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PHOTO CREDIT: BEAN SPORTFISHING, LLC INSTAGRAM: @BNMBEAN VOLUME 26 • ISSUE 321
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F R A N C H I S E
O P P O R T U N I T I E S
A V A I L A B L E
DECEMBER 2021
W O R L D W I D E
INTRODUCING MEGA JACKPLATE
ENGINEERED TO HANDLE THE STRONGEST OUTBOARD ENGINES ON THE MARKET Today’s engine manufacturers are building engines that are more powerful and heavier than ever before. Dometic’s new Mega Jackplate has been developed to withstand the power of high performance engines and provide boaters with the ability to maximize the output of their engines while offering more flexibility in shallow water. The Mega Jackplate is rated to 600 HP and is an extension of our existing product line. It will be offered in 6”, 8” and 10” setbacks. There will be 2 versions available, a standard bolt pattern designed to fit engines like Yamaha XTO and a wide bolt pattern designed to fit Merc 500/600.
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he market’s swimming with overpriced dive watches. We’re here to tell you those guys are all wet. At Stauer our philosophy is everyone deserves the best without having to dig deep into their pockets. We’ve been in the watch industry for decades and know more than a thing or two about getting the ultimate bang for our buck— which means we can pass the fruits of our know-how onto our clients. Case in point: The Explorer Dive Watch. This tough-as-nails sophisticate would cost you in the thousands if you got it from a high-end retailer that’s really in the business of selling a big name more than a quality watch. We keep the big names out of the equation so we can price this top-notch timepiece for just $99 –– a price that let’s you dive in and have enough left over for an excursion or two...or three. You’re getting a lot for your money with this watch. The Explorer is the perfect companion in any locale–– whether you’re exploring coral reefs or investigating the rum options at a beachside bar. With a case, band and crown of stainless steel, this watch is built to last, and its water resistance rating of 20 ATM means it can handle most of your aquatic adventures to a depth of 678 feet. The striking metallic blue face reflects the “...dive watches feel authentic—they project an air of necessity which other categories of timepieces simply fail to match” —Hodinhee.com
deep waters it was designed to explore and it’s sporty screw-down crown can take the pressure in stride. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you are not completely convinced you got excellence for less, simply return the Explorer Dive Watch within 30 days for a refund of the item price. At Stauer, we never leave our customers high and dry. Limited Edition. Sure you could give your hard-earned money to those other guys, but why would you? We’ve got the thinking man’s timepiece right here. This watch takes six months to engineer and it’s already making waves, so we can’t guarantee it will be around for long. Call today, and experience how good it feels to get true luxury for less.
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LOAD THE BOAT WITH
WINTER CRAPPIE
T
ake a look at what guide Tony Adams does during the winter on Alabama’s Lake Eufaula. With all the slab crappie he catches this time of year, it’s worth considering a fish fry for Christmas or New Year’s festivities. Gone are the days when crappie fishing was a springtime-only endeavor. Anglers have figured out how to pattern these swimming fish sandwiches year-round, and Adams has them dialed in on Eufaula. It’s a pattern that probably translates well to many reservoirs across the South. Lake Eufaula is an impoundment of the Chattahoochee River that stretches out to more than 45,000 acres on the southern end of the Alabama/Georgia border. Centered around the town Eufaula, Ala., hard winter is usually shortlived. Instead of being hunkered down in the depths this time of year, Eufaula crappie are still in a fall feed-up mode. “Lake Eufaula doesn’t get as cold as a lot of lakes. They’re chasing shad in the mouths of the creeks or on the flats in 8 to 10 feet of water,” Adams said. “It’s one of the best times of year to catch bigger fish. They’ve pushed up out of
By TAM Staff
the depths to feed and put on fat to take them through the winter into the spawn.” Adams said loading a cooler with fillets can be pretty easy in these conditions. The fish might be as scattered as crappie get, but they are actively feeding. This makes catching them easy once you find them. Adams has a milk-run of brush piles in different locations and depths. His Humminbird electronics tell him quickly whether or not a location is holding fish. Once fish are located, most of Adam’s clients prefer to fish old school. Jigs catch fish, he said, but most of his anglers prefer fishing minnows the way their grandfathers taught them. Adams’ War Eagle boat is equipped with three Hi-Tek rod holders in front of each angler’s seat. His 10-foot B‘n’M rods are rigged with spinning reels and 6-pound high-visibility line. On the business end, he ties on a No. 2 hook for a lip-hooked minnow and pinches a splitshot about a foot up the line. He Spot-Locks the trolling motor over active brush and lets his anglers go to work tightlining. Sometimes, when it’s windy, he’ll add another split-shot to keep the lines from bowing.
“If you fish all three rods at different depths, you can figure out what depth they’re biting at,” Adams said. “Then you can leave all your baits at that depth.” Anglers should watch rod tips, of course, but keeping an eye on that high-vis. line is also important. Sometimes fish swim up after eating, and you’ll only notice that by watching the line. Give Adams a call if you’d rather be heating up oil than a grill on New Year’s Day. Contact Tony Adams through his Facebook page—Gone Fishing With Tony—or by calling him at (334) 695-3003.
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DECEMBER 2021
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EASY FISHING AND FAST LIMITS OUT OF
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ish are everywhere in the Florida Keys. From big pelagics on offshore humps to vast backcountry flats teeming with tarpon and permit, the options are so varied that decisionmaking can be difficult. Throw in wrecks, reefs, bridges and ledges, and one boat just isn’t enough to do it all. If you wanted to experience all the fishing the Keys have to offer, you’d need several different types of vessels. Joel Brandenburg, of Ana Banana Fishing Company, understands this. Based in Marathon, he’s pulled together a fleet of boats and the captains to fish it all. With five boats ranging from a 53-foot Hatteras to a 24-foot Hanson, they are equipped to chase big game at the famous Marathon Humps and beyond, and also to fish skinny backwater flats and everything in between. The options are enough to make a visiting angler’s head spin, but Joel will be your guide. Putting clients on fish runs in his blood. When his son Jojo Brandenburg earned a master captains license about five years ago, it extended the family business into its third generation. They’ve had a “no-fish, no-pay” policy for more than 20 years, and in all that time they’ve only had to honor it three times. Joel certainly dialed up a good option when I contacted him on short notice this fall. I was looking for a quick half-day while on family vacation in Islamorada. With the winds up on the Atlantic, he suggested a backcountry trip. We’d trade the excitement of blackfin tuna, mahi mahi and sailfish for fast snapper action. That was just fine with
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By Nick Carter
my 10-year-old son and me. Back home, the boy is a bream slayer. “It’s like crappie fishing on steroids,” Joel said as he lowered a chum bag off the stern. We had run 13 miles over skinny water into Florida Bay to anchor off a small wooded island called East Bahia Honda. The boat bobbed at the edge of a deep channel that cuts through the flat like a green vein. The action began immediately. On light tackle, we pitched baits and hauled in mangrove snappers as quickly as we could turn to get another pilchard or ballyhoo chunk from first-mate Eddie Traylor. With a five-fish limit per person, we threw back a bunch of fish and filled the cooler with a quick limit of the chunkiest mangos. Then we bumped around a while, waiting for the tide to turn and throwing Cuda Tubes to wood structure. Casting and working a lure for the visual thrill of a barracuda streaking from cover is a lot of fun. It was tough to put the rods down when Joel suggested we go check out the bridge. On the way in, we got a good look at an endangered hawksbill sea turtle. Anchored near Fred—the storied Australian pine tree that grows from the roadbed of the Old Seven Mile Bridge—we chummed and pitched pilchards into the tide that rushed between pilings. Joel knew we’d get into some yellowtail snapper, and he was hoping for some yellow jacks and maybe a big shark. “Best as I can tell, yellow jacks started showing up around here about 12 to 15 years ago,” Joel said. “I’m happy to have them. They fight like jack crevalle and taste like tuna.” Yellow jacks average 5 pounds around the bridges, but they reach weights in the 15-
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S T s to 20-pound range, Joel said. We didn’t boat any yellow jacks, but a big jack crevalle ran the boy around the rails twice, and a nice mutton snapper went into the box along with some keeper yellowtails. When the bite slowed, Joel took us to the docks at Castaway Watefront Restaurant in Marathon with a lot more than a fish supper. They’ll cook your catch any way you want, and it was the perfect end to a day on the water. If you’re looking for a winter get-away, it’s hard to beat winter fishing in the Keys. Joel said they’re targeting sailfish and blackfin tuna and high-speed trolling for wahoo right now. Snapper, grouper and other species are biting on the wrecks, reefs, ledges, bridges and flats. The cobia will show up on the Gulf side in January and February.
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Contact Ana Banana Fishing Company through their website at anabananafishing.com.
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ON THE DEERFIELD BEACH PIER By James P. Goss
A
s a small South Florida city, Deerfield Beach has many notable attractions. One of them is the International Fishing Pier. Depending on the season, schools of small fish cluster among the pilings, while along the ocean bottom stingrays, tarpon, turtles and moon jellyfish swim slowly by. Schools of baitfish swirl below and cloud the water. On some mornings, the outer end of the pier is crowded with fishermen, hunched over the railings with their tackle and gear. Down below, the small bodies of fish fleck the water with silver, while larger fish breach the surface in a slow curving motion. If there is a noticeable shift of energy in the air, this usually means some very large fish have arrived. This day, the excitement builds quickly when the
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bonita are running. “Vinny, can we get a line soon?” a fisherman asked one recent morning. Vinny is a large man—larger than most of the others standing nearby. A bright bandana wrapped low on his forehead, Vinnie focused on his fishing line sloping over the railing, where it sagged into the water. Nearby, the fishermen’s casts made a low whir, followed by a faint tuck, tuck as lures dropped beneath the water’s surface. The sound shifted as the mood in the air changed, from mild indifference to anticipation to high animation. A man in flip-flops ran toward the fishermen huddled near the hut. The men were gathering more closely together, their five-gallon buckets, tackle boxes, nets, buoys, rolling bait tanks, coolers, and various unused fishing rods standing at the ready nearby. On a bollard, a curious grackle pecked at a plastic bag of shrimp. “Get back! Get back! Get back!” one man shouted, his voice full of urgency, while another wheeled his cart of bucket and fishing rods toward the focal point of activity. Two fishermen had reeled in a bonita, which flopped desperately on the sun-splashed deck. A grizzled fisherman in the crowd spoke to his friend, a middle-aged woman with a towel draped over her head. “I want you to take this fish home to your mother,” he said, approaching the two anglers, offering pliers to cut the lure. Perhaps he knew the two men. Or he was somehow skilled enough to strike a quick arrangement with them: the gift of their catch. “It’s good to do things for others,” he said to the woman. When she asked what kind of fish it was, he told her, “It’s a bonita,” adding a translation: “Beautiful.” Carrying the dead fish in a plastic bag, the woman left the pier to walk into town. The mood on the pier remained energized. More fish were caught, the bonita piling up. A man yelled, “I’ve never seen so many fish on one pier!” An online fishing report said that boat catches offshore in varied depths of water were netting swordfish and mahi-mahi. And on the pier, the fishermen continued to feel the optimism that accompanies a beautiful day on the water.
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For information, go to www.deerfield-beach.com.
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has turned into a full-on quest, in which Storin (a.k.a. Bean) designed his own micro-rod and is using it to catch some impressive fish. “We were bored during covid, and we took out a bunch of those little ice fishing rods,” he said. “We wanted to see if we could maybe catch a tarpon with them.” Viewers of Storin’s Youtube channel, Bean Screen TV, ate it up. It was entertaining, and it spurred Bean to design his own Bean Pole, which he sells on his website beansportfishing.com. “It’s so fun. No matter what, the rod just bends and it won’t break,” Bean said. “As long as you’ve got the right line on it, you can land almost any fish in the ocean with it if you’ve got enough patience and fishing skill. “No matter what you hook, it feels like a monster,” he continued. “You could hook a 12-inch mangrove snapper, and it feels like a monster.” But Bean wasn’t content with mangos. He wants to test the limits of his new rods on true monsters of the deep. Bean Poles are intentionally noodle-stick flexible. He said the key to the design process was “to make them as bendy as possible, so they don’t break.” The reel seats, however, are designed to hold some serious gear. Bean usually fishes a 4,000-size spinning reel with 20-pound braid, but he’s gone as heavy as a 6,000-size reel and 60-pound line when pursuing big tarpon and sharks. He said the rod is capable of holding a 10,000-size spinning reel for folks who might want even heavier tackle. So far, Bean has caught tarpon close to 100 pounds, an 8-foot lemon shark, keeper cobia, giant barracuda, king mackerel, a 30-plus-pound By CAM Staff African pompano, blackfin tuna, mahi-mahi, juvenile goliath grouper and more with the Bean Pole. “The next thing we want to do is catch a sailfish,” he said… “and a giant goliath grouper.” In case you were wondering, Bean has normal gear, and he doesn’t force charter clients to fish Bean Poles. He does, however, keep one on e’ve heard of fishing light tackle, but this seems a little board… just in case. ridiculous… ridiculously fun! Capt. Brandon Storin, who fishes out of the legendary Bud Contact Brandon “Bean” Storin through his website N’ Mary’s Marina in Islamorada, Fla. has taken light tackle fishing to the beansportfishing.com, and check out his YouTube channel, extreme. What started as a lark—toying with ice fishing rods in the Keys— Bean Screen TV, to see the Bean Pole in action.
FISH RIDICULOUSLY LIGHT TACKLE
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FLORIDA 2021
LOCATION 7
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Coming to Orlando Jan. 5-7
S
urf Expo is gearing up for its upcoming in-person trade show to be held Jan. 5-7, 2022 in Orlando, Fla. at the West Hall of the Orange County Convention Center. Surf Expo’s January show has become known as a one-stop shop to preview and get a first-hand look at the latest and greatest apparel and accessories that will lead the industry in 2022. A few of the brands featured in the Bluewater section are AFTCO, HUK, Pure Lure, Reel Life, Jeep by Buck Wear, Fish Hard Gear, Boat Builders Trading, Saltwater Born, Habit Outdoors, Fish Hard Gear, Unsalted Coast and Marsh Wear. Other brands in the show include Salty Crew, Costa, AVID, ANETIK, REEL Skipper, Chums, SMITH Optica, Aqualung, O’Neill and many more. There are quite a few new brands you’ll find in Bluewater making their Surf Expo debut, including Bajio eyewear, Fireside Outdoor, Red Bobber Fishing Gear, Kahuna Wagons, RUMPLE and more. The Bluewater section was designed with the buyer in mind—so they can see all the key inshore and offshore apparel and accessory brands in one location. They’ll find products ranging from lifestyle and technical apparel to footwear, outerwear, sportswear, t-shirts, sunglasses, outdoor apparel and gear and lots more.
Steven “Fish” Fisher, Surf Expo’s senior buyer relations manager works directly with buyers from marinas, outfitters, boat dealers and bait and tackle shops. “There’s a definite need for product. People from Florida and across the U.S. as well as the Caribbean, Puerto Rico and all over the globe are registering and excited to come,” he said. “We staged two safe and successful shows in 2021, and we’ll continue to evolve our health and safety plan to keep those practices in place as we head into 2022 shows,” said Roy Turner, Surf Expo show director. “We want our exhibiting brands and retailers to feel confident in returning to our show. Surf Expo will continue to assemble the right mix of brands, new products and events for inspiration and camaraderie that can’t be produced digitally.” Features of the show will include the Bluewater Lounge, plus fashion shows, live seminars, the Surf Expo Industry Party and happy hours. Surf Expo will be announcing its full line up of special events in the coming weeks. Registration is free for qualified buyers. For more information, contact steven.fisher@surfexpo.com. For more information on the upcoming show, visit www.surfexpo.com.
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J22_SurfExpo_Coastal_Angler_FPFinal.pdf
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JANUARY 5-7, 2022 ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER WEST CONCOURSE ORLANDO, FL
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By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
witnessed a scenario a few weeks ago that when analyzed might help us all catch more fish. I was fishing a familiar cove, drifting my kayak across grass flats mixed in with sand potholes. This area typically holds clear water, and on low-wind days such as this, it should have been exceptionally clear. The farther I drifted across the area, the more I noticed dinginess in the water. This area of the cove had a small island perpendicular with the shoreline and a 15-yard gap in between. I saw small mullet pushing up on the edge of the island. At that point, I decided to anchor my kayak and work the area thoroughly with my rattling soft-plastic paddletail. This area was 1 to 2 feet deep and mostly carpeted with grass with just a few sand potholes. To keep from fouling my jig on the grass, I was burning the lure just under the surface. I unexpectedly hooked up with a nice redfish that came out of the water to inhale my copper and silver soft plastic! Due to the redfish mouth being on the bottom of their head, they put on a nice show while attacking a lure on or near the surface. I caught a dozen or so reds in this area using the same retrieve, and about half of them came out of the water or created a whitewater attack to strike. I was also able to sight cast to a few that swam through in groups of two or three. As the bite started to taper, I noticed the water had begun to clear up. This led me analyze the situation a little more. This area is not known for a lot of tidal movement, and typically you can’t see the water move, as was the case on this day. However, the tide was incoming, which created the silty water, and this slight movement was also pushing the small mullet against the island. Once the water cleared, I realized the tide had slowed or stopped, and as that happened the mullet began to scatter through the cove. I still managed to pick up a few more reds and some trout, but not until I started to drift other areas of the cove. Hindsight is 20/20, and I didn’t put all the pieces together until the end, but it was a great lesson I will use in the future. Even though I could not see the movement of the water, the dirty water was a clear sign of the incoming tide. The bait was reacting to the rising water, and that’s the reason the fish were feeding in that area. I hope this story helps you out in the future. I will remember what I learned that day and apply it. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures, Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
COASTAL ANGLER North Central Florida/Nature Coast
DECEMBER 2021 EDITION
Find Your Outdoors Here!
Cary & Lynn Crutchfield
North Central Florida Nature Coast Staff
ALACHUA, MARION, COLUMBIA, GILCHRIST, BRADFORD, DIXIE, LEVY, CITRUS
Cary Crutchfield
F
DECEMBER
a-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la and Merry Christmas. If you don’t celebrate Christmas, we wish you Happy Holidays of your choice. That being said, however you celebrate, please stay smart and stay safe. Protect yourself, the ones you love and even those you do not know. I love December and the holidays and grateful for the vaccine that enables us to get back to somewhat normal activities. We will however, only be in close contact with others who are also vaccinated. Christmas 2021 will certainly be an improvement over Christmas 2020, and maybe by Christmas 2022 (if everyone gets vaccinated) Covid will only be a sad memory. See page 2 for new advertising partner, Set the Hook. They are an authorized Minn Kota service center, located in Crystal River. Be sure to tell them that I sent you. This month’s recipe Marvelous Mangrove Snapper, also on page 2, is really good, came together quickly and would impress dinner guests. I served with green beans and my wild and white rice pilaf, always a favorite. See page 5 for info on ordering Dr. Kevin McCarthy’s Christmas book, How Saint Nicholas became Santa Claus. Great gift idea! Have you thought about gifting your favorite fisherman/woman, with a guided fishing trip with one of our knowledgeable, experienced (and fun!) guides? It would be a much-appreciated gift for your special fisherperson. Let me know who you choose and send photos! As always, please thank the folks at the business where you picked up the world’s greatest FREE fishing magazine, and don’t forget to visit our advertising partners. Again, we wish you a safe and happy 2021 holiday season, hopefully spending some time on the water with your loved ones. 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 Capt. Jason Clark Capt. Katie Jo Davis Capt. 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
MAGNIFICENT MANGROVE SNAPPER
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n (H C in A.D south and s burie map) of the
Thank you to The Crab Plant for the snapper. Visit their Fresh Seafood Market or enjoy Cooked Seafood to go. You are welcome to sit at their table and view beautiful Kings Bay while you enjoy your delicious, freshly prepared meal, watching manatees, dolphins, pelicans and boats. Or, you can carry it home; your choice. Open Tues-Thurs 10:00-5:30, Fri-Sat 10:00-8:00. 201 NW 5th St. Crystal River 352-795-4700.
TIDES • North Central Florida Time Height
1W
2Th
3F 4Sa
5Su
6M
7Tu
8W
5:20 AM 11:44 AM 5:26 PM 11:14 PM 6:13 AM 12:45 PM 6:16 PM 11:54 PM 7:03 AM 1:39 PM 7:02 PM 12:35 AM 7:51 AM 2:31 PM 7:45 PM 1:16 AM 8:38 AM 3:21 PM 8:28 PM 1:58 AM 9:24 AM 4:10 PM 9:11 PM 2:43 AM 10:12 AM 4:57 PM 9:58 PM 3:32 AM 10:59 AM 5:41 PM 10:49 PM
0.0 3.2 1.0 3.7 -0.6 3.3 1.1 3.9 -1.0 3.4 1.2 4.1 -1.3 3.4 1.3 4.2 -1.4 3.3 1.4 4.3 -1.3 3.1 1.4 4.1 -1.0 2.9 1.4 3.9 -0.6 2.8 1.4
HERNANDO BEACH
DECEMBER 2021
9
Time Height
4:26 AM 11:46 AM 6:25 PM 11:48 PM 10F 5:28 AM 12:36 PM 7:12 PM 11Sa 12:57 AM 6:43 AM 1:32 PM 8:06 PM 12Su 2:23 AM 8:22 AM 2:36 PM 9:01 PM 13M 3:46 AM 10:02 AM 3:38 PM 9:50 PM 14Tu 4:52 AM 11:19 AM 4:33 PM 10:33 PM 15W 5:45 AM 12:17 PM 5:22 PM 11:12 PM 16Th 6:29 AM 1:03 PM 6:06 PM 11:48 PM
3.6 -0.2 2.7 1.3 3.1 0.3 2.7 1.2 2.7 0.7 2.7 1.0 2.4 1.0 2.8 0.7 2.4 1.2 3.0 0.3 2.5 1.3 3.2 -0.1 2.7 1.4 3.3 -0.4 2.8 1.4 3.5
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
17F 18Sa
19Su
20M
21Tu
22W
23Th
24F
7:06 AM 1:42 PM 6:46 PM 12:22 AM 7:41 AM 2:17 PM 7:22 PM 12:54 AM 8:13 AM 2:51 PM 7:57 PM 1:26 AM 8:45 AM 3:24 PM 8:32 PM 1:59 AM 9:16 AM 3:56 PM 9:06 PM 2:34 AM 9:49 AM 4:28 PM 9:43 PM 3:12 AM 10:24 AM 5:00 PM 10:24 PM 3:55 AM 11:01 AM 5:34 PM 11:12 PM
-0.6 2.9 1.4 3.5 -0.8 2.9 1.4 3.6 -0.8 2.9 1.4 3.6 -0.8 2.9 1.3 3.6 -0.7 2.8 1.3 3.6 -0.7 2.8 1.2 3.5 -0.6 2.8 1.2 3.3 -0.4 2.8 1.1
Time Height
25Sa 4:46 AM 11:43 AM 6:13 PM 26Su 12:08 AM 5:48 AM 12:31 PM 6:59 PM 27M 1:18 AM 7:06 AM 1:30 PM 7:52 PM 28Tu 2:39 AM 8:46 AM 2:38 PM 8:48 PM 29W 3:54 AM 10:20 AM 3:46 PM 9:43 PM 30Th 5:00 AM 11:40 AM 4:48 PM 10:34 PM 31F 5:59 AM 12:45 PM 5:46 PM 11:21 PM
3.1 -0.1 2.8 1.0 2.9 0.2 2.9 0.8 2.6 0.5 3.0 0.5 2.4 0.8 3.1 0.0 2.5 1.0 3.3 -0.5 2.7 1.2 3.6 -1.0 2.8 1.3 3.8
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
DECEMBER 2021
Lynn Crutchfield, Co-Publisher Coastal Angler Magazine of North Central Florida
COOKING DIRECTIONS
INGREDIENTS
In small bowl, mix Parmesan, butter, 3 tbsp. green onion, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and hot sauce if using.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan • ¼ cup softened butter • 3 Tbsp. chopped green onion, plus more for garnish • 3 Tbsp. mayonnaise • 2 Tbsp. Lemon juice • ¼ tsp. salt • 1 dash of hot pepper sauce (optional) • 2 lb. Mangrove Snapper fillets (or grouper, halibut or cod) • Black pepper for garnish
Preheat oven to 450 F. Line a 10 X 15-inch baking pan with foil. (If fillets are skinless, spray foil with cooking spray. If skin is still on fillets, skip the spray. The skin will stick to the pan, and you can lift the fish right off, leaving the skin behind.)
Place fish on pan. Bake until fish flakes easily with a fork, 10 to 12 min. depending on thickness of fillets. Spread Parmesan mixture on fish and broil until topping is bubbly and lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Garnish with green onion and black pepper. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
By
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FLORIDA WATERWAYS Santa Claus and Fishermen
I
n writing a book about Santa Claus (How St. Nicholas Became Santa Claus), I learned that he was born in A.D. 280 in the town of Patara in southern Asia Minor/present-day Turkey, and served as a bishop, died, and was buried in Myra to the east of there (see map). When the Seljuks, the predecessors of the Ottoman Turks, conquered much of Asia Minor from the Byzantines and established an empire in the eleventh century, many in the country By Kevin McCarthy feared that the Moslems would conquer the whole country, which they eventually did. The fear among Christians about what fate lay ahead of them and their shrines as the Moslems took over the country, forced many Christians to move away and take their shrines with them. In 1087, merchants and fishermen from the Italian city of Bari (see map), on their way home from trading in the Middle East, went to Myra on the southern coast of Asia Minor and stole the bones of St. Nicholas on the pretext of saving them from desecration, and because European cities desired the relics of saints. When the fishermen and merchants arrived in Bari with the bones of St. Nicholas, the townspeople built a very large basilica to house those bones, a basilica that attracted thousands of pilgrims from all over Europe who wanted to venerate those relics. Russian Orthodox believers built a nine-foot-tall statue of the saint outside the basilica. To this day, St. Nicolas is honored in both the Western Christian Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church, something that the basilica represents by having the upper altar represent the Catholic (Western) Church and the lower
Map of southern Asia Minor Map showing Bari, Italy altar represent the Orthodox (Eastern Church). Pilgrims to Bari took the veneration of St. Nicholas throughout Europe and eventually across the Atlantic to the New World, where Americans embraced and embellished the December 25th holiday. Floridians in particular, seemed to like the holiday, especially those from the cold north, and named an island Wisteria or Christmas Tree Island near Key West, Christmas Tree Island near Key West and also named a fort Christmas, which became a popular town near Orlando. How Floridians have adapted Christmas customs to our sunny state with boat races, sand sculptures, arrival of Santa by boat or seaplane, and specially cooked meals like oysters, will have to wait for another time. And all because some Italian fishermen stole the relics of St. Nicholas from an old tomb in southern Santa’s sled pulled by fish Book about St. Nicholas Asia Minor.
Kevin McCarthy, the author of How St. Nicholas Became Santa Claus (2020) and Christmas in Florida (2000) – both available at amazon.com, can be reached at ceyhankevin@gmail.com.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM DECEMBER 2021
Santa’s sled pulled by fish NORTH DECEMBER CENTRAL 2021 FLORIDA/NATURE BREVARD/VOLUSIA COAST 3
KATIE JO’S NATURE COAST ADVENTURES
D A
s we enter the holiday season, grouper season starts to really heat up along Florida's Nature Coast. With the colder water temperatures, gag grouper have moved into 5 to 20 feet of water, where they are found on rock piles. Casting a diving plug to the rock a few times offers a great pull on the other end of the line, and is almost impossible for a grouper to resist. Dead herring is also another great option freelined to the rock pile. Just remember, hang on tight and be ready to pump and reel. The redfish are found in higher concentrated numbers further back in the creeks where the mud and oyster bars warm up faster from the sun. I typically search for mullet swirls on top of the bar and throw a mud minnow on a 1/16-ounce jig head with a float to keep the minnow from swimming down to the rocks. Many of the bigger mangrove
snapper and sheepshead will be moving into the rivers, where they can be found under lower hanging trees into the water. Shrimp are a favorite food and there may even be snook lying down underneath with them. Snook season has already closed, but they still put up a great fight on the line. Capt. Katie Jo Davis www.fishcrystalriverflorida.com 772-882-8932
ENGLISH.BRAD@YAHOO.COM 24304 NW 182ND AVE. HIGH SPRINGS, FL 32643 4 NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST
DECEMBER 2021
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
ec ha fishing have co drop. F can be redfish fishing year. A (which minus Ozello in the m on shal Free lin DOA C weedle Trou the rive concen rock gr work, b throwin bait in nose ho might l both op If th will sta bends i for sna and bla
HOMOSASSA
D
ecember is already here! This year has really flown by. December fishing can be lots of fun. We should have consistent cold fronts starting to drop. Fishing In between these fronts can be rewarding. Sight fishing for redfish for my fly fisherman, or spin fishing, can be awesome this time of the year. After a front brings blue bird skies (which is a sight-fisherman’s dream, minus the wind!) look for areas like Ozello or Chassahowitzka for redfish in the middle of the day, to warm up on shallow, yellow, hard bottom areas. Free lined shrimp, gurgler flies or DOA C.A.L. Shad rigged on weighted weedless hooks can be deadly. Trout will be moving closer to the river mouths, but will still be concentrated to yellow bottom with rock grass. DOA cork rigs will still work, but if the tide is really low, try throwing the DOA C.A.L.5.5-inch jerk bait in glow, or glow with gold belly nose hooked on a 3/0 j hook. They might like a slower action, and with both options you can fish slowly. If the weather is too bad, the rivers will start having some action. Look for bends in the river on the rocky points for snapper, redfish, sheepshead, trout and black drum. Shrimp rigged on a jig
head will keep you busy. Mirror Deans in these same areas could bring you success with snook as well! December will be the last month to harvest grouper. Grouper fishing should still be good through the end of the season. Mid 60s water temperatures should be ideal for shallow water grouper fishing. With the cooler water temps, the floating grass should be limited and will allow for more trolling and casting shallow plugs. Make sure to keep an eye out on crab traps and buoys for triple tail. November was a cooler than the norm November for us, and water temps are already diving down to the mid 60s. If we continue to have this pattern, sheepshead could start moving to the nearshore rocks later in the month, but we never know what kind of December we will have. New moon is December 4th and the Full Moon is December 19th. Hopefully you will get to spend some quality time with family and loved ones during the Holidays. Maybe even get out on the water! Merry Christmas Capt. Stump 352-403-2073 www.captainjhamilton.com
TALES FROM THE TUPPERWARE NAVY W elcome back yak fans. This month, skinny water, Indian Bay and my search for sheepies, but first wishing all y’all Merry Christmas for the twelfth time. That’s right; I’ve been sharing my stories in CAM for going on twelve years, but that’s not all, my daughter is getting married. Woo-Woo! On a personal note, I’m hitting one of those “big” birthdays; yep 70, and they said I would never make it to 30. Looking back, I don’t know how I made it either! The winter cycle is here in full force with minus 4 to minus 9-foot tides, which means I get to drag the yak a lot more than usual. Heck, if you don't time it right, just finding a usable launch site is tough. For those intrepid souls (in my case, sometimes pronounced "stupid ") they offer a whole new fishing experience. I mean, how often you get to see a bay disappear. Besides all the extra cardio I get from dragging the yak, there is a payoff at the end. #1 You really get to know the layout and cuts where the natural dips and holes are on a negative tide and you usually have the whole area to yourself, because nobody else can run that skinny. #2 The payoff. Big tide movements bring everybody out of the backwater, and if you time it right, and know your area, you will be sitting there when they come out. If you get lucky, you may catch a school heading out, work your way out with them, and throw to the edges (not the middle). This will keep from spooking the school and give you more time to work.
My last trip was to the North end of Indian Bay in Aripeka, and other than a couple of missteps, I dragged the kayak to the back behind Indian Key to check two holes, but they were empty. So, then I got to drag the kayak back out, in (of course) even less water. My excuse? I thought there would be fish back there, didn’t even play well with me after dragging the kayak the length of a football field. Oh well! I finally got back into enough water to paddle, and the trick at the low tide is to figure out where they went to wait for the incoming tide. Sometimes you get lucky, and they stack up in a small depression and you will see the pressure waves and tails as they feed. This is when all the work pays off. I work the area with soft plastics at top water, or bait and let the fun begin. The bite usually slows down at the bottom of the tide and will pick up again as you start to get a decent incoming flow, then you do it all over again in the other direction. I picked up 10 reds last time on both sides of the tide, so don't be afraid of those negative tides just learn how to use them. Almost forgot, the annual sheepshead run is happening in the flats and canals near you. I've had many reports of big ones hanging out by the docks and tailing in the flats. More on that next month. Till next time Bruce Butler | "Stumbling Gypsy" (352) 428-5347 Bruce@IndianBayOutfitters.com Web: www.IndianBayOutfitters.com
Jamey Gage caught this 40-inch cobia in Crystal River. He was fishing with a light trout rod and a 3000 Penn reel while jigging for trout in about seven feet of water. It took him about 45 minutes to land this beauty.
A GIFT SUGGESTION How St. Nicholas Became Santa Claus by Dr. Kevin McCarthy
The book explains how Europeans, and later Americans, transformed St. Nicholas, from a beloved saint of the Orthodox Religion, into Santa Claus, one of the most recognizable figures in the whole world. Available at Amazon.com.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
DECEMBER 2021
NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST 5
CEDAR KEY
420 Dock Street Cedar Key, FL 32625 352-543-5142 steamerscedarkey.com info@steamerscedarkey.com Like us on Facebook! We will cook your catch. We serve fresh local Cedar Key oysters and clams. Try our delicious Gator. We get it directly from the Gator Man himself.
Happy Hour Monday-Friday 3pm-7pm 2-4-1 Wells 1/2 Price Wine $2.50 Bud Light, Miller Lite, Yuengling
H
ey everyone, it's that time of year again, when low tide looks a lot like mud, buy don't let that discourage you; there's still plenty of fish out there! Here lately, low tide had been our friend; it's been pooling the fish in areas that still hold water and well.... it's like shooting fish in a barrel. Our bait selection this time of year had been C & M custom baits soft plastic and some of their hard plastic baits, along with gold spoons and of course, the ole faithful
popping cork with live shrimp. So, like I said, don't let that mud discourage you! Get out here, find some water and you'll find the fish! Until next month, stay safe out there. Capt. Jason Clark In The Slot Fishing Charters 352-639-3209 www.intheslotfishing.com Check out our new Popping Cork line at. www.intheslotfishing.com/ william-wade-tackle.html
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. 6 NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST
DECEMBER 2021
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
H
HORSESHOE BEACH
mud find fish! out
H
ello Guys and Gals. I hope everybody had a fantastic November. It was a busy one for us with a lot of catches! Between my fishing almost every day, and then sitting in the tree stands on my days off, it’s an understatement to say that I’m worn out, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I hope everybody got to bag their big buck during the rut; it’s coming to an end for some of us, and kicking off for others. If you didn’t get a chance to get your big buck, then I got some tips for you to help you bag your biggest trout. The big girls are definitely up-shallow right now, feeding up for a cold winter. Your best bet is to get as shallow as your boat will allow, and start tossing your favorite suspending lure. In my opinion, this is your best chance throughout the year to catch your personal best trout. My biggest trout was 29 inches, and came right at the end of December many moons ago, using this same technique. Like I predicted, it’s redfish and trout that’s keeping us busy through these next cold months. Redfish are still being found in their usual spots around creek mouths, shallow grass flats, and deeper cuts. You will find more than usual in the deeper cuts right now. We’re catching most of these fishing with shrimp. Sheepshead are starting to pop up as well. Fish your favorite rocks to
Boat with someone you can trust.
catch these finicky creatures. Shrimp will work, but they definitely crave smaller fiddler or mud crabs. I like to fish with a small strong jig head or I do egg weight to a swivel to 15 lb. fluoro to a thick circle hook. Well guys, I hope everyone has a happy holiday season and Merry Christmas. Just remember what Christmas is truly about. Stay safe and healthy out there, whether on the water or in the tree stand. Give us a call for any questions or booking. Until next time, keep it Reel Native! Captain Brent Woodard Reel Native Fishing Charters ReelNativeFishing.com 352-284-5514
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Hugh Cain Allstate 800-882-9304
Based on coverage selected. Subject to terms, conditions, availability & qualifications. Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Co. © 2015 Allstate Insurance Co.
DECEMBER 2021
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NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST 7
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lr fo spend year, it as usu foremo as alwa spawn beds s person Thank month past ye fishing Ocala what I two alo good; O.k I've be crappi beginn crappi but to specia one of to ask lately. on tho By the spec ro boxes No fishing the ma you off of ligh mono) is mos of jig-t w/ pin
8 NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST
DECEMBER 2021
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lrighty then Forest Explorers, for those of you who didn't spend much time on the water this year, it definitely wasn't "business as usual”, to say the least. First and foremost, instead of starting off as always, with bass preparing to spawn in January, and the very first beds showing up in mid-February, I personally saw bass beds right after Thanksgiving! That's around three months early! On top of that, this past year was honestly the best bass fishing I've ever experienced in the Ocala National Forest, and from what I've seen in the past month or two alone, I'll just say, “It's looking good; it looks really good!” O.k., future predictions aside, I've been hearing reports of quality crappie (specs) fishing since the beginning of October. Now I love crappie fishing (and crappie eating), but to be honest, bass fishing's my specialty. So a few days ago, I called one of my "spec fanatic" buddies to ask if he'd been doing any good lately. He said, "You need to get out on those ledges. They're stackin' up!". By the end of that night, I had my spec rods rigged, and my crappie jig boxes clean and sorted. Now, if you’re new to crappie fishing, just keep it simple. Don't let the mass amount of info online scare you off. All you need is a couple of light action rods (6 to 10 lb. clear mono) a pack of jig-heads (1/16 oz. is most common) and a couple packs of jig-tails (any bright color combo w/ pink). Heck, a lot of people will
only use cane-poles. They're perfect for fishing and reaching way out into patches of water hyacinth, which is a type of floating vegetation, found along river sides, that crappies love (all gamefish really). TIP- The more minnows you see throughout a water hyacinth patch, the better that spot is. Well, what else can I say? As far as the next few months go, all we can do is wait and see what happens. I mean, who knows what the future really holds? All I do know is; I surely am excited for it. John Freeze Kayak Fishing and Nature Tours OurNationalForrest@gmail.com 352-216-5798
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Steven Cook Jr. with a 5.3-pound Spanish, taken 10/23/21
e have been catching limit of trout and reds on every trip this past week (today is 11/14/21) and look to repeat this pattern for the rest of November. Gulf water temperatures are running in the mid 60s to low 70s, depending in which side of the fronts you are on. Trout have begun to take Cordell Redfins and other hard jerkbaits in 2 to 2.5 feet of water. Assassin 5-inch Shads and Sea Shads bounced and rigged up under an Original Cajun Thunder are also taking nice trout. The New Laguna Shrimp pattern I picked up while at Assassin last month caught me an 18-inch trout on my fifth cast last week. December should be great trout fishing although the baits will change as we hold cooler water temps in the 60s. MirrOlure’s Catch 2000s and Catch Jrs. as well as MirrOdines, SoftDines, and Paul Brown Devils, will all be the better choices over stickbaits and hard Jerkbaits this month. I have been using TrikFish’s New Gator Braid on my 2500 Stradic and loving the control and response on strikes while fishing the suspending series lures from MirrOLure. Our reds, which have still been mixed in with the trout on drifts over grass flats, are now starting to move into rock and grass mixed areas closer to the hill. December will see that preference shift to rock and sand, as many reds stage, readying to move into the creeks. The larger out-sized reds, we were catching in October and early November, will most likely be half-way to Tampa to visit their Yankee cousins by December. If you are having a hard time coming up with a Christmas present for your DECEMBER 2021
Steven Cook Sr. with the largest red of the trip 10/23/21
Trip Shiver of Albany, Ga. with a 19-inch trout 11/11/21
angling spouse, friend or partner, how ‘bout a “One More Cast” gift certificate, for a trip they will never forget. 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
NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST 9
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ece if th is nothin Yankeet thus far. in full sw there to heat stro Insho settled in holes, w the luxu taken fu with som trout bit few year tend to b Look for focus on shrimp o love this for cove can hide and fish the wint shrimp i and whi color ha Near solid. Th cleaner, sedimen basically great me water te up for ce X-rap m the hot h of year, s 25-foot Alwa my artic
10 NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST
DECEMBER 2021
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Trinity with a 32 inch snook on a live shrimp
ecember is already here, and it feels as if the months have flown by! Fishing is nothing short of spectacular here in Yankeetown inshore and nearshore this winter thus far. The wintertime patterns for fishing are in full swing, and what a great time to get out there to fish and enjoy nature, without fear of a heat stroke. Inshore, the big redfish and trout have settled into their wintertime river and creek holes, where they hold up for winter. Those with the luxury of owning a shallow water boat, have taken full advantage of all our area has to offer, with some great fish caught on the regular. The trout bite has been very sporadic over the past few years. Until the water temps cool off, they tend to bunch up in more concentrated areas. Look for the big patches of rock grass, and focus on them with a popping cork and a live shrimp or pinfish. This time of year, the trout love this stuff. It provides everything they need for coverage from birds and sharks, where they can hide in a place, to ambush the small shrimp and fish that call these rock grass beds home for the winter. On the artificial side of things, a gulp shrimp in a jig, a Paul Brown original in yellow and white, or a good old Mirrodine in the GBG color has never failed me. Nearshore, the grouper bite has remained solid. The cooler water temps always bring cleaner, clearer water, and smaller tides with less sediment fished into the water column, which basically means happy grouper! Trolling is a great method this time of year, as the cooler water temperatures will have the grouper fired up for certain and ready to eat. The Rapala X-rap magnum 20 is my favorite trolling plug in the hot head color. It seems to kill ‘em this time of year, so give it a try if you have some 15 to 25-foot spots. Always remember, anything mentioned in my articles can be purchased at the best tackle
Tyler with a nice red on a live mudminnow.
Marissa with a perfect 27 inch redfish on a live mudminnow.
shop anywhere around, Captains Cove. With a friendly staff and a fresh selection or lures, rods, reels and terminal tackle, it makes Christmas shopping for that loved one that much easier! With that being said, I hope everyone enjoys their holidays and has a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Until next year, wishes to tight lines and good times, sent your way by yours truly! Andrew Fagan Ebb Tide Guide Service @capt_redfishdrew
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DECEMBER 2021
NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST 11
CRYSTAL RIVER
SURF & PIER
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Whiting can tolerate the colder water down to 60 degrees. Below 60, they will move offshore or into the deep river channels. When targeting them, I drop down two hook sizes from a 2/0 to a #1. Also, I reduce my bait size. Even a two-pound whiting has a relatively small mouth. A threequarter inch piece of bait is all you need. Even though you are targeting whiting, keep your drag light. The redfish in the picture was caught by my angler in mid-December. The air temp was 33, but the water temp was ello from Crystal River. still 65! We caught four oversized reds Hopefully, everybody’s getting that morning! When soaking baits in out on the water fishing and having the surf line, you never know what is a great time. going to hit next. Remember, there are This is another favorite time of no fences and there are no gates! year for me when the water is low, and the temperatures are cool. Noel Kuhn The only issues we face, are the 43 years of surf fishing experience, occasional cold fronts, but if you surf fishing guide and long distance plan your trips, it can be some of the casting coach. Founding member best fishing. of Florida Surf Casters club. The trout like to stay shallow this 904-945-0660 time of the year. I’ll target certain www.TheSurfAngler.com areas as the temperatures warm up. My favorite bait this time of year are jerk baits and a popping cork with a light jig head with a Little John. FLORIDA SUWANNEE RIVER WATERFRONT Sometimes the trout can take a little while to dial it in, but once they do, they’re usually in that area, so you have to keep moving around and looking for them. The redfish this time of year can be challenging also. When it’s cool Cary A. Crutchfield and the water is shallow, I drop Registered Real Estate Broker all my leader to a maximum of 20 GRI and CRS Designations pounds and free line shrimp. That is my go-to bait this time of year for 43 acres (+or-) 1100 redfish. Like always, I’m constantly feet (+or-) on Suwannee River in looking for mullet. Lafayette County at US 27, across river Until next month from Crystal from Branford. Heavily wooded, perfect for River, stay safe and tight lines. residence, camp ground or hunting lodge. Elec. and well. Also, if you’re looking for a
ast month, there was a huge change, that was brought on by an epic Nor’easter! We lost a lot of beach, damages to homes, park accesses made impassable, dune breaching north of Marineland AGAIN, and a huge drop in water temperature! Of course, the water temps have the biggest impact on our fishing success. The temp range of 65 to 75 is ideal for fall fishing from our beaches and piers. One high tech tool for finding that range is your computer. Just search “sst charts rutgers”. The satellite imagery is amazing. I share this with you so that you do not fish in cold water. Just a one-to-two-hour drive south can make a HUGE difference in your success. During the next few months, sand fleas will go deep into the sand and be very hard to catch. The exception, is those rare winter days that reach 80 degrees. On those warm afternoons, they will rise to feed. So, without fleas, I go to clams, Blue Crab and shrimp. These three baits have produced my biggest, six pound plus, pompano during late Fall and early Spring.
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DECEMBER 2021
fishing charter here in Chrystal River, give me a call OR, look up the Plantation in Crystal in River. We have some of the best guides in our area. Capt. James Kerr 352-362-6893 Citrusfishingchaters.com
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It’s always great when family members come fishing! Pictured here are Tony Williams and his Grandson Vin, from Valdosta Georgia.
ecember, is generally the month when the cold weather settles in along the Lower Suwannee River. If we can get enough cold weather early in the month, then Christmas for the local angler, might come early! In the month of December, you have to fish the weather! With cold fronts coming thru on a weekly basis, you will have a couple bad days, followed by a couple of okay days, topped off with a day or two of great weather. Then it starts over! The other key is how “cold” are the cold fronts? Over the years, I have noticed, it takes some mornings in the upper 40s to get the fish moving. If you are looking for weather that pushes the fish into the rivers and deeper creeks, then we are talking morning lows in the upper/mid 20s. As the water temps start to drop at the beginning of Fall, the fish become very active, feeding for longer periods of the day, and chasing just about anything that comes by! But, when the water temps dip into the low 60s to upper 50s, the fish slow down and become more selective. This means, the angler also needs to change. While many anglers, including myself have always used live shrimp this time of the year, what do you do if the live shrimp are not available? This year FishBites Fight Club Lures, became my go to “scented lure”. I have been asked, “Why?”. First, it’s because they CATCH FISH! Let face it; if they don’t catch fish what else matters! Second, they are tough and last longer! I recently caught six keeper trout on one Butt Kicker paddle tail, before I had to replace it! I have had similar results
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with the Fight N Shrimp, I use both baits when fishing for redfish and trout. As the water temps are dropping, and the fish are slowing down, the anglers also need to slow their presentation, and if possible, increase or add scent. If you are already using a scented lure like the FishBites Fight Club Lures, what can you do? Let’s introduce you to FishBites Scented Strip and Chunk Baits, and while they are not new to the market ,they are not yet well known in my area. These baits come in a Longer Lasting and Fast Acting formulas. The Longer Lasting baits are great when the water temps are warm. When the water temps are below 65, I like to use the EZ Strip Fast Acting bait in shrimp or crab scent to tip my Fight Club Lures, this gives them that extra flavor boost! 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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A TIME AND PLACE FOR EVERYTHING
here is no comparison to anchoring versus drifting for grouper fishing. Catching grouper and big snapper consistently requires you to set up in one location. But there is a time and place for everything. Bear with me… For grouper and big snapper fishing, you have to anchor or use a long-shank, GPS trolling motor—like a Rhodan—to keep your boat in place. I have talked about this in previous articles. You need to “set the table” for the gags, reds and scamps. While anchored with 4 or 5 anglers onboard, we send down several rounds of whole squid, regardless of what comes up. Whole squid dropped on Decoy Jigs create a chum slick on the bottom directly below the boat. After three or four rounds of these “freebie” squid offerings, we send down the live baits on Decoy Jigs. This is more than grouper and big snapper can mentally digest. They see a live bait caught by a crab or squid. It’s a Happy Meal to them. To do this effectively, your boat must remain in a fixed position. There are now a few brands of powerful, long-shank, GPSequipped electric trolling motors on the market that allow offshore anglers the same benefits enjoyed for years by inshore and freshwater anglers. These machines allow you to anchor “virtually” or set a heading, among other things. They are an absolute gamechanger. I use a Rhodan, so that’s what I’ll call it. Using the Rhodan alone is my preferred method. It will keep you in one spot, and it’s so much easier than anchoring in deep water. It is accurate, fast, effortless and time efficient. If the water is too deep or the current is running too hard, we will sometimes drift with the Rhodan. From barely in gear up to full speed, we use the trolling motor to slow the drift. This creates a good situation in which to drop baits for bottom fish while flying a kite out of the back of the boat. The Rhodan keeps the bow pointed into the wind or current, allowing you to deploy kites with live baits while also bottom fishing. It’s possible to fish for pelegics like wahoo and dolphin while catching bottom fish at the same time. The kite will work the Rhodan hard and reduce battery life, so keep this in mind. A traditional anchor allows you to fly a kite with baits out for wahoo, while also bottom fishing without taxing the Rhodan to keep the boat in a fixed position. This combo, however, can only be used with a light wind. If the wind or current are up, a slow drift with the Rhodan is the best way to drop baits while tending the kite and float baits. Like I said, there is a time and condition for one or all of the combos, but I’m sometimes old-school, and you just can’t beat an anchor for grouper fishing when the water depth and current speed are right. For more information and instructional videos, go to barefootcatsandtackle.com.
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PHOTO BY AARON ADAMS
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By Richard Matteson
PHOTO BY AARON ADAMS
LIFE IS A BEACH
December Surf Fishing Forecast
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he beach is coming alive with the cooler weather, and the seasonal fish, which include Spanish mackerel, bluefish and pompano, are showing up in numbers here on Florida’s Treasure Coast. There have been some spectacular fishing days with 20-plus mackerel and numbers of jacks, some heavier than 15 pounds. The pompano are here, and although most are small, some keeper-size have been caught in the surf and from the bridges in the Indian River Lagoon. Birds and schools of fish have been following large pods of bait swimming just outside the trough. One reason for the increased activity are higher king tides, which eliminate issues with sandbars left from previous hurricanes. The tides are a couple feet higher than they were this summer. One- and 2-ounce Crocodile Spoons in silver and gold with a single hook are producing great results. I usually use a 3/8-ounce D.O.A. jig in chartreuse color with a 4-inch pearl Shad Tail. Even if the mackerel aren’t schooling at the moment, there are still lots of jacks and ladyfish around the trough. I use 10- to 20-pound white braid with a 40-pound fluorocarbon leader. I like short leaders of 14 inches or shorter, which keeps the double uni-knot connecting the braid to leader from the first eyelet on the rod. I always use a 6 ½- or 7-foot rod with some backbone to land larger fish like tarpon and snook. The standard surf reel is a spinning reel with enough braid (100 yards over mono backing) to land bigger fish. If you are fishing in the Treasure Coast area, now is the time to take your boat out the St. Lucie Inlet and go about a mile south to the Peck’s Lake area known as Kingfish Hole to catch schooling Spanish mackerel. Use a thick leader of 80-pound fluorocarbon or a wire leader, and expect non-stop mackerel action. Use small spoons or jigs, and move them fast near the top of the water. Look for boats following the schools to locate the best fishing. Snook are still hitting in the surf on jigs and live bait with the best action near high tide. The best snook fishing is morning and evening. Remember to fish around the trough; casting out way past the trough is wasted time when fishing for snook. As always, look for birds to find the bait, and the fish will be there. The surf is rough and the tides are high. Time to go fishing. Richard Matteson is a long-time contributor to Coastal Angler Magazine and staff writer for the Stuart Rod and Reel Club.
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BE PREPARED For Hazards Of All Kinds
By Capt. Randy Cnota
R
ecently, I was enjoying a quiet morning on the boat, all by myself, catching several fish in a remote place on the lower end of the Apalachicola River system. The bass were chomping on my top-water jerkbait like they’d never seen one before, and I got complacent while dehooking one. The fish made a sudden, violent shake and suddenly I had two hooks in my hand with a flopping fish on the jerk-bait’s third hook. This is
one of the many hazards anglers should be prepared for when they occur; and hazards WILL occur, it’s just a matter of time. Being an old experienced salt, the removal of those hooks from my hand was not that big of a deal; it just took some time because I was alone and had only one hand to use. Had that happened to an angler who’s never had a hook in his hand, it might have been a different story. Imagine this happening to your child, an elderly person or a loved one… would you know what to do? Obvious hazards like foul weather, high winds and extreme cold are easy to negotiate as a recreational angler; you just don’t go that day! It’s the calm, pleasant, inviting days when you least expect some hazardous event to take place that they seem to occur. My intent is to inspire you to prepare for the unexpected as best you can. There are way too many hazardous scenarios that could play out in a day of fishing, so the following is just an overview of a strategy. People getting hooked, cut or falling in or out of a boat are likely the most common hazards anglers experience. Make sure everyone on board knows exactly where lifejackets and throw cushions are located and how and why to use them. Lifejackets are obvious, but some might not realize the importance of the throw cushion. When someone falls overboard, it’s imperative that someone keeps their eyes on him to maintain his location and get a cushion tossed to him immediately! You’d be surprised how quickly this scenario can turn bad, so make sure all aboard know the drill. A basic first-aid kit on board is a good start for tending to cuts, sprains and burns, but be sure to take the next step and keep a few extra items like duct tape, rescue tape, zip ties, super glue etc. Also, make sure you know how to remove hooks and be able to determine if a hooked situation is something that can be treated on the water or if a trip to the ER is required. As a licensed Captain and retired military, I’ve had plenty of training with first aid, CPR and other emergency matters, but many folks on the water have not. If you captain a vessel, be sure to get this kind of training. You owe it to the people who rely on you out there. For more information, go to coastalanglermag.com.
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DECEMBER SEASONS UPDATE
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ecember is time to shift gears for inshore anglers in Florida. Snook seasons close and flounder harvest opens up this month. New for 2021, flounder harvest was closed for 45 days this year during the fall run. Many anglers look forward to fall as peak time to catch big doormat flounder, which is why the closure occurred when flounder populations are most susceptible to recreational and commercial anglers. The Oct. 15 through Nov. 30 harvest closure was intended to combat what FWC called a statewide decline in flounder populations. Other Gulf and Atlantic states took similar measures. Starting Dec. 1, flounder harvest is allowed with a 14-inch minimum size limit and a daily bag limit of five fish per person. These regulations apply in state and federal waters off Florida. The Gulf snook season closure date is Dec. 1, and snook harvest will remain closed through the end of February in Gulf state and adjacent federal waters. The Atlantic snook season is closed Dec. 15 through Jan. 31 in state and adjacent federal waters. Special regulations for different zones exist for this species, so be sure to check current regulations online at MyFWC.com. On the Gulf side, from Sarasota Bay through Gordon Pass in Collier County, snook will remain catch-and-release through May 31, 2022.
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YOU CAN ALWAYS FIND A BOAT RAMP
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For more information, go to MyFWC.com.
291.7 POUNDS WINS BIMINI WAHOO MAYHEM
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n case you’re wondering where the wahoo are in their annual migrations, the action at this year’s Bimini Wahoo Mayhem tournament might provide a clue. With fishing days on Nov. 5 and 6, a fleet of 21 boats didn’t necessarily wear them out, but they brought plenty of ’hoos to the scales. The invitationonly tournament is billed as the highest-paying wahoo tournament in the Bahamas, and it’s held during the historic peak of the season in one of the world’s most prolific wahoo destinations. There are no tournament boundaries, so teams range all over the islands in search of big wahoo. More than $192,000 was paid out after Day 2. The big first-place winner was Finnikki, which brought a very respectable 291.7 pounds to the scales. In a distant second place, Rake & Scrape weighed 148 pounds. The tournament’s Big Fish was a 58.9 pounder caught by Rake & Scrape on Day 1. For more information and complete results, go to www.meatmayhemtournaments.com.
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CHANGES COMING FOR GULF OF MEXICO REGULATIONS
FWC PHOTO
T
he Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is considering changes that might affect regulations for recreational anglers in the Gulf of Mexico. The council is the regional authority charged with managing fisheries in federal waters of the Gulf, and it met Oct. 25-28 in Orange Beach, Alabama. The following is a summary of actions from that meeting. Cobia: The Gulf Group cobia stock is managed jointly with the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and includes both the Gulf Zone and Florida East Coast Zone. A recent stock assessment showed Gulf Group cobia are not overfished but are experiencing overfishing. The Gulf Council chose to reduce Gulf Group Cobia stock overfishing limit, acceptable biological catch, and annual catch limits with an increasing yield stream for the years 2021-2023. The bottom line for anglers is: the council chose to retain the 36-inch fork length minimum size limit for cobia, reduce the daily possession limit to one fish per person and create a twofish vessel limit for both commercial and recreational sectors in the Gulf Zone. In the Florida East Coast Zone, the council decided to increase the minimum size limit to 36-inches fork length, reduce the daily possession limit to one fish per person, and create a two-fish vessel limit for both commercial and recreational sectors. These changes must be agreed upon by
the South Atlantic Council before they are submitted to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce for approval and implementation. Red Grouper: The Council took final action to increase the red grouper overfishing limit, acceptable biological catch, annual catch limits and annual catch targets. This recommendation, if implemented by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, would set the stage for a loosening in regulations for red grouper. King Mackerel: A recent update stock assessment determined king mackerel is not overfished or experiencing overfishing. However, the spawning stock biomass was found to be below the level necessary to achieve maximum sustainable yield. The Gulf Council chose to retain the 24-
inch minimum size limit for king mackerel. The South Atlantic Council, which jointly manages the mackerel fishery, opted for a 22-inch fork length minimum size limit. The councils will have to reach agreement. Greater Amberjack: Greater amberjack is both overfished and experiencing overfishing. Catch-limit reductions are likely to come soon. Gag Grouper: Gag is both overfished and experiencing overfishing. A recent assessment indicated that a lack of males might be having an effect on the productivity of the stock. The council indicated it is not in favor of total closure. Catch-limit reductions are being considered. Vermilion Snapper: Increased vermilion snapper catch limits are being considered. A recent stock assessment determined that vermilion snapper is neither overfished or experiencing overfishing. After hearing public comment, which cautioned against increasing catch limits dramatically, the council recommended staff include alternatives with smaller increases than were recommended. The council selected a preferred alternative that would increase the vermilion snapper overfishing limit, acceptable biological catch, and annual catch. The Council will solicit public comment before taking final action.
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For more information, visit gulfcouncil.org.
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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.
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DOMETIC MARINE SEASTAR STANDARD TRIM TABS
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nveiled in late September, the new SeaStar Standard Trim Tabs feature an intelligent actuator system and intuitive dial controller that put precision ride control at the fingertips of today’s boaters. The dial controller at the heart of this system provides a level of control and precision not possible with tactile switches. While this controller is intelligent, it couldn’t be simpler for the boater to understand and use. The boater just turns the dial in the direction he wants to level the boat, and the actuators respond quickly and precisely to adjust the ride. There are also single-press Bow Up and Bow Down inputs for manual adjustment, and a Favorite Button that lets boaters easily save a desired tab position. This makes it easy to return to a boat’s “sweet spot” ride position with the
12 NATIONAL
DECEMBER 2021
touch of a finger. The s y s t e m’s Home Button quickly moves tabs to the home position. Further simplifying operation are LEDs that indicate port and starboard tab positions. The dial controller also features Auto Brightness that senses ambient light conditions and adjusts the dial brightness for optimum visibility. Dometic’s all-electric actuators reduce complexity of the system while increasing longterm reliability. For instant response, quieter operation and a better boating experience, these actuators feature a planetary gearbox, hightorque DC motor and freewheeling Ball Screw
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mechanism. For reliable performance over the long run, these actuators feature rugged housing with a simple two-piece design to minimize possible water intrusion points. They also feature dual housing seals, a rear seal in a protected bushing area, and a wiper that removes particles from the shaft and protects the rear seal. Heavy-duty 12 gauge 304 stainless steel tabs complete the system. They feature 316 stainless steel marine grade fasteners, heavy-duty 14 gauge stainless steel hinges and sturdy ¼-inchthick hinge pins for added strength.
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RED GROUPER
GIVE THE GIFT OF
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49-year-old angler from Kingsland, Georgia landed a big red grouper off the Georgia coast on Oct. 4 that crushed the existing state record by nearly seven pounds. Bruce C. Bartlett Jr.’s 26-pound, 6.4-ounce fish measured 34.5 inches in length. It was certified by Georgia DNR and broke the existing record of 19 pounds, 7 ounces, which was caught by John Wren in 2012. The IGFA all-tackle world record weighed 42 pounds, 4 ounces. It was caught in 1997 off St. Augustine, Florida. Bartlett landed the red grouper using a 5-foot, 8-inch Ugly Stik Tiger rod with Shimano Torium reel with 65-pound Power Pro line using a live cigar minnow as bait. His terminal rig was a fish finder sinker slide with an 8-ounce bank sinker to a 100-pound barrel swivel, followed by a 60-pound fluorocarbon leader and 6/0 Eagle Claw circle hook. He was fishing east of Navy Tower R4, about 60 miles off of Cumberland Island, Georgia, aboard his boat Fishslaya Duece.
MUDHOLE.COM GET A FREE CATALOG! MUDHOLE.cOM/CATALOG
For the current list of Georgia saltwater fishing records, as well as information on how to submit a catch, visit CoastalGaDNR.org/SaltwaterRecords.
3 AM
Made in USA
TOURNAMENT BASS RETURN TO THEIR CATCH LOCATION
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ost bass released after tournament weigh-ins eventually return to the area where they caught. This interesting tidbit came from a research project conducted on Big Rideau Lake and was reported on by the nonprofit organization Blue Fish Canada. According to the report, researchers used acoustic tags to look into the survival rates and behaviors of bass after they were released at the weigh-in site. Over three tournaments, 88 largemouth and smallmouth bass were tagged before release. Their movements were tracked using sensors placed throughout the lake. Researchers selected each of the fish in the study based on whether the angler could accurately provide a location where the fish was caught. Upon release, the fish piled up within 300 meters of the release site for a short time before dispersing back toward the main lake. All of the bass eventually left the area. It took largemouths an average of 4.6 days to leave. The smallmouths were gone within a day. One of the researchers, Dr. Steven J. Cooke, told Blue Fish Canada’s Lawrence Gunther that each of the bass caught and tagged eventually returned to the area where they were originally caught. That’s pretty amazing, especially considering the size of the lake, which has a surface acreage of more than 100 square miles.
For more information on this study, go to bluefishcanada.ca.. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM 201667_DOA_7.14_CAL ad_Coastal Angler_3.75x5.indd 1
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DECEMBER 2021
NATIONAL 13
This big Wels was caught from Italy’s Po River in 2015 by Italian angler Dino Ferrari. It measured 8.8 feet long and weighed more than 265 pounds.
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MEET THE WELS CATFISH Europe’s Freshwater Monster By TAM Staff
I
n late October, news of a giant wels catfish caught from Spain’s Ebro River made the rounds on the Internet. The fish, caught by British angler Mark Steward-Brown, weighed 234 pounds, according to Field & Stream. It was a monster fish, but it fell well short of the record for wels catfish. Although they are rare, it seems fish heavier than 200 pounds are caught every year in European fisheries. Fish heavier than 100 pounds are commonplace. Wels have a long time to grow during a lifespan of 50 years or more. The IGFA all-tackle world record was caught from Italy’s Po River in 2010. It measured longer than 9 feet in length and weighed 297 pounds. Fish like that are a good reason for hardcore catfish anglers to look into a European vacation. In U.S. waters, an angler might spend a lifetime pursuing a blue catfish heavier than 100 pounds. According to Field & Stream, Steward-Brown caught four fish heavier than 100 pounds during his first day fishing in Spain. Spain’s Ebro River, especially at Mequinenza Reservoir in the northeastern corner of the country, is renowned for good numbers of big fish. In northern Italy, the Po River and its delta on the Adriatic Sea, produced the world record as well as some other huge fish over the years. In France, the Rhone River and several of its tributaries have earned a reputation for big catfish. A Google search will reveal guide services and “holiday packages” offered for all of these destination fisheries and more. From an angler’s perspective, Wels are interesting species for more than just their massive size. Like all catfish, they are bottom feeders. They like stinky bait, and are often caught on pre-made bait-pellet rigs. However, they are also voracious predators with giant mouths. Many anglers prefer to pursue them with large, loud lures. Wels have poor eyesight, so vibration and noise are important. Their natural diet is made up mostly of earthworms, mollusks, insects and fish. As they grow larger, they begin feeding on anything they can fit in their mouths. Frogs, mice, rats and aquatic birds are all prey items. In southwestern France, an isolated population of Wels has learned to ambush pigeons on land, like orcas attack seals on the beach. That should be the cue for some innovative fly tyer to twist up an ultra-realistic pigeon fly. For more information, go to www.coastalanglermag.com.
14 NATIONAL
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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 March 31, 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. © 2021 Suzuki Marine USA, LLC. All rights reserved.
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