Coastal Angler Magazine - August / Naples

NAPLES/MARCO/EVERGLADES/ESTERO/BONITA SPRINGS EDITION

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Marlin, Sails & Mahi!

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Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events PHOTO COURTESY OF JIMMY NELSON VOLUME 23 • ISSUE 282

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BIG BEND : Mike McNamara • (850) 510-7919 • captmike@coastalanglermagazine.com BREVARD : Chris Milner • (321) 631-1001 • cmilner@coastalanglermagazine.com DAYTONA/NEW SMYRNA/DELAND : Amy Chibbaro • (386) 478-3812 • achibbaro@coastalanglermagazine.com Chris Chibbaro • (386) 478-9234 • cchibbaro@coastalanglermagazine.com FLORIDA KEYS : Cliff Lumpkin • (305) 849-9093 • cliff@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT LAUDERDALE : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT MYERS : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER ORLANDO : Phillip & Giselle Wolf • (407) 790-9515 • phillip@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER MIAMI : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com LAKELAND & SUMTER : Mary Brasher • (352) 598-4219 • maryf@coastalanglermagazine.com NAPLES : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com NC FLORIDA/NATURE COAST : Cary & Lynn Crutchfield • (352) 372-4237 • crutch@coastalanglermagazine.com NE FLORIDA : Danny Patrick • (904) 742-4696 • danny@coastalanglermagazine.com PANAMA CITY/FORGOTTEN COAST : Randy Cnota • (229) 834-7880 • randyc@coastalanglermagazine.com PALM BEACH COUNTY : Barbara Ryan • (561) 373-8040 • barbara@coastalanglermagazine.com SARASOTA : Phil Prevoir • (239) 257-4684 • pprevoir@coastalanglermagazine.com TAMPA BAY : Chuck Atkins • (239) 464-5153 • chuck@coastalanglermagazine.com TREASURE COAST : Misti & Gary Guertin • (772) 285-6850 • treasurecoast@coastalanglermagazine.com flahama@coastalanglermagazine.com

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Losing Count On The Clinch River

By Nick Carter

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very now and then, there are magical days when all the variables align. It can seem almost too easy. The fish just eat what you’re throwing, and it’s glorious.

Of course, these days happen more often for those who have a fishery dialed in. And for the rest of us who can’t be on the water daily to learn a river, the next best thing is to go with someone who can.

That’s where Capt. Dane Law and Bill Stranahan, of Southeastern Anglers, stepped in during a recent trip on the Clinch River, northwest of Knoxville, Tenn. The Clinch is one of the Southeast’s

premier trout fisheries. It is a 13-mile tailwater fed by cold, oxygenated waters of Norris Dam. Tennessee stocks the river with rainbow and brown trout, and bank anglers line up near stocking points to pitch baits for a seven-fish limit.

That’s all well and good, but for anglers in search of more than a fish dinner, the river is great because of all the trout that survive this initial onslaught. There is some natural reproduction in the river, and with a 14- to 20-inch protected length range and an allowance of one keeper fish longer than 20 inches, trout that reach the protected slot are free to grow. And they grow quickly.

The Clinch has gained a reputation for being fickle and for requiring delicate presentation of tiny flies. “The Grinch or The Cinch,” is a clichéd phrase Bill related to me while launching his jet-powered G3 on a hot Tuesday morning in June. By mid-afternoon, it was difficult to imagine this river being stingy.

Maybe a minute into our first drift, Dane hooked up with a gorgeous rainbow that pushed the upper end of that 20-inch slot. It was an indicator of good things to come. The action remained constant for the next five hours. We must have caught 30 or more trout, including four that measured 18 to 20 inches and a couple presumably larger fish that snapped the 6x tippet required to draw strikes.

And it was simple fishing. Dane and Bill showed up armed to the teeth with 5- to 7-weight rods and reels, with everything from floating to 300-grain sinking lines. Their flies ran the gamut from tiny midges to big articulated streamers. On this day, the vast majority of their arsenal saw no action. The only thing we needed was Bill’s initial suggestion: a size 16 bead-head Prince Nymph dropped 5 feet beneath a foam hopper.

Several times, Dane or Bill remarked that the river normally doesn’t fish this ridiculously well. But when it all comes together, there is nothing more fun than floating a river and losing count of the fish.

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Destination: Fishing!

Using Technology For Rhode Island Stripers

By Tom Schlichter

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t’s hard to find a place better suited for catching trophy striped bass than the waters surrounding Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay area. With a mix of rocky bottom, strong currents and tons of forage species in nearby ocean waters, plus miles of mud flats inside the bay, this stretch is loaded with big fish potential.

Flippin Out Charters skipper BJ Silvia has mined these waters for more than 30 years. He’s boated hundreds of bass in the 40-pound class, plus five weighing 50 to 54 pounds… and he thinks the fishing here is on the verge of getting better!

“The number of stripers coming through the ranks right now is amazing,” he said, “We’ve got plenty of cow bass, plus an unprecedented number of fish ranging from shorts to 20 pounds. If we protect the young year classes over the next few years, the potential is outstanding.”

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The shallow waters of Narragansett Bay receive a solid shot of big stripers each May, the 48-year old revealed. Those fish drop out of the Hudson River and spread across the mud flats, traveling in small wolf packs that most anglers target with random casting. Using the latest technology, however, gives Silvia a big edge. He’s hooked on side-scanning sonar to isolate the bass packs on the flats.

“Any fishfinder can spot fish below the boat,” Silvia emphasized, “but my Humminbird Solix 15 scans the surrounding waters with super-clear images that push out several hundred feet. For the sharpest images, I set my system to scan within 100 feet. Once we spot these fish, we target them with big plugs like a Musky Mania Doc or topwater spooks. Last spring, the big bass were more spread out than usual, so my Solix proved a lifesaver. It helped get me on the fish quickly, which resulted in more fishing and less searching around.”

Technology counts later in the summer as well, added Silvia. Once the stripers leave the shallows, they hold around bottom humps in ocean depths ranging from 20 to 50 feet during July and August.

Here, the striper sharpie targets cows using live eels. He’ll fish one weightless rig, one with a small egg sinker, and a third with more weight based on drift speed. On tough days, he said, the biggest bass often prefer the lightest rigs.

Focusing again on his technological edge, Silvia noted the bestknown striper spots see tremendous pressure, so he uses his Humminbird fishfinders (he also has a Solix 12 and Solix 10) to look for isolated pieces that don’t show up on the charts.

“I use the auto-chart live feature to record them as way points,” he said. “That way, I’m hitting small spots others miss. These often hold the biggest fish.”

Contact Silvia at Flippin Out Charters (Flippinoutcharters.com; 401-529-2267). To go it alone, tie-up or launch from Fort Adams State Park Newport, RI (www.dem.gov; 401-847-2400). For overnight accommodations, The Courtyard by Marriot, Middletown, RI (www. marriot.com; 401-849-8000) is reasonably priced and a five-minute drive from the water.

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America’s Boating Club Delivers Boating Education

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hen it comes to boating education, nothing beats getting out on the water with an instructor. Whether you are learning about the subtlety of throttle control while docking or decision making based on the rules of the road while underway, having a knowledgeable instructor to guide you is irreplaceable. A good source for on-the-water boater education is United States Power Squadrons – America’s Boating Club. Your local squadron will have a schedule of courses covering topics like boat safety equipment and procedures, basic vessel operation and controls, close quarters maneuvering, operating a boat on plane, docking, anchoring, emergency maneuvers and man overboard recovery, to name a few.

To bolster your on-the-water training, America’s Boating Club has released digital assets designed to enhance boating education with the Digital Media Library and America’s Boating Channel. Funded by grants from the United States Coast Guard, United States Power Squadrons – America’s Boating Club’s Digital Media Library houses multiple formats of digital media focused on boating safety and boater education including videos, slideshows, images, animations, audio presentations and instructor’s manuals. Videos have also been made available through a YouTube channel, America’s Boating Channel, to allow users to stream video content online.

Videos and animations cover a wide range of topics and are organized into sections like Planning, Departure, Underway and Arrival. Each video goes into more detail tackling subjects like life jackets, vessel inspections, steering basics, anchoring, man overboard, docking, mooring and shoreline landings.

“In an ongoing effort to make boater education more accessible, we have turned to digital and online resources to disseminate the latest information,” said Gary Cheney, chief commander, United States Power Squadrons. “The mission of the United States Power Squadrons is to promote safe boating through education. By offering video assets through the Digital Media Library and America’s Boating Channel, we give

individuals access to vital boating information that they can view at home or on the go. It’s all part of making it easier than ever before to become a safer and more knowledgeable boater.”

Providing original multimedia content instructors can use to enhance their classroom offerings, the Digital Media Library lets individuals view videos at home to reinforce what is learned in class. Videos provide an introduction to a range of boating topics, essential skills and etiquette.

Links to “Learn More” at the end of each video promote further education.

New content is added regularly. A new video series currently in production includes four videos on various aspects of life jackets, six on personal watercraft operation and one each on accident reporting, frequently asked questions about navigation rules, visual distress signals and mobile maritime service identities. Videos are also available in both English and Spanish. The Digital Media Library can be accessed at uspsdml.org/videos/.

America’s Boating Channel can be found at americasboatingchannel.com/.

Knowledge is key to a safe and enjoyable time on the water. United States Power Squadrons – America’s Boating Club, has the materials you need to enhance your education. Find your local squadron at www. americasboatingclub.org and sign up for a class today!

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FISH & FISHING

Hunting Sharks

MARK SOSIN

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ost anglers go out of their way to avoid hooking a shark. In their minds, anyone who actually hunts sharks doesn’t know much about fishing and has his priorities mixed up. They reason that these toothy critters don’t put up much of a battle. With sharks of any size and particularly in relatively shallow water, you’re going to have to crank the engine and chase them with the boat.

Two of the toughest and most memorable battles I have ever endured involved sharks that pounced on a fish I had almost landed. In the first instance, I was leading a relatively small wahoo to the boat so we could release it. Suddenly, an oversized mako shark ate half of that fish in one bite and inadvertently got itself hooked. We chased that mako forever, and I put every ounce of pressure on it that I could until my arms and shoulders turned numb from the pain. During all that time, we hadn’t even slowed the shark down. Finally, in desperation, I purposely broke the shark off.

The second battle took place over Pinas Reef in Panama, where I was getting close to landing a 250-pound black marlin.

That’s when some unseen creature devoured the marlin in three bites. It took over an hour before I could bring that shark alongside the boat. It had to weigh at least 1,500 pounds and was half as long as the boat. That, by the way, was the biggest fish I’ve ever caught.

Whenever and wherever you fish, keep a rod rigged and ready for sharks. It should have an abrasion leader about 10

feet long and 12 to 18 inches of single-strand wire between the abrasion leader and the hook. A circle hook should be your first choice because its hooking ratio is higher than any other type.

And remember that you don’t have to set it. Unless you are only trolling, you want to be able to cast a bait in front of a cruising shark and retrieve it on the surface or close to it. A balao or a strip of natural bait should do the job.

Casting to a cruising shark is exciting sport, but in areas that boast plenty of sharks, you can also anchor the boat and chum them with chunks of natural bait. You’ll need a quick release on the anchor, because a hooked shark will take off at considerable speed. Keep in mind that sharks on the flats or in relatively shallow water can be easily spooked, so your cast has to be on target. The bait should ease in front of the shark and appear as if it is getting away.

Sharks do not have a bony skeleton like other fishes. They can literally turn their head and bite their tail, and their body is extremely strong. The best policy for any shark and particularly those of size is to keep them in the water and don’t bring them aboard the boat or try to handle them like other fishes. And, every shark has teeth, so be careful.

If you’ve never hunted sharks, this is a good time to try.

You’re going to be amazed at the battle they put up and how many times you have to follow them with the boat. Catching sharks can be exciting for anglers of any age, but if you take youngsters fishing, they’ll talk about catching it forever. Don’t pass up the opportunity to expand your fishing horizons.

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Center s Sheri Daye

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ogfish – it’s an ugly name for a pretty fish. It’s also one of the most delicious species in the world. I know some seafood shops that store hogfish fillets behind the counter and bring it out only for special customers. I’ve had chefs beg me for hogfish once they found out I was into spearfishing.

One chef wrote, “Not even for fresh broiled flounder could you pry my cold, dead hands off a hogfish fillet.”

Some describe it as the perfect combination of flavor and texture because they are “sweeter than grouper, flakier than mahi, and as rich as scallops.” Their unique flavor is due to their diet of small crabs, shrimp and seashells, which translates into moist, white, tasty meat.

Hogfish use their elongated snouts to root around in the sand for food, like a hog. Due to this tendency of searching with nose in the sand, it is very uncommon to catch them by hook and line, although it is possible to bait them with shrimp. Hogfish are sometimes thought of as nature’s gift to spearfishers, especially for beginners, because they are relatively abundant, relatively easy to spear, and such a prized catch.

Hogfish can live up to 11 years, and they all start out as females.

Upon reaching about 3 years and 14 inches, they transform into males with harem groups of females dominated by a larger male.

Juveniles are pale pink and attain a deep dark band spanning from the snout to the first dorsal spine as they mature and turn into males. Maximum size is about 24 pounds.

They can be found on rocky bottoms, ledges and reefs throughout the western Atlantic, from North Carolina and Bermuda, south to the Gulf of Mexico and the northern coast of South America.

They are very common in Florida and the Bahamas and can be

found in shallow waters, ranging from 10-100 feet.

Assuming you are in the right place to find them, here are some spearfishing tips: 1) Bag/size limits ensure a healthy stock and protect it from overfishing, so respect the local laws.

2) Look on reefs and especially on sand edges for bigger hogfish.

3) They are not difficult to spear, so take your time, be selective, and don’t take long shots.

4) They are abundant in the Bahamas. This is a good fish to practice your slinging/polespearing skills.

Only take the shot if you are sure you can land it.

5) If you are not seeing any, try Sheri Daye displays a stirring up the bottom and make a world-record hogfish. sand cloud. If there are any in the vicinity, they will come to investigate.

6) Do not take advantage of their nature. Take one for dinner, and respect them for the beautiful experience and the delicious meal.

Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer of “The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo” in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.

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FLORIDA

By Andy Flack, Canvas Designers Inc. ell, all the boats have packed up and headed out from Old Bahama Bay to their homes. What a fantastic tournament. Congratulations to all the winners and everyone who came out and braved what has become the normal weather pattern of the Winner’s Circle Tournament.

Winding up its 19th year, Winner’s Circle Charities has surpassed $2 million in funds distributed to worthwhile charities. The charity partnership that started it all—The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, in the name of Brett Weinstein, will never be forgotten. Other leaders in the community have come on board to partner with Mike in his efforts. Rob Thomson of Waterfront Properties and Steve Moynihan of HMY Yachts are now co-hosts of the Winner’s Circle Charities Fishing Tournament with Mike as well. This year’s charity partners were Richard David Kann Melanoma Foundation, Waterfront Ways and Marine Industry Education Foundation. All of them were extremely grateful for the record-breaking year on the fundraising side.

The fishing was also phenomenal. The tournament had record-breaking weights in all three categories tuna, dolphin and wahoo. One boat caught a billfish slam—white, blue and a sail. The new Lady Angler category saw Debi Cantor, of Waterfront 1, take the tuna and Lynne Henderson take the dolphin trophies home. On the leaderboard, the winners caught tournament record-breaking fish.

The top three boats were: No. 1-MR. LTD, a 70’ Viking, took home Grand Champion honors with a total TDW weight of 237.8 pounds, which included

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a 115.2-pound tuna as well as a 99-pound wahoo, both tourney records.

No. 2-Honky Tonk, a 42’ Invincible, took second place with a total TDW weight of 117.2 pounds.

No. 3-Plum Krazy, a 41’ Bahama, rounded out the top three with a total TDW Weight of 94.1 pounds, which included a 63.3-pound dolphin, another tourney record.

The tournament committee and our charities would like to thank all the anglers and sponsors. Without their support and generosity, this tournament and gala would not be possible.

Visit www.winnerscirclecharities.org to keep up to date and watch for next year’s events.

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Get to know the local customs.

By Sean Hascup • Photo by James Ferrera

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The beautiful seaside community of Martin County, Florida, is thrilled to welcome the new U.S. Customs Facility to Witham Field. The facility will serve marine and aviation needs, providing efficient, streamlined customs processing alongside the customized aviation services of Atlantic Aviation and Stuart Jet Center. And, of course, just around the corner is the naturally quaint beauty of Southeast Florida’s hidden gem, just begging to be explored.

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lease take a seat. I’m going to prepare you for a freedive.

Concentrate on your heart rate, listening carefully to your breathing (you want to hear it), and get your breathing cycles in sync.

Start with slow inhales… even slower concentrated exhales.

Try filling your belly with your inhales, not your chest, keeping your shoulders low. Relax your neck, legs, arms, back and the rest of your body.

Once your breathing feels relaxed and in sync, close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Do four breathing cycles as explained above before slowly opening your eyes.

Once you have opened your eyes, keep up the relaxed breathing, it should be easier to have your cycles in sync now.

Now I’m going to show you a simple cycle for a longer breath hold. See if you can hold your breath for the rest of the article after you combine what you have focused on from above with the next breathing cycle below; it should feel more natural to you by now.

Are You Ready?

If you’re not feeling comfortable, don’t worry. That is normal.

See how long you can last, but don’t push it. If at any time you start feel uncomfortable or are just ready to breathe, do it!

Follow This Cycle: Inhale... Slow Exhale... Inhale... Slow Exhale... Inhale… Slight Hold... Exhale... Inhale... Hold... Read!

Slowly roll and break below the ocean’s surface, with wide leg kicks bringing you down to the sea floor. As you descend, you can feel your body compress as the ocean hugs you in. You gently land on the bottom, concealing yourself behind a sea fan. Your wetsuit acts as camouflage, blending in with the surroundings.

Grabbing onto rocks, you slowly pull yourself across the bottom next to corals teeming with life. As you approach the ledge, you spot a sleeping sea turtle on the edge of the reef, its arms folded in and its eyes resting. When you get closer, you see how detailed its ornate shell is. You lie in the sand a few feet from your new friend. As you stare in awe, it begins to feel your presence.

Opening its eyes slowly, it looks you right in the soul and gives a slight roll, as to say, “Good morning pal, what the heck are you doing here?” Then it slips away from the reef as it carves effortlessly into the sea.

You realize the moment is fading, and you must return to the surface.

Inhale... Slight Hold... Exhale... Inhale… Slight Hold... Exhale... Inhale... Relax.

High fives to your freedive buddy, who was close by watching your dive. What an epic experience! And that was only the first dive of the day!

Sean Hascup is a spearfishing and travel guide at Hascup Hunts International. See his advantures online at www.SpearfishingGuides.com, Facebook.com/HascupHuntsInternational and Instagram.com/Blood_Sweat_And_Spears. Email him at HascupHunts@Gmail.com.

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By CAM Staff

I

4

t wasn’t all that long ago that the public of perception anglers evoked images of old men in floppy brown hats. That’s no longer the case. It’s cool to fish these days, and the gear and apparel associated with the sport have seeped into the wider market of coastal life.

Likewise, crossover into fishing from surf sports, diving and other recreational pursuits has created a marketplace driven more by the overall saltwater lifestyle than any particular sport. The recognition of this evolution is what led Surf Expo to unveil a new Bluewater inshore and offshore fishing category at its twice-a-year trade shows.

“You look at Instagram and see surf brands on guys fishing offshore.

There are inshore anglers wearing Rip Curl and Billabong,” said Surf

The show features more than 2,500 booths of apparel and hardgoods and a full line-up of special events, including fashion shows, awards ceremonies, education and demos. Average buyer and exhibitor turnout exceeds 28,600 attendees per show.

The main attractions at Surf Expo have always been the hard goods, the powerboats and surfboards, kayaks, kite boards, wakesurf boards and SUPs. Everyone has seen the transition of traditional paddlesports into angling over the last decade. The rapid emergence of fishing kayaks and SUPs has proven to be much more than a flash in the pan.

The soft products, the apparel and accessories, go along with the hard goods. Andres said an outfitter could fill the whole store, front to

Expo sales manager Kenneth Andres. “The same is going on with the surfers. Those guys are out there in Pelagic and Fish Hippie. We are the pivot point… you can see all of this crossover at Surf Expo. ” The largest and longest-running board sports and beach/resort lifestyle show on the planet welcomed fishing to the cool kids’ table in January 2018. Their Bluewater debut included 15 fishing exhibitors with some heavy-hitting brands like Salt Life, Heybo Outdoors, Hell’s Bay Boatworks, Hooked Soul, Bimini Bay and Calcutta Outdoors. Feedback from buyers and exhibitors was overwhelmingly positive, and the Bluewater category is growing headed into Surf Expo’s Sept. 6-8 show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

“We offer the opportunity for buyers to see the latest in trends for hard and soft goods in coastal life,” said Andres. “With our confluence from southern California, the Pacific Northwest, the Caribbean, Central and South America, the Northeast and the Southeast, this is a trend-setting show.

“We’re trying to get the word out to retailers. We’re inviting outfitters to come check it out,” Andres continued. “We want fishing and boating retailers and marinas to come to the show and put product that’s going to sell into their stores. And if they’re not ready to buy, they can at least see these trends for themselves.”

back by attending Surf Expo. He said these soft goods are where a lot of the aforementioned crossover is going on. The vacation industry, with the buying power of hotels, resorts and cruise lines, is outfitting shops with the trends they see at Surf Expo.

And above it all, Surf Expo is a pure, trade-only event, which eliminates the hubbub and beef-jerky hawkers of open-to-the-public trade shows. Intentionally held during retail down time—the September and January restocking periods for outdoor-sports retailers—it is a marketplace to get business done in a laid-back atmosphere.

“When people come to the Surf Expo for the first time, they notice the relaxed, cool atmosphere. It’s that lifestyle we all buy into, and there are a lot of beautiful people at a surf show,” said Andres. “It’s just a great place to be if you’re in the water sports industry. If you’ve got a shop, come check it out for yourself.”

The September Surf Expo kicks off with a “BBQ & Bluegrass” demo day sponsored by Costa from noon to 5 p.m. on Sept. 5. Buyers and media are invited to Turkey Lake at Bill Fredrick Park in Orlando to demo boats and products and to eat while listening to live music from the Blue Cypress Bluegrass Band.

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For more information on the Surf Expo, go to www.surfexpo.com.

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By Randy Cnota

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esidents of Eastpoint, Fla., in Franklin County, suffered a devastating loss in the early morning hours of Sunday, June 23.

More than 30 homes were destroyed when a prescribed burn raged out of control and ravaged this small town. The widespread fire moved rapidly, giving residents mere moments to escape with their lives. An estimated 200 people are now displaced as a result of this tragedy. Many lost all that they owned.

It’s a hard life in Eastpoint. Most residents are seafood workers who perform the grueling task of tilling the bays for oysters. The bay system, which has for so many years produced the world’s best

oysters and allowed this community to thrive, has been plagued with disasters. Over recent years, floods, the oil spill and water-control disputes have overwhelmed this small town, making the hard living on the sea even harder. Many had to choose between paying for insurance and putting food on the table, which has made the impact of this fire all the worse.

The people of this and neighboring communities have come together to help as best they can, but even this resilient bunch have been dealt a blow that seems insurmountable. Day by day, however, they go on about the business of helping each other clean-up, rebuild and get back to work. These folks are some of the toughest, kindest and hardest-working people you’ll ever meet. Perhaps there’s a reason for the many tests they’ve faced, but for now it’s plainly obvious that Eastpoint could use some help.

Whether you’re an oyster-eating angler like me who appreciates what small towns like this offer our society, or if you’re just moved by the human impact of this event, your help would be greatly appreciated by so many. The Franklin Co. Sheriff ’s Office is spearheading relief efforts to assist with housing, clothing, food and even boats so these folks can get to work. The campaign has gained momentum, and we ask that you help keep it going.

If you’d like to contribute, go to their Gofundme site or mail your contribution to the Franklin County Sheriff ’s Office 270 SR 65 Eastpoint, FL 32328 made payable to FCSO charity fund. For more information, contact Ginger Coulter at (850) 670-8500.

Randy “C-Note” Cnota is co-publisher of the Panama City/ Forgotten Coast edition of Coastal Angler Magazine and owner of C-note Charters in Panama City, Fla. Check him out at cnotcharters.com.

To donate towards the gofundme.com account, go to

THEANGLER.ROCKS

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By CAM Staff

A

ny surgeon or taxidermist will tell you the best tool for cutting flesh is a scalpel. And that’s where knife-maker Havalon got its start. Their parent company, Havel’s, is a medical device company that supplies scalpels for surgical use. When the idea arose to bring the same incredibly sharp blades to the outdoors, it gave tools to outdoorsmen that are more precise than any hunting or fillet knife ever invented.

The first Havalon Piranta was a blade modeled after an autopsy scalpel that folded into a sturdy handle. It offered all sorts of outdoorsmen the benefits of an ultra-sharp scalpel blade in the form of a pocketknife. But the blade itself was not built to handle the rigors of everyday use. That’s when Havalon began tinkering to find the best combination of sharpness and strength. The resulting innovation has made Havalon one of the top-selling knife companies in the country and the leader in the hunting industry.

“We have always felt—that a sharp blade does not need to be

used with any excessive force,” said Havalon Marketing Director Ryan Cull. “This is still a core belief of our company, but we know there is a segment of consumers that want to have sturdier blades.”

The need for a sturdier blade that retains Havalon-level sharpness launched the Talon project. Designers set out to create a knife handle that accommodates an entire collection of different ultra-sharp blade styles. With a 3-inch serrated blade, a 3-inch gut hook combo blade and fillet blades of 5, 7 and 9 inches, it is the only knife you’ll ever need at the cutting board or skinning pole.

This all-in-one precision cutting tool was three years in the making. Designing a handle mechanism to swap out blades quickly and easily was achieved with the ingeniously simple push-button Quik Change II system. Finding the sweet spot between scalpel sharp and durable was the next step, and the blades also needed to be tailored to their particular uses.

Through more tinkering and testing, Havalon landed on AUS-8 steel—the gold standard—which offers the best combination of edge retention and strength. Thickness and shapes of the different blades were custom designed. Fillet knives require flexibility; gut hooks do not. Each blade type was carefully considered and rigorously tested to achieve optimal performance for its intended use. The final result is a single knife kit that outperforms a whole cutlery set of traditional knives.

Extreme sharpness is something Havalon users have come to expect with blades intended for replacement when they lose their edge.

Talon blades are different. They are scalpel sharp, yet they are strong enough to be resharpened.

“So long as users don’t pry on the blades with extreme force or damage them in some other unforeseeable way, they should be able to go years without buying replacements,” said Cull. “The versatility of the blade styles along with the strength and sharpness of the blades make the Talon one of the most innovative products to come out in the industry in years.”

To see all the features of the Talon and all of Havalon’s other scalpel-sharp knives, go to www.havalon.com.

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Catching A Dream

by Capt. Tom Bailas

S

ometimes things in life are definitely in the hands of the man up above. We travel to the Florida Keys every year in June to do some fun fishing with our families and friends. This year we rented a beautiful home in Tavernier on the bay. Our first two weeks had both my wife’s family and my family come to visit. The fishing was steady, catching Mahi and some tuna. We also caught a huge beautiful sailfish that was released. Our next fishing guests arrived and it was a family chosen by the Catch-ADream Foundation. (catchadream.org) Gavin, who is 11, his little sister, mother, and father came to fish with us for three days, accompanied by a trained Catch-A-Dream Volunteer Host named Adam.

We immediately hook a 12-lb. bull Mahi and Gavin now has a nice fish in the boat. We snap a few pictures and put the lines back out in hopes of another bite. The next pass around the spot we get a small mahi and this is where it gets very interesting and exciting. As we were reeling in the fish the storms are starting to build around us even more and it starts to rain. Out of nowhere Gavin yells “Look at the that BIG fish in the water”. It was a huge bull Mahi, estimated around 60 lbs., swimming behind the boat.

I grabbed a spinning rod and tried to toss a bait to it and it just swam off. After seeing that fish we were all so excited and just had to try and make another pass around this area. We were hoping to get it to bite one of the lures.

I quickly put out the ballyhoo lines and one got weeds on it immediately, so I reeled it in fast. As I was letting it back out the line came tight and I could see the head of a huge Mahi pushing water towards the bait. Five seconds later we had a huge fish on! Gavin quickly grabbed the rod and after a few jumps we have the huge cow Mahi boat-side. I anxiously gaffed the fish, but it flew off the gaff and back into the water. As everyone aboard went dead silent, my wife says out loud “Tom, it’s going to be ok”, and then she said, “Oh please God let this fish come back to us”. It did, the fish made a few more jumps and Gavin was able to get the fish back to the boat and this time I got it into the boat. We all were hugging and high fiving with excitement and could not believe the size of this trophy fish which measured 65” long. After some quick pictures we headed safely back to shore.

Fishing in the Keys every year on vacation, I have never seen anyone catch a cow Mahi of this length. There is not a doubt in any of our minds that day, God was in control and gave Catch-A-Dream Foundation provides children with life threatGavin the strength and will to get this fish of a lifetime! ening illnesses the opportunity to go on a hunting or fishing

This was an experience of a lifetime for all of us. Gavin adventure of a lifetime with all expenses paid by the Foundation. is a wonderful child that is full of life, regardless of his illnesses We did a meet and greet to go over the plans for the fishing trip. and obstacles he is facing. We are truly humbled to be able to They all have high hopes of Gavin catching his very first Mahi. share our passion for fishing with these kids and their families.

My wife Trisha and I have the boat ready and we take Catch-A-Dream Foundation is an amazing nonprofit organizaoff. As we cut through Tavernier Creek I can see there are tion that provides these deserving kids and their families a trip several thunderstorms starting to build offshore. We will have of a lifetime with all expenses paid. Trisha and I are truly blessed limited time today to get some nice fish and get back in safely. I to be able to be a part of the “Vision” of this organization. see an opening in the sky and head that way to search for birds

Isaiah 40:31 NIV and some weed lines. We ran about 12 miles and I started to “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They see some bird action and 3 huge patches of weeds. I had my wife will soar on their wings like eagles: they will run and not grow steer the boat as I put out the spread of lines with lures and the weary: they will walk and not go faint. fresh ballyhoo.

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The summer bite has been solid so far and the water clarity has been great! With the crystal clear waters on the incoming tide we are seeing loads of fish cruising the skinny water every day. Big snook are stacking up around any kind of structure in the inlets with plenty of mangrove snapper, sheepshead, mackerel, jacks, ladyfish, and reds in the mix too.

Twitch baits and DOA Terroreyz have been working nicely for most of these fish. If you prefer live bait, put on a pinfish, mullet, or pilchard and you will get on some nice fish. Using cut baits of mackerel, ladyfish, or mullet will definitely grab the attention of the bigger fish, as well. Make sure to use medium to heavy tackle as you will need to turn their heads and pull them from the structure as quick as possible to avoid getting broken off.

Just off the beach there have been big schools of migrating tarpon, with fish averaging 100lbs. If you want to target them from the kayak I suggest getting out at sunrise and drifting a couple different live baits. Big pilchards or Spanish sardines have been working great lately. Mojarra and whiting have been getting wacked too, so don't be afraid to branch out and try new baits that you don't normally use. It might take a few hours and plenty of bycatch before getting your shot at the silver king, but put in your time and it will pay off. You can also target these big fish from the sand. Set up your rods on the beach and kayak your baits out a couple hundred yards. Put your favorite cut bait or anything you catch that day on the hook and let them sit on the bottom with a few ounces of lead. Tarpon are very opportunistic and known to be scavengers that will usually pick up a fresh cut bait.

As always, putting in time in the early morning or evening will provide the most action. If the bugs are chewing you up, I recommend using skin so soft by Avon for the no-see-ums and of course bring your favorite bug spray for the rest of those pesky buggers. If you would like to have your shot at a fish of a lifetime give us a call! Tight lines!

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Brent Bensmiller, the owner of Paddle Naples, is an expert at kayak fishing the local waters. He is available for kayak fishing charters and lessons, as well as guided kayak and paddleboard tours. You can reach Brent by email at brent@ paddlenaples.com or by phone at 239-301-8888. Check out www.PaddleNaples. com and our FB page: https://www.facebook.com/paddlenaples/ for more information.

SWFL’s Freshwater Scene

by Capt. Roan zumFelde

W

elcome to August in South West 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 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 have an adventurous bone in your body, check out some of the pits along HWY 41. This time of the year is usually good for all types of cichlids. Good luck and will see you out there somewhere.

If anyone wants to send pictures and or contact about a specific catch or place they want to reveal, please feel free to email or call we will post you in the Magazine or online.

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

GEORGE WITH A NICE EARLY MORNING INTERCEPTOR. If you want to contact Capt. Roan z for a freshwater fishing trip or ask any fishing questions he can be contacted at the Shop 239-775-2248 or cell number 239-269-4426. Check the Web Site www.indianpassoutfitters.com and www. mikesbaithouse.com FACEBOOK.COM/CAMNAPLES/ | AUGUST 2018 | NAPLES 5

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A Manatee Slow Speed Zone is now in effect for all of Moorings Bay. A sign has now been posted at the entrance to the bay.

Additional signs will be posted by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission within the next several months.

Please note the definition of Slow Speed Minimum Wake: "Any vessel operating in a speed zone posted as Slow Speed Minimum Wake must operate fully off plane, completely settled in the water and at a speed which is making little or no wake." Vessels complying with this definition should be moving at 5- 7 mph.

The Naples Police Department will be patrolling the bay to enforce this new regulation. All vessels are required to adhere to posted speed limits throughout the Bay. We thank MPOA Board members Cliff Holland and Michael Crofton for their initiative and hard work to restore slow speed signage in Moorings Bay!

2775 Bayview Drive Naples, Florida 34112 For more information about MIACC, visit MIACC.org or contact Tiffany SawyerSchank, at (239) 682-0900 Email: director@miacc.org. Follow us at: • Facebook.com/ MarineIndustries • Facebook.com/MIACCBoatShow • Twitter @NaplesBoatShow, • Instagram #marineindustries 6 NAPLES | AUGUST 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/NAPLES/

Wiggins Pass Update

by Alan Ritchie

Finally, the end of the 2018 Wiggins Pass Dredge

By August 1st, the 2018 dredge of Wiggins Pass will be history.

Over 100,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand will have been placed off the beach at both Delnor-Wiggins State Park and Barefoot Beach in Collier County and the safety and navigability of the pass was greatly improved.

As of July 9th, there was still equipment in the pass touching-up a couple of spots and the County was about to install the relocated channel markers. This marked the end of a multi-month project greatly improving the conditions in the pass.

In addition to straightening the channel from the mouth of the Cocohatchee River to the Safe Water Mark outside the Pass, the dredge included some clean-up of shoaling in the area of the channel intersection just inside the pass. A significant amount of material was removed from the southbound channel that provided improved access through Water Turkey Bay south into Vanderbilt Lagoon. While the dredge in the south-bound channel went as far as the dredge permit allowed, there were still some remaining shallow spots a little further south of the intersection and in the marked channel across Wild Turkey Bay. These are areas that haven't been dredged in about 20 years. In the post-Irma photo shown below you can clearly see what the channel looked like after the hurricane.

To improve the boating in these areas, the County will be moving the channel markers in July to reflect the best water available. The Wiggins Pass management plan only provides for a 3-foot channel at "mean low water" (MLW). Depth soundings will be done regularly in the months ahead to track changes in the water depths in this area. With the possibility of narrower channels, extra care should be taken by boaters in navigating these waters. Safe boating!

Alan Ritchie is a member of the Board of the Estuary Conservation Association based in North Naples, FL. If you would like to learn more about the ECA’s ongoing efforts to restore and sustain the environmental health of the Cocohatchee Estuary, please see www.estuaryconservation.org FACEBOOK.COM/CAMNAPLES/ | AUGUST 2018 | NAPLES 7

Plasticity, not Plastics

By Conservancy Research Manager Dr. Jeff Schmid Plasticity, not Plastics, in the Diet of Kemp’s Ridley Turtles

offshore, etc.). Complimentary to the diet studies, the isotopic composition of Kemp’s ridleys is being compared with that of their prey and habitat components (crabs, tunicates, sponges, and drift algae) to create a trophic model for the Ten Thousand Islands estuary.

Kemp’s ridley surfacing with a stone crab (photo by Leif Johnson).

A preliminary trophic model of the Ten Thousand Islands ecosystem was consistent with the results of the corresponding turtle diet studies. At the time when samples were collected, Kemp’s ridleys and various crab species occupied a similar trophic level (i.e., carnivore group in the image below) which indicates crabs were not major food items for turtles. Diet studies demonstrated that sponges and colonial tunicates were the primary prey for Kemp’s ridleys at this time and, as expected, these food items occurred at a lower trophic level (i.e., filter-feeder group). Turtles later shifted to a primarily crab diet and the ongoing research will investigate whether this shift resulted in a change to a higher Extremely rare glimpse of a predator-prey trophic level (i.e., secondary carnivore group). Turtles would therefore exhibit trophic plasticity by occupying more than one interaction between a Kemp’s ridley and position in the estuarine food web, both a carnivorous grazer blue crab (Photo by Richard Butler). and a carnivorous predator, probably in response to prey availability at lower levels.

Kemp’s ridley turtles are described as “crab-eaters” but food items other than crabs have been observed in their diet. In 1999–2000, diet studies in the Ten Thousand Islands found that turtles primarily consumed solitary tunicates (aka sea squirts living apart from other individuals) which had not been reported in any other investigations of their food habits. Ongoing studies discovered that Kemp’s ridleys had shifted their diet from solitary tunicates to that of sponges and colonial tunicates in 2014–15. These are also novel food items for the species. Spider crabs and other crab species became more frequent prey items in late 2015 and then turtles switched to a primarily crab diet during 2016–17. The reason for the long-term and short-term shifts in prey consumption are unknown, though environmental disturbances are susPlot of nitrogen and carbon isotope values displaying a trophic pected. Perhaps more importantly, these changes demonstrate model for the Ten Thousand Islands estuary. plasticity in the food habits of turtles in this region. Kemp’s ridleys are able to adapt to changes in the estuarine environment Speaking of plastics (not really, but a catchy lead-in), Kemp’s ridby modifying their feeding behavior. leys seem to consume less human-generated, or anthropogenic, Sandy-skinned tunicates (Molgula occidentalis), a solitary tuni- marine debris compared to the other turtle species. It has been suggested that Kemp’s ridleys may be less likely to ingest anthrocate consumed by Kemp’s ridley turtles. pogenic debris because they pursue more active prey, such as crabs, but turtles in the Ten Thousand Islands also eat tunicates The chemical composition of and sponges that are attached to a substrate on the ocean floor. an organism is derived from its Perhaps there is less marine pollution in this region compared diet, hence the concept of “you to more urbanized estuaries. That said, there is considerable are what you eat”, and stable recreational fishing in these waters and a recently captured isotope analyses have become Kemp’s ridley had partially ingested monofilament fishing line. an increasingly common tool As stewards of this watery planet, we must make every effort to to investigate feeding (troavoid anthropogenic debris in the ecosystems. phic) relationships of marine Our research activities are conducted under NMFS permit turtles. Living organisms are #18069 and FFWCC permit #136. This study is funded in part composed of six main chemiby research grants awarded from cal elements: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. The concentration of nitrogen isotopes establishes an the Sea Turtle Grants Program organism’s trophic level or position in a food chain/web, where- which is supported by proceeds from the sale of the Florida Sea by organisms at higher levels have accumulated more nitrogen relative to the items they feed upon. Carbon and sulfur isotopes Turtle License Plate. Learn more at www.helpingseaturtles.org. are useful for identifying the source of nutrients in an ecosystem (terrestrial vs. aquatic, freshwater vs. marine, inshore vs.

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida was recently awarded a research grant from the Sea Turtle Grants Program. Conservancy Research Manager Dr. Jeff Schmid, Mr. Greg Curry of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, and Dr. Jeff Seminoff with NOAA’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center will continue their collaborative studies on the role of Kemp’s ridley turtles in the estuarine food web of the Ten Thousand Islands.

The Kemp’s ridley is considered one of the most endangered marine turtle species in the world and understanding dietary habits is essential for effective conservation of important feeding grounds, such as the bays and estuaries of Southwest Florida.

8 NAPLES | AUGUST 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/NAPLES/

My Summer Favorite

by Eric Henson

B

lack drum are one of my favorite species to target during the summer months. They are a part of the drum family and can be found just about anywhere in our area of the Gulf of Mexico, even in the backwaters where our waters begin to turn fresh. When they are in their juvenile state, “puppy drum,” they have vertical black and white lines running down their bodies. As they reach their adult life the lines begin to fade into a more solid gray/bronze color. This is where they get the name “Big Ugly,” because they lose their beautiful stripes and their heads get huge with lots of whisker looking things hanging from their chin for sniffing out their next meal.

Because they are a part of the drum family they have crushers in the back of their mouths for breaking down crustaceans.

Also, they got their “drum” name by making a deep drumming noise to communicate with each other. If you decide that you want to harvest one of these fish it is best to do so before they reach about 10-15lbs because they start to get lots of worms throughout their bodies as they get older. There are many tactics to target them. The hands down easiest way to catch them is with a chunk of crab soaking on the bottom and then wait for them to sniff it out. Personally, I enjoy sight fishing them with artificial lures and flies. Although they mostly feed on crustaceans, certain times of the year they will feed on small bait fish. This is when I like break out the Monster 3X soft-plastics like the X-MOVE or X-TAIL and go looking for tails and feeding fish. With artificial baits and flies you have to be on your A game! Most of the eats are soft so you have to set the hook hard and fast. They are so good at telling the difference between real and artificial. Once you’ve gotten them on the hook they are so strong and will pull you around like tank! These fish are truly a blast to catch. Some of the bigger ones have been around for longer than some of us have been alive so please handle them with care. Please remember safety first out there! Be courteous of your fellow anglers and always keep an eye out for other boaters. Tight Lines and Tight Knots to all! :)

Eric Henson is the owner of Casting Kayaks LLC. a guided kayak fishing company out of Sarasota Florida. He specializes in inshore light tackle or fly fishing from Tampa Bay to Charlotte Harbor. To book a guided fishing trip with Eric check out his website www.

CastingKayaks.com or give him a call at 941-504-1349 FACEBOOK.COM/CAMNAPLES/ | AUGUST 2018 | NAPLES 9

10 NAPLES | AUGUST 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/NAPLES/

In The Wake

M

by Capt. JimKalvin

aking laws that affect the behavior of others can have un-intended consequences.

Especially when the legislative effort in question is designed to control a certain group of people. Or….in one special case in Naples some time ago, it was intended to control one person in particular.

When I was a kid, and up through my formative years, Dad had a boat that he kept at the old Boat Haven Marina (where Naples Bay Resort is now). We would go south out past the charter boats and the shrimp tanks and enter Naples Bay through the channel with Naples Sailing and Yacht Club on the west of us, and the beginning of Royal Harbor to the east.

A gentleman lived on one of the first neighborhoods to the south, who flew a sea plane.

Mr. DeBaun was his name (I think), and it was awesome to watch. He would launch the plane from right behind his house into the canal and taxi a short way out into the bay. If he had the plane in motion, either taking off, or preparing to land, we would hold out of his way and enjoy the show. It reminded Dad of his days in the Navy. And we watched him for years. He was a part of our local waterfront. After all, how many chances does one get to watch a guy leave his house via sea plane and pull it up to his back yard at the end of the day?

Turns out, though, - not everyone enjoyed Mr. DeBaun’s hobby. Powerful residents along the bay began to lobby the city leaders to “do something about the noise” that the plane created on take-off and landing.

So….bending to the will of their constituents, a law was proposed that would make it illegal to take off or land a sea-plane on Naples Bay. Mr. DeBaun pleaded with the City Council de-jour with no success. The new ordinance passed and it had to be advertised for a period of time prior to going into effect.

Being the character that Mr. DeBaun was, on the morning of the first day that the new law was enforceable, he promptly launched his plane, put his flaps down, taxied all the way down the bay and took off from Dollar Bay, well south of the City limits. On his return a short time later, he did the same thing in reverse – landing in Dollar Bay and taxiing down the entire length of Naples Bay. The time it took to make this trip was roughly half an hour. Heads exploded, the cops were called, and the City went into a frenzy!

Of course, when he got back to his house, Naples Finest were there waiting on him with a citation for violating the new ordinance. He refused to sign for the ticket saying, I didn’t take off or land from Naples Bay. The law doesn’t say anything about “operating” a sea plane on the Bay. With that, he went about his business. And every few days, he would jump in his plane, and repeat the procedure.

City Hall scrambled as their attorneys reviewed the old rule and figured out how to “fix” the problem that they had created. Meanwhile, those powerful residents were beside themselves! Instead of a few minutes of airplane noise, they now had to endure it for an hour or more on every round trip! The peanut gallery (those of us who were not bothered by the “noise”) cheered! Attorneys worked overtime, Council members paced, and donations were made to campaign coffers.

Ultimately, a law was crafted that made it illegal to “operate” a sea plane on the bay and the issue was settled. The case was very high-profile, as there wasn’t much to write about back then. But the saga was a hoot to watch – if you didn’t take the time to realize that the whole episode was designed to take rights away from one individual. And the “noise” from his 5-minute take-off or landing routine was inconsequential compared to the steady drone of the boats operating on the bay all day long.

How many laws on the books today were generated the same way – with a bent on controlling a certain group of people? Mr. DeBaun went down fighting – with a flair for the dramatic on his way out the door! I think we could all learn a little from his spirit Captain Jim Kalvin is a USCG Licensed 100 Ton Master, a local Marine Contractor, and a legislative advocate for recreational and commercial boaters and property Owners. He is available to speak to your group on a variety of boating and legislative topics – james.kalvin61@gmail.com or 239-280-6054.

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Fishing In The Dark

by Capt. Mike Okruhlik

T

he heat this summer has arrived with a vengeance. And for an angler, the best way to beat the heat is to do a little fishing in the dark. Typically, daytime fishing is tough during a full moon. I have not consistently been able to pattern fish during this lunar event, unless it’s at night. The darkness offers two advantages, cooler temps and a way for me to catch fish during what I consider the toughest moon phase. First and foremost, always proceed with caution after the sun sets. This includes boating, kayaking or wading in from shore. Be prepared for the unexpected, let others know your location, bring ample lighting, and make sure phone is fully charged. I find a headlamp to be ideal, and I can still use it with my head mounted GoPro. Not only does this hands-free light source come in handy for tying knots and unhooking fish, but it also illuminates the area for some cool videos. Another useful tool that helps me find my way back is a satellite map app on my phone. A clear satellite image can lead you back exactly to where you parked. I prefer to do my night angling from a kayak. Although wade fishing is my favorite method overall, I typically stay in the kayak at night to minimize some risk. I like to start excursions in the late evening, when I can still see and get an idea of where the bait is and the type of structure it is holding over. This not only points me to the right location, it also allows me to catch that sunset bite. Being on the water to see the day

14 NAPLES | AUGUST 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/NAPLES/

fade away is a relaxing bonus. As far as lure choice, I avoid treble hooks when fishing in the dark. I like to minimize risks when night fishing and trebles are two more problems than I need dangling around in the dark. I switch out the trebles on my hard baits to single hooks, prior to the trip in case the need arises to throw them. Overall, I prefer to fish weedless soft plastics. Often times, if your lure is not in the grass or touching the shell you are not catching fish, and fish are what I want to catch, not the structure. Beat the heat this summer by fishing in the dark. It adds a whole new experience to catching!

Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com. Photos courtesy of Controlled Descent Lures.

What’s Going On In Your Boat?

by Mark Raudenbush

Stick Your Head in Your Bilge

I

t seems around the marina, there are trends that occur from time to time. This week seems to have been dominated with bilge issues. You know, the bilge area in your boat that you don’t think about very much until there’s a problem. This week we had three different issues in three different boats all occurring down in the bilge area of the boat.

The first was a planned re-piping and refitting of the bilge in a boat here at Wolcott Marine for a repower. While we were doing the repower it made sense to replace all the pumps, all the piping and most of the through hull fittings. Keeping you pumps and hoses in good condition is critical, especially during rainy season.

It’s well advised to check the health of your pumps, and the thru hull fittings and ball valves connected to them. A stuck valve or a broken thru hull can quickly create a dangerous situation.

The second bilge issue was electrical. A customer brought us a “newer” boat, that was troubled with electrical issues. Opening the bilge, we found that the manufacturer of the boat made little effort to route and restrain the wiring in the bilge when the boat was built. Inevitably these connections, even though they are theoretically water tight, began corroding. We fixed what needed fixing, but inevitably that boat’s issues will continue until a substantial refit is ultimately done to solve the problem.

The third boat’s issues were the most grave and dangerous. An older boat suddenly experienced a fuel tank leak. By the time we

got it to the shop, over 100 gallons of fuel settled into the bilge of this boat. A very dangerous situation to say the least. The fuel was pumped out and properly disposed of and that boat is now in line for some very major work.

Ironically, after all of that, I took delivery of a brand-new boat for our sales yard. Inspecting the boat, I opened the bilge to find a truly professional execution of how to rig a bilge. Every wire and hose was thoughtfully routed. The layout was organized, valves and pumps were accessible. This boat I am not worried about having to do any work in the bilge for a long long time.

Do you know how healthy the bilge of your boat is? When’s the last time you stuck your head in your bilge? If you don’t know what you’re looking for, bring the boat by Wolcott Marine. We’re happy to stick our head in there and see what’s up.

Wishing you nothing but safe and enjoyable boating.

Wolcott Marine is located at 854 River Point Drive, Naples, FL 34102, phone: 239-4172896. Stop in and say “Hi” to Mark and become part of the Wolcott Marine Family where top quality boats, exceptional service, and happiness is guaranteed is their business!

FACEBOOK.COM/CAMNAPLES/ | AUGUST 2018 | NAPLES 15

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F

ishing has been great the past few weeks! In the backwaters the snook and trout bite has been stellar! Most of the trout have been in the 15-22 inch range, so bringing some home for supper hasn’t been a problem. Mangrove snapper of good size have also been moving from the Gulf into the backwater. In addition, some big jacks have been keeping drags screaming. The offshore bite has continued to be productive as well. Big Spanish mackerel, mangrove and lane snapper have been plentiful. There are also some tarpon still around if you’re willing to search for them. With the warming summer waters, the shark population has exploded and getting hooked up on them is very easy! August should be a stellar month for fishing so get out there and catch ‘em up!

Capt. Billy Norris is owner/operator of Pale Horse Fishing Charters. If you, your family, or guests are looking to fish Estero Bay, Bonita Springs or the surrounding area, contact him through his website: www.PaleHorseFishingCharters.com or Facebook page: www.facebook.com/palehorsefishingcharters or give him a call at (239) 285-7710.

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16 NAPLES | AUGUST 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/NAPLES/

Paddlin’ & Fishin'

K

by Dan Carns

ayak fishing in the summer can be very productive and enjoyable but requires some preplanning and precaution. Imagine sitting in a beach chair on Fort Myers beach for four to six hours in your bathing suit, without getting up, without an umbrella and without a bunch of cold water to drink. The sun would fry you to a crisp!

You get the idea, so here are a few suggestions to make your time on the water better.

I wear SPF fast dry pants and SPF long sleeve shirts that cover my legs and my upper body to shield the sun from my skin.

Before leaving the house, apply sunscreen on the tops of your hands and face and give it time to work into your skin, and you can wash the palms of your hands with soap and water. Remember fish use their noses to hone in on bait and if you transfer sunscreen or bug spray onto your line and lures, the fish will smell the chemicals and turn away. Do not use spray sunscreen in your kayak as it contaminates everything or you may as well skip the fishing part!

Next layer of protection is to get a goofy, floppy hat to block the sun from your head, face and those very tender ear tips. Also consider wearing a neck buff to cover the sides and back of your neck, some folks use the buff for full face and head protection. Finally, we get to the sunglasses, remember you’re sitting inches from the water and not only is the sun shining directly at you but bouncing off the water and getting at you from underneath! You should really invest in a decent pair of polarized sunglasses for two reasons, number one the polarized feature allows you to see through the glare on the water, thereby seeing and catching more fish. Second, the cheap ones trick your eyes into thinking they are well protected, dilating your pupils fully letting the harmful rays of the sun in!

Staying hydrated may be the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself from the heat. I carry frozen water bottles with me that may take hours to thaw, insuring that I have a cold water supply. And here is my solution to staying hydrated, drink a whole bottle at the launch or prior to arrival. Don’t simply take a couple of swigs from the next one, drink the whole bottle or at least half a bottle intentionally, as a way of insuring that you have enough water, otherwise you may become dehydrated. Continue drinking this way till you’re off the water. Consider that you and the fish will be very hot by 11 a.m., so start early when it’s cool and comfortable.

It’s a wild world-get out there? Fishman Dan, Gulf Coast Kayak, 4120 Pine Island Rd NW, Matlacha, FL 33993, (239) 283-1125 FACEBOOK.COM/CAMNAPLES/ | AUGUST 2018 | NAPLES 17

When it comes to barotrauma, the right tools mean everything

I

t’s that time of year when you may be fishing for snapper and grouper. Continue your role as a conservationist by looking out for fish with signs of barotrauma and being prepared to respond.

Barotrauma is a condition seen in many fish caught in waters greater than 50 feet that is caused by expansion of gases in the swim bladder.

It’s important to know in advance what tools are available and how to use them to help fish return to the bottom and increase their chances of survival. Signs of barotrauma include the stomach coming out of the mouth, bulging eyes, bloated belly and distended intestines.

Descending devices take fish back down to a depth where increased pressure from the water will recompress swim bladder gases. They fall into three categories: mouth clamps, inverted hooks and fish elevators. Learn more about descending devices and how to use them at MyFWC.com/SaltwaterFishing by clicking on the “Descending Devices” playlist.

Descending devices return fish to a depth where gases in the body cavity can recompress.

Venting tools are sharpened, hollow instruments that treat barotrauma by releasing expanded gas from the swim bladder, enabling the fish to swim back down to capture depth.

Please note, items such as fillet knives, ice picks, screwdrivers and

18 NAPLES | AUGUST 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/NAPLES/

gaffs are not venting tools and should never be used to vent a fish. Venting a fish incorrectly may cause more harm than good.

To properly vent, lay the fish on its side (on a cool, wet surface).

Venting tools should be inserted 1-2 inches behind the base of the pectoral fin, under a scale at a 45-degree angle, just deep enough to release trapped gasses. Never insert venting tools into a fish’s belly, back or stomach that may be protruding from the mouth. Learn how to vent properly by visiting https:// youtu.be/jhkzv1_2Bpc .

Venting tools should be inserted 1-2 inches behind the base of the pectoral fin, under a scale at a 45-degree angle, just deep enough to release trapped gasses.

Descending devices and venting tools should only be used when fish show one or more signs of barotrauma and cannot swim back down on their own. It is essential to work quickly when using these tools and return the fish to the water as soon as possible. Anglers should choose the device and method they are most comfortable with and that best fits the situation.

To learn more about catch-and-release techniques, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Fish Handling.”

To learn more about barotrauma, descending devices and venting tools, visit our YouTube channel at MyFWC.com/SaltwaterFishing. For answers to questions, contact 850-487-0554 or Marine@MyFWC.com

Dad's Old Tackle Box

W

by Dick Braun

ell the Punta Gorda, early summer FATC show was a huge success with over 55 tables of vintage fishing tackle that was on display and for sale. We had over 30 members who attended the show and they came from all over the state. We also had 4 new members sign up to the club as they were walk ins off of the street who had no idea how much and how fun it is to collect fishing gear that came out of “Dad’s Old Tackle Box”, sorry couldn’t help myself ! The great folks from Coastal Angler Magazine even attended the show and were amazed at the turn out and the amount of tackle that was vintage and on display and a lot of what they saw was also for sale by the different members. The folks that came in off the street that saw the show brought in their old vintage tackle to find out what it might be worth. One Vintage rod from England was valued at around $700.00 dollars and that gentleman wanted to keep it in his collection instead of consigning it to our Auction. Another gentleman did

consign his old vintage tackle box which was full of lures and reels and left the auction with over $800 that he didn’t have before coming to the show. He had no idea the value of his vintage fishing gear and couldn’t thank the Florida Antique Tackle Collectors club for doing him such a great help in getting true value for his items, instead of a table at a local garage sale at a couple of bucks per item. Now for the good news! If you missed the show in Punta Gorda, FL last month, your still in luck as our next show is in St. Pete, FL taking place at the Dolphin Beach Resort, 4900 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach August 24 – 26, 2018. Bring in your “Dad’s Old Tackle Box” for a free appraisal, consign it to our auction, and turn that vintage tackle into cash, or just find out what you may have in your own treasures. Oh, by the way, enjoy the show while you’re there!

Meet the greatest group of guys and gals that you could ever hope to meet and Join the FATC if your so inclined. Until next Month!

Florida Antique Tackle Collectors, Inc. is a non-profit, member supported organization registered in the State of Florida. The purposes of the Club are to enhance and promote the collection, preservation and knowledge of old antique angling memorabilia and the history of tackle produced in Florida. FATC sponsors three exhibitions each year throughout the State of Florida. Club Members bring historical displays from their collections of old fishing tackle and also bring old tackle to trade among themselves. The public is invited to attend these exhibitions and encouraged to bring their own old tackle for free appraisals by Club Members.

FACEBOOK.COM/CAMNAPLES/ | AUGUST 2018 | NAPLES 19

The Best Angler Photos From Southwest Florida!

Cameron Smith w/ a 43” barracuda caught off Cape Haze.

Artist Dale Werner caught this huge black drum off Goodland, FL w/ Capt. Billy Sims.

Mac & Brennan Blaszczak w/ 28” & 32” Reds, caught in 10,000 Islands, released.

Capt. Dan w/ a 39” snook in 10,000 Islands, released.

Bill & Deb Pfaff of Naples w/ dolphin caught fishing the Keys.

Tiffany Campbell w/ a 31” snook out of Cape Romano Island.

Mike Horner w/ this lunker, caught opening day of ARS season, 45 miles offshore Sarasota!

Photos submitted courtesy of:

Capt. Bart Marx Capt. James Marko Capt. Larry Conley

Yaneisyc w/ her 28” redfish off Marco Island, catch and release.

Capt. Terry Fisher Capt. Dave Stephens Capt. Mike Manis

20 NAPLES | AUGUST 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/NAPLES/

Dennis Norton caught this 30lb blackfin tuna 8 miles off Sarasota’s Big Pass Inlet in December.

Text your fish pics to 239-595-8265 or email them to camftmyers@gmail.com. Please include your name, type, size, and location where fish was caught and we will do our best to get you on the board.

Offshore with Capt. Tom

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ugust, in my opinion is the hottest month of the year.

Although we fish most of our charters during the day, my favorite time to fish in August is the early evening.

The afternoon thunderstorms can be of a dangerous situation as well for anglers and boat owners, so you must know your forecast before heading out later in the day or evening.

I like to head offshore after the storms have passed and the temperatures have cooled down a bit, to catch the late mangrove bite. Evening fishing can be a bit tricky to anchor up properly on your spot, so here are a few tips to help.

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First, attach a glow stick to your marker buoy, so you can clearly see your mark to back up to. You can use dead cut bait, as grouper and snapper feed more on scent at night. Fresh caught sardines or cigar minnows cut into plugs seem to work best.

You can float the bait down slowly on a ½ oz jig head for best results.

Some of our biggest gag groupers have been caught at night.

The mangroves seem to feed more freely as well at night.

Look for a public knowledge wreck site for flag yellowtail.

Bayronto holds some of the biggest yellowtail I have ever seen.

Fishing at night also reduces the chances of being cutoff by barracudas and sharks. Nighttime fishing can be very relaxing and gives you a break from the midday heat. There is also less boat traffic to deal with as well.

Remember to always follow state and federal regulations. Be courteous of other boaters and keep only what you can eat.

Charter fishing from Venice, FL is home to some of the best fishing anywhere! You can reach Capt. Tom at 941-587-2028 or at www.tntfishingchartersvenice.com or follow on FB @ tntchartersvenice - specializing in Family Friendly Fishing Adventures.

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n July, NOAA Fisheries announced a 50 percent reduction of the recreational mutton snapper bag limit for the Gulf of Mexico. The new regulations went into effect July 23.

The recreational bag limit decreased from 10 mutton snapper per angler per day within the 10-snapper aggregate bag limit to 5 mutton snapper per angler per day within the 10-snapper aggregate bag limit.

Minimum size limits were increased from 16 inches to 18 inches total length.

The reduction was justified by a 2015 population assessment, which indicated mutton snapper are not experiencing overfishing and are not overfished, but that the adult population is smaller than was previously estimated. The reduction was deemed necessary to ensure overfishing does not occur.

The new size limit also applies to the commercial sector, which will be affected by an annual catch limit reduction, as well. The annual catch limits for mutton snapper during 2018-2020 will be decreased from 203,000 pounds whole weight to: 134,424 pounds whole weight in 2018; 139,292 pounds whole weight in 2019; and 143,694 pounds whole weight in 2020 and subsequent years.

The commercial minimum size limit for gag grouper was also increased from 22 to 24 inches total length to be consistent with recreational fisheries.

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7/18/18 9:32 AM

By Patrick Morrow From left, Tommy Holms, owner of Outcast Bait & Tackle, Kent Creel, and STAR winning angler Andrew Brown.

I

n July, a Panhandle angler won big in the state’s largest family-friendly fishing competition. CCA Florida STAR, presented by Yamaha, awarded Andrew Brown, of Pensacola, a $79,000 prize package for a tagged redfish he caught while wading Santa Rosa Bay. If you fish and haven’t yet registered for CCA Florida STAR, you could be missing out on the chance to win some huge prize packages.

“Andrew is a perfect example of how it’s done,” said STAR Director Leiza Fitzgerald. “It was his first chance of the year to get on the

water after some health issues, and he made sure his membership was current and that he was registered for STAR. He shared that he was not going fishing without being registered.”

Brown has been a CCA Florida member since 2015 and registered for and participated in STAR each year since the event’s inception. After catching his STAR-tagged redfish (tag #522), Brown met with CCA Florida representatives for verification on July 8 at Outcast Bait and Tackle in Pensacola. He chose a prize package that included a Contender Boats 22 Sport with a 200 HP Yamaha and a Rolls Axle Trailer.

While the Tagged Redfish Division is the event’s most publicized division, with remaining prizes including a Conley Buick GMC Sierra Pickup or one of several Yamaha-powered boat packages from Hewes Boats, Carolina Skiff and Cottonmouth Boats, the event has 17 divisions and many opportunities to win, with most divisions determined by random drawing of all anglers who submit catch photos. Anglers of all ages and skill levels have opportunities to win, and kids ages 6-17 can register for free with their current ($10) CCA Florida youth membership. Registration is $40 for current CCA Florida members, or $75 for non-members, which includes CCA Florida membership. STAR runs through Labor Day, and anglers are encouraged to fish hard while there’s still a chance to get in on some awesome remaining prizes.

“We’ve had 16 tagged redfish caught this season, but only two winners, simply because anglers weren’t registered and didn’t think it could happen to them,” said Brian Gorski, CCA Florida Executive Director. “And it’s not just about the tagged redfish, though prizes in that division are amazing, but there are so many ways for anglers to win in STAR, you just have to register.”

All entries must be photographed with the official 2018 CCA Florida Measuring Device, which is available free of charge at various locations throughout the state, including all Florida West Marine stores, the preferred distribution location. For a full listing of measuring device locations, visit ccaflstar.com.

For more information on STAR, or to register, visit ccaflstar.com.

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7/18/18 6/15/18 9:32 3:37 AM PM

Take A Kid

By Cory Gurman

S

ummer is a popular time for families to take time out of their daily routines and travel near and far. Whether you are exploring new destinations or visiting relatives, there will most likely be fishing opportunities wherever you are going.

Disney World in Florida, for example, has long been an icon for families who seek adventure in amusement parks; roller coasters, wet and wild rides, parades and dining all come together within this massive compound. What most people who visit these parks don’t realize is that this massive compound is dotted with hundreds of ponds that are well stocked with fish, most notably bass.

You may fish on your own from the many access points or hire a guide for an awesome side adventure.

This summer, I had the opportunity to travel to Panama and

visit friends as well as to tour the country. While Panama has an abundance of historic sites to visit, it’s also surrounded by both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, which made it easy to take a few days to sample their incredible fishing.

My dad and I chose to chase the elusive rooster fish off the pacific coast, and we joined up with Capt. Dave Murphy in the small town of Boca Chica, Panama. Capt. Dave is formerly from the U.S. (Fla. Keys) and now owns and operates Reel Inn In Panama as a fishing guide service.

Rooster fish inhabit the shallower waters of the Pacific, mostly around the rock outcroppings that protrude from the ocean floor.

Our day started by filling the livewell with large blue runners we caught on sabikis. We headed to the first fishing spot and set two live baits out behind the boat. As we slow trolled the blue runners around this large rock outcropping, it became apparent just how far away from my home waters I was. The natural beauty of the Pacific Ocean is stunning.

Within 40 minutes, line began to peel off one of the TLD 20s.

After letting it eat for several seconds, I came tight on the fish and the rod doubled over. This fish had the tenacity of an amberjack and the running speed of a kingfish. After a long 20 minute battle, I landed a 50-plus-pound rooster fish. It was awesome!

Two more days of fishing produced a total of four rooster fish and an experience of a lifetime. Capt. Dave Murphy provided lodging with first class service and a top-notch fishing experience.

He can be reached through his website reelinninpanama.com.

Cory Gurman is a student at Ponte Vedra High School in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Besides reveling in the great outdoors, Cory enjoys spending time with his three golden retrievers and rooting for the Atlanta Braves. Follow him on Instagram @fishhunter1119.

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7/18/18 9:32 AM

FLY FISHING

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18

t’s summertime, and that means mako sharks on the fly in southern California! If you ever get a chance to try it, mako sharks are the premier summertime gamefish off our coast, and being able to sight fish a fly to them is an experience like no other in fly fishing.

Here are some suggestions on tackle and flies to get you into the Mako shark game.

Rods The fly rod used when mako shark fishing is more a fish fighting tool rather than a casting tool. Fly rods in the 12- to 15-weight range are what I recommend. These rods easily cast a large fly and have enough lifting power to fight a mako shark from deep water. For larger makos, I use one-piece custom rods that are 7 ½ feet to 8 feet in length and can cast a fly to 30 feet quickly and accurately. They are great fish-fighting tools, especially for makos in to 200- to 400-pound range.

Reel The drag system must be able to apply at least 18 pounds of drag pressure at its maximum setting. Most fly reels used in the saltwater these days are designed to apply up to 20 pounds of drag pressure. The reason you want a reel to have this amount of drag pressure is to be able to apply maximum pressure on the fish when it is swimming away from the boat and during the final moments of the fight. You want to be able to “lock down” on the mako and hold it at the boat so you can get a quick release. If the drag is too light (not enough drag pressure), you will never get the mako to the boat.

Line retrieval The rate at which the fly line can be retrieved depends on the size of the reel’s arbor. The larger the arbor, the more line you can retrieve in one revolution of the fly reel spool. I recommend using the largest arbor reel possible. Many fly reel companies make reels with large ar-

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bors specifically for big saltwater gamefish like makos, tuna and marlin.

Flies The flies I use for mako sharks are large-profiled flies with a foam popper head. These flies are typically 8 to 12 inches long and tied on plastic tubing. I prefer tube flies because they are able to slide up and down the steel leader, saving the fly from getting eaten up by the shark.

My hook size varies from 6/0 to very large 10/0.

As for fly colors, red/orange combo is what I like best. This color combo is easy to see in tough lighting conditions. However, I will have one rig with a different color fly. The reason I do this is if the mako gets turned off by the red/orange color combo, a change in fly color can get the mako to react to a different color fly.

Now go catch some Makos on the fly!!

For more Bowman, go to

CAMFLYFISHING.COM

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7/18/18 9:32 AM

F

WC is reminding Florida anglers of its three Saltwater Angler Recognition programs. Anglers of all ages and skill levels can earn prizes such as certificates, shirts, hats, rods and reels, dehooking tools, rubber-coated nets and more. Successful anglers receive recognition in Florida Saltwater Recreational Fishing Regulations booklets and on the Club Members page of CatchaFloridaMemory.com, plus the chance to win monthly raffle prizes courtesy of generous program partners.

Catch a Florida Memory programs also promote fisheries conservation. In addition to decreasing pressure on the most sought-after species, the photo entry process encourages catch and release and responsible fish handling.

Saltwater Life List Similar to a birding life list, this program challenges anglers to track their progress at catching 71 different species of saltwater fish. Anglers who catch at least 10 different Life List species can join the Saltwater Fish Life List 10-Fish Club and receive additional prizes for 30, 50 and all 71 fish on the list.

Saltwater Reel Big Fish Memorialize your Saltwater Reel Big Fish by submitting a photo of you with your catch and a photo of the fish over a measuring device. This program includes 30 different species in both adult and youth categories.

Saltwater Grand Slams FWC has nine different Saltwater Grand Slams that award anglers for catching three specified fish within a 24-hour period. From the Inshore Grand Slam consisting of red drum, spotted seatrout and flounder to the Florida Grand Slam of permit, tarpon and bonefish, these challenges make you work to increase your fishing skills.

Learn more about Catch a Florida Memory programs at CatchaFloridaMemory.com.

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Antique Fishing Tackle Show, Sale & Auction Aug. 24 -25 9 to 5 at Dolphin Beach Resort, St. Pete Beach Sponsored by Florida Antique Tackle Collectors, Inc.

The Show: You can see thousands of Rods, Reels & Lures.

Admission is $3 for adults, children free.

The Sale: Angling artifacts are today’s prized collectibles.

Hundreds of items offered from $2 and up.

The Auction: Bring your Old Tackle Box! FREE appraisals given. Watch the auction Saturday night.

The Tackle Club: If you enjoy fishing, you will enjoy the The hobby of collecting old reels and lures. It’s fun for Adults and Children. You can join at the Show.

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7/18/18 9:32 AM

Y

ou don’t have to quit fishing just because it’s hot. You just have to fish at night rather than during the day. Oh yeah – and leave a light on.

August is the perfect month to catch white bass, crappie and hybrid bass under lights. Young-of-the-year shad, the primary forage in many reservoirs, are just getting to “bite size” and sport fish are busy filling their bellies.

To catch fish under the lights, anchor your boat in a strategic location just before dark. Your best bets are over a deep brushpile or artificial structure, creek channel ledge or mudflat. Once the sun sets, set out lanterns, floating lights or submersible halogen lights, and wait.

What happens is a natural phenomenon of the aquatic food chain. The light attracts microscopic zooplankton, which attracts minnows and shad.

When the lights have congregated a large school of shad, the predators show up below. Drop a jig or live bait down, and you’re in business.

It might take a trip or two to become accustomed to fishing at night, and there are safety considerations to keep in mind. Once the sun sets, your boat needs to have navigation lights on. Wear your lifejacket and become familiar with the area before it gets dark. Go slow and use a hand-held spotlight to locate shorelines or obstacles while under power.

Check out the July/August 2018 issue of Kansas Wildlife and Parks Magazine (ksoutdoors.com/Services/Publications/Magazine).

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By CAM Staff

F

lorida bass anglers might feel snubbed by the recent release of Bassmaster Magazine’s 2018 list of the country’s 100 best bass lakes. I mean, come on, don’t the editors at Bassmaster look at social media?

The giant largemouth bass being caught from places like lakes Kingsley, Tohopekaliga and Istokpoga have to count for something. Run a search on the Florida TrophyCatch website, fisheries like the Ocklawaha Area waterways are producing scads of huge largemouth bass.

Yet not a single Florida Mike Sabock caught this 10-pound, fishery made the top-10 of Bassmaster’s rankings, 6-ounce largemouth from Lake Hernando in July. Photo courtesy of while Michigan’s Lake St. www.TrophyCatchFlorida.com.

Clair and Mille Lacs Lake in Minnesota ranked fourth and fifth, respectively. Are they trying to tell us bass fishing is better in Michigan or Minnesota, where the growing season is a fraction of what it is here in the sunshine state?

In all of Minnesota, no one has ever caught a bass that weighed more than 9 pounds. The Minnesota state record largemouth, which has stood since 2005, weighed 8 pounds, 15 ounces. In Florida, a fish that size might not even warrant a photo.

For decades, fisheries biologists across the country have been trying to ramp up bass fisheries in their states by introducing Florida-strain genetics. It’s all so they can give their anglers fishing almost as good as what we have in Florida. Texas is a shining example of what intensive management with Florida-strain fish can do for fisheries in producing big fish.

When it comes to rankings, it all depends on how fisheries are judged. Bassmaster’s list might be better described as the nation’s best tournament bass lakes. Using statistics gathered from tournaments as well as from state biologists, ranking decisions were made by a panel, which undoubtedly needed to consider geographic distribution for the sake of their publication’s public perception.

Looking at the statistics, it’s hard to argue against national rankings for lakes like Texas’ No. 1-ranked Sam Rayburn or Tennessee’s No. 2-ranked Chickamauga Lake. Those places are on fire right now. They are producing 40-pound, five-fish tournament sacks. But for raw numbers of truly big bass—those weighing more than 10 pounds—Florida must be right up there at the top of the list with California.

The bone thrown to our Florida fisheries was a ranking as the No. 3 state for total number of fisheries to make the top 100. Florida ranked third behind No. 1 Texas and No. 2 California.

Seven Florida fisheries ranked in the top 25 for bass lakes in the Southeast. They were: No. 4 Okeechobee, No. 5 Tohopekaliga, No. 7 Istokpoga, No. 10 Seminole, No. 11 Rodman Reservoir, No. 18 Harris Chain, and No. 24 Kenansville Reservoir.

Here we’re considering decent-sized impoundments, which makes sense. But when considering Florida bass fishing as a whole, it’s important to realize the state is a web of connecting waterways that offer the right conditions for growing big bass.

Overall, it can be argued that Florida has better bass fishing than any other state in the country. Where else could one catch a 14-pound largemouth from a backyard drainage ditch?

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By CAM Staff • Photo courtesy of www.BoldContentVideo.com

T

he advantage of a bird’s eye view is undeniable. From the stilt fishermen of Sri Lanka to the tuna towers on modern fishing boats, anglers have always sought an elevated view into the water.

Drones are the latest tool fishermen have adopted to see farther and deeper. Drones in fishing are still relatively new and evolving, but there is already evidence it is a piece of gear worth packing in the tackle box.

The first and most obvious use for video-equipped drones is reconnaissance. With technology that allows real-time viewing, it is possible to see farther out and deeper than ever before. A drone can cover more water looking for fish, bait, color changes and structure. Shore-bound or wading anglers have the ability to scout water they would have never seen before.

Imagine the advantage of flying a shoreline, over a flat or even up a creek before approaching it. From the air and with moderately clear water, it is possible to eliminate unproductive water, identify likely structure and even spot individual fish or pods of bait. With just a few minutes of flying time, wading anglers or those fishing from kayaks can gather the kind of information that would require days of exploration without a drone.

Even from a boat, the extended visual range gives you an advantage. Ever watch fish scatter at the sound of your motor?

Using a drone to scout alerts you to the presence of fish, so you’ll know to ease up on them.

Anyone who has seen videos of the guy battling bream with a hook-and-line equipped drone will recognize catching fish with a drone is nothing more than a gimmick at the moment.

However, surf fishermen are effectively using drones to deliver baits much farther out than the length of a cast. Flying cut bait past the breakers is quicker and easier than paddling it out with a surfboard. And on freshwater reservoirs, bank-bound fishermen could deliver live herring to a distant river channel.

This bait delivery system requires the use of a drone with the ability to carry a significant payload. The line is attached to a release clip suspended beneath the drone. With the reel on free spool, the angler flies the bait out before engaging the reel to provide tension to release the bait. There are already drone-specific release clips available, and outrigger clips and kite clips also do the job.

The most important link in the system is the drone, though.

You don’t want to fish with a cheap beginner’s model. For scouting, you’ll need a good camera and viewing screen. Payload-carrying capability is a must for bait delivery. With either function, extended battery life, stable hovering and the ability to fly in wind are necessary. Expect to spend at least $400 with the understanding that it is possible you’ll end up losing it in the depths.

That could get expensive pretty quickly, but it’s peanuts compared to the cost of a boat.

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Bassmaster Ranks Rayburn The Best Bass Lake In The Country B.A.S.S. Photo

A

fter three years hovering in the Top 5 of Bassmaster Magazine’s 100 Best Bass Lakes rankings, Texas’ Sam Rayburn Reservoir finally took the crown as the best bass lake in the nation for 2018.

Consistent production of heavy five-fish tournament limits and the potential for giant bass made this 114,500-acre reservoir northeast of Houston tops in the country this year. Rayburn started showing out in 2015, when it climbed to fifth in the rankings. In 2016 it jumped to fourth.

And last year, Rayburn was the bridesmaid, sitting in second place. But, Rayburn is a bridesmaid no more, and for the first time captures the title.

“Although there were some pretty spectacular numbers being produced from other lakes this year, Rayburn was a clear No. 1,” said James Hall, editor of Bassmaster Magazine. “While some lakes were boasting of a single 30-pound, five-bass limit being caught, Rayburn was spitting them out in rapid succession. And to top it off, a 40.28-pound limit was recorded in June.”

Countless limits of solid fish aren’t the only thing special about this lake.

“When it comes to double-digit bass, Rayburn also seems to top the list this year,” Hall continued. “Three 10-pounders were weighed in during a one-day February derby. Plus, a 12.05 and a 13.06 were landed here in March. The lake is simply on fire right now.”

The process to create the rankings takes about three months to complete. Data is received from state fisheries agencies across the U.S. This is coupled with catch data collected from dozens of tournament organizations from the past 12 months. After the numbers are crunched, a panel from the bass fishing industry debates the strength of the lakes to settle on the final rankings.

The rankings identify the Top 10 lakes in the nation regardless of location, as well as the Top 25 lakes in four geographical divisions.

“By dividing the Top 100 into four regions, anglers have perspective on fisheries nearby,” Hall explained.

Tennessee’s Chickamauga Lake, which took the No. 2 slot this year, made a strong argument for No. 1, as it also produced 40-plus-pound limits this spring, two of them exceeding 42 pounds. Although this 36,240-acre fishery hasn’t produced quite as many big fish as Rayburn, there were two bass over 10 pounds recorded since February. The biggest weighed 11.21 pounds.

California’s Clear Lake landed the No. 3 position on the strength of its production of big largemouth. Michigan’s Lake St. Clair climbed from ninth last year to the fourth in 2018, while Minnesota’s Mille Lacs Lake (last years’ No. 1 fishery) fell to No. 5.

The remainder of the nation’s Top 10 are: sixth, Santee Cooper lakes (Marion/Moultrie), South Carolina; seventh, Diamond Valley Lake, California.; eighth, Thousand Islands (St. Lawrence River), New York; ninth, Lake Guntersville, Alabama; 10th, Falcon Lake, Texas.

When it comes to bragging rights for the state with the most lakes to make the Top 100 list, Texas wins with 12. California boasts eight fisheries within the rankings, while Florida has the third most with seven.

Complete rankings can be found in Bassmaster.com photo galleries.

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TIPS FROM A PRO

BEAT THE HEAT WITH NIGHT FISHING

BRANDON LESTER he dog days have arrived, and the lake is crowded with recreational boat traffic. The best fishing to be had during summer is after the sun goes

T

down.

Around my home in Tennessee, most all of our club-level tournaments go to nighttime hours this time of year. Let’s talk about why the nighttime bite is so good, what to look for and baits that work well at night.

First and foremost, if you’ve never spent a night out cruising your local lake, I think you’ll find it is the most quiet and peaceful fishing you will ever do. It’s like the whole world is asleep, and you have free rein of the lake. Baitfish often become more active at night, and the water cools just enough to get fish to come to the shallows and feed. Bass are a lot like us in that 100-degree temperatures make them want to find somewhere cool to just hang out. Their feeding windows become shorter this time of year, and mostly occur after dark.

When looking for night fishing hotspots, think high percentage areas where you know bass live and feed. Keep in mind that they can’t see as well at night, so they must rely on their lateral lines to find food. Start at lighted boat docks, boat ramps, brushpiles

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WITH THE BEST & BRIGHTEST UNDERWATER LIGHTS! and points. When you find a good spot, revisit that place several times during the night because it will probably hold multiple fish.

Also, don’t be afraid to fish places you wouldn’t dare fish during the day because of too much boat traffic, such as boat ramps and marinas. At night, when these places calm down, fish pull up and feed around them.

You don’t need any specific gear for night fishing if you can get used to the fact that you can’t see your line. Many night fishermen use the exact same gear at night as they do during the day. Around my home lake, we fish clear blue fluorescent line at night and attach a black light to the side of the boat to see the line with ease.

It helps. There’s nothing more fun than watching that line jump in the black light and knowing your bait just got hammered.

Just about any bait that will catch a bass in the day will also catch one at night. The No. 1 key is to slow down. A fish’s strike zone shrinks at night because they can’t see as well. Slowing down helps put the odds in your favor.

Some of my favorite baits are Texas-rigged worms (fished on an MHX NEPS 86HF), from small straight tail worms like the X-Xone Fat Finesse Worm all the way up to 11- and 12-inch worms, and even creature baits. Another great option at night is a spinnerbait. I usually throw a 3/8-ounce Kinkee Baits spinnerbait (fished on an MHX NEPS 86MHF) with a single No. 5 Colorado blade in black and blue color. The thin wire of this bait really lets it thump.

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Fish for Hungry Trout at Hunger Games Site in Western North Carolina

D

uPont State Recreational Forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Hendersonville, North Carolina, provides not only a scenic setting for trout fishing, but also a unique one.

The delayed harvest waters of Little River flow through undisturbed mountains and over several notable waterfalls.

Those same waters were immortalized on Hollywood’s silver screen as the backdrop for the exploits of Katniss Everdeen in the original Hunger Games movie.

Movie buffs who wet a line on Little River in the DuPont Forest will no doubt recognize Triple Falls, which played a prominent role in multiple scenes in the movie. But there is good news for anglers: spending time on this stretch of Little River does not involve the life or death struggle it did in Hunger Games. Everyone is expected to come out alive.

Many anglers also come out happy as this 1.8-mile stretch of Little River is stocked annually with a combination of 7,750 brook, rainbow and brown trout. North Carolina Wildlife regulations require a valid fishing license and the delayed harvest designation means it is single-hook artificial lures only with no harvesting of fish from Oct. 1 through the

first Friday in June.

Starting the first Saturday in June and continuing through Sept. 30, there are no bait restrictions and a creel limit of seven trout per day with no minimum length on trout harvested.

Because DuPont is a state recreational forest, there is ample parking in both the Hooker Falls Access Area and the High Falls Access Areas, with wide, easy-to-navigate trails to many of the key fishing spots. One downside to fishing this stretch of Little River is the popularity of the trails and waterfalls with those who do not fish. Expect plenty of hikers and sightseers, especially on nice weekends.

And when the fishing is done, Hendersonville provides plenty of options for outdoor exploring, listening to live music, sipping craft beverages and enjoying great meals.

The town’s main street has a serpentine shape surrounded by pedestrian-friendly sidewalks punctuated by planting beds, park benches and outdoor dining.

The abundance of orchards makes Henderson County an ideal location for hard cider fans. Three cideries offer tasting rooms: Flat Rock Ciderworks on Main Street, Bold Rock Hard Cider in Mills River and Appalachian Ridge Artisan Ciders in a 1940s-era barn-turned-cidery. Another craft beverage experience is the East Coast location of Sierra Nevada Brewery, considered the Taj Mahal of craft breweries in the eastern U.S.

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“ Rainy Season ” Action Rages Out Of Playa Garza, Costa Rica

By Craig Sutton

T

he five-boat FishingNosara team logged 78 trips last month, and I’m stoked to announce that the marlin are here in northern Costa Rica, as our “second high season” is in full effect.

The 32-foot Harvester led the charge for our Playa Garza-based fleet, with Capt. Alex going on a crazy run of marlin and sailfish releases over four days between June 9 and June 12.

Jeff Broome scored the fish of a lifetime with Capt. Alex on June 10 with a black marlin weighing well over 450 pounds. The next day, Broome posted the trip of the year, to date. First off was a true double sailfish release. After the safe release of both fish, they added a third sailfish for good measure. Another monster came calling, as the Harvester reported another massive marlin release, the second

in two days. It was amazing work by Capt. Alex, Mate Wilson, and this group of Florida anglers.

Here’s what Broome had to say: “Just wanted to say an enthusiastic THANK YOU for the incredible trip we had thanks to your team. In three days, we got three Marlin—two blues and a massive black—three sailfish, a huge dorado and a good deal more tuna and mahi!

“Thanks to Capt. Alex and his hard-working deckhand Wilson, I was able to cross marlin off my bucket list of fish to catch. Definitely a dream for me, and I know I speak for all the guys in our group that it was definitely the fishing trip of a lifetime!

“You could tell how passionate Alex was about fishing. His favorite thing to say after we brought in a catch was, ‘Let’s get another one!’”

“Pura Vida!”-Jeff Broome The next day, Capt. Alex and FishingNosara Hall of Famer Chuck Harris scored another marlin release. That’s four monsters in four days. It was a truly legendary run for the Harvester.

Meanwhile, Lila Weirich brought a big group of folks from Texas down in early June, so many that they need both the 32-foot Wanderer and Discoverer to hold them all. In addition to having a big time all week, these Lone Star anglers scored some fillets big as Texas. Monster mahi-mahi were abundant, and meaty yellowfin tunas added variety to the fillet bag With all the other fishing operations in Costa Rica on the hill for the summer, we have attracted adventurous anglers from all over the Pacific Coast, as well.

Scott Burke drove in three hours from Tamarindo at 3 a.m., fished a full day, and went back the same day. The odyssey proved worthwhile, as the group reported three great sailfish releases.

Shea Ralph is another journeyman angler who came from Jaco to Nosara, covering 140 miles on land in order to reach Costa Rica’s closest bluewater. They hooked up multiple sailfish and proved once again that the fish eat every day, even during the so-called “rainy season.”

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Teen Breaks Wyoming Green Sunfish Record

“J

Photo courtesy of Wyoming Game & Fish

ust one more cast, please,” Chris Castleman, 14, pleaded several times the evening of June 7. On the very last of the “just one more” casts, Chris hooked a new Wyoming state record green sunfish on a worm and bobber.

He and his dad, Allen, knew the fish was much bigger than the panfish they’d been catching that evening at Bryan Stock Trail Pond in Casper.

The next morning, the fish weighed 1-pound, 4-ounces on certified scales. It measured 12.25 inches long with an 11-inch girth. It was officially identified as a green sunfish by Fisheries Supervisor Matt Hahn, the state record form was filled out and a new record was on the books.

The fish resoundingly beat the former state record caught at the Lovell Ponds in July 2010 by nearly 6 ounces. The world record weighed 2 pound, 2 ounces and was caught in Stockton Lake near Springfield, Missouri in June 1971.

“This was a one in a thousand, maybe even one in 10,000 fish,” Hahn said about the frequency of a fish this size in the Wyoming green sunfish population.

The green sunfish is native to middle America from the Great Lakes to Texas and as far west as Nebraska. It was introduced to Wyoming primarily as forage for bass, but also because it generally cooperates with warm-water anglers.

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PERFORMAX MODEL: 2411-1 ITEM 69645/60625 shown

LIMIT 7 - Coupon valid through 12/1/18*

MECHANIC'S GLOVES

$ 99

28

99

$

MODEL: 2000020293

SUPER COUPON

COMPARE TO

$

COMPARE TO

27

COMPARE TO

$999 $1499

SAVE 65%

NOW

99

Customer Rating

NOW

SUPER COUPON

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 12/1/18*

Customer Rating

270

SUPER COUPON

4-1/2" ANGLE GRINDER .50 CAL METAL AMMO CAN NOW

$1 999

99

$

Customer Rating

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 12/1/18*

SUPER COUPON

12,000 LB. ELECTRIC WINCH WITH REMOTE CONTROL AND AUTOMATIC BRAKE

$299

$

COMPARE TO

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 12/1/18*

NOW

$1 69 SAVE $19999 100

Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, safes, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trencher/backhoe, welders, Admiral, Ames, Bauer, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 12/1/18.

SUPER COUPON

99

99

COMPARE TO

ITEM 62728/62583 47770/62570 shown

NOW

NOW

20% OFF ANY SINGLE ITEM*

SUPER COUPON

21 GALLON, 2.5 HP, 125 PSI VERTICAL OIL-LUBE 10 FT. x 17 FT. PORTABLE GARAGE AIR COMPRESSOR Customer Rating Customer Rating

797

MODEL: 20210003

Cannot be used with other discounts or prior purchases. Original coupon must be presented.

Valid through 12/1/18 while supplies last. Limit 1 FREE GIFT per customer per day.

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 12/1/18*

SUPER COUPON

ANY PURCHASE

SUPER COUPON

AUGUST 2018

FRESHWATER

25

7/2/18 9:15 1:46 AM PM 7/18/18

For a limited time, get Suzuki Extended Protection, Instant Savings and attractive financing on select Suzuki outboards from 25 to 350 horspower. See your participapting Suzuki Marine dealer for details or visit www.suzukimarine.com.

REPOWER FINANCE Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 350 HP.

Instant Savings of up to $800 on select models.

See your dealer for details.

Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboard on approved credit.*

Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 04/01/18 and 06/30/18 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 04/01/18 and 06/30/18. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Customer and participating Dealer must fill out the appropriate form at time of sale. Instant Savings will be applied against the original dealer invoice (Suzuki will credit Dealer parts account). There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 04/01/18 and 06/30/18. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2018 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

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