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PELAGIC HUNTING TOOLS
DOWNSIZE FOR INSHORE ACTION VOLUME 27 • ISSUE 325
PHOTO COURTESY OF JUSTIN HOOVER IG: @REDFISHING321 / YOUTUBE: THE BACKWATER ANGLER
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APRIL 2022
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SIGHT FISHING By Nick Carter
A
“It’s about as close to Florida as you can get. You’re nglers are drawn to SUPs for many reasons. For Justin Hoover, the allure immersed in the mangroves,” Hoover said. “Most of a paddleboard is the style of fishing it of the time I’m alone for 10 or 12 hours a day on a paddleboard because nobody can reach where I’m at. allows. Hoover is from Brevard County, Florida. The fish… they’ve never seen people. It makes it really For more than 30 years, he has explored easy for me, and it makes it really enjoyable.” Hoover only targets fish he sees and studies their the backwaters and flats of central Florida’s Atlantic coast, where big fish push into super body language before making a cast. He can tell by skinny water that’s inaccessible to conventional looking if a fish is likely to eat his lure, particularly redfish, which clamp down their fins and “snake” along boats. “There’s nothing else better. It’s literally the shoreline when they’re actively feeding. “I’m looking for wakes, pushes, busts on the hunting, almost by foot,” he said of his passion. “I draft 2 inches. It makes it easier to travel to places shoreline and tails. If I’m not seeing any of that or you can’t reach, especially those back areas where seeing something that gives me that feeling there could big redfish will go back and pretty much retire for be a fish in this pocket, I’m moving on,” he said. Covering water quickly is Hoover’s primary tactic. the rest of their life.” Hoover’s platform of choice is a LIVE He advised newcomers to the sport to keep moving. “Cover the ground. That’s the easiest way to catch Watersports L2Fish board. It is a 12-foot catamaranstyle SUP that is super quiet and stable. He is a fish,” he said. “Don’t get stuck in one spot on a certain minimalist in terms of gear, preferring to hit the group of fish. Just constantly keep moving. You’ll end water with just a pocket full of lures, three rods up finding that fish that’s going to bite.” His favorite targets are redfish, snook, tarpon and and a cooler that serves as a seat and dry storage. He does most of his fishing with a medium-light black drum. “When I go out, all of them are on the list,” Hoover spinning rod and also carries a heavy spinning rod in case he sees a really big fish as well as a fly said. “I’m going down the line. I’m going straight to rod for subtle presentations. The lures he fishes their house, knocking on the door and saying, ‘Hey, are are mostly ultra-realistic Chasebaits soft plastics. you hungry today?’ If not, then I’m moving on to the He rarely throws topwater because the water is next fish.” It sounds like a lot of fun. so shallow that fish can’t get an angle on surface baits. Check out Justin Hoover on Facebook, Instagram and watch his Youtube channel The Backwater Angler.
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Suzuki Unveils New V6 for Performance Boats S uzuki Marine previewed the new flagship of its SS (Sport Series) motors at the Bassmaster Classic in March. This new engine, the DF250SS V6 4-Stroke, is a high-performance outboard engineered to deliver extra kick for today’s performance-based boats. It is sized and designed for bass boats, bay boats and shallowwater applications. New for 2022, the DF250ATSS is the first SS Series outboard to feature compatibility with Suzuki’s state-of-the-art Suzuki Precision Control (SPC) electronic shift and throttle system that will integrate with Suzuki’s Digital Pro-Pedal Foot Throttle. Suzuki SS outboards were created to bring powerful hole shot, strong mid-range pull and great fuel economy to anglers and boaters. Now, by integrating with Suzuki’s proven SPC system, boaters can add crisp, responsive shifting, silky smooth acceleration and sports car-like operation to the mix. In addition to Suzuki’s SPC integration, the new DF250SS features a new lower unit gear case with an asymmetrically designed skeg. This new design slices through the water efficiently for improved performance, while providing enhanced steering stability. Inside this streamlined case are powerful gears for delivering plenty of low-end torque and the ability to swing a larger propeller.
More options include the newly updated intake system, the updated Thrust Mount system to reduce engine vibration and deliver stable operation under high loads, and a new line of Watergrip propellers designed to enhance overall performance. The new Suzuki Big-Block V6 engine design ensures that the DF250ATSS not only delivers exhilarating hole shot, but also eye-watering acceleration all the way to wide-open throttle. Today’s premium performance boats need to look as good as they perform, and the new DF250SS also includes a new revised cowling design that features additional louvers, upper cover grips and new updated “SS” graphics. Suzuki continues with the popular Matte Black color as well as Suzuki’s optional new White. It is available in 20” (L) and 25” (XL) shaft lengths to accommodate different boat styles. In addition to the new DF250ATSS model, Suzuki is also adding a new 115hp SS outboard for 2022. Suzuki’s new DF115SS outboard is ideal for smaller bass boats, aluminum fishing boats, flats skiffs and other vessels that need high performance with light weight. With this latest inline 4-cylinder model added to the line-up, Suzuki Marine now offers a range of high-performance SS Series outboards in 115hp, 200hp and 250hp.
Like all Suzuki 4-stroke outboards, these new SS Series models are backed by the company’s leading 5-Year Limited Factory Warranty, providing anglers with the ultimate in confidence and security. To learn more about the new 250hp and 115hp additions to Suzuki’s popular SS Series family— or the company’s complete line of technically advanced 4-stroke outboards from 2.5 to 350 horsepower — contact Suzuki Marine USA headquarters at (813) 687-7200 or visit www.suzukimarine.com.
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APRIL 2022
NATIONAL 7
BIG FISH Kayak Catch & Release
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ou’ve done it! Thousands of casts, dozens of early alarms, countless cups of coffee, and now there’s a monster fish on the hook, and from your kayak, no less! It’s a feat to be proud of. However, if you plan on releasing that fish, your attention should soon turn to proper handling techniques, which ensure safety for you and the fish. A sprinkle of chaos is expected when bringing a big fish into a small, plastic boat, but a few easy steps can ensure the fish goes home safely.
1. Keep Them Wet! Regardless of species, once you’ve netted or attached lip-grips to a fish, keep them in the water as much as possible. This is always true if you need to set up a camera, grab pliers or lay out a measuring board, and it’s especially important in summer months, when release mortality increases due to warmer water. I prefer to use lip grips on bigger catches, since it mitigates the need to untangle a large, fired up fish from a net. Storing commonly used tools nearby is also key, particularly in a kayak where space is limited. Once you’re set up, it’s time for a photo or a measurement!
:
By Matt Stone
2. Holding Techniques If there’s one thing anglers universally love, it’s the “hero shot.” You know, the one where you and maybe your buddy grin widely while posing with a monster catch. I’m a big fan of hero shots, and of taking them properly. Handling the fish safely is key here, and that means keeping hands away from their gills, holding them horizontally and supporting their belly. Never weigh big fish vertically on a scale. This point is often debated in angling circles, and I respect both schools of thought, but I go with horizontal holds because I think the photos come out better. With length and girth measurements, you can figure out a rough weight, anyway. Now, smile big and grab that picture… and no straight-arming!
3. Respect and Revive Properly reviving big catches is important. It ensures continuity of strong genetics, allows a future angler a chance at the same fish, and it simply feels good knowing you’ve encountered an incredible animal and returned it home safely. Face the fish into current, open its mouth, and if possible, pedal or paddle your kayak to get water flowing over their gills. Revival can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. A fish is ready to go when it raises its dorsal spines and lightly clamps onto your hand, or straight up kicks off and swims away like a rocket. If you don’t already emphasize this process, I encourage you to not only take revival time, but to enjoy it! Thank the fish, watch them swim off and get casting again! Everyone should have a process for catch-and-release fishing. Above all, if you plan on releasing a fish, show it respect and reverence for the experience it has given you. Matt Stone is a teacher from Chester, Conn. and a pro staffer for Old Town and Daiwa as well as a member of the Black Hall Outfitters Fishing Team. Check him out on Instagram @sunrisekayakfishing.
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APRIL 2022
NATIONAL 9
YAMAHA 210 FSH
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here’s something unmistakably cool about the iconic design of center console boats. They are the sports utility vehicle of the boating world. Yamaha’s 210 FSH center console boats are a modern take on the classic center console design, focusing on greater versatility made possible by Yamaha’s patented jet-drive technology. Unlike other center console brands with outboard motors that dominate the stern, the 210’s dual engines and driveline are housed in the hull underneath the captain’s leaning post, providing a true 360-degree experience perfect for fishing. And because no outboard motor lower units are protruding under the boat, the shallow draft can get you in and out of places that other center console boats can’t access. These boats include all the features fishing enthusiasts require as well as family features perfect for an entire day out on the water to include watersports, swimming and lounging – all in the same boat and at a competitive price starting under $46,000. The 210 FSH is available in two variations, the 210 FSH Deluxe and 210 FSH Sport. The 210 FSH Deluxe comes with wiring for dual batteries, stainless steel rub-rail, head compartment curtain, a trolling motor mount, and premium seating/cushions. The 210 FSH Sport comes with Deluxe features and the addition of a custom T-top. Both models come with Yamaha’s award-winning TR-1 High Output marine engines. Located under the starboard bow seat is an insulated fish locker, and there is a dedicated locker for a full-size Danforth anchor. There is more storage below the port bow seat, in the sole, and inside two large consoles. In front of the helm console is more seating, and the console lifts to reveal an extra deep, large storage area that can also serve as a changing room or a head compartment. The helm is thoughtfully designed with convenient access to all boat control switches, a locking glove box, and an open area to flush mount electronics such as a fishfinder, a GPS unit and other marine electronics. The 210 FSH comes equipped with Yamaha’s 4.3-inch Connext Touchscreen Display, which is NMEA compatible to send vital engine information to third-party electronics. The transom area on the FSH Series is unlike any other center console
10 NATIONAL
APRIL 2022
SPECIFICATIONS Yamaha 210 FSH LENGTH: 21’ 3” WEIGHT: 3,003 lbs. BEAM: 8’ 6” DRAFT: 17” DEADRISE: 20 degree SEATING CAPACITY: 10 FUEL CAPACITY: 50 Gallons boat on the market. Since the engine and drive train are mounted in the hull, the entire back of the boat is open for unobstructed casting, towing and enjoying activities at the stern. Moreover, the boat’s leaning post is convertible and can be flipped back toward the helm for added comfort and versatility. The 210 FSH features Yamaha’s signature two-tier swim platform that sits low at the water’s edge. A retractable stern ladder makes reboarding after swimming a breeze. The transom also includes a tow eye for watersports. And like all Yamaha boats, the 210 FSH features Yamaha’s patented clean-out ports that allow for removing debris from the jet pump without having to get in the water or swim under the boat. VISIT WWW.YAMAHABOATS.COM TO LEARN MORE.
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APRIL 2022
NATIONAL 11
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GO HOG WILD
By Will Schmidt
I
t wasn’t that long ago when we all thought the only way to get hogfish was to take a plunge with a spear gun. Now-a-days, it’s considered one of the most action-packed trips you can take, albeit a lot of the action is weeding through the plethora of other fish that come to the party.
Despite decades of thinking hook-and-line hogfishing was impossible, they are actually easy to catch. Tackle requirements are very modest; medium spinning tackle is plenty stout. Rigging is simple, too, a knocker rig with a 2-ounce egg sinker and a #4 circle hook is all you need. No swivel is needed to separate the sinker and hook, as you want your bait right on the bottom. Let the sinker slide all the way to the hook. Hog Balls can be deadly as well, but remember when using natural bait a circle hook is a must (it’s the law). Other than that, you’ll need plenty of shrimp, 4 to 5 dozen per person. Hogfish tend to hang out in areas with plenty of grunts, triggerfish and small grouper, which all seem to be much quicker to eat than hogfish. You’ll need to weed through their friends to get to your hogfish dinner. The good news is, all the other fish lead to an action-packed adventure perfect for kids and impatient anglers, alike. Many people use whole shrimp, but I’ve found half shrimp are equally effective and help the bait go further. Finding hogfish is not that difficult either. They like good hard bottom, especially areas with sea fans and nice ledges. You’ll need to start in at least 35 feet, and I’ve had great trips all the way out to 100 feet and deeper. If you don’t already have a few spots in your arsenal, mapping software like Garmin’s Navionics Vision+ can help you find good places to start. You can even use it on a tablet to scout spots from your couch before you go. Once you are there, if the action isn’t almost immediate, move to the next spot. These fish tend to hang out around hungry schools of buddies. The fun really starts once hogfish join the party. They are hard fighters and unlike the others that tend to just pull straight down, hogs will run side to side and are a blast on light tackle. Best of all, hogfish make great table fare and taste similar to snapper, which they are often misclassified as. They are actually a species of wrasse. It is important to be careful handling undersized fish. Hogfish are hermaphrodites. All of them are females until they reach a certain size and maturity when some become males. Since smaller fish are crucial to reproduction, they should be handled gingerly to give them the best chance at survival. Will Schmidt is a seasoned tournament angler who has been writing about fishing from more than two decades. For a great hogfish trip, contact Capt. Troy Leaf at Sureelfishing.com.
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College Scouts Witness Stellar High School Fishing on “The Big O”
T
his spring marked the launch of a much-anticipated partnership between NSR Fishing and Florida BASS Nation at the South Trail and Spring Trail events at Lake Okeechobee. The mission for NSR (National Scouting Report) is simple. NSR Fishing is building a database of qualified high school anglers for use by college coaches across the country. Florida produces some of the best talent in tournament bass fishing, and NSR scouts were excited to get out on the “Big O” to identify young anglers showcasing their skills and knowledge of the lake. National Scouting Report CEO Rusty Rigney was honored to be the keynote speaker for the Florida BASS Nation pre-tournament meeting. Glenn Cale, Florida BASS Nation Director, said as he introduced Rigney: “NSR has been working with athletes and their families in traditional sports for over 40 years. Now, they are here to see what you Florida anglers are all about.” Rigney detailed the full NSR program with the anglers and their families. He told them: “We are looking for the best anglers in the state of Florida. It’s not just about wins and finishes, it’s about becoming the complete angler that can bring real value to a collegiate program.” Saturday, Feb. 12 set up perfect with bluebird skies and more than 170 South Trail anglers hitting the water. NSR scouts were out filming and evaluating many teams in the points race for the year, but there was also a lot of buzz about a few teams that had large bags of fish. At weigh-ins, Connor Swindle and Max Lofton of the Hendry County HS Bassmasters placed third with 20.15 pounds. Michael John Teate jr. and Evan Newell of Mid Florida Youth Anglers finished second with 21.88 pounds.
Re
bl Drew Pitts and Luke Romesburg of the Tampa Bay Jr Bass Club stole the show and took home first place with a giant five-bass limit of 32.18 pounds. Sunday welcomed another 170-plus boats for the Spring Trail tournament. NSR scouts were anxious to get on the water to see how young anglers would adjust to higher winds and rain that were moving in early Sunday. Many predicted lower weights. However, six high school anglers from the Okeechobee Brahmans team proved everyone wrong, taking the top three spots. Joshua King and Hunter Daniels brought in the heaviest sack of the day with 30.35 pounds. Behind them were Lane Davis and Korbyn Lewes with 24.81 pounds. Third place went to Rafe Sexton and Hillary Martin with 23.16 pounds. With two 30-plus-pound bags of fish and many over 20, several Florida high school anglers made a case to be considered NSR 5 Star Anglers. NSR Fishing’s search for the best anglers in the country continues over the next couple months with scouts heading to legendary fisheries like Lake Guntersville, Lake Seminole and Lake Palestine, where more of the best anglers in the country will show off their skills.
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APRIL 2022
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7/15/21 8:30 AM
By Richard Matteson
April Surf Fishing on the Treasure Coast
A
pril is windy and will be the last good month of fishing for many of the winter fish like pompano, mackerel and bluefish, before they move north. Some of these fish, especially bluefish, will remain but in relatively small numbers. Pompano can be caught all month on the beach with orange fish bites and sand fleas. In the Indian River Lagoon, try jigging from the bridges with pompano jigs (chartreuse or hot pink) on moving tides. I’ve also caught random pompano in the lagoon on ¼-ounce jigs with a 4-inch tail (white). Permit have also been caught on the beach on small crabs, fish bites or large sand fleas. Both permit and pompano are usually 50 to 70 yards offshore. The mackerel bite is still good on the beach early in the morning and when bait is present. The early morning bite is in the trough around the close breakers. Small spoons (1-ounce silver crocodile or gold Johnson spoons) with treble hooks seem to work best, but the fish will hit any lure retrieved quickly near the surface. The mackerel are still in the Peck’s Lake area, where you need to fish from a boat. The bluefish bite has been sporadic with fish chasing bait. The bluefish bite has been best in early morning or when bait is present. Some large snook are being caught in deeper water of the St. Lucie River both North and South forks, at the Crossroads and around deep piers and bridges. Large Tomahawk jigs and live or cut bait fished early in the morning, at dusk or at night work the best. There are still some snook on the beach, but rarely. April is a month you can harvest one snook between the 28”- 32” slot. Trout are scattered in the lagoon and can be caught on jigs and topwater lures like a Skitterwalk or Zara Spook on warm afternoons. The best trout areas are north from the power plant to the Vero Beach flats. The flounder bite is still good on small jigs and live bait on the flats and around the bridges. Some redfish have been caught on jigs tipped with live shrimp from the power plant north. It’s best to target mangroves on high tide in the afternoon. As usual, there are scattered schools of ladyfish and jacks cruising the beaches. Some nice jacks in the 5- to10-pound range have been taken on jigs and shallow-running crankbaits. The ladyfish and jack bite has been good when bait is present. Remember, see the birds, find the bait, catch the fish! Richard Matteson is a long-time contributor to Coastal Angler Magazine who is dedicated to Stuart Rod and Reel Club. Contact him at (336) 414-3440.
6 FLORIDA
APRIL 2022
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
C MLF PRO MATT STEFAN AND MUD HOLE CUSTOM TACKLE JOIN FORCES
M
ud Hole Custom Tackle, the world leader in rod building and custom tackle crafting, and Matt Stefan, established Major League Fishing professional and custom rod builder, have agreed to an exclusive sponsorship for the 2022 MLF season. “On the water and off, Matt Stefan is a true professional and has really established himself as one of Major League Fishing’s top contenders,” said Steve Sweeney, Managing Director of Marketing & Communications at Mud Hole Custom Tackle. “The fact that Matt has proven great success on the water with his own custom-built rods makes him an ideal angler to promote our core business. We are so pleased to grow our relationship with Matt and we look forward to an amazing 2022 season.” Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Matt Stefan is a 7-time FLW Forrest Wood Cup/MLF Title Championship qualifier with three top 10 placements in MLF competition and over $500,000 in career earnings. When not tackling largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass on the tour with his custom-built rods, Matt enjoys following the stock market and fishing for fun with his wife and two sons in their hometown of Junction City, WI. “I’m really excited about collaborating with the Mud Hole team and taking our relationship to the next level,” said Stefan. “I’ve been building custom rods with Mud Hole, MHX and CRB for years and have enjoyed incremental success every season. I’m looking forward to sharing my passion for professional fishing and for custom rod building with anglers everywhere.” For more information, visit mudhole.com.
8 FLORIDA
APRIL 2022
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
$70K IN PRIZES FOR 10 PINK-TAGGED BASS
I
n celebration of the 10th season of the TrophyCatch program, FWC is releasing 10 largemouth bass with pink tags into Florida waters. Anglers who catch and properly report one of these 10 bass will be eligible for part of up to $70,000 in total prizing. At presstime, FWC had already announced four locations where pink-tagged bass were released. More locations were to be announced via social media. Here’s a quick look at the four locations known to hold pink-tagged bass. Newnans Lake: A 5,800-acre Fish Management Area in Alachua County about 2 miles east of Gainesville, Newnans is surrounded by cypress trees, which makes for a fun flip-andpitch fishery when the water is high. There are also areas of sparse grass and water lilies. Lake George: A 46,000-acre natural impoundment of the St. Johns River that is mostly less than 10 feet deep, Lake George is in Volusia County east of Ocala, and it is known for producing trophy-class bass. Lake Talquin: Just west of Tallahassee in Gadsden and Leon counties, Lake Talquin is a nationally recognized crappie fishery. This 8,800acre reservoir is also a very good place to catch big largemouth bass. Talquin is deep for a Florida
lake, averaging 15 feet with a maximum depth of about 40 feet, and the most prevalent structure is submerged stumps and woody cover. Lake Walk-in-Water: A 7,528-acre natural lake in Polk County west of Lake Wales, Walkin-Water is a lesser-known Florida bass fishery that produces some great largemouth fishing for both numbers and size. A typical Florida fishery, it is shallow with lots of vegetation. Drifting live shiners and working topwater lures are two of the more productive strategies. Here are the rules to be eligible for prizes: • Pink-tagged bass must be caught by hook and line. • Cut the tag as close to the bass as you can and retain the tag. • Photo or video document the entire bass on a scale with a readable weight to be submitted to the TrophyCatch Program. • Live release the fish into the same waters where it was caught. • Report the tag to the number on the tag and retain it for verification. For more information, visit trophycatchflorida.com.
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APRIL 2022
NORTH FLORIDA 1
Florida Approves Limited Harvest of Goliath Grouper I
n spring of 2023, Florida will allow limited harvest of goliath grouper for the first time in more than 30 years. This highly regulated recreational harvest in state waters will be conducted via a random-draw lottery, in which 200 harvest tags will be issued to lucky anglers. Goliath grouper are iconic to the history of fishing in Florida. They are the largest grouper in the Atlantic, growing up to 8 feet long and reaching weights up to 800 pounds. They inhabit shallow tropical waters of the Atlantic, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, where they are structure oriented, which makes them an easy target for anglers. During the 1980s, overharvest led to such a dramatic population crash that goliaths were considered for listing under the endangered species act. The Florida fishery was closed in 1990, and over the last three decades stocks have rebuilt to a point where fisheries managers have decided to tentatively re-open the door to harvest. Anglers will not, however, be allowed to keep massive goliaths like the 680-pound IGFA world record caught off Fernandina Beach in 1961. During spring of 2023, from March 1-May 31, there will be slot limit of 24 to 36 inches. The largest fish allowed for harvest will likely weigh in the 30-pound range, and only 200 anglers will even get a shot at their limit of one fish per season. A maximum of 50 fish will be allowed from Everglades National Park. Here’s how it will work. For a $10 fee, anglers will enter a random-draw lottery. Selected anglers will receive a non-transferable permit and tag at a cost of $150 for Florida residents and $500 for non-residents. Spearfishing will not be allowed. Allowable gear is hook-and-line only. Harvest will not be allowed in Federal waters. Open areas will be all Florida state waters except those of Martin County south through the Atlantic coast of the Keys, all of the St. Lucie River and its tributaries, and Dry Tortugas National Park. Anglers who catch their goliath will also be subject post-harvest requirements designed to gather data for research and future management of the fishery. After harvest, anglers will be asked to report data from their catch and submit a fin clipping for genetic analysis. “After decades of closure to this fishery, we welcome this opportunity for a highly regulated, limited take of goliath grouper,” said FWC Commissioner Robert Spottswood. “In addition, the post-harvest data reporting will help guide future management decisions for this species.” This limited harvest was approved by the FWC in March. For more information, visit myfwc.com.
2 NORTH FLORIDA
APRIL 2022
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s t e i n h atc h e e m a r i n a at d e a dm a n bay
F
WC approved a couple changes to the statewide alligator harvest program at its March meeting. If adopted at the May meeting, these changes would take effect for the 2022 gator season. The proposed improvements would allow program participants an additional seven hours a day of hunting opportunity and add airbows take. with a tethered arrow as a legal method of
PHOTO BY CAPT. JIMMY NELSON
Changes Proposed for Gator Season
These proposals would provide greater flexibility for hunt participants while continuing the management of Florida’s alligator resource for sustainability. The additional hunting hours would eliminate concerns about fully landing an alligator before the current 10 a.m. ending time and provide more flexibility when scheduling hunting trips. Currently, hunting hours during the statewide recreational alligator hunting season are 5 p.m. to 10 a.m. Those areas that currently limit alligator hunting hours are likely to continue with those restrictions if this proposal is approved as final rule. Adding precharged pneumatic airbows to the legal methods of take for the statewide alligator harvest provides a new effective way to initially secure a line to the animal to safely gain control of it. The arrow must be attached to a restraining line that is tethered to the airbow or boat. Airbow use would also benefit hunters with mobility challenges and youth or smaller-framed hunters. Airbows weren’t commercially available when the statewide alligator harvest methods were last updated. These proposed changes were supported by
the Alligator Management Program’s technical assistance group and FWC’s alligator management standing team. In addition, the FWC is seeking input on proposed changes throughout the rulemaking process. Stakeholders were invited to provide input on the proposals through an in-person workshop, webinars, an online poll for alligator hunters, an online commenting tool, targeted mail-out surveys for lakeside residents, and email blasts. Based on the results of this feedback, stakeholders largely support the proposed rule amendments. Commissioners will consider the proposed rule changes for final adoption at their May 2022 meeting. If approved as final rules in May 2022, they would take effect in time for the upcoming 2022 statewide alligator harvest season. Alligators are a conservation success story in Florida. The state’s alligator population, which was included on the original Federal Endangered Species List in 1967, is now estimated at 1.3 million alligators of every size. The population has been stable for many years and continues to remain healthy. Since 1988, Florida’s statewide alligator harvest has been nationally and internationally recognized as a model program for the sustainable use of a renewable natural resource. Each year, alligator management units are established with harvest quotas that provide recreational opportunities for people from Florida and beyond and maintain alligator populations at targeted levels. Learn more about these proposed rule changes and provide input at MyFWC.com/Alligator.
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APRIL 2022
NORTH FLORIDA 3
By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon
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APRIL 2022
s a charter captain, I have never booked a fishing charter. I can appreciate, however, the shot-in-the-dark people make when booking a trip. Scouting a charter in a place you’ve never been must be nerve wracking. The significant cost of a trip is something many groups can only afford to splurge on once in a lifetime. There are the factors of weather, fishing seasons, the experience of the captain and the quality of the vessel to be considered. I’ve had clients who, after speaking with them on the phone, show up looking nervous. Soon after we start fishing, they relax and admit they really didn’t know what to expect. You don’t know what you don’t know. Don’t feel insecure about asking questions of a charter captain. If you are new to fishing, you want a patient crew who will help you feel confident in your abilities by the end of a charter. A captain who is unaccommodating on the phone might be the same on the boat. Toss out a silly question or two and see how they handle it. This is a great way to find out who is going to be a good fit, especially if you’re bringing children. It is completely OK to ask questions, especially once you have a charter in the books. We want you to enjoy your trip, and communication helps us tailor a day to fit your needs. Most charter captains do this job because they love it. The good ones want you to love it, too. I advise prioritizing a captain who loves being on the water. The crew that fishes on their days off are the ones who will hold nothing back to ensure your best shot at an epic day on the water. Another factor that is too often left as a surprise for first-time bookers is that the charter business is a tipping industry. For many deckhands, a tip is the majority, or sometimes, the entirety of their pay. It may come as a shock to some, after seeing their deckhand work their tail off, that they are not making a chunk of the charter cost. The truth is, there are many expenses that go into making your day possible, charter businesses pocket very little when it’s all said and done. With the spike in fuel costs, I would not be surprised if businesses compensate through the wages of their bright-eyed deckhands. A 20 percent tip is standard, but every company handles crew pay and tip distribution differently. A charter without a deckhand doesn’t mean you shouldn’t tip. Captains like tips, too, especially if they are doing twice the work. Along with good reviews, cost and lots of pretty pictures, finding a compatible crew is arguably the most important factor. After all, these will be the people you share your adventure and memories with. Capt. Quinlyn Haddon captains a boat with Blue Magic Charters; 504-920-6342; Ig: @captainquinlyn.
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COASTAL ANGLER North Central Florida/Nature Coast
APRIL 2022 EDITION
Find Your Outdoors Here!
Cary & Lynn Crutchfield
North Central Florida Nature Coast Staff
ALACHUA, MARION, COLUMBIA, GILCHRIST, BRADFORD, DIXIE, LEVY, CITRUS
Cary Crutchfield
APRIL
L
ike me, I know that you are all devastated by the horror in Ukraine. I really am finding it difficult to think about much of anything else. Every morning I turn on the news and pray to see that Putin is gone, and that it is all over. By the time you read this, hopefully it will be! Spring 2022 is arriving kind of wet. Mid-March, over a five-day period, we measured 11 ½ inches of rain in our backyard and the swamp is full and looks like a lake. Next month, I might be reporting on another Suwannee River flood. Please see page 2 for new advertiser, Jamie Chewning. Jamie is a local Gulf Coast writer. The Coast is Clear is a novel that tells a story of a small town’s passion for smuggling, and is filled with excitement, deception and love. See page 13 for two popular events in Dixie County, the Rotary Club’s Daddy Daughter Dance and the Fly-In, Cruise-In and Business Ex-Po. See page 11 for the CCBA Tournament in Homosassa, This month’s recipe, Seafood Quiche is making an encore appearance. It was just too good for only once. See page 2. Thank you, John Freeze for this month’s scenic photos on this page. You can see more of John’s work on page 15. Pray for Ukrainians and also the people of Russia. Most did not want this war. Happy Easter on April 17th. Take your family for a boat ride. As always, if you have not received your Covid vaccination, please reconsider your decision. People are still getting sick. People are still dying. Covid is not gone. Lynn Crutchfield Co-Publisher Coastal Angler Magazine of North Central Florida/Nature Coast
SALES
EDITING & PRODUCTION Lynn Crutchfield
DISTRIBUTION Rosa Crisman
GRAPHIC ARTS & DESIGN Kathleen Stemley
WEB DESIGN Kristi Williams
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dr. Kevin McCarthy Bruce Butler, John Freeze Noel Kuhn Captain Jason Clark Capt. Katie Jo Davis Capt. Tommy Derringer Captain Andrew Fagan Capt. Jonathan Hamilton Capt. James Kerr Capt. Tony Johns Capt. Pat McGriff Capt. Brent Woodard
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
REAL MEN DO EAT (SEAFOOD) QUICHE
F
Ne
T
somet was o
Thank you to The Crab Plant for the crab and shrimp. Visit their Fresh Seafood Market or enjoy Cooked Seafood to go. Y ou are welcome to sit at their table and view beautiful Kings Bay while you enjoy your delicious, freshly prepared meal, watching manatees, dolphins, pelicans and boats. Or, you can carry it home; your choice. Open Tues-Thurs 10:00-5:30, FriSat 10:00-8:00. 201 NW 5th St. Crystal River 352-795-4700.
DIRECTIONS
TIDES • North Central Florida Time Height
1F
2Sa
3Su
4M
5Tu
6W 7Th
8F
2:44 AM 9:00 AM 2:52 PM 9:17 PM 3:25 AM 9:29 AM 3:17 PM 9:54 PM 4:05 AM 9:57 AM 3:41 PM 10:30 PM 4:45 AM 10:24 AM 4:07 PM 11:07 PM 5:27 AM 10:52 AM 4:36 PM 11:44 PM 6:11 AM 11:23 AM 5:07 PM 12:25 AM 7:01 AM 11:57 AM 5:45 PM 1:14 AM 8:05 AM 12:41 PM 6:32 PM
3.7 0.3 3.5 -0.1 3.6 0.5 3.6 -0.2 3.4 0.8 3.7 -0.2 3.2 1.0 3.7 -0.2 3.0 1.2 3.7 -0.1 2.8 1.4 3.6 0.1 2.6 1.6 3.5 0.3 2.4 1.8 3.3
HERNANDO BEACH
APRIL 2022
9Sa
Time Height
2:19 AM 9:31 AM 1:51 PM 7:39 PM 10Su 3:39 AM 10:50 AM 3:31 PM 9:14 PM 11M 4:52 AM 11:45 AM 4:53 PM 10:44 PM 12Tu 5:51 AM 12:25 PM 5:55 PM 11:52 PM 13W 6:38 AM 12:57 PM 6:47 PM 14Th 12:49 AM 7:20 AM 1:26 PM 7:32 PM 15F 1:39 AM 7:58 AM 1:53 PM 8:15 PM 16Sa 2:26 AM 8:34 AM 2:20 PM 8:57 PM
0.5 2.4 1.9 3.1 0.6 2.5 1.9 3.0 0.5 2.7 1.7 3.1 0.4 2.9 1.3 3.3 0.3 3.1 0.9 3.5 0.3 3.3 0.5 3.7 0.4 3.5 0.1 3.7 0.6 3.7 -0.2
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
17Su 3:13 AM 9:09 AM 2:49 PM 9:40 PM 18M 4:02 AM 9:45 AM 3:20 PM 10:24 PM 19Tu 4:54 AM 10:21 AM 3:54 PM 11:13 PM 20W 5:51 AM 11:00 AM 4:34 PM 21Th 12:05 AM 6:52 AM 11:44 AM 5:21 PM 22F 1:04 AM 8:03 AM 12:38 PM 6:19 PM 23Sa 2:13 AM 9:28 AM 1:53 PM 7:34 PM 24Su 3:34 AM 10:41 AM 3:27 PM 9:15 PM
3.7 0.8 3.9 -0.5 3.6 1.0 4.0 -0.6 3.3 1.3 4.1 -0.6 3.1 1.6 4.1 -0.5 2.8 1.8 4.0 -0.3 2.6 1.9 3.8 0.0 2.6 2.0 3.5 0.3 2.7 1.8 3.3
Time Height
25M 4:49 AM 11:32 AM 4:53 PM 10:53 PM 26Tu 5:49 AM 12:10 PM 5:59 PM 27W 12:07 AM 6:37 AM 12:43 PM 6:54 PM 28Th 1:06 AM 7:17 AM 1:13 PM 7:40 PM 29F 1:54 AM 7:51 AM 1:41 PM 8:21 PM 30Sa 2:37 AM 8:23 AM 2:07 PM 8:58 PM
0.4 2.9 1.5 3.3 0.5 3.1 1.0 3.4 0.6 3.3 0.5 3.5 0.7 3.5 0.2 3.5 0.9 3.7 -0.1 3.5 1.0 3.8 -0.3
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 2022
Blind bake crust at 375 F for 15 minutes. Beat eggs and add cream, milk, parsley, onions and seasonings. Remove crust from COOKING DIRECTIONS oven and let cool slightly. Grate the Swiss cheese and place in crust with seafood. Pour egg mixture over cheese and seafood and sprinkle with Parmesan. Place pie pan in larger pie pan, or on cookie sheet, in case of bubble over. Bake about 45 minutes at 375, until center is set.
INGREDIENTS • 1 9-inch-deep dish pie crust (homemade or your favorite purchased) • 6 ounces Swiss Cheese • ½ cup crabmeat • ½ cup shrimp (cut in ½ inch pieces) • 3 eggs • 1 cup heavy cream • ½ cup milk • ¼ chopped parsley • ¼ cup chopped green onions, green and white • ½ teaspoon salt • ¼ teaspoon pepper • ½ teaspoon dry mustard • ¼ grated Parmesan cheese • Dash of cayenne pepper (optional)
To quote my in-house food critic, “You can make that again.” I served with my favorite citrus salad; spring mix, orange sections and dressing, made with a spoonful of frozen OJ concentrate, a spoonful of water, a little olive oil, a little red wine vinegar and a bit of orange blossom honey. (Thank you to Gail for the oranges.) I found the basis for this recipe in an old cookbook, published by the United Methodist Women from the Chiefland United Methodist Church. This recipe was submitted by Lillian McCall, late mother of the late Coach Doyle McCall. Lynn Crutchfield, Co-Publisher Coastal Angler Magazine of North Central Florida
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
By
Newn some from hundr M South of cyp indica in size betwe Th and h ancien reside Florid move preser allowe by the N Newn 117 vo Indian the fa no im of gov and th is nam histor lived i to re¬ lake, P Th
FLORIDA WATERWAYS Newnans Lake
T
he drought that affected much of Florida in the early 2000s, caused rivers and lakes to recede and sometimes disappear. It also revealed what was on the bottom of lakes, much to the delight of archaeologists. For example, students from Gainesville’s Eastside High School, examined the exposed north By Kevin McCarthy shore of nearby Newnans Lake and discovered 101 canoes, some only partially finished. The mud from the lake had preserved the canoes for hundreds of years. Most of the canoes were made out of Southern hard pine, while others were made of cypress and conifers. Radiocarbon dating indicated that the canoes, which varied in size from 15 to 31 feet in length, were between 500 and 5,000 years old. The find was the largest of its kind ever, and helped scientists know much about ancient watercraft, and how the earliest residents of the peninsula navigated on Florida waterways. While state officials moved some of the fragile vessels to preservation tanks in Tallahassee, they allowed the rest to be inundated once again by the rising lake waters. Newnans Lake is named after Daniel Newnan, a Georgia militia colonel who led 117 volunteers in 1812 to attack Seminole Indians near present-day Micanopy. Despite the fact that Colonel Newnan had little or no im¬pact on Alachua County, its first seat of government was called Newnansville, and the large lake to the east of Gainesville is named after him. Occasionally, local historians, knowing that Na¬tive Americans lived in the area for hundreds of years, try to re¬store the original Indian name of the lake, Pithlachocco, but to no avail. The mile-wide lake attracts many kinds
The lake with some fishermen
A map showing the location of the lake
of wildlife to its 7,400 acres. It averages a little under five feet in depth. The Camp Family, which at one point owned Paynes Prairie, and operated a cattle ranch on it, wanted to drain the prairie to improve it Extracting a found canoe as pasture and in the early 1900s built a canal to divert the water from the lake to the River Styx and Orange Lake. Those attempts led to a reduction of the water leading into Paynes Prairie, on which cattle graze today. During the 1960s, Alachua County had at least six drownings, the majority occurring in Newnans Lake. The county Sheriff ’s Office kept a boat on a trailer to be able to deploy it anywhere in the county, including Newnans Lake, in a timely manner on an “as needed” basis. The boat was used in search and rescue operations, including the rescuing of stranded boaters and the pulling of people/bodies out of the water. The lake has continued to be a great place for boaters and fishermen and those who want to enjoy some of our scenic beauty.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
APRIL 2022
Making a canoe in the Everglades
Recovering a stolen car from the lake
Camps Canal is east of Micanopy.
Kevin McCarthy, the author of North Florida Waterways (2013 - available at amazon.com), can be reached at ceyhankevin@gmail.com.
NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST 3
KATIE JO’S NATURE COAST ADVENTURES
W
e are in full spring fling here on Florida's Nature Coast and the snook are a hot topic! My favorite goto are the Rapala Xrap SRT-10 on 30 lb. fluorocarbon leader. I specifically like the olive green colored hard bait, as it appears natural in our waters. Another amazingly fun fish to catch in the spring, are tripletail. These awesome fish add a piece of hunting to fishing. The perfect cast of a large shrimp on a 1/16ounce Mission Fishing jighead is a meal they just cannot resist. Casting about 10 to 15 feet past them floating near a buoy, or on a weed line while reeling the shrimp and allowing it to drop down close enough for them to dive down and eat it, offers a tasty meal.
Often, I look for a line of remaining stone crab traps and ride 50 feet off the buoy, down the line searching for the grayish colored fish lying flat on top. If it dives down before I have the opportunity to cast, I will wait a few minutes and look around, waiting for it to pop back up. They don't generally stay down for long. I would like to take a line and thank all the readers of Coastal Angler Magazine! I have thoroughly enjoyed writing and look forward to creating reports for another year for you all to enjoy!! Captain Katie Jo Davis www.fishcrystalriverflorida.com 772-882-8932 KD OUTDOORS FISHING CHARTERS
ENGLISH.BRAD@YAHOO.COM 24304 NW 182ND AVE. HIGH SPRINGS, FL 32643 4 NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST
APRIL 2022
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APRIL 2022
NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST 5
CEDAR KEY
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6 NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST
APRIL 2022
H
ey everybody, WOW, what a crazy start to spring with these giant leaps in water temp. Looking back at my notes, these temps have been warmer than at least the past five years, and the fish are loving it! Everything has been showing up, from sheepshead to pompano! Let's talk sheepshead for a second. If you’re new to it, here are the basics. A small circle hook or a pre-made sheepshead jig work wonders. Now, pair that with a fiddler crab, and drop around some structure, and that is the beginning of a successful formula. As far has learning what to feel for, that's a whole other ball game. They are said to make preachers cuss, and you will probably find out why. The trout spawn is in full swing, and it shows. We are catching them like crazy on c&m custom baits, swim baits paired with one of their jigs. All we are doing is casting out on the flats, and bouncing it off the bottom until the bottom pulls back!
This is one of my favorite times of year, and I hope y'all get a chance to experience it as well! Until next time, stay safe out there! Capt. Jason Clark In The Slot Fishing Charters 352-639-3209 www.intheslotfishing.com
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SUWANNEE
Raymond with a nice Lower Suwannee River redfish that ate a FishBites Butt Kicker Paddle Tail in Knock Out.
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pril is one of those months that can be tricky to forecast! Will spring come early, or will the cold fronts linger deep into the month? With Easter being the 3rd weekend of the month, I feel we will have a cooler spring that will drag on until the end of April. With that being said, April is a fantastic month to fish the Lower Suwannee Estuary! Yes, the weather can be very unpredictable, but if you can work around that, you will experience some phenomenal days of fishing! As the waters continue to warm, the speckled trout will be schooling up and working the flats, pursuing pinfish, pigfish and small white baits. This is a great time for the anglers who like to fish hard baits like MirrOlure and Rapala. The diving and suspending versions of these plugs can be just what the trout are looking for! While these baits can be more "tricky" to catch fish, many times they will be what the larger fish in the school choose to bite! #releaseover20 For the angler looking for a tried-andtrue trout catching rig, it's hard to beat a FishBites Signature Popping Cork with 18 to 24 inches of 20 lb. test leader, tied to an ⅛ or ¼ ounce jig head. I use the FishBites Butt Kicker 4 inch Paddle Tail in all 8 colors, and catch lots of fish, but day in and day out, the four colors I use the most are Haymaker, Counter Punch, Knock Out and White Knuckle. I also catch a lot of trout on the FishBites Fight'n Shrimp in the same color patterns. You can also fish these baits on a jig head bounced along the bottom and/or retrieved just above the grass. April is also a month when we get schools of redfish migrating from the offshore waters into the Suwannee River Estuary and adjacent Coastal Creeks. These fish are easy to recognize; they are a lighter red color, have white bellies, with beautiful aqua blue tails and fins! For the
Jason landed this beautiful over 20inch speckled trout that couldn't resist a FishBites Butt Kicker Paddle Tail in White Knuckle. She was released to spawn more babies!
readers who don't know, the Suwannee River is primarily a dark tannin water river. Over time, the tannins will turn the redfish a really dark red color with beautiful golden bellies! I really like fishing the ¾ and ⅝ ounce gold spoons for redfish! You can cast a long distance and cover a lot of water as you look for fish. If casting a lot is not your thing, then again, the popping cork paired with a FishBites Fight Club Lure is a great option! Let's not forget the sheepshead! April is the primary month that the sheepshead spawn here along the Hidden Coast. They can be found on the offshore artificial reefs and rock piles. You can also find them on nearshore structures like channel makers. These bait stealers can be a challenge to catch, but they surely are a great fight! Until next time be safe and Catchemup! Captain Tony Johns | 352-221-2510 www.lowersuwanneriverfishing.com Instagram: captaintonyjohns Facebook: Lower Suwannee River Fishing Adventures or Captain Tony Johns
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APRIL 2022
NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST 7
INGLIS/YANKEETOWN
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Tyler, with a nice 35 inch redfish he caught in Yankeetown.
hat’s up guys? Another winter has come and gone, and we are full swing into April, which gets my blood pumping for some actionpacked inshore fishing. Now that the water has warmed, and snook season is open, there isn’t much more of an exciting fish to target than snook. When the wind is light, I will focus my attention during the early morning hours on all of the oyster bars and islands near the mouth of the creeks and rivers, tossing my favorite topwater lure. One thing to always pay attention to is the bait. When you find the bait, spend some time in the nearby area, trying every technique and lure or live bait you can think of, until you form a pattern or start to catch a few fish. The redfish bite will really be more active, and will readily chase down a gold spoon or paddle tail, worked at a moderate pace. I focus on the outside islands and oyster bars nearest the bay for those redfish this time of year, and on the high tide, a big Captains Cove shrimp under a popping cork is a sure thing, when they won’t chase that artificial! I’m hearing improved trout reports this year, and have found quite a bit of success myself, working in 6 to 10 feet of water. I use a 1/8 oz. jighead hooked in the tail, and slowly bounce along the bottom. This technique has produced the best results thus far. Nearshore, the tripletail will begin to show their faces this month, so if you are cruising in the bay, always look around the crab traps and markers. They may just be staging right next to one, and a nice live shrimp freelined to them, with a 2/0 live bait hook, always does the trick. Also, towards the end of the month, we may see an early push of cobia, We usually see quite a few fish in the last
8 NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST
APRIL 2022
Bill, with a healthy over-slot snook on a night trip.
Capt. Andrew, with a big tripletail caught on live shrimp.
few weeks, so keep a sharp eye out for those as well. A hand-sized pinfish or a black hogy lure is the ticket for those guys. Always a great idea in April is to keep a 5000 class reel with a medium heavy action rod on the boat, rigged with that hogy or just a 4/0 live bait hook, just in case you want to freeline a mullet or mudminnow to a snook, or you see that early season cobia. Tight lines guys until next month!
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Andrew Fagan Ebb Tide Guide Service @capt_redfishdrew
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APRIL 2022
NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST 9
CRYSTAL RIVER
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10 NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST
APRIL 2022
H
ope everyone is enjoying the warmer weather and the sunshine, I know we are here in Crystal River. With the warmer water, combined with the good tides this time of the year, makes for some of the best fishing conditions. The transition from cooler months to the warmer months really fires up the fish. Trout: The bite has been really good here. Lately, I’ve been fishing the falling outgoing tide, especially if it’s in the late afternoon/evening. This time of year, they will move from all the creeks and shallow water to the deeper flats, but you can still get them inside as well. When I’m looking for them in the deeper water (4 to 8 foot range) I’ll look for kelp on the bottom. I’ll use 1/16 or 1/8 jig tipped with a Little John. Sometimes you have to throw a few
different colors to see what they want. Pay attention to birds and bait. You can drift until you find some. Another technique I use, is once I find fish, I’ll use my spot lock on my trolling motor to hold my position and thoroughly cover the area. Reds: This time of year, the red fish bite is awesome. I really like to target bigger fish. I’ll start my days either early or late, paying attention to the tides. I like the beginning of the incoming or the whole falling tide. If I have clients, pinfish are always a good bait; free-lined with a good circle hook is best. Pay attention to the mullet; they will tell you where the reds are. For artificial I’ll use DOA jerk baits or a mirriodine. Look for hard bottom areas with good water flow. Take your time when approaching the areas. Capt. James Kerr 352-362-6893 Citrusfishingchaters.com
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in the exact same spot. When fishing this depth, I like to fish with a DOA 1/16 OZ jig head in chartreuse rigged with a MirrOLure lil john in glow or watermelon gold flake. Cast down wind and allow the bait to get to the bottom, and bounce the jig off the bottom, working back towards you. If you’re having a hard time working it deep enough, move up a size on your jig head. Remember the new rules, one fish over 19 inches per boat. Lots of big around right now. Red fishing will be good around the outside points. I like fishing live pin fish this time of the year. Gold spoons and top water plugs are good as well. Bait fish flies or shrimp pattern flies work well. Sight fishing on low tide can be productive this time of the year. Water clarity is still pretty good. I love snook fishing late March and April. Snook have moved out to the outer islands, now that we are having hooked DOA 5-inch CAL are deadly. warmer days and nights. These fish Wait for the tide to get over the rock will be concentrated to outside points and be patient. If you are too early, these with good moving water. Nose hooked fish will spook off the rock and will jerk baits in glow and MirrODines will leave. Near shore rocks will have big produce bites. Live pin fish, free lined, females around your favorite grouper is also a snack they won’t turn down! rocks in the 6-to-8-foot range. I like to If you are offshore trout fishing, establish a drift, and then mark a spot make sure to bring some shrimp with (with my GPS or you can drop a marker you. Shrimp rigged on a jig head, buoy) when I pick up one or two fish. I fishing the near shore rocks, will will then idle out and around the drift, provide you with rod bending action and duplicate that pass. More times and great table fare. The rocks are alive than not, you will pick up another fish with grunts, snapper and mackerel.
HOMOSASSA
S
pring is here! April is such a great month on the Nature Coast. Trout and snook fishing can be some of the best this time of the year. Trout are spawning on the near shore rocks and moving back and forth to the inside rocks. Snook will be moving to the outside and are super hungry and aggressive! Trout will be transitioning from the inside yellow, rocky bottom areas to the near shore rocks to spawn. Incoming tides for inshore fishing with noose
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APRIL 2022
Lots of fun for kids too! On behalf of the Homosassa Guides Association, we want to thank our sponsors and everyone who came out and supported our annual Fish Fry Fundraiser. With your help, our event was a great success. We look forward to making a difference on and off the water. May 21st is the Florida Cracker Lady’s Fishing tournament presented by Phillips and Jordan. For more information, or to register, visit www. floridacrackerfishing.com Spring break in effect, so make sure to get the kids out on the water! — Stump Capt. Jonathan Hamilton 352-403-2073 www.captainjhamilton.com
NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST 11
HORSESHOE BEACH
A
SIGNS BANNERS Copies Fax
Forms Letterhead We also offer apparel and promotional items. Envelopes Business Cards Brochures Newsletters & More Invitations Come see us at our new location between Wedding & Graduation McDonalds and NAPA - 1517 North Young Blvd.
Look at the size of Cary’s monster crabs. Good eating at the Crutchfield house! 12 NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST
APRIL 2022
pril is upon us, and everything is alive and beautiful. Hope everyone got a good successful start to turkey season. March was a crazy one. We literally went from winter straight into summer, then winter decided to show up one last time! Water temps seemed to skip spring as well and sky rocketed quicker than usual. Looks like we are going to have a hot summer ahead. Redfish have begun to move their way out of the creeks and onto the flats. To be honest, you can catch them using bigger swim baits or pretty much whatever’s in your tackle box. These fish should be hungry for the next couple months before the extremely hot days come. Quick reminder to everyone, the redfish slot in our area is 18 to 27 inches, and 1 per person. Trout have pushed up as well, and March was a really good month for them up in the shallows. Sand trout have also begun to show up. You can usually get them to bite with your popping corks, but I like to catch them with a jig head and a white or pink soft plastic. For speckled trout, the size limit is 15 to 19 inches, with one over 19 inches. Me personally, I do not keep anything over that 24inch mark. Sand trout do not have a size limit, but just be mindful when you’re keeping them. Think about how much meat the fish is worth. For me, I do not keep a sand trout if he’s under 12 inches. I’m expecting most of the pelagics to start to show up by the time y’all are reading this article and that will be very helpful for us guides to have a little more variety on the water. Everybody, PLEASE be mindful of
other fisherman and boaters. With the warmer weather, the water will get packed fairly quick. Hope everyone has a good Easter and until next time, keep it Reel Native! Captain Brent Woodard Reel Native Fishing Charters ReelNativeFishing.com 352-284-5514
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With will
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KEATON BEACH
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Capt. Pat with a fine trout taken 2/26/22
ur trout were on fire just before this latest front (today is March 14) and our water temps had peaked at 77 degrees on March 8th. Folks were taking trout on topwater stickbaits, hard jerkbaits, and killing the trout on Assassin’s 5-inch Shads, fished un-weighted on a 5/0 Daiichi worm hook. The New Watermelon Slice, Watermelon Red, Drunk Monkey, and Houdini patterns were all wearing the trout out in the clear water of late. Today, Capt. Dave Malone and I fished together and landed our limit plus a few releases on trout, and most ate the Watermelon Slice 5 inch. Our reds, both 26 inches, took the Assassin Rootbeer Red 5 inch and all our fish came from 2 to 2.5 feet of water. the 9 to11 inch rain this past weekend didn’t hurt, and probably helped our fishing, by giving us some serious tannic stain to work with. The water had climbed back to 65 degrees by day’s end. April should see these techniques continue to work as the water warms back up into the mid to upper 70s and you should expect all “Hell” to break loose as the best fishing month of the year shows its colors. Cobia, mackerel, blues & Jacks should all show up on the flats off Keaton Beach and almost any technique will work to land them. Live bait, all forms of plugs : chuggers, propbaits, stickbaits, and jerkbaits will catch plenty of fish in April. I like using an Original Cajun Thunder with a 1/16 ounce Assassin springlock jighead in the chartreuse pattern, coupled with an Assassin Elite Shiner in the Wagasaki pattern. (Hard to beat
Tristan Anderson of Oklahoma with his first-ever redfish 2/27
26-inch red taken on Assassin’s Root beer red 3/14
in April.) No matter what you choose to fish with, you should be having fun in Keaton Beach in April! 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
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APRIL 2022
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APRIL 2022
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CENTRAL FLORIDA INLAND
W
e have loads of awesome spots out here. If you're not having luck at your local spot, now’s a great time to start exploring. Trust me, you'll be glad you did! The Ocala National Forest has gone through so many changes, over such a short period of time, and some have been rough, for sure. Overall though, I can’t put into words, how much this place has changed for the better! Nature aside, the recent population growth is one of the most surprising changes. In the last six months, new homes have been popping up everywhere, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down. In many ways though, it’s helping our community. Road conditions have improved dramatically, with new street signs and expanded bicycle lanes. Even the worst roads, which were “4-wheel drive only”, are now smooth as can be! Oh, and “Wildlife Management Area” trails have also been cleared, cleaned, and even widened. That’s how you get to many of the best fishing lakes! So, to all the new Forest Anglers, "Welcome, my friends. I’ll see ya out there.” Tip: Bring Heavy Gear (40 lb. braid minimum, for bass) So obviously, most anglers are focused on bass fishing right now; I know I am. Really quick though, anyone who’s bummed that they missed out on crappie season, listen up. This is when crappie move to the
outer vegetation edges and spawn. The great thing is, you can fish for crappie and bass at the same spots! So bring along a rod set-up for each. That way, if I one species isn’t biting, you can swap to the other! For all you Trophy Bass hunters, you already know, this is the time, and time is running out. To increase your odds at a “Trophy Catch”, pick up some shiners, and slow troll the outer grass edges. Always keep an eye out for fallen limbs (brush piles). Those are prime bedding targets. When you catch one, you’ve found their bedding area. Anchor up, cast a shiner to the grass edge, and be ready to set that hook hard! If you prefer lures, use the same technique mentioned above for searching. Make long casts ahead, parallel to the edge, with a swimming-style lure. TIP: Have a creature bait rod, rigged and ready, to pitch at any good looking spot. Bass roam around on overcast days. So fan-casting open areas works best. When it's sunny, they’ll hide under floating vegetation or inside lilypad patches (shade). That’s when to pitch creature baits or trickworms into those patches. Lightly twitch your rod once or twice, then lift out and pitch to a new spot. John Freeze Kayak Fishing and Nature Tours OurNationalForrest@gmail.com 352-216-5798
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APRIL 2022
NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST 15
ST. AUGUSTINE
SURF & PIER
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ast month brought us the best whiting bite in a long time. This month is shaping up to be the month for the pompano run. Our water temperature is perfect. That 65-to-74-degree range is the sweet spot. With all the big schools of whiting, the sharks have shown up early also this year. So if you’re inclined, dust off the big rod also. It is GO time. If you like to throw lures, the Spanish mackerel are here too. You can never go wrong with the Gotcha plug. However, there are a lot of hard plastics that work well also. There are plenty of small bluefish in the surf also. So, bring several extra lures and leader material. I have my best luck on high impact beaches i.e., South Ponte Vedra, Guana, Vilano, Hammock and Flagler. No need for any special retrieve tactics. Just throw it as far as you can. Then a nice steady crank, and hold on! Primarily this and next month, I will be targeting pompano, whiting and small black drum. My favorite bait is a live sand flea. 2021 and 2022 have proven to be the hardest seasons to find these little elusive surf dwellers. There are a lot of theories about the lack of sand fleas, aka mole crabs. I am hoping this is just cyclical and they will return to previous numbers. Until then, here are my go-to baits. I buy live shrimp and then I put them in a plastic container with no water and bury
them in ice. This gives you FKS, fresh killed shrimp. Then you can make three great small baits. First, cut off the horn and the tail fan. Next, cut off the head and the tail into two pieces. Three dozen shrimp will give you 36 primo baits. You can never go wrong with fresh claims from the seafood market. The larger the better, because the largest chowder clam will give you three baits. This bait works so well because our target species are already munching-out on Donax, aka Coquina, clams in the surf. We are just matching the hatch. Clams are difficult to keep on the hook without this helpful product called bait thread. Check out this YouTube video by “Catfish and Carp”, “Tying Liver with Bait Thread”. Just substitute smaller clam and smaller hook. It works! These next two months should offer us great action. Get out and hit the beach! Hey, the 18th annual Florida Surf Casters tournament will be held May 18th. For all the details please visit the website www. surfishingflorida.com. See you at the weigh-in! 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
16 NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST
APRIL 2022
A
pril is such a great time for fishing in Northeast Florida, and Heck, just a great time to be on the water! The weather is typically amazingly good, and the fishing is just as good. 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 big jacks, cobia, and maybe even a tarpon or two towards the end of the month, all waiting to put up that fight of a lifetime. It's time to dust off the top-water plugs this month. The redfish will be chasing 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's 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. The water will become more murky, as it warms up and a lure that makes some noise will be a good way to get the redfish's attention. Some of my favorites are spoons, twitchbaits, and soft plastic paddle tails like those made by Saltwater Assassin. All of these will make some noise and/or vibration, allowing the fish to find them in the darker water. Of course, a popping cork with a live shrimp or mud minnow will catch its fair share of reds this month as well.
April and May have always been “gator” trout months 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 one of their soft plastic paddle tails 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 it, is a great way to catch some trout too. 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. The flounder bite was good last month and should get even better as the water warms up. Some of the bigger springtime flatties will start to show up in better numbers at the inlets. Use a finger mullet or big mud minnow pinned to a jighead or fish-finder rig. Bounce the minnow (or mullet) along the rocks at any of the area inlets to find some of the big "doormats". Be sure to check out our Daily Fishing Reports @ www.InshoreAdventures.net Capt. Tommy Derringer www.InshoreAdventures.net 904-377-3734
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APRIL 2022
NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST 17
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to Indi phone his wif and wa (Mark we end I ha made m and th on top that hi were v wanted “That's Hamp Coasta A fo down o I could group really g try to s over th with fo Don't g amoun it, but way fro on a tin for one water! end be out in the tro in the the col came f brough catchin on the inches anybod snook
18 NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST
APRIL 2022
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TALES FROM THE TUPPERWARE NAVY
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Hugh Cain Allstate 800-882-9304 elcome back Yak fans! This month a fun trip to Indian Bay. It all started with a phone call from my friend Mark and his wife. They we're back in town and wanted to get out on the water. (Mark started out as a charter, and we ended up as friends!) I have been blessed, as I have made many friends over the years, and that is certainly the cherry on top to guiding. He mentioned that his nephew and daughter were visiting from Oregon and wanted to go out too. I'm thinking, “That's interesting. He's from New Hampshire, so this will be a Bi/ Coastal charter.” A four-person charter is way down on my list of things to do, but I couldn't refuse. Why don't I like a group charter? To be honest, I don't really guide for the money. I do it to try to share what I may have learned over the years, with my clients, and with four, it spreads me very thin. Don't get me started about the amount of prep time that goes into it, but the die was cast. Working our way from the road into Indian Bay on a tiny Creek barely wide enough for one kayak, the flotilla hit the water! We worked toward the North end behind Indian Key. As we set out in search of the usual suspects, the trout seemed most interested in the gulp shrimp. Chartreuse was the color of the day, but the surprise came from a lure that Mark had brought. He had told me about catching snook at the back spring on the Chaz, one of them close to 40 inches. I don't know about you, but if anybody starts talking about getting snook to bite when they're back in
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freshwater springs, they have my undivided attention. My experience has been the opposite, other than little males trying to get stacked up, getting snook to bite has been to say the least, frustrating. Then, on the trip he picked up two skinny water reds. My curiosity now knows no bounds, “So what is that thing you're using?” I ask. Livingston Lures stick master 127 in Shad, I believe was the color. It's an electrified lure that lights up and makes fishy noises. I had always laughed at electrified lures in saltwater, but this one shut me up. I mean, he had me at snook in back water springs, and then the reds hit it also. (Needless to say, after I got home, I ordered two; I'll keep you posted.) The next thing was what I've been hoping for; we spotted an early cobia in the Inner Bay Area, soo my annual cobia hunt is about to begin. I’ve often commented that they make all these new lures to catch fisherman. Well, they finally caught me! The patterns are in transition, so planning your trip around the tides should lead to a successful trip. Tight lines and good fishing,
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APRIL 2022
NORTH FLORIDA 5
SIZEYour Catch
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nshore patterns begin to stabilize as we head into April. The Spring break madness is in our rearview, and the busy bays of Memorial Day and summer vacations haven’t arrived. This is a small window of fewer boaters and a great time to catch big trout, redfish and all the other inshore species there are wherever you fish. Although traffic will be lighter compared to March and June, we do have to deal with what Mother Nature has presented to us: an abundance of small bait.
By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
PHOTO COURTESY OF CONTROLLED DESCENT LURES
Downsize to
I’d like to offer some tips on how to even the playing field when baitfish are tiny and abundant. During the warming trend of spring, estuaries are filled with the new hatch of minnows, shrimp, mullet and a host of other forage species that trout and reds love to eat. These tiny baitfish are typically found in large schools and are an easy target for game fish. With so much forage available, it makes it difficult to pull fish away and fool them with soft plastic lures, but I have some techniques that help.
You have most likely heard the phrase “match the hatch.” In the spring, there is no more important time to follow that rule. On the flipside, dealing with so much bait blending in may hide your lure in the school. Let’s cover the blending in first, and then I’ll tell you how to subtly stand out to get the strike. For the most part, the juvenile baitfish will be white or silver. I choose soft plastic colors that are transparent, leaning on the clear side, with glitter and, more specifically a holographic glitter. The clear plastics allow you to use a larger lure as compared to the actual live bait size. This allows for better casting, while still matching the hatch since the transparent colors don’t easily display the silhouette or profile of the lure. The holographic just intensifies that theory and can even make one lure appear to be two or three smaller fish. It helps your downsizing cause even more. Here is how to stand out while matching the hatch. Utilizing a noisy or vibrating lure like the Knockin Tail Lure, which has a built-in tail rattle, gives you a little click of the rattle that allows fish to zero in on a small difference while the smaller clear lure blends in with the rest of the natural baitfish. Simply swimming your lure through a school of small minnows gives off the subtle click on a steady retrieve to entice the strike. Give these tactics a try this spring; you will be pleased with the results. Don’t forget to take a kid fishing. You will be surprised what they can teach you when they put the electronics down.
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The Flint River: N AT I V E F I S H I N T H E I R N AT I V E W AT E R S By Nick Carter
T
he fight didn’t last long, maybe a couple of minutes, but it was exciting. Between bulldog runs, the fish broke the surface and walked on water, shaking its head in anger. When Kent Edmonds steered the fish out of the current and brought it to hand, a broad grin broke across the man’s face. He lifted a chunky shoal bass for appraisal before release. It was a decent fish, maybe 14 inches. Still, on a 6-weight fly rod, the strength of the fight rivaled that of a largemouth twice its size. Shoal bass are aggressive and pugnacious. They are an intriguing sport fish native to just one Southeastern river system.
Shoal Bass Fishing for “shoalies” is so much fun. They exhibit the aggression of any black bass, yet their preferred habitat is the swift-water shoals other bass avoid. Like trout, they hover in eddies and dart out to grab prey adrift in the current. They readily attack topwater lures and flies and grow to record weights approaching 9 pounds. Anglers regularly catch 2- to 5-pound shoal bass, and the largest fish reach lengths up to 24 inches. A new Georgia record was caught from the Chattahoochee River near Columbus, Ga. in December. It weighed 8 pounds, 5 ounces. The IGFA world record was an 8-pound, 12-ounce monster caught from Florida’s Apalachicola River. With all that going for it, the relative anonymity of shoal bass is due to geography. There is only one small slice of the world where they exist. The species is native 14 NATIONAL
APRIL 2022
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to the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) River Basin, which drains portions of Georgia and Alabama down to the Gulf of Mexico through the Florida panhandle. They are a very cool fish that would be in serious trouble if not for one stretch of Georgia river. Extensive damming has turned ACF River Basin into a series of reservoirs. Shoal bass still exist in pockets across the entire drainage, but habitat alterations have allowed non-natives like spotted and smallmouth bass to out-compete and interbreed with shoal bass. The upper Flint River is the largest remaining stretch of unaltered native shoal bass habitat. It is arguably the best shoal bass fishery in the world.
The Flint River Edmonds has guided fly fishers on the Flint for about 30 years, and while he won’t admit it, he’s largely responsible for the river’s sterling reputation as a fishery. In rural Upson County, Ga., the Flint is like a snapshot back in time. It twists through pine forests of the middle Georgia countryside, undammed for some 220 miles. There’s a sweet spot for fly fishers in the middle of this long run at a geologic formation known as the Fall Line. The Fall Line is the coastline of an ancient sea that cuts a 20-mile-wide swath of rapid elevation loss across the region. For the Flint, the Fall Line features a 45-mile stretch of river with shoal-broken habitat perfect for wading anglers and shoal bass. Contact Kent Edmonds through his website www.flyfishga.com.
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Join more than 322,000 sharp people who collect stauer knives Well, what I found was a whole lot of trouble. As in 8 feet and 800-pounds of trouble in the form of a grizzly bear. Seems this grumpy fella was out looking for some adventure too. Mr. Grizzly saw me, stood up to his entire 8 feet of ferocity and let out a roar that made my blood turn to ice and my hair stand up. Unsnapping my leather sheath, I felt for my hefty, trusty knife and felt emboldened. I then showed the massive grizzly over 6 inches of 420 surgical grade stainless steel, raised my hands and yelled, "Whoa bear! Whoa bear!" I must have made my point, as he gave me an almost admiring grunt before turning tail and heading back into the woods. I was pretty shaken, but otherwise fine. Once the adrenaline high subsided, I decided I had some work to do back home too. That was more than enough adventure for one day. Our Grizzly Hunting Knife pays tribute to the call of the wild. Featuring stick-tang construction, you can feel confident in the
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PELAGIC HUNTING WITH THE CORRECT TOOLS
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Tim Barefoot
here are correct tools for any project, and we have to use our time wisely. First and foremost, I think water temperature is a key to finding the wahoo and tuna consistently. I know it costs a few bucks, but you can subscribe to some sites (not promoting any here) that will give you a very clear picture of where you can find a degree or two temperature break on the edge. Once you narrow down a distance and heading for the desired water temps, you then need to locate the bait. Granted, there are times when the fish will not be on the bait visible on the recorder or on the surface, but just oriented on structure and/or temperature break. This is when it gets down to visible and electronic hunting. There are electronics available that can locate individual and groups of birds at long distances. This is always a good thing to find. If you have a few birds working an area, chances are they are there because the bait is there. Again, I know this electronic equipment is costly, but it’s yet another tool that can narrow down the search for wahoo, tuna and dolphin.
Then there are tools we possess as humans such as good eyesight (good binoculars) and judgement. If you see a noticeable water color change, birds and/or fish feeding on the surface, weed lines and floating objects, chances are, you’ve found the correct general area. A lot of these floating objects will hold bait and fish, especially wahoo and dolphin. After narrowing down an area where the fish will likely be in due to temperature, depth, structure etc., this is when I prefer to high-speed troll. High-speed trolling is another tool to locate the fish, and not a tool to use all day! This is true for wahoo, especially. Once you get a bite, mark that location on the chart. Now it’s time to go back to that area and go to work on ’em. By this time of day, the sun is up pretty good, and the surface bite might slow down a little bit. Like I’ve always said, the fish don’t have Maui Jim’s shades, so they use depth to get the correct amount of light they want. They look up to see bait at, or near the surface like flyers, tinker, cigs and sardines. They also look down for the squid down deep. This is the reason the planer rod is typically the one that produces in the middle of the day. When the sun is high in the sky, it’s time to go deep with your baits. You can’t always catch them where you want to. You have to catch them where they are... down deep. Visit barefootcatsandtackle.com, and look for “featured video” or Coastal Angler Magazine to see the videos related to this article.
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ason Christie finally did it. In early March, he won the Bassmaster Classic on South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell and was named champion of the biggest event in tournament bass fishing. In two previous Classics, Christie has held the lead headed into the final day of the tournament, once with a more than 6-pound lead and once with a 4-pound lead. Both times he came up short. This year, he found himself tied for the lead with newcomer Kyle Welcher after Day 2. “Honestly, when I was sitting at the door waiting to come in and weigh my fish, I thought I had given it away again,” said Christie. “Stetson Blaylock had just weighed in a big bag, and Kyle Welcher used to be a professional poker player, so I knew he had more than what he was saying. “I knew it was gonna be close. I honestly thought there could be a tie, and that was scary for me because I didn’t have any fish left.” After Welcher weighed in and took over the “Hot Seat” from Stetson Blaylock, who had just weighed the largest bag of the tournament, Welcher and Christie stood side by side as the largest crowd in the event’s history cheered awaiting the final tally. On the stage, Christie’s five-bass limit of 17 pounds, 9 ounces was 5 ounces heavier than Welcher’s bag of 17 pounds 4 ounces. Known as one of the best power-fishermen in the world, Christie utilized a 5/8-ounce War Eagle Jiu-Jigsu Jig with a Yum Craw Chunk in green pumpkin/purple. He used a green pumpkin/orange jig until the final day when he switched to straight green pumpkin because he “banged all of the other ones off docks” until they were unusable. He caught most of his fish on the final day fishing shallow docks in 1 to 3 feet of depth in clearer water where most of the other angler were not fishing. He liked the heavier jig due to its faster rate of fall, which drew reaction strikes. Christie, who returned to the Bassmaster Elite Series a year ago after as short tenure with MLF Fishing, was looking hard for redemption in this year’s Classic. Maybe beginning tied on the final day took some of the pressure off, because the third time was a charm for Christie, who took home a $300,000 purse for his win that pushed his total career earnings to over $1,668,000. Welcher earned $50,000 for finishing second with 53-11, and Blaylock earned $47,000 in third place with 53-5, which includes a $7,000 bonus for his Sunday catch of 20-9 that ranked as the Rapala Monster Bag of the Week. South Carolina pro Brandon Cobb earned $2,500 for overall Berkley Big Bass of the Week with the 6-12 largemouth he caught on Day 2. Phil Wolf is the co-publisher of Coastal Angler Magazine’s Orlando edition.
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1-877-564-6468 Offer Code PKA129-02 Please mention this code when you call.
GovMint.com • 1300 Corporate Center Curve Dept PKA129-02, Eagan, MN 55121
r Dollars 90% Silve ound! by the P
Actual size is 38.1 mm
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aylock nus for Week. ey Big
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BONUS
American Collectors Pack $25 Value–FREE with every order
Dates will vary. GovMint.com® is a retail distributor of coin and currency issues and is not affiliated with the U.S. government. The collectible coin market is unregulated, highly speculative and involves risk. GovMint.com reserves the right to decline to consummate any sale, within its discretion, including due to pricing errors. Prices, facts, figures and populations deemed accurate as of the date of publication but may change significantly over time. All purchases are expressly conditioned upon your acceptance of GovMint.com’s Terms and Conditions (www.govmint.com/terms-conditions or call 1-800-721-0320); to decline, return your purchase pursuant to GovMint.com’s Return Policy. © 2022 GovMint.com. All rights reserved.
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The Return of a Custom Built Quality Outdoor BBQ Products Since 1989
Pig Cookers, Patio Grills, Smokers, Customized BBQ Trailers
For More Info 1-252-236-4464 www.BQGRILLS.com 6043 Hwy 301N, Elm City, NC 22 NATIONAL
APRIL 2022
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“In recent years, a group of international designers and artists has rediscovered the innate modernity of Italian blown glass, turning to Murano as inspiration…” — New York Times, 2020
g Matchilnet e c a r B
FREE The brightly-painted fisherman houses on Burano Island in Venice are the inspiration behind The Murano Rainbow Necklace
Genuine Murano Necklace
only
39!
$
PLUS FREE Bracelet! a $99 value!
Raffinato
™
—Italy
Send Her Over The Rainbow 700-year old legendary art form for the price of your dreams.
N
ow I know how that little farm girl from Kansas felt when she went over the rainbow and awoke in a land of spectacular color. Look what I found in the land of ahhs! Approaching Burano Island off of northern Venice was like being swept away in a dream. Known for its brightly-painted fisherman houses that line the canals, I was greeted with every color of the rainbow. Since before the Venetian Republic, Burano was home to fishermen and legend says that the houses were painted in bright hues so they could see their way home when fog blanketed the lagoon. Inspiration struck. I wanted to capture this historical beauty in the centuries old art form of Murano. Still regarded as being the finest form craftsmanship in the world, Murano has evolved into modern day fashion statements. So I hopped on a vaporetto for a forty minute ride to Venice and sought out the impeccable talents of one of Venice’s finest Murano artisans. They’ve captured the vibrant colors of the iconic fisherman houses in the perfect hand-formed beads of The Rainbow Murano Necklace. To own a piece of authentic Murano is to own a piece of fine art steeped in history. Each and every piece is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. I want to make it easy for you to send her over the rainbow. That’s why for a limited time you can treat her to the The Murano Rainbow
Necklace for only $39. And, to help you double down on romance, I’ll throw in the matching bracelet absolutely FREE! As one of the largest importers of handcrafted Italian jewelry, we have a way of making dreams that you dare to dream come true. Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Enjoy the Murano Rainbow Necklace for 30 days. If it doesn’t pass with flying colors, send it back for a full refund of the item price. You can even keep the bracelet for your trouble. Limited Reserves. You could easily pay $300 or more for a Murano glass bead necklace, but at $39 PLUS a FREE bracelet, these authentic handcrafted pieces won’t last. For a remarkable deal, there’s no place like Raffinato. Jewelry Specifications: • Made in Italy of genuine Murano • Necklace: 23”L; Bracelet: 7”L; Lobster clasps Murano Rainbow Necklace $199 $39* + S&P Receive the FREE matching bracelet with your purchase of the Necklace — a $99 value! *Special price only for customers using the offer code.
1-888-444-5949
Your Insider Offer Code: RFW154-01
Raffinato, 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. RFW154-01, Burnsville, MN 55337 www.raffinatoitaly.com
Raffinato™ |
I M P E C C A B L E I TA L I A N D E S I G N A N D C R A F T S M A N S H I P
KEEP IT GENUINE PRECISION PROTECTION
Whether you take your boat out to the lake or the ocean, your 4-stroke outboard needs ECSTAR Suzuki Semi-Synthetic Engine Oil so it can run long and strong. ECSTAR features special additives that protect the engine in harsh salt and fresh water environments, advanced detergents that keep engine parts clean, and viscosity index improvements that help the engine start in cold conditions. No matter where your next boat ride
RUN LONG. RUN CLEAN. RUN STRONG.
Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-Approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. Suzuki, the Suzuki “S” ECSTAR and Suzuki model and product names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. © 2021 Suzuki Marine USA, LLC.
SZ Q3 ECSTAR HALF HORIZONTAL CSTL ANGLR 7-16-21.indd 1
24 NATIONAL
APRIL 2022
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
7/16/2021 9:56:33 AM
PARTING WATERS
LIKE NO OTHER INNOVATION DRIVES SUZUKI ON THE WATER Unparalleled throttle response and silky-smooth shifting along with the outboard industry’s first Contrarotating Dual–Prop design, the 350hp outboard is in a class of it’s own. With Suzuki Marine’s reputation for performance and reliability, you can rest assured your boating day is going to make memories that will last for years to come.
YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
5 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY applies to qualifying purchases of Suzuki outboard motors sold and delivered to the retail purchaser, for pleasure (non-commercial) use only, from April 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. See Suzuki Limited Warranty for additional details. Suzuki, the “S” logo, and Suzuki model and product names are Suzuki Trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2022 Suzuki Marine USA, LLC. All rights reserved.
GEICO.COM/BOAT • 1-800-865-4846 • LOCAL OFFICE GREAT LOW RATES | MULTI-VEHICLE DISCOUNT | SPECIALIZED AGENTS Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2022 GEICO. 21_782312631