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VOLUME 29 • ISSUE 347
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else, here are a few tips to help you hook and land more tripletail. • Cruise Carefully: Floating at the surface and doing its best to imitate a garbage bag, a tripletail is easy to spot once you develop an eye for it. Run a trap line on plane with a dedicated spotter and you can cover water quickly to locate “trips.” However, you’ll put fish down if you wake them too hard. Stay at least 30 feet off a trap line or channel markers while prospecting. When you spot a fish, give it a few minutes to settle and come back to the surface while you bring the boat around to approach with the trolling motor. A tripletail at ease on the surface is an easy fish to target. • Consider Your Eyewear: Obviously, polarized glasses are a must when sight fishing anything. The color of your lenses matters, too. It’s worth investing in a couple of good pairs so you can switch out according to conditions. Gray or blue works best in clear water. In dingy water, go with copper or rose lenses. • Stay Rigged and Ready: If you’re targeting trout, redfish or whatever, keep a tripletail rig on hand and keep an eye out for them when you’re running to a new spot. A good basic rig is a popping cork with a short 20-pound fluorocarbon leader of a foot or less and a 2/0 circle hook. Live shrimp is best, but if you’re fishing artificials, a DOA shrimp or a Gulp! shrimp or crab will also work. • On Approach: Come at your quarry from down-current and cast well past it so that your bait drifts back in front of its nose. If that cork starts to dance, give it a few seconds before coming tight. Tripletail have small, hard mouths and you want to be sure the fish has taken the bait. • Fish Small Baits: The reason a tripletail is hanging out on that marker is to eat the small crabs and shrimp that live there. They’re used to small food and have small mouths, which is why they’ll sometimes reject big shrimp. Pitch small or medium shrimp to them or small baitfish and lures no longer than about 2.5 inches. • Stick With Them: If a tripletail spooks or goes down, it usually isn’t going far. Try drifting an unweighted bait on a longer 4- or 5-foot leader that will get down deeper on a long drift past your structure. If that doesn’t work, t will soon be the time of year when everyone’s favorite oddball, the go hit your next mark and come back later. There’s a good chance the fish will tripletail, starts moving in closer to shore to hang out on structure or free- be sunbathing happily on the surface when you return. floating debris. Whether you actively sight fish them by running a line of traps and markers or if you just happen to see one while pursuing something For more tips and tricks, visit coastalanglermag.com.
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your veins. Then, bam! The tarpon puts on a show, soaring into the air with moves like no other. It’s a show that leaves even the most seasoned anglers wide-eyed. Those silver kings? They’re not just strong; they’re the rockstars of Islamorada. Now, let’s talk strategy. These tarpon are known for their spontaneity, so patience is your best friend. When it comes to bait, think live mullet or crabs–the kind of irresistible treats that tarpon just can’t resist. Toss your bait in front of where you think they could be, let it drift back in the current, and patiently watch the magic unfold. When your line starts to load, get ready for a ride. Keep that tension steady, brace yourself for some serious speed, and be prepared for tarpon acrobatics. It’s like a rollercoaster on water, and trust me, you’ll want to savor every twist and turn. When they jump, it’s important to bow your rod toward them to give them the slack so the hook doesn’t pull out. As you get closer to that leader touch or face grab, remember, gentle is the name of the game. Tarpon have delicate mouths, and going all WWE on them might end in heartbreak. If you’re going out with a guide, I recommend booking more than one day to give yourself better odds of landing a tarpon. So come late February through March, and the stage will be set for a front-row seat to Islamorada’s Silver King show. To book a charter, visit www.beansportfishing.com
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FEBRUARY 2024
FLORIDA 3
By Emily Hanzlik
Catch South Florida’s
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own in South Florida, the influx of exotic species is crazy. Most people know about peacock bass and snakeheads, but clown knifefish are a lesser-known exotic that are a blast to catch. You might see these fish rolling on the surface, but they’re tough to catch due to their intelligence. Clown knifefish are silver in color with black spots along their tail. These fish have a very unique shape that almost resembles the blade of a knife. Their faces are similar to snook or a tarpon, but they have a huge shoulder right behind their eyes.
4 FLORIDA
FEBRUARY 2024
These fish have a similar texture to freshwater trout, as they have micro scales and a slime coating that makes them smooth to the touch. A fun fact, since their anal fin and tail fin are conjoined, it allows them to undulate and actually swim backward. If you get one boat-side, watch as they back away from the net. Clown knives are native to southeast Asia. Their popularity as aquarium fish has led to their spread because they quickly outgrow most home aquariums and are released. These fish like warm water, and they are bimodal air-breathers, which means they surface to gulp air if the water is too stagnant. This makes them well-suited to the swamps, lakes, canals and backwater rivers of South Florida. Juveniles school together and hide in roots of plants. When they grow larger, they become solitary but still hunt from the cover of aquatic vegetation. Clown knifefish spawn in the spring. Research suggests they prefer three straight days of rain before laying and fertilizing eggs. When the time is right, the female lays eggs on a root or some other secure surface. The male then tends the eggs. Even after the eggs hatch, the male will guard the fry until they are large enough to be on their own. These fish are nocturnal. The best time to catch them is at night, or at dusk or dawn. When the sun is up, they seek refuge under structure or in thick mats of vegetation. Clown knifefish are aggressive ambush predators. If you walk canal banks at night, you can see their eyes glowing in the beam of a flashlight. I’ve found the fishing is always best after a rain, as it gets them frenzied. I use live bait like shiners or shad and freeline them near flowing pipes or in fast-moving canals. If knifefish are there, you’ll see them rolling on the surface. I use a small live bait hook on a 20-pound leader, since they do have sharp teeth. For artificials, a 2- to 3-inch white swimbait or a jig will work. An exciting option is to fish a white topwater frogs at night. Remember, when they get to the bank the fight isn’t over. They always come up to say hi, and then quickly back away into the darkness. The current IGFA all-tackle world record is 14-pound, 8-ounce fish caught from Florida’s Lake Ida in 2018 by Michael Donvito.
Whe Cen and rem add sing
Emily Rose Hanzlik holds 62 IGFA world records in various categories. Find her on social media @emilyhanzlikoutdoors.
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COASTAL ANGLER North Central Florida/Nature Coast
FEBRUARY 2024 EDITION
Find Your Outdoors Here!
Cary & Lynn Crutchfield
North Central Florida Nature Coast Staff
ALACHUA, CITRUS, COLUMBIA, DIXIE, GILCHRIST, LEVY, MARION, SUWANNEE
Cary Crutchfield
FEBRUARY
A
s I write tonight in late January, we are warming from the latest cold front, with several nights hitting below freezing. I enjoy a few days of lower temps and “sweater weather”. It is Winter after all. (I just wish that we could save a little bit of it for August!). This month’s recipe, Shrimp and Wild Rice Skillet, is served over fresh sauteed spinach. It is an encore recipe from May 2018 and is too good for just one presentation. See page 2. I always enjoy Dr. McCarthy’s wisdom and insight, page 3 FLORIDA WATERWAYS, and I especially like it and whole heartily agree this month, as he shares his feelings about my beloved Suwannee River. I shot the sunset photo on this page from my front yard. The “theme” of all my guides’ forecasts this month, seems to be to try to catch a couple good fishing days between the cold fronts, and they will know when and where. Speaking of our guides, they are the very best in the business and I am so grateful for all of them. Every month, they take time from their busy lives to bring us up to date on the latest in fishing North Central Florida and the Nature Coast. How about calling one of them to schedule a guided fishing trip for your favorite Valentine? As always, please thank our advertisers and the folks where you picked up the World’s Greatest FREE Fishing Magazine. Stay smart, get your vaccines (all of them) stay well and stay alive. I hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day with the ones you love! Lynn Crutchfield Co-Publisher Coastal Angler Magazine of North Central Florida/Nature Coast
SALES
EDITING & PRODUCTION Lynn Crutchfield
DISTRIBUTION Rosa Crisman
GRAPHIC ARTS & DESIGN Kathleen Stemley
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Noel Kuhn Dr. Kevin McCarthy Capt. Jason Clark Capt. Katie Jo Davis Capt. Tommy Derringer Capt. Jonathan Hamilton Capt. Tony Johns Capt. James Kerr Capt. Pat McGriff Capt. Brent Woodward
CONTACT INFORMATION
crutch@coastalanglermagazine.com 352-542-0356
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Local Fishing Forecasts Monthly Recipe
Photo by: Suwannee River Water Management District
FLORIDA SUWANNEE RIVER WATERFRONT
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SHRIMP AND WILD RICE SKILLET (SERVES 2)
Thank you to The Crab Plant for the shrimp. Visit their Fresh Seafood Market or enjoy Cooked Seafood to go. You are welcome to sit at their table and view beautiful Kings Bay while you enjoy your delicious, freshly prepared meal, watching manatees, dolphins, pelicans and boats. Or, you can carry it home; your choice. Open Tues-Thurs 10:00-5:30, FriSat 10:00-8:00. 201 NW 5th St. Crystal River 352-795-4700.
DIRECTIONS
Into large bowl, pour 4 cups water, add salt and brown sugar. Stir to combine. Add COOKING DIRECTIONS shrimp. Cook white or brown rice in broth or water and cook wild rice in water. When rice is cooked, drain shrimp and pat dry with paper towels. Heat oil in large skillet. Add shrimp and cook 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Remove shrimp from skillet and keep warm. Add butter and green onion to skillet and cook until tender, 1 to 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add spinach and cook, (turning several times) until wilted. Add bacon and rice. Add salt and pepper to taste and gently combine. Serve with cooked shrimp.
INGREDIENTS
• ½ cup wild rice • ½ cup white or brown rice • 1 cup chicken broth or water • 1 cup plus 4 cups water • 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar • 2 tablespoons salt • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deviened • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil • 2 tablespoons butter • 4 green onions chopped • 2 cloves garlic minced • 2 bags fresh spinach • 4 slices cooked bacon • salt and pepper • ½ lemon
Lynn Crutchfield, Co-Publisher Coastal Angler Magazine of North Central Florida 2 NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST
FEBRUARY 2024
Ho
By
Cary A. Crutchfield Registered Real Estate Broker GRI and CRS Designations
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FLORIDA WATERWAYS How the Suwannee Can Relieve Stress in All of Us
I
recently read articles from the American Psychological Association about stress in America, specifically which states have the most stressed people (Mississippi) and what causes stress these days: COVID-19, world affairs, money problems, fear of a government shutdown, etc. According to the survey, the leaststressed-out By Kevin McCarthy states were Minnesota, Utah, New Hampshire, and South Dakota. Another survey found that the happiest states in the nation were Hawaii and Maryland (Florida was eighth on the list). On the chance that many Floridians would not want to move to Minnesota, Utah, New Hampshire, or South Dakota, I began looking into ways that those living in the Sunshine State can become less stressed. I found that water in general, and rivers in particular, are great stress relievers. For me, the Suwannee River is a great antidote to the pressures many of us feel. I began collecting some of my photographs of that river to be able to comment on how and where the river can help all of us. I think for my family and friends, that being around water brings back great memories. Swimming or boating or surfing ocean waves or walking along a beach can bring great peace and contentment. The first picture shows an isolated part of the Suwannee, a part that probably has not changed in hundreds of years. The second picture shows a boardwalk at Hart Springs, a splendid park along the river near Fanning Springs. The boardwalk, which is several feet above the swamp, allows us to get up close and personal, maybe hearing a gator bellowing or birds singing happily. The third picture shows a sloping concrete bank at Branford. What a peaceful spot where one can watch the powerful Suwannee streaming past on its way to the Gulf. The fourth shows Lime Sink Run in Suwannee River State Park. The wooden walkway over the rushing stream invites
A peaceful part of the river
A boardwalk at Hart Springs
A quiet bank at Branford
Lime Sink Run in Suwannee River State Park (cr. Wilsilver77)
passersby to stop, contemplate the scene, and feel the peace all around. The sound of the rushing water can have a soothing effect on our bodies. The fifth shows the river at Twin Rivers State Forest. Imagine boating or kayaking there on a weekday, with no one around to disturb the scene. The sixth has a rainbow over the river, inviting visitors to take in the scene. Scientists tell us that being near such a river, experiencing its The river at Twin Rivers State Forest (cr. Pictures-and-Pixels) peace and quiet, can result in a type of meditation, which will reduce our heart rate and maybe even increase our creativity. In boating the river and writing a guidebook to it, I learned that Native Americans once considered parts of the river to be sacred. Everyone was to be allowed to enjoy the river, friend and foe alike, without fear of attack. All of us today can still enjoy the Suwannee and decrease any stress in our lives by enjoying it. Kevin McCarthy, author of Suwannee River Guidebook (Pineapple Press, 2009), can be reached at ceyhankevin@gmail.com.
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FEBRUARY 2024
A rainbow over the river
NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST 3
KATIE JO’S NATURE COAST ADVENTURES
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lorida’s Nature Coast has experienced a wild and crazy start to our winter with the colder temperatures and random storms popping up, but that doesn’t stop the fish from biting! February is when the sheepshead spawn is in full force on the nearshore rocks and wrecks. I find these same fish along hard bottom as well as spawning mangrove snapper and hogfish. Trout are holding steady in the deeper holes of the creek mouths and near the deeper channels where rocks are close by. A DOA Jerk bait has been the bait of choice on a 1/8-ounce jig head, slowly retrieved and jigged along the bottom. Red and black drum are being found near oyster bars and rocky areas in the shallower water areas, and rivers where the water temperatures warm faster from the sun. Typically, mullet boils atop of the water are a sign of fish schooling nearby. Here’s to hoping for better weather, fewer windy days, and fewer storms for the month of February, so we can get out and enjoy a great day outdoors! Captain Katie Jo KD OUTDOORS FiSHING CHARTERS www.fishcrystalriverflorida.com 772–882-8932
4 NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST
FEBRUARY 2024
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FEBRUARY 2024
H
ey anglers, what a month January has been! I know we get wind this time of year, but dang, we've really been fighting some weather to catch some little ole fish. I tell you this. If you are lucky enough to have a day off that lines up with good weather, don't waste your time on the flats or around the islands. The fish are in full winter mode and plan to stay that way for the next several weeks. That means, structure and back country for us Cedar Key boys and girls. The fish in the back country have been plentiful. Between reds, trout, and sheepshead we have managed to keep busy. I've been using two types
of rigs (both paired with shrimp) knocker rigs and popping corks, and both have been working well for me. I've been catching most of my fish in areas with good water flow and usually a deep hole around the corner or just deeper channels next to shallow structure. So if you get a chance to come out, I'd focus on those techniques for the time being and I hope this info helps you out! Until next month. Stay safe out there. Capt. Jason Clark In The Slot Fishing Charters 352-639-3209 www.intheslotfishing.com
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SUWANNEE
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It was a cold day, but with patience and persistence, Phil, Becky and their grandson Dylan managed to catch a few
f I had to pick the least favorable month to fish the Lower Suwannee River Estuary and adjacent coastal waters, it would be February! Why? First, the water temps. Many yearsFebruary will be when we see the lowest water temps of the year. That combined with the cold fronts coming through weekly, makes planning a fishing trip tricky! February is also a time when the Lower Suwannee River acts like a magnet, drawing fish to the warmer waters that are in the deeper holes of the river. Because fish are cold blooded creatures, even a couple degrees difference is a big deal! But just because the fish are there doesn't mean they are willing to bite! Fishing in the winter requires even more patience! Now don't get me wrong, you can catch fish during February! If scheduling is not a problem, then your best bet is to fish between the fronts, especially the day before the front. Even if the weather may not be the best, it will be the warmest, and the fish can sense the change in barometric pressure. The low/ falling pressure ahead of the front is when the fish will feed the most. Just like the day after the front is when the barometric pressure is high/increasing, the fish just won't feed nearly as much. Best bait will be live or fresh dead baits like shrimp, mullet and crabs (mud minnows if you can find them). Fished on the bottom with a jig head, a knocker rig or a fish finder rig. The last two rigs can be the difference between catching fish, or not even getting a bite on some days! If we get a warming trend near
A mixed bag from a very cold day
the end of the month, the fish will become more active and move out of the deep holes onto the shallower banks that have good exposure to the midday and afternoon sun. If you know of a deep hole with this type of bank nearby, then you have a good location to start fishing. This is also when I will use an artificial bait like the FishBites Fight Club 5 inch Jerkbait. Now you are trying to trigger the fish to bite with your presentation, a reaction bite. The FishBites scent/taste is there to help them to commit to and then eat the bait! Don't worry Spring is right around the corner and we all know that means warmer days with better fishing! Until next time y'all be safe and Catchemup! Captain Tony Johns | 352-221-2510 www.lowersuwanneriverfishing.com Instagram: captaintonyjohns Facebook: Lower Suwannee River Fishing Adventures
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ST. AUGUSTINE
M
y favorite time of year to catch (and sight-fish) redfish, is here! Cold water temps mean clear water for Northeast Florida and that means it’s time to sight-fish for reds. When the water gets below about 60 degrees, the brown algae will die off, resulting in clearer water and some exciting fishing opportunities. We’ve had a rainy start to the new year thus far, and as of report time, the water is murkier than normal for this time of year. Here’s to hoping things dry up a bit so the water can clear up for us! Colder water also means that redfish will be schooled up, both on the flats and in the deeper creek holes. Black drum, trout, and sheepshead will also be schooled up in the same areas. If you can get out between the fronts on a nice sunny day over the next couple of months, you might want to call in sick and get on the water, because the fishing should be awesome! We’ll have some negative low tides this month, which means finding fish that are schooled up, will be easier as the fish don’t have as much water to swim around in. These extra low, low tides will concentrate fish down to the deeper parts of the creeks and flats. I like to fish the last hour or so of the outgoing tide, with a 1/4oz jig with either a live shrimp or mud minnow or a soft plastic lure like a Saltwater Assassin paddle tail. Hard bends in the creeks will have the deepest holes. Some creeks may have a shallow mouth, but don’t be afraid to do some exploring, as some of the best creek holes are far back in there. If you’re unsure of the depth, or afraid of getting stuck, just wait until the tide goes slack and then starts pushing in. That way, you’ll know if you can make it in, you can make it back out, if the tide is still coming in. Then next
time, you’ll have a better idea of where your boat can and can’t go. On days when the sun is shining, locating large schools of redfish on the flats can be a breeze this time of year. The sun allows you to see in the water, so make sure you keep it at your back if possible. Grab a pair of high-quality polarized sunglasses, like those made by Bajio Sunglasses, and you’ll up your chances of seeing those big schools. Redfish will tend to hang out on flats that hold bait, have easy access to deeper water, and have areas that warm up quickly. Flats with an abundance of oysters are a good place to start, as they tend to cover most of the above-mentioned criteria. Once you locate the school, approach as stealthily as possible. Drifting and/or poling the boat are best, but using the trolling motor can catch our fish as well. Just keep it slow and at a constant speed. This is also a good time of year to downsize your baits a bit, as clear water tends to mean spookier redfish. Sheepshead fishing will be in full swing by now. Just about any bridge piling or jetty rock with barnacles on it will be holding some sheepies. The go-to bait is a fiddler crab on a small j-hook or jighead, although a piece of blue or oyster crab is also hard to beat. Fish the pilings and rocks vertically, with enough weight to hold the bait close to the structure. Just remember, they’re quick, so you’ll need to be on your hook-setting game. The old saying goes, “You have to set the hook before they bite”! Be sure to check out my online Daily Fishing Report @ www. InshoreAdventures.net Capt. Tommy Derringer www.InshoreAdventures.net 904-377-3734
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SURF & PIER
S
urf fishing success is controlled mainly by water temperature. As I am writing, our surf temperature is 58 degrees. If it drops below 55 degrees, stay home and tie some rigs. Now is the time to catch some of the largest whiting of the year. To conquer those cold-water blues, drop down to a #1 or #2 circle hook, use small pieces of very fresh shrimp and you just might go home with a cooler full of tasty whiting and maybe even a bonus black drum. If you are like me and want some hot surf fishing action in February, Vero Beach is the place to be. Every trip I made there in February has been successful. We’ve caught pompano, redfish, black drum, blue runners, big bluefish and blacktip sharks. Now let’s talk about some hot action this Spring. The best month for fishing in our area is late April or early May. That’s why the Florida Surf Casters club has planned their 20th annual tournament on May 4th.
The water will have warmed back up to near 70 degrees, and once again the action will be hot. As a founding member of the club, I have fished in every one of the tournaments, and they continue to get better every year. The tournament is family oriented with a kids division. For all the info and to pre-register please visit our website. www.surffishingflorida.com Sunday May 4th. The weigh in will be Time at Strike Zone Fishing. to pack the truck for a road trip. I am headed south for a few days to fish in warmer water. The bite is HOT from Melbourne and farther south. I will give you a report next month. Until then you can see my progress on Facebook via Surf Fishing Guide. Noel Kuhn 43 years of surf fishing experience, surf fishing guide and long distance casting coach. Founding member of Florida Surf Casters club. 904-945-0660 www.TheSurfAngler.com
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NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST 11
HOMOSASSA
CRYSTAL RIVER
F
ebruary on the Nature Coast can be one of our coldest months of the year! This time of the year I like the main rivers for trout, redfish, black drum, mangrove snapper, snook, jacks, and tarpon. February can be the only month that you can target so many species in the comfort of the river and its wind protecting banks. All species can be targeted with live shrimp. I like to fish shrimp on a jig head this time of the year at the rocky bends and deep holes. Mirror deans and soft plastics can produce a snook bite. If the weather stays mild or warm, look for the hard bottom areas around the creek mouths with rock grass for trout. For my fly fishing guys/gals February is a great time to sightfish for redfish. The water is usually clearer, and the bait is a little more scarce. That being said, these fish will go quite a while without feeding. Gurglers can be too enticing for these laid up fish and they can’t resist chasing one down and crushing at the surface! Lots of fun! The near shore rocks will produce great table fare with the sheephead spawn firing up. Most of your shallow water grouper rocks will hold nice sized sheephead. Fish for sheephead with shrimp on a knocker rig. Pay attention to your wind and tide forecast. Hard east winds with wintertime lows can produce some very treacherous
W
ow, what a wild and crazy winter we’ve had the past few weeks. It seems like we’re getting cold fronts every three to four days right now, which can make the fishing challenging. Half the battle this time of year is dealing with the negative low tides, but if you get a break in the weather, you can still have some good fishing. This time of year, I love trout. I’ll take a northeast wind all day, especially for trout fishing. It helps to keep the tides low and it keeps the fish concentrated. When targeting trout, I prefer artificial this time of year. I like the DOA 5 1/2-inch jerk bait, using the twitch, twitch, pause retrieval method. When the water drops below 60 degrees, I’ll switch over to the Mirrordine suspending twitch bait, using the same retrieval method. When I’m trying to locate trout, I look for a good hard bottom, kelp and sand holes when the tides are low. Redfish are doing really good on the inside and outside. This time of year, I rely on years of fishing here, and knowing where they frequent this time of year. I prefer Shrimp on a free lined hook or the classic spoon. These two seem to work the best during the cooler months. Hopefully soon the weather will get back to normal and we will get some warmer temps. I have days available ,so give me a call to book a day in the water. Tight lines, Capt. James Kerr 352-362-6893 Citrusfishingchaters.com
12 NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST
conditions. February 18th will be our Annual Homosassa Guides Assoc. Fish Fry at MacRaes of Homosassa, where we all get together and cook our famous “shore lunch land side”! This is our annual fundraiser that we do each year. This past year, we were able to give just under $15,000 back to our community. With the support of our local community, we gave to organizations like the Citrus County Education Foundation, Homosassa Civic Center and Old Homosassa Heritage Park. This year our goals are not only to do more, but also to ramp up our scholarship program. If you can’t make it, but would like to donate or learn more about what we do, feel free to reach out to me or to the Homosassa Guides Association at www. homosassaguidesassociation.com. – Capt. Stump Capt. Jonathan Hamilton www.stumpnation.us 352-424-3260
FEBRUARY 2024
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ike ye 28 in P trout li Febr we aren front, c those f throug then go trend a rocks a has alm fishing Susp success MirrO your fa EC, BK Brown in Dec 91, and
HORSESHOE BEACH
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Amos and his buddy Kale Skinner both of Houston, Texas
ikes! We are having WINTER this year it appears and this a.m. It was 28 in Perry....brrr..... It is doubtful the trout like it any more than we do. February can be nice, at least when we aren’t doing rain, front, cold ...rain, front, cold. So if you can get in between those fronts, and they aren’t coming through every three days, as of late, then go for the 4th day or a warming trend and fish the creek mouths where rocks and or mud flats are nearby. Grass has almost nothing to do with winter fishing in February. Suspending baits are the Key to success in cold water and I prefer MirrOlure’s #27 MirrOdines . You pick your favorite color pattern I will try EC, BKGCH, #11 and PFSBG. The Paul Brown series were making a lot of trout in December especially the Devil in 08, 91, and 93.
Kale Skinner with his own trout.
H Amos Jackson with a nice trout caught January 27
We were also killing it on Assassin’s NEW Lit’l P & V soft baits in the Laguna Shrimp pattern. I was rigging the P&V in Bert Deener’s 1/16 ounce round head jighead with the screw lock feature and a Gamkatsu 4/0 light wire hook. Look for these at “Bert’s Jigs and Things” on FaceBook. I expect February to be really tough fishing until we return to 70s for highs and 50s for lows. This usually occurs the last week in February. Give me a call or text in late February and don’t miss out on your choice of dates this Spring Meanwhile, Let's Go Fishing! Pat McGriff dba One More Cast guide service for 30 years! www.onemorecast.net
ello guys and gals. I hope everybody had a great start to the new year. Holy cow, it’s been a cold one! These colder temps brought fewer locals and a couple snow birds to fill our books. So to say the least, I’ve finished January doing nothing but duck hunts, to be honest. But the couple trips that we ran were good. Feast or famine though, and that’ll be the case til late February. The redfish that I have found have been deep in channels or potholes. I’ve been catching them on shrimp on the bottom The trout that we have found have been on the same spots, more so the channels. I will try shrimp on the bottom and popping cork for them, until one outperforms. February is a hard month for speckled trout, so let’s remember to take it easy on them and throw back what we can, when we can. It’s
not all about filling the freezer for a instagram picture. Social media has made it where it’s more about the likes, and less about the memories. March is historically our busy month, so if you want to get on the books, jump on it. Until next time, keep it Reel Native! Captain Brent Woodard Reel Native Fishing Charters ReelNativeFishing.com 352-284-5514
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Fish Methodically When the Bite Slows PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES®.
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recently had a stretch of tough fishing days that called for a thorough covering of a cove to find what I was looking for. Over the next few paragraphs, I’ll cover what changes I made that saved the day, and I think you will see the logic in my decision and possibly implement this method when you find yourself in a slow-bite situation. Keep in mind, I typically don’t have the patience to utilize this approach, as it is very methodical, leaving no stone unturned, so to speak, but it can and did pay off. During a normal wade, I only target the sweet zones, but when they are not there or not feeding, I map out a deliberate path where I cover every inch of the area, twice. Depending on whether I start from the shore or from offshore via a boat or kayak, I will choose a direction to wade. For this example, let’s say I walked in and started from the bank. I will slowly walk out to the maximum depth I want to fish casting to my right, left and straight ahead. I vary my retrieve speed, depth and action throughout until I find what the fish are looking for. Once I reach the farthest point I want to cover, I make a 90-degree turn and walk about the distance of a long cast as I continue casting right, left, and straight ahead. Once I reach that point, I turn another 90 degrees and head back toward the shore repeating the same casting process. One direction will be covering the same water I just fished but from a different angle. At times, this can make a difference and entice the bite, depending on how they are staged on the structure or the direction they are swimming through the area. Once my cast has reached the shore, I may decide to change lure size or type. Once again, I turn 90 degrees and repeat the process. During a tough bite, you need to pull out all the stops. This is not the time to be stuck in a rut of what typically works or what your favorite fishing style may be. It’s important to change your retrieve style and speed. Don’t let a slow bite convince you that inactive fish will only eat a slowly presented lure. Many times, a faster erratic retrieve is what gets them to strike. Cover the gamut and see what works. I rarely use this method, as it is tedious. However, if I have high confidence in the area and the fish are inactive or possibly deeper or shallower than I anticipated, working methodically has paid off, and I learn something new each time it does. Take a kid, and even a tough day of catching will still be a good day of fishing.
•A
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FISH TOPWATER TO LOCATE SPAWNERS
Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water are preferred spawning grounds, and a topwater is one of my favorite ways to cover water and locate productive areas. Whether it be a frog, walking bait, prop bait or buzzbait doesn’t matter. Pick your confidence lure and chuck it around to see if you can get some bites. Typically, a bass on a bed will show itself TYLER WOOLCOTT to some form of topwater, even if it doesn’t actually eat it. They might eat it, or they might just wake behind it or swirl on it. Curiosity and his time of year, in some parts of the country and especially in the South, bass are about to start transitioning to protectiveness of the area typically gets the best of them this time of year, and a topwater is an awesome way to move up on beds and spawn. cover a lot of water to find productive Whether you’re fishing from shore in areas. a pond or by boat in a big lake, this Once you’ve located some fish, time of year is prime time for making slow down with something like a memories because the biggest fish wacky worm to pick up some of the in the lake become more visible and other fish in the area. Typically, bass more vulnerable to anglers. prefer to spawn next to some sort As the bass spawn rolls northward of cover or structure, so keep this with warming temperatures over the in mind. They will use grass, trees, next few months, keep the following docks, rocks, sand, or pretty much tips in mind. For the most part, I do anything hard to make a bed for their the same things, whether I’m fishing eggs. Find a shallow area with plenty for big Southern largemouths or of objects you can cast to, and there’s smallmouths up north. In a nutshell, a good chance bass will be around it I’ll fish through areas fairly quickly in some stage of the spawn. until I find some aggressive fish and The biggest bass I’ve ever caught then slow down and pick them apart was during the spawn in 2013. It with something slower. This is when weighed 13 pounds, 1 ounce and is I can also look for beds with my eyes pictured here. Get out there and find to sight fish. some big egg-laden females over the The spawn is triggered by a few key factors. Major moon phases, whether it be a full moon or a new next few months, and there’s decent chance you’ll get to take a photo moon, along with a general warming weather trend are the triggers for with your new personal best. bass to move up and start their spawn. Staying on top of these factors will Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. tell you when fish are likely to be moving shallow at your lake. Then you Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcottfishing.com. can go find them and put them in the boat.
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C-Hawk 25 Center Console The C-Hawk 25 Center Console is an infinitely customizable boat with a huge following among hardcore anglers. They are the boat of choice for many charter captains who prefer functionality over flash and want a no-nonsense vessel that’s designed to perform and built to take a beating.
SPECIFICATIONS
One of the great advantages of the C-Hawk 25 is it’s totally customizable, so it can be purpose built to be a better boat for whatever it is you need to do.
LENGTH: 24’11” BEAM: 9’6” DRAFT: 12” DRY WEIGHT: 2,800 lbs. FUEL CAPACITY: 112 Gal. MAXIMUM HP: 300 DEADRISE: 12 degrees TRANSOM: 25”/ 30”
“We have 10-plus guides using them on the west coast of Florida,” said C-Hawk Boats Owner Brad Grubbs. “In Georgia and South Carolina, they’re using it as a small passenger ferry. In Chesapeake Bay, it’s a crab boat.”
to commercial-application standards. They are designed to withstand hard use for years of trouble-free boating, and you can customize your C-Hawk from the factory in any way that suits your purpose.
At its core, the C-Hawk 25cc is a hard-core workhorse with a 300 horsepower maximum that will take you anywhere you need to go. Its 9’6” beam allows it to float in very skinny water with just a 12” draft, and it is also extremely stable, which should appeal for bottomfishing, diving and any other pursuit where a stable platform is preferred.
“We can mix and match consoles, fish boxes, full transoms, cut transoms, bare hulls… you name it,” Grubbs said. “There are some recreational guys adding towers and sight fishing for cobia, and such. Everything we do is built around keep it simple, keep it efficient, keep it easy to maintain, keep it cost effective to own and operate. They are all unique… no cookie cutter trailer queens here. The 25 is a great example of what C-Hawk is.”
Whatever you plan to do with it, all C-Hawk boats are built battleship tough
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT CHAWKBOATS.NET.
LIFE IS BETTER IN A C-HAWK
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NATIONAL 11
BLITZING BASS INVADE
EARLY SEASON ESTUARIES By Nick Carter
S
triped bass are king along the crags and marshes of the Massachusetts North Shore, and each year around the first week of May something very interesting takes place. They call it the early season in this stretch of coastline north of Boston, and it can bring on some of the fastest action of the year. All the baitfish—the herring, the sand eels, the silversides and bunker— push into the estuaries in search of warmer water temperatures. Big schools of striped bass move in with them. It leads to classic bass blitzes, when pods of stripers push bait up to boil on the surface as birds hammer them from above.
You can bet Matt Zimmerman, owner of Back Eddy Charters out of Beverly, Mass., will be there in the middle of the melee standing in the water waving a stick in the air. “I fly fish pretty much everywhere for everything, but it’s better early season,” he said. “You can use a slower presentation, mimic smaller baits, and cover the water column a lot better with a fly.” Historically, the pattern produced 40-fish days of smaller 14- to 26-inch stripers, known as “schoolies.” However, recent years have seen an uptick in larger 26- to 30-inch fish in the early season. “That’s great for fishing, but it’s not a great sign for the fishery,” Zimmerman said. If you haven’t heard, fisheries managers are scrambling to prop up Atlantic striper populations. Since 2019, striper reproduction on the Eastern Seaboard has been dismal due to weather conditions. Emergency action reduced the recreational limit to one fish in a slot limit from 28 to 31 inches, and more restrictive measures may be on the horizon. “The regs? I’m all catch and release, so it hasn’t impacted me too much,” Zimmerman said. “They’re trying to get the stocks up, but most of what we’re seeing is slot fish and up.” That’s not necessarily the case in the early season, which Zimmerman said is a time when you can just park the truck and wade in. “Most of the time I fish from a boat,” he said. “But early season, when there’s lots of fish in the river, it’s easier and you can catch more fish wading from shore.” Zimmerman fishes 5- to 8-weight rods and leaders of straight 20- or 30-pound monofilament. Intermediate sinking lines allow for good depth control, and a handful of Clousers and Deceivers are all you need. Zimmerman suggested 4- to 6-inch patterns and colors of green/white, yellow/white and gray/white. The fishing is best on the last three hours of an outgoing tide or the first couple hours of an incoming tide, when the bait moves around and incites feeding activity. This river bite is Zimmerman’s go-to pattern for about a month, after which he’ll move out to the beaches and rocky islands, where huge stripers herd bait and slam 6- to 8-inch Hollow Fleyes. Find Matt Zimmerman on Instagram @backeddycharters.
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AT SEA
OFF VENICE By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon
E
arly in my career, I fished out of Venice, Louisiana. On off days, we fished inshore and roadside, which produced incredible catches like bull reds, 100-pound alligator gar and 70-pound blue cats. It was nothing to complain about, but my heart is always offshore. The offshore fishing off Venice is topnotch for yellowfin tuna, wahoo, marlin and swordfish, but the gas bill was too much for me to get out there as anything but crew. One evening, I was invited on an offshore trip and was told I got to plan the route. I ecstatically hit my Hilton’s offshore report to check the salinity chart and decided to hit an overlooked rig called Moxie. We headed out the next morning, caught bait and arrived at the rig. This rig sits in shallower waters and is a bit off the path for rig hopping, so it is often passed by. I was surprised to see another boat when we arrived. The bottom machine lit up with giant marks, and we tossed out our baits. I was running the deck and focused on the back of the boat, but I kept hearing the captain comment on the other boat. It seemed like they were diving, but they didn’t have a dive flag up. I heard him say the boat looked to be sitting
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low in the water. All of a sudden, Capt. Travis Mayeux started screaming, “LINES IN, LINES IN!” I was reeling everything up as quickly as I could when he pushed the boat to full throttle. I wasn’t sure what was going on until I had the lines secured and I turned around. The motors of the other boat had gone under, and the bow reached for the sky before slipping away. The boat sank in seconds. By the time we got to the scene, most of the flotsam had been carried away by the currents. We rescued the spearfishermen, one Pelican case and a fish bag. We ended our trip and took the spearfishers back to the dock. Their wallets and keys sank offshore, so they called Plaquemines Parish Sheriff ’s Office to get into their truck. The deputy ran their names, and one of them had an outstanding warrant. He was taken to jail for the weekend. It was a rough day for those guys, but it could have been much worse. Fishing offshore oil rigs provides a false sense of security. You are still very much offshore even though you are near a structure. The crew on those rigs are not lifeguards and are not paying attention to you. Considering how quickly the debris dispersed and how unfished that rig was, those fellas were very lucky we were there that day. Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Sweet E’nuf Charters, out of Marathon, Florida Keys. Contact her at (504) 920-6342, captainquinlyn.com or @captainquinlyn.
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Embrace your Scandinavian side with a 7" blade
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f you looked out your window a thousand years ago and saw a fleet of Viking longships coming your way, you knew you were in trouble. For roughly two centuries, the Vikings voyaged, raided and pillaged wherever they pleased. As expert sailors and navigators, they reached as far from Scandinavia as Iran, Constantinople, North Africa and the New World in their quest to expand their kingdom.
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JOIN MORE THAN , SHARP PEOPLE WHO COLLECT STAUER KNIVES The steel of legend. For centuries, a Damascus steel blade was instantly recognizable and commanded respect. Renowned for its sharp edge, beauty and resistance to shattering, Damascus steel was the stuff of legend. While the original process has been lost to the ages, modern bladesmiths have been able to re-create Damascus steel to create the best blades imaginable. Sure to impress, naturally. Combining natural strength and natural wonder at a price that’s hard to beat, the Viking Blade is a study in Damascus steel that’s sure to impress. And should you ever find yourself facing a Viking horde, a flash of this knife will show that you’re not to be messed with. Don’t delay: Order within the next week and we’ll offer this blade to you for just $99, a savings of $200! That’s the best bang for your buck we can possibly offer: our Stauer® Impossible Price. Get your hands on one of the fastest-selling knives in our company’s history today. Knife Specifications: • 12" overall length. 7" Damascus full-tang blade • Includes genuine leather sheath Viking Blade $299 $99* + S&P Save $200 California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product. *Special price only for customers using the offer code.
“This knife is everything promised. Beautiful beyond comparison. And completely functional. Love it.” — Gene, Auburn, WA
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IT’S PRIME TIME
ON AMERICA’S HOTTEST BIG BASS LAKE By Nick Carter
I
f a truly giant largemouth bass is on your bucket list, make plans to visit O.H. Ivie Lake in Texas over the next few months. Last year, this 19,000acre impoundment of the Colorado River burst onto the scene as the hottest big bass lake in the nation. A string of 17 monster largemouths from January through April kept O.H. Ivie in the headlines, and 10 of them were caught in February. And when we say monster, we’re not talking about 8- to 10-pounders, we’re talking about 13-plus-pound behemoths. According to data from Toyota ShareLunker, Texas’ trophy bass recognition and breeding program, February is the time to catch a giant at this central Texas reservoir. Bass are at their heaviest and most aggressive ahead of the spawn, when they are fat, feeding and full of eggs. Last February’s incredible streak was highlighted by an enormous 17.03-pounder that is the lake record and the eighth largest bass ever caught in Texas. Jason Conn caught it on Feb. 13, 2023, and he said the fish was even heavier before it started regurgitating shad in his livewell. Moving into March and April last year, the trophy bass statistics were still pretty amazing—with 34 fish heavier than 8 pounds—but the giant fish tapered off. Five 13-plus-pounders were caught during those two months, and then no one registered another one until November, when Shawn Strength caught a 16.65-pound monster. The totals for 2023 were 75 fish heavier than 8 pounds and 18 heavier than 13 pounds. The true total is potentially much more impressive, because these statistics include only the fish anglers bothered to register with ShareLunker. So, why has the productivity of O.H. Ivie largemouth bass fishing exploded
over the last three or four years? According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, intensive stocking of bass with Florida-strain genetics is the secret ingredient. Florida strain genetics produce larger, faster-growing fish than the native-northern strain genetics in the system. Part of the mission of the ShareLunker program is to breed trophy fish, and they do this by using 13-plus-pounders caught by anglers in their breeding program. It is estimated 75 to 85 percent of the bass in O.H. Ivie possess those Florida genetics. On top of that, weather played a role in the lake’s rise. Following a prolonged drought, heavy rain in the fall of 2018 raised water levels by more than 30 feet. “It gave these bass pretty much unlimited food and space to grow,” said a ShareLunker representative, “and they just grew like crazy.” Stay tuned. It’ll be interesting to see what America’s hottest big bass lake produces over the next four months, especially with all the added angler attention that comes with a bright hot spotlight.
The Return of a
See more on last year’s incredible fishing at O.H. Ivie at coastalanglermag.com.
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ou may think you understood the concept of “priceless” jewelry. For years, “priceless” meant “astronomically expensive.” That is, until now ... Stauer smashes the luxury status quo with the release of our FREE* 200-Carat Lusso Amethyst Necklace. That’s right, we said FREE ... as in “priceless.” No charge.* ZERO dollars.* Call now and we’ll send you this impressive helping of genuine amethyst (independently appraised at $295) for FREE. We cut the price 100%. You only pay $24.95, our regular charge for shipping and processing. We’ll even pay you back with a $30 discount certificate –– that’s our Better Than Free Shipping!
A collection of purple perfection. Your Lusso Amethyst Necklace is a 200-carat symphony of smooth purple genuine gemstones. Each gemstone’s shape and translucence ignites the velvety, violet hues. The polished amethysts are hand-strung on double-knotted jeweler’s thread, and the stunning 18" necklace (with 2" extender) secures with a goldfinished lobster clasp. Too good to pass up. Too good to last long. Amethyst is one of the world’s most coveted gemstones and our supply is extremely limited. We can only offer such an outrageous deal for a short time every few years. Over 30,000 thrilled customers were lucky enough to get this promotion last time.
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Your Insider Offer Code: LAN510-05
* This offer is valid in the United States (and Puerto Rico) except in TX, FL, CO, OK, RI, NH, WV, OR, SC, VA, CA and ID. These state residents will be charged one cent ($.01) + shipping & processing for the item. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Offer subject to state and local regulations. Not valid with any other offers and only while supplies last. This offer is limited to one item per shipping address. ** Free is only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code. † For more information concerning the appraisal, visit www.stauer.com/appraisedvalues.asp.
Stauer, 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. LAN510-05, Burnsville, MN 55337 www.stauer.com
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