Coastal Angler Magazine - April / Northeast Florida by Coastal Angler Magazine

FREE

NORTHEAST FLORIDA EDITION

Venice, Louisiana:

A Paddler's Heaven

Local

Bass Pro

Mike Iaconelli

Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events

Talks Kayaks Inshore

PHOTO COURTESY OF JEFF SCHNEIDER VOLUME 22 â&#x20AC;¢ ISSUE 267

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM

F R A N C H I S E

0417_CAM_CVR.indd 10

O P P O R T U N I T I E S

A V A I L A B L E

APRIL 2017

W O R L D W I D E

3/16/17 11:02 AM

THIS SEEMS TO BE THE PLACE WHERE ALL THE FISH HANG OUT. I THINK I’LL DROP IN.

12”

PROGRAMMABLE

HOT KEYS

PRELOADED

BUILT-IN

BLUECHART® G2 + LAKEVUU¨ HD CHIRP SONAR + CLEARVUU¨ + SIDEVU¨

GPSMAP® 1242xsv

17-MCJT512 GPSMAP 1224xsv Coastal Fishing Ad_US-8.125x10.875-CoatalAngler.indd 1 COMMON CVRS_0417.indd 2

3/8/17 9:13 AM 3/19/17 2:26 PM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â&#x20AC;¢ THEANGLERMAG.COM

NAT_0417.indd 3

APRIL 2017

NATIONAL

3/20/17 3:39 PM

NATIONAL

NAT_0417.indd 4

APRIL 2017

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â&#x20AC;¢ THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 3:39 PM

BE YOUR OWN BOSS. If you love the outdoors and the Fishing Industry, you owe it to yourself to check out the Franchise Opportunities available with Coastal Angler Magazine and The Angler Magazine.

Make money doing what you love.

Outdoor Apparel

FREE

32nd Annual Palm Beach International Boat Show

Outdoor Apparel

March 23-26

Bahamas

Tuna Run

Spring

Bassin' Big Water Bronzebacks

Local

Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events

PHOTO COURTESY OF 'TEAM FINSTER' VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 266

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM

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

MARCH 2017

W O R L D W I D E

PHOTO BY MATT SIRIANNI VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 265

F R A N C H I S E 0317_CAM_CVR.indd 4

THEANGLERMAG.COM O P P O R T U N I T I E S

A V A I L A B L E

MARCH 2017

W O R L D W I D E

2/10/17 9:34 AM

0317_TAM_CVR.indd 5

2/10/17 11:55 AM

CHECK OUT THESE AVAILABLE FRANCHISE TERRITORIES GREAT LAKES GULF COAST (Expansion launch Spring 2017) (Available Now)

SOUTHEAST (Launch March 2017)

• Milwaukee, WI

• Raleigh, NC • Charlotte, NC • Savannah, GA • Southwest Georgia

• Detroit, MI • Cleveland, OH

NEW ENGLAND (Launch Spring 2017) • New Hampshire (the entire state) • Maine (the entire state) • Western Massachusetts • Gloucester, MA • Cape Cod, MA

• New Orleans, LA SOLD! • Baton Rouge, LA • Lafayette, LA • Corpus Christi, TX • Austin, TX

• Charleston, SC • Hilton Head, SC FLORIDA (Available Now) • Columbia, SC • Myrtle Beach, SC • Naples, FL (existing location – turnkey) (existing location – turnkey) • Okeechobee, FL • Greenville, SC SOLD! (existing location – turnkey) • Florida Keys (existing location – turnkey) SOLD!

For More Information

AND MORE!

Call (321) 777-2773 or email info@coastalanglermagazine.com

ART DIRECTOR : Rebecca Snowden • graphics@coastalanglermagazine.com EDITOR : Nick Carter • editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com WEBMASTER : Dmitriy Pislyagin • webmaster@coastalanglermagazine.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Corporate Headquarters info@coastalanglermagazine.com • 888-800-9794

FLORIDA

COME JOIN OUR FRANCHISE TEAM! FREE

EDITOR IN CHIEF : Ben Martin • camads@coastalanglermagazine.com VICE PRESIDENT : Tracy Patterson • tracy@coastalanglermagazine.com

BIG BEND : Mike McNamara • (850) 510-7919 • captmike@coastalanglermagazine.com BREVARD : David String • (321) 684-5888 • dstring@coastalanglermagazine.com DAYTONA/NEW SMYRNA BEACH : Don Meadows • (321) 436-5895 • donm@coastalanglermagazine.com FLORIDA KEYS : Cliff Lumpkin • (305) 849-9093 • cliff@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT LAUDERDALE : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT MYERS : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER MIAMI : Scott Deal • (561) 945-6999 • scott@coastalanglermagazine.com Monica Isaza-Deal • (561) 945-8899 • monica@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER ORLANDO : Phillip & Giselle Wolf • (407) 790-9515 • phillip@coastalanglermagazine.com LAKELAND & SUMTER : Mary Brasher • (352) 598-4219 • maryf@coastalanglermagazine.com NAPLES : Mike Weber • (414) 531-4172 • mikew@coastalanglermagazine.com NC FLORIDA/NATURE COAST : Cary & Lynn Crutchfield • (352) 372-4237 • crutch@coastalanglermagazine.com NE FLORIDA : Danny Patrick • (904) 742-4696 • danny@coastalanglermagazine.com PANAMA CITY/FORGOTTEN COAST : Randy Cnota • (229) 834-7880 • randyc@coastalanglermagazine.com PALM BEACH COUNTY : Barbara Ryan • (561) 373-8040 • barbara@coastalanglermagazine.com SARASOTA : Phil Prevoir • (239) 257-4684 • pprevoir@coastalanglermagazine.com TAMPA BAY : Chuck Atkins • (239) 464-5153 • chuck@coastalanglermagazine.com TREASURE COAST : Misti & Gary Guertin • (772) 285-6850 • treasurecoast@coastalanglermagazine.com flahama@coastalanglermagazine.com

SOUTHEAST

ATLANTA/SW GEORGIA : Bob & Brenda Rice • (706) 614-8231 • bobr@theanglermagazine.com CHARLESTON/COLUMBIA : Eddie Hardgrove • (910) 264-5487 • eddie@coastalanglermagazine.com MYRTLE BEACH : Kenneth & Ana Moore • (843) 446-5777 • kenmoore@coastalanglermagazine.com TIDEWATER/OUTER BANKS : John Tiger • (757) 707-9654 • john.tiger@coastalanglermagazine.com Laura Seitz • (757) 707-9655 • laura@coastalanglermagazine.com SE & COASTAL GEORGIA : Tony Martin • (912) 269-9679 • tony@coastalanglermagazine.com Travis Harper • (912) 266-1430• travis@coastalanglermagazine.com UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA : Gregg Thompson • (864) 542-3112 • gregg@theanglermagazine.com WESTERN NC : Debra & Joe Woody • (828) 775-9663 • woody@theanglermagazine.com WILMINGTON/MOREHEAD : Kenny Ritter • (910) 550-9094 • woody@theanglermagazine.com

NORTHEAST BOSTON : George Regan • (617) 488-2842 • boston@coastalanglermagazine.com LONG ISLAND : Lisa & Michael Danforth • (203) 321-7635 • lisad@coastalanglermagazine.com CONNECTICUT / RHODE ISLAND : Lisa & Michael Danforth • (203) 321-7635 lisad@coastalanglermagazine.com

GULF COAST

ALABAMA GULF COAST : Sarah Clark • (205) 522-1756 • sarahclark@coastalanglermagazine.com GALVESTON/MATAGORDA/UPPER COAST : Chanci & David Mowry • (713) 446-7395 • chancim@coastalanglermagazine.com • davidm@coastalanglermagazine.com MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST : Kevin Ogle • (850) 586-3474 • gulf@coastalanglermagazine.com NEW ORLEANS : Dr. Dave Dunaway • (225) 400-8156 • nola@coastalanglermagazine.com PENSACOLA/EMERALD COAST : Kevin Ogle • (850) 586-3474 • gulf@coastalanglermagazine.com

GREAT LAKES

UPSTATE NEW YORK : Frank Geremski • (518) 898-6484 • frankie@theanglermagazine.com WEST MICHIGAN : Phil Belsito • (616) 957-1714 • phil@theanglermagazine.com

INTERNATIONAL BAHAMAS : Misti & Gary Guertin • (772) 285-6850 • treasurecoast@coastalanglermagazine.com flahama@coastalanglermagazine.com PUERTO RICO/VIRGIN ISLANDS : Ace Bassue • (407) 285-9453 • ace@coastalanglermagazine.com © 2017. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Disclaimer: Coastal Angler Magazine / The Angler Magazine will not be held liable for injuries incurred while partaking in activities described herein, or for claims made against products or services provided by advertisers.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

NAT_0417.indd 5

APRIL 2017

NATIONAL

3/20/17 3:39 PM

NEW STEALTH BLUE CAMO BRAID FOR SALTWATER ADVENTURES SPIDERWIRE® STEALTH™ 6

NATIONAL

NAT_0417.indd 6

APRIL 2017

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

SPIDERWIRE.COM 3/20/17 3:39 PM

HondaM

Destination Honda

For destinations found on a map, or ones that are simply a state of mind, trust a reliable Honda outboard to get you there. And back. Find out more at ca.hondamarine.com.

GET UP TO $700 OFF SELECT OUTBOARDS! OFFER ENDS JUNE 2. *

*Get up to $700 Instant Savings with the purchase of any new 40hp – 250hp Honda Marine outboard, January 3 through June 2, 2017. At participating dealers only. © 2017 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Always wear a personal flotation device while boating and read your owner’s manual. All Honda outboards meet EPA2017 and CARB NATIONAL emission levels. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM APRIL

NAT_0417.indd 7 HondaMarine_CA_Destination_8.125x10.875.indd 1

3/20/17 3:39 12/13/16 2:30PM PM

ERGONOMICALLY ELEGANT DOCK SURFACES ERGONOMICALLY ELEGANT DOCK SURFACES

PARTNERS AND INVESTORS: PARTNERS AND INVESTORS: Please contact John Munn info@ergodockusa.com for information on how you can get engaged!

Please contact John Munn info@ergodockusa.com for information on how you can get engaged! 8

NATIONAL

NAT_0417.indd 8

APRIL 2017

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â&#x20AC;¢ THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 3:39 PM

: :

ON THE COVER

Adjustable cap with brim

Editor’s Note:

UV-blocking polarized sunglasses

Each month, Coastal Angler Magazine and The Angler Magazine staff search our vast coverage area for photos that will grace our covers. With well over a million readers in diverse coastal and inland markets, our magazines strive for broad national appeal as well as local-level intelligence to put anglers on fish. The cover is different depending on which edition you, the reader, are holding. The following is a little information about this month’s covers.

SPF 30 bug-repellent sunscreen

COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE Venice, Louisiana Redfish

FREE

The cover of this month’s Coastal Angler Venice, Louisiana: editions features a gorgeous Louisiana red A Paddler's caught by Kaku pro-staffer and Louisiana Heaven tuna captain Jeff Schneider while fishing from the deck of a Kahuna SUP. There is perhaps no better place in the world to chase redfish from a paddle-powered boat Local Bass Pro Mike Iaconelli than Venice, Louisiana. Kaku’s president Talks Kayaks Inshore Kevin Hawkins tells us all about it in this issue. With thousands upon thousands of acres of marshland situated around the mouth of the Mississippi Delta, it is a paradise for inshore species and the anglers who target them. There are so many options for kayak and paddleboard anglers around Venice. They range from mothership trips out in the Gulf of Mexico for big cobia, jacks and bull reds to easier hand-launch expeditions off the side of the road in Venice, where marsh ponds and canals in tall grass make it easier to find fishing out of the wind. No matter where or how one decides to deploy a little plastic boat in the waters around the Delta, the fishing will be fantastic. It truly is heaven for anglers under paddle power.

Protect your hull and gear with the ultimate lightweight compact cover that's a breeze to put on and take off.

Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events

PHOTO COURTESY OF JEFF SCHNEIDER

VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 267

COASTALA NGLERMAG .COM

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

W O R L D W I D E

APRIL 2017

0417_CAM_CVR.indd 4

3/16/17 11:02 AM

CoverAlls kayak covers keep your kayak clean, dry and away from the damaging effects of sun, dirt, pollen and water. Keeps critters out too! Extremely light, brutally strong, waterproof and UV resistant... that's CoverAlls protection!!

THE ANGLER MAGAZINE Bass Pro Mike Iaconelli: Down Off The Deck

FREE Bass Pro

Professional bass tournament angler and Mike Iaconelli TV personality Mike Iaconelli is one of the most recognized anglers in the world. The 2003 Bassmaster Classic Champion and 2006 Make New Lures Angler of the Year, “Ike” can claim to have won Confidence Lures Local almost every major award in professional bass fishing. But he’s also a self-described fish-head, who will fish anywhere, any way for anything that will pull on the other end of a line. It’s fitting that the rig pulling his stateof-the-art Bass Cat boat also has a Hobie kayak strapped to the roof for quick and easy, on-the-spot fun fishing. In this month’s magazine, Ike tells us about his love of kayak fishing in a question-and-answer session that delves into some of the tools and techniques he uses inshore. Ike is one of the best bass fishermen in the world, and his tournament skills translate well to saltwater. The cover of this month’s The Angler Magazines is of “Ike” with a good redfish caught while filming for his TV show “Going Ike” in Port Fourchon, Louisiana. We interviewed him in the run-up to this year’s Bassmaster Classic, and taking a moment to talk kayaks seemed a breathe of fresh air for him during crunch time. Talks Kayaks Inshore

ELITE SERIES PRO MIKE IACONELLI CHASES VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 267

F R A N C H I S E

REDFISH FROM A HOBIE KAYAK

THEANGLE RMAG.COM O P P O R T U N I T I E S

A V A I L A B L E

Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events

W O R L D W I D E

APRIL 2017

FREE SHIPPING FOR KAYAK COVERS IN USA

sales@coveralls.biz

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

NAT_0417.indd 9

www.coveralls.biz APRIL 2017

NATIONAL

3/20/17 3:39 PM

Kayakin’ The Spring

By Patrick Sebile

ife is getting vibrant. Things are warming up, and spring is here. As a ritual long established, I feel the need to be close to nature. And to me there’s no better way to experience the feeling of life awakening than riding a kayak with a rod in my hand. I have fished and guided from all kinds of boats, from small skiffs to majestic deep-sea vessels, but a small plastic shell puts me right next to the fish, my hands always a few inches from the water’s surface. It’s not a money matter, as I own boats. Perhaps it is the challenge? I definitively spend more time each year fishing from my skiff or bass boat, and surely catch more fish from these boats. They are true fishing machines, helping me cover lots of water to find fish. And they can carry all the gear necessary for any situation. On my kayak, I have to think effectively about what my needs are and carefully consider every single thing I will bring onboard. It’s a good way to find the balance between needs and wants. So how do I fish while kayaking? In freshwater and saltwater, my approach is to slowly and surely cover every spot. In a kayak, I am much more aware of, and more capable of, targeting the places where fish hide. Superbly silent, my Pro Angler carries me at the edge of two worlds, above the surface where we

live and the liquid world, which holds the object of all our passions. My kayak tackle boxes have a variety of carefully selected key lures that will help in different situations and environments, nothing more than what I will need. I carry Magic Swimmers, hard for open water and soft for heavy cover and structure. A Flatt Shad snagless is effective in both open and snaggy areas. Twitch baits like the Stick Shadd definitely go into my box, as they are needed if fish are active. A handful of plastic worms, a couple of bucktails, and then a topwater or a pivot frog will complete this set to fish from a ’yak. Seated just above the water, gliding silently with gentle movements of my feet on the pedals, rod in hand and with eyes searching, I use the smooth approach to get as close as I can to the spot or to the fish. Then all that’s left is a short but accurate cast. Proximity also gives me greater enjoyment of seeing the fish and seeing it bite. That’s why I love kayak fishing this time of the year. And you never know; I may let my lures sit in the tackle box and simply hook a shiner or a shrimp and let it swim. Or maybe I won’t even do a thing, just watch the water and the life that surrounds it—just enjoy life… and a kayak ride. Patrick Sebile is the owner and lure designer of Sebile Innovative Fishing (www.sebile.com).

H th th

T s H r t

T s T a s

O c r t

T t h g p r c a h o s p

MUDHOLE.COM/SALT-KIT Build Your Own Custom Saltwater Rod With This Turnkey Kit

(866) 790-RODS

D 10

NATIONAL

NAT_0417.indd 10

APRIL 2017

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 3:39 PM

ADVANCED HEARING AID

TECHNOLOGY For Less Than $300

“I was amazed! Sounds I hadn’t heard in years came back to me!” — Don, January 2016

How can a hearing aid that costs less than $300 be every bit as good as one that sells for $3,000 or more? The answer: Although tremendous strides have been made in Advanced Hearing Aid Technology, those cost reductions have not been passed on to you. Until now... The MDHearingAid PRO® uses the same kind of Advanced Hearing Aid Technology incorporated into hearing aids that cost thousands more at a small fraction of the price. Over 75,000 satisfied PRO customers agree: High quality FDA registered hearing aids don’t have to cost a fortune. The fact is, you don’t need to spend thousands for a medical-grade hearing aid. MDHearingAid PRO® gives you a sophisticated highperformance hearing aid that works right out of the box with no timeconsuming “adjustment” appointments. You can contact a hearing specialist conveniently online or by phone—even after sale at no cost. No other company provides such extensive support. Now that you know...why pay more?

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR

45-DAY RISK-FREE TRIAL!

Hearing is believing and we invite you to try this nearly invisible hearing aid with no annoying whistling or background noise for yourself. If you are not completely satisfied, simply return it within that time period for a 100% refund of your purchase price.

For the Lowest Price Call

800-248-3054

MDHearingaid300.com

BIG SOUND. TINY PRICE.

BATTERIES INCLUDED!

READY TO USE RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX!

DC89

Use Code and get FREE Batteries for 1 Year Plus FREE Shipping

DOCTOR DESIGNED | AUDIOLOGIST TESTED | FDA REGISTERED COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

NAT_0417.indd 11

Nearly Invisible

APRIL 2017

NATIONAL

3/20/17 3:39 PM

Mike Iaconelli Talks Kayaks And Redfish

Editor Nick Carter had the chance to interview professional bass angler Mike Iaconelli just before the Bassmaster Classic. We didn’t want to jinx Ike by talking about the Classic, so we asked the Hobie pro about his love of kayak fishing.

hat’s the appeal in stepping down from the deck of a bass boat into a kayak? Ike: Growing up in southern New Jersey, I consider myself a small-boat angler first. Many of my early childhood experiences fishing involved fishing from the bank, rowing a small jonboat or paddling a canoe. Kayak fishing fills a huge niche in my fishing life. Outside of competitive bass tournament fishing, I’m still a huge fish head. That means fishing for all freshwater and saltwater species in my down time. When I’m fun fishing or filming for TV shows, I love to access remote places that I can’t get into with my full size bass boat. Kayak fishing is also a HUGE breath of fresh air to leave behind the big boat and all of the time and preparation that go along with launching and running that boat. With your tournament schedule, do you get to spend much time on the salt? Ike: I definitely try to go inshore and offshore fishing each fall when the tournament season concludes. This past fall, I spent a week in Port Fourchon, Louisiana hanging out at Hobie Worlds 6 and filming a kayak fishing episode for season two of my TV show, Going Ike, which premiers this spring on the Pursuit Channel! I had a great time catching big redfish and trout, plus it was awesome meeting the Hobie World Championship competitors from all over the world who love fishing as much as I do. I also had a chance to go offshore fishing with my buddy Ish Monroe in San Francisco during November. We were mainly targeting lingcod, and it was an amazing day of fishing! Where do you put your kayak in and what do you fish for in New Jersey? Ike: I mostly fish the small lake behind my house, which has largemouth bass, northern chain pickerel, crappie and sunfish. My son, Vegas, got a brand new Hobie kayak from Santa for Christmas this year. The fish in our lake better watch out this summer! I’m really looking forward to spending time with my family and pursuing exciting new fishing adventures. How do redfish compare to “green fish?” Ike: Anyone who has caught a big redfish would agree that they are definitely more powerful and are a very aggressive fish in general. One of my favorite things about targeting redfish is that most of the time I can focus on shallow-water power-fishing techniques and search for active, feeding reds. With the “green fish,” there are a lot of times that I have to slow down and present a bait to them slowly such as with a jig, worm or finesse fishing.

NATIONAL

NAT_0417.indd 12

APRIL 2017

What skills, techniques and gear from your bass arsenal translate well to inshore? Ike: Casting accuracy/ presentation, reading tides and powerfishing techniques are the first three that come to my mind. Often when I’m inshore fishing, I am targeting fish that are relating to a grass edge or current break. If I can make accurate, quiet casts, there’s a good chance I’m going to catch more fish! Having grown up fishing the Delaware River, which can have up to a 7-foot tide swing between low and high tides, I’ve spent much of my life learning how fish position based on the tide level and current. This experience translates extremely well to inshore fishing…. I bring a lot of traditional power-fishing gear that you’d also find in my Bass Cat boat when I’m fishing for bass: Abu Garcia “Ike” Series Rods, Berkley Trilene braided/ monofilament/ fluorocarbon fishing lines, Rapala Skitter Walk and Skitter V topwaters, VMC jigheads, and Berkley Powerbait and Gulp swimbaits, grubs, and more soft plastics. How is your Hobie rigged out? Ike: I have a Power Pole Micro Anchor to stop the kayak on a dime. This is a very crucial piece of equipment, which allows me to quickly stop and fish an area without the kayak drifting with the current or wind. This is huge when you are fishing specific targets such as points, current breaks, laydowns, docks and more. I also have a Lowrance HDS 9 Touch unit, a storage crate for my Flambeau Zerust tackle boxes and tackle bags, landing net, rod holders, and of course, Hobie’s Mirage Drive pedals so I can keep my hands fishing instead of paddling! Electronics play a huge role on the bass tournament scene, what’re your thoughts on electronics in kayaks? Ike: Electronics play just as huge of a role in kayak fishing. I really use it the same as with my Bass Cat boat! As I just mentioned, I run a Lowrance HDS 9 Touch unit on my Hobie for its GPS/ sonar abilities. I rely heavily on the information I can gather from the Lowrance such as mapping/ bottom contours, reading the water temperature, and using the sonar for locating fish, cover and structure to name a few. I may mount a Hydrowave on the Hobie as well soon. It’s another great innovation in electronics, and I use it often in my boat to fire up fish. I’m always interested in adding tools to my boat or kayak that help me catch more fish!

For more Mike Iaconelli, go to

ANGLERSDREAM.CO

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 3:39 PM

UglyS

America’s most durable and dependable rod just got tougher. With all-new Ugly Tuff saltwater guides, Ugly Stik Tiger ® rods are now more corrosion-resistant than ever. Visit uglystik.com to learn more. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

NAT_0417.indd 13 UglyStik_Tiger_8.125x10.875.indd 1

APRIL 2017

NATIONAL

3/20/17 3:39 PM 1/13/17 10:07 AM

Lou

By Nick Carter - Photos Courtesy of Kaku

f there’s a heaven for folks who fish from paddle-powered boats, it must look a lot like Venice, Louisiana. This narrow spit of marshland at the Mississippi River Delta is a maze of canals and bays that flush into the Gulf of Mexico with fecundity born of joining waters. Channels and marsh ponds tucked into thousands of acres of wetlands make it the perfect habitat for redfish, seatrout, flounder and other species. It’s like the landscape was designed for fishing and exploring with a paddle. Kevin Hawkins was born and raised in Tarpon Springs, Fla. He is the president of Kaku Kayaks & Paddleboards but calls himself the company’s chief pro-staffer. He prides himself on the amount of fishing he does and designs his boats on experience. Venice is one of his favorite testing grounds. Whether its launching roadside into the marsh, a trip outside the pass from remote Port Eads or a mothership expedition to the Gulf ’s famous oil rigs, it’s the perfect setting to test his boats. It doesn’t hurt that the fishing is awesome. When the seas aren’t too rough, there’s no adventure quite like a mothership trip out to the oilrigs in search of cobia, kingfish and bull reds. Kaku pro-staffer Capt. Jeff Schneider is also a tuna captain who runs a 36-foot Contender when he’s not paddling a small plastic boat. With kayaks loaded, it’s about an hour and a half run from Venice Marina out to 50-foot-deep rigs in West Bay. Hawkins described a day he fished with Schneider, and although the primary target was cobia, a big 45-inch redfish was the highlight. Armed with big 5000 reels and 40- to 50-pound tackle, they dropped Kaku Wahoo kayaks into 2- to 3-foot seas. Even on the stable fishing platform, Hawkins said it might have been a bit much for new paddlers. For a veteran it was fun. “It’s awesome, man. I love paddling a good kayak in that stuff and busting over big waves,” said Hawkins. “When it gets rough like that, it’s fun.” They fished a series of four or five structures linked by a bridge, which gave space to paddle around and explore. Hawkins said he paddled right up to the corner of a pier, dropped his jig straight down and began back paddling before jigging. That’s when the big bull red ate. “When you’re in the shallows and they pull you around, they call that the Cajun sleigh ride,” Hawkins said. “When you’re in deep water like that, he heads straight down. He was pulling me, and that kayak was smashing straight down on those waves. It was pretty intense.” Invariably, fish seek something to wrap the line around, and only by kicking off a beam was Hawkins able to keep himself from going

NATIONAL

NAT_0417.indd 14

With a Paddle

•V

•

201K7ET

BULCI S T

Experience Heaven

APRIL 2017

under the rig and losing the fish. He gave a piece of advice for battling big fish from a kayak in deep water. “Keep the tip of the rod toward the front of the boat,” he said. “When the rod goes to the side, that’s when you run the risk of flipping.” If an open-water mothership trip seems a little much, Port Eads sits on the southernmost tip of Louisiana, right at the end of the Mississippi River. It’s only accessible by boat, and reasonable prices buy lodging and good meals. Also known as South Pass, the location is a few minutes paddle from the open Gulf and offers excellent fishing for big jacks, reds, cobia, blacktip sharks and any number of other species big enough to warrant medium-heavy rods, 3000 to 4000 reels and 30- to 40-pound-test lines. Hawkins likes artificials and prefers Slayer Inc.’s Sinister Swim Tail rigged on a 4/0 jig head. For him, sinking bait outside the pass would detract from the reason he fishes from kayaks and SUPs in the first place. “Kayaks are about stalking and hunting the fish,” he said. “You’ve got to use your instincts to find them. I don’t like to just sit on a hole and fish bait.” It’s as much fun as you can have sitting down… or standing up if seas are calm enough for an SUP like Kaku’s Kahuna, which is specifically designed for fishing. But perhaps the best bet for calm waters is a third Venice option, to launch roadside. Highway 23 runs from New Orleans to Venice, and Tidewater Road is where the pavement ends. There are any number of places to hand-launch a kayak or paddleboard. Hawkins mentioned Yellow Cotton Bay as well as a series of marsh ponds and cuts at a circular canal known as The Pinwheel. Once you find fish off the grass edges, it’s probably the best inshore action in the world, and it’s easily accessible to paddlers. Popping cork rigs are a no-brainer, but Hawkins said once you get tired of catching scads of rat reds and trout, it’s time to switch to the paddletail rig he likes to fish outside the pass. “We’re looking for the big ones,” he said. “You’ve still got to be ready for the big ones. No matter where I am in Venice, I’ve got a 30-pound rig.” For more information on Kaku Kayaks & SUPs, see kakukayak. com.

To learn more about fishing from a Kahuna Paddleboard, go to

FISHINGLIFE.CO

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 3:39 PM

The 12.5′ length of the Wahoo helps ensure stability. The Wahoo spans 33″ wide, great for fishing! Weighing only 74 lbs, the Wahoo is WWW.kakukayak.com lightweight, but incredibly stable. The Wahoo has a capacity of 400lbs.

KAKUKAYAKS.COM

STABILITY LIKE YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN!

The Most Versatile Paddle Craft… Ever! The new Kahuna offers extreme stability, versatility and durability. Mount coolers, seats, storage boxes, rod holders and more to its rugged frame. It’s the first paddle craft of its kind to offer fully integrated mounting for the Micro Power Pole Shallow Water Anchor!

THE DAY’S BIG CATCH SHOULD BE YOUR ONLY FOCUS Insurance coverage through BoatU.S. makes for a great start to what could be an epic day of fishing. Our policies are designed with coverages custom-made for Anglers and include 24/7 claims service from boating experts. • Agreed Value Coverage for Your Boat, Engine(s) and Boating Equipment • Broad Cruising Areas • Charter and Guide Coverage Options Available • Coverage for Fishing Gear • Tournament Coverage • Water Towing and Roadside Assistance from TowBoatU.S. – the Nation’s Largest Fleet

Log-on to BoatUS.com/insurance or call for a free quote 800-283-2883

All policies subject to limits and exclusions. In the state of California, the BoatU.S. Marine Insurance Program is provided through Boat Owners Association Insurance Services, CA License #0H87086.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

NAT_0417.indd 15

APRIL 2017

NATIONAL

3/20/17 3:39 PM

Paddlesports Product Review COVERALLS KAYAK COVER

CREEKKOOLER FLOATING COOLER

Who says kayak covers need to be bulky and thick? CoverAlls kayak covers deliver protection, strength and durability in a lightweight, tough material that keeps your kayak clean and dry year-round. Protect your kayak from nature and the elements. Prevent dirt, debris, pollen and leaves from piling up in the cockpit and seat. Block bugs and critters before they move in. Keep water out with material that’s not just water-resistant—it’s water-PROOF. Our covers are also UV-resistant to preserve your kayak’s hull and rigging from the sun’s damaging rays. Best of all, CoverAlls kayak covers are a breeze to use. They slip on quickly, draw closed with a single poly cord and cam lock—not zippers—and get snug with durable Velcro straps. There’s even a built-in red flag for transport. The cover slips off easily and stows neatly in an included compact stuff bag that even fits in most deck hatches. Spend more time with a rod and reel and less time with a hose and scrub brush. See how much better protection can be at www.coveralls.biz!

Space is always at a premium when you’re on the water in a paddle-powered vessel. Whether it’s a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard, a lack of stowage often forces us to leave behind the things not absolutely necessary for the activity at hand. On a larger boat where there’s plenty of room, many anglers wouldn’t think of going fishing without a cooler full of iced-down beverages. With the new Creekkooler, those navigating under paddle power can have the same luxury. The Creekkooler is an innovative floating cooler designed with dual-wall construction and top-quality insulation to retain ice and keep things cold for extended periods. Its shape cuts through the water, limiting drag and allowing it to be pulled easily behind a boat. Creekkooler has a 30-quart capacity and will hold 30 12-ounce cans and 20 pounds of ice. It has four drink holders on deck and a 1/8-turn watertight lid that makes it a great tool for extra dry storage, too. Whether it’s for keeping drinks cold during a day on the water with buddies, packing in provisions for a multi-day float trip, or extra dry storage for the stuff you need but don’t have room in the boat for, Creekkooler is an innovative new product that will make your excursion under paddle power more comfortable.

WWW.COVERALLS.BIZ

KANOOLERPRODUCTS.COM

WHALEBACK PADDLEBOARDS TORTUGA

When I’m not in the studio or at the racetrack, I’m fishing. Every chance I get. I recently started SUP fishing, and the 12’6” Tortuga by Whaleback Paddleboards is a real game changer. At 12’6” x 34” x 10.5”, with twin pontoons, the stability is ridiculous. I can walk nose to tail and all around the rails to reel in fish from any direction. Its 3-inch side bite tracking fins allow me to squeeze into shallow flats, and its maneuverability and stability is great offshore as well. With a fullcoverage, water-resistant traction pad, the deck space is unmatched. And its 28 customizable

By Matt Nix, Racin’ Nation Radio

WWW.WHALEBACKPADDLEBOARDS.COM

JACKSON KAYAK KRAKEN 13.5

Jackson Kayak’s Kraken 13.5 is an all-new option for paddlers looking to tackle big water. Based on The Kraken 15.5 platform, the 13.5 sheds some length for more maneuverability but with all the punch of its big brother. This kayak, just like the original, is designed for the most challenging paddling environments and intended for the offshore and big-lake kayak angler. It’s a natural follow up to the first collaborative design between legendary kayak angler, Jim Sammons and Jackson Kayak’s design team led by Tony Lee. The new Kraken 13.5 is a boat shaped and built to accommodate those hitting the open water in a nimble, smaller footprint but still capable of big water management. It’s designed for punching through surf, handling rough offshore currents, swells, beach landings and those who desire ultimate performance and maneuverability. With more features than can be listed, Jackson has considered all the needs of bigwater anglers and packed them thoughtfully into this kayak. Its great-tracking hull has the speed to cover miles and the volume and storage to carry you and your gear comfortably on long outings. 16

inserts and deck tie downs let me rig up my YakAttack lean post, rod holders, GPS and paddle holder and still have room for the cooler, cup holder and lawn chair. Because let’s face it, nothing’s better than celebrating a good catch with a cold one. Whether you’re an experienced SUP fisherman or just getting started, the 12’6’ Tortuga is the board for you. It sets you up with everything you need. You just have to find the fish. All Whaleback boards are made in the USA. Visit www.whalebackpaddleboards.com or call 561-3361612 for a dealer near you.

PAU HANA BIG EZ ANGLER At 11 feet long and available in both 32 and 36 inches of width, Pau Hana’s Big EZ Angler is built to be stable, the perfect platform for fighting any game fish. This paddleboard is derived from the classic Big EZ, and is shaped to provide anglers the balance they need while remaining easy to maneuver in shallow water without disrupting fish underneath. It is lightweight at just over 30-pounds, which means it is easy to launch anywhere there’s a place to carry it to the water. It can be rigged up for any kind of fishing, can handle heavy loads and carry all the gear you need. With a soft and stylish deck and space in between the pieces for water drainage, the Angler comes pre-equipped with 25 multiple threaded mount attachment points using Pau Hana’s innovative SeaMount System. Coolers, tackle boxes, anchors, nets, rod holders, paddle clips, lights and anything else an angler needs can be easily mounted on deck. The Big EZ Angler is a real teak paddleboard with the capacity to carry everything an angler needs and provide a stable platform to fish from.

WWW.PAUHANASURFCO.COM WWW.JACKSONKAYAK.COM APRIL 2017 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

NATIONAL

NAT_0417.indd 16

3/20/17 3:40 PM

Paddlesports Product Review RAM MOUNTING SYSTEMS Whether you are on a lake, stream, whitewater, inlet or ocean, kayaking is all about adaptability. RAM has created a complete line of rust-resistant mounting solutions for kayaks that allow anglers to mount items where they are needed. RAM Mounting systems offer the widest selection of kayak fishing accessories to adapt to a wide range of fishing scenarios. With a patented ball-and-socket design, RAM mounts allow anglers to mount almost anything at the perfect angle. This provides flexibility to mount equipment within reach, but out of the way. RAM’s kayak mounts and fishing accessories are rugged, compact, and have no sharp edges or points. All of our kayak mounts are backed by a lifetime warranty and are made in the USA. RAM mounts are the solution for mounting anything you might need on the water. A full line of rod holders covers everything from fly rods to conventional baitcasters and spinning rods of all sizes. Electronics, like fishfinders, chartplotters, phones, tablets and cameras can be mounted securely where they are needed. RAM even has a special system for mounting transducers for depthfinders. If there is something that needs to be mounted on a kayak, chances are RAM has thought of it and designed a product to hold it.

WWW.RAMMOUNT.COM

THE SKIMMER KAYAK MOTOR KIT Paddle fatigue getting to you? Want to motorize your kayak or canoe? There’s no need to pay $2,000 for a motorized kayak. Watercraft Technologies’ The Skimmer is a simple system for motorizing your kayak or canoe, and it costs less than $400. It is a lightweight, portable motor that mounts easily to your stern. Just snap it on when you need it. Fishing has never been easier, safer and more convenient. Go farther and save your energy for fishing! Increase your range! Catch more fish! The Skimmer weighs only 6 pounds. It’s 12v battery operated. There are easy controls for steering and motor lift. It’s environmentally safe, with no pollution, oil or gas spills. The Skimmer is made for saltwater, but does great in brackish or fresh water. It is able to propel a craft 2-4 knots and lasts two to five hours per charge. Imagine running your kayak at that speed and that long with zero effort! This propulsion system is great for people who want to get on the water and not worry about paddling hard into a swift current or strong wind. It is also great for those with shoulder, back or elbow issues. This kayak trolling motor kit carries a one-year, full parts replacement policy. See The Skimmer in action and order online at www.kayaktrollingmotor.com or order by phone at 631-848-3119.

WWW.KAYAKTROLLINGMOTOR.COM

MALIBU X-WING CONSOLE

Storage is a huge issue when all the gear you need at hand must fit in a space the size of your legs and lap. Malibu’s X-Wing Console is a fantastic option for storing and organizing gear in the cockpit of a kayak. Mounting of electronics, rod holders and other accessories can all be accomplished on one unit without drilling unnecessary holes in a kayak’s deck. A dry-storage compartment included in the unit makes the perfect place for valuables as well as being a great place for a battery. The X-Wing slides back and forth on a track mounted to the gunnel, so placement can be customized on the fly so it’s there when you need it and out of the way when you don’t. It’s also completely removable for storage and transportation. The X-Wing fits Malibu Kayaks, and modifications and adapters can be used to make the console fit other brands.

WWW.MALIBUKAYAKS.COM

YAKGEAR COOLER SEAT A cooler is one of the most valuable tools in most anglers’ arsenals. It goes everywhere and serves as a refrigerator, stepladder, poling platform, storage box and even a seat. YakGear’s Cooler Seat and Rigging Kit allows anglers to turn their cooler into a more comfortable and practical seating platform. Perfect for fishing, paddling, camping, tailgating and hunting, the YakGear Cooler Seat and Rigging Kit consists of the YakGear Sting Ray Seat and the necessary hardware to mount and secure the seat to a cooler. The kit is compatible with all coolers that feature “Front Locking Holes” including Yeti, Grizzly, Engel, Yukon, Icehole, some of the Bison models, and many more. The YakGear Sting Ray Seat features built-in back braces, which allow rigid back support without pressure from an exterior backrest. While most seats slouch down or fold over, the YakGear back braces hold the seat in place. As an additional feature, the seat has an aggressive non-slip pad to prevent unwarranted movement while sitting.

YAKGEAR.COM APRIL 2017

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

NAT_0417.indd 17

NATIONAL

3/20/17 3:40 PM

INSPIRED BY STRENGTH HELL-FOR-STOUT CONSTRUCTION INCLUDES STAINLESS STEEL GEARS AND UP TO 30-POUNDS OF AVAILABLE DRAG.

NEW KOMODO SS REELS & SHADOW STALKER GULF COAST RODS Powered by aluminum framing, stainless steel drive and high-output Carbonite drag, Komodo SS reels in 350 and 450 sizes are instant favorites. Compact and comfortable with enough line capacity for incredible versatility inshore and offshore. • Shadow Stalker Gulf Coast 1-piece rod actions deliver superior sensitivity and back it with OC-9 carbon reinforcement for amazing strength when the fish of a lifetime strikes. okumafishingusa.com

Okuma KomodoSS-ShadowStalkerGC-Strength 7.625x5.0125.indd 2

N A U T I C A L T E R M

3/8/17 1:48 PM

# 1 7 8

full ahead: How Sea Tow Captains operate 24/7.

Running out of fuel or a conked out engine can happen to anyone. That’s why you bought ® a Sea Tow membership. They’ve got the equipment, experience and know-how to get you home quickly & safely. $10 off a Sea Tow Membership. Discount Code: CNG 800-4-SEATOW \ seatow.com

NATIONAL

NAT_0417.indd 18

APRIL 2017

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 3:40 PM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â&#x20AC;¢ THEANGLERMAG.COM

NAT_0417.indd 19

APRIL 2017

NATIONAL

3/20/17 3:40 PM

FLY FISHING A Modern Take On Booking Fishing Guides And Charters

a better way. In April 2016, Fisher Guiding was founded. Since then, Hill has been working full time to turn his dream of easy one-stop shopping for charters and guided trips into reality. Fisher Guiding is a web-based service that lets anglers book trips with guides and charters online. It allows potential customers to search, review, message and pay guides all through an easy-to-use website. This service allows guides and captains to advertise and book clients based on available dates. It makes payment hassle free and allows guides and captains to market to customers in a way never before available. For some independent guides, the local fly shop is the only avenue available for them to book clients. Fisher Guiding is looking to supplement and modernize by offering a variety of scheduling and booking tools. Right now, Fisher Guiding currently has booking options from Alaska to the East Coast, Bahamas, Belize and Costa Rica. Although the consumer website just launched eight days ago, Fisher is already off to a great start with trips booked and new guides joining daily making for a constantly growing community. “Ultimately, the goal is to have guides and charters representing every market and fishing destination in the USA and around the world,” said Hill. It will be interesting to see how Fisher Guiding impacts the industry. The advantages are obvious for guides and charter services, but the greatest benefit may be for the consumer. Customers can read reviews and even message guides right through the website. Booking and paying for trips can be handled in two easy steps. While all change forces adaptation, a more competitive and transparent system will serve both the professionals and consumers. Ultimately the goal of Fisher Guiding is to make guides and charters more accessible to the public and contribute to the growth of the sport. A high tide will raise all the boats. See for yourself at www.fisherguiding.com.

FLY FISHING

ooking fishing guides and charters has not really changed at all for 50 years, so the industry is ripe for change and improvement. That is what Edward Hill—founder of Fisher Guiding– thought before launching his online service for guides and captains and the anglers who use them. Hill worked at Front Range Anglers before By Charlie Warfield graduating from the University of Colorado. There he saw firsthand how the guiding business worked in the local area. After school, he did private sector work in Washington, D.C., but after a couple years felt the need for a change and a new challenge. He began planning a trip to the Everglades with his father to do some fishing and reflection. Hill began searching the Internet for local guides. He was frustrated by the lack of information and the hoops he had to jump through to get hold of a guide. He had to look up guides and then call them for available dates and rates. It was a hassle, and it then turned out the guides he tracked down didn’t have the dates available he was looking for. Hill thought there must be

CHOOSING THE CORRECT BAITFISH FLY

f you look in many fly anglers’ boxes, you will see a huge array of flies in all shapes, sizes and colors. However, having the one correct fly in the box is the key to fishing success. Picking the correct flies for any saltwater fly fishing situation is key to whether or not you’ll be catching fish. Walking into a fly shop and looking into the fly bins can prove mindboggling to the uninitiated. The bins are filled with so many flies with which the fledgling saltwater fly fisher has little or no knowledge. Saltwater flies differ from their freshwater cousins in size and dress. Sometimes, like the kid in a candy store who is more influenced by the attractive wrapper than its contents, the beginning saltwater fly angler often chooses the eye-candy, over-dressed flies far too bulky to resemble a baitfish or a crab, flies that hook fishermen rather than fish.

Baitfish patterns

I believe a sparsely dressed baitfish pattern is preferable to a bulked up flashy fly. Why? The sparsely dressed fly will have a more natural look than will an all-too-spruced-up fly. Also, my experience has shown that a fish is far less selective when presented the sparsely dressed fly. The fly is only an imitation, a hint, of what the fish is feeding on, producing in the fish a reflexive action to strike. Perhaps one of the most important parts of the saltwater fly is its large eye that resembles closely the good-sized eyes on baitfish such as sardines, pilchards, and anchovies. Game fish zero in on that oversized eye when chasing and feeding on baitfish. Focusing on that eye results in fewer lost meals.

Color

Natural colors work best. Olive green, browns, tans and

20 20

FRESHWATER APRIL 2017 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM FLY FISHING APRIL 2017 • THEANGLERMAG.COM

NAT_0417.indd 20

3/20/17 3:40 PM

FLY FISHING Upstate New York

Bass On The Fly! By Mathew DeRosa

t was a very successful spring steelhead season on New York’s Salmon River. Approaching the tail end of the season, a friend and I made a “last chance” trip in hopes of finding a few final drop-back steelhead left in the system. We fished the lower section of the river, near Lake Ontario, to increase our chances of a tight line. It was one of those days when spring starts meshing into summer. The sun was shining with a few high clouds, the warm breeze was 70 degrees, and we had the river to ourselves. For an angler, being outside and fishing in a short sleeve shirt with no one around should be enough to call any day a success. This day was about to get better. As we cast into a river with increasing water temps and a majority of the steelhead already back in Lake Ontario, our expectations of a tight line were low. Soon enough, as we launched large flies

into the water, the addicting tight line grabs began. These fierce strikes were not steelhead, but hungry smallmouth bass. We enjoyed a full day on the river swinging 4-plus-inch flies and catching more than 25 smallmouth bass apiece. Are you a bass fisherman? Have you experienced the power of a bass on a fly rod? Smallmouth and largemouth bass will aggressively hunt down prey, which makes catching them on a fly rod extremely enjoyable. The late spring and early summer months are perfect to experience bass on the fly in Upstate New York. Altmar, N.Y. is on the Salmon River a short drive from the Tug Hill Sportsman Club. Both the Salmon River and the Tug Hill Sportsman’s Club are great places to learn how to fly fish and test your skills on bass. The beautiful scenery and vast expanse of meandering clear water make the Salmon River a top-priority fishing location in late spring. Favorable river conditions draw in large numbers of smallmouth bass. The river has more than 12 miles of public fishing property, and you can fish all day without encountering another angler. Smallmouth enter the river in April to spawn and remain in the system until September. Average Salmon River smallmouth bass range from 2 to 3 pounds; some weigh more than 5 pounds. Bass are present the entire length of the river from Altmar to the Douglaston Salmon Run. Tug Hill Sportsman Club The Tug Hill Sportsman Club is located on 450 acres of gently rolling land and is home to four lakes. The lakes make up about 45 acres of pristine largemouth bass-infested water. New to fly fishing or experienced, the opportunity to catch a world-class largemouth is there. The fish in these small lakes have had unpressured feeding, growing and reproductive conditions as the property has been carefully managed for more than 25 years. The goal is to provide guests with the highest quality angling. Enjoy Tailwater Lodge’s relaxing accommodations and fish the Tug Hill Sporting Club with Zero Limit Adventures! Matthew DeRosa is a guide with Zero Limit Adventures. For more information on the Tug Hill Sportsman’s Club and Zero Limit Adventures, visit www.zerolimitadventures.com.

whites are all great color combos for baitfish patterns. You should, however, carry a selection of blue and white, red and white and, of course, chartreuse and white in your fly box.

Size

Depending on what type of fish you’re pursuing, the size of your flies will vary. But, in most saltwater fly fishing situations, you’ll also need baitfish patterns that range from a small anchovy patterns in size 6 to large sardine or pilchard patterns in size 2/0. Remember, just as it is on the spring creek or on the large river, it’s all about matching the hatch, weather it’s insects or baitfish.

For more flyfishing with Bowman, go to

CAMFLYFISHING.COM

35 Acres of Private Access to the World-Renowned Salmon River 42 Luxurious Accommodations On-Site Bar and Restaurant • Daily Hot Breakfast Included Salmon River, Altmar, NY 315-298-3434

TailwaterLodge.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM APRIL 2017 FRESHWATER COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM APRIL 2017 FLY FISHING NAT_0417.indd 21

21 21

3/20/17 3:40 PM

Center sp

You could get a discount when you combine your auto and boat policies.

for your boat geico.com | 1-800-865-4846 | Local Office Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. Multi-Policy Discount available to auto insureds that have purchased a boat policy through the GEICO Marine Insurance Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2017 GEICO

NATIONAL

NAT_0417.indd 22

APRIL 2017

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 3:40 PM

FLORIDA

Elite Series Anglers Visit The Big O

By Steve Daniel, the voice of Okeechobee fishing

hen Bassmasters Elite Series competitors came to the Big O in February, they went all out to showcase our great fishing. In the end, Timmy Horton came out on top. He did most of his fishing with a jig in the bulrushes on the south end of the lake. He knew if the wind got up it could spell trouble, and it did. Even though he carried a 7-pound lead into the final day, it would be nerve racking to finish the job. He ran back to the Harney Pond area and caught 12 pounds to win by about a pound over Tennessee angler Ott Defoe.

At the weigh in, Horton’s daughter showed up with a pizza box, and no one knew what that was all about, but my wife Deb and I knew; we were there. Horton won an event on New York’s Lake Champlain several years ago. On the final day he made a long run, over 60 miles, to catch a 20-pound bag. The only way he could lose the event was if the weather got bad and he could not get back to the weigh in on time. Being aware of this, he returned early and tied his boat to the dock. Rules state that an angler can’t leave the boat unless there’s an emergency. After approval from Tripp Welden, tournament director, Horton’s cameraman, who was his observer and could not get out of the boat either, ordered a large pizza to the boat. They enjoyed a long afternoon tied to the dock. Here on Okeechobee, Horton also enjoyed a big lead going into the last day. The plan was to go to the south end, get a heavy bag and return early to have an early lunch tied to the dock. It didn’t happen that way. The wind got up and changed the area he was fishing, and it took Horton until 11:30 a.m. to even catch his first bass. In the end, Horton caught enough to win, and the rest is history, but that is what the box of pizza was all about. I bet the pizza got cold waiting the docks. With water levels falling here on the Big O, we will be fishing some really shallow water going into April. Here is a tip: Get a 4-foot stick and keep it by the driver’s seat to feel the bottom. If you feel sand and the water is deep enough to get on plain, you will be fine. If the bottom feels hard, keep idling out until you have deeper water. Use a little common sense. Fishing in April will be incredible. An extremely successful professional bass tournament angler, Steve Daniel is 30-year veteran Okeechobee guide and the voice of Okeechobee fishing on WRVO Radio Network 1’s Hooked Up With Steve and Deb. Check out the show at www.renoviolaoutdoors.com

To learn more about fishing in the Big O, go to

ANGLERLIFE.CO

BEACHMARINEPRODUCTS.COM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_FL1-FL24.indd 1

APRIL 2017

FLORIDA

3/20/17 3:22 PM

DINNER AND

A SHOW By Michael Landress

riskly driven by warm sea breezes, we drifted in 26-fathoms—three grizzled and oft impatient anglers awaiting a bite. Biker Brad and I chartered Capt. Chris Le-Mieux and his 27foot Conch Cruiser out of Boynton Beach with expectations of catching summer dolphin. Joggling in 2-foot seas, Chris set the lines. After a few minutes, we noticed the spinning rod baited with a lively threadfin at the transom presenting a tad odd. The monofilament was loosely wrapped around the reel’s handle and bail. The line was straight down from the rod tip and disappeared beneath the Conch Cruiser. Chris seized the rod and quickly untangled the quandary then began a feverish retrieval of slack line. A tenacious, girly mahi gobbled the jittery herring then torpedoed toward the vessel. I reached for the camera in an effort to capture images of her aerial assault for freedom, but missed the opportunity because Chris forced the straining rod in my face barking, “REEL . . . REEL . . . REEL!” We watched in awe as the flailing dolphin rocketed through the air twisting and turning with great energy. Perhaps, the mahi is the prettiest fish in the world’s oceans. The brilliant harlequin green and cyber yellow of its lit skin, embellished with ultramarine specks in contrast with blue water, is spectacular. Having missed two epic jumps, I couldn’t resist the temptation. I passed

FLORIDA

CANGL_FL1-FL24.indd 2

APRIL 2017

the rod to Brad so I could focus on capturing the final flurry of vaults with a camera. But, as quickly as the acrobatic breaches had begun, they ceased. The worn dolphin laggardly cruised near the surface. Her brilliant color quickly faded as she succumbed to a well-placed, razor sharp gaff. Wild-eyed and grinning from ear to ear like yellow cartoon sponges, we extended our gratitude for the show by welcoming her aboard for a dinner engagement. Dinner and a show is how we roll!

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 3:22 PM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â&#x20AC;¢ THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_FL1-FL24.indd 3

APRIL 2017

FLORIDA

3/20/17 3:22 PM

FISH THE GREATER JACKSONVILLE KINGFISH TOURNAMENT

ingfish anglers will converge on Jacksonville the week of July 17 for the 37th edition of the Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament. Steve Thompson, Captain of the Sea Snake, will once again serve as tournament chairman. With more than 30 years of experience on the SKA circuit, he brings unique insight to the Jacksonville tournament. The traditional two-day, Thursday/Friday format returns this year. Each angling boat will be allowed to weigh one fish Thursday and up to two fish Friday. Boats that made a wrong turn on day one still have a fighting chance on day two. Also returning is the single-engine class, where payouts go to the top 10 largest fish only. This year’s event, unlike last year, will not pay big fish or aggregate. The wildly popular ladies division will be expanded for 2017 and payouts will go out to the top 10 largest fish caught by ladies. Last year there were more ladies than ever arriving at the weigh scales, and with expanded payouts more are expected this year. As usual, there will be fun for all the kiddos. Junior anglers will have their own offshore day on the boats on Tuesday, and there will be a juniors dock tournament. As bonus prizes, there will be treasure chest drawings. Every boat that weighs a fish on Friday will receive a treasure chest key. Lucky keys open one of 10 treasure chests valued at more than $700 each! With donated fish, organizers will

FLORIDA

CANGL_FL1-FL24.indd 4

APRIL 2017

also be handing out tickets for $100 drawings. Again this year, an awesome gas-powered, customized golf cart will be raffled off. This isn’t your grandad’s golf cart; this one has 14-inch offroad tires, a Yamaha gas engine, Bluetooth sound system and lights all around. It is worth more than $9,000, and raffle tickets can be purchased with a $10 donation. New this year is a traveling angler prize, where one lucky angler from outside of 75 miles of Jacksonville will win cash. This is for the heaviest king outside the perimeter. It’s this, especially for an entry fee of only $345. just another way Jacksonville On top of all that, there is the seafood festival. Marine Charities and the GJKT says thanks for Don’t forget to visit Ship2Shore, the tournament’s fishing with us. And let’s not forget the grand prize. Once seafood vendor, and enjoy some fresh cooked again, the GJKT is proud to award, for the seafood. Make plans now to attend this year’s event. heaviest kingfish of the tournament, a Contender 22 Sport boat, powered by a 250 hp Yamaha 4 The weather is predictable in July, and big fish stroke outboard. Sitting on a brand new Trailer, are always plentiful. Over the years, several with a custom T-top by Pelagic Fabrications and tournament winners have come from within 5 a custom boat cover made by Mousa’s Auto & miles of the inlet. Marine trim shop, this To learn more about last years event, go to prize is valued at more than $86,000 dollars. No one offers a prize value like

CAMSALTWATER.COM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 3:22 PM

The perfect fishing knot is not a knot, but a weld!

Promo Code:

CAMJAN Using this code when checking out will discount $11.99 (price of box of cartridges) off of an order of $190 or more.

Revolutionary Tauten™ line “welder” significantly increases “line strength” by eliminating the knot!

ishermen have been on an eternal quest for the perfect knot. This effort is futile because the line must bend to tie any knot, which always weakens the line, in many cases, substantially! Tauten has replaced the knot with a polymer line weld which results in virtually no loss in system strength. Instead of the line breaking at the weld, the line itself will fail first. Works on braid, mono or fluorocarbon Simply run line through lure/hook and back over device, push button and line is welded to itself in seconds Takes easily replaced and inexpensive polymer cartridges (up to 12 welds per) Device derived from one used by surgeons to tie surgical knots and is extremely durable, lightweight and it floats! Allows you to use smaller diameter line or increases the breaking strength of existing line No more failed knots!

CALL: 978.961.3272 We’d love to talk line welding! TAUTEN.COM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_FL1-FL24.indd 5

APRIL 2017

FLORIDA

3/20/17 3:22 PM

• • • • 6

FLORIDA

CANGL_FL1-FL24.indd 6

APRIL 2017

Aqua Marine Deck non-skid closed cell marine foam

NO MORE WET CARPET!

www.aquamarinedeck.com

ishing in the Big Pine Key area can be the experience of a lifetime. The areas around Big Pine Key have a deep history that includes a large range of visits by famous explorers, pirates and American industrialists. Hundreds of years ago Native American tribes made frequent visits to harvest the Florida Keys’ rich abundance of seafood the area provided. Now many years later and well into the 21st century the combination of flowing Gulf Stream waters, coral reefs, lush mangrove islands, shallow flats and a complex interconnection of deep channels make this area unlike anywhere else in the world. Due to the ability to easily access both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, the variety of fishing is absolutely endless. Directly offshore is the famous Looe Key Reef. Tournament sport

770-614-4417

Inshore To Offshore At Big Pine Key

1050 Parkway Industrial Park Dr. Suite 500 Buford GA 30518

By Capt. Nate Wheeler

fishing boats often travel many miles to target a great sailfish bite off these reefs. Other pelagic gamefish such as black fin tuna, dolphin and speedy/yummy wahoo can also be targeted. Big schools of the very tasty reef fish such as mutton, mangrove, lane and yellowtail snappers are plentiful in these areas. Between May 1 and Dec. 31, grouper is open to harvest. Very nice black, gag, and red groupers can be caught around all sorts of bottom ranging from inshore patches close to shore all the way to the outer reef. If the inshore gamefish are your preference, there may be no better location in the world than Big Pine Key area. Close proximity to the famous Bahia Honda Bridge provides some of the best live bait tarpon action in all of the Keys. The shorelines, channels and bays in the area provide some of the very best habitat there is to target these giants with a fly rod. Endless amounts of shallow flats in close proximity to deep channels provide miles and miles of habitat for much sought after permit and bonefish. You could fish a lifetime in the area and only discover half of what the region is capable of providing. No matter what style of fishing you prefer, no matter what time of year, Big Pine Key is an incredible area capable of catering to both the diehard enthusiast and the casual recreational angler! Contact Capt. Nate Wheeler and Waypoint Fishing Charters at 305394-2177 or captnatewheeler@aol.com, and see the website at www. waypointfishing.net.

AQUA M ANGLERSLIFE.CO CLOSED C

To learn more about fishing with Capt. Nate Wheeler, go to

3M ASA Peel & Stick Application Non-skid AVA Foam, Great Wet & Dry Traction Stain • 3M PSA PeelResistant & Stick Application & Anti-fungal AV Protection Covers Spider • Non-skid EVA Foam, Great WetCracks & Dry Traction and Adds • Stain Resistant &for Anti-fungal UV Protection Comfort Standing

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 3:22 PM

World’s largest strip joint.

Big Pine Key has it all. A pole, guys wearing sunglasses and nonstop action. Bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook. You can look, you can hoot and holler, you can even touch. And it always ends happily, with a great release. fla-keys.com/lowerkeys 1.800.872.3722

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_FL1-FL24.indd 7

MCTLK-2742 Coastal Angler LO1 • April 2017

APRIL 2017

FLORIDA

3/20/17 3:22 PM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â&#x20AC;¢ THEANGLERMAG.COM

Coastal Angler Ad outline.indd 1 CANGL_FL1-FL24.indd 9

APRIL 2017

FLORIDA

3/14/17 3:22 1:53 PM PM 3/20/17

ACTION CRAFT 2050 GULF COAST CROSSOVER OR “GCX” Action Craft’s new concept model, the 2050 Gulf Coast Crossover or “GCX” is the perfect combination of Texas- and Floridastyle boats, with a design based on years of research into what anglers want from a fishing boat that can also be used for family outings. Owner Chad Kovarik said, “The bottom hull is based off the very popular 2020 with upgrades for strength, stability and ride comfort. The rest of the boat came from four years of research talking to customers at boat shows, ramps and tournaments, who owned Texas-style boats being used in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, and then also talking to owners of mono-hull boats being used in the same five states. “With this boat, we did our best to address the reoccurring themes from the thousands of people we talked to over the years. A few of these items were shallow draft with a pocketed hull, wide beam and wide gunwales, finished surfaces on the deck, in addition to a fully finished full-boat liner, which is one of kind on this length boat.” The 2050 GCX combines the needs and wants of the angler with comfort that makes the same boat ideal for family outings. Three of the four livewells are insulated. There’s a real draft of only 12 inches on a 20’ boat, a transom pocket drive and a wide beam. Five can be seated comfortably, a full-boat liner gives a softer ride, and there is a lot of storage. See the complete list of features for this boat at http://coastalanglermag. com/fort-myers/

IT'S COMING......

239-574-7800 www.ActionCraft.com

Action Craft 2050 GCX (Gulf Coast Crossover)

The perfect combination of a Texas style boat and a Florida style boat with seating for 5. 10

FLORIDA

CANGL_FL1-FL24.indd 10

APRIL 2017

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 3:22 PM

THE ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING A NEW BOAT

Performance Bulletin Available

Suzuki Repower Centers are stationed around Florida to help with your Suzuki service and repower needs.

Lou’s Marine, Inc. Gulf Breeze

St. Augustine Marine Center St. Augustine

COMING SOON

Mastry Engine Center’s 51 years of repower experience now combined with Suzuki outboard motors.

COMING SOON Mastry Engine Center St. Petersburg

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

Bayfront Yacht Works Sarasota

Calusa Certified Marine

All Suzuki repowers come with Suzuki’s “Gimme Six!” 6-year protection.

Cape Coral

Marina One Deerfield Beach

Atlantic Marine Store Hialeah

Boat Services Group Key West

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • •THEANGLERMAG.COM Request a quote! • suzukirepower.com 1-800-545-4574APRIL 2017

CANGL_FL1-FL24.indd 11

FLORIDA

3/20/17 3:22 PM

Center sp Rookie Wins FLW Tour on Harris Chain

ot a newcomer to the bass-tournament crowd but a rookie this season on the FLW Tour, Enigma Pro Bradley Dortch came from fifth place to win the third stop on the Harris Chain of Lakes in Leesburg, Fla. Unlike a lot of the top finishers who were sight fishing for bedding bass, Dortch caught his fish on championship Sunday switching between a lipless crankbait and a large plastic worm in junebug color to sack up 22-2 pounds of Florida largemouths. Starting the day off with a 7-pounder and a fish nearly 4 pounds right behind it proved that deciding to go winding instead of pitching a soft stick bait to grass and lily pads was a great idea. His gut instinct was right. He figured a lot of the fish had moved due to the incoming front. The decision to move as well as picking up a large worm late in the morning and making a long casts to catch a second bass of nearly 7 pounds was right-on. Dortch sacked up his huge bag on FLW Live with the huge smile on his face while the current leader Debary Florida native, John Cox was struggling to get his bedding fish to bite. In the end, Dortch bested the three-day leader by about 4 pounds to take home the Tour Trophy and a $100,000 grand check. All the while, another well-known Florida pro, J.T. Kenny, was having a great day, bringing a huge 27-pound-plus sack to the scale. It was the tournament’s largest five-fish limit, and Kenny came all the way from tenth place to take second, less than 2 pounds behind Dortch. Only the top five anglers had the FLW-Live cameras on board, so the updates to the FLW site were coming in via an I-Pad from the Marshall onboard J.T. Kenny’s boat. Kenny’s huge sack had him on the hotseat until Dortch brought his 22-pound plus sack to the scale. The three-day leader, Mud Hole Custom Tackle Pro John Cox was last to the weigh scale, and after a tough day1:14 trying get1several bedAirline_Ad_CoastalAngler_8-1-14_Layout 1 8/1/14 PM to Page

FLORIDA

CANGL_FL1-FL24.indd 12

APRIL 2017

ding fish in the 5-pound-plus class to bite, he brought in a limit of just over 14 pounds. He ended up placing third right behind Kenny. The “Angler of the Year” points leader, FLW Pro Brian Thrift, ended up in sixth place after finishing second in the last three tournaments he has fished. This makes five straight top-10 finishes for Thrift, which is the longest streak for any tour angler since Kevin Van Dam had 10 in a row. With his tournament win, Dortch has now earned 500 total Angler of the Year points on the season and is in second place in the coveted Rookie of the Year (ROY) race. Justin Atkins, of Florence, Ala., the current ROY leader, is one spot ahead of Dortch with 502.

To watch his announced win, go to

CAMFRESHWATER.COM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 3:22 PM

NORTH FLORIDA

COLOR Me Caught…Choosing Lure COLORS

veryone has their go to lure or fly, that certain color and pattern that always gets the job done. But why is that one lure so effective? Is it the color, shape, action or just the fact that you have confidence in it? Undoubtedly it is a combination of all of the above, especially when you consider what the fish sees. The colors fish can see are limited by the light absorbing characteristics of water as well as the amount of light and the water clarity. In water, the longest color wavelengths are absorbed first. Red is affected nearly immediately, transitioning to a shade of gray within depths of just 15 feet in clear water. The absorption continues in the order of the color spectrum to affect orange, yellow, green and finally blue. It is important to note color absorption occurs both vertically and horizontally. No matter the depth, red will appear gray to a fish that is 15 feet away from the lure. The distance is shortened in stained water. Conversely, with blue being visible to about 90 feet in clear open water, it will show up pretty well. So does that mean color has little bearing? Absolutely not; while colors might not pop bright and vivid, they have a profound effect on contrast. This might be of even more importance in fishing. Many anglers have discovered that dark colors work better at night, in low light and in dirty water. This may seem counter-intuitive, but consider that fish see the contrast of a bait to its surroundings. Using baits with two colors boosts the contrast when fishing in turbid

By Will Robinson

water. Colors, shapes and patterns are likely more important when fishing a particular run. If you are fishing the mullet run or a menhaden migration, matching the natural appearance of the food is pretty important. How to put this to use: • Black is generally the most visible color and creates the best contrast in low visibility. • Create contrast by using dark colors next to light colors. In dirty water or lowlight situations, more contrast is better. Bright clear conditions call for less contrast. • When using lures deep, use blues and greens as they are the last colors absorbed. • Consider the visible colors of natural prey at the depth you will be fishing and match that, not the surface colors. Studies show that fish react to specific colors. Maybe it is a color that occurs during mating or a color that triggers another response. However, what fish see and react to varies species to species. Also, unlike humans, fish can see ultraviolet light, which leads to options when tying flies or using skirted lures. Many materials can bring this into play. There is no doubt that color plays an important role in lure selection. Utilizing colors that show up at the depth you are fishing is a good strategy. Also, use colors that create contrast and make your bait visible under the conditions you are fishing. Will Robinson is an accomplished tournament angler and has been writing and hosting fishing shows for nearly two decades.

Thank you to all our wonderful sponsors!

352-284-1377

www.ReelingForKids.com

SPONSOR EVENT May 11, 2017 Touchdown Terrace Live Entertainment

Proceeds Benefit the

OF ALACHUA COUNTY

2-DAY TOURNAMENT June 2 & 3, 2017 Steinhatchee, FL

$30,000 IN CASH PRIZES

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_NFL1-NFL8.indd 1

APRIL 2017

NORTH FLORIDA 1

3/20/17 11:33 AM

2 NORTH FLORIDA

CANGL_NFL1-NFL8.indd 2

APRIL 2017

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â&#x20AC;¢ THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 11:33 AM

Fishing the Sunshine Skyway Bridge

ne of the many places in Florida that offers a wide variety of fishing experience is near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa Bay. Officially known as the Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge, the structure is almost 22,000 feet long and can be a little unnerving for vehicle passengers going on I-275 between St. Petersburg and Terra Ceia in Manatee County. More than 50,000 vehicles travel over it every day. Built in 1987 to replace an older bridge that was partly destroyed in a ship collision in 1980, the new bridge rises 180 feet over the water. After the U.S. Coast Guard cutter “Blackthorn” collided with a freighter, “Capricorn,” in 1980, 23 Coast Guardsmen lost their lives. One can see a memorial to the “Blackthorn” in a park at the northern end of the bridge. After the cutter was raised, officials decided they could not use the ship again and allowed it to be taken out into the Gulf to be scuttled, after which it became an artificial reef for recreational diving and fishing. Today, one can find fishermen using the western fishing piers at the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, although large trucks, recreational vehicles, and trailers are not allowed. The piers are open 24 hours a day. One can buy fishing supplies, bait and drinks on the piers, as well as free copies of the latest fishing regulations.

No alcoholic beverages or pets are allowed on the piers. Promoters of fishing there claim

that the approaches to the old bridge are the longest fishing pier in the world, and therefore one can find dozens of anglers there on any

given day. Among the fish species found near the piers are black sea bass, cobia, grouper, king mackerel, pompano, red snapper, sheepshead, snook, Spanish mackerel and tarpon. The usual fee for each car on the piers is $4, plus $4 for each adult. As evidenced in the photo here, one can also find kayakers fishing near the piers as well as boaters in different-sized fishing boats. The piers may be too high for some fishermen, and so there are many legal spots for those who want to fish from shore. One can find deep channels near those spots, and snook have been known to congregate there. The warmer times of the year are popular for migrating fish. Because several million people are within driving distance of the piers, those places are popular for many anglers. One can also see fishermen wading along the flats in search of some keepers. When I’ve been there, I have looked up at the vehicles speeding along the bridge high above the water and wondered how many of the passengers look down with envy at the fishermen enjoying a day on, at, or in the water trying their luck to catch some good fighting fish. Kevin McCarthy, the award-winning author of “South Florida Waterways” (2013 - available at amazon.com for $7), can be reached at ceyhankevin@gmail.com. For more on Kevin McCarthy, go to

GOBOATBOUND.COM

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN UNDERWATER ADVENTURES Catch the true spirit of the natural Florida Gulf Coast lifestyle in Crystal River. Whether you are looking for freshwater fishing, a calm day of inshore angling, or the thrill of the offshore—Citrus County has got what you need. Now’s the time to kick off those shoes, get your feet wet, and catch an adventure.

Download our FREE visitor’s guide at discovercrystalriverfl.com/visitors-guide, or call 800.587.6667 to learn more.

visitcitrus

discovercrystalriver

crystalriverfl

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_NFL1-NFL8.indd 3

APRIL 2017

NORTH FLORIDA 3

3/20/17 11:33 AM

CA_HMY_NFLJAX3_17submission.qxp_Layout 1 3/17/17 1:18 PM Page 1

904-221-2228

14286-19 Beach Blvd., Suite # 401 Jacksonville

Aﬀordably priced, Superbly-engineered boats that deliver consistently high levels of style, performance and customer satisfaction.

Call For Special Pricing!

45’ CRUISERS CANTIUS - IN STOCK!

390 CRUISERS EXPRESS - IN STOCK!

Upgraded Volvo 600 IPS. Swim platform with hydraulic lift. Underwater lighting, OPTIONS GALORE!

Upgraded Volvo 500 IPS, swim platform, underwater lighting. All you’ll need for entertaining, except guests!

NEW YACHTS

SELECT PRE-OWNED YACHTS

Model Year Leftover Call for Pricing!

“SEAFARI II” 60’ 2008 NOVATEC

50’ 2010 MARQUIS

“PERSIAN PRINCESS II” 48’ 2003 SEA RAY

“CULMINATION” 44’ 2007 REGAL

“GREEN EYED LADY” 38’ 2011 CRUISERS

“MAINE ESCAPE” 33’ 2014 CHAPARRAL

52’ VIKING CONVERTIBLE - IN STOCK!

Upgraded V-12 MANs. Palm Beach Towers tuna tower. Upgrades Throughout. Call for details!

NEW PRINCESS 43’ FLYBRIDGE YACHT CALL FOR AVAILABILITY

4 NORTH FLORIDA

CANGL_NFL1-NFL8.indd 4

APRIL 2017

Contact George Ivey: (904) 476-7831 givey@hmy.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 11:33 AM

WIN ONE OF THESE Paddlesports Packages! Kayak Package #1: $2,334 Value

Value: $1,399

Jackson Kayak

Kraken

Bending Branches Paddle Val u

Value: $354.95

e: $

397

Value: $35 Value: $149

SoCal Kayak Motor

Dakine Rack Pads

Creek Koolers Kayak Cooler

Paddleboard Package #2 $1,185 Value Value: $900

Kaku Paddleboard Dakine Party Cooler

Kahuna

Value: $35

Power Pole

Dakine Rack Pads

Value: $55

ENTER TO WIN HERE:

Value: $195

CoastalAnglerMag.com/Paddle-Sports

For more info follow us: April_Kayak_FPAD.indd 1 1 CANGL_FIL1-FIL4.indd

/CAMTAMagazine 3/20/1712:25 9:52PM AM 3/20/17

YOUR RESOURCE FOR: Attention Advertising Sales Reps Have you ever wondered what it would be like to own the media company that you were selling advertising for? Ever considered how different your life would be if you didn’t have to hand over the bulk of your sales revenue to your employer? Have you ever thought about how much easier your sales job could be if you didn’t have to beg your sales manager for every little extra thing that you wanted to give your customer? Ever wondered what it would be like to control your own time? You don’t have to wonder anymore. Coastal Angler and its freshwater component The Angler Magazine are offering magazine franchises throughout the continental U.S. and abroad. Now, you can be the publisher and completely control the advertising department of your magazine. After nine years of franchising this magazine and with 42 current locations, we can say with confidence that these home-based magazine locations can be opened in nearly any location with a minimum population base of 500,000 and an active angling community. We have also identified our ideal candidate as being someone with previous media sales experience. Male or female, success in this endeavor is gauged more on advertising sales than fishing prowess. If you are a current or former media advertising sales rep, you owe it to yourself to check out our franchise opportunities. For more information, call 888-800-9794 or email info@ coastalanglermagazine.com.

Media Sales Representatives wanted immediately for fishing magazine franchisee opportunity. Must have 2 to 5 years media sales experience. Dependable transporation, a love of the outdoors and a good solid work ethic. Type A’s welcome.

For Information Contact Editor in Chief Ben Martin at 888-800-7974 or email at camads@coastalanglermagazine.com

CANGL_FIL1-FIL4.indd 2

3/20/17 12:25 PM

ATLANTIC COAST MARINE F i s h i n g b o at s b u i lt b Y F i s h E R M a n

pathFindER

We are “the Yamaha repoWer Center”

Atlantic Blvd.

Butler Blvd

ICW

1ST IN SALES • 1ST IN SERVICE • 1ST IN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION 13748 Atlantic Blvd. AtlanticCoastMarine.com

(904)-221-0793

See our New & Pre-Owned Inventory at atlanticcoastmarine.com

CAM_JAX_APR2016.indd 1

3/17/17 2:00 PM

Fuel up. Cast out. GATE has what you need to make a day on the water even better. Fuel up on ethanol-free gasoline at participating GATE locations. And with GATE’s To-Go Kitchen, you can pack a quality, fresh meal that will keep you reeling in the big ones. Stop by a GATE store today!

Visit mygatestore.com for locations

Serving Up More.

Fishing Report & Forecast Nassau Sound By Capt. Tony Bozzella

rout, trout, and more trout! This is a great month to bag a big one. Months past, April has produced some of the biggest trout to include fish as big as 11lbs!! Whether your a float fisherman, plug, topwater or jig, big trout will be on the prowl looking for a meal. They can be caught with any of these methods. Fish get very active with the warming, but, comfortable water temps. Bait will be reentering North Florida, and as it does it will keep the fish active!! Fishing places that have current, shallow next to deeper, structure and bait will be an ideal place to start your search? But, places like these hold fish. There will a nice mix of blues in the area. Very fun, and lots of action. however, I take advantage of what mother nature has to offer? Years past, I had a day with blues to 10 lbs on inshore waters!! What a fight on light 2 NE FLorida

CAM_JAX_APR2016.indd 2

April 2017

tackle!! Any angler would of loved it!! There will be other fish joining the party. Redfish, Jack Crevalles, Spanish mackerel, Ladyfish, will be in the mix, especially if the water temps stay up. Plugs and lures that have been productive include, Rapalas, x raps, twichin raps, and skitterwalks. In the Miro-lures line, mirro dynes and top dogs, and also the BiteABait line, fighters and top walkers. Colors are simple, if the water is clean and clear, I like to use natural colors. If the water is dirty or stained, use a white or chartreuse. Keep it simple. The same go’s for jigs. Just use enough weight to get down and stay in tune with the bait.These are all fine baits in the hands of an angler that has mastered how to work them? If the backcountry is your style, there will be some redfish prowling around. Schools will be smaller and start breaking up with the warmer water. This will be the very last of the clear water and sight fishing this month. As the bait returns to the backcountry, the water will get cloudy and muddy as all the mullet and micro-organism start to replenish. Flounder will start showing up more as time go’s on. Any structure with bait and moving water can be a hot spot. I like the incoming tide. Fish a TBS jig in a bright color combined with a finger mullet or mud minnow. Fish slow and be in tune with your bait When you get a bite, reel the slack out and set the hook. Capt. Tony Bozzella / TBS JIGS Professional Angler / Guide www.tonybozzella.com 904 651 0182

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/17/17 2:00 PM

oining h, will lures s, and s, and ple, if ater is same n tune at has there r and last of to the mullet owing water bright w and ut and

You no longer have to fish around for THE BEST VALUE IN BOATING....

Palm Cove Marina Phone, 904-330-0433• 14603 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32250 www.jaxboatsales.com

S JIGS Guide a.com 1 0182

Jacksonville Boat Sales - a Cannon Marine Company

CAM_JAX_APR2016.indd 3

3/17/17 2:00 PM

REAL STORIES REAL STORIES

REAL LIFE

MarineMax Jacksonville 8725 Arlington Expressway Jacksonville, Florida, 32211 1 (866) 783-3026 www.marinemax.com/jacksonville

Fishing Report & Forecast Flagler Inshore By Captain Chris Herrera

irst light, outgoing tide and add schools of mullet, this formula makes for a successful morning outing for trout. Tie on your favorite topwater plug and get to casting, gator trout will be lurking around the bait pods along the ICW.. Working topwater and sinking plugs like a Sebile stick shad parallel to dropoffs and around creek mouths will guarantee success! Don’t over look deeper creek holes as “Gator Trout” can be taking residence. Redfish will also be patrolling the shell banks of the ICW working the bait pods during low tides. Shallow flats that are holding mullet will have redfish shadowing mullet pods looking to eat all the shrimp and crabs the mullet kick up. A Fish Bites Extreme watermelon red flake color jerkbait on a Slayer 4/0 Penetrator 3/16oz. hook is

great search bait for flats fishing. Oyster bed hopping and casting to spartina grass edges will also produce strikes as long as the mullet are around. If redfish are busting mullet switch to mullet imitators like my new favorite lure the Sebile stick shad in hollow mullet. Live bait fisherman should soak live mullet or shrimp around oyster bars on high tide using Daiichi 1/0-3/0 circle hooks. Flounder should be chewing steady in the flats, creeks and inlet on outgoing tide being my favorite. Live finger mullet with a 000 split shot or using a Fish Bite Extreme Paddle and Slayer inc. jighead slowly bounced across the bottom will produce flatties. Jig fisherman will target deeper dropoffs with mud minnows or finger mullet. Doormats around the inlets will fall for 5-7 inch mullet on a fish finder rig. I prefer to use Daiichi D18Z J-hooks as I miss a lot of flounder on circle hooks. Big Blue fish should continue to chew around Matanzas Inlet, they will bite just about any lure that resembles a mullet, first light is best for numbers. Ladyfish will be stacking up outgoing tides busting baitfish in the bigger creeks that will keep the kids occupied. Light jigs and paddle tails or live shrimp will get slammed by lady fish on every cast once you find them. Capt. Chris Herrera Serving Flagler Beach, Palm Coast, St. Augustine www.palmcoastfishing.com 386-503-6338

4 NE FLorida

CAM_JAX_APR2016.indd 4

April 2017

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/17/17 2:00 PM

ing to let are rs like ve bait ars on

d inlet a 000 ghead erman mullet. a fish lot of

t, they is best usting Light fish on

Herrera ustine ng.com 3-6338

Fishing Report & Forecast Mayport By Capt. Kirk Waltz

he weather of March should hold a reminder to us as an example on how quick it can change. That being said I believe the cooler days of March helped our fishery out on a positive note. Look for the jetties at Mayport to hold good numbers of reds, trout, sheepshead, black drum, and ringtails. High clean water should be what you look for to find the fish. On the high outgoing tides trout will be found by casting float rigs on the edges of the rocks with live shrimp. Try to vary the depth based on the areas you fish. Try to have one angler fishing tight to the rocks on a shallow rig and another fishing deep to see where they are. The water temps are still in the 60’s and they will be balled up in tight schools. I prefer a light tackle Inshore Select Ugly Stix 7ft with a Penn Slammer 3500. If you haven’t tried this reel out you should. Work in varying depths but look for clean water both inside the rocks and out. The reds will be hunting for food on the high fall so go deep. Pitch a ¼ to a ½ oz jig ten feet out from the rocks up current using a jumbo live shrimp. Many of the fish will be oversized so you might have to throw a few back. Sheeps will also be in the same zone so don’t be surprised if you bang a few of these too! If you’re targeting sheepshead this is the time of year this is when the final push of big spawners will be around. A fiddler, ¼ piece of blue crab, clam, or small shrimp work well. A Carolina rig/egg sinker rig is effective or small ¼ to ½ oz jigs are good methods too! The big giant black drum will be around too this month and can

usually be caught on the high top of the flood tide on the tips of both rock piles. A ¼ to ½ of a fresh blue crab is the most effective though I have caught many on a peeled jumbo fresh dead shrimp. Typically we are fishing in 36-46ft of water and sometime deeper. Be patient on its not always a huge bite that you see. They have a slow mealy kinda of bite that at times looks like a small fish is pecking on the bait and it’s a huge 60lber. Remember these are our spawners and don’t make good table fair so I really suggest you put them back. Make sure you have a venting tool handy to release the air from the distended bladders=. This way they can swim back down. The offshore party grounds should still be holding good numbers of snapper, sea bass, ringtails, sheepshead, and some trigger fish. Check the regs for the legal limits as our snapper are still closed. The beach fishing should start to pick up so begin to look for pogie pods to show if it’s a particularly warm month. Pogies mean big predators like bull reds, triple tail, sharks, Spanish, and cobia. The pogies, though at times scattered, have been around all winter and warming seas will make them school tighter. Capt Kirk Waltz can be reached at 904-241-7560 or 904-626-1128 for charters. Go to www.Enterprisefishcharters.com or check us out on Facebook Enterprise Fishing Charters

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CAM_JAX_APR2016.indd 5

April 2017

ne florida 5

3/17/17 2:00 PM

JOSFC - April Captain Trina M. Polkey

hanks to all of you hardcore anglers who braved the cool NE winds, El Cheapo XVII was an incredible success. With almost 400 boats registered, over 100 lady anglers, 95 junior anglers and 20 kayakers we had quite the group! The tournament was won by Chris Beasley who weighed a 14.3lb fish which broke the previous tournament record of 12.9lbs which has been held by Shawn Parnell since 2009. Interestingly, Shawn fished this year as well and ended up in 14th place with a 9.1lb fish. Our junior angler division was won by Errol Dedic with a 7.7lb fish, Jessica Valerio took 1st place in the ladies division with an 8.8lb fish, and Tan Raulyn took the kayak division with a 9.1lb fish. April is here and another great month of fishing is upon us. The water is warming up, big black drum are here, sheepshead bite is still strong, and pompano are already back! The Ultimate Cobia

6 NE FLorida

CAM_JAX_APR2016.indd 6

April 2017

Championship starts this month and with bait showing up on the beach a little early it should be great! Fishing is from April 8thMay14th so hurry up and enter if it’s not already sold out! Visit Saltwaterchallenge.com for more info. To learn more about these and other kinds of fishing, please join us for one of our meetings. Meetings are held the first and third Thursday of each month in the clubhouse at the Mayport Boat Ramp. We start at 7:00 with dinner followed with a quick club meeting at 7:30, a guest speaker or activity, and an awesome raffle. You do not have to be a member to attend, we would love to have you! Please visit www.jaxfish.com to learn more.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/17/17 2:00 PM

Fishing Report Green Cove By: Richard Hamilton

Well, it’s hard to believe that the bass or a lot of them have already spawned. They were hot and heavy in the month prior. Hard to believe, but true. Throughout last month and this month, we should see “bedders” but they’ll be spookier because of all the pressure put on them. Baits would be shiners, plastic tubes, craws or lizards. Other plastic works, but the aforementioned are the most commonly used. So grab some and go at it. Bream will be your next best thing with spawning activity probably by mid to late month. Baits of choice on these will be worms, earthworms or reds or wigglers. You can also grab a tube of crickets and catch them. But as we know, all this is depending on the weather. Cold snaps of any

duration slow the possibility of this occurring down. Other baits could be road runners. They’ll catch most panfish and bass. Look around coves and creek months. And hard bottom shell bars or drop-offs. And you should have a good time with these tasty beauties. Next is the catfish. These whiskered fish will be looking to spawn in the back and coves and in the creeks. Baits of choice are nightcrawlers or shiners. They’re fun to catch and while the water’s still cool, they eat fine. Stripers and hybrid will be active starting the incoming bait pods. Look for activity around the Buckman or the Shands. Shiners, bait shrimp, lipless crankbaits, minnow imitation lures all should garner you a fish or two. But as always, you don’t know until you go. Shrimp are available in the “Ortega.” From all reports, their large and numerous with “bucket” catching two throws. Wow! So if the reports are true, the reds and trout should be there with bells on. I would give it a try while you can, cause the season closes in March and April. So go now. Oh, the season is on shrimp, not the fish So ‘til next time, keep your line wet and your lure movin’.--Richard. R & J Tackle 501 S Orange Ave, Green Cove Springs (904)284-5081

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CAM_JAX_APR2016.indd 7

April 2017

ne florida 7

3/17/17 2:00 PM

All-aluminum All-welded

Boat Length 18’1” Beam 87” Bottom Width 60” Transom Height 20” Side Depth 27” Hull Gauge .100 Max. HP 90 Fuel Cap 19G Livewell Dim & Cap 15”x 20” 14G & 14”x 34” 31G Color Midnight Blue/White

Lockable side storage boxes secure your gear while away from the boat.

Bay 18 console provide upright rod storage for six rigs, along with open storage under the console.

Jacksonville Marine 3108 US HWY 17 S •Fleming Island Fl 32003 904-724-1400

No Equal …. Wi

Rod

ZUSA ard

NEFMA - April P

eak time for Billfishing in Northeast Florida includes April and May and the tournaments provide the additional incentive to get out there on the water for what could be the catch of a lifetime.

many captains and the smaller boaters appreciate. There will be a mandatory captains Meeting at the Marlin Clubhouse at the Camachee Marina on Thursday April 26th and fishing days include the 28th, 29th or 30th.

In April the NEFMA will be hosting one of the regions oldest and most significant tournaments, the Bluewater Tournament in St Augustine. This is the 45th year of the tournament which provids a pick-two-days format that

Prize money exceeded $30,000 last year including awards and trophies for billfish and gamefish divisions. For more information please go to NEFMA.COM or email us at clubnefma@gmail.com .

Wizard Custom Rodz and Netz

oRdER youRs today!

Mark Williams • 904-219-5976 8 NE FLorida

CAM_JAX_APR2016.indd 8

April 2017

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/17/17 2:00 PM

CAM_JAX_APR2016.indd 9

3/17/17 2:00 PM

Get the “Bugs” Out of Your Boat’s Diesel Fuel. D

avid Darby knows diesel! David Darby is the owner of MicroClean, a mobile marine diesel fuel polishing service. Don’t let his quiet demeanor fool you! He’s down-right passionate about it and that’s good for you, your boat and your wallet. He’s built a pretty solid reputation polishing diesel fuel for a lot of pleased boat owners along the First Coast waterways. “I’ve polished some pretty nasty diesel fuel. Most boaters don’t realize that 90% of engine failures at sea are the result of “bad” diesel,” says David. THE PROBLEM According to Darby here are the symptoms of “bad fuel: frequent filter changes, clogged pump lines, unusual smell from fuel, sudden engine shutdown, poor engine performance, inability to get to full revs and white smoke from your exhaust. Just like other boating problems, time and weather are against you. 1) Diesel has a shelf life and simply goes bad over a period of time beginning in just a few months for sitting fuel. One study indicates a 26% degradation after 28 days of storage. As the fuel breaks down it creates “asphaltene.” (Does David know diesel, or what?) Asphaltene clusters up, falls out of solution, and settles to the bottom of the tank forming a sludge. David adds, “Most captains also notice that as the diesel “ages” more, it gets darker, smells foul and often causes the engine to exhaust white smoke. 2) Cooler weather causes condensation in your tank and a layer of water forms below the fuel. There’s more than the obvious rust issues and poor injection performance from condensation. The water also becomes a breeding ground for over a 100 different types of “bugs” in your diesel. These bacteria and fungi feed on the oil in the fuel and use the water layer in the tank for their oxygen supply. They grow in your fuel at different rates and produce waste which is usually evident as black or dark lumps. These are bacteria and fungi, generally “Cyanobacteria.” (David’s eyes beam as he get’s to use that word.) 3) Finally, you need to be careful about the fuel you buy to put in your tank. “It’s amazing how much grit and even trash I get out of the tank from polishing the fuel,” warns Darby.

10 NE FLorida

CAM_JAX_APR2016.indd 10

April 2017

THE SOLUTION David advises boaters to keep your tank full to minimize condensation when the boat is sitting. He also cautions captains to buy from reliable marinas with a high-turnover fuel sales rate to avoid getting water, bio-mass and trash from their tanks. MicroClean, of course, can solve most of your “bad” fuel problems. David Darby’s SC-Turbo-vac is an innovative diesel fuel polishing system designed for the quick and efficient removal of fuel tank contaminants. The process operates under vacuum pulling the fuel directly from the bottom of the tank via a flexible wand and into a unique fuel/water/contaminate centrifugal separator. This subjects fuels to g-forces which can exceed 150 times the force of gravity. The fuel is then returned to the fuel tank to complete the circulation process – repeated a minimum of 6 to 8 times the volume of fuel in the tank. Their service ranges from 25 gallon tanks through up to 1500 gallon tanks. Void, bilge, compartment, and tank cleaning services are available if required. “We’re also proud that we recycle 100% of the waste, including filters. And we’re careful there is no spillage,” boasts David. MicroClean has an fourteen-year history of on-the-dock transfer of in excess of 100s of thousands of gallons of fuel without one incident or environmental release or impairment. “We can’t make old fuel new but we can sure save boat owners a lot of money from replacing bad fuel and by preventing costly engine failures, says David, knowingly. If there’s one thing David knows – he does know diesel. MicroClean is fully insured and licensed, covering the First Coast from Fernandina to Daytona and St. Marys, GA.. MicroClean also services fuel issues for gasoline powered boats.For more information: email info@microclean.ws, visit www.microclean.ws or call David at 904-806-2720.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/17/17 2:00 PM

Dell Marine Sales • Service • Reliability

o avoid

FINA NC NOWING AVAI LABL E

SPRING EXTRAVAGANZA

ems. g

el a s fuels uel ss – k.

s are

filters. has 00s ental

a gine – he

DF 25 $3,988

DF 40 $5,588

DF 50 $5,788

DF 70 $6,588

ast o ion: id at

DF 90 $ 7,688

DF 175 $11,988

DF 115 $8,688

DF 140 $9,888

DF 200 $12,988

DF 250 $16,488

DF 150 $10,988

DF 300 $17,988

1st in sales, 1st in service, 1st in experience *ask for details

6268 Philips Hwy. Jacksonville, FL • www.dellmarine.com 904.730.9968

CAM_JAX_APR2016.indd 11

3/17/17 2:01 PM

Dell Marine -ins TraDe me!! o C l We

Sales • Service • Reliability

FLORIDA’S #1 CAROLInA SkIFF & SeA CHASeR SupeRStORe!

Full s dept. ervice on sit e

SPRING EXTRAVAGANZA msrp $20,171 saVe $6,183 sale $13, 988

msrp $24,723 saVe $7,335 sale $17,388

2017 JV 15 CC

2017 JVX16 sC

W/ Suzuki 30 four stroke. + more

W/ Suzuki 50 four stroke. + more

msrp $32,255 saVe $10,267 sale $21,988

msrp $36,461 saVe $ 10,473 sale $25,988

2016 sea Chaser 160 FlaTs

2017 Carolina skiFF DlV 198

W/ Suzuki 90 Four stroke Alum. Trl. + more

W/ Suzuki F115 Four stroke Alum. Trl. + more

msrp $74,912 saVe $20,524 sale $54,388

msrp $ 83,932 saVe $22,944 sale $60,988

2017 UlTra 24

2017 lX 26 Bay

Suzuki 4stroke 240 hard top, Alum.Trl. +more

Suzuki 4stroke 300 hard top, Alum.Trl. +more

1 In SALeS, 1 In SeRvICe, 1 In expeRIenCe St

msrp $29,130 saVe $ 8,542 sale $ 20,588

2017 JVX 18CC

W/ Yamaha F70 four stroke. + more

msrp $47,594 saVe$13,606 sale $33,988

2017 sea skiFF 21 Suzuki 4stroke 140 hard top, Alum.Trl. +more

msrp $ 87,909 saVe $ 20,921 sale $66,988

2017 sea Chaser 24 hFC

W/ Twin Suzuki140 Four Stroke hard top + more

we ARe tHe FIRSt CHOICe FOR CAROLInA SkIFFS In ne FLORIDA

6268 philips hwy. Jacksonville, Fl • www.dellmarine.com • 904.730.9968

CAM_JAX_APR2016.indd 12

3/17/17 2:01 PM

vice site

0 2 8

4 6 8

09 21 88

Approximate Correction Times Palm Valley ICW: H: +2:20 L: +2:00 +/- for Other regional Locations JAX Beach: H: -:29 L: -:20

TIDE CHART - April

Mayport Degaussing Structure 30.3967° N, 81.3950° W Date Day Time

Hgt

Time

Hgt

Time

Hgt

Time

Hgt

Bings Landing: H: +2:57 L: +2:44

St. Augustine Beach: H: -:07 L: -:15 St. A City Dock: H: -:04 L: +:09

Major Feeding Periods 5:20 AM-7:20 AM • 5:55 PM-7:55 PM

04/01 Sat 12:05 AM 5.76 H 06:22 AM -0.59 L 12:39 PM 4.89 H

06:37 PM -0.43 L

04/02 Sun 01:00 AM 5.58 H 07:23 AM -0.32 L 01:37 PM 4.71 H

07:39 PM -0.17 L

6:20 AM-8:20 AM • 6:50 PM-8:50 PM

04/03 Mon 02:00 AM 5.35 H 08:26 AM -0.1 L 02:39 PM 4.57 H

08:44 PM 0.02 L

7:20 AM-9:20 AM • 7:45 PM-9:45 PM

04/04 Tue 03:04 AM 5.14 H 09:28 AM 0.04 L

09:50 PM 0.1 L

8:15 AM-10:15 AM • 8:40 PM-10:40 PM

04/05 Wed 04:13 AM 5.01 H 10:30 AM 0.08 L 04:54 PM 4.59 H

10:54 PM 0.08 L

9:10 AM-11:10 AM • 9:35 PM-11:35 PM

04/06 Thu 05:18 AM 4.95 H 11:28 AM 0.03 L 05:55 PM 4.74 H

11:54 PM -0.04 L

10:00 AM-12:00 PM • 10:25 PM-11:59 PM

03:47 PM 4.52 H

04/07 Fri 06:18 AM 4.95 H 12:22 PM -0.09 L 06:49 PM 4.93 H

10:50 AM-12:50 PM • 11:10 PM-11:59 PM

04/08 Sat 12:50 AM -0.2 L 07:10 AM 4.95 H

11:40 AM-1:40 PM • 12:00 AM-2:00 AM

01:10 PM -0.24 L 07:37 PM 5.09 H

04/09 Sun 01:41 AM -0.36 L 07:57 AM 4.92 H 01:55 PM -0.36 L 08:21 PM 5.21 H

12:25 PM-2:25 PM

04/10 Mon 02:27 AM -0.45 L 08:40 AM 4.86 H 02:35 PM -0.4 L

12:40 AM-2:40 AM • 1:10 PM-3:10 PM

09:01 PM 5.26 H

04/11 Tue 03:09 AM -0.46 L 09:21 AM 4.76 H 03:14 PM -0.35 L 09:40 PM 5.25 H

1:25 AM-3:25 AM • 1:55 PM-3:55 PM

04/12 Wed 03:50 AM -0.37 L 10:01 AM 4.63 H 03:52 PM -0.19 L 10:17 PM 5.18 H

2:10 AM-4:10 AM • 2:40 PM-4:40 PM

04/13 Thu 04:30 AM -0.19 L 10:40 AM 4.49 H 04:29 PM 0.06 L

10:55 PM 5.08 H

2:55 AM-4:55 AM • 3:25 PM-5:25 PM

04/14 Fri 05:10 AM 0.06 L 11:19 AM 4.35 H

05:07 PM 0.36 L

11:33 PM 4.96 H

3:40 AM-5:40 AM • 4:10 PM-6:10 PM

04/15 Sat 05:52 AM 0.33 L 11:59 AM 4.22 H

05:47 PM 0.66 L

04/16 Sun 12:13 AM 4.83 H 06:37 AM 0.6 L

12:41 PM 4.12 H

06:31 PM 0.92 L

5:15 AM-7:15 AM • 5:40 PM-7:40 PM

04/17 Mon 12:56 AM 4.72 H 07:24 AM 0.8 L

01:25 PM 4.06 H

07:21 PM 1.1 L

6:05 AM-8:05 AM • 6:30 PM-8:30 PM

04/18 Tue 01:43 AM 4.62 H 08:14 AM 0.92 L

02:14 PM 4.05 H

08:16 PM 1.17 L

6:55 AM-8:55 AM • 7:15 PM-9:15 PM

04/19 Wed 02:36 AM 4.55 H 09:06 AM 0.93 L 03:08 PM 4.12 H

09:15 PM 1.11 L

7:40 AM-9:40 AM • 8:05 PM-10:05 PM

04/20 Thu 03:33 AM 4.54 H 09:57 AM 0.81 L 04:05 PM 4.28 H

10:14 PM 0.91 L

8:30 AM-10:30 AM • 8:50 PM-10:50 PM

04/21 Fri 04:33 AM 4.6 H

11:11 PM 0.6 L

9:20 AM-11:20 AM • 9:40 PM-11:40 PM

4:30 AM-6:30 AM • 4:55 PM-6:55 PM

10:48 AM 0.56 L

05:02 PM 4.56 H

04/22 Sat 05:30 AM 4.73 H 11:38 AM 0.2 L

05:56 PM 4.92 H

10:10 AM-12:10 PM • 10:30 PM-11:59 PM

04/23 Sun 12:07 AM 0.19 L 06:24 AM 4.9 H

12:27 PM -0.21 L 06:47 PM 5.31 H

11:00 AM-1:00 PM • 11:20 PM-11:59 PM

04/24 Mon 12:59 AM -0.25 L 07:15 AM 5.06 H 01:15 PM -0.61 L 07:36 PM 5.69 H

11:55 AM-1:55 PM

04/25 Tue 01:50 AM -0.66 L 08:04 AM 5.19 H 02:02 PM -0.94 L 08:25 PM 5.99 H

12:10 AM-2:10 AM • 12:45 PM-2:45 PM

04/26 Wed 02:39 AM -0.96 L 08:54 AM 5.25 H 02:49 PM -1.13 L 09:14 PM 6.17 H

1:05 AM-3:05 AM • 1:45 PM-3:45 PM

04/27 Thu 03:28 AM -1.11 L 09:44 AM 5.24 H

03:37 PM -1.15 L 10:04 PM 6.23 H

2:05 AM-4:05 AM • 2:40 PM-4:40 PM

04/28 Fri 04:18 AM -1.09 L 10:36 AM 5.17 H

04:27 PM -1.01 L 10:55 PM 6.15 H

3:05 AM-5:05 AM • 3:40 PM-5:40 PM

04/29 Sat 05:11 AM -0.92 L 11:29 AM 5.05 H

05:22 PM -0.75 L 11:49 PM 5.97 H

4:10 AM-6:10 AM • 4:40 PM-6:40 PM

04/30 Sun 06:08 AM -0.67 L 12:25 PM 4.91 H 06:21 PM -0.43 L

5:10 AM-7:10 AM • 5:40 PM-7:40 PM

Backwater, Bass, jetty/bay and offshore fishing charters

GEAR BY: Columbia Wear, Salt Life, Guy Harvey, MoJo, Huk, Tormentor, Smith and more!

www.ameliaangler.com 904-261-2870 111 Centre St, Fernandina Bch., Fl. 32034

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CAM_JAX_APR2016.indd 13

April 2017

ne florida 13

3/17/17 2:01 PM

Full Service Marina For boatS large and SMall

Home of West Jacksonville’s only yamaHa master tecH www.sadlerpoint.com 904-384-1383

jackSonville’S dealer For

kencraft Boats overBuilt, not overpriced! coMe See For yourSelF

4669 roosevelt Blvd Jacksonville fl 3221 CAM_JAX_APR2016.indd 14

3/17/17 2:01 PM

March’s “Best Bet”

Record High Water Temperatures and an Early Florida Pompano Migration Triggers Non-stop Surf-fishing Action at Northeast Florida Beaches and Inlets By Terry Newsome

he annual migration of Florida Pompano is triggered exclusively by coastal water temperatures; and with the record high water temperatures in Northeast Florida, huge schools of Pompano have arrived! The bite is on… but remember, the minimum size limit for Pompano is 11 inches (at the fork) and the daily bag limit is 6 per harvester per day. There is no closed season for Pompano and the official Florida Pompano state record is 8.4 pounds. It’s time to hit the beach and catch your limit! TIPS FROM LARRY “FISHMAN” FINCH ON CATCHING POMPANO… When it comes to inshore fishing in Northeast Florida, few anglers can compare to Larry “Fishman” Finch; and for good reason. Winner of over 50 local inshore fishing tournaments, Larry has been featured in a multitude of prestigious outdoor publications and is currently conducting surf-fishing seminars throughout the state of Florida for Pro Bass Shops and Florida Sportsman Magazine. I had the privilege of filming and producing an instructional DVD series with Larry several years ago, on how to catch Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder and Florida Pompano! I have traveled the east coast with Larry chasing the Pompano “bite” as HUGE schools of Pompano migrate along the Florida east coast in search of the warmer water temperatures. “The perfect coastal water temperature for catching Pompano is 68 degrees” says Larry “and I constantly monitor the weather conditions and water temperatures to anticipate where the Pompano schools will stop to feed next.” Pompano are a timid and “nervous” species. When migrating, Pompano tend to stage and “stack-up” in the surf as they approach ocean inlets. Larry targets these “staging areas” as they tend to hold a greater concentration of fish. “Pompano are nervous about migrating through the deeper water at the mouth of ocean inlets; especially those with jetties” adds Larry; “sharks and porpoise feed on schools of Pompano as they pass through deeper water.” When migrating north in the spring, look for Pompano to stage on the south side of the inlet or jetties in the surf. When migrating south in early winter, look for Pompano to stage on the north side of the inlet or jetties.

ROd, ReeL ANd TACkLe SeLeCTION: Larry recommends using up to 3 medium/heavy action graphite rods 10 to 14 feet in length (placed 20 yards apart) with an Ambassador bait-caster reel (with a premium drag-system) for optimum longdistance surfcasting. Larry prefers 15-pound test monofilament line (orange or yellow Sufix) with a clear 36 inch “double-dropper”

(knot-to-knot) leader with each drop-line 7 inches in length. The first drop-line should be 14 inches from your (4 to 6 ounce) sputnik/ spider sinker. The second drop line should be 14 to 20 inches from the first drop line. (The sputnik sinker allows you to keep a taught line raised above the breakers and whitewater. This will help keep your rig stationary without drifting down the beach with the current.) Larry also recommends using 1/0 to 2/0 Eagle Claw circle hooks. He likes to use bright colored plastic beads that resemble small Coquina Clams (Donax Variabilis) threaded on to your leader drop-line near the hook and bait. “I call it matching the hatch” explains Larry. “Pompano not only feed by smell… they also feed by sight and love to eat small crustaceans and mollusks like Donax (Coquina Clams.) I try to match the colors of the Donax they are eating and by using red, yellow and blue beads. With their keen eyesight, this helps to attract feeding Pompano to my bait. Attaching a small yellow float near your hook can also effective as it attracts more Pompano and suspends your bait off the bottom keeping it way from crabs.” BAIT SeLeCTION ANd ReAdING THe SuRF: Larry prefers using live sand fleas for catching Pompano but also uses fresh clams, fresh shrimp and small chunks (or “knuckles”) of a live blue crab. One of the keys to Larry’s success is his innate ability to “read the surf.” Larry scouts an area at low tide and evaluates the structure/contour of the beach, wave action, sandbars, sloughs and run-outs. “I prefer to fish the last half of the outgoing tide and the first half of the incoming tide” Larry explains. “For outgoing tide, I cast my bait to specific spots on the back-side or “down-slope” of the sandbar in least 18 to 24 inches of clean water. For incoming tide, I cast my bait at the front side of the sandbar as it begins to slope down from the top into the slough. As the breakers crash down on the sandbar, it churns up sand fleas and other crustaceans from the bottom, creating an easy meal for the Pompano.” Depending on the slope of the beach, sandbars can be 20, 50 or even 100 yards or more away from the shoreline. FLORIdA POMPANO STATe ReCORd: The OFFICIAL state record for Florida Pompano is 8.4 pounds. For a state record to be “official,” the fish must be identified by a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologist and weighed on a certified scale. Although it is not official, Larry Finch may hold the “unofficial” state record for Pompano. (Here’s the story!) A few years ago, Florida Sportsman Magazine was writing a feature article about Larry and “How to Catch Pompano.” The Florida Sportsman staff and photographer met Larry on location; and the quest for Pompano began! As the FS photographer started taking a few pictures, Larry hooked into a HUGE Pompano! After a long, hard-fought battle, Larry landed a 24-inch Pompano that unofficially weighed 9 pounds! (See the photo in this article.) So, what did Larry do next? He briefly paused to measure the fish and take a few pictures, then he gently released the (possible state record) Pompano back into the Atlantic Ocean! When asked how he was able to land such a powerful, hard-fighting fish, he replied “I just loosened my drag and let him run. I only took what the fish would give me.” With over 25 years of corporate experience as a writer, director and producer, Terry Newsome has personally filmed and produced over 100 outdoor television shows and instructional fishing videos internationally. He is an avid coastal angler and is a former co-owner of Pine Island Fish Camp on the Intracoastal Waterway in St. Augustine, Florida.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CAM_JAX_APR2016.indd 15

April 2017

ne florida 15

3/17/17 2:01 PM

Current Productions Builds Fun

The company behind the Southeast U.S. Boat Show thinks through the details to make their shows fun for attendees, and successful for their vendors After nearly 20 years of producing the Southeast U.S. Boat Show in Jacksonville, Jimmy Hill was ready to expand. The president and founder of Current Productions, Jimmy, had the right team. He knew that he had the right product. And he knew the factors needed to make his style of boat show as close to a guaranteed success as possible in a challenging industry. So, what was his next move? He waited. “Patience is the key to what we do,” Jimmy explained. “We do a lot

of research in order to make sure we’re where the growth is in the marine industry. We pick strategic locations that have all the necessary requirements: a large enough population, a venue with water and parking, where we can put on a function the right way, and – most importantly – a community that wants a boat show.” Jimmy is a former firefighter and emergency manager (and current city commissioner in Atlantic Beach, Fla.) who has been around boats his whole life. The Jacksonville show was started because the community lacked an in-water event. Jimmy’s team added a music and food festival – The Oyster Jam, with music, oyster roasts and food trucks – that turned a product show into a celebration of the boating lifestyle. “We added the festival side of it because there are a lot of people who aren’t shopping for a boat, but they want accessories or they’re with someone who is looking at boats. The festival makes the boat show fun for a much wider range of people.” By 2016, the company was ready to bring their formula to a new town. “We looked at several locations,” Jimmy said, “and identified two places that had the right elements. Daytona Beach had a really cool venue, a public marina and land around it.” The Florida Boat Show debuted in May 2016 at the Halifax Harbor

Marina in Daytona Beach. “We were realistic about the scale of the first Daytona show,” Jimmy said. “We didn’t expect it to be as large as Jacksonville the first year, but it exceeded our projections. And that’s great for the community, as well as for us. We bring a small team in, but we use local vendors and suppliers as much as possible. We may provide the template and management, but it’s the community that makes the show a success.” In June, Current Productions is putting on the first The Florida Panhandle Boat Show in Panama City, the other location it scouted. “Like Daytona, Panama City has a thriving marine industry and a big open space with a marina in the heart of downtown,” Jimmy said. “The community has a desire to do something with that area. And it has something few other towns can boast. Because Panama City was a Spring Break destination for so long, it represents some of the favorite days in the lives of a lot of people. Well, those people are grown up and have families, and Panama City is a special place to them. Many of them are moving here.” Current Productions has plans to put on indoor shows in the fall, when the weather is riskier for an outdoor, marina program. That would put cities like Orlando, with its enormous convention space, into play. Regardless of where the company goes next, it will be a carefully planned move. “We’ve never hurried into anything,” Jimmy explained. “We do extensive research on our product and on potential locations. We don’t jump into anything without knowing that it’s going to work. And arriving at that decision is an incredibly detailed process. “I’ll give you some examples. When we decide on the music element to a show, we make sure the music’s a fit. We’ve turned down some really good musicians because their music was not an exact fit for the event. We engineer the physical elements of the layout, right down to the width of the aisle, the number of aisles and the number of vendors. When we do the layout for the food truck area, we make sure to have places where people can sit down, preferably in the shade, to enjoy their meal. A lot of shows have nowhere to eat, but our success is completely dependent on our vendors being successful, from the boat dealers to the food trucks.” Jimmy Hill and the Current Productions team are thorough planners who work hard at a job they love. “We’re building fun,” he said. “It’s an exciting time, for the marine industry and for Current Productions.” (Article provided by Warren Miller with ConvergingCurrents.com)

ADVANCE MARINE of JACKSONVILLE

9451 Craven Road Jacksonville, FL 32257

(904) 730-3332

SUZUKI

TOHATSU

AWARD WINNING SERVICE DEALER YOUR LOCAL AUTHORIZED REPOWER DEALER FOR SUZUKI & TOHATSU, ENGINES / O.E. PARTS SALES PREP YOU BOAT FOR winTER! 16 NE FLorida

CAM_JAX_APR2016.indd 16

April 2017

wE SERViCE ALL MAKES & MODELS OF OUTBOARD EnGinES REPAiRS & REPOwERS

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/17/17 2:01 PM

Mo We

Serv Jack Palm Call

mic

Diesel Fuel Polishing • Tank Cleaning • Lube

Morgan Metals

Mobile Marine Fuel Service We Come to Your Vessel at the Dock!

& Designs, Inc.

Serving the First Coast Since 2003: Fernandia, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, St. Johns River, Palm Coast, Daytona Beach and St. Marys, GA. Call David

904-806-2720

microclean@gmail.com • www.marinefuelcleaning.com

Specializing in Custom

Aluminum and Stainless Components, Towers, Arches, T-Tops, Railings and more

Dan Morgan, Owner 6541 Powers Ave. #11 Jacksonville, FL 32217 904.731.3334 Office • 904.731.3337 Fax

ACGAApril By John Jordan

ncient City Game Fish Association will meet on Tuesday, April 18th at the St. Augustine Shrine Club, located at 250 Brainard in St Augustine south on Moultrie Creek. Social begins at 6 o’clock,followed by light food and the general meeting. The junior anglers club will meet and have an art activity along with their meeting. There will be awards for the off shore Spring Kick off tournament as well as monthly angler prizes. There’s a rumor going around that one of our famous captains will be presented a “blooper award” for his recent misadventures while fishing. All this followed by a great raffle. The Ancient City Game Fish Association is a not for profit, family, fun fishing club. Guest and visitors are always welcome. For more information text me at 904501-1772 or email at fishman0220@ gmail.com Come join us at the St Johns Public Library for an introduction to Florida Fishing titled “Know before you go “. A must for new residents seeking local knowledge while fishing in northeast Florida. There will be three presentations made by members of the COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CAM_JAX_APR2016.indd 17

Ancient City Game Fish Association to share their personal experience and expertise. On April 27th, the topics will be fishing rules and regulations, bag limits, measuring and open, closed seasons. On May 4, we will cover navigational rules current Coast Guard recommendations for safe passage at our inlet. On May 11th, there will be discussions on rods, reels, rigs, and baits that are used on our local fishes. All presentations will be at the southeast St Johns County Public Library located at 6670 US1 South, near State road 206. There will be some door prizes and surprises. Presentations will start around 7:00. Call the Library at 904-827-6900 to pre-register.

April 2017

ne florida 17

3/17/17 2:01 PM

Your Local COSTA Store!

Huge selection. over

500 to choose from.

® Strike-Zone Fishing • 1 Block East of 295 • 11702 Beach Boulevard • Jacksonville, FL 32246

Store Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00-7:00 Saturday 9:00-5:00 Sunday 11:00-4:00 • 904-641-2433 • www.strike-zonefishing.com

CAM_JAX_APR2016.indd 18

3/17/17 2:01 PM

CAM_JAX_APR2016.indd 19

3/17/17 2:01 PM

Fishing Report & Forecast Fernandina / Amelia Island By Terry D. Lacoss

major black drum bite should take place during the few days prior and right on the full moon, which arrives on Saturday, April 11th. Look for some of the best drum fishing action to come after sunset when a flood tide arrives at 9:57 pm. Prime black drum fishing waters include a deep depression located just off from “Main Beach” located at the east end of Atlantic Ave. Here drum fishermen will be fishing just offshore of the pounding surf while fishing dead on the bottom with a half blue crab, conch and large shrimp combination. A major run of red drum will also take place along the beaches of Fernandina beach when massive schools of redfish will migrate from their winter offshore havens to the beaches and inlets. Schools of red drum totaling well over 100-fish will roam the beaches hunting large concentrations of menhaden that have also migrated inshore for the spring, summer and fall fishing seasons. Blue water fishermen will continue to troll high speed lures for fast swimming wahoo during the month of April as well. However large concentrations of excellent eating and fighting dolphin will steal the show, especially when blue water lures are trolled close to large concentrations of floating Sargasso weeds.

Fishing just out side of the surf where shallow bars are located with barbed sand fleas will produce excellent eating pompano. Best surf fishing also comes during the last and the first of the falling tides when water clarity and bait fish are key. Large schools of redfish will also be schooling in the bays during the month of April where a flooding shallow flat will showcase how many saltwater fishermen are now targeting redfish. Look for the last hour of the flood and the first half hour of the falling tide to produce exciting wading action at many of Amelia Island’s backwater bays. Be sure and were a good pair of thick rubber sole shoes to avoid those sharp oyster shells. Also long pants are recommended to avoid the sting of needle like marsh grasses. Best baits include Berkley Gulp shrimp, or crabs barbed with a 1/8th ounce jig head and cast just ahead of a tailing redfish. Allow the jig and plastic bait to sit dead on the bottom until the foraging redfish detects the smell and picks up the bait. Reel in the slack fishing line, set the hook and hang on! Sea trout fishing should improve during the month of April as water temperatures warm and bait fish schools are plentiful as well.

Th S

H Nershore live bottoms including FA, FB, KBY, FC and HH fish havens will be teeming with black sea bass weighing to 3-pounds. Bottom fishermen will also hook up to hard fighting red snapper and gag grouper which will need to be vented and released. Northeast Florida’s gag grouper season will open on May 1st. Depending on the water temperature and bait fish concentrations, HH and the Amberjack Hole should hold a few kingfish during the later portion of April. Also look for good numbers of barracuda, Spanish mackerel and cobia too! Good numbers of cobia will migrate into the deep waters of the St. Mary’s inlet and hold close to channel buoys, jetty rocks and large concentrations of menhaden. Casting a large white bucktail jig tipped with a chartreuse colored plastic twister tail is key! Beach fishing at the very southern tip of Amelia Island and at the deep waters surrounding Fort Clinch at the northern portion of Amelia Island will produce excellent eating whiting and hard fighting bluefish. 20 NE FLorida

CAM_JAX_APR2016.indd 20

April 2017

Look for the high incoming and falling tides to produce the best action while casting a Storm”Chug Bug” when there are large schools of bait fish on the surface. Drifting a live shrimp under a small float just off from the bottom in water depths from 5-10 feet will produce excellent sea trout action as well. Look for Lofton and Boggy Creeks to showcase excellent largemouth bass fishing action during the full moon as well. Fish with wild shiners under a small float at small creek mouths and at the foot of shallow sloughs where lilly pads and cypress trees are abundant. Weightless dark colored plastic worms also produce their share of tidal creek bass as well. For more fishing and charter information please call Amelia Angler Outfitters at 904-261-2870.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/17/17 2:01 PM

OCEAN OUTBOARD MARINE

d with st surf when

during e how he last oduce ys. Be those e sting

with a ow the edfish ne, set

A SAleS A n d S e r v i c e de A l e r Sh i p

pril as s well.

action of bait ust off cellent

Authorized Key West Dealer

Authorized Release Dealer

Put a Barracuda in your boat! The Marine Battery Designed for the Professional Sportsman & the Serious Boater

Heavy Duty

Batteries Sizes and types specifically designed to fit virtually any marine application: Starting, Deep Cycle, Dual Purpose, 8 Volt, AGM and GEL batteries, Gas Engine Starting, Diesel Engine Starting, Multi-Battery Systems, House Power, Trolling Motors, Auxiliary Power, GenSet, Communications, and many more

cellent h with e foot ndant. f tidal

Nationwide Warranty

Angler

Toll free: 1-800-341-7109 Web: www.barracudabattery.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â&#x20AC;˘ THEANGLERMAG.COM

CAM_JAX_APR2016.indd 21

April 2017

ne florida 21

3/17/17 2:01 PM

for sale

2016 Ranger Bay 2510 with 300HP Yamaha 4-Stroke Motor. Custom Ranger Trailer. Fully Loaded Dealer Demo never been titled Full new warranty...... 100 hrs New rigged $95,000

Dealer Demo $80,000

For more information call 904-742-4696

we are your mercury motor repower center. call for best price…..

22 NE FLorida

CAM_JAX_APR2016.indd 22

April 2017

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/17/17 2:01 PM

Northeast Florida’s #1 Yamaha & Key West dealer. Minn Kota authorized sales and service dealer.

We hAVe A WIde ASSoRtMeNt oF MARINe ANd FIShINg AcceSSoRIeS

St. Augustine Marina, Inc. 245 Vilano Road St. Augustine, FL 32084 (904) 829-8155 www.staugustinemarina.net

Fishing Report & Forecast St. Augustine Inshore By Capt. Tommy Derringer

hat an awesome time of year for fishing and for just being on the water in Northeast Florida. The weather is about as nice as it gets... The inshore fish (redfish, trout, flounder, drum, bluefish, ladyfish, jacks, etc.) will be on the feed with the influx of baitfish (finger mullet and pogies). With warming air and water temps the nearshore fishing should be firing up as well with huge jacks, cobia, and maybe even a tripletail or two.

Inshore the redfish will be crushing the finger mullet and that means a top-water plug, especially at first and last light, will be the go-to lure of choice. Look for large concentrations of mullet and toss your plugs around them. There’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. Some of my favorites are spoons, twitchbaits, and

one of my favorites, the spinner bait. My clients and I have caught a ton of big redfish on the Slayer Inc. line of spinners. Of course a popping cork with a shrimp or mud minnow will catch its fair share of reds this month as well. April has always been a great “gator” trout month for me. A topwater plug will account for some of the bigger trout catches this month. The outgoing tide along the ICW banks should be loaded with trout, especially if the baitfish are around. Once the day heats up a bit I like to fish a 1/4-ounce Slayer Inc. jighead paired with a soft plastic 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 was 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. Nearshore the cobia will be along the beaches following the manta rays. The magic water temp seems to be somewhere between the high 60’s and low 70’s. Pick a calm sunny day and have your shot at some of the most fun sight-fishing Northeast Florida has to offer. Also be sure to bring a few live shrimp when hitting the beach as there may be a few tripletail hanging around as well.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CAM_JAX_APR2016.indd 23

Capt. Tommy Derringer 904-377-3734 www.InshoreAdventures.net

April 2017

ne florida 23

3/17/17 2:01 PM

Fis NOW OPEN

MARINA DRY BOAT STORAGE NOw ACCeptiNg BOAtS

ST. AuguSTiNe SHipyarD Full Service Marina with 300 New Dry Storage Slips • Shops and Services • Dining • Luxury Hotel • Tag! Children’s Museum of St. Augustine

To Reserve Your Space Call: 904-342-5159 or Visit: www.StAugustineShipyard.com

St. Augustine Shipyard is part of an exciting new waterfront Marine Merchant Community on the San Sebastian River near Historic Old St Augustine.

CAM_JAX_APR2016.indd 24

3/17/17 2:01 PM

By: N

a mon years Redfis the su Let for m clams

Fishing Report Pier and Surf By: Noel Kuhn

ow, this is the earliest spring run ever! What a wacky winter or the lack of a winter. Because of that, the Pompano arrived at least a month early. This month is shaping up as the best April ever in the 40 years I’ve been surf fishing. All of my favorites are on fire! Black Drum, Redfish, Whiting, Pompano, and the Blacktips that eat them are all in the surf. Let us start with the right bait. Fresh shrimp will get the job done but for more success, let’s match the hatch. Right now my go to baits are clams and sand fleas. Fresh clams can be found at the better seafood

markets. Live sand fleas can only be acquired from the surf. The best beaches to catch sand fleas on are the ones with soft sand. My favorite beaches from north to south are American, Ponte Vedra, and Flagler. If you have never caught sand fleas successfully, try watching my friend’s YouTube video….Catching Sand Fleas…by 311Pope. Jerry, aka 311Pope, also has other informative videos on surf fishing that will help you. My favorite way to fish clams and fleas are on a double dropper rig with 2/0 circle hooks. Fish can be finicky so I always start off with a flea on the top hook and a clam on the bottom. Then I pay attention to what hook produces fish. Sometimes they will prefer one bait over the other ten to one. When that happens, I will switch to the better bait on both hooks. Here is my pro tip of the month…To keep track of what baits you put on what hooks, use where they swim in the water column. Of my four go to baits, shrimp swim the highest, then sand fleas, then crabs, and finally deep in the sand are clams. So put them on your double dropper rigs in that order until you see a pattern on which bait works the best for that day. Then you will match the hatch! Noel Kuhn Surf fishing guide and long distance casting coach. 904-945-0660 www.TheSurfAngler.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CAM_JAX_APR2016.indd 25

April 2017

ne florida 25

3/17/17 2:01 PM

•F •B •P •M •T •S

Fishing Report & Forecast St. Augustine Offshore By Capt. Robert Johnson

I’m Declaring Spring What’s biting? Mahi, Black fins, Wahoo. That sounds like a report from April or May but that was in March. So I’m declaring spring! Even the weather’s cooperating with temperatures in the mid to hi 70’s. I expect the Mahi bite to be wide open! I never met a fish I didn’t want to catch but the three mentioned above are on my short list. The early run of Mahis tends to be smaller than the later fish, so scaling down your rig is the way to go. The good news is the same size rigs that are effective on Mahi work for the Tuna as well. Elephants eat peanuts so it’s not like the larger fish won’t eat your spread. Small to medium ballyhoo rigged on 100 # monofilament behind a 1/8 ounce sea witch is perfect. Cedar plugs work 26 NE FLorida

CAM_JAX_APR2016.indd 26

April 2017

great for Tunas but so do the ballyhoo rigs. I still pull a heavier bait down deep on wire for Wahoo and depending on the amount of bite offs , will stagger some other wire rigs in my spread. As far as hook ups go monofilament is king. Conditions to look for are water temps above 73 degrees and current. The perfect situation is a current edge on top of the shelf or just inshore. Teasers will help your odds as well and the standard squid daisy chain works great. On the bottom Amberjack, Vermillion, Sea Bass, Trigger fish, Cobia, and Red Porgy are open. The Trigger fish and porgy are plentiful on the shelf edge and a couple of drifts using double hook rigs baited with squid will do the trick. If you are looking for a fight with a reef donkey an 8 ounce jig worked vertically over one of the larger marks on the shelf will fulfill your wish. On a positive note, NOAA scientist have retracted their statement saying Red Snapper are undergoing overfishing, changes ARE positive! It’s too early to know if there will be a 2017 season, but there’s no need for any additional restrictions or area closures. Vey good news indeed. Captain Robert Johnson Jodie Lynn Charters wwwJodieLynnCharters.com (904)540-2628 jlfishing@bellsouth.net

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/17/17 2:01 PM

WET SLIPS: 4 months free rent DRY SLIPS: 1 month free rent

• Friendliest, Most Experienced Staff. • BEST Fuel Prices • Pool & Wi-Fi • Monthly Customer Appreciation Parties • Travel-Lift & Marine Service • Ships Store & “MARKER 32” Restaurant

Governor’s Creek

OFFICE: 904-223-4757 DOCK: 904-223-1336 SERVICE: 904-821-0992 www.PalmCoveMarina.com e:PCM@PalmCoveMarina.com 14603 Beach Blvd, Suite 100 Jacksonville, FL 32250

Marine

Sales & Service Inc.

Mercury Marine Premier Dealer MECURY REPOWER SPECIALS ON ALL IN STOCK 4 STROKES Mercury 2.5M *575.00 3.5M *920 5MH *1345.00 6MH *1525.00 9.9MH *1850.00 20EH *2850.00 50ELPT *5400.00 60ELPT CT *6000.00 150 XL * 10,250.00 250 PRO XS TM *15,750.00

LOWEST PRICES ON POWER POLES IN NE FL

904-284-8000

BEST OIL PRICES: PREMIUM PLUS $23.99 / Gal. DFI OIL $29.99/ Gal.

3515 Enterprise Way Green Cove Springs, FL 32043

VERADO CERTIFIED COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CAM_JAX_APR2016.indd 27

April 2017

ne florida 27

3/17/17 2:01 PM

CAM_JAX_APR2016.indd 28

3/17/17 2:01 PM

Great Boating and Fishing Shoe

• Drains Water Fast • Great Looking Loafer • Great Grip on Wet Surfaces • Antimicrobial • Ergonomic Footbed

CANGL_FIL1-FIL4.indd 3

• Made In USA

www.tucketfootwear.shoes 3/20/17 12:25 PM

rgoDock CEO Kent Weisenberg’s challenge was simple, straightforward—and very ambitious. After living on the water for most of his life and watching conventional dock materials buckle, chip, splinter and fade, he sought to revolutionize fundamental dock design and repair. His driving belief: boaters, anglers and other waterfront residents should expect better performance, design life and aesthetics from their docks—especially docks that float outside high-dollar homes. Weisenberg, a multi-patented engineer, entrepreneur, inventor and also the President/ COO of SippTech, a design and engineering firm, sought with ErgoDock to improve the safety and comfort of dock surfaces—with added touches of elegance. After three years of prototyping and testing, he found the solution he was aiming for: a multi patent-pending panelized surfacing material with application potential reaching far beyond what it was originally designed for. Independent testing has shown ErgoDock consistently outperforms its competitors in safety, comfort, aesthetics and installation versatility. The product is formulated and manufactured to deliver industry-leading ergonomic performance in the most extreme climate conditions. ErgoDock has 20 times the slip resistance and impact attenuation than that of other decking materials. It’s also 30 percent cooler in direct sunlight, self-extinguishing, resists stains and eliminates pooling by self-draining, which dramatically reduces the

potential for mold and mildew. Today, ErgoDock’s ground-breaking features have gained attention from consumers—and interest from businesses seeking to grow with ErgoDock. The interest from businesses comes at an ideal time in ErgoDock’s growth plan; however, Weisenberg explained that he and his partners are looking for that one “perfect fit” company that can expand sales and expedite production to meet demand. He added that the ErgoDock concept has the potential to expand into other industries and applications including decks, patios, wheelchair ramps, walkways, bridges and many more. “It’s the product’s big numbers that have drawn the most interest from the business community, especially investors,” Weisenberg said. “Just consider: ErgoDock has more than 20 times more static and dynamic slip resistance than wood or composite decking, more than 20 times more impact absorption which mitigates injuries from falls and reducing fatigue on feet, back and joints. It’s made of 100-percent environmentally-friendly materials and because of its unique surface, it’s 30 percent cooler than wood or composite decking.

“Including prototyping and testing, we are a three-year-old company, and we’re looking to expand quickly to meet growing demand for ErgoDock’s products. As a result, we’re actively engaging in talks with investors, manufacturers and distributors to expedite the product’s reach. Currently the people we’ve communicated with clearly understand ErgoDock’s mission to create a material that far outperforms the competition on safety, comfort and customization.” ErgoDock supplies two product options— over decking applications and new decking or replacement applications. • ERGOWOOD: a permanent customizable solution that combines unparalleled technology with the durability of treated natural wood. • PEEL & SEAL: a permanent customizable coverage option that installs quickly over existing surfaces.

WELCOME NEW DEALER Northeast Marine in St. Petersburg, FL

www.

.com

www.MitziSkiffs.com

www.CHawkBoats.net CALL FOR YOUR LOCAL DEALER

252-235-2461

CANGL_FIL1-FIL4.indd 4

3/20/17 12:25 PM

ouR Boats aRe loaded, not “Base” Models

tidewateR diReCt deals!!! msrp $32,480 save $6,540 sale $25,940

msrp $43,680 save $10,000 sale $33,680

115hp

150 hp

1800 msrp $58,940 save $12,960 sale $45980

msrp $71,420 save $17,620 sale 53,800

200hp

210cc

220cc

300hp, powerpole, ipilot,garmin

2500 bay

200 hp , hard top, stereo, trim tabbs

1910 bay

150hp

msrp $118,640 save $29,000 sale $89,640

msrp $67,400 save $17,580 sale $49820

msrp $116,420 save $36,780 sale $79,640

twin 150hp, windlass, hardtop

2200 carolina bay msrp $84,690 save $20,770 sale $63,920

230cc msrp $218,000 save $44,520 sale $173,480

twin 150hp, windlass, hardtop

252cc

280cc

Call us foR a list of “extRas” on eaCh Boat. Best deals on tidewateRs in the southeast! please view ouR entiRe inventoRy online at BBMs.CoM

BBMS.COM 5 NORTH FLORIDA

CANGL_NFL1-NFL8.indd 5

APRIL 2017

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 11:33 AM

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

of Braid I

Photo Courtesy of Controlled Descent Lures

The POWER

often tell people the power of braid will instantly make them better fishermen. I truly believe that. In last month’s article, I mentioned a very popular slow-sinking lure that everyone raved about but that I could not catch a fish with. Well, the power of braid changed that.

Somewhere in the 1990s, I jumped on the bandwagon and bought several of these popular slow-sinking lures. I read all of the articles that were written about it and tried to follow the directions on how to properly fish it, especially in the winter for large speckled trout. Occasionally, I would catch a fish or two, but most cast came back empty handed. Fast-forward about 10 years, and one day while wade fishing Shamrock Cove in Texas’ Corpus Christi Bay with three friends, it all changed. We were lined up walking this grass flat and throwing the same famous lure. Yes, I was throwing the lure I had not been able to catch many fish on for over a decade. I tied one on because a buddy said he had been killing the trout on it. I waded alongside the three of them watching them catch trout after trout. As frustration settled in, I started to mimic my friend closest to me. I would cast within 10 yards of his cast and mirror his rod movement. I still didn’t catch a fish, while he continued to do so. By now I was completely clueless on why I couldn’t work this lure properly. I ask him to cast his lure a few feet in front of and several yards past me. Once it passed by, I could see the movement of the lure and how it twitched, paused and darted. I made my next cast in a direction where I could clearly see my lure moving through the water. No matter how vigorously I worked my rod, my lure moved almost in a straight line through the water. What I discovered was I was the only one not using braid. The non-stretch and sensitivity of the braid is what made the lure twitch and dart to attract the fish. On my next trip, I was spooled up with braid, and finally caught fish on this famous lure. Simply by using braid, I became a better fisherman, and this lure soon became one of my favorites. There are still instances when I do not use braid, but for those who have not tried it, or have not tried it in years, spool up with the newest braid technology. It can instantly make you a better fisherman. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

Florida’s new Volvo Penta Power Center is ready to serve you in 3 convenient locations.

Florida’s new Volvo Penta Power Center is ready to serve you. Let the experts at FDDA keep you ship-shape and running right. Call FDDA today for all of your Volvo Penta commercial and recreational parts and service needs. FORT PIERCE

PARTS • Genuine Volvo Penta replacement parts • Genuine Volvo Penta maintenance JACKSONVILLE

3885 Selvitz Road 5040 University Blvd. West Fort Pierce, FL 34981 Jacksonville, FL 32216 Telephone: (772) 464-6006 Telephone: (904) 737-7330

SERVICE • Genuine Volvo Penta repairs and service • Warranty service centers ORLANDO 6850 President’s Drive Orlando, FL 32809 Telephone: (407) 888-1700

6 NORTH FLORIDA

CANGL_NFL1-NFL8.indd 6

APRIL 2017

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 11:33 AM

00 Over 1 oats yB Qualit icles & Veh le! For Sa

When:

386-752-2500 386-752-2500 www.mcduffiemarine.com www.mcduffiemarine.com 1866 West US 90, Lake City, FL

Fina Avai ncing lable !

BOAT & ATV SALE March 7, 8, 9, 10, 2013

I-75

Office Max

LC C

Boat ATV Sale

Office Max Parking Lot, West US Hwy. 90 Lake City, FL Thursday, March 7th thru

Time:

MARINE-SPORTING GOODS, INC. Marine Sporting Goods, Inc.

Hwy 90

T E SPO ON TH ING! C FINAN

BEST PR OF TH IC E YEAR

Sunday, March 10th

Fina Avai ncing lable !

Thursday - Saturday 9 am to 6 pm Sunday 9 am to 4 pm

Location: Hwy. 90 West Office Max Parking Lot Across from Lake City Mall

Huge Rebates

Custom Golf Cart

Quality Pre-owned Boats LIMITED TIME OFFER— s In Stock est Price

ACT NOW

Of The ar! the North Florida area for over 60 years. Ye Servicing

WWW.MCDUFFIEMARINE.COM

SHALLOW WATER PERFORMANCE

Free Extend Servic Contra

SERVICING THE NORTH FLORIDA AREA FOR OVER 60 YEARS. WWW.MCDUFFIEMARINE.COM

*Credit approval required. Offer good on new loans only and may not be combined with any other offer. Rate may be higher based on your credit worthiness, boat and term of loan. Offer may be withdrawn without prior notice. Must mention offer at tim

F LO R I DA T R AF F IC I N FO ALL THE TIME

CALL 511

FL511.COM

FREE APPS

TWITTER

www.youngboats.com 352.447.1330 facebook.com/youngboats

A toll-free resource of the Florida Department of Transportation (standard mobile phone minutes, text message or data charges may apply)

7 NORTH FLORIDA

CANGL_NFL1-NFL8.indd 7

APRIL 2017

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 11:33 AM

8 NORTH FLORIDA

CANGL_NFL1-NFL8.indd 8

APRIL 2017

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â&#x20AC;¢ THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 11:33 AM

r spread ACR ELECTRONICS GLOBALFIX V4 Global leader in safety and survival technologies, ACR Electronics, Inc., recently released the GlobalFIX V4 Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB). ACR has taken its world-renowned EPIRB manufacturing expertise to create one of the highest quality and lowest-cost EPIRBs available. The GlobalFIX V4 is competitively priced and offers tremendous value with new features. Notable features include: user-replaceable battery with a 10year battery life, internal 66 channel GPS, a four LED array strobe light, and a new wrist strap for handsfree carrying in an emergency evacuation. The GlobalFIX V4 applies three levels of integrated signal technology: an internal GPS for pinpoint positioning, a powerful 406 MHz distress alert, and 121.5 MHz homing capability to effectively conclude final stages of rescue. The on-board GPS can quickly pinpoint the sender’s position to within 100 meters. As search-and-rescue personnel are deployed, a separate homing signal and integrated LED strobe light guide rescuers to the beacon’s exact position. For more than 60 years, ACR has been designing and manufacturing quality products to save lives. The new GlobalFIX V4 has gone through months of independent testing to ensure the design, functionality and performance live up to the ACR standard of excellence. The GlobalFIX V4 is also compact enough to be stored in your ACR RapidDitch abandon-ship bag along with all of your other safety gear. For mariners who want an EPIRB with longer operational life and more output power, ACR will continue to offer the GlobalFix iPRO and PRO range of EPIRBs.

WWW.ACRARTEX.COM

BOAT INSURANCE SINKING YOU?

SAVE

50%Insurance

up to

on Boat

Get the

LOWEST Rates!

BOATS & $37,000 $75,000 JETSKI From: $264/yr $474/yr

$100,000 $250,000 $500,000 $586/yr $2,975/yr $5,985/yr

GET A QUOTE! (888) 977-4500 (954) 785-5000

BoatInsuranceFlorida.com Bradley Insurance Group

Covering Boaters throughout the south since 1988

Your #1 Source for Boat Insurance COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_FL1-FL24.indd 13

APRIL 2017

FLORIDA

3/20/17 3:22 PM

Bimini Bliss At The Inaugural World Resorts Bimini Wahoo Challenge

By Travis Cartwright

tense silence filled the Resorts World Bimini marina. A crowd of onlookers sat near the weighing station waiting for the next boat to arrive. Anglers from across the United States had descended on the tiny island of Bimini for the Inaugural Resorts World Wahoo Challenge Feb. 2-5. There were 25 boats, with men and women from as far away as Texas battling it out for the top prize of $35,000. Everyone at the weigh-station lingered anxiously, sipping on free rum punches and Kalik, the native beer of the Bahamas. Suddenly the silence was broken by a boisterous sound. It was music, more specifically a guitar solo. Someone was blaring George Thorogood’s “Bad to the Bone” loudly. As Team Bad Habits idled into the marina, an angler on deck was rocking out to the music, beer in hand. A group

FLORIDA

CANGL_FL1-FL24.indd 14

APRIL 2017

bikini-clad girls flocked to the men. It was obvious that Bad Habits was having a good day. “We went out early and kept hunting,” one of the men said. “It was a lot of fun being out there.” The team caught several wahoo, and they found mahi-mahi too. The event was sponsored by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with Resorts World Bimini and the Bahamas Ocean Sports Authority. Team Who’s Your Daddy from Miami, Fla. caught an 80.3-pound wahoo on the first day of the tournament. Who’s Your Daddy took first place with a total combined weight of 261.5 pounds. Second place went to Bad Habits with a total weight of 248.6 pounds. Third place went to Fishin’ A Loan with a total weight of 191.3 pounds. The tournament was a celebration of all things Bahamian, and the anglers were treated to authentic Bahamian food, drinks, music and hospitality. Bimini consists of two main islands, North Bimini and South Bimini, and numerous cays just 50 miles south of Florida. It has a history of entertaining fishermen. People use golf carts to get around on North Bimini, as the island is only 7 miles long. Many visitors even rent bicycles and spend their days having picnics on the island’s gorgeous beaches. Bimini is no stranger to hosting lively and exciting events or personalities. The Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon believed the fountain of youth was located somewhere on the island. Many famous Americans visited the island during the 1960s and 70s, too, including Ernest Hemmingway, Jimmy Buffet and Martin Luther King. King, the late great civil rights leader, wrote parts of his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech in Bimini. He stayed at the Bimini Big Game Club. The legendary Bimini Big Game Club, located in Alice Town, caters to visitors in search of world-class fishing experiences that range from bonefishing and deep sea fishing, and there’s incredible shark diving as well. Today, Bimini hosts scores of visitors in search of their own fountain of youth. The island, with its close-knit community, offers an escape from the modern world.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 3:23 PM

ABACO EXUMA

ACKLINS

ANDROS

HARBOUR ISLAND

BERRY ISLANDS

INAGUA

BIMINI

LONG ISLAND

CAT ISLAND

MAYAGUANA

CROOKED ISLAND ELEUTHERA RAGGED ISLAND

SAN SALVADOR

HANDS DOWN, THE BEST GAME IN TOWN

$250

$300

Air Credit

Fuel Credit

Whether your game is stalking gin-clear flats for the silvery-flash of bonefish or looking to pick a fight with a record setting marlin, The Out Islands of The Bahamas is home to the greatest fishing experiences in the world. And with two great offers, it’s never been easier to #GetOutHere.* Discover our latest specials like our Air and Fuel Credits at OutIslandsAnglers.com

*The $250 Air/Cruise Ferry Credit offer is based on single or double occupancy bookings from the U.S. and Canada only. Hotel accommodations must be pre-booked/made before arrival with both parties in the same booking. One instant $300 fuel credit per stay at a certified and participating marina combined with a 4-night minimum consecutive stay. All offers available for stays at participating BOIPB member hotels. Not combinable with any other credit promotions. These offers are subject to availability and may be changed or cancelled at any time. Please visit OutIslandsAnglers.com for full terms and conditions.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_FL1-FL24.indd 15

APRIL 2017

FLORIDA

3/20/17 3:23 PM

Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo Celebrates 10th Anniversary April 22-23

Photo courtesy of Controlled Descent Lures

heri Daye, producer of the 10th Annual Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo announced the popular water sports expo, which features exhibits, seminars, demos, marine art and more, will return to the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center April 2223. What began as a small charity event has evolved over the past decade and flourished into an exciting, two-day event. The 2017 Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo will exceed 65,000 square feet, host 160 exhibitors and anticipates 5,000 attendees. Highlights include seminars and exhibits on freediving, scuba, spearfishing, fishing, marine art, underwater photography and videography, paddle boarding, adventure travel and more. The popular Kids Zone will offer face painting, art classes and crab races. The event offers activities for the whole family to enjoy. Attendees will be fascinated by the variety of celebrity speakers like TV personality Manny Puig and other experts who are a “who’s who” in the underwater worlds of freediving, spearfishing, photography, video and more. Hands-on workshops offer proven techniques and include: Yoga Session, Lionfish Preparation and Sampling, Marine Art Printmaking, Fish Filleting Demos, How to Hunt Off Your SUP and more. “I’m thrilled to be celebrating our tenth anniversary this year. We strive to offer an exciting atmosphere where like-minded ocean lovers and watersport enthusiasts of all ages can meet up and socialize,” said Daye. “I’ve crafted the expo be both educational and entertaining, where attendees can learn about latest techniques and products, shop for great deals, listen to the best speakers and network with one another.” For marine art fans, The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo has one of the most impressive collections—from the world-renowned to the local scene with artists such as Carey Chen, Don Ray, Randall Scott, Jason Mathias and many more. Returning exhibitors include Aqua Lung, Mares, Cressi, SEAC,

FLORIDA

CANGL_FL1-FL24.indd 16

APRIL 2017

PADI, Pelagic, Bass Pro, YETI, Florida Freedivers, Island Water Sports, Nautical Ventures, Wong Spearguns and many more. The Expo is pleased to welcome several new exhibitors such as NAUI, Reef Photo and Video, and Coco View Resort. Adding to the excitement, the Expo also has state-of-the-art water toys, kayaks and Contender Boats. The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo is known for its high-energy crowds and fun vibe. The diverse crowd includes visitors, experts and exhibitors from all over the world who flock to Fort Lauderdale for its desirable and central location. Water-lovers can also take advantage of the year-round tropical weather and warm waters. Entry is $20 at the door and includes a free goodie bag (while supplies last) and free entry to the Saturday night After-Party at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Courtyard Marriott. For more information, visit www. TheBlueWild.com or check out a video from last year at...

FISHINGWATERS.CO

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 3:23 PM

Make reel memories. Stuart, located in Martin County, is known as the Sailfish Capital of the World. Sitting on the most biodiverse estuary in the Northern Hemisphere, and the northernmost point of the South Florida Reef, Martin County is home to 100 artificial reef systems and over 800 species of fish. Its climate, waterways and natural environment make it a mecca for fishermen and nautical explorers year-round. An array of unique shops, fine restaurants, great golf courses and quiet beaches make a day ashore fun, too. Inshore, offshore, salt water or fresh, head out for an adventure and reel in the memories.

Plan your trip at discovermartin.com

FLORIDA

CANGL_FL1-FL24.indd 17

APRIL 2017

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â&#x20AC;˘ THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 3:23 PM

PALM CITY Y 872 N. Federal Hwy., Lantana, FL 33462 www.pcylantana.com (772) 220–3000

TWIN 300 HP

300 HP WHITE Fly By Wire

BLACK or WHITE Fly By Wire

TWIN 250 HP BLACK Fly By Wire

250 HP

BLACK Fly By Wire

GUARANTEED 5.99% LOWEST PRICE! AS LOW AS *

*5.99% Financing W.A.C. - All Prices are plus applicable sales tax. Limited quantities at these prices. Installation includes Suzuki Rig Kit, SS prop & labor. **On Select Models

175 HP

WHITE Fly By Wire

FLORIDA

CANGL_FL1-FL24.indd 18

WHITE

APRIL 2017

TWIN 150 HP BLACK Fly By Wire

150 HP

BLACK or WHITE Fly By Wire

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 3:23 PM

Y YACHTS

612 SW Federal Hwy., Stuart, FL 34994 www.palmcityyachts.com (772) 220-3000

TWIN 200 HP

225 HP BLACK

WHITE Fly By Wire

200 HP WHITE

UP TO

TWIN 175 HP WHITE

Call Today

For Details & availability

150 HP

140 HP

WHITE

FLORIDA

CANGL_FL1-FL24.indd 19

WHITE

APRIL 2017

115 HP WHITE

90 HP WHITE

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â&#x20AC;¢ THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 3:23 PM

We price match! Parts in stock! 1-day shipping in FL!

Family owned 3 generations!

All locations open on Sundays: 9am-3pm

New Hydroglow Underwater Fishing Lights!

Bright Green Color, 12V, for fresh and salt water applications, virtually unbreakable. Two sizes to choose from:

$79.95 HG354 12 inches long $139.95 HG3108 24 inches long

FLORIDA

CANGL_FL1-FL24.indd 20

APRIL 2017

Mercruiser GLM 350 Chevy Manifolds Starting at $499.95 with a 3 year warranty.

Polyester Resin Quart $12.95 BOU-001Q Gallon $31.48 BOU-001G 5 Gal Pail $139.00 BOU-001P

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â&#x20AC;¢ THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 3:23 PM

A TRIBUTE TO

Legendary Boat Builder

Curt Whiticar

“Millennium is a leader in our industry and makes quality products that I’m proud to represent!” - BILL DANCE Bill Dance Outdoors

1OO

BOAT SEAT From left are Coastal Angler Magazine Co-Publisher Gary Guertin, Curt Whiticar and Jim Dragseth, president of Whiticar Boat Works. Photo courtesy of CAM/Treasure Coast.

By Ed Killer, Outdoors columnist for USA Today Network

ver the course of a life spanning more than a century, Curt Whiticar earned quite the reputation. He was the patriarch of the Stuart family best known for building classic sport fishing boats and died March 7 of prolonged congestive heart failure and kidney issues. He was 106. “Through his life, he touched so many people’s lives,” remembered his son John Whiticar, 67, of Jensen Beach. “He was one for getting things done. And he was so proficient at whatever he would set about to accomplish.” George Curtis Whiticar was born Feb. 13, 1911 to Capt. Add Whiticar, a commercial fisherman and charter captain who fished out of New Jersey. Curt Whiticar was the oldest of three brothers who all followed in their father’s fishing footsteps. They took paying customers on fishing adventures through the St. Lucie Inlet. But when customers were thin, they fished commercially. Curt Whiticar’s dad first came to Stuart to scout the bluefish and Spanish mackerel commercial fishery in 1917. The family settled in Stuart full time in 1926. Curt Whiticar built his first boat in 1921, and by the late 1930s had begun to make a name for the family with his craftsmanship. By the 1950s, his boats were in demand by anglers who wanted boats built to handle the sometimes-choppy Treasure Coast offshore waters. Whiticar boats were known for a sharp entry bow and steep deadrise, which made them perfect for slicing into a 4- to 5-foot-high wave. More than 60 Whiticar boats have been built since Whiticar assembled his first. Capt. V.J. Bell, of Stuart, ran the Bone Shaker, a 40-foot Whiticar, for Stuart’s Joe Lehner for more than 10 years. “It was a great headsea boat which was Whiticar Boats’ claim to fame,” said Bell. “It had a sharp entry, and ran really well into a sea or a chop. And once we got to where we were going, it was a fish-raising machine. It had a clean wash, small propellers. It was a very strong boat, too, overbuilt, if anything.” Bell was one of many Stuart-area captains to come to the area from the Delmarva Peninsula. Many of them came as mates working for Capt. Ray Parker, who owned a red-hulled Whiticar named Hobo. They stayed for the great sailfishing—a sport fishery pioneered by Whiticar and his family. They were among the first in the area to promote conservation of sailfish. The Whiticars were also among those who founded the Stuart Sailfish Club. Whiticar retired from boat building in 1986 at age 75. He received a number of awards and recognition for his service as a craftsman and a leader in conservation. Last month, he was inducted into the International Game Fish Association’s Captain and Crew Hall of Fame. There will be a celebration of Whiticar’s life April 9 at Indian Riverside Park in Jensen Beach. In lieu of flowers, the family asks to make contributions in his name to the Stuart Sailfish Club, the Stuart Heritage Museum or Treasure Coast Hospice.

FLORIDA

CANGL_FL1-FL24.indd 21

APRIL 2017

See the full line at millenniummarine.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 3:23 PM

110 PER

KZ SPORT Sportsmen Classic MSRP $14,512

MO.

ONLY

1,517 12 995

ONLY

SAVE

17,828 $ 57,900

Payments based on 4.5% APR, 240 mos. 20% down plus tax and fees. WAC.

MO.

New 2016 Forest River RV Sunseeker LE 2250SLE Ford

Payments based on 4.99% APR, 144 mos. 20% down plus tax and fees. WAC.

316 PER

MSRP $75,729

SAVE $

465 PER

MSRP 120,039

Payments based on 4.5% APR, 240 mos. 20% down plus tax and fees. WAC.

EXTRA ADDED BONUS VALUE!

New 2016 Forest River RV Georgetown Series 30X3

85,900

ONLY $

MO.

SAVE $34,366

When you purchase any RV from Dick Gore’s RV World Valid through March 31, 2017 For Coastal Angler Readers Only

FWC Photo by Robert Ellis

Lionfish Panhandle

Pilot Program ends May 19

anhandle lionfish hunters only have until May 19 to compete in the Panhandle Pilot Program. This yearlong lionfish removal incentive program rewards divers for harvesting lionfish off Escambia through Franklin counties. The program may be ending, but lionfish are open for harvest year-round, and there are no bag or size limits. For every 100 lionfish removed, divers receive a tag that allows them to take an additional cobia or red grouper in state waters, but this tag must be used before May 19. The first 10 teams who remove 500 or more lionfish also qualify to name an artificial reef in the Panhandle. To date, six groups have qualified to rename an artificial reef. The program ends the day before the annual Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day Festival, which is May 20-21 at Plaza de Luna in Pensacola. A revamp of the statewide Lionfish Challenge will also be launched that same weekend. More information on this program will be coming soon. Learn more about the Panhandle Pilot Program and how you can get rewarded for your lionfish removals by visiting MyFWC.com/ Lionfish.

14590 Duval Place West, Jacksonville, Florida

dickgoresrvworld.com • (904) 741-5100

22-Foot Coastal Boats that Bridge the Gap Between a Bay Boat and an Offshore Center Console...

To learn more about this program, go to

ISLANDSWATERS.COM

FACTORY DIRECT!

LOA 22’ Beam 8’-6”

The Most Deck Space in Her Class

Two Livewells • Below-Deck Rod Storage Pre-Wired for Trolling Motor • Optional Head in Console High Performance Hull Running Pad

Eastward Boats .Com facebook.com/eastwardboats • (772) 207-8244

FLORIDA

CANGL_FL1-FL24.indd 22

APRIL 2017

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 3:23 PM

LOWER UNIT LOCKING SYSTEM REMOVE

INSTALL

REMOVE

INSTALL

• Tamper-Resistant Design • Marine Grade Stainless Steel • Quick and Easy Installation • No Alteration Required!

Remove the existing nut, washer or bolt and replace with the security nut or bolt and bell washer and rest easy—your lower unit is NOW secure.

f/PantherMarineProducts

Marine-tech-coastal-angler-ad.indd 1

www.PantherMarineProducts.com

3/17/2017 5:22:15 PM

Fluid Technologies

llc

Factory Authorized Repair Facility For:

Sea Star Solutions, Teleflex, Hynautic, Capilano Lewmar Windlasses, Ritchie Compass

Basic Services Include but not limited to: •Helm or Cylinder Inspection

•Helm Seal Replacement & Reconditioning •Cylinder Repair & Reconditioning •Helm & Cylinder Parts Available

Rush Service Available

*Mention Coastal Angler Magazine and receive 10% off service fee*

(904) 384-9659 • www.Fluid-tec.com 3477 Lakeshore Blvd Jacksonville, Florida 32210 23

FLORIDA

CANGL_FL1-FL24.indd 23

APRIL 2017

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 3:23 PM

What to Wearipsum Lorem WheN KAYAK FISHING

By Nick Paul Carter Lebowitz By

im Salazar has been kayak fishing Southern California since the 1990s. He’s old school. Floridian Brandon Barton started in 2010. He’s from the new school. Both are elite-level Hobie fishing team members, a pair of Top Guns. For Salazar, the water is sizzling when it hits the relatively frigid 70s. He dresses accordingly, in a shorty farmer john wetsuit worn over a pair of fishing board shorts. For UV protection, he tops the ensemble with a hooded polyester sun shirt. His feet have it easy. “In the summer you can’t get me out of my flip flops,” he said. Where Salazar is traditional, Barton is modern. Comfort in hot weather and protection from insects are Barton’s major concerns. In the summer and spring he wears lightweight nylon fishing pants paired with a long-sleeve sun shirt. He tops them with a hat and a neck gaiter—popularly known as a buff. “The sun beats down on the water. I keep my whole body covered up,” he said. Some warm water anglers wear shoes made for the water. Barton prefers to slather sunscreen on his bare feet. If he’s fishing offshore or for dinosaurs, he adds fingerless fishing gloves. “For tarpon and sailfish, you need some hand protection,” he added. Although they fish in different climates, both pros avoid cotton. They dress for the conditions in clothing built to shed water and dry fast. You should too. Photo: Brandon Barton dressed for the warm Florida climate in lightweight sun-protective fishing clothes. Photo courtesy Brandon Barton.

Be Your Own Boss The Angler Magazine is now offering Great Lakes markets for franchise development. If you love the outdoors this is a great opportunity for you to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself.

Editor in Chief

COAST GUARD APPROVED COURSE & EXAM www.adamsmarine.com Test after the To Reserve a Spot Call: Toll Free 877-447-1950 course w/ Email: info@adamsmarine.com Capt. Mike Adams

GREAT LAKES (Expansion launch Spring 2017) • Milwaukee, WI • Detroit, MI • Cleveland, OH

Over 40,000 SKUs in stock. Abu Garcia, Daiwa, Fin-Nor, Okuma, Penn, Quantum, Shimano No order minimums!

www.FISHINGREELPARTS.com

For More Information On These And Other Franchise Locations

Call Tracy Patterson 321.777.2773 Email info@coastalanglermagazine.com

FLORIDA

CANGL_FL1-FL24.indd 24

APRIL 2017

1500 US HWY 19 N. Holiday, Fl 34691 (727) 935-7258

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 3:23 PM

r spread Game ChangER FishSUP FS126 able *Avail 017 2 y a M

Built in 36” Fish Ruler

15 D-Rings For Gear & Leash

Thick Camo EVA Footpad

Removable Motor Mount

Sup Fishing Will Never Be The Same. The new Sea Eagle® inflatable FishSUP™ FS126 was designed specifically for anglers. A full 12’6” x 40” for incredible stability, EVA foam pad for secure stand up footing when needed, heavy duty two layer drop stitch construction for a solid, super tough, super rigid SUP board and multiple d-rings and elastic cord for gear. Motor mount holds up to a 55 lb. thrust electric motor. Paddle standing up or sitting on the Sea Eagle® Swivel Seat Fishing Rig. 800-748-8066 M-F 9-5 EST Dept CS047B 19 N. Columbia St., Suite 1, Port Jefferson, NY 11777

THE TRIO

THE TRIO ACCESSORY TRAY

THREE 8-1/2” Tapered & Flared Rod Holders

EAGLE ROD HOLDERS • Ideal for Kite Fishing • Custom Fitted White PVC Liners • Bright Dipped Anodized Aluminum

THE PENTA FIVE 8-1/2” Tapered & Flared Rod Holders

• Excellent for Grouping Rods in Tight Spaces • Designed to fit all standard - Gunnel Mount Rod Holders - Tower Mount Rod Holders - Leaning Post Rod Holders

• Plier Holder • 2 Drink Holders • 6 Hook Holders • 2 Recessed Tray • Stainless Steel Hardware • Marine Grade, UV Stable HDPE Material

1.888.661.6692 Eagle-Marine-Products.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

NAT_0417.indd 23

APRIL 2017

NATIONAL

3/20/17 3:40 PM

Tackle Corner:

By Mike Pehanich

Angling for comfort and joint health

nce upon a time, fishing was deemed a passive, even contemplative game, a quiet pastime spent under a straw hat and a warming sun. No more! Modern angling is an active endeavor generally characterized by energetic casts, and plenty of them. The aggressive style of the modern angler takes its toll on the body with back, wrist, elbow and shoulder injuries. “As we get older, our bodies kind of fall apart,” said Bassmaster Elite Series angler Mark Menendez during an outing on Kentucky Lake. Menendez has developed tendinitis in his elbow. “I have had to figure out ways to fish that are less taxing on my body.” He has changed technique and equipment to reduce the wear. He fishes soft swimbaits like the Strike King Shadalicious far more these days, working them on relatively light spinning tackle and line testing no more than 10 pounds. It’s effective and easier on his elbow. The other adjustments he makes relate to his tackle. He lauds the Winn grips now featured on Lew’s Custom Lite, Lew’s Tournament Performance TP1 Speed Stick and Lew’s Mach Speed Stick rods. “The advantage to the angler is that the Winn grip adheres to your hand, but it’s not sticky,” he explained. “It just makes you feel you have a good grip on your rod and reel. The grips also allow me to make longer casts because I have better control of my rod and reel.” Musky and saltwater anglers are also taking advantage of the “tacky” feel and security of the non-slip polymer to protect against joint stress. Eavesdrop on a group of musky fishers for long and you’re bound to hear complaints of sore elbows and forearms. Many musky anglers are building custom rods with Winn grips, employing larger 1.25-inch Straight Taper split grips or a Straight Taper fore

NATIONAL

NAT_0417.indd 24

APRIL 2017

grip coupled with a 15-inch Straight Cylinder Saltwater grip capped with a fighting butt to extend the rear handle to 18-plus inches. Winn will add a new 18-inch grip to the Saltwater line this spring. Builders of custom surf and offshore rods are already making plans for its use. But oversized grips and rod wraps are finding favor with other anglers, too. At the Bassmaster Elite Series event at Lake Okeechobee in February, anglers with arthritic hands and joint issues noticed the booth Winn shared with North Fork Bait & Tackle owner and rod builder Steve Keller, who also operates a Winn Authorized Service Center at his store in Jensen Beach, Fla. Arthritis sufferers noted their preference for larger grip diameters to ease gripping pressure. The 1.25-inch Winn grips caught their attention, as did the array of offerings in the Winn Superior Rod Wrap line of overwraps, which enable the angler to put a layer of non-slip Winn polymer over existing cork or EVA grips. Winn grips and rod wraps (www.winngrips.com) are available in a wide range of sizes and colors. The Winn interchangeable grip system offers an endless combination of configurations.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 3:40 PM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â&#x20AC;¢ THEANGLERMAG.COM

NAT_0417.indd 25

APRIL 2017

NATIONAL

3/20/17 3:40 PM

TIPS FROM A PRO

FRESHWATER LEARN CONFIDENCE IN NEW TECHNIQUES

BRANDON LESTER

rowing up in southern middle Tennessee, I was fortunate to have a lot of really good fisheries within a couple hours of my house. I had my choice between the Tennessee River lakes like Guntersville, Wheeler and Wilson or the typical highland reservoirs located in the hills of Tennessee. I spent many days fishing club events and absorbing every bit of knowledge I could. It helped me become a versatile angler and to stay in tune with the seasonal movements of bass. These things helped prepare me for the situations I would later face on

the Bassmaster Elite Series. I remember my very first Elite Series event. It was at Lake Seminole. I had never been to the lake and didn’t know a thing about it. After a tough first day of practice, I ran way up the Flint River to see if I could find something up there all to myself. What I found was a couple of small backwaters with clear water and fish that were setting up to spawn. These places had been completely overlooked, and I finished 21st in that tournament. I caught almost every fish on a floating worm, something that is very popular during the spawn around my home waters. That tournament and many others since have taught me that no matter where you go in the country, or what body of water you’re on, there will always be something that fits your fishing style. It may not always be the winning pattern,

but more times than not, I would rather be fishing for fewer fish with more confidence. The very best lure in any tackle box is confidence. But this doesn’t mean I stubbornly sticking to the same techniques I’m comfortable with. Successful tournament anglers must keep up with the latest trends. Lures, line, rods, reels and everything else are constantly evolving. It helps to stay on the forefront. As I travel the country, I learn a lot of new techniques and about new baits that work in particular regions. Every time I go to a tournament and a new technique arises that I’m not familiar with, the first thing I do when I get home is take it to a nearby lake and try to learn it. When trying to learn something new, it’s best to do it in areas you know hold fish. A good example of this was at the first Elite Series event of this year at Lake Cherokee. Cherokee is in east Tennessee, but it is much different than my home waters. There is a hot new trend among the locals there called the “Damiki rig” that is dynamite for catching smallmouth relating to baitfish. It is a small fluke-style lure rigged on a Lake Erie-style jig head that allows for precise placement of the lure at depth. I had heard about the rig leading up to the tournament and tried it in practice, but I never could figure it out. Our tournament was actually won on that rig, and several of the top guys were doing it. After that tournament was over, I spent the next day on my home lake with nothing but that rig. I wanted to learn everything there was to know about it. I went on to catch some big smallmouth on my home lake with it, and although I still don’t consider myself an expert, I feel like I can catch them on it next time the opportunity arises.

Get more tips from Lester at

FISHINGMAGAZINE.FISHING 26

NATIONAL

NAT_0417.indd 26

APRIL 2017

(321) 409-5712 www.aquatechmarineinc.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 3:40 PM

SPIDER KING ROD HOLDERS

FRESHWATER BOSSMAN TECHNICAL POLING SKIFFS

18,950

FR $

COMBO PACKS

OUTRIGGERS

100% ALUMINUM EASY INSTALLATION NO DRILLING NECESSARY

“ I had the chance to test the new Bossman TailSpotter and I must say I was very impressed. I’ve run a lot of boats in my career and this boat is as good if not better than anything I’ve driven.” Capt. Mike Hakala, Aqua Dream Lures

SKIMMER TUNNEL HULL

21,900

FR $

GUNNEL MOUNT SPIDER RIGS www.SpiderKingRodHolders.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

NAT_0417.indd 27

APRIL 2017

NATIONAL

3/20/17 3:40 PM

FRESHWATER BIRDIE BLOCKER Tired of scrubbing bird droppings from the tops and decks of your boat? If you’ve got a problem with birds using the railings of your craft to roost, Birdie Blocker is the solution that will keep your boat free of roosting birds and the nasty mess they make. Birdie Blocker is an easy-to-use and extremely effective bird deterrent to protect any boat with 7/8- to 1-inch railings. It is a simple system using fishing components and some high-quality UV clips. It can be installed in about five minutes, and it’s just as convenient to remove and stow when it’s time to head out for a cruise. A barrier of monofilament held up with easy-to-mount clips deters birds from landing on your rails and roosting on your craft. It is tangle-free and simple, and at less than $100 it will cover about 40 feet of railings. Two Birdie Blockers are the ideal solution for larger boats. The clips are also multi-purpose and can also be used to hang lighting, decorations or double as a make-shift clothesline. The Birdie Blocker is a great gift for any boater. These quality systems arrive pre-assembled and can begin protecting your boat in about five minutes with simple set-up that requires no measuring. It’s a no-brainer for anyone who is sick and tired of cleaning up after birds. Call Birdie Blocker at 440-231-4767 to order or email birdieblocker@ gmail.com. Visit www.birdieblocker.com to see an easy to use video.

• Stop wasting your money cleaning poop stains • Less than 5 mins to clip on your boat • Fits 7/8 to 1 inch railings • Covers 5 feet to 40 feet • Deter birds froom rosting • Let’s keep the environment safe Tangle Free and Ready For Your Boat:

WWW.BIRDIEBLOCKER.COM

NATIONAL

NAT_0417.indd 28

APRIL 2017

Order Now 440-231-4767 www.birdieblocker.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 3:40 PM

Adjustable cap with brim UV-blocking polarized sunglasses SPF 30 bug-repellent sunscreen

You're protected from the elements. What about your boat?

T-Tops

Center Consoles

Leaning Posts

WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS WANTED! The Best American Hooks & Weights For Better #Fishing

Outboards

Chairs & Seats

CoverAlls gives your boat the same level of protection from the heat and elements you'd give yourself. CoverAlls covers prevent expensive weather damage to your boat. They're made from tough custom material that's saltwater-proof, UV proof, and reflects 90% of radiant heat.

100% American marinegrade components like stainless grommets, braided poly draw cords, and non-metallic cam locks keep CoverAlls covers in place in all kinds of coastal weather. Give your boat CoverAlls protection.

Save 10% with coupon code "angler" at checkout!

OUR PRODUCTS: Egg Sinkers • Deep Drop Sinkers • Jigs Dipsy Bass Casters • Pyramids • Bank Sinkers Ball Trollers • Fish Weight • Cigars Wahoo Trollers • 3 & 4 Prong Hooks • YO-YO’s All New Fresh Water Hooks Leadex Diving Weights • X-Ray Shielding Lead Doors • Glass And Frames

ALL PRODUCTS PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA

214-350-2690

sales@coveralls.biz

www.coveralls.biz

WWW.LEADENTERPRISES.COM

305-635-8644

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

NAT_0417.indd 29

APRIL 2017

NATIONAL

3/20/17 3:40 PM

Endless Fishing Opportunities

In Marathon

By Capt. Chris Johnson, SeaSquared Charters Marathon, the very heart of the Florida Keys, offers fishing options as vast as the crystal blue waters that surround the islands. to experience the exhilaration of big game sport fishing closer to shore and easier on your budget. Rounding out the sport fishing options in Marathon are bonefish, snook, Goliath grouper, permit and barracuda. Each challenging in its own right and all worthy of a place of honor on your trophy wall.

ill Your Trophy Wall With visions of Ernest Hemingway’s exploits in their heads, adventurers flock to Marathon from around the globe to fulfill their dreams of catching the sportfish of a lifetime. The offshore deep blue waters are the realm of the mighty swordfish, who live in the 1,500-plus-foot depths. Fishing for swordfish is highly technical and is best done with an electric set-up. While a magnificent creature to display above the fireplace, swordfish are also prized for their food value. Closer inshore are sailfish, which are unsurpassed in their size range for combined strength and spectacle. These silver speedsters, with their distinctive blue fan-shaped fin, are free-roamers that seem to prefer the coral reef areas. They are best fished for where their favorite foods are plentiful, such as along weed lines or around schools of blue runners, goggle eyes or pilchards. Perhaps the most elusive of all the sportfish in the Marathon waters is the Silver King. The tarpon that visit the Middle Florida Keys each spring love to hang out at bridge passes, where their food of choice is easily obtainable. These areas are known for their relative calm conditions, making tarpon fishing a comfortable experience for all anglers, even those prone to seasickness. Using light spinning tackle and circle hooks, fishing for tarpon is about as sporting as it gets. And, to hook one and chase it through the bridge pilings, hoping to be rewarded with a few jumps and maybe a picture at the side of the boat is an unforgettable experience. With a plethora of media coverage of sharks, catch-and-release fishing for them has become increasingly popular. The Marathon area sees a vast spectrum of sharks, including lemons, blacktips, bulls, blacknoses, nurse, spinners, hammerheads and tigers. These range in size from little guys to behemoths at 12 to 15 feet in length. Light tackle, shallow water angling for sharks in the Middle Florida Keys presents the opportunity 30

NATIONAL

NAT_0417.indd 30

APRIL 2017

Fill Your Dinner Plate When it comes to catching fish with a top-quality food value, you’d be hard-pressed to find a greater bounty than contained in the waters surrounding Marathon. On the Atlantic coral reefs and wrecks, snapper of all variety are plentiful for the taking year-round. Yellowtails, mangroves, muttons and lanes offer endless rod-bending entertainment and fill the bellies of hungry anglers at the end of the day. Grouper – blacks, reds and gags – are ever-present as well, although they tend to retreat to deeper waters during the summer heat. Additionally, the season is closed for them from January 1 to May 1. There are many more species that provide high-quality table fare – too many to list – but include amberjack, cobia, kingfish, Spanish mackerel, cero mackerel, pompano and on and on. Marathon’s offshore waters are fishing central for pelagic species that provide angling excitement. Venture 26 miles out to the Marathon Humps and you will be in tuna heaven. Blackfin and skipjack tuna are abundant year-round, and the only thing that can prevent you from getting there to catch them on any given day are the winds. But, on a calm day, the ride out and back is comfortable and the catching typically rapid-fire. Dolphin (mahi) and wahoo roam the open sea in a continuous hunt for food. Anglers seek them along weed lines and around any sort of floating debris. Feeding birds, particularly frigates, also indicate their presence. The spectacle of the blue and yellow blaze of a dolphin or the blue and white zebra-like stripes of a wahoo on the end of your line is indelible. Entertain The Family. There’s nothing finer for family bonding than spending quality time together on the water, away from the interruptions of everyday life. Marathon boasts multiple venues that are ideal for a day of family fun fishing. The patch reefs, Hawk Channel, the Seven Mile Bridge and the nearshore bay waters are chock-full of fun-catching fish. Snapper, hogfish, porgy, yellowjack, maybe even grouper, keep the rods bent with tasty rewards at the end of the day. Just for fun, there are sharks, barracuda, jacks and more. Catch ’em and release ’em and on to the next! So, whether you’re looking to fill your trophy wall or your dinner plate, or just have a great day out with the family, Marathon offers the fishing opportunities to make your dreams come true. Capt. Chris Johnson specializes in offshore, gulf/bay, reef/wreck, sailfish, shark and tarpon fishing with SeaSquared Charters, docked at Faro Blanco Resort and Yacht Club in Marathon. You can reach him at 305-743-5305, http://SeaSquaredCharters.com and http://Facebook. com/MarathonFishing.

To learn more fishing with Sea Squared Charters, go to

CRYSTALSALTWATERS.COM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 3:40 PM

OVER HALF A MILLION BOATERS CHOOSE US

24/7 DISPATCH ASSISTANCE

300 & 600 300 PORTS NATIONWIDE WITH OVER 600 TOWBOATS

1,200+

TRAVEL, MARINA & BOATING DISCOUNTS

DOWNLOAD THE NEW BOATU.S. APP FOR ONE-TAP TOWING SERVICE

BoatUS.com/towing 800-395-2628

Unlimited* Towing Membership - $149 a year WATER TOWING SOFT UNGROUNDINGS JUMP STARTS / FUEL DELIVERY *Towing details can be found online at BoatUS.com/towing or by calling.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â&#x20AC;¢ THEANGLERMAG.COM

NAT_0417.indd 31

APRIL 2017

NATIONAL

3/20/17 3:40 PM

Micron: Generations of Innovation Every parent hopes their children will do well and have a better life than they did. At Interlux, we feel the same way about the products we make. With each new advancement and generation of Micron® Technology comes better performing, higher quality solutions. Innovation is a tradition we are proud to have carried on for over 30 years. From the long lasting and always dependable Micron CSC to our new, powerful water-based Micron Optima with Activated Biolux®, we build on our past success to deliver state of the art protection today. Whatever the year, you know you’ll always have the latest and best in Micron Technology. Visit our website for more information – yachtpaint.com

Scan the code with your smartphone to watch our new Micron film.

8240/0117

NATIONAL

NAT_0417.indd 32

APRIL 2017

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 3:40 PM

The Bahamas Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament

Photo courtesy of Controlled Descent Lures

nglers with the guts to mix big-game tournament fishing with kayaking will head to beautiful Grand Bahama this month to compete in the Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament April 2023. This two-day kayak fishing tournament will attract anglers and their family members from all over the world for a chance to win more than $40,000 in cash and prizes, and all to help raise funds for the Humane Society of Grand Bahama. There will be free entertainment, food, drinks, a huge raffle and lots of fun for the entire family! “This event, now in its fourth year, has gained tremendous interest and notoriety for anglers and sporting enthusiasts from throughout the USA, Canada, China and Brazil. We have seen the competition grow each year from 40 anglers in our inaugural year in 2014 to some 280 participants last year,” said Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (BMOT) spokesman Richard Treco, Sr. “The high level of competition, coupled with our incredible on-island authentic cultural experiences and diverse product offering, makes this event most attractive for the seasoned as well as relatively new to the sport, angler.” Joe Hector, of Extreme Kayak Fishing International and organizer of the event, said he is excited to work with The BMOT on this tournament, and is particularly pleased with its rapid growth. “The Bahamas Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament truly is the gold standard for kayak fishing in the world, as it provides everything into one great getaway: fun and family adventures, awesome fishing from white and blue marlins to huge mutton snappers, friendly people and the most beautiful destination in the world,” said Hector. Pre- and post-tournament packages range from $595 triple or qua-

druple occupancy for a three nights stay to $1,370 single occupancy for a seven nights stay, which includes tournament registration, hotel accommodations at the Flamingo Bay Hotel and Marina, round-trip transportation for the angler and his/her kayak from Port Everglades to Grand Bahama, a cocktail reception and awards dinner. Fish caught during the tournament will be given to the Grand Bahama Children’s Home, Flamingo Bay Hotel and Marina, and volunteers assisting with the project. For more information or to register for the tournament, visit www. extremekayakfishing.com or call 954-661-0175.

To learn more about the event and how to register, go to

THEFISHERMANPARADISE.COM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

NAT_0417.indd 33

APRIL 2017

NATIONAL

3/20/17 3:40 PM

UNDER THE SEA

SLINGS AND POLESPEARS

from companies have challenged this SHERI DAYE traditional design by changing the here’s a fun retro-movement taking hand position. The place in spearfishing—a trend toward Headhunter Guerilla primitive hunting gear. Slings and Sling has a comfortable polespears are used in places that do not allow trigger mechanisms, such as Bermuda or the grip, which transfers the weight load from Bahamas, but they are growing in popularity the wrist and distributes the force throughout the forearm. Sea Archer slings look like an outside these regions too. This could be attributed to the new Sling/ underwater bow and arrow. The user holds Polespear category for world records, run by the body of the sling just as they would with a the International Underwater Spearfishing bow and arrow. There’s nothing more beautiful Association (IUSA). However, I suspect the than watching a skilled underwater hunter real reason is that many hunters appreciate using a sling and hitting the mark with a freethe challenge and simplicity, not unlike land- flying shaft! Polespears are another fun option. hunters opting for bow-and-arrow over rifles. It’s a beautiful art form that evokes images of They can be made of fiberglass, aluminum Indians using extreme stealth and having great or carbon fiber. The tip can have a flopper, three-prong paralyzer tip or a slip-tip. Neritic respect for their prey. Slings and polespears are great tools for Diving company makes polespears with someone who is either learning how to spearfish interchangeable sections that can be assembled or interested in improving their hunting skills. in different length configurations. Users may Compared to modern spearguns, they force a choose to use a shorter polespear when hunting diver to become calmer and stealthier because in dirtier water or in tight spaces. When diving of their shorter range. One must slow down and in deep clear water, fish may not be cooperative study the behavior of fish in order to get closer and a longer polespear may be desired. The to them. While both slings and polespears are ability to quickly construct your weapon of powered using rubber bands without trigger choice is one of the best recent innovations, along with magnetic slip-tips that don’t fall off mechanisms, these two styles differ. Slings, sometimes called “Hawaiian slings,” while diving. I must admit that I can’t help feeling a are similar to a slingshot where the band is pulled back to launch the spear. Traditionally, smug sense of satisfaction when I land an the shooter was a tubular-shaped piece of wood elusive fish with a simple stick and rubber with a hole drilled down the center so the shaft band. Regardless if you are a novice or could slide through when being launched professional, primitive hunting offers a forward by the band. Recent innovations fun and entertaining challenge. Why not

Charles Duffie with a polespeared hogfish. Photo by James Ferrara.

add another skill to your spearfishing resume and another choice in your toolkit? It will double your fun and make you a better hunter! Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter and producer of “The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo” in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.

For more Sheri Daye, go to

CAMSPEARFISHING.COM

TheSkimmer SkimmerKayak KayakMotor Motor The KitKit

The Skimmer GetThe towhere where thefish fish are, and catch more fish! Skimmer Kayak Motor Kit Get to the are, and catch more fish! Kayak Motor Kit

Motorize your kayak or canoe! Motorize your kayak or canoe! The Skimmer is easy to install. It is a lightweight (6 lbs) and fits most GetSkimmer to where the are, catch more The is easy to fish install. It isand a lightweight (6 lbs) fish! and fits most kayaksororcanoes. canoes. Battery Operated – No or pollution! Motorize your kayak or– canoe! kayaks Battery Operated No gasgas or pollution! 17 lbthrust thrust trolling made for fresh water The Skimmer islb easy to install. It is amotor, lightweight (6 lbs) and fitsand mostsalt ••17 lblboror2424 trolling motor, made for fresh and salt water

kayaks or canoes. Battery Operated – No gas or pollution! • 17 lb or 24 lb thrust trolling motor, made for fresh and salt water

• The Skimmer propels • The Skimmer propels a a craft knots. craft 2-52-5 knots. • The Skimmer propels a Lasts for 2-5 hours! for 2-5 hours! craftLasts 2-5 knots. Lasts for 2-5 hours!

EXHIBITORS - SEMINARS - WORKSHOPS

Great forfor people whowho do do Great people freediving, scuba, spearfishing, lobstering Great for people doabout not want to who worry not want to worry about not want to worry about paddling hard intointo a a fishing, surfing, SUP, U/W photo and video paddling hard paddling hard into a current or strong wind. current or strong wind. current or strong wind.

Also great for those with physical shoulder, back or elbow

marine art, apparel, travel, boats, kayaks

Also great those physical shoulder, back or elbow Also great for for those with with physical shoulder, back or elbow issues. Fish with Safety and Confidence! issues. Fish with Safety and Confidence! issues. Fish with Safety and Confidence! With “The Skimmer”—just sitsit back and relax, andand With “The Skimmer”—just sit back and relax, and With “The Skimmer”—just back and relax, Return Home Safely. Return Home Safely. Return Home Safely. Starts at $397.00 NOW $357.00 One year, full parts Why Pay $1200? 24 lb thrust $397 17 lb thrust $347 Starts at $397.00 NOW $357.00 One year, fullyear, parts Why Pay $1200? 24 lb thrust $397 17 lb thrust $347 Starts at $1200? $397.00 NOW $357.00 full parts Why Pay 24 lb thrust $397 One 17 lb thrust $347 replacement warranty. replacement warranty. replacement warranty. See the Skimmer in Action: See the Skimmer in Action: See the Skimmer in Action:

April 22 - 23, 2017 Ft. Lauderdale, FL www.TheBlueWild.com

Call • • www.kayaktrollingmotor.com Call631.440.6114 631.440.6114 www.kayaktrollingmotor.com

Call 631.440.6114 • www.kayaktrollingmotor.com

NATIONAL

NAT_0417.indd 34

APRIL 2017

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 3:40 PM

Spearfishing Course for Freedivers

By Capt. Chad Carney Photo courtesy of Controlled Descent Lures

n 2016, Freediving Instructors International (FII) presented their new spearfishing course at The Blue Wild Expo in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. If you’re new to spearfishing or a veteran, this wealthof-knowledge course, from many of the world’s best spearfishermen and freedivers will be invaluable. All students must already have a Level 1 freediving certification from an internationally recognized agency. FII founder Martin Stepanek, and freediving instructors John Dornellas and Cameron Kirkconnell, wrote the textbook for the course, called FII Spearfishing. The first course was taught by Martin and John at Florida Freedivers, Jonathan and Kelsey Dickinson’s dive shop in North Palm Beach, Fla. just days before The Blue Wild. Jonathan became a FII Spearfishing Instructor in September and taught the course to most of his staff and several customers since. The classroom section of the course runs a half day and is packed with great content including spearfishing ethics, freediving safety, location safety about dive planning, site obstructions, currents, marine animals, divers and boats. Information about spearfishing gear, it’s handling and use is covered thoroughly along with underwater hunting skills and techniques. The second half of the day is the pool training, where speargun handling and float line training is hands-on. The provided spearguns are unique in that they can be loaded in the water with total safety, because their shafts are completely stationary, as they are permanently bolted to the muzzles and mechanisms. Otherwise, the spearguns are fully functional and allow the best practice for pool or confined water training. Hunting styles and tricks are also taught and practiced in the pool around a portable artificial reef at the pool bottom where students will stalk a foam fish. Certification is completed with the classroom and pool session, along with a written test. A day of real ocean spearfishing is an option and may vary from location to location, but in the Palm Beaches, Jonathan says they plan for a day of spearfishing in moderate depths where water entries with gear can be polished, and also float lines can be used in currents. Reefs with low structure are available for stalking with, aspetto and agguatto techniques. The photo is Jonathan Dickinson with a recent 70-pound amberjack!

Check out www.floridafreedivers.com and www.freedivinginstructors.com for more information about the course and spearfishing and freediving equipment. Capt. Chad Carney runs diving and spearfishing charters in southeast Florida and can be reached at 727-4237775 or chad.carney@yahoo.com.

To learn more about Florida Free Divers, go to

Nothing gets you closer to the fish than your small craft. And nothing anchors you better than a Power-Pole Micro anchor made just for your vessel. Add the Micro Battery Pak and you’re ready to go wherever adventure takes you.

OFFSHOREANGLER.CO COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

NAT_0417.indd 35

APRIL 2017

NATIONAL

3/20/17 3:40 PM

FISH & FISHING

THE LIGHT WAND MARK SOSIN

earning to fish a fly in saltwater adds a new and extremely challenging dimension to the sport. Light-wand enthusiasts on the marine scene don’t have to trip over tradition that sometimes limits the thinking and performance of their brethren who focus attention solely on trout and salmon. There are differences. When you work over fish in a stream, you often have ample time to contemplate the situation, change flies if the first one doesn’t work, and even try several approaches. Even a shoreline largemouth bass lays claim to a stationary feeding station near a log or under the lip of a lily pad. Saltwater critters remain on the move, probing and prowling continuously or they hold on a seat in the restaurant until the water level rises or falls a certain amount. Then, they change position. If you happen to spot your quarry, you only have seconds to get a fly in front of it. The first cast has to count. Simple hesitation can cause you to miss the opportunity. When you are blind casting, it’s important to read the water and recognize another set of signals. Predators frequently follow a feeding rhythm tied directly to the stage of the tide. Since they are not restricted to a few deep pools or the tail end of a run, finding them and presenting a fly with accuracy requires detailed knowledge of their habits and habitat. Casting in saltwater demands a bit more distance than it does in many freshwater settings. False casting becomes a handicap when you’re trying to drop a fly in the path of a cruising gamefish. You won’t have time to admire the tight loops or match the distance to the target precisely before dropping the fly gently on the skin of the water. The repeated surges of a powerful marine denizen tethered to flyline, leader and backing, or the task of driving a fly into the wind and in front of a cruising fish have no parallels in other forms of angling. Once experienced, these challenges trigger an insatiable appetite that demands more.

For smaller species of fish, a 9-weight fly rod that is 9-feet long would be my first choice. The reel should be single action, hold adequate backing, and left or right hand retrieve. You should turn the handle with your primary hand rather than what many fly fishermen do today. With a 9-weight rod, the reel should hold at least 200 yards of 20-pound dacron or braid. The second outfit for larger fish starts with a 12-weight or 13-weight rod and a reel that holds at least 275 yards of backing. Again, if you are right handed, choose a right hand retrieve. If you’re new to fly fishing, the time to break out the fly rod is when fishing is very good and your chances of success are boosted. It pays to keep it rigged and handy all the time. Let me warn you that catching fish on a fly rod becomes addictive. Once you start hooking fish on the light wand you will also be hooked.

For more Mark Sosin visit

CAMFISHING.COM

BE ONE WITH THE FISH An Aqua-Vu HD underwater camera is the quickest way to find big bass. Unlike pixels and mysterious sonar signals, an Aqua-Vu reveals a live, crystal clear image of the underwater world. See largemouths buried in vegetation and brush, smallmouths hidden beside boulders, suspended spots and everything else beneath your boat.

DISCOVER THE TRUE UNDERWATER WORLD, IN REAL TIME AND FULL COLOR HD. > XD Camera with ultraclear 720p resolution > Waterproof & Sunlight Viewable 7-inch LCD > Anti-Spook IR Underwater Lights > 100-feet HD Cable, Charger & Custom Storage Bag www.aquavu.com

UNDERWATER VIEWING SYSTEMS

NATIONAL

NAT_0417.indd 36

APRIL 2017

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 3:40 PM

UR-Cut

FIELD TEST

DEXTER UR-CUT FILLET KNIFE

Ergonomically perfect. Virtually non-slip. Unmatched comfort. Unmatched control. Takes minutes to do.

A slippery knife can make filleting fish a difficult chore. Dexter UR-Cut Fillet knives were designed to eliminate this problem, while providing comfort and control by custom molding the grip to a user’s hand. Coastal Angler put Dexter’s design to the test at the docks with a cooler full of sheepshead, which are known to be difficult to clean. The customization involves boiling the handle before dipping it in cold water and gripping it tightly so the owner’s grip is impressed on the handle. With attention to thumb position during the process, we were able to customize the grip to the exact position our fillet men prefer. It took just a few minutes, and the result was a well-balanced tool that felt secure and comfortable in the hand. Then we took our blades to the cutting table. Dexters are known for maintaining a super-sharp edge, and having just the right amount of flexibility. Past experience has taught us they are also easy to sharpen. We were not surprised to find the blade on our new UR-Cut knives performed flawlessly working along spines and ribcages. Our hands and the table were coated in slime, and this is where the URCut showed why it is more than just a good knife. We intentionally created a slippery situation by not washing down, and the non-slip properties of the custom handles performed as advertised. For more information, visit...

UR-Cut features the same legendary DEXSTEEL, super-sharp edge, and just-right flexibility that you are used to with Dexter... 1.Dip handle in boiling water for 2 minutes. 2. Dip in cold water for 1 second. 3. Grip and form handle for 10 seconds. 4. Put back in cold water for 10 seconds and your done.

WWW.DEXTEROUTDOORS.COM

Defender

dexteroutdoors.com ®

WAHOO “COWBELLS’’ & ‘’SNAGGER’’ DOLPHIN LURES

TOURNAMENT

NEVER BUY FLARES AGAIN!

WINS

ELECTRONIC FLARE SOS Distress Light

Item 550696

THE

• • •

Only $99.99

www.defender.com 800-628-8225 Coastal Angler Apr 2017.indd 1

NAT_0417.indd 37

RIGGED N’ READY!

The only electronic flare that meets U.S. Coast Guard requirements One time purchase - Never expires The only alternative to traditional flares

BRANDS YOU WANT AND TRUST IN STOCK FOR LESS Over 50,000 items IN STOCK and Ready to Ship! Most orders Placed by 4:30 et shiP the saMe day!

Fillet Knives

The only custom moldable handle fillet knife.

2017

FREE Catalog!

“TOP GUN” SALTWATER TROLLING LURES

714-545 0196 6-pak Special $69.00 w/ FREE Case

FREE SHIPPING!

www.BALLYHOOD.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM 3/1/17 1:39 PM

TROLLS 6-10 OR UP TO 20 KNOTS — NO WEIGHTS NEEDED

APRIL 2017

NATIONAL

3/20/17 3:41 PM

O/B MOTOR BRACKET Mounts to your existing swim platform

RATED FOR 2 & 4-STROKE ENGINES UP TO 15 HP OR 132 LBS.

ADD SOME KICK WITH PANTHER’S ALL-NEW SWIM PLATFORM O/B MOTOR BRACKET Transform your boat into a fishing machine and make trolling for your favorite species more efficient and productive. www.MarineTechProducts.com

f /PantherMarineProducts

PANTHER SWIM PLATFORM OUTBOARD MOTOR BRACKET Now, with the new Panther Swim Platform Outboard Motor Bracket you can transform the family boat or even the work boat into a fishing machine. The convenience of having a kicker motor makes slow trolling for your favorite species much more efficient and productive. The new bracket easily mounts to most swim platforms and features three levels of convenient height adjustment to accommodate most platform heights and motor shaft lengths, for optimal prop depth and performance. • Rated for two- and four-stroke motors up to 20 hp with max motor weight of 195 pounds • Constructed of black powder coat aluminum • Comes complete with transom support bar for weight support torque resistance For more information, contact MarineTech Products at 1 651-486-2010 or visit

WWW.MARINETECHPRODUCTS.COM

Come Outside & Play in Okeechobee

www.visitokeechobeecounty.com

PWC Fishing Towers

Enclosures

NATIONAL

NAT_0417.indd 38

APRIL 2017

Rod Holders

Casting Platform

E-Box

Accessory Mounts

Lights

Storage Bag

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 3:41 PM

Ohio Man Charged With

Cleaning Out The Fishing Aisle

NEVER WAX AGAIN! RESTORE AND PROTECT YOUR BOAT

ost anglers would probably enjoy a shopping spree in the fishing section of the local Walmart. An Ohio man allegedly helped himself to not one, but two free-ofcharge shopping sprees last October, and has now been charged with stealing an estimated $3,800 worth of fishing gear, according to NBC affiliate WLWT. Warren County, Ohio prosecutor David Fornshell told reporters that Derrick Marcum, “pretty much cleared out the aisle.” According to the WLWT report, Marcum was arrested last October when he attempted to carry two backpacks stuffed with fishing gear out of an Ohio Walmart. He was arrested that same day for the theft of $1,300 worth of gear. But it wasn’t until recently that investigators connected that incident with another theft that occurred the previous day at another Ohio Walmart. Marcum allegedly filled five plastic bins with tackle and then proceeded to the self-checkout, where he paid only for the bins. Investigators valued that heist at about $2,500. A grand jury indicted Marcum, and he waits in jail for his arraignment, according to reports. Jail time seems a pretty steep price, even for thousands of dollars worth of fishing gear.

Poli Glow does what wax can’t! As seen on Ship Shape TV

for more than 12 months with a finish that is “like new!”

“Recommending Poli Glow is a no brainer.” - PRACTICAL SAILOR, the #1 consumer resource of the U.S. boating industry

FREE SHIPPING Code: CA13 | 1-800-922-5013 WATCH THE DEMO at PoliGlowProducts.com

Be Your Own Boss Coastal Angler Magazine is now offering Gulf Coast markets for franchise development. If you love the outdoors this is a great opportunity for you to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself.

Editor in Chief

FREE Venice, Louisiana:

GULF COAST (Available Now)

A Paddler's Heaven

Bass Pro

Local

Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events

Mike Iaconelli

Talks Kayaks Inshore

M RMABG.CO I D E LAN GLE L E W O R L D W COAOSTA I E S A VA I L A P P O R T U N I T

JEFF SCHNEIDER PHOTO COURTESY OF VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 267

• New Orleans, LA SOLD! • Baton Rouge, LA • Lafayette, LA • Corpus Christi, TX • Austin, TX

APRIL 2017

F R A N C H I S E

3/16/17 11:02 AM

0417_CAM_CVR.indd

For More Information On These And Other Franchise Locations

Call Tracy Patterson 321.777.2773 Email info@coastalanglermagazine.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

NAT_0417.indd 39

APRIL 2017

NATIONAL

3/20/17 3:41 PM

RA LO HE FL

ITEM 6125

LIMIT from

100 SW TRA

ITEM 4100

$ LIMIT from

www.power-pole.com

Cust

Fishing Lights Dock Lights Flounder Lights 785-621-2646 40

NATIONAL

NAT_0417.indd 40

APRIL 2017

LIMIT from

B se

fishinglightsetc.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â&#x20AC;¢ THEANGLERMAG.COM

LIMIT from

3/20/17 3:41 PM

hft_c

# 1 SELLING

SUPER COUPON

JACKS IN AMERICA

RAPID PUMP® 3 TON LOW PROFILE HEAVY DUTY STEEL SAVE $190 FLOOR JACK ITEM 61282 shown 61253/62326

SUPER COUPON

20% OFF

26", 4 DRAWER TOOL CART

SUPER COUPON

WINNER

ITEM 95659 shown 61634/61952

– Truckin' Magazine

• 580 lb. capacity

Customer Rating

SUPER COUPON

$7999

Compare

ANY SINGLE ITEM

9499

Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trenchers, welders, Admiral, Bauer, CoverPro, Daytona, Earthquake, Hercules, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, StormCat, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 8/1/17.

$269.99

• Weighs 73 lbs.

SUPER COUPON

20"

Customer Rating

SAVE $269 LIMIT 3 - Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 8/1/17.

SUPER COUPON

$99

ITEM 69780 41005 shown

SUPER COUPON

14999 $369.32

Compare

$1799 $

ITEM 60626 shown 69474/62861

SUPER COUPON

LIMIT 6 - Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 8/1/17.

45 WATT SOLAR PANEL 10 PIECE KIT ITEM 62443 68751 shown

SAVE $83

Compare

Customer Rating

149

Compare

$203.73

SUPER COUPON

SAVE $94

Blade sold separately.

ITEM 61971/61972 98199 shown Customer Rating

SUPER COUPON

$84

99 119$179

Compare

LIMIT 4 - Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 8/1/17.

hft_coastalangler_0417_M-REG100631.indd 1 NAT_0417.indd 41

VALUE LIMIT 1 - Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or prior purchase. Coupon good at our stores, HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Offer good while supplies last. Shipping & Handling charges may apply if not picked up in-store. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 8/1/17. Limit one FREE GIFT coupon per customer per day.

SUPER COUPON

Voted Best 2500 LB. ELECTRIC WINCH Winches in WITH WIRELESS Quality & Price

REMOTE CONTROL

179

Compare

$49

$446.61

LIMIT 5 - Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 8/1/17.

SUPER COUPON

$699

1199 $34.95

Compare

8$17.97

Compare

Customer Rating

LIMIT 7 - Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 8/1/17.

SUPER COUPON

SUPER COUPON POWDER-FREE NITRILE GLOVES • 5 mil thickness PACK OF 100

ITEM 68287 shown 69652/62872/62869 Customer Rating Includes one 18V NiCd battery and charger.

SAVE 74% $2499 Compare $79

SUPER COUPON

$19

LIMIT 6 - Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 8/1/17.

Item 68498 shown

SAVE 62%

SIZE MED LG X-LG

Customer Rating

YOUR CHOICE

Compare

$119.99

SUPER COUPON

SAVE 85%

LIMIT 6 - Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 8/1/17.

18 VOLT CORDLESS 3/8" DRILL/DRIVER AND FLASHLIGHT KIT

6999

AUTOMATIC BATTERY FLOAT CHARGER

$ 99

LIMIT 4 - Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 8/1/17.

SAVE 66%

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

SUPER COUPON

4 PIECE 1" x 15 FT. 72" x 80" MOVING BLANKET

SAVE 80%

SAVE $70

SUPER COUPON

RATCHETING TIE DOWNS ITEM 69505/62418 ITEM 63056/63057/60405/63094 66537 shown 63150/61524/62322/90984 shown

LIMIT 3 - Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 8/1/17.

10" SLIDING COMPOUND MITER SAW

$ 99

• Includes keychain remote • Weighs 14.3 lbs. • 11-1/4" W x 4-1/8" H

SUPER COUPON

$1 1999

$149

3999 $62.27

LIMIT 3 - Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 8/1/17.

SUPER COUPON

ITEM 69030 69031 shown

ITEM 63476/61840/61297/68146/61258 shown

SUPER COUPON

$2999

Compare 99 $39 .94

1" x 25 FT. TAPE MEASURE

• Air delivery: 5.8 CFM @ 40 PSI, 4.7 CFM @ 90 PSI

7" VARIABLE SPEED POLISHER/SANDER

Customer Rating

ANY PURCHASE

WITH

SAVE $296

SUPER COUPON

SAVE 51%

FREE

Customer Rating

LIMIT 4 - Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 8/1/17.

Customer Rating

SAVE 54%

ITEM 69091/61454 61693/62803 67847 shown

SUPER COUPON

1000 LB. CAPACITY SWING-BACK TRAILER JACK

2.5 HP, 21 GALLON, 125 PSI VERTICAL OIL-LUBE AIR COMPRESSOR

SUPER COUPON

ITEM 68496/61363 68497/61360 68498/61359

$499

LIMIT 9 - Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 8/1/17.

SUPER COUPON

AMERICA'S BEST GENERATOR

SUPER QUIET

4000 PEAK/3200 RUNNING WATTS 6.5 HP (212 CC) GAS GENERATORS

Customer Rating

ITEM 69676/69729/63080/63079 shown ITEM 69675/69728/63090/63089 CALIFORNIA ONLY

SAVE $149

7 $15.99

LIMIT 8 - Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 8/1/17.

SUPER COUPON

$ 99 Compare $34.99

Customer Rating

$ 99

Compare

ITEM 69594/69955 42292 shown

339

Wheel kit sold separately.

SUPER COUPON

99 9 8 $2 99 Compare

$439

LIMIT 3 - Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 8/1/17. At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare” or “comp at” price means that the same item or a similar functioning item was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare” or “comp at” price by another retailer in the U.S. within the past 180 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare” or "comp at" should be implied. For more information, go toHarborFreight.com or see store associate.

Use Coupons:COASTALANGLERMAG.COM In-Store, HarborFreight.com or 800-423-2567 • THEANGLERMAG.COM APRIL 2017

NATIONAL

3/8/17 12:34 PM 3/20/17 3:41 PM

suzuki spring savings Three Limited Time Offers Make A Good Deal Even Better Suzuki Gives You All Three So You Don’t Have To Choose One Or The Other

Buy a new Suzuki outboard from 25 to 300 horsepower and take advantage of not just one, but ALL THREE Suzuki Spring promotional offers.

Add cash rebates on select models and you can get up to $800 cash back. Plus our Repower Financing is available at attractive interest rates (on approved credit.*)

Just say, “Gimme Six!” and you’ll get six years of product protection. That’s right, you’ll get Suzuki’s three-year limited warranty and Suzuki’s 3-Year Extended Protection Plan at no extra charge.

See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer today and find out how you can get the ultimate deal on the Ultimate 4-Stroke Outboard.

Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 300 HP.

Cash Rebates on select models. See your dealer for details.

REPOWER FINANCE

Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards (OAC).*

For details and the name of your nearest participating Suzuki Marine dealer, visit www.suzukimarine.com

Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 300 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 4/01/17 and 6/30/17 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Cash Rebates apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 4/01/17 and 6/30/17. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Customer and participating Dealer must fill out the appropriate rebate form at time of sale. Customer will have the choice to either apply the cash rebate against the original dealer invoice (Suzuki will credit Dealer parts account) or have a check sent directly to the customer. There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 4/01/17 and 6/30/17. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2017 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

NATIONAL

NAT_0417.indd 42

APRIL 2017

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/20/17 3:41 PM

PENNFISHING.COM

LET THE BATTLE BEGIN The Slammer is back! Featuring a full metal body and rotor, IPX6 sealed gear box and spool design, a full Brass CNC Gear system,

COMMON CVRS_0417.indd 3

and a smooth yet powerful Dura Drag System. The Slammer is not only back…. it’s better than ever before.

3/19/17 2:26 PM

COMMON CVRS_0417.indd 4

3/19/17 2:26 PM