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INSHORE TACTICS
TRANSITION TO SPRING
A FISHING KAYAK!
PHOTO CREDIT: PATRICK “TUPAT” EICHSTAEDTO IG: @THEREALTUPAT / YOUTUBE: TUPAT'S FISHING ADVENTURES
VOLUME 26 • ISSUE 313
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM
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FISHING FROM A PADDLEBOARD:
TUPAT’S TIPS By Nick Carter
THINK AHEAD: Unless your board is staked out or tied off, it is going to move. It blows with the wind and drifts with the tide. Even small fish will tow a board during a fight. Tupat constantly considers these factors and comes up with a plan before making a cast. Sometimes, finding wind-shade in the lee of landscape is necessary to fish. Other times, the wind or tide can be used to set up drifts. When you do hook up, you must adapt to the situation. “It’s spur of the moment to decide what you have to do to land the fish.” Tupat said. “You have to use your common sense.” If you’re in open water, it’s possible to play a fish out. The board serves as a secondary drag system in this situation. In shallow water and tight confines, it sometimes makes sense to step off the board and battle a fish on foot. In other situations, it can be necessary to hold the rod in one hand and paddle with the other to find a more advantageous place to land large fish.
F TUPAT.
Check out Tupat’s Hawaiian Poke Sauce at www. tupats.com, his Youtube fishing show Tupat’s Fishing Adventures and his Instagram feeds @therealtupat and @tupatshawaiian.
URTESY O
board that will float your weight. From there: “You’ve got to develop a core balance and become one with the motions of paddling and fishing and how the board reacts to your movements,” said Tupat. He fishes an 11-foot-long, 36-inch-wide, 5-inch-thick Pau Hana Big EZ Angler. He said it’s stable, yet maneuverable, and called it the ultimate fishing board. Rigging is a matter of preference, but generally “less is more on a paddleboard,” said Tupat. A cooler placed on the middle of the board is a seat and fishbox. Aft of that, a milk crate with zip-tied sections of PVC pipe serves as a rod holder and carry-all. Tupat keeps a softsided, rectangular wet/dry bag in front of him on the deck. This is where he keeps tackle, tools and anything he’ll need quick access to. “I’ve tried attachments and all that crap, and all it’s done is get in my way,” he said. “I need it to be as simple as possible to put me in the best position to catch fish.” STEALTH: The ability to sneak up on fish in shallow water is the primary advantage of a paddleboard. A paddle or any other gear banging on the deck alerts fish to your presence. Tupat said knowing where your paddle is and having a secure place to put it quickly is imperative. You should have a plan for your paddle. Tupat sets his on that soft-sided wet/dry bag, where it is secure and will not bang on the deck.
PHOTOS CO
P
atrick “Tupat” Eichstaedt has been mucking around in backwater creeks as long as he can remember. He grew up just north of Florida’s famous Mosquito Lagoon, in Bethune Beach, where the Indian River is a labyrinth of saltwater creeks and channels that snake between mangrove islands. Tupat is a surfer, angler and an entrepreneur, and recently life brought him home to Bethune Beach, where his passion for fishing from a standup paddleboard (SUP) re-ignited in a big way. “The things a board allows me to see and do is incomparable to being in a boat,” he said. “It puts me as close to Mother Nature and the fish as I can get. I can get to places you wouldn’t dream of in a boat, and the stealth lets me observe fish at a much deeper level.” Casting from an SUP for big snook, trout and redfish is not, however, something you just pick up and go do well. It’s a melding of sports, and Tupat’s surfing background gifted him with an awareness of how a board handles in the water. Anyone can spend the day SUP fishing and catch some fish. Getting good at it requires time on the water to learn the intricacies of the sport. Here are some tips from Tupat: SETUP: Fishing from an SUP requires confidence in the board and competence on it. Before you hit the water, it’s wise to research and find a stable
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APRIL 2021
NATIONAL 7
IGFA Tweaks Electric Reel Rules W ith the skyrocketing popularity of daytime swordfishing and following on the heels of some spectacularly large swordfish caught in the last few years, the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) has tweaked its rules on electric reels. Effective immediately, anglers will be allowed limited use of power-driven reels and remain eligible for IGFA records. According to an IGFA press release, new language in its rules clarify accepted and nonaccepted uses of electric reels. New rules do not allow for fighting fish with the aid electric reels. Of note is a requirement that power accessories must be removable and may not be attached to a reel during deployment of baits or at any time during fishing, except to retrieve baits all the way to the boat. This function is almost necessary in daytime swordfishing, which requires anglers to commonly drop and retrieve baits deeper, sometimes much deeper than 1,000 feet. The old and new language read as follows: IGFA International Angling Rules: Section E. Reel PREVIOUS RULE: 2. Power-driven reels of any kind are prohibited. This includes motor, hydraulic, or electrically driven reels, and any device that gives the angler an unfair advantage in fighting the fish.
NEW RULE: 2. Power- driven reels are acceptable under the following situation and configuration. a) Reels that have power accessories (e.g., electric drill attachments, motors or other power accessories specifically designed for a reel) that can be physically removed from the reel may be used strictly for the purpose of retrieving a deployed bait or lure at depth all the way to the boat. b) Power accessories may only be used to retrieve a bait or lure completely to the boat and are not permitted for adjusting the position of a bait or lure in the water column. Once a power accessory is attached to the reel, the bait or lure may no longer be legally used to catch a fish and the bait or lure must be retrieved all the way to the boat for manual redeployment before it may be legally used to hook or catch a fish. Power accessories may not be attached to the reel during the deployment of a bait or lure. c) Power accessories must be physically removed from the reel before the act of hooking and/or fighting a fish. Any fish that strikes a bait or lure being fished with a reel with power accessories still attached—whether or not under electric operation—will not be eligible for record consideration. d) Electric reels that do not have removable electronic components that allow them to be completely manually driven are prohibited.
“Changes to the IGFA’s International Angling Rules are always something we handle with the utmost care,” said IGFA President Jason Schratwieser. “This rule in particular has been a point of contention for years, and we are pleased to announce this new language that we strongly feel adapts IGFA rules to the technology of our time, while not jeopardizing the core principles of IGFA ethics.” For more information, see igfa.org.
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Coastal_Angler_April2021.indd 1
APRIL 2021
NATIONAL 9
2/25/21 12:17 PM
By TAM Staff
LIFE ON THE TRAIL WITH
T
KRISTINE FISCHER
hose familiar with kayak bass tournaments have likely heard the name Kristine Fischer. She’s a driven angler from Weeping Water, Nebraska, who dropped out of the rat race a few years ago to hit the road and fish kayak tournaments. Since 2017, she’s proven she’s a lot more than just a breath of fresh air in a male-dominated sport. Fischer has amassed a strong resume from top national tournament trails like KBF, Hobie B.O.S. and B.A.S.S. In 81 tournaments, she’s tallied five firstplace victories and fished her way to top-10 finishes 27 times. Along the way, she’s picked up major sponsors like Tincup Whiskey, Hobie Fishing, Z-Man, PLANO, Hobie Eyewear, AFTCO, Omnia, CalCoast Fishing, Dakota Lithium batteries and Torqeedo. These sponsorships allow her to make a living as a professional kayak angler. And while she doesn’t deny her blonde hair and big smile have helped, the 33-year-old said it also drives her to build on her reputation as one of the fiercest competitors on the circuit. Here’s a little Q&A with Kristine Fischer:
Q: What led you to become a professional kayak angler? KF: My biggest fear has always been leading a life that lacked purpose and didn’t allow me to grow as a person. I’ve always craved adventure in some capacity and fully believe in the importance of submersing yourself in the wilderness as often as possible. To me, routines and having everything planned out can become mundane and almost robs us of spontaneity and ability to live in the moment. Being a full-time angler was a natural fit, given my love for fishing and my competitive nature. 10 NATIONAL
APRIL 2021
I mean, the family camping trips etched on your mind are the ones when gale-force winds destroyed the camp and raccoons stole the last bag of marshmallows. Life is what you make of it, whether it is on the road or at the end of a cul-de-sac. It’s all about your disposition.
Q: What’s the lifestyle on the road? KF: The Internet has a funny way of romanticizing road life. In reality, it’s hardly romantic. Replace sunsets wrapped in fuzzy blankets and barefoot nights by the fire with lights strung in the trees and drone shots of the RV rolling down a picturesque Route 66 with flat tires. Living on the road is 10-second cold showers, eating cans of gas-station beef ravioli with your fingers and praying you get to the next gas station before the truck runs out of fuel. It’s wrapping up a tournament in the Carolinas, knowing you’ve got one day to make it to west Texas. It’s utter chaos. Something always seems to go wrong at the most inconvenient time. It’s little sleep, a gas-station diet and pushing yourself to the limits in every capacity. Despite all that, there’s something about the road that lights my soul. I’ve always found the most joy in those moments of chaos. The best memories are made when everything goes south.
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Q: Tell us about being a successful woman in a male-dominated industry. KF: Successful women in fishing are a rarity, and therefore it’s much easier to get noticed. That fact has never sat well with me. I’m the type of person who needs to know I’m absolutely earning opportunities and that they aren’t coming to me simply because I’m a female with a big smile and blonde hair. I wanted to be recognized as a talented angler who is capable of winning any tournament on any given day. I set my sights on that. The sport is inundated with people who pose as anglers to take advantage of the industry. I’ve had to work to overcome negative stereotypes associated with women in the sport. Over the years, it’s gotten easier. The ability to record my tournaments has helped prove that I’m the “real deal.” Q: What are your goals for the 2021 season and into the future? KF: I’m gunning for AOY in the Hobie series, and I want to make “The TEN” for KBF. Future goals: qualifying for the Bassmaster Elites certainly has lingered on my mind. It’s a lofty goal, but I always appreciate a good challenge. Keep up with Kristine Fischer and her life on the tournament trail at her YouTube channel and through Facebook @kristinefischerfishing and Instagram @midwestfishergal.
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Limited to the first 1800 responders to this ad only! Blue Topaz Dolphin Collection A. Pendant (2 1/2 ctw) .....................$395 † $79 + S&P Save $316 18" Sterling Silver Rope Chain ................... $59 B. Earrings (2 3/5 ctw)......................$395 † $99 + S&P Save $296 C. Ring (2 1/4 ctw) ............................$395 † $99 + S&P Save $296
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APRIL 2021
he International Rod Building Challenge pits some of the world’s very best custom rod builders and designers against each other in a competition that considers creativity, craftsmanship and functionality. The 2021 Challenge, hosted by American Tackle Company, featured many entries from throughout the United States, Germany, Indonesia, Canada and Portugal. For the competition, rod builders were presented a mystery American Tackle Mark Crouse took first place in the Bushido blank to build their 2021 International Rod Building creation; everything else Challenge for his stunning was left up to the builder custom spinning rod. for creativity, design and craftsmanship. Each builder showcased their version of a highly ornate yet functional fishing rod in hopes of capturing the coveted 2021 title. The entries submitted featured both spinning and casting rod configurations including one spinning/fly convertable design. The judging panel was comprised of 10 noted fishing and rod-building professionals with extensive diversity of experience in rod manufacturing and custom rod building, as well as noted anglers and editors of wellcirculated fishing media. Each judge scored to a list of criteria ranging from design, theme, functionality and craftsmanship in 11 categories. Judges spent hours carefully grading the top-10 rods for the final results. In the end, Mark Crouse was declared the winner, taking first place in one of the tightest races this competition has ever seen. Mark’s entry in the 2021 challenge featured custom-created acrylic grips, a custom fabricated/machined highly polished aluminum reel seat/ handle trim, custom-fabricated extendable rear handle grip and impressive ultra-smooth epoxy finish over finely detailed thread work. His entry was designed into a spinning rod configuration utilizing the titanium version MicroWave Guide Line Control System for better balancing and enhanced performance. Mark is no stranger to winning rod-building competitions. He has been a true craftsman in rod building for many decades. His rod beat out Wade Christensen and Mark Blabaum, who earned second and third in the competition respectively. To view more of the entries, visit www.coastalanglermag.com/rod-build. For more information, go to www.americantackle.us.
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Seasonal Closure Implemented at Western Dry Rocks
I
n a move widely supported by conservation groups, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a total fishing closure in a 1-square-mile area at Western Dry Rocks from April through July for the next seven years. Western Dry Rocks is an area of reef and rock about 10 miles southwest of Key West that hosts large spawning aggregations of permit and various snapper and grouper species each year. Its proximity to Key West and the dependable nature of the fishery make it a popular spot for charter captains and private anglers in search of bountiful half-day trips. The intent of the closure is to protect populations of several important recreational species by allowing them to spawn unmolested by anglers. Fisheries managers had been considering a two-month, May-June, annual closure prior to the February FWC meeting, after which the four-month closure was announced. Permit, yellowtail snapper, mutton snapper and gray snapper are all known to aggregate at Western Dry Rocks from April through July. Other species, such as black, Nassau and gag groupers, aggregate at Western Dry Rocks during the cooler months, and they are already protected by seasonal bag limits. These spawning aggregations, along with the
6 FLORIDA
APRIL 2021
swirling currents that sweep past Western Dry Rocks are thought to play a role in the distribution of fish eggs and larvae throughout the Florida Keys and up the Atlantic coast of southern Florida. Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) has conducted tagging studies, which show permit from throughout the Lower Keys attend the annual aggregation at Western Dry Rocks. BTT is one of the organizations that pushed for the longer closure. They were joined in support of the April through July prohibition by American Sportfishing Association, Coastal Conservation Association, Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, International Game Fish Association, Lower Keys Guides Association, Wild Oceans and Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. Doubtless there are private anglers and fishing guides who are upset by the move. FWC data shows angler effort absolutely centers on known aggregation areas. It’s worth noting that permit harvest is already closed throughout the Keys from April through July. BTT, however, has studies that show up to 39 percent of permit hooked at Western Dry Rocks were eaten by sharks before they made it to the boat. “Looking at this from a conservation standpoint, staff has done a really good job of
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threading the needle,” said FWC Commissioner Robert Spottswood. “For some, it may be too short of a season and, for others, too long, but this seasonal closure is an investment in continued healthy and robust fisheries in the Keys and south Florida.” Starting April 1, 2021, all fishing is prohibited from April through July in a 1-square-mile area near Western Dry Rocks. The Commission adopted a 7-year sunset provision, which ensures FWC can revisit the closure. This closure area is bounded by:
• • • •
24°26.217’N, 81°57.007’W 24°25.676’N, 81°57.002’W 24°25.686’N, 81°55.489’W 24°26.227’N, 81°55.493’W
Learn more about Western Dry Rocks at MyFWC.com/Marine by clicking on “Recreational Regulations” and “Western Dry Rocks.”
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By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon
Are Back! S
ome of the best eating fish in the ocean are back on the menu, and they’re here to stay throughout the summer. Blackfin tuna have already moved back in on the Gulf Coast in the Tampa area, and they should start becoming a regular visitor on offshore and nearshore trips. We might not have as many blackfin as they do down in the Keys, but what we do have are of the jumbo variety. They produce some respectable-sized steaks. While blackfin aren’t overly common in this area, they are also not impossible to target. You might also find yourself catching them as bycatch while fishing wrecks with live bait. If you happen to hook one up by accident, keep chumming to keep the school on you, and keep sending out lines rigged the same way as the one that was already hit. Do not be afraid to have multiple hookups going at a time. Sometimes the bite will come in hot and leave just as quickly. Catch as many as you can while they are eating. While dropping over hard bottom offshore, always make sure to have at least one flat line set up out the back. Utilizing light mono and a small hook, cast a live bait behind the boat. Greenbacks, cigar minnows, small grunts and pinfish all work well. Occasionally open the bail to send out a little more line, so the bait has an opportunity to swim more naturally, faster, and get further down in the water column. This is especially effective at enticing a bite when the bait is acting nervous. Make sure your drag is set very loose, and don’t do anything fancy until the fish eats the bait and begins pulling drag. If anything, when you’re fishing larger baits, you can open the bail and let the fish really eat before coming tight. You should be burning a chum block, but also make sure to occasionally toss out a few live baits as chummers, especially when one of your flat-line baits seems to be getting nervous. As we move into summer, this exact same method will catch wahoo and sailfish, without you having to change any of your rigs or bait. Alternatively, you might stumble across diving birds above a disturbance on the water. Keep your eyes peeled for the telltale flying football shapes, indicative of tuna. Sometimes it might just be a school
8 FLORIDA
APRIL 2021
of bonita, but often tuna and bonita will run with each other, so don’t get discouraged too quickly. Make sure to have a plan and discuss it with your crew in case you do happen to run over a school while heading offshore. Whether you have a rod with a popper on it for casting, a trolling rod rigged and ready or a rod set up for a pitch bait, make sure everyone else knows what the game plan is so you don’t miss out. Blackfin often surface briefly, and you have to be ready to capitalize on it before they dive back down. Happy hunting, and don’t forget to treat your tuna fillets like steak. Cut them on a clean table and pat the meat dry if necessary, but never rinse it with freshwater. Capt. Quinlyn Haddon fishes out of St. Petersburg, Fla. Call her at 504-920-6342 and check her out on Instagram @CaptainQuinlyn.
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APRIL 2021
FLORIDA 11
MUD HOLE AND CCA BAG OYSTERS FOR INDIAN RIVER LAGOON
I
n February, volunteers from Mud Hole Custom Tackle, the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Florida and several other organizations bagged more than 15,000 pounds of recycled oyster shells to create oyster habitats in the Indian River Lagoon. Mud Hole provided 25 volunteers for the Marine Discovery Center’s Shuck and Share initiative at New Smyrna Beach. “Conserving our ecosystems and fisheries is extremely important to Mud Hole Custom Tackle,” said Scott Gimbert, Mud Hole Vice President and avid angler. “We are excited to work with CCA on a variety of restoration initiatives—and with our headquarters in Oviedo, Florida, this one hits close to home.” Mud Hole supports a number of community programs to protect natural resources and bring angling and rod-building knowledge to youth through the education system. For the Shuck and Share initiative, volunteers from every Mud Hole department jumped in and got dirty assembling 515 oyster gabions from oyster shells donated by Central Florida restaurants. “Having the Mud Hole Team here at the Marine Discovery Center was a huge help,” said Brian Gorski, CCA Florida’s Executive Director. “We have a great partnership and share a devotion to the environment, and today was a great example of how we can all work together to protect our natural resources and our fisheries.” Along with supporting the Shuck and Share program, CCA and Mud Hole partner on a number of other initiatives, including Release the East—an Indian River Lagoon redfish restocking program—and CCA’s annual banquet and silent auction. For more information, visit www.mudhole.com.
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12 FLORIDA
APRIL 2021
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What Won’t a Bass Eat?
L
argemouth bass eat spinnerbaits. That alone should be enough to convince you they’ll consume anything that fits in their prodigious mouths. In case it’s not, here’s a little more evidence from the FWC Fish and Wildlife Resource Institute. On Feb. 28, a post to their Facebook page read: “Largemouth bass will eat almost anything that swims in front of
them—the bigger the bass, the bigger their prey. FWC biologists study the diets of largemouth bass and have found a variety of food items when examining their stomach contents. Snakes, crabs, snails, frogs, turtles, and plastic lures are some of the more unique food choices our biologists have come across.” The post was accompanied by photographs documenting those finds.
Then, in a well-timed follow-up, the FWC Fish and Wildlife Resource Institute shared the story of “Jonah” the baby turtle. FWC biologists sampling largemouth bass in the Everglades noticed something unusual. There was something moving inside the stomach of one of the bass they collected. When they sliced that fish’s belly open, out popped a live baby turtle. According to the post, the little turtle was released and it swam away. To keep up with what FWC biologists are doing, follow the Facebook page @FWCResearch.
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APRIL 2021
NORTH FLORIDA 1
VIE W ENT OUR IR INV ENT E O ONL INE RY BBM A S.C T OM
T
stay in fishing and it’ me acc Ka nicely are am my pe and th seat on bow-m Th which made has off paddli super or batt To
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PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES.
KAYAKING TO INSHORE ACTION By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
T
he past seven years, I have taken my kayak out on most of my fishing trips in both fresh and saltwater. I might or might not stay in the kayak all day, because I believe wade fishing is an extremely effective way to catch fish, and it’s also my favorite. However, the kayak gives me access to many otherwise non-accessible areas. Kayak designs and accessories have developed nicely the last few years. Comfort and propulsion are among the highlights in advancement, from my perspective. I bought my current kayak used, and the two selling points were a comfortable seat on a somewhat raised custom platform and a bow-mount trolling motor with a remote. The raised seat is like sitting in a normal chair, which makes long rides easy on my back. This has made my kayaking experiences enjoyable, and it has offered my boys a comfortable ride without paddling. I still use the paddle when I need to get super skinny and for days when I have connection or battery issues. Today, most manufacturers offer these
T H E
P E R F E C T
upgrades already built in. My kayak has a very stable platform, and I frequently stand while fishing and scouting. This is a real benefit in the clear waters where I fish. With polarized glasses, the added height allows me to see bottom contour, structure, bait and even fish. Speaking of fish, lets get into what to look for in the warming waters of spring. It can be tricky to stay on fish during the spring. Although cold fronts don’t pack the punch of winter, they do slow the warming trend, create a lot of wind and keep fish scattered between winter and spring structure and water depth. This time of year, trout and reds can be caught on all types of bottom structure: mud, shell, grass and sand. Focus less on the bottom type in early spring; instead direct your attention to areas in close proximity to deeper water. The term deeper is in relation to your specific
E S C A P E
I N
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area. A long shoreline that runs parallel to a deeper drop allows fish to access both depths, but it can also cause fish to scatter and make them harder to locate and catch consistently. Find an area where there’s a deeper gut that runs into a shoreline. This could be a natural depression, a bayou or canal. This gives close proximity to the deeper channel with shallow flats on both sides. This is a much easier area to target fish as they try to figure out what season it is. As always, safety comes first on the water, especially in a kayak. Wear your life vest. If something can fall in, tether it, and make sure you can bee seen by power vessels. Take a kid fishing, be safe and have fun this spring.
H E A R T
Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures, Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
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APRIL 2021
NORTH FLORIDA 3
PHOTO BY NICK CARTER
To Barb, or Not to Barb? By John Saporito
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CoastalAnglerMag.com 4 NORTH FLORIDA
APRIL 2021
T
here is a sharp divide among today’s fishermen between those who fish barbless hooks and those who fish traditional hooks with barbs. We all know the barb is meant to keep a hook in the fish’s mouth, theoretically preventing its escape. While there is merit to this, it is ultimately the job of the angler to keep a fish hooked. Barbless hooks have legitimate benefits for both angler and quarry. First off, they cause less damage to the fish and facilitate a quicker hook removal, which reduces the mortality rate among released fish. Second, they are safer for people. If someone is accidentally hooked while fishing, a barbless hook can simply be backed out. While most anglers are aware of these things, what many fishermen may not know is that using barbless hooks will actually improve your hook-up ratio. The narrow diameter of a hook point without a barb makes penetrating the mouth of a fish much easier. This is especially true for gamefish with hard mouths. Many fish are lost because the hook simply doesn’t get buried deep enough on the hookset. Braided lines and graphite rods help, but to really make the process efficient, ditch the barb and watch your numbers grow. You don’t have to purchase special hooks to fish barbless. The barb on any hook may be removed in a number of ways. Barbs can be filed down with a rasp or grinding stone, they can be pinched down with pliers, or they can be crushed with a crimping tool. I like to grind them down with a power drill and a grinding bit made for a rotary tool. This is quick to do and you don’t have to worry about compromising the integrity of the hook, which can happen when you apply too much pressure with pliers. However you choose to do it, be sure to wear proper eye protection and a mask so you don’t get hit with or ingest any small particles or shrapnel. Whether bait fishing or using lures, a barbless hook will give you a better chance of a complete hook set. As long as you keep a bend in the rod—which you should be doing anyway when you are fighting a fish—you will seldom lose a fish because of a barbless hook. Perhaps the only times barbs offer a true benefit for the angler are in the presence of big waves, which can cause sudden slack in the line, or with species that tend to leap or shake their heads. Regardless, I’ve found that in most fishing circumstances barbless hooks offer me a great advantage in converting more strikes into landed fish. The hardest part about going barbless is making the switch. Many anglers are resistant to change, but it pays to be open to experimentation. Give barbless hooks a shot; you have nothing to lose and many fish to gain. John Saporito is a lifelong fisherman and student of the seas. Visit him online at guerillaangling.com.
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COASTAL ANGLER North Central Florida/Nature Coast
Cary & Lynn Crutchfield ALACHUA, MARION, COLUMBIA, GILCHRIST, BRADFORD, DIXIE, LEVY, CITRUS
L
APRIL
ast April, 2020, I began by saying that I usually begin my April message with happy thoughts of spring, but my happy thoughts were overshadowed by scary thoughts of the virus. This year, my spring thoughts are a bit happier, tempered with hope that we will soon see an end to the virus, and all the accompanying horror. It is the vaccine that is giving me hope. Get it for yourself--and get it for others. It is the right thing to do. We are debuting two new writers this month. Capt. Andrew Fagan is now writing INGLIS/YANKEETOWN (page 12) and Capt. Katie Jo Davis is writing KATIE JO’S NATURE COAST ADVENTURES (page 9). Please welcome them with a phone call or an email. FLORIDA WATERWAYS, page 3 is very timely and appropriate for this month. The Suwannee is very high and flooded is some areas. We are experiencing a little flood. The bottom photo is my 3-year-old granddaughter, Secelia, kayaking in my back yard. My back yard and access road are usually dry, but not this month. We are parking about ¼ of a mile on the other side of the water, and sloshing through in rubber boots to get to our cars. (An occasional/temporary minor inconvenience for the privilege of living in Paradise!). It will be over soon. See page 2 for this month’s recipe, Pan Seared Shrimp with Bacon and Creamy Spinach. We love shrimp and bacon and spinach. This dish comes together fast and easy, and you cook it all I one pan! See page11 for the CCBA Tournament in Homosassa, and page 16 for the Fly In, and the Daddy Daughter Dance, both in Cross City. EVENTS ON THE NATURE COAST (Thanks to Capt. Katie Jo for the info.) Citrus Construction Academy Youth Fishing Tournament April 24, 2021 in Homosassa. Open to families with anglers ages 3 to 15. Info at at www.citrusbuilders. com. Ladies, this one's for you! The First Florida Cracker Invitational - Catch and Release Ladies Tournament! This tournament is the first of its kind on the Nature Coast, and takes place on May 22nd. Not your typical tournament and it is going to be a blast for the ladies! www.floridacrackerfishing.com Happy Easter on April 4th. (I hope you can gather with a few family members!) Stay smart. Wear your mask. Get your vaccine and stay alive! Lynn Crutchfield Co-Publisher Coastal Angler Magazine of North Central Florida/Nature Coast
APRIL 2021 EDITION
Find Your Outdoors Here! North Central Florida Nature Coast Staff SALES
Cary Crutchfield
EDITING & PRODUCTION Lynn Crutchfield
DISTRIBUTION Rosa Crisman
GRAPHIC ARTS & DESIGN Kathleen Stemley
WEB DESIGN Kristi Williams
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dr. Kevin McCarthy John Freeze Noel Kuhn Capt. Jason Clark Capt. Dan Clymer Capt. Katie Jo Davis Capt. Tommy Derringer Capt. Andrew Fagan Capt. James Kerr Capt. Pat McGriff Capt. Bryan Smith
CONTACT INFORMATION
crutch@coastalanglermagazine.com 352-542-0356 www.CoastalAnglerMag.com/NC-Florida
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Tide Charts Local Fishing Forecasts Monthly Recipe
Photo by: Suwannee River Water Management District
PAN SEARED SHRIMP WITH BACON AND CREAMY SPINACH
Ok
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with a maga Georg then l secon
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.
Lynn Crutchfield, Co-Publisher Coastal Angler Magazine of North Central Florida
TIDES • North Central Florida Time Height
1Th 2F
3Sa
4Su
5M
6Tu
7W
8Th
5:38 AM 11:12 AM 4:51 PM 12:05 AM 6:38 AM 11:51 AM 5:32 PM 1:02 AM 7:48 AM 12:35 PM 6:21 PM 2:11 AM 9:20 AM 1:37 PM 7:25 PM 3:36 AM 10:54 AM 3:08 PM 8:55 PM 4:59 AM 11:55 AM 4:43 PM 10:37 PM 6:04 AM 12:37 PM 5:56 PM 11:55 PM 6:53 AM 1:09 PM 6:52 PM
3.2 1.1 3.9 -0.5 2.9 1.4 3.8 -0.3 2.6 1.7 3.7 0.0 2.4 1.9 3.4 0.2 2.4 1.9 3.2 0.3 2.6 1.7 3.2 0.3 2.8 1.3 3.3 0.3 3.0 0.9
HERNANDO BEACH
APRIL 2021
9F
Time Height
12:55 AM 7:32 AM 1:37 PM 7:38 PM 10Sa 1:42 AM 8:04 AM 2:03 PM 8:17 PM 11Su 2:23 AM 8:33 AM 2:26 PM 8:52 PM 12M 3:00 AM 9:00 AM 2:49 PM 9:26 PM 13Tu 3:36 AM 9:27 AM 3:12 PM 9:59 PM 14W 4:13 AM 9:55 AM 3:36 PM 10:32 PM 15Th 4:51 AM 10:23 AM 4:02 PM 11:06 PM 16F 5:32 AM 10:52 AM 4:31 PM 11:43 PM
3.4 0.3 3.2 0.5 3.5 0.4 3.4 0.3 3.5 0.6 3.5 0.1 3.5 0.7 3.6 0.0 3.4 0.9 3.7 -0.1 3.3 1.0 3.7 -0.1 3.1 1.2 3.7 -0.1 3.0 1.4 3.7 0.0
KINGS BAY
High Tide -20 min Low Tide 58 min
High Tide 2 hrs, 20 min Low Tide 3 hrs, 7 min
CRYSTAL RIVER
WITHLACOOCHEE ENT
High Tide 36 min Low Tide 1 hr, 30 min
High Tide 7 min Low Tide 55 min
CEDAR KEY
Time Height
17Sa 6:17 AM 11:26 AM 5:06 PM 18Su 12:26 AM 7:09 AM 12:06 PM 5:49 PM 19M 1:19 AM 8:14 AM 1:01 PM 6:45 PM 20Tu 2:27 AM 9:34 AM 2:22 PM 8:01 PM 21W 3:44 AM 10:43 AM 3:53 PM 9:36 PM 22Th 4:53 AM 11:34 AM 5:06 PM 11:00 PM 23F 5:52 AM 12:15 PM 6:06 PM 24Sa 12:08 AM 6:43 AM 12:51 PM 7:00 PM
2.8 1.5 3.7 0.1 2.7 1.7 3.6 0.2 2.6 1.8 3.4 0.4 2.6 1.9 3.3 0.4 2.7 1.7 3.3 0.4 2.9 1.4 3.4 0.3 3.2 1.0 3.6 0.3 3.4 0.5
COOKING DIRECTIONS
Time Height
25Su 1:08 AM 7:29 AM 1:24 PM 7:49 PM 26M 2:04 AM 8:11 AM 1:57 PM 8:37 PM 27Tu 2:57 AM 8:51 AM 2:29 PM 9:23 PM 28W 3:50 AM 9:30 AM 3:04 PM 10:11 PM 29Th 4:45 AM 10:09 AM 3:41 PM 11:01 PM 30F 5:43 AM 10:50 AM 4:22 PM 11:53 PM
3.8 0.4 3.6 0.0 3.9 0.6 3.9 -0.4 3.9 0.8 4.0 -0.7 3.7 1.1 4.2 -0.8 3.5 1.4 4.2 -0.7 3.2 1.6 4.2 -0.5
HOMOSASSA RIVER ENT
HORSESHOE BEACH
SUWANNEE ENT
STEINHATCHEE RIVER ENT
High Tide 4 hr, 30 min Low Tide 5 hr, 41 min High Tide 6 min Low Tide 18 min
2 NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST
High Tide 12 min Low Tide 20 min
High Tide 2 min Low Tide 0 min
APRIL 2021
INGREDIENTS
• 2 Bacon slices Cook bacon in large • 16 Extra Large Jumbo skillet over medium heat Shrimp pealed and until crisp. Remove bacon, deveined reserving drippings in pan. • Salt & Pepper Crumble bacon and set • 4 Scallions finely sliced aside. • 1 Large Garlic Clove Increase heat in skillet to minced medium high. Pat shrimp • 1 tablespoon butter dry with paper towel and • Bag of Fresh Spinach sprinkle with salt and • 3 Tablespoons Warm pepper. Add butter to hot Cream Cheese bacon drippings. Add • Milk shrimp to pan and cook on each side about 2 minutes until doen. Transfer shrimp to plate and keep warm. Reduce heat to medium low. Add onion and garlic to pan and cook about two minutes, stirring frequently. Add spinach to pan and flip with pancake turner as it wilts. Sprinkle with salt and stir in cream cheese. Add a little milk if necessary. Divide spinach between two plates. Top each serving with 8 shrimp and crumbled bacon. I served with “Crispy Baby Smashed Potatoes”. For each serving, boil a couple small red skinned potatoes. When done, place on flat baking pan and “smash” with the heel of your hand or a beverage glass. Put a little butter, and salt and pepper on each potato and bake in hot oven until crispy.
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heavie river w river d upper prepa The acres borde call it North or we flowin is offi borde and th Refug The tremb rivers drain towar drain flows late 19 called swam the O Har of sho from centu
FLORIDA WATERWAYS Okefenokee Swamp
O
ne of the best waterway trips I have had in Florida was the time that I boated the Suwannee River with a friend (the co-publisher of this magazine, Cary Crutchfield) from Fargo, Georgia, down to Fanning Springs and then later on to the Gulf of Mexico in a second boat. I learned from people along the river that they are very mindful of the rain that falls in the Okefenokee Swamp up in Georgia. They told me, in By Kevin McCarthy fact, that the heavier the rain up there, the worse the river will flood. Fortunately, people down river do have ample warning when the upper river floods, but they still have to prepare. The Okefenokee is around 438,000 acres in size on the Florida – Georgia border, but it is quite shallow. Scientists call it the largest “blackwater” swamp in North America, meaning that the swamp or wetland has a slow-moving channel flowing through it. That particular swamp is officially protected by having in its borders both the Okefenokee Wilderness and the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. The term “Okefenokee” means “land of trembling earth” or “bubbling water.” Two rivers help drain the swamp: the St. Marys drains only about ten percent as it flows toward the Atlantic Ocean. The Suwannee drains ninety percent of the swamp as it flows toward the Gulf of Mexico. In the late 19th century workers dug what was called “the Suwannee Canal” across the swamp in a misguided attempt to drain the Okefenokee. Hardy boaters can still find remnants of short-lived cypress-logging operations from the first quarter of the twentieth century. And railroad lines are still there
-filled wetland. Much of the swamp is shallow, peat
The swamp straddles the Florida –
Georgia line.
from where the logging companies ran lines in the first half of that century. Such companies built a logging town of six hundred residents in the 1920s, but now the most prevalent resident is one of many, many gators. It also has countless turtles, lizards, snakes, and even black bears. However, the swamp still attracts as many as four hundred thousand visitors each year, many of whom come from overseas and want to take a boat tour of the area. You will not see any of the characters from Walt Kelly’s “Pogo” comic strip or the television show “Scooby-Doo,” in both of which the characters live in the Okefenokee. So the next time the Okefenokee gets a hurricane or at least days of rain, watch for the Suwannee to rise within its banks as it heads for the Gulf.
A frequent resident
of the swamp
Cypress knees in the swamp
Kevin McCarthy, the author of Suwannee River Guidebook (2014 - available at amazon.com), can be reached at ceyhankevin@gmail.com.
A gator on top of
its nest
. An American Bittern is at home there
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APRIL 2021
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CRYSTAL RIVER
CENTRAL FLORIDA INLAND
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ello 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 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 to 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, work them slow. The snook bite had been great, and they are one of the best fighting fish out there, long runs and jumps. When targeting, I use live pinfish this time year. The key to snook is to always have a idea where they are holding.
ell, well, well Forest Fishers, I had a feeling something like this would happen for us. When I say "like this", I mean something extraordinary. In all my years, I've never seen or heard of anything like what I experienced here in the Ocala National Forest this past winter. Areas all over the U.S. experienced drastic changes in nature. The deadly winter storms, one after another, are surely what Americans will remember most. I can't imagine how horrible it was for those people, having to struggle for survival. We're very fortunate, here in Florida. I'll take our hurricane season over their dreadful winters any day. The point is, our planet is going through intense changes right now. I've been asked several times over the past few months, “How good is the crappie fishing this year?” and “When do you think crappie season is going to end?” Honestly, I have no idea when it started, or if there even was one! Obviously, they had to have spawned, but the truth is, I only saw one crappie this winter, and it was Never let them see you and be patient. caught on a bass lure. I use a 40 lb. leader and a 4/0 circle As soon as the colder months hook and make long casts on them. arrived, Mother Nature treated us to a season of "winter bass fishing Capt. James Kerr gold". I'd never believe it if I hadn't 352-362-6893 seen it with my own two eyes. That's Citrusfishingchaters.com when bass fishing is ALWAYS at it's toughest! Now don't get me wrong, we had lots of days when you couldn't buy a bite, which obviously were during the cold fronts. After each two week long cold front, we'd get a few days of perfect warm weather, turning the bass fishing on fire, in the middle of winter! Not only that, but these were NOT little guys. Almost every bass landed was in the 3 to 5 lb. range or bigger—way bigger! Right at sunset, with a full moon rising above the tree tops, I ran to a small/secluded lake, made my first cast, and got bit the
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
APRIL 2021
second I twitched my rod tip. It felt big when I set the hook, but once I wrenched it in closer, I realized it was more than big; it was a MONSTER! I took extreme care, making sure not to mess up her slime coat, as I quickly weighed, revived, and released her. So now I'm proud to say, I now have a new Personal Best—13.2 lbs.! The bass have finished their spawning for the year, and are feeding like crazy to put weight back on. With all new bass fry and minnows everywhere, small baits are the key to success right now. This is the easiest time of year to catch loads of bass. Just follow that one rule: Small baits = Big fun. John Freeze Kayak Fishing and Nature Tours OurNationalForrest@gmail.com 352-216-5798
NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST 5
CEDAR KEY
420 Dock Street Cedar Key, FL 32625 352-543-5142 steamerscedarkey.com info@steamerscedarkey.com Like us on Facebook! We will cook your catch. We serve fresh local Cedar Key oysters and clams. Try our delicious Gator. We get it directly from the Gator Man himself.
Happy Hour Monday-Friday 3pm-7pm 2-4-1 Wells 1/2 Price Wine $2.50 Bud Light, Miller Lite, Yuengling
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SIGNS BANNERS
ey everybody, let's just cut straight to the point. The flats are on fire! You honestly don't need advice from me at all this month. I mean, the bite is just that good, and they are hitting anything you put in front of them. I absolutely love this time of year. The trout are on the flats eating everything in sight, so they have the energy to go make babies. And that's not the only species pushing onto the flats. Mackerel are shedding leaders and screaming drag. Huge schools or drum are all around. Big Jacks are showing up all over the place as well. There's more and more fishing showing up on the flats every day, so go grab your favorite inshore setup and go have some fun! Until next month, stay safe out there.
Capt. Jason Clark In The Slot Fishing www.intheslotfishing.com Capt.jasonclark@gmail.com 352-639-3209 Check out our new Popping Cork line at william-wade-tackle.html
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Forms Letterhead We also offer apparel and promotional items. Envelopes Business Cards Brochures Newsletters & More Invitations Located in Chiefland Shopping Center Wedding & Graduation 208 N Main Street, Chiefland, FL 32626 6 NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST
APRIL 2021
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STEINHATCHEE
A
HAPPY MONTH
pril is finally here! It is the month when winter changes to spring, and the fishing booms. April is the best month for catching “gator” trout. Although trout spawn during the warmer to hot months, the best spawn is during April, and that is when the gators growl. The optimal time is daybreak. The best baits are live pinfish or topwater, as big trout prefer meat not shrimp. The best depth is shallow. The early bird does catch the biggest trout, which means one needs to be prepared the night before. Be rigged and ready prior to heading out on the flats at dawn. Large trout tend to be loners and to select them out, use larger baits. Six-inch baits aren't too big. A gator on top water is a bucket list memory. Remember, the large females are carrying the preferred genetics for the next generation. It behooves you, and future fisher-people, to enjoy the catching, yet photo and release. Let the gator go for the benefit of the future. You'll feel better when you watch a kid wallow in a nice trout later in life. Spanish mackerel have arrived early this year. Most Spanish are spring run razors—not much meat-- yet a good sign. Last year, at this time, large Spanish invaded the banks to the point, we played the game, “try to cast without catching a Spaniard”. When filleted with the ribs and
Y bones removed, a fresh broiled Spanish with butter, lemon, salt & pepper is a quick and delicious meal. Freeze the fillet if you need to feed the cats. Hopefully, the sheepshead will kick in the later part of March and into April. The last couple of years haven't been great. As of this writing, the sheepshead catch has been lackluster. Partly, if not mostly due to the allowed over-harvest—15/person-- of too many years past during the spawn. Allowing the ripping of egg laden females during spawn, is government sponsored ignorance from supposedly well educated people, solely dedicated to fisheries. A cow farmer knows better than to kill the breeding stock, with or without some college degree. Thankfully, the limit has been reduced to eight per angler. How about not messing with any fish if their spawning period is defined? Sea bass are abundant from 20 to 50 feet. The best keepers are between 40 and 50 feet. Large jigs, or 4 to 5-inch sections of eel, help sort the shorts from the big humpheads. Sea bass fishing is action packed, with the reward of some of the finest eating. Great for kids! Brian Smith BIG BEND CHARTERS www.BigBendCharters.com CaptBrian@bellsouth.net 877.852.3474 | 352.210.3050
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APRIL 2021
NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST 7
8 NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST
APRIL 2021
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KATIE JO’S NATURE COAST ADVENTURES
A
llow me to introduce myself! Captain Katie Jo Davis here, with KD OUTDOORS FISHING CHARTERS, along the Nature Coast. A local to Citrus County, I was raised with a Snoopy Rod in my hand, while munching on raw shrimp, at the age of just a toddler. I spend the majority of my time fishing, thinking about fishing and talking about fishing. And now I get to write about fishing! The warmer weather is coming, and I cannot be more excited! The upcoming months are some of my favorite months for fishing, and I am looking forward to not having any more freezing mornings while leaving the dock! Spring has definitely sprung, but winter seems like it is still trying to hang on! It certainly has been a strange winter, and the variations of air temperatures have directly affected the water temperatures, causing much confusion for the fish. With the gnarly weather patterns in the
last month or so, I am definitely looking forward to some stable weather over the next couple of months. April is such an exciting month for fishing along the Nature Coast. As the air temperature begins to rise, so does the water temperature in the Gulf of Mexico, and the higher the water temp, the bigger the fish to catch. That's right, it is almost cobia time! If you've never reeled in a 50-inch cobia, then you're missing out! The best way I can describe the feeling, is imagining throwing a grappling hook onto a helicopter, and it is taking you off into the sky. You better hold on tight! Once the water temperature reaches near 78 degrees, you should expect to start seeing these large, edible game fish along navigational markers, rock piles, wrecks and along continuous weed lines. One of the best parts of targeting cobia, is sight-casting them, swimming along the water's surface. A bag of chum floating off the back of the boat, and a free-lined, live pinfish swimming along the chum line, offers them a meal they most certainly cannot resist. Don't be fooled, they can be caught on a variety of baits including eels, large bucktail jigs, imitation eels, topwater plugs and even shrimp! Typically, two hours before tide change, and two hours after tide change, seems to be the best time for the cobia bite. Don't be surprised if you double up on them! Capt. Katie Jo Davis www.fishcrystalriverflorida.com 772-882-8932
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APRIL 2021
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APRIL 2021
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2021 Presenting Sponsor
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BOAT ENTRY FEE: Includes 2 Tech Shirts, 2 Free Beer Tickets, 2 free door prize tickets, & One Goodie Bucket. ____ $160 per boat by 04/22/21 (Regular Entry)
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____ Homosassa Slam Opt In-$25 per boat (pays $500 cash) Two tech shirts included (list sizes below included shirts also SXL Sizes are first come, first serve, be specific)
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APRIL 2021
NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST 11
INGLIS/YANKEETOWN
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12 NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST
APRIL 2021
H
owdy guys, Capt. Andrew here for my first Coastal Angler article. A little bit about myself: I grew up fishing here with my great-grandfather and my father who have been fishing Inglis/ Yankeetown since the fifties. Over the years, they passed down a wealth of knowledge to me, and fueled my passion for fishing. Now, on to this month’s fishing report. On the inshore side of things, the old faithful redfish should finally be settled into their spring/summer hideouts and ambush points. I like to focus my attention on the creek mouths, outside shell beds, and oyster bars. A 3/8 Aquadream spoon is one of the most reliable search baits any time of year. If you prefer live bait, it's really hard to beat a big live shrimp under a popping cork, or on a jig head. Snook season is still in full swing, with plenty of big fish being caught. Snook are a warm water fish, so when temperatures drop below 70, they head for the springs or the rivers to stay warm. Once they emerge, they head back to the flats, points and oyster bars in search of something to eat. One of my favorite artificial baits is the Rapala X Rap (10, 12, or 14 size) in white, pilchard, or olive green. For live bait I find that snook like a hand-size pinfish, or a large mud minnow on a small float, so it presents more naturally. Offshore in April, means tripletail and the “man-in- the-brown-suit”, the cobia. April is the best time of the year to target tripletail. I like to look for them at navigational markers, buoys, or my personal favorite, crab traps. Always be respectful when approaching crab traps, and turn off the engine when possible. Every one of those traps is someone’s livelihood. My bait of choice is a medium sized live shrimp, on a 2/0 octopus-style hook, with no weight, and a small float attached 12 to 18 inches above the shrimp. For cobia, try to look near the same places that attract the tripletail. We are always seem to do the most consistently with a hand-sized pinfish or pigfish. The gear I would recommend is a 5000 to 8000 sized spinning reel, spooled with 40 to 65 lb.
Y
braided line and a nice stiff 6 foot 6 inch, to 7 foot 6 inch rod. Typically, cobia aren’t picky fish, so a 50 to 80 lb. fluorocarbon with a 4-foot section tied to a 6/0 to 8/0 Gamagatsu octopus circle hook does the trick. Carolina rig style, If you’re fishing on the bottom. If sight fishing, or you’ve spotted a fish on structure, I would recommend using a smaller hook like the 4/0 or 5/0 with no weight. The baitfish is going to do all the work for you. If you have a favorite rockpile in 10 to 35 feet of water that you’ve never fished on for cobia, now is the time to start. One thing I never leave the dock without, is chum, and good live bait when fishing for cobia. Having plenty of both is highly recommended. Captains Cove has everything mentioned above. If you have any questions or need some help before your next trip, stop in and see me or Jim, and we will get you geared-up and ready to go. Tight lines guys and gals. EBBTIDE charters Andrew Fagan (352) 818 8927 or on Instagram @capt_redfishdrew
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ou to t the mon months we have to red fi It’s time Cob as Apri when c channe stout sp large so is seen. begin a ready fo its fines Larg shallow piles, an shallow oyster b soft pla combo MirrOd between to 8 fee trout as MirrOl soft pla around bring tr etc.; it’s Red outside to cove fish, as fishing. be mor zone. Sp
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352-628-9588
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352-795-9081
Y
ou will have plenty of choices for fish to target here in Citrus County during the month of April, one of our prime months for fishing. Just about every species we have to offer is a possibility, from trout, to red fish, mackerel, tripletail, cobia, etc. It’s time to go fishing! Cobia will be making an appearance as April comes around. Keep and eye out when cruising the flats and running by channel markers. I always like to have a stout spinning rod accessible, rigged with a large soft plastic jerk bait for when a cobia is seen. Lead the cobia by a couple feet and begin aggressively twitching the bait. Be ready for the strike; this is sight fishing at its finest. Large “gator” trout can be found on the shallow hard bottom areas, near shore rock piles, and spoil islands. For targeting the shallow locations such as rock flats and oyster bars, I have great success with DOA soft plastic glow-colored jerks baits, deadly combo shrimp cork rigs and MirrOlure MirrOdines. The near shore rock piles between Homosassa and Crystal River in 5 to 8 feet of water, will be holding schools of trout as well. 1/8th oz jig heads rigged with MirrOlure Lil’ Johns and DOA cal shad tail soft plastics are a recipe for success. Fish around the rock piles, and any cast could bring trout, sea bass, flounder, grouper, etc.; it’s really fun fishing. Red fish can be scattered from the outside points to the backcountry. It’s best to cover some water until you start seeing fish, as opposed to anchoring up and point fishing. Once the fish are located, there will be more around and you’re likely be in the zone. Spoons, jerk baits and select sized
live shrimp will keep the rod bent. Also, be ready for a snook or two! They are on the same points as the red fish and pretty much prefer the same baits. The season is still open, so have your snook stamp and try to find that slot fish. King fish will be migrating through the area as well. While offshore, troll Yo-zuri crystal minnows or mag minnows rigged with a foot of wire leader around your favorite offshore grouper locations. Watch for skyrocketing kings, and you’ll know you’re in the right area. While you’re offshore, bring plenty of shrimp to drop down on the rock piles. Grunts, hog fish and mangrove snapper will keep you busy all day long. Capt. Dan Clymer 352.418.2160 www.crystalriver-fishing.com
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APRIL 2021
NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST 13
14 NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST
APRIL 2021
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ST. AUGUSTINE
W
hat an awesome time of year for fishing, and for just being on the water in Northeast Florida. The weather is about as nice as it gets. The inshore fish (redfish, trout, flounder, drum, bluefish, ladyfish, jacks, etc.) will be on the feed with the influx of baitfish (finger mullet and pogies). With warming air and water temps, the nearshore fishing should be firing up as well, with huge jacks, cobia, and maybe even a tripletail or two. Inshore, the redfish will be crushing the finger mullet, and that means a top-water plug, especially at first and last light, will be the go-to lure of choice. Look for large concentrations of mullet and toss your plugs around them. There is sure to be a redfish lurking around, looking for an easy snack. Once the sun gets higher in the sky, I like to switch to a search-bait this time of year. Some of my favorites are spoons, twitch-baits, and one of my favorites, the spinner bait. My clients and I have caught a ton of big redfish on the Saltwater Assassin line of spinners. Of course, a popping cork with a shrimp or mud minnow will catch its fair share of reds this month as well. April has always been a great “gator” trout month for me. A topwater plug will account for some of the bigger trout catches this month. The outgoing tide along the ICW banks should be loaded with trout, especially if the baitfish are around. Once the day heats up a bit, I like to fish a 1/4-ounce Saltwater Assassin jighead, paired with a soft plastic like the Saltwater Assassin Lil Boss for the trout. Use a twitch, twitch, pause method and most of the time, they'll hit it on the pause. A
free-lined live shrimp with a small pinch weight, a few inches above, is a great way to catch some trout too. April has always been a great month for black drum. The “smaller” 2 to 8 lb. drum will be schooling up in some of the deeper creek holes, and right along the ICW on the lower tide stages. A live or dead shrimp, fiddler crab, or even a sand flea will be the go-to baits for the black drum this month. I like to use a fish finder rig with a smaller circle hook. The drum tend to nibble before they take the bait, so having that circle hook and waiting until they really swim off, will up your catch percentage. The inlets will come alive with all kinds of fast hitting fish this month. Look for jacks, blues, ladyfish, and Spanish macs to be on the feed around all the area inlets. Crankbaits, spoons, and just about anything that's moving fast through the water will catch these fish. Nearshore, depending on water temps, the cobia will be along the beaches following the manta rays. The magic water temp seems to be somewhere between the high 60’s and low 70’s. Pick a calm sunny day, and have your shot at some of the most fun sight-fishing Northeast Florida has to offer. Also, be sure to bring a few live shrimp when hitting the beach, as there may be a few tripletail hanging around as well. Be sure to check out my daily fishing reports online at www. InshoreAdevntures.net
SURF & PIER
T
he pompano are here! The pompano are here! I have been shouting these words for years now. My two favorite times of the year are the pompano run and the mullet run. Our waters have finally warmed after a long cold spell. The pompano have returned from their winter vacation in South Florida. It is now our turn to hit the beaches and collect our silver nuggets! The tackle is fairly simple. The basic double dropper rig is all you need. The jewelry on these rigs can be as complicated, or as simple as you want to make it. By jewelry, I am referring to beads and floats. When I first started catching pompano back in the 70’s, I used no jewelry, just 30 lb. mono, a j-hook, and a piece of shrimp. That combo still works today, but you can fine-tune it. My baits of choice now are live sand fleas, live clams and Fishbites. My rig adornments are a white float on the top hook, and a tangerine orange translucent bead on the bottom hook. Ninety percent of the time, I use a 2/0 Eagle Claw L197 circle hook. Where to cast the bait is just as important as the info in the last paragraph. Pompano like to run
the edges of the bars and run outs. When the conditions are right, they also love to feed on top of the bars. Here in Northeast Florida, we can have as much as six feet of tide change. If the tide is outgoing and the bite stops, it may be because you have run out of catchable water. The pomps may have moved to a more desirable location for feeding, and that makes it time for you to move also. Look for something different, like a deeper trough, a more pronounced run out, a bar where the waves have just started to break, or a second bar farther out. I just have to say, that last month was crazy good when it came to whiting. It has been several years since we had a whiting run like that. Almost all fish were good keeper size, above 12 inches, up to 18 inches. April should be no different, with a good mixed bag of big whiting and pompano! 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
Capt. Tommy Derringer www.InshoreAdventures.net 904-377-3734
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APRIL 2021
NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST 15
KEATON BEACH
T
Aaron Griner of Alapaha, Ga. with nice 22-inch red. 3/14/21
rout have really turned it up this week, as we have seen our water temps rise from 59 degrees earlier in the week, to 72 degrees as of today. (3/14/21) Cordell Redfins in gold and silver, produced fish for us this week, as did Assassin’s 5-inch Shads in Stinky Pink, Butt Naked and Pink Ghost. The Redfins have produced best in 2.5 to 3.5 feet of water. We had several trout today up to 18.5 inches on Stinky Pink, bounced on a 1/8 oz. chartreuse flash jighead by Assassin in 4.0 to 4.5 feet of water. We have also caught trout on live pinfish under Back Bay Thunders in 4.5 to 5 feet of water. Strangely, the larger pinfish are catching shorts, while the smaller (less than 2 inches) pinfish are producing the larger trout. I pinned up (with my WANG) and we tossed a live shrimp under a Back Bay to a bar in 2 .5 feet and 15 reds later, we had 3 keepers in the cooler and released the rest, including 5 keepers to bite another day. Oh yeah, while pinned up there, about fish number 7 was a 15 inch Spanish mackerel, the first of the year for One More Cast. Reports from the ramp said the mackerel were plentiful out in 10 feet of water, and were hitting ClarkSpoon Mackerel trees trolled. They will also hit a ClarkSpoon in sliver or gold trolled around 1000 to 1200 rpms. This seems a bit early in the year to see Spanish, but 70 degrees is always the key to begin looking, so I guess they are right on time.
Double: Red for Lindie Lou, and trout for Aaron Griner of Alapaha, Ga.
Cobia shouldn’t be far behind, as they generally follow the Spanish up the coast from Tampa and other points south. April will be awesome as everything takes off at 70 degrees, and you should be able to take your pick of how you wish to catch your fish. Topwater stickbaits, hard jerkbaits, jig and plastic bounced, jig and plastic, combined with an Original Cajun, live bait under a Cajun Thunder or Back Bay Thunder. Reds will be happy to oblige your Gold or Copper Flats Intruder Weedless Spoons or eat a Thunder-Spin jigspinner. 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
16 NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST
APRIL 2021
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Moral of the story: I pay more and never even blink at the price for premium Spro swivels, because when they say 130-pound, they mean it. I’ve never had any more swivel problems after I switched. Everyone has their own favorite hook brand and style, but you can’t go wrong with the old faithful brands like Mustad, Eagle Claw, Gamakatsu and Owner. There are quite a few high-quality imported Tim Barefoot hooks as well. You have to look around like I did, but stick with the ones know… fishing tackle has gotten so expensive that it isn’t even funny. listed above unless you’ve done a lot of homework. Even with all the correct terminal tackle, it is worthless if you don’t But there are a few corners you absolutely should not cut. Sinkers are one thing; lead is pretty much lead, bismuth etc… tie good knots! Buy good tackle, fish pretty baits and tie good knots! This That’s a given, but when it come to the last few feet of tackle that connects is the best recipe for success. you to the fish, that’s where the smallest details come into play. First and foremost, everyone has gone to fluorocarbon by now, right? If you haven’t, you should. I know this through first-hand observation. Years ago, when I first started making grouper jigs, I lowered a camera to watch the reaction fish had to my jigs. I wanted to see how my jigs compared to standard bottom tackle with a triple swivel and an 8to 16-ounce bank sinker. The observations on Buying “cheap” visibility of different line types was eye opening, to say the terminal tackle is like least. sitting in a duck blind At depth, monofilament is white in color and looks as and shooting cheap big as a rope compared to a quality fluoro like Hi-Seas 100 shells. You went to percent fluorocarbon, which was almost completely invisible. a lot of trouble and Next is the swivel, and I didn’t need a camera to teach expense to get the fish me this lesson. Cheap swivels (not calling any names) can to bite, so take that one break your heart in the heat of battle. One of the swivels in the accompanying photos cost me a very large nearshore gag grouper. I last least-expensive step and make sure what’s on the end of your line had it well out of the rocks and far enough off the bottom that we could allows you to close the deal. see it. When it decided to make one more run for the rock ledge, the rig busted at the swivel. For more from Capt. Tim Barefoot, go to barefootcatsandtackle.com.
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Th
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These Crankbaits Won KVD
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f you were smoking chicken wings on the grill next to Kevin VanDam, he’d do everything in his power to make sure his tasted better than yours. But he’d also fetch you a cold beverage. Yup, the Team Toyota pro is an awesome blend of fierce competitor and humble class. Bass anglers need no introduction to the man sometimes known as KVD. He’s a living legend, one of the all-time greats of the bass-tournament scene, with $6 million in career tournament winnings. So, when asked how much of that total he’s won on just three colors of Strike King’s Red Eye Shad—at first, with humility he hesitated—but then stated it was for sure a million bucks. “Lipless crankbaits are fish catchers year-round, but late winter and early spring, when water temps are 45 to 55 is the ideal time to throw them. And if I had to pick three colors I’ve had the most success on, it would be Delta Craw, Chartreuse Perch and Gold Sexy Shad,” said VanDam. DELTA CRAW “Most people know red is a great color during the early pre-spawn, and I love it anytime I’m around vegetation – especially in Texas,” he said. CHARTREUSE PERCH “This is my stained-water special. I’ve had great luck with it at places like Kentucky Lake, Wheeler and Guntersville along the Tennessee River,” he said. “You don’t need aquatic vegetation for this one to shine. It’s great when you’ve got offcolored water around gravel bars, secondary points, or when the back of creeks get a little dirty after a springtime rain.” GOLD SEXY SHAD “Gold Sexy Shad is my favorite when the water is clearer, like it was when I won the 2010 Classic on Lay Lake in late February throwing it in the back of a creek around stumps
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where gizzard shad were present,” said VanDam. MAKE IT SHIMMY, AND USE GREAT HOOKS VanDam said the magic of the Red Eye Shad is that it ‘shimmies’ from side to side as it falls on slack line, hence he rips and yo-yos it during the retrieve, versus simply winding it in. He also emphasized the importance of his proven rod, reel, line, hook system when casting a lipless crankbait. “I use a 7-foot medium action composite rod with plenty of flex in the tip so cold-water bass have plenty of chances to suck it in, and you’re not going to tear the hooks free once they eat it,” he explained. His reel of choice is a 6.2:1 Lew’s KVD baitcaster spooled with 17-pound fluorocarbon, and he can’t emphasize enough how critical it is to change hooks to Mustad KVD TripleGrip #2 trebles. “If you look in my tackle box, you’ll notice I’ve taken time to replace the hooks on every single Red Eye Shad in there,” VanDam said in much the same way he speaks of smoking perfect wings.
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NORTH FLORIDA 7
Managing Gear IN A LITTLE PLASTIC BOAT By CAM Staff
O
ne of the great joys of fishing from a kayak or paddleboard is simplicity. Paddlepowered anglers are minimalists by necessity, and there’s a sense of freedom in this. With just a couple rods and a box of lures, you spend less time bumbling with gear and more time trying to figure out how to catch fish with what you have on hand. Yet, even when you’ve cut your gear down to the bare minimum, the confines of a small vessel can feel cluttered. Through time on the water, most veteran kayak and paddleboard anglers have developed systems for managing their stuff. Here are a few tips for those getting into the sport: • TIE IT DOWN: Leash it if you don’t want to lose it. Whether you’re fishing a river or a rip current offshore, the water will find a way to carry your stuff away. Tether items that require mobility, such as your paddle, and tie down everything else or stow it in the hull. Pack your boat as if you plan to flip it. • DITCH THE BAIT: Saltwater or fresh, live bait is the best way to catch most species of fish. It’s also a real pain when you’re in a little plastic boat.
PHOTO COURTESY OF HOBIE FISHING
The coolers and aerators required to keep bait alive amount to a lot of gear on the deck. Pick a target species that will eat lures, and you’ll have more fun fishing. • PFD: Things can south in a hurry on any boat; the potential for disaster is amplified when you’re floating on a small piece of plastic. Find a lifejacket that’s comfortable enough to wear all day and wear it. There are low-profile PFD options as well as those designed as fishing vests to keep pliers, knives and tackle easily accessible. • DITCH BAG AND FIRST AID: Consider the conditions you’re headed out in and plan accordingly. At the very least, you’ll need bandages and antibiotic ointment for treating wounds. Your ditch bag—a dry bag—should contain extra drinking water, energy bars, a knife, paracord, flashlight and something to signal for help. If you’re going into the wilderness, deep into the Everglades
or offshore, it is wise to invest in an EPIRB and/or a hand-held VHF radio. • FISH BAG: Once you’ve had a big fish flopping between your legs, you’ll understand the need for a quick way to contain them. Cooler bags are mighty handy if you’re keeping fish. They make soft-sided fish bags designed to strap to the deck and stuff fish in. Even zip-top soft coolers made to hold beer can be tied to the deck. SUP anglers have a built-in fish box: a hard cooler that doubles as a seat. • GARAGE TEST: Before you head out, take all the gear you think you need and lay it out next to your boat. Find a place for it. Then consider what you’ll actually use and what you’d need to survive in an emergency. Leave everything else behind. For more tips on fishing under paddle power, go to coastalanglermag.com.
New Species Added To Florida Recognition Program
V
ermilion snapper and saltwater catfish were both recently added to FWC’s saltwater angler recognition program, Catch a Florida Memory. Effective March 1, anglers may earn Reel Big Fish recognition for catches of these two species that meet or exceed the following qualifications. The youth category is for anglers younger than 16 years old. The qualifying length for vermilion snapper is 17 inches for adults and 13 inches for youth, while the qualifying length for saltwater catfish (gafftopsail or hardhead) is 22 inches for adults and 16 inches for youth. All Reel Big Fish catches must be photographed over a qualifying measuring device clearly showing the exact full length of the fish. A photo of the fish with the angler submitting the catch is also required. These new Reel Big Fish additions give both
8 NORTH FLORIDA
APRIL 2021
inshore and offshore anglers new goals to keep them on the water targeting a variety of fish species. Vermilion snapper and saltwater catfish are also great table fare and are worth taking home to try out a new fish recipe. Anglers who submit an approved Reel Big Fish receive a colorful certificate, custom-designed T-shirt by Tony Ivory Art and Apparel, Tervis tumbler from Discover Martin County, monthly raffle entry to win great prizes from partners like Mount This! Fish Company and SeaDek Marine Products, and other goodies in recognition of their achievement. New Reel Big Fish recipients will also be listed in the Saltwater Recreational Fishing Regulations booklet and on the Club Members page. For more information, visit CatchaFloridaMemory.com.
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about diving: the exploration of the unknown. Not only by diving deeper, but by delving further into my abilities, I could face novel challenges again, master new skills and refine old ones I’d become complacent with. During my first confined-water session, I felt like a brand-new student: awkward, buoyant and overwhelmed by all the procedures to remember. We spent hours throughout the course running through drills until I no longer felt like a newborn diver, but proficient in my new abilities. I’d optimized my reaction time in emergency situations, like controlling a free-flowing regulator; perfected procedures of staging and donning deco bottles; and fine-tuned my buoyancy until my depth at decompression stops fluctuated by no more than a foot and a half. Tec diving isn’t for everyone. However, many of my hesitations to try technical diving were overcome by taking other courses. Before my tec course, I completed PADI Deep and Nitrox specialties. These prepared me for increased pressure and effects of narcosis at deeper depths and taught me about diving with higher oxygen contents. I also completed Sidemount and Self-Reliant courses that taught me how to dive with multiple tanks and regulators and explained the importance of redundancy and self-sufficiency, which both play a huge role in tec diving. Tec diving is obstacle-ridden and humbling, but can reignite a fading passion. It can leave you with a sense of accomplishment and a refined set of diving skills. It grants access to depths beyond recreational limits, where lesser-known shipwrecks and deep reefs lie, waiting to be explored. There will always be risks, but with proper training and preparation, you might also find the answer to your own question.
Why Try Technical Diving?
T
he first time I read about technical diving, I thought I’d never try it. I combed through a tec-diving manual and found claims stating that even if everything is done correctly, there is still considerable risk for accidents and death. These claims stuck to my mind like crusted barnacles. Who would try technical diving if it is so inherently dangerous? Fast forward a year and four months, and I found myself as the answer to my own question. I sat in a classroom with my manual and equipment splayed across a desk, ready for my Tec 40 course to start. I wondered what happened over the last 16 months to change my mind. I’d been working as a scuba instructor and increased my number of dives from just over 100 to well over 1,000. Diving became part of my everyday life. Breathing compressed air through a regulator became as normal as taking a breath on the surface. I was still madly in love with diving, but submerging had become second nature and no longer felt like an exciting challenge. Tec diving made me a student again. It reminded me of something I love
To learn more about the technical diving programs available at Pura Vida Divers, or to begin your technical diving journey, call them at 561-840-8750 or visit www.puravidadivers.com.
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LIFE IS A BEACH
3/8-ounce chartreuse jig with a 4-inch pearl white D.O.A. Shad Tail. Run the jig hook through the paddletail’s head and out through its belly where D.O.A. is printed. The idea is to rig the soft plastic as straight as you can. This allows longer casts because the lure won’t twist in the air. The two most important factors to consider in catching snook from the beach are time of day and location. Snook prefer to feed at night. On the By Richard L. Matteson beach, baitfish run the trough during the low-light periods at dawn and dusk. So, the best time to snook fish is 10 minutes before daybreak and the last 90 minutes before dark. This is when snook feed in the carved out area behind the closest breakers. Remember, snook are less than 20 yards offshore when they’re feeding in the trough. Casting out as far as you can means only the last part of your retrieve will be in the snook zone. Either make many short casts or cast almost parallel to the surf line. This keeps your bait in the strike zone most of the time. Snook will scoot under the breakers from the trough and grab your jig in 6 inches of wash. No water is too shallow for them, and from the back of the trough to the wash is where the snook point of attack is. When a snook hits, be prepared. They are extremely fast and strong, so expect them to pull out 15 or 20 feet of line. If you use 10-pound braid, like I do, make sure your drag is set loose or they’ll break you off on the initial run. The three main ways you lose snook are with a break-off on the first run, when their gill plates and rough mouths weaken the line, and when they jump and throw the hook. Start with the drag loose; you can tighten it during the fight. Use a 30- or 40-pound fluorocarbon leader, and keep your rod tip low during the fight. This discourages jumping. When you’re ready to beach your fish, wait for an incoming wave and walk the fish through the wash so it’s beached when the wave goes out. In Atlantic waters, anglers may keep one snook a day between 28 and 32 inches until the season closes June 1-Aug. 31. In Gulf of Mexico waters, the slot limit is 28 to 33 inches and the season is closed May 1-Aug. 31. armer days are here again, along with the time change, which Snook fishing is catch-and-release only in all Florida waters from the Hernando/Pasco county line through Gordon Pass in Collier County. allows more time for fishing! Snook are cruising the beaches and moving into the Richard Matteson writes for Stuart Rod and Reel Club. shallows of the Indian River Lagoon. My goal is to catch a snook a day—I Call him at (336) 414-3440. don’t always do it – but it’s my goal as a surf caster. My favorite lure is a
Snook
IN THE SURF
W
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FLORIDA 17
Final Sail Returns To Miami April 7-11
T
he Final leg of the Quest For The Crest Sailfish Series returns to the docks of Miami Beach Marina April 7-11. The third leg of the series was cancelled last year due to the pandemic, so this year’s finale will award coveted burgundy jackets to two teams. A kick off party will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton Grand Hotel, Biscayne Bay on Wednesday, April 7 from 7-10 p.m. Competition days will be Friday and Saturday, April 9-10. The awards ceremony will be held Saturday night from 7-11 p.m. The Quest For The Crest Series was halted last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and no winner was crowned, which ups the ante for Final Sail 2021, as there will be two jackets on the line. The 2020 Quest For The Crest winner will be determined by combining the scores from last year’s series with team’s points from Final Sail this year. Bar South is looking to win their second burgundy jacket. The team won their first jacket in 2015 with 97 points. They are poised to claim their second jacket with a 6 point lead over Jichi in the 2020 series with Shell Yeah just 8 points behind in third place.
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2021 Sailfish Series Leaders 1. Native Son - 52 points 2. Showtime - 51 points 3. Team HMY - 46 points 4. Fish On - 46 points The bite was red hot for Captain Art Sapp and his crew on Native Son during February’s Sailfish Challenge. A last minute double sent them over the top and secured their first place finish in the Quest’s second leg with a total of 13 sails and a hefty paycheck for $255,340. Native Son has their eyes on their first burgundy jacket and certainly won’t go down without a fight. Not far behind them are three standout teams from Operation Sailfish, Showtime, Team HMY and Fish On. Showtime is looking to win their second jacket. They won in 2019, while Team HMY and Fish On are in contention for their first ever burgundy jacket. In addition to the sailfish accolades, there are two major meatfish titles up for grabs at Final Sail. The Quest Sailfish Series offers a meatfish title to the top overall meatfish team in the series. Team Blue Moon/Chop it Up holds a strong lead from the 2020 series and there are a number of boats in close contention for the 2021 title. Similar to the jacket, the meatfish points scored at the upcoming Final Sail event will count towards the 2020 series as well as the 2021 series. For more on Quest for The Crest and Final Sail, check out www.bluewatermovements.com or www.finalsail.com. 18 FLORIDA
APRIL 2021
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Monster Gulf Warsaw Caught On Film By CAM Staff
I
n January, a group of anglers filming for the online show BlacktipH Fishing launched on a chilly day from the west coast of Florida on a 3-year-old mission to land a giant warsaw grouper on camera. After a four-hour run out of Fort Myers, it took just five minutes on the initial drop for them to hook into a 300-pounder. Hand-cranking that fish from deeper than 400 feet of water was a grueling feat of fishing and an epic culmination to their quest. It was a third deep-water attempt for BlacktipH host Joshua Jorgenson and Capt. Jason Boyll. Like goliath grouper, warsaw grouper grow huge. The all-tackle world record warsaw weighed more than 436 pounds. Unlike goliaths, which frequent nearshore structure, large warsaws prefer extreme depths. Deep-water structure and a peak bite in winter combine to make truly huge warsaw grouper difficult to catch. During their first warsaw trip in 2019, the crew didn’t get a bite during a full day of fishing 100 miles out of Sarasota, Fla. They dropped in depths below 1,000 feet to spring holes on the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico. In January of 2020, Jorgenson and Boyll tried again. This time they left the docks at 2 a.m. to travel 150 nautical miles offshore. “After hours of fishing, we finally got a bite,” Jorgenson wrote. “The fish was hooked, and I started cranking the handle. I brought the fish up around 150
feet from the bottom. Jason and I both thought it was a smaller fish. Then, all of a sudden, this fish got angry and started peeling the line off the reel. It was literally unstoppable! Seconds later, this massive fish swam into some bottom structure and snapped the line.” Losing that fish haunted Jorgenson until this year, on Jan. 22, when he, Boyll and Gord Daniher took Daniher’s 42-foot boat 140 miles off Fort Myers to a structure known as Pulley Ridge. Pulley Ridge is a 60-mile-long reef system well known to Gulf anglers. They dropped banded rudderfish as bait in water deeper than 400 feet. “Within five minutes of fishing, Jason got a bite on his reel,” Jorgenson wrote. “He started reeling and the line got very tight! A giant warsaw had taken the bait! Jason started cranking as hard as possible to prevent the monster from breaking us off on the bottom. After an incredibly intense 10-minute battle, Jason managed to bring the fish 150 feet off the bottom before being completely exhausted!” At that point, Jorgenson took the reel and cranked the fish to the surface. The total fight time lasted 15 to 20 minutes, and the whole crew was needed to bring the fish into the boat. Back at the docks, it took a tractor to COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
pull the fish out of the boat and weigh it. The scale read 294 pounds. The fish’s live weight was likely heavier than 300 pounds. The grouper was 7 feet long. Check out BlacktipH at blacktiph.com. APRIL 2021
FLORIDA 19
FWC SEEKS INPUT ON SNOOK, REDFISH, TROUT
T
he Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is gathering public input on the future management of snook, redfish and spotted seatrout in the area of southwest Florida where they are currently catchand-release only. Beginning in August 2018, FWC made a series of temporary regulation changes to help conserve snook, redfish and spotted seatrout that were negatively impacted by a prolonged red tide that occurred in late 2017 through early 2019. Ultimately, these popular inshore species were made catch-and-release only in all waters from Pasco County through Gordon Pass in Collier County through May 31, 2021. Long-term monitoring data indicate snook, redfish and spotted seatrout were resilient and did not experience long-term negative effects from the 2017-2019 red tide. However, anglers and charter captains have expressed concerns that these fisheries had declined prior to red tide and that the red tide affected habitat that is essential to these species. FWC staff will continue gathering public input both online at MyFWC. com/SaltwaterComments and through public workshops, which will be scheduled in the future. To learn more about future workshops, visit MyFWC. com/Marine and click on “Rulemaking” and “Upcoming Public Workshops.” FWC will revisit this topic at the May 12-13 meeting. Additionally, staff will provide updates to commissioners after stock assessments for snook and redfish throughout Florida are complete later in 2021. These stock assessments, along with stakeholder input, will help staff and the commission evaluate whether any long-term management changes are needed. Learn more about regulations for these species by visiting MyFWC.com/Marine and clicking on “Recreational Regulations.”
20 FLORIDA
APRIL 2021
BAHAMAS CUSTOMS GOES ELECTRONIC
W
ith a new online system for customs declarations, boaters entering The Bahamas can expect a more streamlined process for clearing Customs at the various ports of entry to The Bahamas. The Bahamas Customs & Excise Department recently launched its electronic submission portal for cruising permit applications on the Click2Clear platform. The Cruising Permit Module is expected to dramatically improve the Customs processing time for boaters. Boaters can now complete and submit declaration forms and make payment in advance of arrival. “This is all a part of our digital transformation agenda. It addresses a longstanding pain point for boaters who have been clamoring for a fully digital process. It also minimizes the opportunity for revenue leakage,” said Minister Kwasi Thompson, Minister of State for Finance. To supplement the work being done by the Customs Department, the Ministry of Finance is also working with other government agencies, including the Port Department and Fisheries, along with private sector service providers to develop additional payment and licensing solutions. These will similarly cover fees associated with the boating and fishing industry, including yacht charter fees. The delivery of other payment and licensing solutions by authorized digital solution providers in the private sector is soon to be announced. To get started, register with The Bahamas Customs & Excise Department at www.bahamascustoms.gov.bs and see videos on the process on Youtube.
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beaches and less tourist traffic than Playa Del Carmen or Cancun to the north. The resort island Cozumel sits in the Caribbean Sea to the east, but Xpu Ha is quieter. There are a few hotels and restaurants in the area, but nowhere near the bustle of the Yucatan’s larger cities. I enjoy fly fishing the clear shallows of the Mayan Riviera and had never encountered another angler in prior visits to Xpu Ha. Just imagine our surprise when, on our first full day there, as we were making the morning walk to our chosen location, there in the distance was the unmistakable silhouette of a person with a fly rod. We had to meet him. After some introductions, Alex informed us this was his first visit to the area. He was from Dublin, Ireland and was stranded in Paradise because of the pandemic. I invited Alex to join us. We were headed to a reef known to hold triggerfish and an occasional permit. He jumped at the offer. Alex said his goal for this trip was to check permit off his bucket list. It’s a species he’d been chasing for several years. Over the next few hours, we waded and Alex had several opportunities at tailing triggers on the shallow reef. He got a few follows that day, but no hook-ups. He managed to cross triggerfish off his list the following morning. When Jordan had to return to the states, Alex and I made plans to fish farther south at Sian Ka’an. South of Tulum, Sian Ka’an is a large nature preserve of coastal wetlands and inland jungle. Our goal was to target By Rex Hannon bonefish, with high hopes for an elusive permit. The winds were relentless and the partly cloudy skies made spotting fish a challenge. An hour into our stalk, at 50 yards, we saw the tell-tale shadow of a good fish. Alex said it looked like a nice bone. I said, “No, permit!” Alex’s first cast fell short. No a big deal. It was better than a long cast that would have spooked the fish. After reloading and taking a few breaths, Alex’s next cast was a quartering shot, 2 feet ahead and 5 feet past the fish. Perfect! Alex stripped twice. The permit noticed the fly, but began to turn away. I knew we were still in the game and told Alex to stop. When the fish turned back to the fly, I said, “strip!” But it was too late… the permit had pounced, n January, my buddy, Jordan May, and I were fishing the Mayan Riviera and with a perfect strip-set the game was on! Within 10 minutes of keeping constant pressure, “Alex the Irishman” Coast near Xpu Ha, Mexico. It’s a beautiful and productive location I fought his first permit to the net. It’s a fish both of us will remember the visit as often as possible. Xpu Ha is one of those best-kept secrets on the Yucatan, with gorgeous rest of our lives.
22 FLORIDA
APRIL 2021
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hile tarpon are a year-round target for anglers in the Florida Keys, there is no better time than right now if a big silver king is on your bucket list. A typical tarpon season in the Keys ramps up in March and continues into the summer most years. The best months are April and May, at the peak of the spring migration, when large fish are both prevalent and vulnerable to the tactics of anglers. This time of year, catches average in the 80-pound range and anglers encounter fish 200 pounds and larger. There’s nowhere in the world that offers a better opportunity to sight fish clear-water flats for giant tarpon. In their thousands, migrating tarpon push into the backcountry, skirting the edges of flats and channels. Year after year, they follow predictable travel routes, which makes fishing for them a lot like deer hunting. If you know where they’re likely to be, you can stake the boat in ambush and wait for them to roll through. A local guide who stays on top of the movements is worth his weight in gold when it comes to encountering giant tarpon. Notice we said “encountering giant tarpon,” not “catching giant tarpon.” Getting shots at these giant fish is highly likely, convincing them to eat and then fighting them to the boat is not. With a fly, enticing a big tarpon takes skill and luck. First-timers are better off fishing live bait. A crab fished under a float in the passes and around bridges can lead to multiple hookups in a day. Fish funnel through the passes and are consolidated in bridge channels, where they are likely to bump into your bait. What follows are powerful runs and repeated jumps. The slightest mistake on the part of the angler will result in a thrown hook or broken line. Even experienced anglers are left with a slack line more often than not. Anglers who win the battle are responsible for reviving and releasing an animal that could be up to 50 years old. Tarpon grow slowly. It takes them seven to 13 years to reach sexual maturity. It is imperative for the future of the fishery to give each fish caught the highest possibility of survival. All Florida tarpon longer than 40 inches must be released, with an exception for anglers holding a state tarpon tag for the purpose of achieving a state or world record. Large tarpon should remain in the water at all times, which means unhooking and photographing them quickly, with an effort to keep the head and gills in the water as much as possible. Tarpon will often fight to exhaustion, so reviving them greatly increases their chance of survival. Hold them horizontally in the water with their mouth open, moving them forward to push water over their gills. Do this until they swim off on their own. For more information, go to myfwc.com.
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Yamaha's New 252 FSH Sport and 255 FSH Sport E The Most Capable and Versatile Center Console Boats in Their Class
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ew for 2021 is the exciting 25-foot Yamaha 252 FSH Sport and 255 FSH Sport E center console boats that are the most capable and versatile boats in their class. These larger models of Yamaha’s popular FSH Series are designed with the size, power, and fuel range for serious offshore adventures. The 252 FSH Sport features twin, Yamaha 1.8L High Output engines. These normally-aspirated engines are powerful, reliable, and virtually maintenance-free. Acceleration is instant, bow rise is minimal, and more deck space is available for fishing and fun. For buyers who want the most performance available, and the premium features that come with Yamaha's E-Series drive-by-wire features, the 255 FSH Sport E gets twin 1.8L supercharged Yamaha SVHO® marine engines for a combined 500-horsepower. Zero to 30 mph acceleration is a blistering five seconds with a top speed of 55 mph. In addition, the 255 FSH Sport E feature push-button start, dual throttle lever syncing, and more. Both models come with 111-gallon fuel tanks, the highest capacity fuel tanks Yamaha offers in a jet boat. Paired with Yamaha's fuelefficient engines, there is plenty of cruising range for boaters who want to explore beyond the harbor surf break.
Under the water line is an all-new deep-V hull design that responds immediately to steering input at all speeds and comes on plane instantly. The bow seating area is wide and long, providing ample space for taller passengers to stretch out. And of course, there is plenty of storage available under the hinged bow seats, stainless steel beverage holders in all the right places, and an expansive anchor and bow ladder locker for easy access. Moving into the spacious cockpit interior, there is a transparent live well located portside and a large storage pod topped with padded marine mat adjacent on the starboard side. There is a comfortable bench seat in the front of the center console that lifts up to reveal an extra deep, large storage area that can also serve as a changing room or a head compartment thanks to the curtain enclosure that is standard on all models. Both models are fitted with finished fiberglass hard tops with LED lighting and integrated audio speakers. Completing the tower are five rocket launcher rod holders mounted to the T-Top frame, and there are eight additional rod holders located under the port and starboard gunnels.
The helm is thoughtfully designed with a glass windshield, stainless steel sports steering wheel, locking glove box, and 12-inch Simrad® marine electronics. Also included is Yamaha's Connext® 3.0 helm control system with a 7-inch touchscreen that controls the entertainment and vital system functions of the boat, a mobile phone holder, and USB/AUX ports. Behind the helm is beam width bench seating, a starboard side live bait well, and a low walkthrough transom for easy access to Yamaha's signature stern lounge area. This is the place to be when hanging out at your favorite cove, and a great open access place to cast from. Completing the stern area are stainless steel beverage holders, high-quality padded flooring, a stainless-steel tow eye, and a telescopic reboarding ladder. They also feature underwater lights. From bow to stern, there is nothing cookiecutter about Yamaha's new 25-foot center console boats. From their striking good looks to industry-first innovations, Yamaha's 252/255 FSH Series models let you do it all on the water, in style and with peace of mind. Learn more at YamahaBoats.com
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GILL FISHING OVERTON SHIRT
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hen the heat of summer arrives, Gill Fishing’s Overton shirt will keep you dry, cool and clean thanks to its lightweight, breathable fabric treated with Gill’s exclusive XPEL water and stain resistance technology. New for Spring 2021, the Overton is capable of repelling water, blood, and other filth you may encounter while fishing. Gill loaded the Overton with smart fishing features, including dual chest pockets, concealed, snag-proof press stud fasteners, a micro-fiber panel to wipe sunglasses, a self-fabric strip to hang sunglasses or a small tool, and roll-up sleeves with a retainer loop and button. Gill has been trusted on the water for more than 40 years, and they’ve delivered yet another dependable piece for hardcore anglers. The Overton’s stylish design makes its just as capable off the water, providing anglers a shirt they can wear anywhere. It’s available in two colors, white and blue check, and sizes XS through 4XL. www.gillfishing.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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EZ ANCHOR: Must-Have Solution for Fiberglass Boat Builders is the Charter Captain’s Best-Kept Secret
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s charter captains, the time-consuming task of dropping and retrieving anchors not only becomes tedious, it cuts into valuable manpower, time and profits. Capt. Phillip Ridge, a Florida native, couldn’t settle for a typical windlass to anchor his fleet. “I have had [an E-Z Anchor Puller] unit on the bow of three different boats,” the founder of Blue Runner Charters said. “I was one of the very first captains in the area to install them... [they are] the best by far.” Charter fishermen across the United States have depended on the speed of E-Z Anchor Puller’s drum anchor winch for more than 30 years. Now, the value of owning an E-Z Anchor Puller for commercial fishing is recognized as the windlass upgrade customers want on their boats straight from the factory. Among the first fiberglass boat builders to embrace these true, freefall winches for center consoles is SeaVee, which had already been a familiar, customer-driven installer of the Classic series. Shurhold CEO Barry Berhoff, who personally installed the Rebel EZ-4 on his 40’ SeaVee, gave praise to the quality of the “strong, marinegrade piece of equipment” in a Youtube testimonial. Following in SeaVee’s footsteps, Georgia boat builder Carolina Skiff began factory-installing the Rebel EZ-4 on their Sea Chaser 35’ HFC Center Console after a company representative praised the brand from personal experience. “It works so great on our 35, I decided I needed to have one on my own personal boat.” Ed Johnston, Manufacturing Representative for Carolina Skiff, said of his E-Z Anchor Puller drum anchor winch. Sea Pro Boats recently debuted the 320 Deep-V series at the Miami
International Boat Show in 2020 with the Rebel EZ-4 as the factoryinstallation. The Rebel series appeals to boat owners and boat builders who need a versatile, no-jam solution that can hold ½” nylon rope or ¼” dyneema. What further sets Rebel anchor winches apart from the competition is its true, free-fall capabilities. Unlike other anchoring solutions, which manufacture “free-fall” mechanisms for emergency use only, E-Z Anchor Puller units are created to free-fall for regular, everyday use. Activating free-fall is simple. Press the “down” button for a quick 2-second push, the drum winch disengages the clutch plate and releases it to free-spool as fast as gravity allows. To quickly and neatly retract the line back onto the spool, press the “power up” side. Other notable fiberglass boat brands with E-Z Anchor Puller installations include Albemarle, Insetta Boatworks and Southport, with a plethora of customer and E-Z Anchor Puller authorized installers fitting Patriot EZ-3 and Rebel EZ-4 and EZ-5 units below deck.
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DEXTER BRAKERITE AND DISC BRAKES
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exter’s BrakeRite electronic/hydraulic actuator features rapid response for improved braking distance, an electronic proportional pressure valve for consistent braking, dual fill caps for easy maintenance, and is compatible with most in-cab electronic brake controllers. BrakeRite offers two models to easily match your disc or drum brake application. The BrakeRite Plug & Play model simplifies field installation by offering a plug-in wiring harness; whereas, the standard BrakeRite EHB model has a hard-wire configuration. Both models feature a large reservoir designed for single, tandem and triple axle applications. Dexter knows corrosion resistance is important on all types of marine trailers in freshwater and saltwater environments. Dexter disc brakes are designed using brass fittings, stainless steel guide bolts and sleeves, and stainless steel pistons. Rotors are offered in GAL-DEX premium marine coating and stainless steel. When combined with Dexter’s Eliminator axles with removable spindles or Dexter’s Versa~Flex adjustable arm axles, they provide a proven record of performance and reliability, superior braking, in-cab control and www.dexteraxle.com corrosion resistance.
20 NATIONAL
APRIL 2021
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Th Ridge, but no variati Th in the Di he wo stonefl Aft issue. W up wit “It trying He los I mean held.”
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n Feb. 28, veteran Georgia trout guide Joe DiPietro caught a 32-inchlong brown trout that weighed 18 pounds, 2.4 ounces. It absolutely crushed the 9-year-old Toccoa River record of 12-pounds, 3.4 ounces. The fish was a long time coming. DiPietro has guided and fished this Blue Ridge, Ga. tailrace for more than two decades. He’s seen and caught monsters, but nothing close to the beast that picked up one of his own Pat’s Rubber Leg’s variations during a guides’ day off with his fishing buddy Colby White. The fish was not a stranger. Georgia WRD staff have reported a huge brown in the area that feasts on catchable-sized trout as they are stocked in the river. DiPietro, however, was not specifically targeting the fish. If he had been, he would have geared up. He was fishing a 10-foot, 5-weight rod. The size 6 stonefly anchoring his two-nymph rig was secured with 2-pound-test tippet. After the first couple runs, DiPietro knew light line was going to be an issue. White pulled anchor on the driftboat and rowed like a madman to keep up with the fish, which carried them several holes upstream. “It’s the biggest trout I’ve ever seen in my life,” DiPietro said. “Colby fell in trying to net him. I just threw Colby the net and told him to go get that fish. He lost a shoe, flooded his waders and went up to his neck in 42-degree water. I mean… the line was wrapped around his head. It really is amazing the tippet held.” For more on trout fishing Georgia’s Toccoa River, visit www.blueridgetroutfishing.com.
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