a very beautiful dance. Let’s enjoy every step along the way.

I keep talking about the nearshore activity of the cigs and sardines, but the offshore schools are also getting bigger now, and this draws the attention of everything from pelagics to bottom fish. All the grouper and big snappers shadow these schools wherever they go. This is why it’s so important to “find the bait.” Cigs and sardines are not the only thing I’m looking for offshore. I like to find a big stack of beeliners. Wherever you find a big stack of beeliners, you can bet your bottom dollar there are grouper and big snapper directly under them and wahoo and kings around them.

August is also a month to consider spending the night offshore. Yes, there are late afternoon thunderstorms that pop up, but overall weather patterns are consistent, and you can fish for days, back to back. Leave in the early afternoon, get where you are going and get acclimated to the setting sun. Anchor up on a pretty piece of bottom and bait, and turn on the lights.

This is a “National Geographic moment.” The minnows and squid come to the light, so you can easily load up the livewell before the daylight bite starts.

I will close with this: We lost a fishing pioneer and legend last month with Mark Sosin’s passing. Our thoughts, prayers and celebrations go out to his family.

See more from Tim Barefoot at barefootcatsandtackle.com.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

AUGUST 2022

NATIONAL 5

LIVE BAIT AND ARTIFICIAL TACTICS FOR

J

upiter, Fla. is a worldrenowned fishery. In the summertime it’s known for hot inshore snook. Offshore produces an epic sailfish, kingfish, tuna and pelagic bite. There are always fish willing to eat.

One of my favorite bites is for springtime blackfin tuna.

From March through May, jumbo blackfins migrate down the east coast of Florida. It is not uncommon to catch them anywhere from 20 to 35 pounds. From their deliciousness on the table to their long powerful runs, blackfin tuna are one of my favorite offshore fish to target. They are sure to send you to the tackle shop to get your reels serviced after a productive day of fishing.

Blackfin tuna are excellent hunters. Often, they work together to ambush schools of baitfish. They are equipped with massive eyeballs, which are designed for pitch black and low-light conditions. They spend a majority of their time down deep feeding on squid. However, at dawn and dusk, the tunas move higher in the water column to feed near the surface. Be on the lookout for frigates and disturbance on the water’s surface. It’s not uncommon to see them exploding and flying out of the water on a bait ball. I keep an easily accessible casting rod, with a plug or weighted feather jig tied on, for this scenario or in case a school of mahi shows up.

Blackfin tuna will often hold to areas with bottom topography like humps, reefs and wrecks. You can find success drifting over areas like these with live bait. Live sardines, pilchards, threadfins and gogs will all work. I prefer live sardines. For me, they have been the most productive bait.

Chumming is important to bring blackfins higher in the water column. Chunk up pilchards and throw a few pieces out at the bow, mid and stern every couple of minutes. The best chum is live chum. Small- to medium-sized pilchards are your best bet.

I throat-hook a sardine and send it out on a free line. The bait will swim down on its own, and you should keep some tension on it. I also drop a live bait on a down rod and wait for the bite as I drift along.

Blackfins’ excellent eyesight means they can be leader shy, so I often run a 40- to 50-pound fluorocarbon leader, but will go as light as 30 pounds. A triplehook rig for freelining or a single 4/0 or 5/0 circle hook depending

By Ryan Izquierdo on the size of the bait is my hook preference.

You can also catch them kite fishing, trolling feathers/spoons, with ballyhoo rigs, cedar plugs, planer fishing, vertical jigging and slow-pitch.

Second to live bait, slow-pitch jigging is a fun and effective way to catch tunas when the hot mid-day sun pushes them down deep. My go to jig is a Jyg Pro 240 Gram strike jig. I like to jig anywhere from 200 to 350 feet. Send it down to the bottom over active areas and work your rod up high and let the jig flutter back down. You can change the pace and tempo of your jigging until you find what works. Don’t be surprised to get hit as you are burning the jig back to the surface.

I hope these tuna tips bring you success and dinner to share with your close friends and family. Keep on fishing!

Check out Ryan Izquierdo’s adventures on his YouTube channel: Ryan Iz Fishing.

You raise the flags of the fish just caught to show you weren’t skunked.

Once onshore you can take it a step further showing your fellow anglers your catch of the day wearing “slippahs” from Scott Hawaii.

scotthawaii.com

Hanapa‘a - Marlin

FAMILY RUN IN HAWAII FOR 90 YEARS

6 NATIONAL

AUGUST 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Hanapa‘a - Ahi

nt to water chards at the couple is live -sized

e and The bait nd you n it. I wn rod along. yesight r shy, pound ill go triplesingle ending hook

, with -pitch. tunas yg Pro down the jig g until the jig

h your

shing.

FREEDIVER SPEARS WORLD RECORD CUBERA SNAPPER A massive 137-pound Atlantic cubera snapper speared by a Texas freediver in early June was heavier than the existing IGFA all-tackle world record as well as the Texas state record. It will not, however, qualify for either record because of the method used to catch it.

Who cares?

The diver, Braden Sherron, a student at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, can rest assured that his monster cubera is one of the largest of its species ever caught by any method. It will likely be the new International Underwater Spearfishing Association’s world record. If approved, it will replace a 122.4-pound fish shot in 2006 off the coast of Brazil.

According to a Field & Stream story on the catch, Sherron first encountered the giant snapper while freediving a Gulf of Mexico oil rig about 60 miles out of Port Aransas, Texas. He did not take his shot at the time because he was not equipped to handle such a large fish. A week later, on June 3, he returned to the rig with heavier gear, dove to about 55 feet and put a dart into the fish. Luckily, the cubera wrapped the trailing line up in the oil rig, which kept the fish from diving. While the fish fought itself, Sherron returned to the surface to wait 10 minutes before diving down to secure

By CAM Staff

his prize with two more shots.

When Sherron brought his fish back to the scales at Fisherman’s Wharf in Port Aransas, it began making the rounds on social media almost immediately. It truly is an enormous fish, which outweighs the existing IGFA record—a 2007 Louisiana fish that weighed 124 pounds, 12 ounces—by more than 10 pounds. Sherron’s fish also outweighs the Texas state rod-and-reel record of 131 pounds. The only larger cubera snapper research was able to turn up was a 151-pound monster that’s listed as an “other methods” catch by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. That fish, caught by handline out of Port Mansfiled in 1984, weighed 151 pounds.

The thing is, none of these other anglers were holding their breath when they caught their fish.

Sherron’s catch is absolutely one for the record books.

“I would equate it to shooting a 200-plusinch whitetail deer on public land,” he told Field & Stream. “It’s one of those things that happens once in a lifetime, and you can’t believe it when it does.”

Check out video of Braden Sherron’s spearfishing on his Youtube channel: https://bit.ly/3yKm8EP

YOUR RODS. YOUR WAY. Elevate your fishing game with custom built rods.

MUDHOLE.COM 8 NATIONAL

AUGUST 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

THE ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING A NEW BOAT

Suzuki RePower Centers are stationed around the southeast to help with your Suzuki service and repower needs.

Performance Bulletin Available

Lou’s Marine, Inc. Gulf Breeze

58 YEARS OF REPOWER EXPERIENCE!

Mastry Engine Center has received the Suzuki Marine Super Service Award and has been ranked #1 in Suzuki Marine US Sales!

Repower packages designed to best fit your needs and not stretch your budget.

Financing available.

Custom Marine Service Panama City

PENDING

St. Augustine

Oyster City Suzuki Apalachicola

COMING SOON Volsuia County

On-Site Marine

Mastry Engine Center

Ruskin

Clearwater

Innovation Marine Corp.

Bayfront Yacht Works

Sarasota

Siesta Key

Calusa Certified Marine Cape Coral

Marina One Deerfield Beach

Twin Screws Marine Service

All Suzuki repowers come with the new Suzuki 5-year factory warranty.

Fort Myers

Atlantic Marine Store Hialeah

Boat Services Group Key West

Request a quote! • suzukirepower.com • 1-800-545-4574

Go on a power trip with

Get Hooked.

More power to find the birds that get you on the fish.

NXT level performance with the most powerful Solid-State Radars on the market.

Exceptional short and long-range performance

Target Analyzer™ alerts you to hazardous targets

NXT Bird Mode finds birds faster and farther

Simultaneous dual-range capability

Rain Mode provides precise detection in any weather

Get the whole story at NavNet.com

V6-GetHooked-CoastalAngler.indd 1

4/2/20 4:11 PM

/20 4:11 PM

D

August is the Best Month for

GIANT SNOOK

By Emily Rose Hanzlik

A

ugust offers the best chance for anglers to catch a 40-inch-plus snook in Florida waters. With a majority of snook returning from offshore spawning grounds, the big girls will feed up to recover from the rigors of the spawn.

Right now is a good time to catch them.

Snook are widespread, but their range is limited by temperature intolerance. They are found throughout the Caribbean on the Atlantic and Pacific sides, including most of Florida.

Due to their limited cold tolerance, Snook avoid temperatures below 60 degrees.

There are 12 species of snook that can be found in just about any body of water within their range.

Snook can be caught all year long. In winter they prefer shallow flats and deep holes in bay areas. As water temperatures rise, they move out to offshore structure to spawn.

When snook are not spawning, they move inshore and travel upstream. Since snook are euryhaline, meaning they can live in a wide range of salinity, they travel upstream into brackish and freshwater areas. Snook have a special osmoregulation feature that allows them

to control the water content inside their bodies to maintain the same salinity as the outside water.

Snook spawning takes place between April and October with peak around June and July. During this time, females and males move into higher salinity locations where they broadcast spawn with the females releasing eggs into the water column and the males fertilizing them. One female snook can release up to 1.5 million eggs each spawn. All of the hatchlings are born as males and transition to females when they reach between 12 and 35 inches in length. They are protandrous hermaphrodites, meaning the males change to females as they age.

Some of the best places to locate big girls in large numbers this time of year are at the mouths of inlets, bridges and piers. Heavier tackle is preferred, since you will most likely be fishing heavy structure. Some of the best baits for really big fish include croaker, mojarra, snapper, needlefish and southern sennet.

It is best practice, if you do land a big fish, to release the fish safely back into the water using a

SU

TR

The allo

TH sling. Where a bridge/ pier net is used to land the fish, the net can also be used to release the fish when a sling is not available. Lay the fish in the net with its head as far upwards as possible.

The largest IGFA-recorded common snook weighed 53 pounds, 10 ounces. It was caught from Costa Rica.

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.

• STEEL BUILDING • SALE • NEW HABITABLE SINGLE AND TWO STORY TINY HOMES • SAVE • STEEL BUILDING • SALE • CARPORTS • SAVE • CALL NOW • SPECIALS • SALE •

BEING ABLE TO AFFORD YOUR NEW BUILDING HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER WITH LOW DOWN PAYMENTS.

6 MONTHS NO PAYMENTS

3 MONTHS NO PAYMENTS

$0 DOWN FINANCING AVAILABLE UP TO $100,000

MANAGERS SPECIAL

26 GUAGE METAL ROOF

CHOOSE YOUR PAINT COLORS FROM VALSPAR®

18X31 BOAT PORT AS-LOW-AS $42.02/MO

/Month

DOUBLE PANE WINDOWS FILLED W/ ARGON GAS

RESIDENTIAL DOORS INCLUDED

With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

12X24 ROLL UP DOOR

Pictured Building 16X24.

(Available Sizes: 16X28, AS-LOW-AS $289.00/MO +TAX 16X32, and 16X36) With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

AS-LOW-AS $59.60/MO With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

LIVE OAK (Corporate Office) P: 386-364-7995

CHIEFLAND P: 352-490-5028

PERRY

LIVE OAK SUPER CENTER P: 386-364-1548

MASARYKTOWN P: 352-797-2291

DADE CITY

620 W. Howard St. (Hwy 90 W.)

211 72nd Trace

$55.02

$162.69 /Month

MANAGERS SPECIAL

28X40X12 CUSTOM WORK GARAGE

Financing Disclaimer:

12X24 ROLL UP DOOR

/Month

AVAILABLE IN 4 SIZES. CALL FOR PRICING.

SERVING ALL OF FLORIDA AND SOUTH GEORGIA

/Month

AS-LOW-AS $59.60/MO

With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

7 Locations

$39.62

$35.10

2495 Young Blvd.

568 S. Broad St.

P: 850-223-1939 2320 Hwy. 19 S. Byron Butler Pwky P: 352-583-2410 20229 US 301

Subject to credit approval. Fixed APR of 3.99% for 84 months. For each $1,000 financed, 5 payments of $3.33 followed by 79 amortized payments of $14.41.

Subject to credit approval. Fixed APR of 11.99% for 84 months. For each $1,000 financed, 5 payments of $9.99 followed by 79 amortized payments of $18.36.

WAYCROSS

P: 850-223-1939 2203 Memorial Drive Waycross, GA 31501

28X40X12 CUSTOM WORK GARAGE AS-LOW-AS $229.00/MO

FIVE STAR RATED ON

With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

SCAN FOR COMPLETE DETAILS AND TO ENTER KEENSBUILDINGS.COM

Subject to qualifying credit approval. Interest is billed during the promotional period but all interest is waived if the purchase amount is paid in full within 12 months.

Financing for GreenSky® consumer loan programs is provided by federally insured, federal and state chartered financial institutions without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender or familial status.

• STEEL BUILDING • SALE • PRE-ENGINEERED BUILDINGS • SAVE • STEEL BUILDING • SALE • CARPORTS • SAVE • CALL NOW • SPECIALS • SALE • STEEL BUILDING • SALE •

4 FLORIDA

AUGUST 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

STEEL BUILDING

DO THE MATH! SUZUKI REPOWER OWNER’S EDGE

TRADE ALLOWANCE PROGRAM

The Suzuki RePower Trade Allowance Program is exclusive for members of Owner’s Edge. Members receive a trade allowance based on the age and hours of their original engine toward a new Suzuki outboard as detailed below.

THE ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING A NEW BOAT UP TO AGE*

12

MONTHS

LESS THAN HOURS*

OR

500 HOURS

18 750 24 1000

MONTHS

HOURS

MONTHS

HOURS

30 1250

MONTHS

HOURS

36 1500

MONTHS HOURS * WHICHEVER COMES FIRST

• Suzuki RePower Centers are located throughout the southeast.

• Mastry has over 5-decades of repower experience.

• Options that will fit most any budget.

• Financing available. suzukirepower.com

1-800-545-4574

• All Suzuki RePowers come with the Suzuki Factory Direct 5-Year Warranty.

TRADE IN ALLOWANCE OF THE ORIGINAL SUZUKI ENGINE PURCHASE PRICE

%

85 % 78 % 70 % 63 % 55

F

Reel In

!

E M O S E W A

Th to

T

Ou bla ing rea hoo ful dle tan allo Th and Wh

Wi the leg pri out int

Catch the fun from our beautiful lakes

The Return of a

to the Gulf of Mexico. Get hooked on amazing Florida fishing!

CoastalAngler_7.6325x5.0125_Ad.indd 1

5/6/22 4:02 PM

E

F

-a

w W

Custom Built Quality Outdoor BBQ Products Since 1989

Pig Cookers, Patio Grills, Smokers, Customized BBQ Trailers

W

O PL

1-

Y

For More Info 1-252-236-4464 www.BQGRILLS.com 6043 Hwy 301N, Elm City, NC 6 FLORIDA

AUGUST 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

S

*Di

Field Dress For Success

The hunt for the perfect outdoorsman knife is over. There’s only one tool you need: the Whitetail™ Hunting Knife—now ONLY $49!

T

he consummate outdoorsman never goes on deep woods hunting trips without the essentials.

Not just the basics for every hunting trip, but the items he’s come to depend on over the years.

Our new Whitetail™ Hunting Knife will quickly become your go-to blade for every expedition. The Whitetail™ is a premium fixed-blade hunting knife that’s perfect for skinning. With the Whitetail at hand, you’ll be ready for field dressing in only seconds, and you’ll never need a separate gut hook tool ever again. The Whitetail™ boasts a mighty 420 high carbon, full tang stainless steel blade, meaning the blade doesn’t stop at the handle, it runs the full length of the knife. According to Gear Patrol, a full tang blade is key, saying “A full tang lends structural strength to the knife, allowing for better leverage ...think one long steel beam versus two.”

The comfortable handle is made from pakkawood—moisture-resistant and more durable than hardwood. If hunting is your life, then the Whitetail™ Knife was designed to make your life easier.

With our limited edition Whitetail™ Hunting Knife you’re getting the best in 21st-century construction with a classic look inspired by legendary American pioneers. What you won’t get is the trumped up price tag. We know a thing or two about the hunt–– like how to seek BONUS! Call today and you’ll also receive this out and capture an outstanding, collector’s-quality knife that won’t cut heavy duty sheath! into your bank account.

This knife can be yours to use out in the field or to display as the EXCLUSIVE art piece it truly is. But don’t wait. A knife of this caliber typically cost hundreds. Priced at an amazing $49, we can’t guarantee this knife will stick around for long. So call today!

Stauer® 8x21 Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in Compact your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the craftsmanship.

Binoculars If you don’t feel like we What customers are saying -a $99 valuecut you a fair deal, send it with purchase of about Stauer knives...

Whitetail™ Hunting back within 30 days for a Knife complete refund of the êêêêê item sale price. But we “Good value. Great looking. believe that once you wrap Sufficiently sharp. Overall your fingers around the an “A” purchase and Whitetail’s handle, you’ll I ordered three.” be ready to carve your own — B. of Maryland niche into the wild frontier.

FREE

Whitetail™ Hunting Knife $79*

Offer Code Price Only $49 + S&P Save $30 PLUS Free Stauer Compact Binoculars

1-800-333-2045

TAKE 38 % OFF INST ANTLY! When you use

your

INSIDER OFFER CO DE

Your Insider Offer Code: WHK371-01 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.

Stauer

® 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. WHK371-01

Burnsville, Minnesota 55337

www.stauer.com

Not shown actual size.

*Discount is only for customers who use the offer code versus the listed original Stauer.com price.

Rating of A+

• 5 ¼” 420HC stainless steel blade • Full-tang design with gut hook • Pakkawood handle with brass pins • Bonus heavy duty nylon sheath

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary ®

Florida Overhauls Redfish Regs

A

t its July meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved new management regions and regulation changes for redfish in state waters.

The following regulation changes go into effect Sept. 1: • Establish nine redfish management regions.

• Prohibit captain and crew from retaining a bag limit of redfish when on a for-hire trip.

• Reduce the off-the-water transport limit from six to four fish per person.

• Reduce the vessel limit in each of the management regions to be: »» Panhandle, Big Bend, Northeast: four fish. »» Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay, Charlotte Harbor, Southwest, Southeast: two fish. »» Allow only catch-and-release fishing for redfish in the Indian River Lagoon region. »» Set the bag limit to one fish in the Panhandle, Big Bend, Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay, Charlotte Harbor, Southwest, Southeast and Northeast regions.

“With this new forward-thinking management approach, we’re trying to do what’s best for this fishery. This agency is committed to working proactively to conserve the redfish

fishery in Florida for future generations while balancing stakeholder interests,” said FWC Commissioner Steven Hudson.

The changes to redfish management regions and regulations, as part of FWC’s new management approach, will better capture regional differences and improve angler satisfaction. The new management approach includes annual reviews of the redfish fishery For more information, including the July 2022 Commission and redfish regulations may be changed each meeting presentation, visit MyFWC.com/Commission year in response to the reviews. and click on “Commission Meetings.”

Th ti

Le yo

Des you per

The yard

Fro a lo qui

w 8 FLORIDA

AUGUST 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

The way we spend our time defines who we are.....

Let us help you get the perfect machine for your “ME” time.

Designed to work smarter than the competition, the 1 Series Compact Tractors maximize your yard without breaking the bank. From the comfort of your seat, you’ll appreciate big performance and convenient sizes.

The affordable 1023E is easy to use and provides plenty of muscle for jobs around the yard.

From mowing and loading to tilling and digging, these compact tractors are built to make a long day of chores feel simple. When you turn the key of a John Deere 1 Series, you’ll quickly see why these tractors are the one.

www.EFE1963.com

Marine Flea Market BOat ShOw and Sale

• FiShing SeMinarS • new & USed BOating eqUipMent • SeaFOOd • naUtical decOr

$3.00 OFF adm

Vendor l Space Stille aVailab

iSSion w thiS flyer ith

U Lo

Fin not

U

Not the im only Toda The M desig 150-y only troph Powe is wo An e the e autom watch It too millio mach we to and disass balan on th crow band dials He e over Staue watch Try are n watch The p ty ag Magn

Stau

Offe You

1-

You

St

† Spec Stauer

10 FLORIDA

AUGUST 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Upper Class Just Got Lower Priced Finally, luxury built for value— not for false status

U

ntil Stauer came along, you needed an inheritance to buy a timepiece with class and refinement.

Not any more. The Stauer Magnificat II embodies the impeccable quality and engineering once found only in the watch collections of the idle rich.

Today, it can be on your wrist.

The Magnificat II has the kind of thoughtful design that harkens back to those rare, 150-year-old moon phases that once could only be found under glass in a collector’s trophy room.

Powered by 27 jewels, the Magnificat II is wound by the movement of your body.

An exhibition back reveals the genius of the engineering and lets you witness the automatic rotor that enables you to wind the watch with a simple flick of your wrist.

It took three years of development and $26 million in advanced Swiss-built watch-making machinery to create the Magnificat II. When we took the watch to renowned watchmaker and watch historian George Thomas, he disassembled it and studied the escapement, balance wheel and the rotor. He remarked on the detailed guilloche face, gilt winding crown, and the crocodile-embossed leather band. He was intrigued by the three interior dials for day, date, and 24-hour moon phases.

He estimated that this fine timepiece would cost over $2,500. We all smiled and told him that the Stauer price was less than $100. A truly magnificent watch at a truly magnificent price!

Try the Magnificat II for 30 days and if you are not receiving compliments, please return the watch for a full refund of the purchase price.

The precision-built movement carries a 2 year warranty against defect. If you trust your own good taste, the Magnificat II is built for you.

Stauer Magnificat II Timepiece $399* Offer Code Price

$99 + S&P SAVE $300!

The Stauer Magnificat II is powered by your own movement

You must use the offer code to get our special price.

1-800-333-2045

Your Offer Code: MAG641-08

Stauer

®

Rating of A+

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. MAG641-08 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com † Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code. ®

• Luxurious gold-finished case with exposition back • 27-jeweled automatic movement • Croc-embossed band fits wrists 6¾"–8½" • Water-resistant to 3 ATM

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

HYDRASTEPP 18’ The New Face of High Performance Flats Boats

I

By Phil Wolf

f you are in the market for a new flats boat, the 2022 Hydrastepp 18’ might just be the boat you’re looking for.

It has all the whistles and bells that a flats boat needs, plus great looks, high-quality construction and performance abound.

This new 18-foot flats boat is the result of several years’ trial and improvements. Renowned racing boat designer/ builder Steve Stepp has 50-plus years of experience in the industry. His previous company, Velocity Powerboats, in Sanford, Fla. holds 14 world records, showing that his advanced designs achieve performance and efficiency that most manufacturers cannot match.

Hydrastepp Boats are built right here in Central Florida.

Check-out their website at www.HYDRASTEPP.com, and take a look at this impressive HP flats-boat.

At first glance, you’ll notice this boat’s sleek and clean lines. It has 94” beam, which is extremely wide for an 18’ boat. This makes it very stable when walking around on the wide gunnel. There is a huge storage compartment up front, with a removable tackle storage system and two additional large storage compartments in the rear, both at port and starboard. Two 28-gallon livewells are located in the front and the rear, and a new rod-storage system holds 16 rods.

Custom divided sport seats with removable backrests, like you see on offshore racing boats, provide comfort. The console is very sleek and sports

a pair of 9” Simrad flush-mounted monitors for fish-finder/ GPS and supports all the normal gauges: tachometer, waterpressure, temperature, gas and speed by GPS. They are all linked to the motor and fuel system, which is very cool! A 29-gallon gas tank allows this boat to make long runs thanks to the super high-efficiency hull design.

On a recent test ride of the new 2022 demo model Hydrastepp 18’, the boat was equipped with a 150 hp Mercury Pro XS, a 30” pitch Mercury 4 blade prop, three-quarters of a tank of gas, a Motorguide 24 volt trolling motor, 50 pounds of gear in the front compartment, three batteries and two adults. The boat’s performance was outstanding! It gets on a plane in 2.5 seconds with little effort. Top speed with load is 65 mph at 5,800 rpm, while getting 5 miles per gallon. Fuel consumption at 30 mph and 3,050 rpm was 7 miles to the gallon (best), allowing over 200 miles to the tank! To say this vessel is super-efficient is an understatement.

I’ve ridden in just about every flats boat on the market. This Hydrastepp 18’ outperforms all of them by far. If you are in the market for a flats boat, give Steve a call to schedule a test ride for yourself, and place your order for the new face of flats boats! Tell them that you read about them in Coastal Angler Magazine!

Phil Wolf is co-publisher of the Orlando edition of Coastal Angler Magazine. Check out HydraStepp boats at hydrastepp.com.

Are you looking for a little stability in your life right now?

'

Call us at 407-718-6695

www.HYDRASTEPP.com 12 FLORIDA

AUGUST 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Handling the Summer Heat By: Capt. Greg Poland

I

t looks like it’s going to be a hot summer and I am happy my Contender Bay Boat has a Bimini top! It took a few years to convince me to get a top but honestly, it’s really nice in the summer months and I can put it up or down in just a few minutes. I think the fish feel the same way as we do in the middle of the day so this time of year, as my preference is to get out early and get back to the dock by lunch time then go for a swim!

We have been having a lot of fun catching mahi out in the 600800ft area and who doesn’t like a fresh fish dinner? I like to run out to 600ft then get out a rod rigged with a squid or a small trolling lure like the one pictured below then start looking for birds or floating debris, once you spot something slow down and deploy your rig.

I also have a live bait on a circle hook ready in the week just in case we see a mahi swimming, or if we have one on the line, I will cast it

in hopes for a second one that may be following the hooked fish. I am sad to say we lost the largest bull dolphin I have had on the line in many years just last week, I was going for the gaff and saw it jump and throw the hook. I estimate it was about 30lbs and it brought a tear to my eye! If the offshore scene is not your cup of tea, then get into the backcountry for some great snook action around the shorelines of the Everglades National Park.

We have been catching juvenal tarpon and snook around the islands but be careful with the sharks who seem to find you after you release a fish or two. Personally, when the first shark shows up, I like to move because you know it is only a matter of time before he is going to get your fish and there is no need to feed the sharks as they can do just fine by themselves! If you are looking to get out for a morning 1/2 day give me a call and lets go catch a fish or two this summer. Capt. Greg

gregpoland@icloud.com | www.gregpoland.com 305-393-3327 FACEBOOK.COM/CAMNAPLES/ | AUGUST 2022 | NAPLES 1

Gulf Tips for Finding Fish By: Capt. Chad Carney

F

inding fish is a never-ending focus for getry because divers need to not hammer just spearos. Sites everyone sees, like bridga few sites. We often dive sites run over in the es & rock piles are usually fished out, past, but not dove. It’s surprising how good as are close-in artificial reefs and published sites can be that don’t look like much. Search wrecks. Deeper than 132 ft and far offshore old numbers too, like broken down shrimper you’ll likely find more plentiful & bigger wrecks; grouper and snapper love’em! fish! Amazingly with today’s great GPS & The Gulf has few pretty wrecks, because bottom/fish finders, many boaters can’t lothey blew the hell out of them, breaking hulls cate big wrecks and reefs. Stop drawing daiup fast. Ugly dives produce fish! I followed a sies and work a tight grid resembling a parkbig gag swimming due south off the D4 Boxing lot around the number. Keep looking cars off Bradenton in 1999. He led me about 40 for any structure/fish & mark your screen. yards to an unmarked pile of boxcars, where I We always drive & watch - everywhere and shot him and multiple mangroves. A year later find new spots with short bounce dives. Get my buddy shot a 39# PB gag! One wreck lost its a marker jug and 4lb weight with enough superstructure in a storm in 1993, so I swam extra line to hold the location, even in poor all around the hull and found it 150’ SW and visibility. I’ve found many small potholes & teaming with gags. A shark fin was cutting the rock piles loaded with fish and nobody else surface off Ft. Myers far away from everything; has ever fished them.

Sharky’s Ledge was jam packed with all Counties in Florida publish artificial reef coordinates, but they species! were often wrong in the days of Loran to GPS conversions. Private Many deep reefs are for anglers, but hooked fish often hole-up and companies sold books, discs and websites with tons of numbers, but shed tackle. Deep dive sites require technical training, gear and expelots are repeats and incorrect. GPS manufacturers publish the numbers rience, but they’re worth the cost and effort! in their devices now, so accuracy is better, but not all. Google Earth chad.carney@yahoo.com now shows shallow clear waters and lots of spots to check out, and plot. https://www.facebook.com/floridaskindiver/ Check back years of photos on the Historical Imagery tool. https://www.deeperblue.com/beginners-guide-spearfishing/ Scouting is as important today as it was before the cool electronic gad-

727-423-7775

2 NAPLES | AUGUST 2022 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/NAPLES/

er just in the good earch imper

ecause hulls wed a 4 Boxout 40 here I r later ost its swam W and ng the thing;

p and expe-

o.com diver/ hing/ -7775

You Can Trust Your Local Mastry Suzuki RePower Center – It Simply Makes Sense 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!

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

REPOWER THE ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING A NEW BOAT *Get with the Program!

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.

suzukirepower.com | 1-800-545-4574 FACEBOOK.COM/CAMNAPLES/ | AUGUST 2022 | NAPLES 3

Don’t let the slip of a salty bait knife ruin your day on the water!

Whether off-shore, intercoastal or in the Gulf...

Big waves and cutting bait don’t mix...

The Sea Time Bait Cutter will make your day safe, enjoyable and more productive

SeaTimeBaitCutter.com 4 NAPLES | AUGUST 2022 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/NAPLES/

sales · rentals · tours · lessons your local experts for kayaks, paddleboards, and adventure apparel

3570 Bayshore Drive Naples, FL 34112 239-262-6149

NaplesOutfittersFlorida.com

Plenty to Target By: Capt. Bart Marx

H

ello Fellow Anglers. It is lobster it does not harm the lobster. time in Florida. I have been to Sorry about the rabbit trail, let’s talk the Keys, Homestead, Miami, and about inshore fishing. To me it is time to Fort Lauderdale. Usually, it is best to wait start looking for the large schools of redfor a few weeks to let the newness slow fish that come into the Harbor to feed, so down a bit. In the Keys you can bully net they can go offshore to spawn. It might be at night, the shallow waters will let you do a little early but if you are fishing around that. With the shallow reefs you can use the barrier islands keep an eye open, you snorkel gear too. In Homestead the past may be targeting snook that are all along I’ve used SCUBA gear and some snorthe beaches and docks just inside the keling to harvest lobster, in Miami I have passes. The tarpon should be migrating used a Brownie/floating compressor and north and going into the Gulf to spawn.

SCUBA gear, Ft. Lauderdale-SCUBA gear Mangrove snapper on structure and there too. It is lots of fun to go and enjoy docks, and there should be some trout in God’s creation. Under water is beautiful the grass flats close to deeper waters. with all the corals and sea fans and fish.

Offshore the red grouper should be doOh, and the lobster that hide in the day, ing good in 70’ - 120’ of water. Some good at night they come out to feed and travel. mangroves in 60’ – 80’, yellowtails at 80’ So, if you have a boat, you may tow lobster plus on wrecks and big artificial reefs. hunters on a tow line while they search And if you use crustations for bait, you the bottom for bugs. There are some fancy could find some hogfish on some natural planer boards that you could buy to help; ledges in 40’ – 70’ of water. So, this time we just used a ski rope or a long dock line. of year you need to keep a close eye on the When you see antennas poking out from weather, afternoon thunderstorms is what under a coral head you quick let go of the rope and snorkel down and I am talking about. check it out. There are all kinds of tools to help capture the spiny lobster. Slings, tickle sticks, and net just to name a couple. I lived in St. Alpha Omega Charters | alphaomegacharters.com Croix where I learned how to make my own noose that works well, and captbart@alphaomegacharters.com | 941-979-6517 FACEBOOK.COM/CAMNAPLES/ | AUGUST 2022 | NAPLES 5

I love Summer

By: Capt. Tim Ramsey

I

love summer. Well, not like I used to. As a kid it meant hours out love the fact that half the people are around and snook are everywhere. surfing, days on the beach, and nights on the boardwalk playing Live-bait, dead-bait, knocker rig, bucktail jig, topwater, floater-diver, pinball and hanging out with my friends hoping we’d never grow rubber tail, every weird Gulp bait, who cares? They all work in summer.

There are only a couple of well-known requirements. Pay attention to the standards of moving water, clean water, shade, structure, and sand and you’re golden. Oddly, summer also means be prepared for catfish everywhere you fish. Do all of us a favor; tell everyone how great the saltwater cats are to eat and maybe the tourists will start keeping them. It could work.

Two weeks ago, I was in the 10K, fishing early to avoid the heat. I ran for twenty minutes aiming to fish a lesser-known spot I like, seeing no boats along the way. It was cool, the water was brilliant blue, the mangroves contrasting their bright green. Awesome. Miraculously, or ironically, my spot was occupied by a guy pushing a flats boat I never saw before. Oh well, ‘Merica, all are welcome, so many other spots to hit. A short while later, I had just released a snook while fishing a mangrove island close to the bay when a boat ran by with a big American flag flying from the leaning post. It was great.

Thomas Jefferson once said, “How little do my up. That didn’t last long. Fast-forward and there I was, Iraq, Afghani- countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, stan, Kuwait, Haiti, Somalia, and other such garden spots, waiting for and which no other people on earth enjoy.” During summer in the 10K, the 30-day leave I would use to reconnect with my family. Well, my son it’s easy to know what blessings you have. I love summer. anyway.

Fast forward again and here I am, addicted to the Ten Thousand Islands. I feel possessive. Why are you in my secret spot? Maybe it’s not so secret? Why are you causing so much noise? Why are you kicking that wake against the bank? Who said all these jet skis could ride through here? Why are you keeping my fish? You see, I never keep fish.

Never. For me to kill a snook is like asking me to cut off my nose. Blessing of blessings, my second wife (the one I should have married first) is an avid fisherman. When you catch a fish and your wife is so excited she kisses it on the head, do you think you’re going to kill it? Nope.

Especially not the reds with the googly eyes.

My wife always jokes about why we go fishing so early in the summer. She knows why, but she likes to mess with me. I know she likes getting out in the calm and cool of early morning, and by the time the heat is unbearable, and the afternoon storms come, we’re back in the a/c so I can keep writing my fifth novel that won’t sell. But I love summer. I 6 NAPLES | AUGUST 2022 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/NAPLES/

• Kayaks & Paddleboards • Fishing Charters • Rentals & Lessons • Guided Eco Tours

• Kayak Fishing Trips • Waterfront Retail location • Dolphin & Manatee Tours • Families Welcome

239-283-1125 www.GulfCoastKayak.com 4120 Pine Island Rd NW Matlacha, FL 33993

F

CSWFL-4

Benefitting

ANGLING. AUCTION. AWARDS. OCTOBER 21-23, 2022 Two-Day Catch & Release Charity Tournament Register at www.conservancy.org/redsnook

For more information email redsnook@conservancy.org or call 239-403-4200

FUND

THE

FIGHT

CSWFL-43226-Coastal Angler-August-Sept 2022 - 8.125 x 10.875_FNL.indd 1

NAPLES F OFACEBOOK.COM/CAMNAPLES/ R C L E A N| AUGUST W 2022 A T| E R

7

6/30/22 8:39 AM

MARCO ISLAND

3125 Bayshore Dr., Naples, FL 34112 239.417.0141 www.USHarbors.com

August/2022 • 25°58’N 81°44’W

Marco, Big Marco River, FL - Aug 2022 High

Date

August/2022 • 26°8’N 81°48’W

ft

PM

ft

AM

ft

PM

ft

Rise

Set

1

Mon

4:39

2.3

3:59

2.7

10:07

1.1

10:45

0.3

6:51

8:14

2

Tue

5:08

2.3

4:48

2.5

10:53

1.0

11:19

0.6

6:52

8:13

3

Wed

5:38

2.4

5:53

2.3

11:48

0.8

11:56

0.9

6:52

8:13

4

Thu

6:10

2.5

7:15

2.1

12:53

0.7

6:53

8:12

5

Fri

6:49

2.6

8:39

2.0

12:41

1.2

2:01

0.5

6:53

8:11

6

Sat

7:39

2.7

10:09

2.0

1:36

1.5

3:12

0.2

6:54

8:11

7

Sun

8:41

2.8

11:30

2.1

2:42

1.6

4:21

-0.1

6:54

8:10

8

Mon

9:51

3.0

3:55

1.7

5:23

-0.3

6:55

8:09

9

Tue

12:27

2.2

10:58A

3.2

5:00

1.6

6:18

-0.5

6:55

8:09

10

Wed

1:13

2.3

11:58A

3.4

5:55

1.5

7:09

-0.6

6:56

8:08

11

Thu

1:54

2.4

12:53

3.5

6:48

1.3

7:58

-0.6

6:56

8:07

12

Fri

2:33

2.5

1:47

3.5

7:40

1.1

8:43

-0.4

6:57

8:06

13

Sat

3:10

2.5

2:40

3.4

8:32

0.9

9:25

-0.2

6:57

8:05

14

Sun

3:45

2.6

3:32

3.1

9:24

0.8

10:05

0.1

6:58

8:04

15

Mon

4:20

2.6

4:25

2.9

10:14

0.7

10:43

0.5

6:58

8:04

16

Tue

4:56

2.6

5:22

2.5

11:07

0.6

11:22

0.9

6:59

8:03

17

Wed

5:34

2.6

6:29

2.3

12:04

0.6

6:59

8:02

18

Thu

6:16

2.6

7:43

2.1

12:04

1.2

1:07

0.6

6:59

8:01

19

Fri

7:04

2.6

9:09

2.0

12:53

1.5

2:13

0.6

7:00

8:00

20

Sat

7:58

2.5

11:13

2.0

1:52

1.7

3:21

0.5

7:00

7:59

21

Sun

8:59

2.6

2:59

1.8

4:27

0.4

7:01

7:58

22

Mon

12:08

2.1

10:03A

2.7

4:07

1.7

5:21

0.3

7:01

7:57

23

Tue

12:39

2.2

11:01A

2.8

5:02

1.6

6:07

0.2

7:02

7:56

24

Wed

1:03

2.2

11:49A

2.9

5:47

1.5

6:47

0.1

7:02

7:55

25

Thu

1:29

2.3

12:32

3.0

6:28

1.4

7:24

0.1

7:03

7:54

26

Fri

1:56

2.4

1:12

3.1

7:07

1.2

8:00

0.1

7:03

7:53

27

Sat

2:24

2.5

1:51

3.1

7:46

1.1

8:34

0.1

7:03

7:52

28

Sun

2:53

2.5

2:31

3.1

8:26

1.0

9:07

0.3

7:04

7:51

29

Mon

3:20

2.6

3:13

3.0

9:06

0.8

9:38

0.5

7:04

7:50

30

Tue

3:45

2.6

3:56

2.8

9:46

0.7

10:08

0.8

7:05

7:49

31

Wed

4:08

2.7

4:47

2.6

10:30

0.6

10:38

1.1

7:05

7:48

www.USHarbors.com

Naples, FL - Aug 2022

Low

AM

2072 Davis Blvd., Naples, FL 34104 239.774.0222

NAPLES

8 NAPLES | AUGUST 2022 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/NAPLES/

High

Date

Moon

Low

AM

ft

PM

ft

AM

ft

PM

ft

Rise

Set

Mon

3:49

2.6

2:54

2.9

9:15

1.3

9:51

0.5

6:51

8:15

2

Tue

4:20

2.7

3:44

2.8

10:00

1.2

10:24

0.7

6:52

8:14

3

Wed

4:48

2.7

4:45

2.6

10:53

1.0

11:00

1.0

6:52

8:13

4

Thu

5:16

2.7

6:09

2.3

12:01P

0.9

11:43

1.4

6:53

8:13

5

Fri

5:52

2.8

7:43

2.2

1:16

0.6

6:53

8:12

6

Sat

6:42

2.9

9:21

2.2

12:46

1.6

2:26

0.4

6:54

8:11

7

Sun

7:45

3.0

10:59

2.2

2:02

1.8

3:31

0.1

6:54

8:11

8

Mon

8:57

3.2

11:59

2.4

3:13

1.9

4:32

-0.2

6:55

8:10

9

Tue

10:08

3.4

4:18

1.9

5:27

-0.4

6:55

8:09

10

Wed

12:39

2.5

11:08A

3.6

5:15

1.7

6:17

-0.5

6:56

8:08

11

Thu

1:14

2.5

12:01

3.7

6:06

1.5

7:05

-0.5

6:56

8:07

12

Fri

1:47

2.6

12:51

3.7

6:56

1.3

7:49

-0.3

6:57

8:07

13

Sat

2:21

2.7

1:42

3.6

7:45

1.1

8:32

0.0

6:57

8:06

14

Sun

2:54

2.8

2:36

3.4

8:35

0.9

9:13

0.4

6:58

8:05

15

Mon

3:28

2.8

3:31

3.1

9:25

0.8

9:53

0.8

6:58

8:04

16

Tue

4:03

2.9

4:28

2.8

10:16

0.8

10:32

1.1

6:59

8:03

17

Wed

4:41

2.9

5:31

2.5

11:14

0.8

11:15

1.5

6:59

8:02

18

Thu

5:25

2.8

6:45

2.2

12:21

0.8

7:00

8:01

19

Fri

6:19

2.8

8:13

2.1

20

Sat

7:22

2.7

21

Sun

12:02

2.2

8:28A

22

Mon

12:33

2.3

23

Tue

12:44

24

Wed

25

1

12:11

1.8

1:32

0.7

7:00

8:01

1:27

2.0

2:38

0.7

7:01

8:00

2.8

2:40

2.0

3:39

0.5

7:01

7:59

9:32A

2.9

3:45

2.0

4:32

0.4

7:01

7:58

2.4

10:28A

3.0

4:37

1.9

5:18

0.3

7:02

7:57

12:30

2.4

11:13A

3.1

5:18

1.8

5:57

0.2

7:02

7:56

Thu

12:40

2.5

11:50A

3.3

5:54

1.7

6:33

0.2

7:03

7:55

26

Fri

1:01

2.6

12:24

3.3

6:27

1.5

7:07

0.3

7:03

7:54

27

Sat

1:27

2.7

12:57

3.4

7:01

1.4

7:40

0.3

7:04

7:53

28

Sun

1:53

2.8

1:30

3.3

7:36

1.2

8:13

0.5

7:04

7:52

29

Mon

2:19

2.9

2:07

3.2

8:13

1.0

8:44

0.7

7:04

7:51

30

Tue

2:43

2.9

2:50

3.1

8:53

0.9

9:15

0.9

7:05

7:50

31

Wed

3:04

3.0

3:41

2.9

9:37

0.8

9:46

1.2

7:05

7:49

Moon

15881 Chief Ct., Ft. Myers, FL 33912 239.489.0884

WIGGINS PASS

www.USHarbors.com

August/2022 • 26°17’N 81°49’W

Wiggins Pass, Cocohatchee River, FL - Aug 2022 High

Date

ft

PM

ft

AM

ft

PM

ft

Rise

Set

Mon

4:33

2.0

3:38

2.3

10:14

0.9

10:50

0.3

6:51

8:15

2

Tue

5:04

2.1

4:28

2.1

10:59

0.9

11:23

0.5

6:52

8:14

3

Wed

5:32

2.1

5:29

2.0

11:52

0.8

11:59

0.8

6:52

8:14

4

Thu

6:00

2.1

6:53

1.8

1:00

0.6

6:53

8:13

5

Fri

6:36

2.2

8:27

1.7

12:42

1.0

2:15

0.5

6:53

8:12

6

Sat

7:26

2.2

10:05

1.7

1:45

1.2

3:25

0.3

6:54

8:12

7

Sun

8:29

2.3

11:43

1.7

3:01

1.3

4:30

0.0

6:54

8:11

8

Mon

9:41

2.4

4:12

1.4

5:31

-0.2

6:55

8:10

9

Tue

12:43

1.8

10:52A

2.6

5:17

1.4

6:26

-0.3

6:55

8:09

10

Wed

1:23

1.9

11:52A

2.8

6:14

1.3

7:16

-0.4

6:56

8:09

11

Thu

1:58

1.9

12:45

2.9

7:05

1.1

8:04

-0.3

6:56

8:08

12

Fri

2:31

2.0

1:35

2.9

7:55

1.0

8:48

-0.2

6:57

8:07

13

Sat

3:05

2.1

2:26

2.8

8:44

0.8

9:31

0.0

6:57

8:06

14

Sun

3:38

2.1

3:20

2.6

9:34

0.7

10:12

0.3

6:58

8:05

15

Mon

4:12

2.2

4:15

2.4

10:24

0.6

10:52

0.6

6:58

8:04

16

Tue

4:47

2.2

5:12

2.2

11:15

0.6

11:31

0.8

6:59

8:03

17

Wed

5:25

2.2

6:15

1.9

12:13

0.6

6:59

8:03

18

Thu

6:09

2.2

7:29

1.7

12:14

1.1

1:20

0.6

6:59

8:02

19

Fri

7:03

2.1

8:57

1.6

1:10

1.3

2:31

0.5

7:00

8:01

20

Sat

8:06

2.1

2:26

1.4

3:37

0.5

7:00

8:00

21

Sun

12:46

1.7

9:12A

2.1

3:39

1.5

4:38

0.4

7:01

7:59

22

Mon

1:17

1.8

10:16A

2.2

4:44

1.5

5:31

0.3

7:01

7:58

23

Tue

1:28

1.8

11:12A

2.3

5:36

1.4

6:17

0.2

7:02

7:57

24

Wed

1:14

1.9

11:57A

2.4

6:17

1.3

6:56

0.2

7:02

7:56

25

Thu

1:24

1.9

12:34

2.5

6:53

1.2

7:32

0.2

7:03

7:55

26

Fri

1:45

2.0

1:08

2.6

7:26

1.1

8:06

0.2

7:03

7:54

27

Sat

2:11

2.1

1:41

2.6

8:00

1.0

8:39

0.3

7:03

7:53

28

Sun

2:37

2.2

2:14

2.6

8:35

0.9

9:12

0.4

7:04

7:52

29

Mon

3:03

2.2

2:51

2.5

9:12

0.8

9:43

0.5

7:04

7:51

30

Tue

3:27

2.2

3:34

2.4

9:52

0.6

10:14

0.7

7:05

7:50

31

Wed

3:48

2.3

4:25

2.2

10:36

0.6

10:45

0.9

7:05

7:49

1

August/2022 • 25°51’N 81°23’W

www.USHarbors.com

Everglades City, FL - Aug 2022

Low

AM

9148 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs, FL 34135 239.262.2940

EVERGLADES

High

Date

Moon

Low

AM

ft

PM

ft

AM

ft

PM

ft

Rise

Set

Mon

6:14

2.6

5:19

2.9

12:45

0.1

12:41

0.7

6:50

8:13

2

Tue

6:45

2.6

6:09

2.7

1:17

0.3

1:26

0.7

6:51

8:12

3

Wed

7:13

2.7

7:10

2.5

1:50

0.4

2:19

0.6

6:51

8:11

4

Thu

7:41

2.7

8:34

2.3

2:26

0.6

3:27

0.5

6:52

8:11

5

Fri

8:17

2.8

10:08

2.2

3:09

0.8

4:42

0.4

6:52

8:10

6

Sat

9:07

2.9

11:46

2.1

4:12

0.9

5:52

0.2

6:53

8:09

7

Sun

10:10

3.0

5:28

1.0

6:57

0.0

6:53

8:08

8

Mon

1:24

2.2

11:22A

3.1

6:39

1.1

7:58

-0.1

6:54

8:08

9

Tue

2:24

2.3

12:33

3.3

7:44

1.1

8:53

-0.2

6:54

8:07

10

Wed

3:04

2.4

1:33

3.5

8:41

1.0

9:43

-0.3

6:55

8:06

11

Thu

3:39

2.5

2:26

3.7

9:32

0.9

10:31

-0.3

6:55

8:05

12

Fri

4:12

2.6

3:16

3.7

10:22

0.7

11:15

-0.2

6:56

8:05

13

Sat

4:46

2.6

4:07

3.6

11:11

0.6

11:58

0.0

6:56

8:04

14

Sun

5:19

2.7

5:01

3.4

12:01

0.5

6:56

8:03

15

Mon

5:53

2.8

5:56

3.1

12:39

0.2

12:51

0.5

6:57

8:02

16

Tue

6:28

2.8

6:53

2.8

1:19

0.4

1:42

0.4

6:57

8:01

17

Wed

7:06

2.8

7:56

2.5

1:58

0.6

2:40

0.4

6:58

8:00

18

Thu

7:50

2.8

9:10

2.2

2:41

0.8

3:47

0.4

6:58

7:59

19

Fri

8:44

2.7

10:38

2.1

3:37

1.0

4:58

0.4

6:59

7:59

20

Sat

9:47

2.7

4:53

1.1

6:04

0.4

6:59

7:58

21

Sun

2:27

2.2

10:53A

2.7

6:06

1.2

7:05

0.3

7:00

7:57

22

Mon

2:58

2.3

11:57A

2.8

7:11

1.1

7:58

0.2

7:00

7:56

23

Tue

3:09

2.3

12:53

3.0

8:03

1.1

8:44

0.2

7:00

7:55

24

Wed

2:55

2.4

1:38

3.1

8:44

1.0

9:23

0.1

7:01

7:54

25

Thu

3:05

2.5

2:15

3.2

9:20

1.0

9:59

0.1

7:01

7:53

26

Fri

3:26

2.6

2:49

3.3

9:53

0.9

10:33

0.1

7:02

7:52

27

Sat

3:52

2.7

3:22

3.3

10:27

0.8

11:06

0.2

7:02

7:51

28

Sun

4:18

2.8

3:55

3.3

11:02

0.7

11:39

0.3

7:03

7:50

29

Mon

4:44

2.9

4:32

3.2

11:39

0.6

7:03

7:49

30

Tue

5:08

2.9

5:15

3.1

12:10

0.4

12:19

0.5

7:03

7:48

31

Wed

5:29

2.9

6:06

2.9

12:41

0.5

1:03

0.4

7:04

7:47

1

Moon

THE PURSUIT FOR A NEW PERSONAL BEST.

FISH Moreand Information Follow us on For Facebook sign up for Visit email SunshineAce.com offers at www.CrowderBros.com Bonita Springs (239) 992-0169

East Naples (239) 775-2150

Naples (239) 262-2940

Golden Gate (239) 455-3400

Marco Island (239) 642-7444

FACEBOOK.COM/CAMNAPLES/ | AUGUST 2022 | NAPLES 9

Freshwater Scene By: Capt. Roan zumFelde

W

elcome to August in Southwest Florida! Not the best month for freshwater fishing here, but if you go early and fish late in the evening you will have some quality fishing. This is usually a very wet and hot month which means higher than normal water in the canals and running water. I am not going to break down each body of water that we have to fish this month, just not worth it with the fishing opportunities this time of the year. My suggestion this month is to try and focus on fishing lakes and waterways that are less affected by These little Tarpon are plentiful in August on the trail & Becky and CJ are great at finding them!

rainfall and heat. This means find canals that are less affected by high water, like the Miami and Interceptor, and fish them early and late.

Lake fishing on The Big O and all the lakes in South Central Florida should be very good as long as you go early and or fish late evening.

Early is your best bet; you need to be there at the crack of dawn and fish for just a couple of hours. Flipping and Pitching will be your best shot on the lakes, but do not rule out an early morning top water bite and watch for schooling fish- there should be some around. Peacocks will generally school this time of the year also, be on the lookout in the canals closer to Miami and Fort Lauderdale. If you like small tarpon then the Canals along 41 should be loaded this time of the year.

Mike’s Bait House will be closed for August and September this year. Need some vaca time and rest for the pending season and a few upgrades to the shop. We will still be around so if you have an emergency purchase or need of something like a cast net, rod reel, Fly Rod or line or what, ever we will try and help you out. Call 239-269-4426.

Hope you have a great summer and hopefully no storms!

Come visit Mike and me at Mike’s Bait House and Indian Pass Outfitters on Danford Street, next to Bayview Park in Naples and we can talk fishing. We carry a full line of tackle including: fly fishing needs and both saltwater and freshwater gear, food, drink, and bait. Thanks and good fishing. Roan z

Mike’s Bait House | Mikesbaithouse.com Indianpassoutfitters.com | 239-775-2248 | C- 239-269-4426

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

10,000 Choices By: Capt. Travis Freeman

H

i everyone.

Captain Travis here with Steadyfishingcharters. I want to start off by saying fishing is great down here in the Everglades City and 10,000 islands area.

So now I’m going to tell you what we have been catching and how we’ve been catching all these amazing species.

Starting off with redfish, this time of the year, down here you can’t miss the redfish with a simple popping cork and a live shrimp and or a buck tail 1/8-ounce jig head white or red in color. Or you can cast a white soft jerk bait, and bounce it along the shorelines, both have been working great for me. As far as the snook bite, it is strong like usual down here in the Glades. 20 plus pound snook are all over along the outside islands and near shores of the Gulf of Mexico. When it comes to catching them, I always use live white bait and or live shrimp, but they can be caught on soft plastics and MirroLures. I have also caught a bunch on the white buck tail jigs. And last, This time of the year, down here you but definitely not can’t miss the redfish with a simple least, sea trout are always a fun popping cork and a live shrimp and family fish that or a buck tail 1/8-ounce jig head pretty much anywhite or red in color. one on the boat can catch. They are super aggressive, and they will eat just about anything in their path. Always proving to be a fun fish. I like using a popping cork and a live shrimp with a #4 circle hook. Sea trout have soft lips, so a circle hook really helps for a good hook set right in the corner of the mouth. If you’re ever down in Southwest Florida, I would highly recommend coming out and viewing our piece of paradise in the beautiful Florida Everglades and the 10,000 islands!

SCHUMAN INSURANCE

"Nothing Like A Day On The Water!"

WE KNOW BOATS!

Why insure yours with anyone else!

I'm Capt. David Schuman a second generation insurance agent.

Our family has been serving Lee County for 42 years.

Boat Auto Home Motorcycle Life Business Capt. David Schuman 1329 Hibiscus Dr., Cape Coral, FL 33909 239-242-8072 Davidschuman3@allstate.com

Steadyfishingcharters.com | Steadyfishing@yahoo.com 239-285-2971

2801 Del Prado Blvd S., Cape Coral, FL 33904 239-945-8888

3114 Lee Blvd Suite 4, Lehigh Acres, FL 33971 239-369-1313

FACEBOOK.COM/CAMNAPLES/ | AUGUST 2022 | NAPLES 11

Cape Cod 2022

I

By: Dan Carns

’ve just returned from what can only be described as the most successful fishing trip of my long fishing career! My fishing buddies Jim, Pat and I have been making this journey to Cape Cod for almost twenty years. This year we invited another great friend and fisherman, Jimmy, to come along. Mind you, Jimmy is a professional bass fisherman but had never kayak fished before, so this was going to be new to him.

This trip involves some real planning as Cape Cod can be busy in the middle of June. We stay at Atlantic Oaks Campground, which puts us 20 minutes away from some of the best Stripped Bass fishing in the world.

This campground has every amenity you could hope for including great full hookup for R.V. and tent sites, super clean, hot and free showers, a fish cleaning station and a bait and tackle shop at the entrance!

12 NAPLES | AUGUST 2022 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/NAPLES/

This end of the Cape is narrow and surrounded by enormous amounts of salt water from Cape Cod Bay to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Nantucket Sound to the south.

Punctuating the shoreline are expansive saltwater marshes and embayments and if you learn one thing from this article, it’s that very large Stripers hunt and feed in super skinny water. I mention this because the weather forecast showed high winds for the entire weekend. We were not going to be able to launch into the wild, deep blue Atlantic Ocean as we have done in the past hoping for really big fish, so we used google earth and a wind app to find sheltered launches.

The first morning was promising as we caught a bunch of schoolies (small Striped Bass). We launched for the afternoon into a stiff breeze and true to Jimmie’s abilities, he caught a keeper (28’-35”) within five minutes of launch on a top water plug. The four of us spent the rest of the day catching and releasing a great number of stripers from our plastic flotilla! The next morning was blowing even harder, so we returned to the same somewhat sheltered launch in Orleans with high hopes and we were not disappointed. We found schools of busting fish in about 2’ of water and they were big and hungry from their spring migration. We all boated keepers, some in the mid 30” range and once again spent the rest of the day catching and releasing fish. We woke early on the last day and it was flat calm, so we launched into Nauset Marsh in Eastham, just 10 minutes from our campsite, and spent the morning sight casting, on a large sand flat that was only 3’ deep, into roaming schools of hungry slot-sized Stripped Bass. After four days, we had a cooler full of fish, in what can only be described as an “Off The Chart” kayak fishing trip! It’s A Wild World-Get Out there!

Fishman Dan @paddlinandfishin

@paddlinandfishin | gulfcoastkayak.com | 239-283-1125

End of July!

PRE-ORDER YOUR KUBOTA EQUIPMENT

TODAY!

SVL97-2

• 96.4 Gross HP,† 4-Cylinder Turbocharged Kubota Diesel Engine • Standard Rear-View Camera • Standard Auxiliary Hydraulics

U-48-5

• 40.4 Gross HP † Kubota Diesel Engine • Minimum Tail Swing • 2-Pattern Selection System (ISO or SAE) • Optional Hydraulic Angle Blade

RTV-XG850

• Powerful 48.3 HP † Gasoline Engine • CVT-Plus Transmission• 4WD • General Purpose, Worksite & Special Models Available

3771 Palm Beach Blvd.

Ft. Myers, FL 239-694-2185 www.creeltractor.com † For complete warranty, safety and product information, consult your local Kubota dealer and the product operator’s manual. Power (HP/KW) and other specifications are based on various standards or recommended practices. KCDA-24-Creel Tractor FP Ad-2

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

er Co. -1536

AMBERJACKS?

A Complete Guide of what you Need to Know.

By: Michael Sipos, UF IFAS Sea Grant Agent ; UF/IFAS Extension Collier County

G

reater amberjack season is opening again August 1st– October 31st in Gulf of Mexico state and federal waters here in Florida. I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share some facts about this species, update anglers on the current Gulf of Mexico regulations and a short identification guide on how to distinguish greater amberjack from lesser amberjack, almaco jack and banded rudderfish. If angling and have and doubt on species identification, it’s always best practice to release the fish and let him see another day.

Jacks are prized sport fish, providing anglers with some legendary fights! After just a few of them, anglers are often ready to trade in the rod for a break and a beverage. They are voracious eaters and often targeted by recreational, commercial and charter fishermen as they readily accept lures or natural bait in a variety of fishing methods. Greater amberjack are heavily sought after for their sport quality by the recreational fishermen and fillets by the commercial fishermen which puts a lot of pressure on this species! Moreover, it is super important to be able to properly identify which jack is on your line before throwing it in the ice box.

Spaghetti? I didn’t order Italian?! Tapeworms belonging to the order trypanorhyncha otherwise known as spaghetti worms, can occasionally be found in the fillet of greater amberjack. Jack and other fish are the intermediate host for these cestode worms that undergo an interesting and complex life cycle. Spaghetti worms are harmless to humans and can be cut out of the flesh. Amberjack that have been bred and raised in captivity have shown reduced tapeworm infection rates as their diets consists of pellets, this gives seafood consumers a good excuse to support aquacultured jacks!

There are some fish parasites that can be transmitted to people so cooking fish thoroughly or freezing to FDA recommendations when eating fish raw should be taken seriously. Amberjack have a firmer/steak like flesh that can deliciously be prepared, grilled, blackened or smoked. For an overview on how to smoke fresh fish check out our blog and video.

The genus Seriola contains nine species, four of which are frequently encountered in the Gulf of Mexico. These schooling jacks inhabit offshore reefs and wrecks where they cruise the water column and search for fish and invertebrates. The largest of the four species is the greater amberjack, followed by the almaco jack; the lesser amberjack and banded rudderfish are significantly smaller species and can be similar in size. In Florida, a typical cookie cutter greater amberjack will be in the 20-40 pounds, almaco jack between 2-20 pounds and lesser/banded jacks weighing in below 10 pounds.

Size is one criteria to take into account when identifying these species as it would be very unlikely to encounter a 50 pound banded rudderfish or lesser amberjack, slightly unlikely to be an almaco jack and very likely to be a greater amberjack. The size of these fish can vary greatly throughout the world and along Florida’s 1300 miles of coastline. In Southwest Florida there may be some seasonal size variability with larger jacks moving closer to shore during the winter.

Juvenile versions of these jacks can look different than their adult counterparts and undergo physiological changes as they grow. These changes can primarily be observed in juvenile coloration and pattern. As juveniles, these jacks are lighter in color with vertical bars along the length of the body. The number of gill rakers found on the fish’s gill arch are reduced as these jacks increase in size. Luckily slot and minimum size limits are regulated on all but one of these four species and helps in the prevention of misidentifying undersized jacks. Using color for species identification gives you a guess but also can be unreliable as color can vary within the species based on genetics, size/age as well as fish activity. One feature that may be more pronounced when the fish is active and “lit up” is the darker colored eye stripe called the nuchal bar. In greater amberjack the nuchal bar starts from the nose and extends into the first dorsal fin area, in lesser amberjack the bar starts from the eye and extends to in front of the first dorsal fin. Banded rudderfish can be more blue-ish in hue as adults and have white tips on their tails. Almaco jack are usually darker in coloration than the other species which is more noticeable when observing the upper portion of the body.

Body shape, fin size/position, jaw maxilla, dorsal spines, keels, gill rakers and more! Details on all these features and identification factors can be found on my blog, https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/collierco/2020/04/29/amberjacks-a-complete-guide-of-what-you-need-toknow-before-the-season-opens/

14 NAPLES | AUGUST 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.

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

nook a 36” s . / w r le eed land Ryan N t off Marco Is caugh

Denis Burke w/ a little backyard fly rod snook action!

Cameron Hartley caught this 35” 15lb. snook near Captiva Pass!

PJ with a 29” redfish on a Capt.

Redfish Rob’s Charter.

ith

w ad fun orida h k. fl in y le noo @ash some s

Julie Bergl of Bonita Springs caught this pompano off of Marco Island.

Greg Yo u cobia o ng caught th is 32” ff Snak e of wate r with f Island in 4’ rozen m ullet.

Jim Partyka w/ a big black drum caught by New Pass Bridge.

Dan Ra imondi the Gulf w/ his 1st ARS w/ Cap from t. Vito!

Photos submitted Courtesy of Coastal Angler Readers and Contributing Writers Submit pics to: camswfl@gmail.com or text to 239.595.8265

SEAWALL EROSION CONTROL SIGNS OF SEAWALL EROSION SAFE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

1. Cracks in the seawall vertical panels or seawall cap 2. Depressions in your yard 3. Water bubbling up from the ground 4. Small sinkholes along the wall 5. Leaning or bowing of a seawall

Our Polyurethane Fills voids Seals cracks Strengthens soils

Free Estimates Free 2nd Opinions

Competitive Pricing Serving All of Florida

Experienced and Reputable Fully Licensed

Family Owned Guaranteed Work

“This company and its employees are awesome, can’t say enough nice things about them. Great job and neat and tidy!” - Kevin O.

888.426.1002 www.FloridaSeawallSolutions.com

#CBC1255391

Tame the Beast with Okuma’s Silver Slayer T

HANDLE

C A A A A A B B B B B

MODEL

PWR

TAPER

LENGTH (FT) LINE WT (LBS) LURE WT. (OZ)

FOREGRIP LENGTH

REARGRIP LENGTH

SECTIONS

GUIDES

HANDLE

NEW

NEW

NEW

NEW

14 FLORIDA

AUGUST 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

A Full tapered cork butt with Fuji gimbal and spinning reel seat

RODS

here is nothing like the sight of a monster tarpon as it sails through the air trying to shake your hook. Your hands begin to sweat profusely and your triceps suddenly tense up as you buckle down to try and gain control over its wild acrobatics. Will you get that fish back to the boat? That’s the question we all think about at that very moment.

Full of excitement, tarpon fishing is a bucket-list item for many fishermen, but it can also be extremely taxing on fishing gear for those who do it. If you’ve ever hooked up to a giant tarpon, 4 you understand that they are big and mean fighting machines. For that very reason, Okuma has worked to perfect a rod that is designed SILVER SLAYER TARPON RODS to allow anglers to - Specifically, designed rod blanks for Tarpon fishing - SeaGuide double locking Alien reel seat - Powerful and responsive 24-ton carbon rod blanks - Tapered cork fore and rear grip with rubber cork inlay go toe-to-toe with Silver Slayer specific models. The four models include a 7’ heavy, 7’ extra-heavy, - UFRII: Ultimate Flex Reinforced rod tip technology - Premium Fuji gimbal for support fighting big fish these beasts of 7’9” heavy and a 7’9” extra-heavy. These rods have the backbone to tarpon rodsby a Limited areLifetime - Fuji K-Concept deep press frames help reduce tangles - Silver Slayer rods are backed warranty - Silky smooth performance from Fuji FazLite guide inserts the salt. We built with powerful and really work your fish to the boat and feature a tapered cork fore and give you responsive 24-ton carbon full-rear grip design with a rubber cork inlay. the Silver SILVER SLAYER TARPON RODS With the brute strength that tarpon possess, Silver Slayer rods rod blanks that feature Okuma’s SLAY-S-701H-FG H MF 7' 0" 15 - 30 lbs 1/2 - 2 oz 12" 1-pcs 7 + Tip A Slayer have all the components to match. Each rod is designed with Fuji UFRII rod tip7"7" technology.

What’s SLAY-S-701XH-FG XH MF 7' 0" 20 - 50 lbs 3/4 - 3 oz 12" 1-pcs 7 + Tip A tarpon proprietary blends SLAY-S-791H-FG H MF 7'UFR-II? 9" 15 - 30 lbs This 1/2 - 2 oz 7" 13-1/2"process 1-pcs 7 + Tip AK-Concept deep press frames that help reduce tangles and line SLAY-S-791XH-FG XH MF 7' 9" 20 - 50 lbs 3/4 - 3 oz 7" 13-1/2" 1-pcs 7 + Tip rod! unidirectional fiber over 24-ton carbon in Atwist after all-day casting. Each of these guides holds firmly in place S = Spinning Model the extended tip section of the rod to increase a Fuji Faz-Lite guide insert for silky smooth performance. The rods lifting strength and power by as much as 400 also have a Sea Guide double locking Alien reel seat that keeps your in place. And while fighting percent. This technology provides for the ultimate in spinning reels firmly and comfortably Okuma | Product Catalog 2022 90 strength without sacrificing sensitivity so that you can feel your fish, the Silver Slayer rods all come standard with a premium Fuji gimbal for even the lightest of bites down deep.

Learn more at OkumaFishingUSA.com.

There are four Silver Slayer tarpon rods that are all spinning- support.

heavy, one to re and

r rods th Fuji d line n place e rods s your ghting mium

om.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

AUGUST 2022

FLORIDA 15

BOATHOUSE Discount Marine Supplies

Marine Supplies

OEM Marine Parts

Jacksonville

Locations Same Low Prices

Melbourne

Certified Service Department

Authorized OEM Marine Engine & Parts Dealer Trailer Parts

Trailer Sales

• AUTOMOTIVE • COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

CTX NANO-CERAMIC TINT •SUPERIOR HEAT REJECTION MELBOURNE •ENHANCED STYLE 557 N. HARBOR CITY BLVD •99% UV PROTECTION MELBOURNE, FL 32935

(321) 254-2535

JACKSONVILLE

5615 BLANDING BLVD. JACKSONVILLE, FL 32244

(904) 778-7775

BoathouseDiscountMarine.com

*LIFETIME WARRANTY 16 BREVARD

JANUARY 2019

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

Leg

T

Magaz in Boc M 7, 193 was in his fat conser writin Be indust Schoo Penns busine Unive U.S. N All the fishing So he beg to hav than 2 Aft his TV 27 yea M legacy of ang

Legendary Angler Mark Sosin Dies

T

he fishing world is mourning the death of Mark Sosin, a legendary fishing writer and television personality who was a long-time columnist for Coastal Angler Magazine. Sosin died on Thursday, June 30 in Boca Raton, Fla. He was 88 years old.

Mark Jessurun Sosin was born on July 7, 1933, in Highland Park, New Jersey. He was introduced to fishing at an early age by his father, whose tactics and dedication to conservation were frequent topics in Sosin’s writing.

Before making his way into the fishing industry, Sosin graduated from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and earned a master’s in business administration from New York University. He then spent four years in the U.S. Navy and after being discharged worked in several different positions.

All the while he fished and dreamed of earning a living from his passion for fishing.

Sosin’s long and illustrious career as a writer began in the 1960s, when he began writing magazine articles and books on fishing. Sosin is estimated to have written more than 3,000 magazine articles over his career and more than 20 books on fishing.

After moving to Boca Raton with his wife, Susan, in 1979, Sosin launched his TV show, “Mark Sosin’s Saltwater Journal,” in 1983. The program ran for 27 years.

Much of Sosin’s work was geared toward education and conservation. His legacy in the fishing industry is that of an educator who helped generations of anglers enter and improve in the sport we all love.

Go to www.coastalanglermagazine.com to read Mark Sosin’s columns for Coastal Angler Magazine.

Gain access to all your big offshore rods and reels choose white or black.

HOOKER ELECTRIC

Modular Rod Rack

Our unique fishing rod rack is designed to expand 12 rods with each expansion added.

855.HOOK.ONE LOCAL: 954-530-6908 HOOKERELECTRIC.COM

5094 NE 12th Avenue, Oakland Park, FL 33334 EMAIL: sales@hookerelectric.com

www.NoblesMarine.com Family Owned & Operated for 45 Years

Leesburg 352787-5792 437 N Palmetto St. Leesburg

Largest Ship Store in Lake & Sumter Counties Crystal River 352795-1119 1931 NW Hwy 19 Crystal River

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

AUGUST 2022

FLORIDA 17

LURES

LURE APPENDAGES FOR LONGER CASTS

PATRICK SEBILE

W

hen it comes to lures designed for longdistance casting, some are built with appendages that truly help reach distances other lures can’t achieve. These appendages might be located inside or outside of the lure.

One popular appendage on minnow-style baits is a mass-transfer device. A weight located inside the lure moves to the tail when the lure is held vertically in the casting position, and once it hits the water the weight slides back to its original location for better swimming action. Typically, these lures are best when they use a magnetic mass transfer device. Some billed minnows use a heavy fixed weight in the tail and can achieve longer casts than mass-transfer lures. Either way, one thing is sure: minnows not built for distance do not cast as well as those designed for this purpose.

The external shape of a lure also plays a large part in the distance it is capable of reaching. Remember: a floating lure does not perform as well as a sinking or super-long-distance model because of its low density. Denser lures cast better as a rule of thumb, but they might not be best for catching fish because of where they swim in the water column or because they lack seductive action.

Appendages can help achieve the best of both worlds by providing

for long casts as well as swimming well at the desired depth. Side wings are an incredible advantage. They add water lift, which helps compensate for a heavier lure and generates great swimming motion. This is how some SK and SLD poppers and pencils can weigh 25 to 100 percent more than similar floating lures and still be able to be used on the surface. The added weight allows for significant increase in casting distance.

In the case of a 160mm (6 3/8”) pencil, the floating model weighs 2 ½ ounces, while the sinking model weighs 3 ¼ ounces. This weight increase translates into 50 percent longer casts. On the typical topwater retrieve, the sinking model does everything a floating one can. Actually, the walkthe-dog action is a bit superior, and it’s also possible to fish the heavier pencil like a swimbait with a slow steady retrieve. Those appendages provide great fish-catching action.

But there’s a catch. Sinking lures sink. When you need a lure that floats at rest, floating lures with pointy noses cast farther. The physics are simple. Any lure flying through the air generates turbulences in front of the lure, where the line attachment is.

This turbulence acts as a suction cup, dragging on the lure and diminishing casting energy. Like on a jet plane, a pointy nose helps limit this effect.

Floating lures with pointed noses consistently cast farther than floating lures with similar style and length.

Pay attention to these appendages next time you’re buying lures.

They will reward you when it comes to distance—and fish caught!

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.

(561) 758-8758 Phone Orders Can Be Shipped

Custom Spliced Dock Lines & Anchor Rodes

18 FLORIDA

AUGUST 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

S

T

wings ensate s how t more e. The

hs 2 ½ crease trieve, walkand it’s pencil steady rovide

lures floats pointy cs are gh the ont of ent is. n cup, ishing plane, effect. noses oating h. lures.

STHRCLUB.COM

SHRMARINA .COM

THE PERFECT ESCAPE IN THE HEART OF OLD FLORIDA

Book your dream getaway today at 352.498.3222 Coming Soon!

s t e i n h atc h e e m a r i n a at d e a dm a n bay SHOW THIS AD AT CHECK-IN FOR 10% OFF CABIN OR BOAT RENTAL!

n

Donate A Boat or Car Today!

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

AUGUST 2022

FLORIDA 19

S

BRAND

o

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/REAPERRODS

FEAR THE REAPER

“

ALL REAPER RODS FEATURE THE

AS WELL AS OTHER AMERICAN TACKLE COMPONENTS FOR ONE OF THE MOST DURABLE RODS ON THE MARKET

www.americantackle.us

BOAT INSURANCE SINKING YOU?

SAVE

50%Insurance

up to

on Boat

Get the

LOWEST Rates!

BOATS & $37,000 $75,000 JETSKI From: $264/yr $474/yr

S S G p p th

$100,000 $250,000 $500,000 $586/yr $2,975/yr $5,985/yr

GET A QUOTE! (888) 977-4500 (954) 785-5000

BoatInsuranceFlorida.com Bradley Insurance Group

Covering Boaters throughout the south since 1988

Your #1 Source for Boat Insurance 20 FLORIDA

AUGUST 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Tri au on mo $2 ou an su Ma

NO reli ©

STAY AHEAD of the Weather

“I took the kids fishing because it wasn’t supposed to rain, but mother nature decided otherwise.

I was able to monitor the storm path using SiriusXM on our display, wait ‘til the storm cleared and kept the kids dry!”

— Rob Lupola, Raymarine/Strike Two Fishing Team, Pensacola, FL Boater receives complimentary service.

Stay informed and spend more time on the water with SiriusXM Fish Mapping, our most comprehensive Marine service.

Get the latest satellite weather, sea conditions and forecasts, plus recommended fishing locations for popular gamefish, plankton and temperature fronts, weed lines and more. Get all that and SiriusXM entertainment on your compatible display.

AVAILABLE ON

Trial Offer Details: Activate a new monthly subscription to either: (i) SiriusXM Marine Fish Mapping or (ii) SiriusXM Marine Fish Mapping and the SiriusXM Platinum audio entertainment plan on the same device, and receive your first (1) month free for each activated service (a savings of $99.99 on Fish Mapping and $22.99 on Platinum plan), plus get free device activation (an additional savings of $25). A credit card is required on this offer. Service will automatically renew every month thereafter and, at the beginning of your second month, you will be charged at then-current rates (currently, $99.99/mo. for Fish Mapping and $22.99/mo. for Platinum plan). Fees and taxes apply. You must cancel your subscriptions during your promotional period(s) to avoid future charges. Please see our Customer Agreement at www.siriusxm.com for complete terms and how to cancel, which includes calling us at 1-800-985-9200. All fees, content and features are subject to change. This offer may be modified, suspended or canceled at any time. Subscription and hardware sold separately. Your Platinum subscription plan may be eligible for a multi-radio discounted rate if maintained on the same account as an activate full-price SiriusXM Marine Weather or Fish Mapping subscription package.

NOTE: SiriusXM services may include weather, other content and emergency alert information which is not for “safety for life,” but is merely supplemental and advisory in nature, and therefore cannot be relied upon as safety critical in connection with any seacraft or any other usage. SiriusXM is not responsible for any errors or inaccuracies in the services or their use. © 2022 Sirius XM Radio Inc. SiriusXM and all related logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc. and its respective subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Photo credit: Greg Poland Photography.

CCA FLORIDA STAR AWARDS $80K RIG TO FLORIDA ANGLER

I

n early July, CCA Florida, the state’s leading organization dedicated to marine fisheries conservation, education and advocacy, named and verified the first Tagged Redfish division winner in the 2022 West Marine CCA Florida STAR competition presented

by Yamaha. Jeff Moore, of Punta Gorda, selected a prize package from Pathfinder Boats and Yamaha Outboards valued at more than $80,000.

“I still cannot believe I landed a STAR 2022 Tagged Redfish and that it won me a new Pathfinder!” Moore said. “I almost released the fish when I noticed something on its back, which looked like a parasite, so I brought it back over the edge of my ’yak for a better look. You can understand my excitement when I realized it was a STAR tag. I knew I needed a photo on the measuring device to submit my catch through the STAR app and follow the rules to win. I was jazzed that I had registered for STAR. It is like an insurance policy for fishing; don’t fish without it because you could win a boat!”

This year, nearly 160 Tagged Redfish were released across Florida’s coastal waters, giving participants more opportunities to win. Remaining

22 FLORIDA

AUGUST 2022

prizes in the Tagged Redfish Division include a Contender 22 Sport and a Spyder Vapor 19FX, all powered by Yamaha along with $50,000 cash from Alta Equipment Company. Additionally, STAR’s other tagged division, the Tigress Outriggers and Gear Tagged Dolphin Division, will award $10,000 to the first registrant who catches a tagged dolphin.

Unlike traditional fishing competitions, CCA Florida STAR focuses on conservation and offers $500,000 in prizes and scholarships during the 101-day event. Recognized as a “catch, photo and release” competition, STAR’s smart phone app eliminates the requirement for anglers to harvest or capture and transport fish.

“Not only is STAR about having fun and winning awesome prizes, but it is also dedicated to fishing smarter to help restore, preserve and improve Florida’s marine habitat and water quality,” CCA Florida STAR Director Leiza Fitzgerald said. “Implementing a catch-photo-release competition is just one way to continue fulfilling our organization’s mission and protect our coastal waterways.”

STAR is also focused on youth participation, with its Youth Scholarship Division presented by Realtree Fishing, offering $100,000 in scholarships.

Youth anglers (ages 6-17) can register for free with a current CCA Florida youth membership ($10) and are eligible for prizes in both tagged divisions.

Youth winners in the Tagged Redfish Division will be awarded a new boat with Humminbird Electronics, MinnKota trolling motor, Yamaha 40HP motor and trailer. Additionally, if the first registered angler to catch one of the 20 tagged dolphin (mahi mahi) is a youth, then he or she will win a $10,000 scholarship in the Tigress Outriggers and Gear Tagged Dolphin Division.

The STAR competition includes 17 divisions and 12 species and most winners are determined by a random drawing, giving anglers of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to win. Registration is $40 for current CCA Florida members or $75 for non-members.

For more information or to register for STAR, visit Facebook, Instagram or ccaflstar.com.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

St Fi

Fo

Fir Mo

VE

So

and a h from on, the 10,000

ocuses ng the tition, arvest

es, but mprove rector tion is rotect

arship rships. lorida isions. w boat 40HP h one ll win olphin

Struck in 99.9% Fine Silver! e EVER! For the First Tim

r First Legal-Tende tury!

Morgans in a Cen

ITE D! VE RY LIM t the Mint!

Sold Out a

d most ll ages t CCA

Actual size is 38.1 mm

O PRIVY MARK

The U.S. Mint Just Struck Morgan Silver Dollars for the First Time in 100 Years!

It’s been more than 100 years since the last Morgan Silver Dollar was struck for circulation. Morgans were the preferred currency of cowboys, ranchers and outlaws and earned a reputation as the coin that helped build the Wild West.

Struck in 90% silver from 1878 to 1904, then again in 1921, these silver dollars came to be known by the name of their designer, George T. Morgan. They are one of the most revered, most-collected, vintage U.S. Silver Dollars ever.

Celebrating the 100th Anniversary with Legal-Tender Morgans

Honoring the 100th anniversary of the last year they were minted, the U.S. Mint struck five different versions of the Morgan in 2021, paying tribute to each of the mints that struck the coin. The coins here honor the historic New Orleans Mint, a U.S. Mint branch from 1838–1861 and again from 1879–1909. These coins, featuring an “O” privy mark, a small differentiating mark, were struck in Philadelphia since the New Orleans Mint no longer exists. These beautiful

SPECIAL CALL-IN ONLY OFFER

coins are different than the originals because they’re struck in 99.9% fine silver instead of 90% silver/10% copper, and they were struck using modern technology, serving to enhance the details of the iconic design.

Very Limited. Sold Out at the Mint!

The U.S. Mint limited the production of these gorgeous coins to just 175,000, a ridiculously low number. Not surprisingly, they sold out almost instantly! That means you need to hurry to add these bright, shiny, new legal-tender Morgan Silver Dollars with the New Orleans privy mark, struck in 99.9% PURE Silver, to your collection. Call 1-888-395-3219 to secure yours now. PLUS, you’ll receive a BONUS American Collectors Pack, valued at $25, FREE with your order. Call now. These will not last!

FREE SHIPPING! Limited time only.

Standard domestic shipping only.

Not valid on previous purchases.

1-888-395-3219

w.

To learn more, call no d! rve se t rs fi ll, First ca

Offer Code NSD224-02 Please mention this code when you call.

GovMint.com • 1300 Corporate Center Curve, Dept. NSD224-02, Eagan, MN 55121

GovMint.com® is a retail distributor of coin and currency issues and is not affiliated with the U.S. government. The collectible coin market is unregulated, highly speculative and involves risk. GovMint.com reserves the right to decline to consummate any sale, within its discretion, including due to pricing errors. Prices, facts, figures and populations deemed accurate as of the date of publication but may change significantly over time. All purchases are expressly conditioned upon your acceptance of GovMint.com’s Terms and Conditions (www.govmint.com/terms-conditions or call 1-800-721-0320); to decline, return your purchase pursuant to GovMint.com’s Return Policy. © 2022 GovMint.com. All rights reserved.

®

A+

Re-Discover Old Florida

Waterfront Charm

The Perfect Vacation Getaway for Fishing, Boating & Outdoor Enthusiasts

STAY 7 DAYS, GET 2 FREE!!!

SC

AL FREE LO G PI UN EQ NG & RIG UI LO GI PM B NG EN STE T RI NG

7610 Industrial Ln. Suite 8H Tampa, FL. 33637

neptonics.com 813-867-3250

RESERV YOUR ST E FOR 28 D AY A OR LONG YS E & RECEIV R E 50% OFF

Your Spearfishing Headquarters.

Use code coastal10 for

10% OFF your order

Nestled on six lush tropical acres of pristine waterfront directly on the Indian River Lagoon, take a step back in time to experience the very best of Old Florida charm with modern conveniences and services to make your stay truly memorable and unforgettable.

• FULLY FURNISHED 3 ROOM COTTAGES WITH FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHENS • • • • • • •

Kingfish Lodge includes a wide screen TV and bar for small gatherings Sailfish House features a wide covered wrap-around porch for larger groups Boat Trailer Parking on site w/ Water and Power 250 Foot Dock w/ Covered Area FREE Ice / FREE Guest Dockage TRAVEL Cable TV, Hi-Speed Internet Cover Your Vacation 2 miles to the Ft. Pierce Inlet with Travel Insurance 12 miles to the Gulf Stream Laundry, BBQ Grilles and FREE use of our Kayaks P R O T E C T I O N

NIGHTLY • WEEKLY • MONTHLY • SEASONAL RATES

3011 N. Indian River Dr., Ft. Pierce, FL 34946

www.indianriverlagoonwaterfrontcottages.com

Reservations and Information: (772) 349-2206

Your Health and Safety are our utmost concern. COVID-19 CDC Guidelines are in full effect.

All accommodations are completely cleaned and sanitized prior to guest arrival

24 FLORIDA

AUGUST 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

GEICO.COM/BOAT • 1-800-865-4846 • LOCAL OFFICE GREAT LOW RATES | MULTI-VEHICLE DISCOUNT | SPECIALIZED AGENTS Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2022 GEICO. 21_782312631

By Will Schmidt

Your Grouper Grounds

F

inding new spots to fish has been one of the biggest issues facing us since… well, since fishing started. For years inshore fishermen have used satellite views to find points with cuts, oyster bars and other features that can be seen from above in the shallows. The good news is offshore anglers can now take advantage of similar imagery to make finding new spots feel like you’ve got it made in the shade.

High-definition relief shading like that in the new Garmin Navionics Vision+ package gives anglers insight into spots they would have never known about unless they just stumbled across them. There are countless examples of offshore spots where I’ve marked and caught fish without knowing that just a few hundred feet away were even better looking spots.

It’s hard to know every ridge or well-defined bottom feature, so getting a view of what is down there can be extremely beneficial. Of course, not all

spots that look good hold fish, but it’s a start.

Once you find something of interest, spot lock trolling motors make it easy to move and drop baits to see if anyone is home. For larger areas, such as long ridges, sometimes trolling makes a bit more sense to cover more ground.

When chasing bottom fish such as grouper, there are a few techniques that work well. Downriggers and planers with jig heads and large paddletail baits work well, but I find deep diving plugs to be even better. There are a host of deep divers out now that provide an accurate depth to which they will dive.

The Nomad DTX Minnow is one of my favorites. It is deadly on grouper and does double duty with its high-speed capability for chasing pelagic species as well. I also love the fact that they come rigged with single hooks versus treble hooks. The key is to just graze the sandy bottom next to the rocks to get the groupers’ attention. They have keen sight and will charge out quickly to grab a meal, and the bonus is you start with them already away from the rocks.

Just a few hundred feet away The great thing about using highfrom where the author has definition relief shading and trolling marked and caught grouper for grouper is you might have one is a massive ledge that holds even more fish. spot that quickly turns into four or five locations to drop baits in a relatively small area. Sometimes the spots are within a few hundred feet and sometimes farther. Regardless, this technology is a game-changer, and by covering new ground quickly it can make finding new productive spots much easier.

Will Schmidt is a seasoned tournament angler who has been writing about fishing from more than two decades.

SPECIALIZING IN RESTORATION OF AGED, SUNBURNT, OR FADED LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAYS.

WE SERVICE MORE THAN JUST GAUGES! CHART PLOTTERS, VHF’S, RADARS, SOUNDERS, AUTOPILOTS, JET SKI CLUSTERS, AND MUCH MORE.

904-701-9726 • GAUGESAVER.COM 5049 HIGHWAY 17 SOUTH, GREEN COVE SPRINGS, FL 32043

10 NATIONAL

AUGUST 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

If your device has an LCD that has faded over time, or want to inquire about possible repair options for your unit, give us a call or visit our website!

make it uch as round. uch as es that planers dletail diving a host ide an ll dive. of my er and -speed pecies t they versus graze cks to y have uickly is you om the

highrolling e one or five atively etimes g new

g

“Our TowBoatU.S. Captain was fantastic! He consistently communicated his location, his ETA, our options for service and storage, even overnight accommodations. We never expected to run aground but we were so happy to have the TowBoatU.S. team on our side.”

Our customers can’t stop raving about the service they’ve received from the Red Boats and Captains of TowBoatU.S. Unpredictable things happen on the water so be sure you’ve got a back up plan with service from TowBoatU.S. - they’re the best in the business.

For Towing You Can Trust, Join Today!

BoatUS.com/Towing 800-395-2628

~ BoatU.S. Member, Joey Nelson Details of services provided can be found online at BoatUS.com/Agree. TowBoatU.S. is not a rescue service.

In an emergency situation, you must contact the Coast Guard or a government agency immediately.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

AUGUST 2022

NATIONAL 11

SEPTEMBER 8-10, 2022 ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER WEST CONCOURSE ORLANDO, FL

Shop fishing & marine apparel and accessories at Surf Expo.

S

REGISTER AT SURFEXPO.COM. A Trade-Only Event. Qualified Retailers Attend For Free.

w aters d a e H

them carefully when dog-day temperatures peak. Fish are fighting for their lives with every ounce of their strength on the end of a line. The stress can kill them when water conditions are less than ideal. That, along with blazing hot sun on the back of the neck, is enough reason to strike out in search of a more appealing environment when it gets hot.

My 11-year-old son and I recently spent a couple days on the headwaters of North Carolina’s Nantahala River at a place called Standing Indian. Standing Indian Mountain tops out at close to 5,500 feet, and its slopes feed the river with plenty of cold water from numerous headwater branches. This area, upstream of the U.S. Forest Service’s Standing Indian Campground, is off of U.S. 64 west of Franklin, N.C. The Nantahala at Standing Indian bears little resemblance to the big whitewater river it becomes downstream near Bryson City. In its headwaters, there are about six miles of public water that might be 20 feet across in the wide spots. It’s a great little stream for folks who enjoy slinging dry flies on a four-weight fly rod for pretty little rainbow and brown trout.

The fishing wasn’t exactly stellar the two days my son and I fished in mid-June. There were thunderstorms each night, so the river was a little high and stained. My son is also new to a lightweight fly rod, and overhanging rhododendron and river birch are hardly easy terrain for a beginner. Still, we managed to catch numerous gorgeous rainbows slinging a dry-dropper rig with a small Pheasant Tail fished beneath a yellow Stimulator. There were little yellow Sally stoneflies in the air, so our selection of dry fly matched the hatch.

Good small-stream browns in the 14-inch range come from this stretch of water pretty regularly, but all we caught were rainbows with a couple measuring maybe 10 or 11 inches. That’s a pretty good fish in terms of little

By Nick Carter wild trout streams in the Southeast. We considered our mission accomplished returning to a riverside campsite each evening.

While my son might not be old enough to appreciate it, the cool mountain rout anglers have two options when it comes to deep summer. They can air and bedding down to the gurgle of the creek were the highlights of the trip. either hit tailwater fisheries, where dam-controlled flows provide stable The air temperature was easily 20 degrees cooler than back home, and I don’t year-round water temperatures, or they can seek out high-elevation know if I’ve ever slept better. headwaters, where both fish and angler find comfort in rhododendron-shaded For information, check out Nick Carter’s book “Flyfisher’s Guide to creeks with water conditions perennially perfect for little wild trout.

North Carolina & Georgia.” It’s available on Amazon or by Big fish and big hatches of tailrace trout fishing are certainly appealing. contacting the author at nsc8957@gmail.com.

However, anglers should play fish intended for release quickly and handle

ARE THE ANSWER TO THE DOG DAYS

T

SUMMERTIME FISHING...

LET’S GO!

www.

.com

25’ C-Hawk CC

TO FIND YOUR NEAREST DEALER, VISIT US ONLINE:

www.MitziSkiffs.com • www.CHawkBoats.net COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

AUGUST 2022

NATIONAL 13

TIPS FROM A PRO

SUMMERTIME BASS ON POPPERS

B

TYLER WOOLCOTT

ass are on the move in deep summer.

Throwing search baits, especially topwater, is one of the best and most fun ways to find groups of feeding fish. A style of lure that was created a long time ago but still works wonders today is an old-school topwater popper. You can throw this just about anywhere around rocks, grass, wood, docks and in open water to get bites.

When the weather gets hot and more people get on the water, getting fish to commit to a surface lure is sometimes almost impossible. What I like to do is put away the bigger topwaters like walking baits or Whopper Ploppers and take out a smaller Pop-Rstyle bait.

There are a few reasons this bait gets more bites in the right situations. The first is it’s smaller and quieter. A smaller profile and less noise is sometimes what these finicky fish want. I have seen many situations when throwing a big noisy topwater won’t get a single bite, but throwing a popper in the same area makes fish eat.

Another reason popper-style baits are very good is the speed at which you can work them. There are many topwaters that require highspeed retrieves.

With a popper, the slower you work it the more it drives them crazy. I vary my retrieve and see what the fish are feeling, but usually I’ll pop the bait subtly a few times and vary the action to make it look like a dying baitfish. Then I’ll let the bait sit for a few seconds before creating another movement. This absolutely drives them crazy.

One last reason poppers are deadly is that feathered rear treble hook. When fish are feeding on tiny baitfish or bugs, the feathered treble makes them bite. Sometimes even the small profile of the bait is still too big for them, but they come up and see the feathers and eat those instead.

Fishing the right rod and reel with a Pop-R makes a huge difference in landing fish. You want a rod with a good amount of bend because you don’t set the hook. Instead, you just reel into them. I use a 13 Fishing Defy Black 7’ cranking rod. For the reel, you want something that is able to cast a light lure as far as possible.

You also need one that will pick up the bait fast for another cast in case a fish misses or you spot surfacing fish. I use a 13 Fishing Concept with an 8:3 gear ratio. I spool it with 30- to 50-lb. Seaguar Smackdown Braid.

Next time you get on the water, pick up a popper style lure like a 13 Fishing Poppy McPop Face and see how deadly it can be in the summer months.

Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide.

Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcottfishing.com.

14 NATIONAL

AUGUST 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

All in

AndAlusiA MArine & powersports inc.

Headquarters For All your Boating needs Xpress •

1707 River Falls Street, Andalusia, AL 36421

Alweld •

(334) 427-1428

stingrAy • VerAndA • Quest

All kinds of parts and accessories in stock and ready for delivery!

Innertubes • Ski’s • Wakeboards Ropes • Life jackets Solas and Michigan Wheel Props

certified full line YAmAhA deAler!

GreAt service!

• Humminbird • Garmin • Lowrance • Minnkota - authorized sales and service center • Rhodan • Certified Full Line Yamaha Dealer

www.andalusiamarine.com www.facebook.com/andalusiamarine

SRP $699 NOW ONLY

$99 PLUS S&H

PROMO CODE:

CA2SPT

... DEDICATED TO A LAND OF HOPE & OPPORTUNITY. It’s a pride thing, pride in your country, pride in being an American. Our new Patriot watch means you can show your dedication to the good ole US of A but with added practical and stylish side benefits. Each metal component has of course been engineered from premium grade solid stainless steel fused with luxurious 18k gold. A genuine leather cuff style strap holds 2 medallions sporting the American Eagle with flag detailing depicted in blue and red enamel. This famous emblem is repeated on the designer set with easy to read white hands a useful date window. Magnificent presentation case included with every order.

To purchase your Daniel Steiger Patriot today for only $99 plus s&h please use your exclusive promo code CA2SPT by calling us Toll Free on 1 800 733 8463 or entering code online at www.timepiecesusa.com/ca2spt

1-800 733 8463

or online at timepiecesusa.com/ca2spt

- 5 Year Movement Warranty - 18k Yellow Gold Finish - 3 ATMs Water Resistance - Premium Leather Cuff Style Strap - 3 Hand, Date - Traditional American Detail - Stainless Steel Case - Magnificent Presentation Case - 30 Day Money Back Guarantee

For Your Special $99 Price Please Use PROMO CODE:

CA2SPT

Timepieces International Inc, 10701 NW 140th Street, Suite 1, Hialeah Gardens, Fl. 33018 • 1 800 733 8463