Coastal Angler Magazine | April 2023 | North Central Florida/Nature Coast Edition

Experience Real Florida.

Located within two hours driving distance to all major attractions in central Florida, international airports and Florida’s beautiful beaches, Putnam County’s outdoor recreational choices are legendary. Between world class fishing, boating, hunting, cycling, hiking, golf, and more, Putnam County has it all. Whether you are seeking real Florida culture and heritage, recreation, or just relaxing in a small historic town, the residents and businesses of Putnam County invite you to Experience Real Florida

Your Silver Passport to Travel the World The

Travel the globe, without leaving home—with this set of the world’s ve most popular pure silver coins. Newly struck for 2023 in one ounce of ne silver, each coin will arrive in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition. Your excursion includes stops in the United States, Canada, South Africa, China and Great Britain.

We’ve Done the Work for You with this Extraordinary 5-Pc. World Silver Coin Set

Each of these coins is recognized for its breathtaking beauty, and for its stability even in unstable times, since each coin is backed by its government for weight, purity and legal-tender value.

2023 American Silver Eagle: The Silver Eagle is the most popular coin in the world, with its iconic Adolph Weinman Walking Liberty obverse backed by Emily Damstra's Eagle Landing reverse. Struck in 99.9% fine silver at the U.S. Mint.

2023 Canada Maple Leaf: A highly sought-after bullion coin since 1988, this 2023 issue includes the FIRST and likely only use of a transitional portrait, of the late Queen Elizabeth II. These are also expected to be the LAST Maple Leafs to bear Her Majesty's effigy. Struck in high-purity

99.99% fine silver at the Royal Canadian Mint.

2023 South African Krugerrand: The Krugerrand continues to be the best-known, most respected numismatic coin brand in the world. 2023 is the Silver Krugerrand's 6th year of issue. Struck in 99.9% fine silver at the South African Mint.

2023 China Silver Panda: 2023 is the 40th anniversary of the first silver Panda coin, issued in 1983. China Pandas are noted for their heart-warming one-year-only designs. Struck in 99.9% fine silver at the China Mint.

2023 British Silver Britannia: One of the Royal Mint's flagship coins, this 2023 issue is the FIRST in the Silver Britannia series to carry the portrait of King Charles III, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Struck in 99.9% fine silver.

Exquisite Designs Struck in Precious Silver

These coins, with stunningly gorgeous finishes and detailed designs that speak to their country of origin, are sure to hold a treasured place in your collection. Plus, they provide you with a unique way to stock up on precious silver. Here’s a legacy you and your family will cherish. Act now!

SAVE with this World Coin Set

You’ll save both time and money on this world coin set with FREE shipping and a BONUS presentation case, plus a new and informative Silver Passport!

2023 World Silver 5-Coin Set Regular Price $229 – $199 SAVE $30.00 (over 13%) + FREE SHIPPING

FREE SHIPPING: Standard domestic shipping. Not valid on previous purchases. For fastest service call today toll-free

1-888-201-7070

Offer Code WRD290-05

Please mention this code when you call.

MAHI A Few Facts About Everyone’s Favorite Fish

By CAM Sta

On the end of a line or wrapped up in a tortilla, dolphin sh are a worldwide fan favorite. Here are a few facts you might not have known about mahi-mahi:

• What’s in a Name? Mahi-mahi is the Hawaiian term for the sh historically called dolphin or dolphin sh in the mainland United States. In Polynesian “mahi” means “strong,” and “mahi-mahi” translates to very strong. Although most U.S. scientist still refer to the species as dolphin sh, the term mahi has become more

prevalent in recent years, perhaps through foodsh marketing or to avoid confusion with the mammal also called dolphin.

Spanish speakers typically refer to the same sh as “dorado,” which means “golden.” Obviously, this comes from the sh’s color, and dorado is also used widely in the Paci c as well as in English-speaking South Africa.

Dolphin sh are found in all the world’s tropical and subtropical oceans. ey go by many names in many languages. ey are Shiira in Japanese, goldmakrele in German, lambuka in Arabic… and the list goes on.

• All the Pretty Colors: Dolphin sh are revered for their gorgeous colors, which change according to their excitement level. ey can change colors and even icker from day-glow green and yellow with blue highlights to lighter blue and metallic silver over the course of a ght. As soon as you pull them out of the water, this brilliance begins to fade. ese changing colors are due to cells called chromatophores in their skin. Chromatophores re ect light, contain pigment, and are controlled by central nervous system, which gives mahi their awesome chameleon-like abilities.

• Rabbit of the Sea: Part of the allure of mahi for anglers is their prevalence. When they are around, there are usually a lot of them around. ey grow quickly and reproduce proli cally, like rabbits. Dolphin sh can grow up to 3 inches in a week and reach sexual maturity in just ve or six months. ey spawn two or three times a year, and each female can release up to a million eggs during each cycle.

• Size Matters: While smaller “peanut” mahi travel and feed in giant schools, larger individuals cruise in smaller packs of two to ve sh. e average dolphin only lives two or three years, and they have a lifespan of ve to seven years. e IGFA all-tackle world record weighed 87 pounds and was caught o Costa Rice in 1976.

• Speed: Dolphin sh are estimated to swim up to 50 nautical mph, which allows them to feed on pretty much anything they can t in their mouths. is includes their little brothers and sisters.

• Management: It’s usually bad news for anglers when the federal acronyms pay special attention to a species. However, years of declining catches have led Florida shermen to call for tighter regulations for dolphin sh in the Atlantic. Currently, NOAA and SAFMC are looking at options.

Florida boasts some of the best dolphin shing in the world. e sharp multi-year decline in the shery is alarming. Last year, while SAFMC mulled potential regulations changes in federal waters, Florida preemptively slashed limits in state waters by half—from 10 sh to ve sh per person, with the vessel limit dropping from 60 to 30 sh per day.

SAFMC did not follow suit. With opposition to tighter regulations from North Carolina, where dolphin shing appears to be getting better, the per-person bag limit in federal waters of the South Atlantic remained at 10 sh per person, while the daily vessel limit was modi ed from 60 sh to 54 sh. ere is a minimum size limit of 20 inches in federal waters o South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. ere is no minimum size limit o North Carolina.

Many Florida anglers were stunned by the decision to pretty much allow federal regulations to remain as they were. Changes, however, are likely on the way. NOAA/SAFMC have initiated a “management strategy evaluation” with a stated goal of annually determining dolphin sh supply before allocating harvest equally to di erent regions and user groups. We might get a look at what that means by 2024.

• Grocery Shopping: Most of the mahi-mahi you nd in restaurants or at the grocery store comes from the Paci c. In the South Atlantic, just seven percent of the total catch limit is allocated to commercial shing.

MAKE IT A DOUBLE!

Tim Barefoot

A“double tackle” is what I call rigging two lures on the same main line. In certain situations, this appearance of a school of eeing bait sh or shrimp is irresistible to predators, and I’ve got a clean and simple way to rig a double tackle.

is the time of year, a double tackle can be deadly in inshore sheries. Spring brings huge schools of small, immature bait rolling up the creeks o the Intracoastal. ey push into the shallow bays and up the rivers trying to nd a place to hide from all the predators. Rigging two identical baits together can be irresistible to predator sh, and at the same it confuses them. I think sh look at this tackle, with baits zigging and zagging, and are forced to decide which one to eat, rather than whether or not to eat.

ere is always the possibility of catching two tackle. It happens a lot.

Speckled trout, striped bass and American shad are a few likely candidates for this tackle. Spring trout sometimes key on juvenile shrimp, and this tackle is a dead-ringer for the job. American and hickory shad are complete idiots for this tackle, as they stage in tight schools and you o en catch doubles. For the speckled trout, I like a 3-inch DOA Shrimp. For shad, I prefer small so -plastic worms.

Depending on water clarity, I sh 20- to 30-pound uoro for trout and 8- to 12-pound uoro for shad. is a very ne line between using a uoro light enough to get the bite and heavy enough to withstand the force of two sh yanking against each other on the line. e knot that connects everything together is pretty simple, but it takes a little practice to get it just right. It is a must to moisten the uoro when cinching the knot

down tight, as it will cut itself if it’s not wet. Test your knots, pulling hard on them, before use.

I’m going to get sporty this year and make a double-squid tackle for the black n tuna. I may get two at once, but that’s a gamble I’m willing to take. Stay in touch to my YouTube channel for video featuring the black ns. I think the black n tackle will be made with 50-pound uoro.

Regardless of the lure, I use jig heads that make baits walk the dog underwater like a Gotsh the front lure with a jig head, and it zigs and zags with the same cadence of the trailing lure, which has no jig head, just a hook. O en the trailing bait gets the bite.

I’m not going into a lengthy explanation in writing about how to make this tackle, but will show an up-close detailed video that explains this simple knot and rigging completely.

To see video instructions on rigging Tim Barefoot’s double tackle, go to https://youtu.be/FsdUGwyM9c4. For more, visit barefootcatsandtackle.com.

NORSE BY NORSEWEST?

Embrace your Scandinavian side with a 7" blade

If 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.

A mini sword. Too organized and too aggressive, no one stood in a Viking’s way. That’s exactly the message that our Viking Blade sends. Crafted from Damascus steel with brass inlay, this 12" full-tang knife is essentially a mini sword. Paired with its hand-tooled leather sheath, this knife belongs in the collection of any avid aficionado.

Join more than 322,000 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

Stauer®Impossible Price

99

Catch More Springtime Crappie

By TAM Sta

It’s the time of year when crappie shing can get mighty easy. However, you can always strive to load the cooler with more and bigger sh. Here are a few tips:

• Know Your Prey: Crappie are on the move this time of year. ey might be staged up at prespawn or postspawn depths, or they might be right up on the banks in a foot and a half of water spawning. Knowing their cycles will help you nd them.

Before and a er they spawn, crappie hold on brush and structure just outside of their spawning areas. ey move up into the shallows to spawn in waves, and this can go on for a month or more. So, while some sh are easy targets when they’re spawning or guarding fry on super-shallow brush, there are other, possibly larger, sh feeding a little deeper.

If you’re not catching the numbers or size you’d like to see in the shallows, get on the trolling motor and use your sonar to nd the creek channels and rst drops o the spawning areas. Find some good brush or search the fronts of docks. You might nd big schools slab crappie. Pitch jigs or minnows to individual brushpiles or slow troll these deeper areas to nd sh.

• Ditch the Bobber: A minnow under a bobber is a traditional and e ective crappie rig. It is not, however the most e cient way to catch them in most situations. During the spawn, male crappie are the ones that stay shallow and guard the nests. ey are aggressive, and they are not necessarily feeding when they attack. ese sh are particularly susceptible to gaudy, brightly colored jigs.

Crappie jigs are the best way to cover water both on

spawning banks and on deeper brush. Even when they’re feeding heavily, crappie on brush won’t chase their prey more than a few feet. A jig allows you to make numerous casts and thoroughly cover the water horizontally and vertically in the time it would take to hook and soak a single minnow under a bobber.

Move quickly until you nd the you can slow down and catch them all. If you still want to support the local live bait store, go ahead and buy some minnows and thread them through the lips on a crappie jig.

• Scent: You might not need it all the time to catch sh, but scent helps crappie nd your lure and convinces them to eat. It doesn’t hurt to tip your jig with a minnow, and arti cial attractants like PowerBait Crappie Nibbles or JJ’s Magic can sometimes make them bite when they’ve got lockjaw.

• Network: Make friends with other crappie anglers. ere’s no shortage of available crappie in most lakes. Sharing information with other anglers helps everyone stay on top of the sh. You don’t have to tell anyone where you sunk your Christmas tree in January, but a little give and take doesn’t hurt when you’re talking about stages of the spawn or e ective colors.

For more crappie shing, visit www.coastalanglermag.com.

Bulletin

58 YEARS OF REPOWER EXPERIENCE!

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

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

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

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

Go Big!

Up your game like never before with the biggest and brightest TZtouchXL MFDs.

10 screen layouts, including new 6-way split screen DFF3D Multibeam Sonar see 120° Port-Starboard

DFF3-UHD high-power 2/3 kW TruEcho CHIRP™ Fish Finder NavPilot features keep you on the fish

High-power X-Class & NXT Radar options

TZT24X 24 " Multi-Touch MFD 1920 x 1080 (FHD)

TZT22X 22 " Multi-Touch 1920 x 1080 (FHD)

MCU006

Enhanced Remote Control

Furuno Ambassador Duane “Diego” Mellor

BIG BLUEFISH ARE ON THE WAY

By Emily Rose Hanzlik

With spring nally here, the ocean is open to many possibilities here in South Florida. One of my favorites is the arrival of larger blue sh, which tend to migrate this direction at this time of year.

Blue sh are a popular game sh in almost all the waters surrounding the United States. Smaller blue sh from 7 to 9 inches are sometimes called snapper. ese sh have extremely sharp teeth, with prominent canines on both the top and bottom jaw.

Blue sh are common along the Atlantic coast of the United States, and

range from Cape Cod down through Argentina. eir migrations are a tricky subject. Most people believe blue sh travel from Florida up to New Jersey, and then back down to Florida. However, this has never truly been proven. While doing some research, I found a few studies that never came to a clear conclusion.

What we do know is that blue sh spawn at the edge of the Gulf Stream o Florida in spring. e timing varies from year to year, but there is usually a three to seven-day window when larger blue sh swim closer to shore. For Florida, this is the time when we catch our largest blue sh, and this week is normally sometime in April.

Most smaller “snapper” blue sh tend to hang around mangroves, estuaries and bridges to ensure their safety. is provides them with cover from predators and access to smaller prey also hiding in these “safe” areas. Once they get large enough, they move o the coast to feed on larger, more abundant prey. ey are typically found in inlets, around piers and o the beaches, where large bait schools ensure a better hunt with less energy being exerted.

When hunting for blue sh, you’ll want to start where the bait is. Most of the time you will see blue sh schools popping bait schools on the surface, and other blue sh will be cleaning up the mess below. For this situation, you can use any kind of spoon, X-Raps or jigs. Normally, you’ll want to use a small piece of wire so that they don’t cut you o

If you don’t see blue sh popping baits, you can look for oil slicks. Some experts say they can smell the odor from their oils. But, for those who can’t “sni out” the sh, you can throw chunks of dead le over bait and let it stink up the water to draw them in. Usually a 2-inch chunk of mackerel, jack or even dead bait sh like sardines will attract any blue sh in the area.

Currently, on the east coast of Florida, you can keep three blue sh per person, per day. Many people prefer to use blue sh as bait, while some will make a stew or cook them whole. e IGFA all-tackle world record blue sh was a 31-pound, 12-ounce monster caught out of Hatteras, North Carolina.

Emily Rose Hanzlik holds 56 IGFA world records in various categories. She hails from West Palm Beach, where she has a part time Bow n Guide Service as well as shing classes for Jr. Anglers. Find her on social media @emilyhanzlikoutdoors.

Photo courtesy of Grant Bataille @grantbataille

There is a Reason More Marine Professionals Choose Suzuki

There is a Reason More Marine Professionals Choose

Suzuki RePower – It Simply Makes Sense

RePower – It Simply Makes Sense

Why are More Professional Mariners Choosing Mastry

Why are More Professional Mariners Choosing Mastry

Suzuki RePower - Power, Reliable, Durable & Best Value

Suzuki RePower - Power, Reliable, Durable & Best Value

When Considering A Repower, Consider These Factors:

When Considering A Repower, Consider These Factors:

• Mastry Suzuki RePower Centers have decades of repower experience providing proper rigging, controls, propeller matching and in water testing

• Mastry Suzuki RePower Centers have decades of repower experience providing proper rigging, controls, propeller matching and in water testing

• With a Mastry Suzuki RePower, owners gain improved performance, less noise and greater reliability

• With a Mastry Suzuki RePower, owners gain improved performance, less noise and greater reliability

• Options that will fit most any budget, financing available

• Options that will fit most any budget, financing available

• Mastry Suzuki RePower’s exclusive Owner’s Edge Program*

• Mastry Suzuki RePower’s exclusive Owner’s Edge Program*

• All Suzuki RePowers come with Suzuki’s 5-years of protection

• All Suzuki RePowers come with Suzuki’s 5-years of protection

With 13 Locations Across Florida There is a Mastry Suzuki RePower Center Near You

With 13 Locations Across Florida There is a Mastry Suzuki RePower Center Near You

REPOWER

THE ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING A NEW BOAT

THE ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING A NEW BOAT

REPOWER

*Get with the Program!

*Get with the Program!

When you purchase a new Suzuki outboard from an authorized Mastry RePower Center you qualify to become a member of the Mastry Suzuki Owner’s Edge. Owners receive an identification card that provides them with important information about their Suzuki outboard motor as well as a passport to additional benefits during ownership. Members enjoy a detailed engine maintenance schedule, Mastry Suzuki RePower Trade Program and special pricing from Mastry Suzuki Partners.

When you purchase a new Suzuki outboard from an authorized Mastry RePower Center you qualify to become a member of the Mastry Suzuki Owner’s Edge. Owners receive an identification card that provides them with important information about their Suzuki outboard motor as well as a passport to additional benefits during ownership. Members enjoy a detailed engine maintenance schedule, Mastry Suzuki RePower Trade Program and special pricing from Mastry Suzuki Partners.

suzukirepower.com | 1-800-545-4574

suzukirepower.com | 1-800-545-4574

PORGY, SNOWY GROUPER, BLUELINE TILEFISH

At its late February commission meeting, FWC approved regulations changes to cut possession limits for three species and establish new open seasons for two of them in Florida’s Atlantic state waters. e modi cations are consistent with current and pending regulations for federal waters of the Atlantic.

• e bag limit for red porgy will be cut from three to one sh per person, per day. An open season of May-June will be established.

• e snowy grouper bag limit will be one sh per vessel, per day. is is a decrease from one sh per person, per day. An open season of May–June will be established.

• e blueline tile sh bag limit will be reduced from three sh to two sh per person, per day, and for-hire captain and crew will be prohibited from retaining a bag limit.

Last year, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council approved management changes to help rebuild the red porgy and snowy grouper stocks, which are over shed and undergoing over shing, and to reduce the risk of over shing for blueline tile sh.

e red porgy recreational limits will be e ective April 1 in Atlantic state waters, and the snowy grouper and blueline tile sh regulations will go into e ect at a later date once pending federal regulations have been implemented.

For more information, visit MyFWC.com.

Lasting 2-3 times longer than wooden, concrete, and aluminum docks, our modular foating system is the preferred dock choice for residential, commercial, marina, liesure, and other applications. Customizable and confgurable for boat docks, liesure and recreation docks, and drive-on jet ski and personal watercraft!

•High-quality plastic

•Environmentally-friendly

•Guaranteed for 20 years

•Near-zero maintenance

•Completely customizable

•UV and pollution resistant

Photo courtesy of Quinlyn Haddon

RELEASE DEVICES Now Required in State Waters

Anglers pursuing reef sh in Florida state waters will now be required to have a descending device or venting tool onboard that is ready for use. ey will also be required to use the device or tool on sh exhibiting signs of barotrauma prior to release. is new rule was scheduled to become e ective April 1 a er being approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at its February meeting.

Release mortality is a top sheries management challenge. As reef sh are reeled up from depth, they can su er a pressure-related injury known as barotrauma. If not treated correctly, barotrauma can be lethal to sh Descending devices or venting tools can help sh recover from the e ects of barotrauma.

Barotrauma mitigation tool requirements have already been adopted in Gulf and Atlantic federal waters. In Gulf federal waters, shers have the choice of possessing either a descending device or a venting tool that is rigged and ready for use. In Atlantic federal waters, shers are required to have a descending device that is readily available for use. is new rule for Gulf and Atlantic state waters allows anglers to choose which type of tool

best ts their circumstances.

A summary of the proposed rule presented at the meeting also indicated a concern about private anglers either not being aware of the requirements or not having con dence with the use of such devices. FWC has committed to an outreach program designed to raise awareness on the proper use of barotrauma mitigation tools.

Find current reef sh gear requirements at MyFWC.com/ReefFishGear. Anyone who plans to harvest or attempt to harvest, including catch and release, certain reef sh species in Gulf or Atlantic waters from a private recreational vessel must sign up for the free State Reef Fish Angler designation and renew it annually. Learn more at MyFWC.com/SRFS and sign up today at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

For more information, go to MyFWC.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF RETURN ’EM RIGHT

ANGLERS LAND NEW IGFA WORLD RECORDS

The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) tracks record sh catches around the globe. eir world record database is a great source to see some of the sh anglers are catching around the world. Here are a handful of catches recently approved for the record books. To see all newly approved IGFA records, visit igfa.org.

Pin’s Snakehead

On Aug. 12, 2022, Ng Yam Pin landed this beautiful 28-pound giant snakehead in Rawang, Malaysia to set IGFA’s mens 20-pound line class world record. Pin caught the big snakehead on a Duo Fangbait lure and released the sh a er recording the weight and proper measurements. e IGFA all-tackle world record for giant snakehead was also caught from Rawang. It weighed 30 pounds. Bluch’s

Rainbow Trout

On Nov. 5, 2022, Aussie angler Frank Bluch was shing the Tekapo Canal, New Zealand, with guide Nicor Sutherland, when he landed this impressive 21-pound, 13-ounce rainbow trout. It set the new IGFA men’s 2-pound tippet class world record. e sh ate a y Frank calls the “Orange Monstrosity.” e all-tackle world record rainbow was caught from Lake Diefenbaker, Canada. It weighed 48 pounds.

Ochmann’s Wels

Joachim Ochmann caught this huge 140-pound, 10-ounce wels from Rio Ebro, Spain on Oct. 1, 2022. It took him nearly two hours to land the new IGFA men’s 16-pound line class world record. He released it a er taking proper weight and measurements. e all-tackle world record wels was caught from River Po, Italy in 2010. It weighed 297 pounds, 9 ounces.

Okuyama’s Grass Carp

Fumiya Okuyama holds several IGFA world records for grass carp, and he recently set another with this 109-centimeter (nearly 43-inch) sh he caught on Oct. 20, 2022, to establish the new IGFA all-tackle length y world record. e all-tackle world record by weight was caught at Piasuchnik Dam, Bulgaria in 2009. It weighed 87 pounds, 10 ounces.

North Central Florida/Nature Coast

Cary & Lynn Crutchfield

ALACHUA, MARION, COLUMBIA, GILCHRIST, BRADFORD, DIXIE, LEVY, CITRUS

APRIL

April 2022, I began by expressing my sorrow for the horrors in Ukraine. I can’t believe that a year later the horrors continue. As I write tonight in late March, we have just warmed again from the latest cold front. I anticipate that we will have maybe one more. Last April, my swamp was full and looked like a lake. This April, it is almost bone dry, with only a few little puddles.

See page 2 for info on Dixie County’s Daddy Daughter Dance and page 10 for info on the Fly In, two very popular Dixie County events.

See page 2 for info on a beautiful piece of land in Bradford County. (I like the cows!). Call Ken Rembert at SVN

This month’s recipe, Garlic Honey Shrimp, page 2 is a little different and very good. I made it again tonight with the left-over sauce. See page 2. It would also be good with chicken and or scallops substituted for the shrimp.

As always, if you have not received your Covid vaccine, it is not too late. People are still getting sick, and people are still dying. Covid is not gone.

Happy Easter April 9th. After church, take the family for a boat ride.

Lynn Crutchfield

Co-Publisher

Coastal Angler Magazine of North Central Florida/Nature Coast

SALES

Cary Crutchfield

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. Andrew Fagan

Capt. Jonathan Hamilton

Capt. Tony Johns

Capt. James Kerr

Capt. Pat McGriff

Capt. Brent Woodward

CONTACT INFORMATION crutch@coastalanglermagazine.com 352-542-0356

Photo by: Suwannee River Water Management District

GARLIC HONEY SHRIMP (FOR

TWO)

COOKING DIRECTIONS

Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Add garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add honey and soy sauce. Cook, stirring constantly, until sauce is very foamy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 1 minute. Stir in lemon juice and salt.

Pour half of the honey mixture into a small bowl; reserve for serving.

Transfer remaining honey mixture to a separate small bowl for glazing shrimp. Do not wipe skillet clean.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 teaspoon grated garlic (from 2 medium garlic cloves)

• ¼ cup honey

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)

• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

• 16 jumbo peeled, deveined raw shrimp

• Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

• Lemon wedges

• Hot cooked rice and broccoli, for serving

Add half of the shrimp to skillet in an even layer. Cook over medium-high just until shrimp are pink on both sides but still translucent in centers, about 1 minute per side.

Add honey mixture reserved for glazing. Cook, stirring constantly, about 1 minute.

Transfer mixture to a platter, and garnish with parsley. Serve with lemon wedges, hot cooked rice and broccoli, and reserved sauce.

Lynn Crutchfield, Co-Publisher Coastal Angler Magazine of North Central Florida

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, Fri-Sat 10:00-8:00. 201 NW 5th St. Crystal River 352-795-4700.

Niksen at Our Florida Waterways FLORIDA WATERWAYS

In looking back at some old photographs, I found one of me from 1964. I was sitting next to a Turkish stream either fishing or practicing “niksen”: the art of doing nothing. I discovered that the Dutch have the term “niksen” in their language and that at least one whole book has been written about the subject.

By Kevin McCarthy

“Niksen” means just sitting still, for example by a stream, and letting our mind wander wherever it wants to go. Not planning our day or thinking great thoughts or even thinking about the past. Just reveling in the moment. And then I thought of all the places next to Florida waterways where I could practice “niksen”: the Suwannee River, Newnan’s Lake, offshore islands, remote swamps.

It’s not so much laziness or the opposite of being very productive. It’s just staring out the window or watching a river rush by or sitting quietly in a boat or watching the sunset at Cedar Key. It’s not practicing “niksen” all day, every day, but just occasionally. Scientists who study the phenomenon, in fact, say that they can see a correlation between relaxation and happiness and even productivity.

I have found some great places in North Florida to practice the art of doing nothing: the benches on the boardwalk at Hart Springs along the Suwannee, the beach at Cedar Key, even the swamps near our rivers. You can even practice “niksen” while mindlessly gardening or washing the dishes, just not thinking about the task at hand.

Some researchers tell us that “niksen” can help us come up with new ideas, that the mind at ease sometimes solves pending problems or makes us more creative when we are on a solitary walk

or even daydreaming. Some friends tell me that they have been able to solve problems when they are sound asleep, that our mind at rest is still working. Research, in fact, says that there is a direct correlation between doing nothing and happiness and productivity. Think of all the painters, musicians, creative writers, even bosses who come up with new, unexpected ideas while supposedly daydreaming.

So, the next time someone reprimands you for “doing nothing,” just tell them that you are practicing “niksen.” Just don’t do it all day or during an important meeting or during dinner with your significant other.

Kevin McCarthy, the author of North Florida Waterways (2013 - available at amazon.com), can be reached at ceyhankevin@gmail.com.

An observation platform at Orange Lake

The author by a Turkish stream

A whole book about the subject

A quiet bank at Branford on the Suwannee

The boardwalk at Hart Springs

An isolated beach near Cedar Key

Boat with someone you

COAST ADVENTURES

April brings warmer days on the water, which means the migratory fish will begin moving to our waters on the Nature Coast. Triple tail and cobia are two fish that come to mind as the water temperatures begin to rise. Cobia are often found near wrecks, rock piles and the grass flats. I like to free-line pinfish into the current, off the back of the boat on heavier tackle. I also always keep a Rapala Xrap on the ready, should I need to cast a lure to one swimming by.

Triple tail are found swimming on weed lines, buoys and free floating. I keep a shrimp on a 1/16 ounce jighead ready, should I see one when running from spot to spot.

April is also my favorite time of the year to begin targeting huge black drum. I find a big school and toss three or four dead shrimp to them, using a 1/8 ounce jighead. These fish are found in deeper cuts between oyster bars.

Nearshore, I love to target shallow water hogfish, as they move closer in, on hard bottom during the slower moving tides. I drop a medium to large-sized shrimp down, and leave it resting on the

bottom.

April on the Nature Coast is a wonderful time to fish! Lots of variety to catch and target, which always makes for a fun day on the water!

also offer apparel and promotional items.

Come see us at our new location between McDonalds and NAPA - 1517 North Young Blvd.

SIGNS BANNERS

Copies

Fax Forms

Letterhead

Envelopes

Business Cards

Brochures

Newsletters & More Invitations

-Wedding & Graduation

CEDAR KEY

just an all-around fun time to be on the water!

Trout are flooding the grass flats and you can pretty much pick how you want to catch them. When trout are spawning, they come onto the flats to feed, and when they get like this, they aren't that selective on what they eat.

Redfish and black drum have started showing up around the islands and right now, you can't go wrong with live shrimp under a Four Horsemen Popping Cork when targeting them.

Well y'all, until next month, stay safe out there!

Capt. Jason Clark

In The Slot Fishing Charters

Happy

Monday-Friday 3pm-7pm 2-4-1 Wells 1/2 Price Wine

SUWANNEE

Sofar, March is living up to its reputation as one of the windiest months of the year! On the days you can get to them, you will find sheepshead on the artificial reefs off Suwannee and Horseshoe Beach. The waters are unseasonably warm and there were schools of Spanish Mackerel on the spotty bottom and adjacent rock piles the first week of March.

What should we expect for the month of April? Well of course, the number and intensity of the cold fronts will be the deciding factor for that!

I am anticipating a slow increase in water temps for the next few weeks, with water temps staying in the upper 60s to low 70s. The sheephead should be in full spawn on the full moon April 6th, and it's looking like that will be the peak here in my area. Currently, the larger fish, in greater numbers, are on the offshore "pods" in 35 to 40 feet of water. The sheepshead are also schooling on the nearshore spots closer to the river. This will continue as long as the river doesn't rise too much. Problem is, that the last frontal system dumped a bunch of rain in the upper Suwannee Basin, and that will impact our waters in about three weeks!

Best bait for the sheepshead, will be live or fresh shrimp, fished on a 1/0 bait keeper hook or circle hook. I like to use a simple 40 lb. test knocker rig, 24 to 36 inches long, with a split shot or swivel at the top. Then, just enough weight to get it to the bottom quickly and not drift with the current.

The redfish are still in the creeks and around the mouth of the Lower Suwannee River. Most of these fish have been here for awhile, but at any time, we should see a migration of fish from the offshore waters into the Lower Suwannee River Estuary and adjacent Creeks. As the waters warm, I will be switching more and more to artificial baits when red fishing.

We have a lot of luck with FishBites Fight Club 5-inch Brawler Jerkbait in Counter Punch, White Knuckle and Haymaker. I like to rig them on an ⅛ or ¼ ounce jig head or weighted hook, fished around the oyster bars and grassy points with current, This is a deadly combination! Be sure you are prepared for the snook that are in our area and frequent the same ambush locations as the redfish!

The speckled trout fishing will continue to get better in the month of April. The trout will be schooling and feeding heavily, as they prepare for the upcoming spawning season, that begins in May. Look for the trout on the outside grass flats and reefs. A simple rule is, cleaner water and more grass equals more speckled trout! Until next time, be safe, Tightlines and Catchemup!

Captain Tony Johns | 352-221-2510

www.lowersuwanneriverfishing.com

Instagram: captaintonyjohns

Facebook: Lower Suwannee River Fishing Adventures or Captain Tony Johns

BAIT & TACKLE

IN NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA

39 West Hwy 40 Inglis, FL 352-447-5610

www.CaptainsCoveOutfitters.com

DW&D BAIT HOUSE 12831 Whiddon Ave Cedar Key, FL 352-543-6109 352-222-9383

44 TACKLE CO. 1522 US 41 North Inverness, FL 34453 352.726.6100

www.44Tackle.com

YOUR

&

OCKLAWAHA BAIT & TACKLE 13600 East CR 25 Ocklawaha, FL 32179 352-816-5853

STARKE LANDSCAPE

I 469 S Walnut (US Hwy 30 I) Starke, FL 3209 I 904-964-3 I I 2 www.StarkeLandscape.com

We are coming out of a wild Winter/Spring, hot one day and cold the next. As things start to consistently warm up, I’ll be looking for redfish on shallow flats and in the creeks, that have a darker mud or oyster-laden bottom. On clear days, the sun will warm the water a few degrees in those areas, making a great spot for the reds to hang out and warm up a bit. Bait (mullet, minnows, shrimp) will also hold in these "hot" spots and its common knowledge that the reds will be in the same areas the bait is. There hasn’t really been much bait around as of late, so if you find an area that is holding some, you can be sure there are some redfish close by. Sight-fishing for reds has been a little hit or miss this year, again due to the weather. The water has been murky, due to warmer than normal conditions, and if it continues to warm up quickly this month, the water will get murkier as the algae starts to bloom. Not to worry, you can still “sight” fish. One way to spot schooled up reds is to look for wakes or "muds" caused by the fish moving. I've been locating some big schools this way over the last couple of months.

April is my favorite month of the year to fish for trout. Once the water starts to warm up a bit, the trout will be going crazy. There's nothing like watching that big momma trout come soaring out of the water after your top-water plug. Creek mouths, rip rap, and just about moving water anywhere, are

going to be great places to target the specs. Remember to loosen the drag just a little when throwing top-water plugs for trout. They have somewhat delicate mouths, and you don't want to rip the plug away from the fish before they get it. Of course, if topwater isn't your thing, a jig and soft plastic will do the trick for the specs as well. My go-to rig of choice for trout (and reds too!) is a Saltwater Assassin 1/8-ounce jighead with a Saltwater Assassin paddle tail. Jig, jig, then pause-- then repeat. Just remember to release those big trout, as they are breeders and letting them go to make some babies is a great thing for our fishery!

The sheepshead bite has been steady this winter and spring, and should continue into late spring. Fiddlers and oyster crabs have been the best baits. Just about any structure with barnacles on it has been holding some “heads”.

The black drum bite has been pretty good over the last couple of months and should continue this month. Most of my fish have been in the 3 to 8 pound range and were caught in the deeper parts of the creeks off the ICW. The best baits have been live/fresh dead shrimp, or a fiddler crab. An hour on either side of low tide has been producing the best bite, especially around the new and full moons.

Tight Lines,

Capt. Tommy Derringer www.InshoreAdventures.net

904-377-3734

Thismonth looks like the best month in a long time for pompano. In mid-March, we were catching them from Little Talbot Island, all the way south to Flagler. At the same time, my friends down south, Melbourne to Jupiter, were catching big keepers. So, before the hot days in late May drive them north, lets go to the beach!

Keep your tackle simple, but be prepared to make long casts, especially on flat beaches on a high tide. My go-to, is a double dropper rig with two 2/0 Eagle Claw circle hooks. A three-to-five-ounce sputnik sinker on the end. How much weight you ask? Enough to cast where you want to be, and then enough to hold it in place.

When it comes to beads and floats, I can tell you this for sure. I have been catching a lot of pompano since the mid 1970s and then there were no beads and floats on our rigs! None, and we caught a lot of fish. However, now all my rigs have beads and floats. I have over 100 different combinations of little and big floats. Also, a lot of different beads both in plastic and glass. With that said, my favorite by far, is a white float on the top hook and an orange tangerine translucent bead on the bottom. Why? The white float is the size of

a sand flea and lifts the bait off the bottom. It also makes them wiggle in the current. The tangerine orange bead is the color of sand flea eggs. Boom! You will not scare a fish away with that color combo!

Loosen your drag when you put it in the rod holder. There are some really big black drum in the surf right now. Last week, I had one on for a few minutes. At first, I thought it was a big ball of seaweed or a plastic garbage bag headed south with the rip current. Then I felt that big tail kick in when it’s belly touched the sand. One big run and he straightened out the 2/0 circle hook!

This could very well be the best month for the pompano run and HUGE whiting. From Fernandina to Flagler, it is go-time! See you on the beach.

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

CRYSTAL RIVER

Hello from Crystal River, and the fishing has been great here. This time of year, you can target redfish, trout and snook. With the warmer water temps and spring in full effect, the fishing is great.

The reds have been doing good on live pinfish and live shrimp. For the pinfish, I prefer free lining, using a 30 to 40 lb. leader on a circle hook. For the shrimp, I’ll use a light 1/16 oz jig. I focus on areas that have good moving water and mullet.

The trout has been really good this year. I mainly use all artificial when targeting trout. DOA jerk baits are always my first choice along with mirrordines. Sometimes I’ll use a popping cork with a shrimp on a jig. I fish trout shallow, 1 o 3 feet of water on the beginning

of the incoming, and last part of the outgoing. I focus on hard spotty bottom. Also, a good tip when working your baits is, work them slow.

The snook bite had been great and are one of the best fighting fish out there, long runs and jumps. When targeting snook, I use live pinfish this time year. The key to snook is to always have an idea where they are holding. Never let them see you and be patient. I use a 40 lb. leader on a 4/0 circle hook, and make long casts on them.

Capt. James Kerr 352-362-6893 Citrusfishingchaters.com

HOMOSASSA

Spring is one of my favorite times of the year to be on the water. Homosassa is known for such a strong trout fishery and April can prove that true, along with many other species of fish.

April we should start seeing trout transitioning from the inshore rocks to the nearshore rocks to spawn. Inshore I like to target yellow bottom around the mouth of St. Martin, Little River, and Mason Creek. On the incoming tides, I use nose hooked jerk baits, preferably a DOA 5 inch CAL in glow nose hooked on a 3/0 J Hook. Offshore, I like using 1/8 ounce DOA Jig heads in chartreuse, rigged with a watermelon red flake or glow MirrOLure Lil John. I like to make long drifts around structure. If I catch a keeper or two at the same time, I like to mark the spot on the GPS or “drop my jug”, and then make another pass on that same line.

Red fishing will continue to get stronger on the outside points, as our fish begin making their way out

of the back waters.

On incoming tides outside rocky points, look for mullet. I like live pin fish or shrimp. Gold spoons will work as well.

Keep a nose hooked jerk bait handy, and work outside points with good moving water for snook. Snook fishing seems to be pretty strong and I think it will even get better.

Near shore rocks will be holding plenty of table fare and rod bending action for everyone. Load up on shrimp and fish on a jig head for grunts, snapper, mackerel and be on the ready with a heavy rod for a cobia.

A lot of school’s spring breaks are in March, but a lot of schools are out in April also.

Take advantage of it and take a kid fishing. There’s nothing like making memories on the water.

As always stay safe.

-Stump

Capt. Stump 352-403-2073

www.captainjhamilton.com

Spring is here. April is the month for dinosaurs! Big trout, big tripletail and big reds and snooks! April is always a welcome time of the year here on the Nature Coast for us guides. Big school of snook and redfish, clean clear water on the low tide, and the sight-fishing is at a premium.

You name it, you can catch it this time of year, from cobia and tarpon to big reds and tripletail! All of the fish have made their push to the outside islands, bars and creek mouth, getting into that summertime pattern. The mullet arrive big time, and right behind them comes all the big schools of tarpon and snook right after them. The tripletail will be thick on crab buoys, easy for the picking and big reds on the outer points! I’m Looking forward to an awesome

year guys, and you should be too! If you’re looking to get a new rod and reel or tackle, or just some plain good ole advice, swing into Captains Cove so those great guys can take care of you !

Capt. Andrew Fagan Instagram : Capt_redfishdrew

I can tell you that an Assassin 5 inch shad, rigged weightless on a 5/0 offset worm hook, will take more fish as a follow-up. If you are the third or fourth angler on a boat, just simply cast in behind missed strikes on your partner’s stickbaits and hard Reds are hungry in April, just moving up the coast from points south following the bait, as do the pelagics mentioned earlier. Tie On Jig Spinners like Precision Tackle’s Thunder-Spins and weedless spoons like PTI’s Flats Intruder spoon in 1/2 oz. sizes in Copper and Gold.

Meanwhile, Let's Go Fishing!

Pat McGriff dba One More Cast guide service for 30 years!

www.onemorecast.net onemorecast@gtcom.net cell: 850.838.7541

HORSESHOE BEACH

Hey guys and gals, Hope everyone had an awesome March. Ours was very very busy, considering this time of the year is my go-time. Works out perfectly, because fishing is really ramping up.

The redfish has tremendously picked up for us, with some days reaching as many as 50 keepers. These days are few and far, but the few, takes the sting out of the far. Trout are sticking around and a quick reminder for everyone, a lot of these trout will still have roe in them, especially the bigger girls, so try to thank about the resource a little.

We can expect to see waves of species starting to flush in with this warm spring water; I would imagine about the time you’re reading this. We are still catching mackerel and starting to see a few tripletail and piles of bait. Just waiting on the bigger fish like cobia and tarpon to make a appearance. Like I always say, if y’all want to get out to experience some amazing fishing, give us a call. Until next time, keep it Reel Native!

Captain Brent Woodard Reel Native Fishing Charters ReelNativeFishing.com

352-284-5514

Williams of Clayton, Ga. and his nephew, Charlie Woodward of Atlanta, with a true “double” caught March 7th on live pinfish under Back Bay Thunders

Charlie, again, with his pb trout and nice 21” fish

Let’s grow with Florida together.

LARGEMOUTHS ON LAKE SANTA FE Springtime

Iget the springtime bass itch when the azaleas bloom. It’s the time of year when largemouth bass spawn on Lake Santa Fe.

Bass spawn around the full moons of February and March on this 5,000-acre Alachua County reservoir. is year, I planned my annual Santa Fe trip for March 2-3, ahead of the March 7 full moon.

It was like entering another world that morning as my wife Kim and I motored onto the main lake. Mist rose through the lake’s ancient cypress trees. Wood ducks whistled and banked overhead. Ospreys squealed at us from nests high in the cypress, and loons serenaded us from open water.

Just being there made me feel so fortunate. I thought back to when I was 12 years old on my rst Santa Fe trip with my dad and brother. We stayed at Gri ns Lodge, which was a famous destination for speckled perch, bream and bass shermen in the 1960s and 70s. ey had small cottages for rent and a sh camp run by an old

man named Roy Gri n.

Ol’ Roy taught me to sh Santa Fe. Over the years, he kept telling me to get away from the shoreline and to slow troll. I never really understood why until sonar showed me the grasscovered humps and ledges holding congregations of bait and game sh.

On the lake, Kim and I slowed to trolling speed to get lines out. I sh 7-foot mediumaction rods with Ambassadeur 5500s loaded with 15-pound mono. e rig is simple, just a #2 wide-bend hook tied directly to the line. I hook wild-caught shiners through both lips from the bottom up.

We pull baits very slowly with a three-rod spread. Using level-wind reels, I let baits out 50 or 60 yards behind the boat. I leave the spool in cast mode and tighten the anti-backlash knob to provide enough tension to keep the baits from pulling line. You know you’ve got a bite when the line starts running out.

We only got two lines out before our rst

strike. When the middle rig started paying out line fast, I picked up the rod and pointed it at the sh. A er 20 seconds, I engaged the reel, took up the slack and set the hook hard with a sweeping motion. I reeled fast to keep pressure on the sh and kept the rod tip low to discourage the bass from jumping.

e rst sh was a fat 4-pound female that was full of eggs. Kim landed the second sh, a gorgeous 5-pounder. We caught several more in the 4-pound range before I landed a fat 8-pounder to nish an action-packed three-hour morning with eight total sh. We released them all safely a er admiring the beautiful dark coloration characteristic of Santa Fe bass. I believe this is caused by the clear but tannin-stained water.

We experienced a great nature show, and I told Kim the bass we caught were like a bonus.

Oh, how I love Ol’ Santa Fe!

Danny Patrick is co-publisher of the Northeast Florida edition of Coastal Angler Magazine.

By Danny Patrick

Ashore-based charter shing group intended to catch the largest shark they could from Pensacola Beach, Fla. on Feb. 12. ey did not, however, expect to crank in the estimated 13-foot great white that picked up their bait.

John McLean, of Big John Shark Fishing Adventures, runs shore-based charter trips for clients who want to catch the sh of lifetime. On this particular trip, his clients wanted to “go big, or go home,” so they used a huge yellow n tuna head for bait and enlisted the help of local charter captain, Capt. David Miller, who paddled a small kayak 900 yards o the beach in rough surf to deploy the bait.

Normally, McLean uses a remote-controlled boat to deploy his baits, but these baits were too large for the RC boat to handle. ey had a big sh on before Miller even made it back to shore.

“As soon as his kayak had hit the sand, we were hooked up to a massive shark,” said McLean in a YouTube video documenting the catch.

“I’ve never seen one that fast before,” he says in the video as line rips o the spool of an oversized big game reel.

All four of his clients took turns cranking the reel while everyone else gathered around to help secure the rod rack Mclean drives into the sand and uses to battle giant sharks. Even with heavy gear, the torque of the ght with heavy braided line loosened the reel from the reel seat.

“ is shark was the strongest sh I had ever had on the line. It took all four of my clients switching in and out to land this shark,” McLean said. “ is is the only time I’ve ever seen my shing gear pushed to the absolute limit.”

It took a little more than an hour to bring the giant shark into the surf, and as soon as McLean realized it was a great white, his attention turned to releasing it as quickly as possible. ey used a tail rope to control the giant white shark, and with the leader removed from its mouth, pulled it into deeper water to revive it before it swam away on its own.

White sharks are federally protected. ey must be released immediately when they are caught, so McLean did not take measurements. However, he has extensive experience with big sharks, and he estimated this one at about 13 feet. A 13-foot white shark can easily weigh more than 1,000 pounds.

Great whites are a rare catch in the Gulf of Mexico, and especially from shore. is was not McLean’s rst monster white shark, though. In early March of 2021, also on a shore-based charter in Pensacola Beach, McLean’s clients caught and released an estimated 12-footer.

Check out Big John Shark Fishing Adventures at bigjohnshark shingadventures.com, and see the video at http://bit.ly/3LjTtyw.

Salina spinning reels feature a hybrid carbonite and Japanese felt DFD drag system that outputs more than 33 lbs of fsh stopping power. Constructed from advanced LITECAST body material that is 15% lighter than die-cast aluminum, these reels are built for both light inshore and heavy ofshore use. With an interchangeable screw-in handle system and six available models from 4000 to 14000, Salina spinning reels are designed to maximize your success on the water.

okumafshingusa.com

SA-10000A

Famous for its incredible strength, the Palomar knot ties well in all line types. at’s a huge advantage, and few knots can equal it on that front. Tied properly, this knot won’t slip even on braid, making it a popular choice as an all-around knot for securing line to swivels, hooks and pretty much anything else where a snug connection is desired.

It’s also quite easy and fast to tie, though it can be a tricky choice for lures because it requires a large loop to be passed completely over and around your terminal tackle.

For more tips and tricks, check out https://usangler.com

Re-Discover Old Florida Waterfront Charm

The Perfect Vacation Getaway for Fishing, Boating & Outdoor Enthusiasts

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

• FULLY FURNISHED 3 ROOM COTTAGES WITH FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHENS

Kingfsh Lodge includes a wide screenTV and bar for small gatherings

Sailfsh House features a wide covered wrap-around porch for larger groups

• Boat Trailer Parking on site w/ Water and Power

• 250 Foot Dock w/ Covered Area

• FREE Ice / FREE Guest Dockage

• Cable TV, Hi-Speed Internet

• 2 miles to the Ft. Pierce Inlet

• 12 miles to the Gulf Stream

• Laundry, BBQ Grilles and FREE use of our Kayaks

349-2206

THE ULTIMATE MIXED BAG in the Salmon Capital of the World

By Capt. Lukas Brickweg

The wondrous world of summer shing in Alaska draws anglers from around the world who ock to these rich waters annually. Ketchikan, Alaska, nestled in the heart of the sprawling temperate rainforest known as Tongass National Forest boasts the title of “Salmon Capital of the World,” and for good reason.

But salmon are not all visitors can expect to catch in this world-renowned shery. As an experienced captain who runs daily charters out of Ketchikan during the season, I still nd myself surprised by the productivity of these waters. Along with ve species of salmon, we also land big halibut, giant lingcod, paci c cod and rock sh in our daily catch limits. e shing is superb, and so is the wildlife watching. Hit the water with us, and I will gladly hand over the binoculars when marauding pods of orcas show up on the surface or when magni cent humpback whales breach. We share these waters with eagles, sea lions and so much more. It makes a perfect shing getaway for the entire family.

e awe-inspiring beauty that surrounds Ketchikan is something that must be witnessed to understand. From the rugged terrain of old growth forest in Tongass down to the vibrantly rich waters, each day surprises visitors with landscapes and

wildlife that make Ketchikan a bucket-list destination.

Who doesn’t dream of giant halibut or monstrous king salmon on these scenic waters? Peak season runs from midJune through September, with the absolute best shing during the months of July and August. is occurs when we have an overlapping run of king salmon, silver salmon and pink salmon. All the while, big halibut will have moved in from deep water to feed on the abundance of food present. For these reasons, one can expect to catch all species with potential record catches of halibut, salmon, lingcod and rock sh hitting the docks by day’s end.

Here’s what you might expect on a good fullday charter. We start out bottom shing for halibut in 150 to 400 feet of water until we get a limit. Using deep-water jigging rods, you’ll be tasked with reeling in hard- ghting halibut from the depths. en we switch gears to trolling with electric downriggers, running four rods for all ve species of wild Paci c salmon. Whether or not we hit our limit of salmon, we usually end the day jigging with light tackle for giant lingcod and pelagic rock sh to top o the day’s catch. Why settle for one species

when you can sh for them all?

A processing service will llet, vacuum seal and box up your catch to be shipped home overnight or taken on your ight as a checked bag. Ketchikan is easily accessible with convenient commercial ights, just two-hours out of Seattle, and lodging accommodations are available for groups of all sizes.

Book your dream trip to Alaska with Capt. Lukas Brickweg, of Ketchikan’s Finest Fishing Charters, at www.ketchikan shingtrips.com, call (907) 6174717 or email at ketchikan shingtrips@gmail.com.

FEDS SLASH ALABAMA RED SNAPPER QUOTA

is federally imposed catch limit is the latest point of contention in a two-decade-long power struggle between the Gulf states and the federal bureaucracy over management of one of the region’s most iconic and economically important sheries. Recreational red snapper shing brings millions of tourism dollars to the Gulf Coast each summer. In Alabama, o cials say the quota cut will bring an early end to the season.

e cuts are the result of a complicated formula used by NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to assess red snapper stocks. Federal regulators and environmental groups are pointing to 2022’s reduced red snapper landings as evidence of a depleted shery. In 2020, recreational anglers o Alabama caught 1.1 million pounds of red snapper. In 2022, that gure dropped to less than 500,000 pounds.

AL.com reported that Sean Powers, a leading researcher in the 2020 Great American Red Snapper Count, said the limited landings in 2022 were caused by reduced angler e ort because of high gas prices and poor weather. “ e number of days people went out was half and we caught half of the quota,” Powers told Al.com. “ at’s straight forward. I don’t think it re ects on the health of the stock.”

It’s worth noting that the Great American Red Snapper Count is the study that showed there were more than three times as many red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico than the gures NMFS was previously using to set quotas. For years, sheries managers and politicians from all the Gulf states have been speaking out against NOAA’s “ awed science,” and the Snapper Count seemed to prove their argument. Since the study, NOAA has come up with a new system it says melds the Snapper Count with federal and state surveys. ere is plenty of skepticism over NOAA’s “calibration.”

“Red snapper shing is a huge part of Alabama’s Gulf Coast economy, which is why I’ll continue pushing back against the Department of Commerce’s disastrous proposal to decrease limits for red snapper anglers based on inaccurate data,” said U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R/Ala.) to Al.com.

Frustration is again mounting over federal management of the red snapper shery in the Gulf of Mexico. is time, the uproar is coming from the Alabama coast, where NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) slashed the state’s 2023 recreational quota by more than 50 percent.

Alabama’s quota this year is 558,200 pounds, down from 1.1 million pounds in 2022. e Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council meets in April, and there is a possibility Alabama’s quota could increase slightly.

See www.al.com to read an excellent article on the issue by John Sharp.

WALK THE DOG FOR SPRINGTIME BASS

The months of covering water with your favorite topwater are upon us, and what a wonderful time it is! In some parts of the country, bass are already done spawning. While in others, the move to the shallows has only just begun. No matter the circumstances of your sh, they are on the feed and will certainly bite your lure if the right situation presents itself.

Where I live in Florida, the bass have already nished with their spawn. ey are roaming and chasing food to replenish themselves a er a few hard weeks up in the shallows. One of my favorite ways to catch these sh is by covering water with a walk-the-dog style topwater. Not only is it just the coolest bite ever, but it is also a bait that can mimic a ton of di erent food options. is should be used to cover water at a fast pace. Once you locate groups of sh, slow down with something else. row topwater around anything the treble hooks won’t get hung up on, and remember to stay near areas where sh just nished spawning.

In many other parts of the country, bass might currently be up in the shallows spawning. is is another awesome time to throw a walking topwater. Use it to nd sh spawning, and then slow down and pick up a few more sh with a slower bait, if needed. e target options are endless. Grass ats, shallow banks, wood, points, anywhere bass might be spawning is the perfect place to throw a walking bait.

Up North, sh might be in the very early stages of prespawn or even still have ice over their heads. Whatever the case may be, sh will bite a walking bait when the time is right… or when the water is in a liquid form. I have been very successful, especially on smallmouths, throwing a spook-style bait around spawning ats and points for very aggressive sh that are preparing to spawn. Some of the greatest shing memories

The biggest and best fleet of towboats are on your waterways, ready to jump into action when you need help on the water. For peaceful, worry-free boating, be sure to get Unlimited towing from TowBoatU.S.

I have from those parts of the country are from the prespawn. row it over rocks or grass points where bass chase bait as they feed up ahead of the spawn. Walk it over open water or down the bank; they will bite it.

Topwater rod and reel setups can be fairly simple. I like a shorter rod, which makes it easier to walk the dog, with a moderate action, so you don’t rip the hooks out of the sh. e 13 Fishing 7’3” Medium Defy is an a ordable rod with the perfect action. I pair this up with a 7:5:1 Concept A2 spooled with 40-pound Seaguar Smackdown braid for long casts and minimal stretch. e 13 Fishing Power Slide is an awesome topwater for these situations, and I always stick to natural bait sh colors. Grab one of these, get out on your favorite body of water and have some fun!

Details of services provided can be found online at BoatUS.com/Agree. TowBoatU.S. is not a rescue service. In an emergency situation, you must contact the Coast Guard or a government agency immediately.

Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcott shing.com.

TYLER WOOLCOTT

YAMAHA 22 FT FSH LINE: FISH AND PLAY IN VERSATILE LUXURY

Yamaha’s product line of 22 FT FSH boats has made quite the splash since hitting the water in August of 2022. Building upon the success of Yamaha’s versatile 21-foot center console line that it replaced, there are three separate 22-foot FSH® models that come with Yamaha’s best center console technology and features.

“Speci cally, the new models are 9 inches longer, with gunwales 2 inches higher at the helm and 4 inches higher at the bow than the previous 21-foot line,” said Jon Sutter, Yamaha Boats Product Planning Manager. “And the gunwales are thinner too, which adds to the roominess when passing by the center console.”

is series begins with the value-minded 220 FSH Sport powered by twin 1L TR-1 HO (High Output) engines. Moving up the line is the featurerich 222 FSH Sport, and the premium 222 FSH Sport E being the pinnacle of the series.

O ering sleek lines, agile handling, and superb performance, the new Yamaha 220 and 222 Series center console boats are big, with twin Yamaha marine engines generating up to 360 horsepower. Both 222 FSH models feature added performance delivered by twin 1.8L HO motors. All three models come with a fabric or berglass-molded T-Top with four “rocket launcher” rod holders.

e new 22-foot platform continues Yamaha’s trend toward contemporary design with its deep cockpit and great freeboard, enabling a spacious interior and large bow and cockpit areas.

e center console is nicely nished with plenty of room for Yamaha’s Connext® 5-inch touchscreen that controls the boat’s entertainment and vital system functions, a glass windshield, stainless steel steering wheel, a locking glove box, and a 9-inch Simrad® marine electronics system. And for the rst time on a Yamaha center console boat, all three models get a wirelesscharging phone mount.

ere’s nothing better than hanging out at a favorite cove listening to a great summer playlist. Yamaha has you covered here with its a Hertz® premium sound system that comes standard on the 222 FSH Sport E. is marine sound system comes with a Hertz® head unit, four deck speakers, and two speakers in the color-matched hardtop.

All three 22’ FSH models come standard with mounts for optional swimup seats. At anchor, two removable seats can be attached to the stern. ese seats sit just below the water’s surface, providing comfortable in-water seating facing the transom of the boat. And since the reboarding ladder is located between both seat positions, egress onto the swim platform is a breeze.

Fishing Amenities for Anglers

Understanding that fishing is the heart and soul of this product line, anglers around the globe have the below features to look forward to when purchasing a Yamaha 22FT FSH series boat:

• Storage for eight rods under the gunwales

• Storage for six rods on the side of the console

• Aerated 26-gal stern livewell

• Simrad® multi-function display

• Jet Wash® washdown system

Ultimately, Yamaha’s 22’ FSH models have set the standard in versatile luxury, while continuing to keep the end consumer in mind with its plethora of convenient amenities. Whether you’re enjoying its premium sound system or relaxing with the award-winning swim up stern seating, your days on the water can only be enhanced with Yamaha.

Learn more at YamahaBoats.com

222 FSH Sport E

Doing Your Homework

Eat, sleep, sh, repeat. Although I would love to live this life, it is just not possible… yet. I recently saw a cartoon that listed things I like to do in my spare time. Go shing, buy shing tackle, research shing and talk about shing. is rang true to me since this sport consumes my thoughts as it does many of yours. Here are a few things that I do when I am not shing that help me when I do have the opportunity to go. With the high winds of spring upon us, we all might have a little more dock time than water time.

I’m fascinated with weather. Not only do I look at the current conditions and forecast where I am, but I also look at it in areas where I travel to sh. is does a couple of things for me. First, it allows me to see possible great weather opportunities when I might be able to plan ahead and sneak away. It also keeps me from going on a day when the weather might be great, but the previous several days featured winds blowing strong from an unfavorable direction. For example, here on the Texas coast, southwest is a detrimental direction for high winds. It muddies most bays on our coast. e previous days’ wind velocity and direction are good to know and determine where I head when I launch the boat.

I spend a lot of time on the road, and I like listening to shing podcasts. Some of these give general information, and some are weekly reports covering current conditions and activity. ese can be great to stay in tune with what is happening and to learn from new points of view on approaching certain situations. ey might also cover new products I want to try.

Di erent social media platforms also keep you in tune. Find reputable anglers or guides in your area or an area you plan to go. Some frequently post how-to or what’s been working for them. ey might also talk about how to approach a certain area. If you like to travel to new areas, which I do, knowing how to approach an area can be key. In my local waters, we might approach a spot one way, but if I go to another state they may do the opposite. Knowing the local game plan can save the day.

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

Last but not least, I look at satellite imagery very o en. One tip is to change the view and the year the image was taken for areas you sh. ese images can be dramatically di erent than the current images, and they might o er a much-improved view of bottom structure to point you to a spot you’ll want to try next time you are on the water.

e weather is warm, don’t forget to take a kid shing!

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES®

How To Rock a Walking Stick

An essential part of a gentleman’s wardrobe

In the 17th century, the walking stick overtook the sword as an essential part of a gentleman’s wardrobe. Though it was primarily used as a decorative accessory, it could also function as a weapon if necessary. For men of the era, these walking sticks were a statement piece, and a way to communicate their wealth and refinement.

carats

Today, walking sticks still represent status and prosperity –– a way to show off your deep pockets without being too flashy. In that vein, we present the Santa Fe Walking Stick. Made of eucalyptus wood painted a glossy black with an antiqued silverfinished sculpted handle, what gives this piece of finery a distinctive edge is an 18-carat turquoise inlay that’s been enhanced to bring out its best blues. Don’t be bashful about your affluence. See why the Santa Fe Walking Stick is the embodiment of sophisticated elegance for the modern gentleman.

Don’t delay: Our must-have Santa Fe Walking Stick was one of our best-selling items this past year. Because of this, we can only offer 723 walking sticks at this price with this ad! See why Stauer is becoming one of America’s fastest-growing sellers of walking sticks today!

Praise for Stauer Walking Sticks

“I recommend it without reservation and commend Stauer for offering quality at a fair price.” — Steven, Arlington, VA

“Dignified, well crafted and an extremely comfortable fit in your hand. Just MAGNIFICENT! Makes me feel years younger!”

— Chas, Placida, FL

Speci cations:

• 18 carats of enhanced turquoise. Antiqued silver-finished and sculpted brass handle. Eucalyptus wood. Rubber tip

• Supports up to 250 pounds

Santa Fe Walking Stick

36" Santa Fe Walking Stick $159 $79* + S&P Save $80

40" Santa Fe Walking Stick $179 $89* + S&P Save $90

*Special price only for customers using the offer code.

1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Offer Code: FWS135-01