Coastal Angler Magazine | June 2020 | Northeast Florida Edition by Coastal Angler Magazine

NORTHEAST FLORIDA EDITION

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EVOLUTION OF THE POPPING CORK

Build Your Own Fishing Buddy The Lateral Line Explained

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trailered. Fishing from the bank, from a pier or in the surf provides freedom of movement for them to explore. If they lose interest in fishing, they can chase crabs, look in the buckets of neighboring anglers, hunt for shells or wade the shallows.

Catch And Keep Like sports trophies, Children want and take pride in having something to show for their efforts. Allow kids to take part in the process of catching, cleaning and cooking fresh fish for dinner. In the process, they’ll learn how the meat they eat makes it to their plate.

A Few Tips

o a father and an angler, there’s nothing sweeter than the phrase, “Daddy, can we go fishing today?” I heard those words the first time three years ago from the open face and high-pitched lilt of a 6-year-old boy. It was the reward for years of careful cultivation. We’ve fished together since he was a toddler. Before, it had always been my idea, a way to drag him outside on a warm afternoon. Those early trips to a small neighborhood pond were frustrating. He wanted to do it himself, so Dad picked through snarled lines while the boy mucked around in the shallows, throwing rocks and scaring fish. At some point, I gave up on catching fish. That pivotal moment freed us both to enjoy time

together. To a 4-year-old, sharing crackers with minnows that dart from beneath a dock is as engaging as a fish on the line. Frogs, turtles and the blue heron that fished the same spawning flats we did were as integral to the experience as fish. Now, as a 9-year-old, that kid stands in the front of the boat, ties his own rigs and pounds the banks with skill. Watching his growth as an angler is immensely rewarding, and keeping it fun was/is the key to feeding his desire.

The Fishing

Fishing is more fun when fish are biting. Pond bream are great for young anglers because techniques are simple and the action is fast. In saltwater, seatrout and whiting provide the same kind of action that keeps their attention. For the first few outings, leave the boat

• Be Patient: Don’t plan on fishing yourself. The adult’s job is to cast and untangle lines, bait hooks, unhook fish and avoid being hooked. • Take Snacks: The most important items in the tackle box are snacks and juice boxes. • Don’t Push It: If your kids would rather throw rocks, let them. • Their Gear: Children love stuff that is theirs. Get a small tackle box for them to carry. Load it with a small pair of pliers and a few inexpensive lures. • Lures: Some kids just want to throw it out and reel it in. Small inline spinners and some jigs are designed to catch anything that swims, and there’s no wrong way to fish them. • Let Them Learn: Nothing is more aggravating than being constantly told what to do. Offer help, but let them learn from their own mistakes.

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By Gary Turner

e were trolling along under blue skies when the back right rod started bleeding line. It was a good fish, whatever it was. But just like that, the line snapped and the fish was gone. We were all pumped after the first bite of the day. Off West Palm Beach, Stacy Flemming, Jimmy Dean and I had met the bait man early to get some goggle eyes. We were in search of big fish. Mahi, tuna, sailfish and cobia were all on the list. As we pulled baits, boats began to arrive on the water. There was a Trump boat parade that morning, a Trumptilla, and nearly all of them

came out to fish. It got a little crazy, so we decided to move farther out. That was our lucky move. As soon as we got baits back in the water, a rod started shedding line, not at a furious pace, just leisurely. “He doesn’t even know he’s hooked yet,” said Dean. About that time, line started screaming out of the reel. The fish made a long first run, and as I started to reel down on it, it leapt. It was a nice sailfish! After what seemed like an hour, the fish started to slow. We maneuvered close, and Dean grabbed its bill and unhooked the 4/0 circle hook. He revived the fish and let it swim away.

Dean has a saying, “On the boat, all is calm until it’s chaos.” Oh, how true that is! We were enjoying the sunshine and 100-foot water clarity when we hooked the next fish. Then, all of sudden, we had two. Fleming and Dean grabbed the rods. I scrambled to clear the lines. Dean’s fish came unbuttoned, but Fleming had a leaper on. We soon saw why that sailfish was doing its best to stay in the air. A large bull shark had spotted it. The shark was all over our fish! Regulations say you should leave sailfish in the water, but we had to save this one. As I backed the boat in, Fleming and Dean yanked it in the boat just as the shark made another run at it. Whew, that was exciting! With the shark out of sight, we stood watch as Dean revived and released his fish. After several more, we called it a day. The next day, we didn’t see much activity until afternoon. A large shark passed with cobia in tow, but none took our baits. Then we saw diving birds and fish smashing baitfish on the surface. About a minute later, the back-left rod bent hard. Fleming got a hold of it, and that fish was moving. When we finally saw color, it was a tuna. Fleming reeled as fast as he could, while we watched another big bull shark homing in on the tuna’s trajectory. The shark hit the tuna right above the tail but couldn’t hang on! Injured, the tuna came quickly to the gaff. We had one more hookup from that school of tuna before we decided to drop baits on a wreck to top off the cooler. It was a great couple of days off South Florida. If you’ve got an extra seat on your boat, contact Gary Turner at gary@purgeright.com.

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Gimme For Six Promotion is available Gimme Six Extended Protection promotion applies to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 04/01/20 and 06/30/20 in accordance with seefor participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Instant Savings musttobe applied purchases against the price of the outboard motor and reflected in theFor billlist of of sale. There are no model pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings applies qualifying of agreed-upon select Suzuki selling Outboard Motors made between 04/01/20 and 06/30/20. designated models, 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. The Gimme Six Promotion is available substitutions, benefitDealer substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves right toagainst changethe or agreed-upon cancel these selling promotions any outboard time without or obligation. Financing available through see participating or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Instant Savings must the be applied price at of the motornotice and reflected in the*bill of sale. offers There are no model for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings applies to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 04/01/20 and 06/30/20. For list of designated models, Synchrony Retail benefit Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 Suzuki monthsreserves on newthe andright unregistered Outboard Motors. Subject credit approval. buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and substitutions, substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. to changeSuzuki or cancel these promotions at anytotime without noticeNot or all obligation. * Financing offers available through see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Instant Savings must be applied against the agreed-upon selling price of the outboard motor and reflected in the bill of sale. There are no model terms provided, are Finance. based onAscreditworthiness. $19.99/month permonths $1,000on financed 60 monthsSuzuki is based on 5.99% APR.Subject Hypothetical figures usedNot in all calculation; actual monthly may Synchrony Retail low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 new andfor unregistered Outboard Motors. to credit approval. buyers willyour qualify. Approval, andpayment any rates anddiffer 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 based on provided, financing are terms, credit tier qualification,$19.99/month accessories orper other factors such for as down payment and fees. 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Author Richard Matteson with an early morning beach snook.

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Reel in the memories. Sitting on the most biodiverse estuary in the Northern Hemisphere, Martin County is a fisherman’s paradise. Ocean, lake and river ecosystems are home to more than 800 species of fish, from the ever-popular sailfish and snook to largemouth bass and perch. Forget your gear? Visit one of Martin’s many bait and tackle shops or outdoor retailers. Inshore, offshore, saltwater or fresh, head out for an adventure and reel in the memories.

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By Richard Matteson

ishing at the beach has been hot. Big jacks are cruising the shorelines chasing bait, and if you follow the birds, that’s where you’ll find them. Be ready to spend 20 minutes trying to get these jacks to shore. Some of them weigh up to 30 pounds. Also chasing bait are large schools of bluefish and mackerel. When you get to the bait, it’s a fish every cast. The beach weed, sargassum, is starting to move into the shallow shoreline, which makes fishing difficult. My favorite beach lure is a 3/8-ounce D.O.A. jig with a 4-inch plastic D.O.A. Paddle Tail, either pearl white or silver sparkle. It works well in sargassum-filled water. The other main lure used on the beach is a silver spoon, usually with single treble hook. For big fish, use a 2-ounce silver Holographic Crocodile Spoon. For light tackle, use a 1-ounce silver or gold Johnson. I use light tackle and line: a 300-grade spinning reel with 10-pound white braid and a 30-pound fluorocarbon leader. Use a loop knot for the lure, and tie the leader to the braid with a double uni knot (look online for tutorials). I’ve landed several jacks around 20-pounds, but I’ve also been broken off by jacks and snook at the braid. Most beach fishers use 20- to 30-pound braid (40-pound leader) and for tarpon 40- to 50-pound braid with 60-pound leader. I’ve been averaging about 15 to 20 fish every morning, with one to six snook. The snook bite is best from 6:30 to 7 a.m. or in the evening around 7:30 p.m. Incoming tide seems to be best, and the fish roam around the trough near the first cut (closest wave). Fish the back of the waves near the shore for snook. Jigs and live bait work better than spoons. Several slot and over-slot sargassum snook have been caught on the beach. In the lagoon and river, they are stacked up around the bridges and around deeper piers. Inshore snook are being caught on threadfin and greenies as well as jigs and root beer color D.O.A. TerrorEyz. The Indian River Lagoon and St. Lucie River have been slow at times. Fish piers for snook and the bridges for snook and tarpon. According to Jim Harter, the South Fork has been slow, but it will pick up with warmer weather. Reports are given of trout being found in Harbor Branch area, with sporadic catches of trout farther south from Herman’s Bay to Bear Creek. D.O.A. jigs and topwaters are good trout choices. Fortunately, wading and surf-fishing are perfect activities during the coronavirus pandemic. Remember to stay safe. Good luck fishing, and tight lines!!! Contact the Stuart Rod and Reel Club at (336) 414-3440 or visit www.stuartrodandreel.com.

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MAKE YOUR JIGS & BAITS WEEDLESS Tim Barefoot

t’s no secret that fish orient to structure. From shallow mangrove roots to deeper oyster bars, wrecks and ledges, fish hang out where baits are likely to hang up. Fish like a roof over their head. They hang around cover and structure for a number of reasons that include protection and the presence of food. I’ve always said, “If you’re not getting hung up or cut off, you’re not fishing in the right places.” But a lot of structures are off limits for casting due to the fear of losing your jigs or baits. There’s more than one way to skin this cat, and this method is fairly easy to do with a few simple tools, superglue and some 80- to 100-pound fluorocarbon. You can make almost any jighead weedless by drilling a small (.062 or 1/16) hole in the jig at a 45-degree angle. Do not—I repeat—DO NOT hold the jig head in your hand with the drill bit pointed toward your fingers! If the drill bit walks or breaks, it will drill a hole in your fingers much easier than lead. Secure the jig in a vise or hold the jig by the hook with the drill pointed away from your fingers. I prefer Seaguar 80-pound fluoro, which measures .037 in diameter, and the 100-pound, which measures .048. Both of these fit easily into the .062 drilled hole. Use good (non-white) superglue to glue the line into the jighead. One brand that works well is the Gorilla Glue. For a detailed video illustrating these tricks, go to my website and Once you have the fluoro glued in place, trim the line off shorter than the point of the hook. This makes the weed-guard shorter and ensures click on “Snag Resistant Circle Hook Chin Weight” the fluoro cannot be stuck by the point of a sharp hook, which could result in missed hook sets. Check all of Capt. Barefoot’s rigging tips at This modification is not just jigs for soft plastics, as you can make BAREFOOTCATSANDTACKLE.COM standard J hooks and circle hooks weedless for live baits.

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revalle jack get a bad rap. Long decried by some U.S. anglers as a trash fish, they are the second largest member of the Curangidae family behind only the highly sought-after giant trevally of the Indo-Pacific. With record weights in the 60-pound range and an aggressive, belligerent attitude, it would seem this fish has the attributes most anglers are looking for. So why is it these colorful, hard-fighting fish are greeted with groans when they surface on the end of the line? Patrick Sebile, of Sebile Innovative Fishing, is a defender of the jack. During his time guiding in the famed waters off Africa, his European clients spent money and travelled specifically to do battle with jacks. While understanding the disappointment a tarpon angler might feel when a jack steals the lure, he praised them as an excellent inshore game fish offering spectacular takes and grueling fights. What’s more, Sebile said jacks are good to eat! “Personally, I like and eat it regularly. I’m not kidding,” he said. “For those who say they like fish that do not taste like fish, I would suggest eating something other than fish! Jack have a true fish flavor.”

Sebile said they are delicious served raw in thin slices coated with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, basil and a sprinkling of finely grated Parmesan. He also likes crevalle jack steaks pan seared or grilled. He warned that jack, like any other fish, dries out when left on the heat just a little too long. He pulls his when the flesh is still pink-to-white in the middle and believes people who have been disappointed by jack probably cooked it to a medium or well-done temperature. “Nobody will be happy with the result,” he said.

“Rare to medium-rare is the ticket with this fish, and I understand this is not OK for everybody. Try it for yourself, following these simple instructions, and you might be pleasantly surprised.” For the sport and for the table, perhaps it’s time U.S. anglers took another look at this plentiful and maligned fish? Patrick Sebile is the founder and lure designer at his namesake tackle company, Sebile Innovative Fishing. Check them out at www.sebile.com.

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s of presstime, the 40th edition of the Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament is still a go for July 13-18, with some modifications in place to address the fallout from COVID-19. A mainstay of northeast Florida summers since the early 1990s, the charity tournament draws a huge field each year because of a format that promotes competition between professionals and amateurs alike with highstakes payouts. The tournament’s Jacksonville Marine Charities Board met on May 11 to decide how to move forward during the health crisis, and anglers will be happy to hear that although some of the social elements of the tournament have been cancelled, the fishing will go on. Here’s a list of modifications released by the tournament’s governing body in May: • General Tournament entry fee rolled back to $295. Refunds will be issued. • General Tournament entry fee increases to $350 will be delayed to July 6. • Prize structure remains the same, dependent upon expected tournament entries. • Kingfish Bash, 40 years of Champions, Past Champion and High Roller tournaments will continue July 13 with social-distancing measures in place. Captains and Awards events will not be held. • Down at the Dock Derby is postponed. • Jr. Angler Dock Derby has been cancelled. • Greater Jacksonville Redfish Tournament has moved to Saturday, July 18. • Kidz Zone on awards day has been cancelled. • Bucket raffles have been cancelled. The board has indicated it will meet again in June to revisit these preliminary alternative decisions and adapt as needed. For updated information, see www.kingfishtournament.com.

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Fishing Report & Forecast Mayport By Capt. Kirk Waltz

ummer is upon us and I look forward to calm seas and the right amount of ocean swell. The month of May started out with a bang with a few crazy weather fronts. A cold Northeaster coupled with some crazy winds kept the fish biting offshore but, dirty water inshore made it difficult. I believe that our normal Bermuda High weather patterns will begin to dominate soon. Look for copious amounts of bait to push into the beach and bring bull reds, sharks, tarpon, kings ,bonita, sailfish, cuda’s, and cobia. Catch a live well full of these and pitch back into the pods. I try to find big swirling black or dark bait pods that have not had a net tossed on them. Big fish can be easily spooked and stealth will pay big dividends. Just toss a med heavy spinner like a Penn Spinfisher 6500 and a med heavy rod like a Penn Bluewater Jigging rod rigged with a 2-3oz egg sinker and a 2 ft length of 60-80 shock leader with a 5/0 live bait hook back into the foray and hang on. If there is any fish in the pod they should whack it! Look for the striking fish to hit these live baits trolled over the regular haunts both on the beach and the local party ground hot spots. Kings, cudas, sharks, bonita,sails, and cobia will lurk around the hot spots and 2 NORTHEAST FLORIDA

JUNE 2020

should readily take these frisky baits. A good trolling rod/reel combo like a Fathom II 30 with 20-30lb line works best and a short piece of wire for slow trolling on a double treble rig can be easily made or stop by Strike Zone or B&M and the boys will sell you premade rigs or how to make ‘em.The bottom fishing can be good this month for seabass, grouper, beeliners, triggers, and snapper. Check the regs for what you can and cannot keep as they vary. The big rocks will hold redfish and trout with a small amount of action for Spanish on the higher tides. A Clark spoon or Seahawk work well with a small length of wire attached. As the heat builds these fish seek cooler water so try to keep that in mind when you check the rocks. The rip outside of the rocks will hold kings, cudas, sharks, cobia, and an occasional sailfish. Slow troll this area on the bottom of the outgoing tide for best results. The inshore Mayport basin both north and south from the little jetties will hold trout, reds, some drum, sheepshead, and flounder along with lots of jacks and ladyfish. The falling outgoing tide produces the best result. Try topwater plugs early like a Bomber-Long A or a white gulp swimming minnow for positive results.Remember as it gets hot these fish feed early and late in the back country. I also go to my old standby of mud minnows or shrimp on a 1/4oz jig to catch a few fish for the cooler. Capt. Kirk can be reached at 904.241.7560 or 904.626.1128 for info on charters Www.Enterprisefishingcharters.com from 4 to 50 ppl. He can also be heard every Saturday morning from 7am to 10am on The Outdoors Show on 1010am or 92.5 fm giving out weather, tides, and fishing forecasts with Jeff Lageman and Capt. Kevin Faver.

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The Kingfish Challenge 2020 By Erin Johnson

or over two decades the Ancient City Game Fish Association (ACGFA) has hosted one of the area’s largest and longest running four-day fishing tournaments in Northeast Florida. This year is no different! Even with the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteers have been working diligently organizing and planning for the biggest and most well attended weekend of fishing in St. Augustine each year. It’s GAME ON and excitement is building as we look forward to this exciting and fun-filled event. The Challenge will take over the Northeast Florida Marlin Club at Camachee Cove Marina July 23-26, 2020 with three divisions; Kingfish, Backwater and Junior Angler. Registered anglers will fish throughout the weekend for a chance to win a portion of over $20,000 in cash and prizes! Festivities start at 5pm on Thursday with our Junior Angler registration, informational fishing clinic and captains meeting. Sponsored by A to Z Roofing and Waterproofing, the Junior Anglers fish in three age groups; “small fry” - ages 8 and under, “junior” - ages 9 to 16 and “senior” - ages 16 to 18. Redfish and/or Kingfish are the targeted species and the largest fish in each species and age group will be eligible for prizes at the awards ceremony on Friday at 3:30pm. There will also be a special guest appearance from a certain “pink panther” friend at this family friendly event. Registration is only $25 per angler. The real party starts on Friday at 4pm with registration for the Kingfish and Backwater Challenge, sponsored by Waylen Bay Marine and Creterfish Commercial, LLC. Registrants and spectators will enjoy live music by local favorite Chillula, vendor booths, food, cash bar, and an amazing raffle. Captains meeting will begin around NORTHEASTFLORIDA FLORIDA 4 4 NORTHEAST

JUNE2020 2020 JUNE

7:30pm. Fishing days for these challenges are Saturday and Sunday. Anglers will fish inshore in the Backwater Challenge or offshore in the Kingfish Challenge. Weigh-in times on Saturday is from 3-5pm and 2-4pm on Sunday. Cost to enter is $75 per angler for Backwater and $295 ($320 after June 15th) for the Kingfish Challenge. Registration is open now at www.acgfachallenge.com As part of their conservation efforts, ACGFA are encouraging the live release of all redfish after weigh-in with help from the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA). This will be the CCA’s third year of participating in this worthwhile effort. CCA Florida works with it’s over 19,000 members to conserve and enhance our marine resources through habitat restoration projects, water quality initiatives and fisheries advocacy. STAR, a CCA Florida event, is the largest family-friendly saltwater fishing competition in Florida, it begins July 1st and ends October 4th, 2020. The CCA format offers $500,000 in Prizes & Scholarships. Tagged Redfish Prizes Include Boat, Motor & Trailer Packages. 1st Tagged Dolphin / Mahi Mahi Wins $10,000 Cash. Nearly 100 Days of Fishing. $40 entry for current CCA members. All others add $35 for one year membership. Learn more at ccaflorida.org or register online at www.ccaflstar.com We look forward to having you in the Nation’s Oldest City and are excited to help raise funds together for local charities. .ACGFA is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1958. Their goal is to serve and promote local fishing in our community. For more information about ACGFA visit www.acgfa.com or find us on Facebook @acgfa

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Fishing Report & Forecast Sisters Creek

By Capt. Tony Bozzella

y recommendations are fish early or the evenings. Plan your tides so you can fish accordingly to the species you are after. If you are fishing Redfish in the backcountry, and want a shot at a backing fish, I would be out early on a low tide, once the wind and sun are up, your chances diminish. Standard jig and bait combos, weedless soft plastics, and bucktail jigs are all great choices. If the water is high work top waters, popping corks with a shrimp or spoons / spinners in and along the grasslines and over structure/ shell bars. All these methods are affective, but, time of the day is important. There are many different species around now. The river and Intercostal waterway will give up there fair share of fish. Again, get out early with above mentioned baits, Focus on points, structure, and shell bars. Any of these type areas with moving water, bait and especially next to deeper water is a potential hot spot. My clients have produced some nice trophy trout & other great species!! Stay confident and attentive, paying attention & reading the water, tide direction, looking at birds behavior, height of tides, it all plays a part. Plenty of other species will be lurking these areas also. Ladyfish, jacks and blues will continue 6 NORTHEAST FLORIDA

JUNE 2020

By C

to keep a bend in fisherman rods. All of these species are not picky when it comes to lures or bait, they are fun to catch and will put up a great fight. Also an awesome time to get out and introduce our young anglers to fishing. The wait is not long when they are there!! A bobber and a piece of 20lb leader and a jig & shrimp. It is a fun time! Also, nearshore beach fishing can be good. Follow the pogie pods up & down the beach. Cast net some & pitching a hooked pogie to the edges Of the bait pod on a jig or just plain hook can be a ticket to a big jack, shark, tarpon, redfish, etc. Keeping them alive is best. Get on the side they are moving & be patient / quiet and let the pod come to you. Throwing baits behind the shrimp boats can also be a good way to hookup. Dock light fishing will be on the rise as water temps continue to heat up. All species mentioned can be caught. A free lined live shrimp is a sure way to get a hook up. However, a DOA shrimp, can be very effective. The Flounder bite is continuing to pick up hitting jigs with finger mullet, shrimp, and mud minnow combo’s. Standard dock and structure fishing and grass lines with current prove best. As the heat of the sun gets hot and overhead, fish deeper. Many species get a little lethargic and often times will retreat to the deeper cooler water to elude the mid day sun. Get out and enjoy the fishing, there is something going on all the time!! Take advantage!!

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

ith air temps getting into the mid to upper 90’s the next few months it’s a good idea to get on the water as early, or as late as possible as the fish will be on the feed during those times and laying low during the heat of the day. Inshore toss your favorite top-water plug at first light for exciting redfish and trout blowups. Some favorite top-water plugs for our area are the Rapala Skitterwalk, Heddon Super Spook Jr., or any “walk the dog” type lure. If you’re not an “early bird”

check out the dusk bite using the same lures. The fishing right off the beach really comes alive this time of year. Huge sharks, tarpon, kingfish, and many more will be chowin’ down on the giant pods of pogies right behind the breakers. It’s a great time to put your heavier tackle to the test!

When looking to catch some redfish be on the lookout for concentrations of finger mullet or pogies on the flats. You can be guaranteed that at least a redfish or two will be hanging nearby a big school of baitfish this time of year. During the higher tide stages one of my favorite lures to toss this time of year is the spinner bait as it provides a ton of “thump” and flash that the fish can easily hunt down. On the lower tide stages a lot of the bigger fish will move to slightly deeper water where it’s a little cooler. Live mud minnows or finger mullet will be hard to beat but a chunked piece of ladyfish or mullet will also work especially well for the redfish when fishing deeper. A scented soft plastic like a Fishbites lure fished very, very slow will also be a good bet. The flounder bite should be good at the St. Augustine and Mantanzas inlets and just about all the regular inshore flatty haunts. Fishing around the slack tides will give you the best chance to get your bait on the bottom where the flounder hide. Small to medium sized finger mullet on a fish finder rig can be deadly... Don’t be afraid to use a good sized mullet to catch the doormats… just remember to let the flounder chew on the bait a few moments before setting the hook.One of my favorite fish, the tarpon, should be thick along the beach gorging themselves on the bait (pogy) pods just about now. The best bite will be early morning and just before or after the afternoon summer rainstorms. Rig a live pogy on a large 6/0-10/0 circle hook and fish the outside of the bait pods. Sometimes a little weight to help the pogy get down will help. Depending on water temps you’ll also find some huge jacks and plenty of sharks around those pods... maybe even a stray cobia as well!

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Capt. Tommy Derringer 904-377-3734 • www.InshoreAdventures.net JUNE 2020

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ue to coronavirus social distancing we are still not able to host club meetings. I have seen several social media posts lamenting the lack of a club prepared meal, and how the members would be sadly eating their own cooking. With the recent easing of restrictions our board decided to go ahead with our club tournaments, but Mother Nature had other ideas. Our club rules lump “small craft exercise caution” and “small craft advisory” as Small Craft Warnings. In either case it means automatic postponement of a club tournament. So, BOTH the Inshore and Offshore tournaments have been postponed as of submission of this article. Wind and waves seem to be the story of late. Those that have made it out deep have been rewarded with fish; wahoo, kings, mahi and grouper. Anglers at the jetties are still boating sheepshead, drum, blues and mackerel. Backcountry pursuits are landing redfish and

trout. Everyone please be safe. Upcoming: As of the writing of this article our club house is closed as part of the coronavirus response. If June meetings are allowed, they will be held on the 4th and 18th. Guest speakers haven’t been scheduled. We open the doors around 6:00 if you want to come early to visit, dinner is at 7:00, and we generally try to get started with the meeting about 7:30, and we will have a great raffle. All of our meetings are open to the public, you do not have to be a member to attend. We are family friendly so feel free to bring the kiddos! If they are a little too young to appreciate the guest speaker, please bring them a quiet activity to do at the table with you. We hope to see you there!

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n July 11, 2020, join thousands of Florida Realtors to help clean up our lakes, rivers, streams, retention ponds, bays, Intracoastal Waterway, Gulf and Ocean. Florida Realtors invites you to #CleanUpFloridaWaters. Ask tourists or future residents why they’re attracted to Florida, and the answers are usually white sand beaches, lakes, rivers and our natural springs. Yet, many of our waterways are littered with bottles, cans and other debris. The good news: Trash is a people problem, which means we are also the solution. Every effort will make a difference, whether you join a small group to pick up debris along the water’s edge or take your boat out and collect trash. The event is free to the public and will include a captain’s bag full of goodies just for signing up. Registration will be on EventBrite so stay tuned. We encourage everyone to help out and Clean Up Florida! Contact Mark Feagle for

further details or to sponsor the event. 904-607-1139 mfeagle@ watsonrealtycorp.com West Bank Seminar Series Update As you all know, we have been unable to host live seminars due to the virus. Once 57 Heaven is able to open back up the seminar series will continue. I miss having our monthly event and look forward to returning back to normal. Until then please don’t hesitate to call with a good fish story or send pictures to put on the West Bank Facebook page: Facebook > West Bank Seminar Club Tight Lines!

ACGFA - June By Erin Johnson

or over two decades the Ancient City Game Fish Association (ACGFA) has hosted one of the area’s largest and longest running four day fishing tournaments in Northeast Florida and this year is no different! The Challenge will take over the Northeast Florida Marlin Club at Camachee Cove Marina on July 2326, 2020 with three divisions; Kingfish, Backwater and Junior Angler. Festivities start at 5pm on Thursday with our Junior Angler registration, informational clinic and captains meeting. Anglers fish in three age groups; “small fry” - ages 8 and under, “junior” - ages 9 to 16 and “senior” - ages 16 to 18. Redfish and/ or Kingfish are the targeted species and the largest fish in each species and age group will be eligible for prizes at the awards ceremony on Friday at 3:30pm. Registration is $25 per angler. Special thanks to A to Z Roofing and Waterproofing for sponsoring the Junior Angler Division. Registration for the Kingfish and Backwater Challenge, sponsored by Waylen Bay Marine and Creterfish Commercial, LLC, will begin on Friday

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at 4pm. Registrants and spectators will enjoy live music by local favorite Chillula, vendor booths, food, cash bar, and an amazing raffle. Captains meeting will begin around 7:30pm. Fishing days for these challenges are Saturday and Sunday. Anglers will fish inshore in the Backwater Challenge or offshore in the Kingfish Challenge. Weigh-in times on Saturday is from 3-5pm and 2-4pm on Sunday. Cost to enter is $75 per angler for Backwater and $295 ($320 after June 15th) for the Kingfish Challenge. Registration is open now at www.acgfachallenge.com A portion of proceeds from this fun-filled event goes to support local charities such as the Ronald McDonald House, St Johns County Homeless Coalition and student scholarship funds. As our tournament grows our contribution to these important causes will continue to grow as well. ACGFA is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1958. Their goal is to serve and promote local fishing in our community. For more information about ACGFA visit www.acgfa.com

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Fishing Report Pier and Surf By: Noel Kuhn

his month should still be great for some hot Pompano action. The big schools that normally show up in April actually got here in May. They were also still catching plenty in May as far south as Melbourne. Given that we will have plenty of Pompano well into this month. This and next month are my favorites for night fishing. June 5th and July 5th will be prime time for a full moon rising fishing experience. Just in case the wind dies down do not forget the DEET! Getting sand fleas ahead of time can make a big difference in your success ratio. The red shell beaches are the easiest place to find them. My go to locations are SPVB, Vilano, Hammock, and Flagler. Just before writing this 12 NORTHEAST FLORIDA

JUNE 2020

article I stopped at the Hammock. Within 10 minutes I had 200 fleas. Seeing them is the key. There are plenty of Youtube videos on how to catch this great free bait. The whiting bite has been BIG this year. Meaning we are catching big mature fish up to 18â&#x20AC;? and two pounds. In years past it has been more about quanity than size. The best bait is fresh river shrimp or live from the bait store. Just remember if you are targeting whiting to down size your hooks and your bait. I get three baits, which include the head, out of each shrimp. Trim the horn off so it makes it easier for the whiting to gobble up. On hook size I prefer a 1/0 or a #1. June is prime time for the best eating shark around. Bonnetheads, between 10 and 25 pounds, show up this month in search of Calico/ Spotted crabs that live in the surf. These frisky guys are a blast on surf gear. The bait is simple - one half of a medium size blue crab. Take off the legs, pop off the shell and cut the body in half. The terminal tackle needs to be beefy. I use a fish finder rig tied out of 100lb mono filament. Circle hook size between 5/0 and 7/0 gets the job done. In June I have always had my best luck the first three hours of daylight. So, go get some great bait and get out there and get your string stretched. See you on the beach!

Noel Kuhn Surf fishing guide and long distance casting coach. 904-945-0660 www.TheSurfAngler.com

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

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OVER $250,000 IN TOTAL PAYOUTS! KINGFISH BASH 40 YEARS OF CHAMPIONS JULY 13 JUNIOR ANGLER OFFSHORE TOURNAMENT JULY 14 GENERAL TOURNAMENT JULY 16-17

GREETINGS FROM THE TEAM OF THE 40TH GREATER JACKSONVILLE KINGFISH TOURNAMENT! My name is Glenn Morningstar and as this year’s

a 14ft Skiff custom built by

Tournament Chairman, I would like to welcome you to another

Boggy Creek Boat Company

exciting event year. This year has proven to be unlike any

with a Magic Tilt Trailer and

other year this country has faced. We have and will continue to

25HP Yamaha motor valued at

overcome these hurdles and move forward for the good of our

$12,500. The Board of Directors

phenomenal community and our country. The GJKT continues to improve the prize structure for each of our

works year-round to make

events. The Board of Directors and the Tournament Committee met

this event first class for

over the summer and decided that our past champions should be

everyone involved. As with any

honored in this coming season by including a specific tournament

successful event, this annual

which will allow for a ‘1st Place Winner Take-All’ based on total

fun could not happen without

number of entries. A High Roller tournament will also be offered,

the support of our generous

which will pay out $10,000 plus a Rolex Watch for the largest fish

sponsors and dedicated

caught during this event competition.

volunteers. We have always

We have expanded prize purses even more and are excited

valued their partnership and will continue to do everything

to announce that this year’s 1st Place Boat Prize for Largest Fish

possible to make this a great event into the future. Without their

will be a Contender 24 Sport with a 300 Yamaha along with a

help - prior, during and after the event – the tournament could

Magic Tilt Trailer and Custom T-Top designed by Custom Marine

not happen year after year. I challenge each and every one of

valued at more than $140,000. The 1st Place Aggregate has

you to get involved in this event. At the end of the tournament, our

increased from $10,000 to $12,000 due to the generous support of

ultimate goal is to raise money for Jacksonville Maine Charities.

Custom Tree Surgeons. Furthermore, the 1st Place Lady Angler

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE! I pray each of you catch lots of fish and have a safe and fun

increased from $1,500 to $2,000 thanks to Logan Salvage & Diving and Jonsson Construction. As someone who has been around

time out on the water.

this tournament for almost 20 years, I have always felt the Junior Anglers are the future of this event. I am beyond proud that we

Best of Luck,

can announce that this year’s 1st Place Junior Anger prize will be

Glenn Morningstar

In Recognition and Appreciation Of Their Outstanding Contributions To The Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament We Honor Our Past Tournament Chairmen 1981 Don Brewer

1989 Charles C. Appleby

1997 Jim Ingalls

2005 Bob Brindle

2013 Tom Andersen

1982 Don Brewer

1990 Charles W. Hamaker

1998 Kenny Sherwood

2006 Peggy Collins

2014 Chuck Darner

1983 Don Brewer

1991 John A. Sheddan

1999 Tom Fulmer

2007 Jeffrey Royer

2015 Fred Holmes

1984 Andy Crawford

1992 Carol Pitman

2000 William Whitaker

2008 Sandy Lancaster

2016 Steve Thompson

1985 Andy Crawford

1993 Bob Gipson

2001 Susie Slappey

2009 Inez Higginbotham

2017 Steve Thompson

1986 Edward A. Nimnicht II

1994 John Patrich

2002 Jesse Kinghorn

2010 Charlie Nabywaniec

2018 Steve Thompson

1987 Edward A. Nimnicht II

1995 Toni Crawford

2003 Howard Collins

2011 Jim Suber

2019 Jeff Lentz

1988 Donald D. Pitman

1996 John Frazier

2004 Carl DiSalvo

2012 Rita Contos

14 NORTHEAST FLORIDA

JUNE 2020

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

our

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR LENNY CURRY MAYOR

May 10, 2020

Dear Friends: I am proud to welcome you to the 40th Annual Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament! This event has been one of our communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest traditions for more than 40 years. As a lifelong fishing enthusiast who enjoys a beautiful day spent on the water with family and friends, I am excited for this wonderful tradition to continue in our great city Over the last four decades, this event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in support of many local charitable organizations through Jacksonville Marine Charities, Inc. In addition, to its time-honored community support, the tournament engages thousands of sponsors, residents and volunteers who put in countless hours to make the tournament a success. I am confident that you will feel a true sense of comradery as you support anglers and captains of all ages and skill levels. For those who are visiting Northeast Florida, I hope you will take the time to explore all that makes Jacksonville such a unique and special place. From the miles of pristine coastline, to all the dining, shopping, sports, culture and entertainment that Jacksonville has to offer. I am sure that you will find Northeast Florida is the place to be, and why so many people are proud to call our city home. Enjoy a great day on the water and best of luck. I sincerely thank you for your participation and support of our community! Sincerely,

Lenny Curry Mayor

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JUNE 2020

NORTHEAST FLORIDA 15

Jacksonville JacksonvilleMarine MarineCharities Charities

Jacksonville Marine Charities

InIn 1980, 1980, a small a small group group ofof local local businessmen businessmen wanted wanted to to organize organize aa fishing fishing tournament, tournament, similar similar to to those those in in which which they they had had participated participated in in other other coastal coastal areas. areas. They They thought thought Jacksonville Jacksonville was was anan ideal ideal location location forfor such such anan endeavor endeavor and and plans plans were were made made to to launch launch the the First First Annual Annual Greater Greater Jacksonville Jacksonville Kingfish Kingfish Tournament, Tournament, held held in in July July 1981. 1981. Since Since then, then, the the GJKT GJKT has has become become one one of of the the largest largest events events in in Jacksonville. Jacksonville. Jacksonville Jacksonville Marine Marine Charities, Charities, Inc, Inc, the the 501 501 c(3) c(3) organization organization behind behind the the Greater Greater Jacksonville Jacksonville Kingfish Kingfish Tournament, Tournament, evolved evolved through through the the success success of of the the GJKT GJKTand and utilizes utilizes itsits proceeds proceeds to to support support marine marine science science research, research, preservation, preservation, and and education. education.

Ultimately, Ultimately, our our goal goal remains remains what what it was it was when when wewe were were founded founded 3939 years years ago, ago, to to deliver deliver to to the the fishermen fishermen and and our our community community a first a first class class Tournament Tournament and and generate generate support support forfor local local marine marine charities. charities. Over Over the the past past 3939 years, years, Jacksonville Jacksonville Marine Marine Charities, Charities, IncInc has has donated donated over over $650,000 $650,000 to to the the First First Coast Coast family. family. The The Greater Greater Jacksonville Jacksonville Kingfish Kingfish tournament tournament itself, itself, however, however, remains remains the the Jacksonville Jacksonville Marine Marine Charitis Charitis greatest greatest gift gift to to the the First First Coast Coast community. community.

In 1980, a small group of local Ultimately, our goal businessmen wanted to organize a remains what it was fishing tournament, similar to those when we were founded in which they had participated in 39 years ago, to deliver Chairman Chairman of of the the Board Board other coastal areas. They thought to the fishermen and Captain CaptainJim JimSuber Suber Jacksonville was an ideal location our community a first for such an endeavor and plans class Tournament and JMCJMC is proud is proud to support to support a variety a variety of marine-focused of marine-focused charitable programs programs within within thethe community community including: were made to launch the First charitable generate support for including: • Host • Host of the of the ‘Down ‘Down at the atJacksonville the Dock’ Dock’ Derby Derby inKingfish in partnership partnership with with Down Down Syndrome Syndrome Association Association of Jacksonville. of Jacksonville. Annual Greater local marine charities. • Safe • Safe Harbor Harbor Boys Boys Home Home Spot Spot Tournament Tournament Tournament, held in July 1981. Since Over the past 39 years, • North • North Florida Florida Women Women Veterans Veterans Organization Organization • Jacksonville • Jacksonville School School of Autism of Autism Flounder Flounder Pounder Pounder Tournament Tournament then, the GJKT has become one of the Jacksonville Marine • Linda • Linda Netti Netti Memorial Memorial Kayak Kayak Challenge Challenge Tournament Tournament • Jacksonville • Jacksonville University’s University’s Marine Marine Science Science Research Research Institute Institute largest events in Jacksonville. Charities, Inc has • Development • Development of Sisters of Sisters Creek Creek Park Park as as thethe permanent permanent sitesite of the of the GJKT GJKT Jacksonville Marine Charities, Inc, • Support • Support of the of the MaliVai MaliVai Washington Washington Kids Kids Foundation Foundation donated over $650,000 • Support • Support along along with with thethe CityCity of Jacksonville of Jacksonville offshore offshore & inshore & inshore reefreef programs programs the 501 c(3) organization behind to the First Coast family. • Support • Support of the of the St.St. Johns Johns Riverkeeper Riverkeeper • Support • of the of the Florida Florida Lure Lure Anglers Anglers Banding Banding forfor Austin Austin & Clay &The Clay Roberts Roberts Inshore Inshore youth youth tournaments tournaments theSupport Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Greater Jacksonville Kingfish • Support • Support of the of the Heroes Heroes on on thethe Water. Water. “It“Itis isallallthethegood good things things that that sport, sport, Tournament, evolved through the • Support • Support of the of the Florida Florida Wildlife Wildlife Commission. Commission. tournament itself, however, remainsandandcharity volunteerism, volunteerism, charity are are supposed supposed toto • As • As anan advocate advocate of coastal of coastal conservation conservation along along with with CCA CCA of Florida. of Florida. be—all be—all rolled rolled into into one one event.” event.” success of the GJKT and utilizes its the Jacksonville Marine Charitis Chairman of the Board • Support • Support of Duval of Duval County County Maritime Maritime Management Management Plan Plan -Senator -SenatorJim JimKing King • Support • Support of ofHunger Hunger Fight Fight of North of North Florida Florida proceeds to support marine science greatest gift to the First Coast research,FLORIDA preservation, and2020 education. community. • THEANGLERMAG.COM 16 16NORTHEAST NORTHEAST FLORIDA JUNE JUNE 2020 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Captain Jim Suber

LARGEST FISH 10 PLACE 1ST PLACE $141,000

CONTENDER 24S , 300 YAMAHA, MAGIC TILT TRAILER CUSTOM T-TOP BY CUSTOM MARINE

AGGREGATE 10 PLACES 1ST PLACE $12,000

SPONSORED BY CUSTOM TREE SURGEONS

TOTAL VALUE $28,400

TOTAL VALUE $250,500 SINGLE ENGINE LARGE FISH 10 PLACES 1ST PLACE $11,500 150 YAMAHA OUTBOARD TOTAL VALUE $19,950 GENERAL TOURNAMENT TWT’S INCLUDE $50 BIG FISH, AGG & SINGLE ENGINE. $250 MEGA FOR LARGE. $200 MEGA FOR SINGLE ENGINE. $500 SUPER TWT Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Bash-40 Years of Champions High Roller Tournament $17,500 + Rolex total payout Past Champions Tournament winner take all based on total Number of Entries $2,000 CASH PRIZES FOR COBIA SPONSORED BY JACKSONVILLE MARINE ASSOC, IN MEMORY OF JOHN LOWE & PETE LOFTIN MYSTERY FISH BOUNTY: $1,000 KINGFISH. SPONSORED BY THERMO KING OF NO. FLORIDA

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JUNE 2020

NORTHEAST FLORIDA 17

Schedule of Events:

40th Annual Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament & Festival July 13 - 18, 2019 Jim King Park & Boat Ramp at Sisters Creek Park MONDAY, JULY 13

Final registration for Jr. angler Offshore

TUESDAY, JULY 14

JR. ANGLER OFFSHORE TOURNAMENT Sponsored by Sponsored by TB Landmark Construction, Summit Contracting Group, Boggy Creek, Fish Florida, Atlantic Coast Marine, Dandee

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15

Final Registration for General Tournament

THURSDAY, JULY 16

GENERAL TOURNAMENT Day 1 FISHING

FRIDAY, JULY 17

GENERAL TOURNAMENT Day 2 FISHING

SATURDAY, JULY 18

Redfish Tournament Sponsored by C & L Landscaping Beach Blvd Motor Sports Jr. Angler Fishing Seminar Sponsored by Fish Florida & Salt Life Food Shack Awards Ceremonies Drawings Live Entertainment

ALL DAY, EVERY DAY

Free Admission & Free Parking Kingfish Kafe Food Tent Liar’s Tent Exhibitors Boatique Merchandise

Schedules Subject to Change Visit www.kingfishtournament.com for details

18 NORTHEAST FLORIDA

JUNE 2020

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

10 PLACES C A $ H P A Y O U T 5 Places Large, 5 Places Most Spots

5 Pla Kayak Di vi ces 1st P sion Kaya lace Ped k! al

10 Places to be awarded Largest 1st Place - $1,500 2nd Place - $1,000 3rd Place - $500 4th Place - $300 5th Place - $200

Most Spots 1st Place - $1,500 2nd Place - $1,000 3rd Place - $500 4th Place - $300 5th Place - $200

Kayak Division 1st Place - PEDAL KAYAK 2nd Place - $500 3rd Place - $250 4th Place - $200 5th Place - $100

$50.00 Per Angler, and you qualify for both tournaments!

SATURDAY, JULY 18

JIM KING PARK AND BOAT RAMP AT SISTERS CREEK www.kingfishtournament.com for more information or call 904-251-3011 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â&#x20AC;¢ THEANGLERMAG.COM

JUNE 2020

NORTHEAST FLORIDA 19

LADY ANGLER BACK ON THE STREAKER BOAT

By Anna Walker Witten

Pre

The

As a kid growing up, fishing the GJKT Junior Angler was something I looked

parti

forward to every year. There were always other kids on the boat to enjoy the

enco

experience with; sometimes family, sometimes friends. Most years we placed but

nece

every year we made memories we wouldn’t forget. After I became too old to fish

the junior tournament I never really thought of asking to fish the general. Dad,

Skiff

mom, and uncle Bubba had always crewed the Streaker boat, with an occasional

All

guest. Since my mom passed away, there hasn’t been a woman on the crew. Last

be en

year something sparked, and I wanted to fish the GJKT bad. I asked my dad and

Certi

he immediately shot down the idea. . I kept pestering and he kept reinforcing that

on ‘Aw

tournament fishing can bring long, hard days that I wouldn’t like. For those of you

that don’t know me, persistent may as well be my middle name. So it was decided,

Salt L

I would crew with the Streaker boat.

pro

Day one came and dad had already decided we were going way offshore to

semi

catch the big fish. The first half of the day was filled with small kings and a nice

Satu

dolphin. We decided to move to another spot in hopes of reeling in bigger kings.

The s

On the way to a new spot we came across a pod of bait on top of the water and

45 m

decided to give it a try. We caught king after king in the 20lb range but none to

100 J

write home about. I begged dad to make the run to the weigh in and let me weigh our biggest in the lady angler tournament. I entered a 24.18b king and ended up placing 9th! Any fishing trip with my dad is a cherished memory but last year’s tournament will always be close to top of the list. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, I likely won’t be able to fish this year’s tournament as I work at a local hospital. If there is any way I can make it happen, I will be back out there again this year with my fellow lady anglers. Good luck and tight lines!

LADY ANGLER LARGE FISH 1ST PLACE 2ND PLACE 3RD PLACE 4TH PLACE 5TH PLACE 6TH PLACE 7TH PLACE 8TH PLACE 9TH PLACE 10TH PLACE TOTAL VALUE

$2,000 + CRYSTAL $1,500 $800 $700 $600 $500 $400 $300 $250 $200 $7,250

SPONSORED BY LOGAN DIVING & JONSSON CONSTRUCTION

in the

ABOVE: 2019 WINNER, TAYLOR JONSSON BELOW: CAPT ROGER WALKER, ANNA WALKER WITTEN, FELTON PERDUE

comp

court

Due to t

Distanc

JUN

Jr. A Jr. A

REG

Regi Regi

Junior Angler Offshore Tournament Tuesday, July 14, 2020– Jim King Park and Boat Ramp at Sisters Creek

Presented by TB Landmark Construction, Summit Contracting, Fish Florida, Atlantic Coast Marine

The Jr. Angler Offshore Tournament, established in 1991, promotes the participation of youthful fishing in a sporting event which encourages conservation of marine life and awareness of the necessity to protect our natural resources. 25 PRIZE PLACES!! First place, largest fish will be a 14’ Boggy Skiff boat, 25 HP Yamaha motor and Magic Tilt trailer. All juniors who weigh a fish (excluding First Place winner), will be entered in a random drawing for a $500 Cruises & Tours gift Certificate (Must be present to win. Drawing to be held Saturday on ‘Awards Day’). The GJKT, in association with Fish Florida and Sponsored by Salt Life Food Shack are continuing the Junior Angler seminar program in 2020. The seminar will be held on Saturday of Tournament Week. The seminar is approximately 45 minutes in length. The first 100 Junior Anglers participating in the seminar will receive a complimentary rod and reel, courtesy of Fish Florida. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic “The Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament” will follow all Social Distancing Mandated by the Federal, State and Local Governments.

JUNIOR ANGLER KINGFISH TOURNAMENT Jr. Angler Offshore Tournament: Tuesday, July 14, 7:30AM - 3:30 PM Jr. Angler Awards Ceremony: Saturday, July 18, 4:00 PM

REGISTRATION: Registration Fee $10.00 / $50 per child, without a GT entry! Registration ends at 7:30 PM on Monday, July 13

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

melia Island fishermen will be patrolling the beaches for hard fighting cobia which can be found swimming under large rays and close in to the surf. Local saltwater fishermen often stumble into cobia while cast netting live menhaden, jigging up live baits offshore, or while simply looking face to face with a cobia that simply swims up to their fishing boat. However a tried and true cobia fishing tactic includes running the St. Mary’s buoy line during a flooding tide when water clarity is best. Cobia weighing to over fifty-pounds will hold tight to channel markers while prospecting for an easy meal. Here bait fish will hold on the heavy chains that anchor the buoys solid in the strong seas and heavy tides. atio This same senario happens time and time again while fishing a variety of ways for Amelia Island saltwater game fish. Including cast netting menhaden along the beaches, bottom fishing at the St. Mary’s inlet, or live baiting at offshore wrecks and live bottoms. Cobia will simply swim up to your sport fishing boat and beg for a good fight! In many cases the fight really begins once the angler has gaffed his cobia and slung the heavy brown fish into his fishing boat. Once landed on the deck, a large cobia has been known to tear up fishing gear and also injure nearby fishermen as well while twisting, jumping a browling wildly in their fishing boat. It is not uncommon for fishermen to take cover by jumping up on a nearby cooler to avoid being the hunted instead of the hunter! Having on board a baseball bat is an excellent idea while making sure you hit a homerun before the cobia is brought into the boat.

A tried and true cobia setup includes a seven-foot medium heavy action spinning rod with a large spooled spinning reel that can hold 200-yards of forty-pound green braided fishing line. A three-foot length of forty-pound fluorocarbon shock leader is attached to the tag end of the braided fishing line using back to back “Uni Knots”. A four-ounce bucktail jig in the chartruese color pattern is then attached to the tag end of the shock leader using a “Loop Knot”. Cobia fishermen can also barb a live bait to their jig hook and fish it deep on the bottom or cast it to surface holding cobia. A 5/0 circle hook barbed through both nostrils of a live eel is also a

deadly cobia fishing tactic. Also include large live shrimp, fresh squid, live mullet and menhaden as well. Large dark colored plastic worms, rapalas and 1-oz. led head jigs rigged with a large chartruese plastic curly tail are all deadly cobia lures. Beach and inlet fishermen can also expect to see a major migration of tarpon, jack crevalle, sharks and king mackerel showing up where there is a large concentration of menhaden schooling. Sea trout fishing in the backwaters of Amelia Island is excellent during the last three hours of the in-coming tide where clean saltwater is flooding over dock pilings, rocks and oyster beds. A favorte all time Amelia Island trout drop is located west of the Dee Dee Boat Ramp and called “Tiger Basin”. Redfish are tailing during the last hour of the flooding tide where vast spartina marshes shallow up on a flat where numerous oysterbars and small tidal creeks allow reds to migrate in and from the flooding marshes. A good area to look for tailing reds is located just southwest of the “Shave” Bridge and referred to as “Marsh Lakes”. Best lures for flood tide redfish include a crab pattern fly, or a Berkley Gulp Shrimp. The month of June is also an excellent month when targeting excellent eating grouper at FA live bottom, tug and barge. One of the better baits for grouper is simply the head of a freshly caught Spanish Mackerel allowed to soak dead on the bottom. Live bait trolling offshore at FA fish haven is also productive for cobia, kingfish, barracuda, Spanish mackerel and the occasional sailfish. Live bait trollers have the option of cast netting menhaden at the St. mary’s inlet, or jigging up Spanish sardines or cigar minnows at the the St. Mary’s “Sea Buoy”. Colorful dolphin will highlight Amelia Island’s bluewater fishing in water depths from 180 to over 1,000-feet of water. Trolling at 6-8 knots with combination of large ballyhoo and blue and white plastic skirted lures is key for dolphin wheighing up to 50-pounds. Freshwater bass fishermen will find some of the best action to come just as the sun is rising and setting while casting surface plugs. Include the “Zara-Spook” and “Chug Bug” in the frog color patterns. Surf fishermen will be targeting excellent eating whiting, pompano, yellow mouth trout and more. Fishing with fresh shrimp, or sand fleas during a flooding tide is key. Look for some of the best surf fishing action to come where shallow bars offer an ambush point for game fish. Beach fishermen will need to obtain a free shark fishing license when targeting sharks along the beaches. Sharks must be released right away and can not be dragged up on the beach. For more shark fishing information, please visit www.myfwc.com. For more Amelia Island fishing information please call (904) 2612870, or visit www.ameliaangler.com

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he Nassau Sport Fishing Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to develop and promote saltwater fishing in the Nassau County area while adhering to state, federal and local regulations, to encourage compliance with rules of water safety by club members and the general public, and to promote youth related community activities. As we all struggle to find the new normal, the NSFA Board of Directors are working to develop plans for membership socials to resume in a responsible manner that will allow for social distancing. We will be adding a virtual attendance option for monthly club business meetings as well. NSFA has selected recipients for the Johnny Thrisk Memorial scholarships to 3 students of Nassau County high schools. This year’s selections, 2 are from Yulee High School, and 1 from West Nassau High School. More will be published once awardees

26 NORTHEAST FLORIDA

are notified. As I said, we are struggling to find the new normal. Season 1 of our Fish of the Season tournament completed at the end of February with top honors going to Ed Frey for Whiting with a weight of 1.67#. Mitch Fields took top honors in sheepshead with a weight of 5.84, and Ed Johnson weighed a trout at 3.80#. We have extended the Season 2 and started our Season 3 species. Beaches and state parks are back open on Amelia Island and this should allow all members to participate in our tournament. In 2020 we will be awarding prizes in 5 seasons with target species appropriate to each season. Season 2 will run from 1-March to 31-May, targeting Black Drum, Pompano, and Whiting. Season 3 runs from 1-May to 30-June targeting Cobia, Kingfish, and Redfish. Season 4 runs from 1-July to 31-August targeting Kingfish, Sea Bass, and Whiting.

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TIDE CHART - JUNE

Mayport Degaussing Structure 30.3967° N, 81.3950° W Date Day Time Hgt 01 Mon 04:49 AM 4.88 H 02 Tue 05:49 AM 4.83 H 03 Wed 12:39 AM -0.52 L 04 Thu 01:34 AM -0.77 L 05 Fri 02:26 AM -0.92 L 06 Sat 03:16 AM -0.93 L 07 Sun 04:06 AM -0.80 L 08 Mon 04:55 AM -0.57 L 09 Tue 05:46 AM -0.29 L 10 Wed 12:18 AM 5.09 H 11 Thu 01:08 AM 4.82 H 12 Fri 01:59 AM 4.58 H 13 Sat 02:50 AM 4.38 H 14 Sun 03:43 AM 4.21 H 15 Mon 04:35 AM 4.10 H 16 Tue 05:27 AM 4.03 H 17 Wed 12:14 AM 0.75 L 18 Thu 01:00 AM 0.52 L 19 Fri 01:43 AM 0.29 L 20 Sat 02:24 AM 0.09 L 21 Sun 03:04 AM -0.05 L 22 Mon 03:45 AM -0.13 L 23 Tue 04:28 AM -0.16 L 24 Wed 05:15 AM -0.16 L 25 Thu 06:05 AM -0.16 L 26 Fri 12:39 AM 5.28 H 27 Sat 01:32 AM 5.16 H 28 Sun 02:28 AM 4.99 H 29 Mon 03:27 AM 4.81 H 30 Tue 04:28 AM 4.65 H

Time 10:57 11:50 06:46 07:40 08:33 09:24 10:15 11:05 11:56 06:38 07:30 08:21 09:09 09:56 10:41 11:26 06:15 07:01 07:45 08:28 09:11 09:55 10:41 11:30 12:21 06:58 07:52 08:46 09:39 10:33

AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM PM AM AM AM AM AM

Hgt -0.44 L -0.67 L 4.79 H 4.74 H 4.67 H 4.58 H 4.47 H 4.37 H 4.28 H -0.03 L 0.18 L 0.32 L 0.39 L 0.42 L 0.40 L 0.34 L 3.99 H 3.99 H 4.00 H 4.03 H 4.07 H 4.11 H 4.18 H 4.28 H 4.41 H -0.18 L -0.23 L -0.31 L -0.39 L -0.48 L

Time 05:28 06:24 12:43 01:34 02:24 03:13 04:03 04:55 05:49 12:48 01:40 02:34 03:29 04:22 05:11 05:56 12:10 12:53 01:35 02:16 02:57 03:39 04:25 05:16 06:13 01:14 02:11 03:10 04:10 05:09

Approximate Correction Times Palm Valley ICW: H: +2:20 L: +2:00 +/- for Other regional Locations JAX Beach: H: -:29 L: -:20 Bings Landing: H: +2:57 L: +2:44

Hgt PM 5.36 H PM 5.66 H PM -0.86 L PM -0.98 L PM -1.00 L PM -0.90 L PM -0.67 L PM -0.34 L PM 0.03 L PM 4.23 H PM 4.22 H PM 4.25 H PM 4.33 H PM 4.46 H PM 4.61 H PM 4.78 H PM 0.24 L PM 0.12 L PM -0.01 L PM -0.12 L PM -0.18 L PM -0.18 L PM -0.13 L PM -0.02 L PM 0.10 L PM 4.57 H PM 4.77 H PM 4.98 H PM 5.21 H PM 5.43 H

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

Time Hgt 11:41 PM -0.22 L 07:17 08:08 08:58 09:48 10:39 11:28

PM PM PM PM PM PM

5.90 6.01 6.00 5.86 5.64 5.37

H H H H H H

06:47 07:46 08:44 09:40 10:33 11:25

PM PM PM PM PM PM

0.39 0.69 0.90 1.01 1.01 0.92

L L L L L L

06:39 07:21 08:02 08:44 09:28 10:13 11:00 11:48

PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM

4.94 5.09 5.22 5.31 5.37 5.40 5.39 5.36

H H H H H H H H

07:15 08:19 09:22 10:24 11:24

PM PM PM PM PM

0.19 L 0.21 L 0.16 L 0.04 L -0.13 L

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ell, thus far, everyone has weathered the storm, and is fishing, whether it be for fun or food, but we're all fishing and being blessed. The first fish up will be the Reds. They're out there and really want to bite your bait. Bait shrimp or crabs seem to be the ticket, followed closely by a variety of plastic jigs, grubs, swim tails all seem to do the trick.. You'll want to hit the ends of docks followed up with fishing the drops away from the ends of docks. So good luck. Croaker and Yellowmouth are hit and miss, but if you choose to try, then bait shrimp and a small piece of cut croaker for the Yellowmouth. Mile 30 NORTHEAST FLORIDA

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marker 18 is a good starting place. Then just start fishing the drops and holes in the area. Also near the mouth of coves in six to eight feet is a good bet. So go if you want to try your luck. Mullet are starting to increase in action, but size is so-so, bigger ones will follow. All you need is some bait, chum and tackle, and you can have a find day of fishing. Oh, they are really good smoked! Next will be the Bream. They start around docks and in the lily pads. Baits will be crickets, followed by worms. So give it a try. Bass will start being under dock and blow downs. Try to find that perfect ambush point. Plastic and crank bait work well. The Striper will go up the deeper creeks and out around the piling of the bridges. Bait will be shiners, minnow imitations, and jigs. Go with the tides. Well, short, but sweet. 'Til next time, keep your lure moving and your line wet. --Richard.

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ay was for Marlin, Mahi and More in Northeast Florida and the fish showed up in force. Some of those fish were on the other side of the Gulf Stream, here in NE Florida when weather permits you will find some our best captains making the 100 to 120 mile run across the gulf stream to the other side. Yellowfin tuna are almost always the target but White and Blue Marlin are right there with them. As we move into June we should see most of our favorite fishes sticking around for a few more weeks, then they’ll migrate again. These fish hang around our area for food and comfort so whenever the water temperatures begin to get uncomfortable or the bait moves along these fish will move along as well. We’ve had a pretty good spring with some decent weather and some great fishing with just about every species being caught. We saw Sailfish, Swordfish and White and Blue Marlin caught this spring.

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We also had very good catches of black and yellowfin Tuna and Dolphin as well as a few late season Wahoo hitting the scales in May. As usual water temperature and currents are key to finding the fish. Dolphin could stick around to August but could be gone before the end of June, so don’t hesitate to get out there and go fishing. The Northeast Florida Marlin Association’s Bluewater tournament was concluded on Memorial Day weekend, which was after the deadline for this issue, but results are available on www. nefma.com. Mid-summer fishing gets slower but we’re getting ready for some more great tournaments in the fall, starting with a swordfish tournament in July and the return of the El Piscado tournament in October. Find tournament information at from the Northeast Florida Marlin Association at www.nefma.com

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or a lot of surf anglers, summertime is pompano time. Schools of these tasty little critters frequent the beaches from Texas to Virginia and beyond. Their presence is highly dependent on water temperatures, so the runs are seasonal and vary according to the beaches you fish. But for much of their range across the Gulf Coast and up the Atlantic, they are a summertime staple for meat-seeking surfcasters. The thing about pompano is, while the bite can be intense when an angler encounters a school, it can end as quickly as it began. They are either there, or they are not, so it’s a good tactic to sit back with baits in the water during a moving tide and catch whatever happens to be cruising the trough. If pompano show up, they may descend like a swarm of locusts, scouring the sandy bottom and making themselves easy pickings for anglers with a cooler to fill. Tactics are pretty simple. The classic pompano rig is effective for pompano and pretty much anything else that feeds in the surf. It’s nothing more than a dropper rig with two or three 1/0 or 2/0 circle hooks rigged with hook lines off the main line. These hook lines are often adorned with brightly colored beads and tiny floats to draw attention. The main line is anchored at the bottom with a 1- to 3-ounce pyramid sinker, which should be matched to conditions to keep the rig from walking in with the surf. Too lazy to rig your own? Pre-tied pompano rigs are widely available for purchase at tackle shops. And because visiting a local tackle shop is about much more than gear, you should pick their brains for current local intel while you’re there. Live sand fleas, or mole crabs, are the kings of pompano bait. Run the

PHOTO CREDIT: LUKAS BRICKWEG

hook up through the underside of the crab until the point of the hook is barely exposed on the top of the shell. You can catch sand fleas at low tide, and the bait hunt is a great way to get kids involved. As each wave recedes, sand fleas give themselves away by leaving a V shape in the sand as they rebury themselves. Hunters must hustle to dig them out with a specially made rake, small bucket or sand shovel before the next wave rolls in. The next best bait is small pieces of peeled fresh or frozen shrimp if sand fleas prove difficult to find. If all else fails, scented soft baits like FishBites are a durable and effective fall back. If you happen upon a hungry school, artificials can actually be preferable because ravenous bait thieves will force you to check and refresh natural baits often. It’s a good idea to start with different baits on each hook, since you’ll be fishing multiple hooks on each rod. This is a great way to find the preference of fish on a given day.

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ocial distancing is something a certain whale shark has been practicing for many years. “Rio Lady,” a mature, 26-foot whale shark tagged in 2018, has been tracked by research scientists for nearly 20 months, making it the longest, high-resolution position track for this globally endangered species. But it’s not the first time she was tagged by researchers. She was first tagged in August 2007 in the Gulf of Mexico near Isla Mujeres, Mexico, where whale sharks annually aggregate to feed. Based on her ample girth, researchers suspected she was pregnant. At that time, a pop-up satellite tag was used, and as the name implies, the tag “popped up” about five months later and nearly 5,000 miles away in the southern Atlantic Ocean between the African continent and Brazil. This led to her nickname Rio Lady. She wasn’t seen again until the summer of 2011. “After the original tag came off, she kind of just went dark,” said Mahmood Shivji, Ph.D., a professor in Nova Southeastern University’s (NSU) Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography. “Talk about social distancing – she kept her distance for nearly four years. What’s also interesting is that Rio Lady’s new track is strikingly different from her travel path after she was first tagged in 2007. Her recent 20-month journey shows she travelled through the national waters of at least five countries in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, making you wonder where else she explored in the years she wasn’t tracked.” After she was first tagged, her long trek while pregnant made this whale shark a media celebrity. “Rio Lady immediately became a superstar for her species,” said Mote Laboratory’s Robert Hueter, Ph.D., lead scientist of the research in 2007. “She gave us a major clue about where whale sharks may be giving birth to their young, in offshore waters of the open ocean far from their nearshore feeding grounds.” Rio Lady ditched her social distancing in 2011, reappearing annually at the Mexico aggregation from 2011 to 2018. Then, in August 2018, Ch’ooj Ajauil AC’s Executive Director Rafael de la Parra, working on a project with NSU’s Guy Harvey Research Institute scientists, tagged her in almost the exact location where she was originally tagged. This time, researchers affixed a higher resolution Smart Position and Temperature (SPOT) satellite tag. Since her second tagging, Rio Lady’s journey has been remarkable. She has traveled more than 9,621 miles in more than 600 days, which includes long forays into the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico and a brief stop near the Florida Panhandle. In 2020, she was tracked until Feb. 15, when she “social distanced” herself for two months before resurfacing in the Gulf. Researchers have learned that while whale sharks mostly travel solo, there are times they gather. While Rio Lady is still practicing her usual social distancing, scientists are able to keep tabs on her in order to learn more about this amazing species. The trek of Rio Lady and other tagged sharks can be viewed at nova.edu/sharktracking.

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ensory perception in the sea is much different than it is on land. Although senses like vision, hearing and smell all function beneath the water’s surface, the transition between mediums influences how organs receive stimulus input. Still, just like on land, sensory systems are all tools in the arsenal of predatory creatures that live underwater. A gamefish may use any and all of these systems at a given time to achieve its purpose, but different species rely more heavily on certain senses than they do on others. Many species rely on a less familiar but equally formidable system designed to capitalize on the peculiar nature of water itself. The extremely high density and correspondingly

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low compressibility of water, rather than hinder the sensory perception of gamefish, has allowed for the development of mechanisms that can better exploit these qualities. In addition to the five senses familiar to us—hearing, sight, smell, taste and touch—fish have a sixth sense: they can feel sound. This ability, made possible by a network of sensory organs known as the lateral line, enables fish to find and determine the source of a commotion as it is transmitted through the water. Often visible as a single horizontal stripe on each side of a fish’s body, lateral lines are fluid-filled canals that contain an intricate system of mechanoreceptors. The lateral line system detects vibrations, pressure

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changes, and movement in the surrounding water. Sounds that originate from afar are likely to be collected by the fish’s inner ear, which can be thought of as the more prototypical of the hearing systems. Sounds that are sourced near the fish, however, can be perceived by the lateral line with incredible accuracy. Lateral lines are akin to a second set of eyes; a fish can passively and continuously stay informed of all activity in its vicinity, allowing it to sense danger and locate prey without seeing it. The lateral line is especially adept at locating and distinguishing low-frequency sounds—sounds that might go unnoticed by normal auditory receptors. These include some notably faint marine disturbances, such as those generated by the pulsation of another fish’s tail. The specialized nerves of the lateral line are tuned to ignore aquatic vibrations caused by the host fish’s own movements, forwarding only signals of interest to its brain to be analyzed and eliminating confusion during times of heightened exertion, as when hunting or evading larger predators. Lateral lines are present to some extent in all fish, although the degree of sensitivity varies among species. Some of the most sought-after gamefish boast strikingly advanced lateral lines. Many species, largely due to this adaptation, are inclined to feed more voraciously at night. To them, the darkness is an asset, not a handicap. And, because a shrewd hunter must always remain vigilant, this sensory arrangement helps keep gamefish safe as they face the pitfalls of life underwater. John Saporito is a lifelong fisherman and student of the seas. Visit him online at www.guerillaangling.com.

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BOATS & JETSKI From: A blackwater diver on the hunt. What at first appears to be tiny particulates in the water could prove to be a special critter find for the night.

Photo by John Lidington

lackwater diving—diving at night where the bottom is far out of sight, hundreds of feet below—has now come into its own. Images of bizarre creatures glowing against jet-black backgrounds seem to be everywhere. One that was taken in Palm Beach waters was even recently selected as a National Geographic Photo of the Day. This avalanche of enticing images promises divers a whole new world beyond their everyday SCUBA experiences. It’s important to recognize that this truly is a whole new world. Few will take that first plunge into dark, bottomless waters without a bit of trepidation. That hesitation typically vanishes within a couple minutes of immersion in this world of fascinating creatures. The thrill of the hunt quickly banishes the fear of the unknown. But blackwater divers must also deal with an important hazard that’s much less obvious—a lack of visual reference points. You are freely drifting in dark, featureless space. The visual clues that help alert you to changes in buoyancy and depth are absent. It’s not unusual for a diver focused on a tiny critter floating in the black to unknowingly drift up or down over significant distances. Since these dives are in relatively shallow water, where depth changes have major effects on buoyancy, things can quickly get out of hand. One way to address this problem is to introduce an artificial frame of reference. To that end, Pura Vida Divers, which has been running blackwater charters for over five years, has created a drift rig that I think of as the Christmas tree. It is a well-lit free-floating buoy that extends down forty feet into the water with 10-foot intervals clearly marked. Divers new to the blackwater environment can hang out in its vicinity for ready reference as they hone their buoyancy control skills. A side benefit is that its lights attract a number of interesting creatures. Of course, when you’re several miles offshore in hundreds of feet of water, it’s also comforting to know the whereabouts of the dive boat. Over the years, Pura Vida has experimented with underwater lighting. They’ve settled on strong blue lights under their boats for long-distance underwater visibility. In an emergency, they can put those lights into flashing mode as a recall signal for divers in the water. Shana Phelan and Andrea Whitaker, of Pura Vida Divers, have created a PADI Blackwater Diving specialty course to facilitate the entry of divers into this specialty. “We thought it the perfect subject for a distinctive specialty,” said Shana. “Our intent was to let divers try this unique style of diving under the supervision of an instructor and allow them to come away with a PADI distinctive specialty certification that they could apply towards a Master SCUBA Diver rating, or just acquire as part of their continuing diver education.” The course consists of a lecture and two dives (which can be completed on a standard blackwater charter). The classroom component covers dive etiquette and procedures specific to blackwater diving, along with an introduction to identifying and documenting nocturnal marine life. On the first dive, divers master blackwater skills. The second gives them time to seek the fascinating creatures they’ve seen in all those pictures. Ready to enter this new world? Check out Pura Vida Divers’ blackwater page, https://www.puravidadivers.com/black-water-drift-dives, then give them a call at (561)-840-8750.

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ith an eye toward the world getting back to normal, here are a couple good Florida Keys fishing tournaments to look forward to next month.

DEL BROWN PERMIT TOURNAMENT:

July 18-21, Key West

Anglers fly fish on the flats in a challenge that honors the late angling pioneer Del Brown, who caught and released more than 500 Photo courtesy of Del Brown Permit Tournament permit off the Keys. Professionals and guides are allowed to compete as well. For information, visit delbrownpermittournament.com or email lorenrea@icloud.com.

STOCK ISLAND MARINA VILLAGE KEY WEST MARLIN TOURNAMENT:

July 22-25, Key West

Anglers ply the waters once fished by novelist Ernest Hemingway, vying for $50,000 in guaranteed cash prizes. Held in conjunction with Key Westâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual Hemingway Days festival, the event awards $25,000 to the first-place team. Teams can enter one fun fish (dolphin, tuna, wahoo or released sailfish) per day to add to their point total. For information, visit keywestmarlin.com.

By Michael Okruhlik

he popping cork has a long history of catching saltwater fish when paired with live bait. Shrimp has to be the most popular bait to rig behind a cork. It might come as a surprise to some that tossing a soft plastic or spoon under a cork can be just as productive. And under certain conditions, they can even give you an edge. The popping cork has evolved since I started throwing them as a kid, and design innovations have definitely made them a better tool for catching trout and reds. But the concept is still the same. The cork makes noise and commotion to attract fish to your bait. Some have concave tops to create a slurping sound similar to a trout feeding on the surface, while others emit rattling or clicking sounds of varying degrees to attract the attention of fish. Some have also added springs to increase sound by generating force more than just the weight of the lure to slam the cork back in place. Cork construction has also changed from inline devices to self-contained units on which the cork generates a louder click sliding on a steel wire. Of all the changes, I feel the most beneficial innovation is weight placement and design to increase ease and distance of casting. Popping corks are effective paired with soft plastics under several conditions. If someone new to lure fishing has not perfected presentation, a cork can be a great option. When fishing soft plastics under a cork, they can be rigged several ways depending on conditions, water depth, current and aggressiveness of the fish. Using jigheads of varying weights is probably the most common tweak. A weedless weighted hook is a great option if you are fishing over structure, especially while drifting over grass flats and in areas of floating grass. I also like to fish them on an unweighted or a very lightly weighted weedless hook. When light weighted, I like the weight placed at the back of the hook for a more natural sink presentation. I prefer this light weedless hook in two specific scenarios. In very clear water where fish can see the lure, I feel a natural fall is going to get more strikes. Also, in totally opposite conditions of very dirty water, I feel the slower sink allows fish to find the lure before it falls to the bottom of its reach and no longer has any action. Nearly 15 years ago, I spent most of my fishing days in Baffin Bay in South Texas. At that time, Baffin Bay was inundated with brown tide and lure fishing had become very difficult. Not wanting to use live bait, I used a rattling cork on a wire with soft plastics dangling beneath. Most of my buddies gave me a hard time for tossing a cork, but I was the one catching the fish! Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures, Controlled Descent Lures, and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

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By CAM Staff By CAM Staff

ust like their saltwater brethren, “landlocked” striped bass in reservoirs across the country are highly mobile. Even restricted by dams, they retain the instinct to migrate, and this tendency leads to some of the most exciting fishing that exists. When stripers run up rivers and creeks each spring and summer, anglers are likely to encounter very large fish in small waters. The fish come in waves, with an initial spring spawning run followed by a larger influx when summer heat pushes fish in search of thermal refuge. Garner Reid, of Georgia’s Cohutta Fishing Company, has made it his life’s work to target big river-run stripers with a fly rod. Sure, he could catch them sinking cut bait, but it’s more fun to dance streamers around blowdowns in anticipation that a 20-plus-pounder might be waiting in ambush. The furious fights can be compared to those of big redfish, only they occur in a river, where current and cover work against the angler. “If a big striper decides he’s going to wrap your line around a snag, there’s no way you’re going to stop it,” said Reid. “You’ve got to be a little lucky.” Reid’s homewaters are Georgia’s Chattahoochee and Etowah rivers, but striped bass run in every system where they are present.

The Caney Fork, the Hiwassee, the Cumberland, the Saluda, the list of Southeastern rivers with good striper runs is long. Reid has fished a lot of them and said the similarities are a reminder that striped bass are by nature a saltwater species. “The amount of flow coming down the river dictates where you find fish,” he said. “Dam releases are like tides. High water is a large incoming tide. Just like in saltwater, the fish are pushing up as high as they can get.” Striped bass become ambush predators in these “mountain tides.” In high water, they post up in creek mouths and on big blowdowns. When flows are low, they retreat to the depths in oxygen-rich holes below shoals. Their sensitivity to sunlight means they’re most likely to prowl in low light.

Reid said fish in ambush mode are more active. The fishing is faster, and floating or intermediate lines with un-weighted streamers can be worked relatively shallow. When stripers retreat to the depths, it’s sometimes necessary to break out sinking line and weighted streamers for a slow presentation fish can’t resist. With this need for versatility, Reid carries an arsenal of 8- to 10-weight rods rigged with floating, intermediate and full sinking lines. Fly selection is determined by available forage. Popular streamers like Clousers, Deceivers and Half & Halfs fit the bill in sizes and colors to match natural baitfish. On a particular river, that might be a 2-inch threadfin shad or it might be a 9-inch rainbow trout. Reid said bigger fish, which can weigh 20, 30, even 40 pounds, prefer larger baits. Even with a 10-weight fly rod, it’ll take some luck to get a fish like that to the boat. Check out Cohutta Fishing Company at www.cohuttafishingco.com. Follow Garner Reid on Instagram and Facebook.

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JUNE 2020

NATIONAL 13

ings K Summer

CATCH UP WITH THE

By CAM Staff

Mike Weskalnies caught this kingfish fishing with Show Me The Fish Charters off Anna Maria Island, Fla.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPT. LARRY MCGUIRE.

t’s that time of year when warming water temperatures in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico have sent king mackerel on their annual migrations. The action is pretty much year-round down in South Florida and the Keys, but their northward progression makes them more and more prevalent now through early fall in Atlantic waters up through the Carolinas and as far west as Texas in the Gulf. Kings prefer a water temperatures from about 68 to 73 degrees, which is extremely specific for any species. This magic temperature window is why they’re moving, and it’s how anglers find them. While anglers in central Florida see the front end of the migration in early spring, kingfishing gets better in north Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina through the summertime. The same is true in the Gulf. Summer is when they start showing up thicker in the northern regions of the Gulf. No matter where on the migration route your fishery is, kingfish will be looking for the same things when they get there. They prowl the open ocean around offshore structure and green plankton-rich waters in the thermal range where they are comfortable. They can be found on ledges, reefs, oil rigs and wrecks because that’s where the baitfish are. In summer, when baitfish move closer to shore, the kings come with them. Spotting kingfish slashing through schools of bait is one of the most exciting spectacles in sport fishing. At speeds in excess of 30 mph, they crash through teeming wads of baitfish, sometimes sending showers of threadfin into the air. Finding feeding kings is a matter of identifying preferable temperature breaks and structure using charts before heading offshore. Once there, electronics become important to scout for underwater activity. If you’re lucky, diving birds will give away bait and surface-feeding kings. Trolling is generally the most effective method to target kings, and although they will hit lures, good live bait is preferred by most tournament guys who are specifically targeting big smoker kings. Blue runners, pogies (menhaden), pilchards, threadfin herring, any bait with some silver flash is good. Switching them out and keeping them lively is important. And when the fishing is slow, it doesn’t hurt to break out a sabiki rig to catch whatever bait is on-site. Idle speed is about right for pulling live baits. It’s important to stagger depth and distance from the boat to cover a wide swath of water. Bumping the boat into neutral and just drifting when the sonar shows good bottom or good bait can also lead to a hook-up. If you’re moving slow enough, a good chum slick might be in order to draw them in.

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A A

couple state record fish arrowed by bowfishermen this spring raise the question: Is there a size threshold where baitfish become gamefish? A striped mullet from Arkansas and a gizzard shad from Missouri were both recently recognized as alternative-method state records. The mullet measured nearly 25 inches in length and weighed 5-pounds, 6-ounces. It was arrowed from an oxbow lake off the Arkansas River a few miles upstream of its confluence with the Mississippi River. The gizzard shad weighed 3 pounds, 9 ounces. It was caught from a private pond in southeastern Missouri. Both fish are species considered to be bait by most anglers, yet both are certainly big enough to put a bend in a rod. Another question some might ask is what in the world a mullet was doing up the Arkansas River some 500 river miles from the Gulf of Mexico. Although they spawn in saltwater, striped mullet migrate into freshwater. According to Jeff Quinn, a biologist with Arkansas Game & Fish, they’ve even been known to navigate through the dams high into the Arkansas and Ouachita rivers.

By Alex McCrickard

lucky angler reeled in an unusual catch on Virginia’s Buggs Island Lake. On Easter Sunday, David Rathburn couldn’t believe the golden fish at the end of his line. Rathburn had already caught 15 crappie that afternoon fishing a Kalin grub on a 1/8-ounce jig head. “I have been fishing Buggs Island Lake for 50 years, and I always target crappie in the spring,” said Rathburn. He said that day the fish were holding PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID RATHBURN off bridge abutments and were suspended midway in the water column in about 15 feet of water. Soon he came tight to another fish off the abutment. The water was fairly clear, and when the fish got to within 3 feet of the surface he saw the colors. With a gold flash, the most unusual crappie he had ever seen was on the surface in front of him. “What in the world is that?” Rathburn recalled thinking. “I was shocked because I didn’t think it could possibly be a crappie.” Rathburn had caught the fish of a lifetime, a golden crappie. Dan Michaelson, a Virginia fisheries biologist, was surprised about Rathburn’s catch. The fish’s color is the result of a rare genetic mutation. “While this unique golden color isn’t unheard of in crappie, it certainly isn’t common. Consider also that as a fish matures they do everything in their power to avoid being eaten,” said Michaelson. “Often cryptic coloration or camouflage is a fish’s first line of defense against a predator and being a bright, gold color doesn’t lend itself well to a long life.”

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JUNE 2020

NATIONAL 15

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apt. Mickey Brelsford says his Rebel free-fall unit is the perfect fishing tool, providing him a “good, solid anchoring position.” In the past, using a windlass yielded poor retrieval results and left no room for customization, like adding special attachments or splicing rope and chain. “I don’t know how many times I’ve been on boats where [the line is] hanging up, snarling, getting knotted up in the windlass or shredding line,” Brelsford said. A retired policeman, Capt. Brelsford enjoys time fishing near the coast of St. James City, Fla. on his 37-foot “Nostalgic Lady,” a 1981 Hatteras Sportfish that carries 300 feet of 5/8 rope and 20 feet of heavy-duty chain. After adding a pulpit to his vessel, Capt. Brelsford used to pull up all his rope by hand, wasting time and energy on multiple retrieval and deployment attempts as he tried to find the perfect “boat position.” “The easiest way I can explain boat position is if you’re at the baseball game, you’re either playing—which is fishing— or you’re watching the game, which means you’re not,” Brelsford said. Brelsford decided he’d rather be in the

game than on the sidelines, so installing the Rebel EZ-5 became a no-brainer after researching product information and helpful documents on the company website, then calling the drum anchor winch manufacturer’s technical support team for additional pointers. Unlike E-Z Anchor Puller Mfg. Co’s two direct drive series (the Hero and Patriot series), the Rebel drum anchor winch has a clutch and friction plate design that allows the drum to free-spool when the clutch plate is disengaged. To get that “good, solid anchoring position,” press and hold the “raise/power up” side of the button for about five seconds. This will cause the clutch plate to once again rotate, but this time clamping down on the drum and holding the boat at anchor. “Once I deploy my anchor and it goes

into a free-fall, it’s straight down to the bottom as quick as it can go,” Brelsford said. “And then, once I set the anchor I can free-line out as much anchor rode as I need: that’s what I call boat position.” As an added bonus, the Rebel drum anchor winch is compatible with an E-Z Anchor Puller wireless long-range remote, which controls your drum anchor winch from anywhere on the boat. The wireless remotes are available for the Hero and Patriot series, as well. Capt. Brelsford purchased his on the company website, ezanchorpuller.com. “This [unit] here—don’t worry about it—it just rolls right on and keeps on rollin’. That’s what it is: E-Z!” Brelsford concluded.

Photo courtesy of Amber Rose.

A F

lorida fly fisher Kathryn Vallilee caught a massive 21-pound Key West permit on 6-pound tippet March 22. The catch, when approved by IGFA, is expected to crush the existing 21-year-old line-class world record by more than 11 pounds. “The fight for me was so tense because I knew this fish was the one,” Vallilee, who was fishing with Capt. Brandon Cyr, told USA Today’s For The Win Outdoors. “And I think my focus on fighting it was what makes that memory so vivid. When Brandon got the fish in the net, I just felt a wave of relief wash over me.” Vallilee is no stranger to the record books. She co-owns a Key West fly shop with her husband and already holds the 4-pound line class record. With Capt. Cyr, she has been chasing the 6-pound record all year. She and Cyr spotted three large permit as shadows over the white sand flats on March 22. She sight casted to them with a Skok’s Strong Arm Merkin fly, and the fish took. The previous record of 9 pounds, 12 ounces has stood since 1999.

t presstime, the 2020 Blue Marlin World Cup, a high stakes single-day tournament will take place as scheduled on July 4. With no captain’s meeting or awards ceremony, the Blue Marlin World Cup is a fishing tournament with built-in social distancing. Government restrictions might continue in places where the competition has been keen in the past. Travel restrictions might deter some anglers. But there are plenty of home-based spots where anglers can depart, like North Carolina, Ocean City, Virginia Beach, Orange Beach, Biloxi, Galveston, etc. These areas and many more have the potential to produce the winning marlin. All it takes is one big fish to win. The tournament entry fee for the Blue Marlin World Cup is $5,000 per team. The optional Big Blue Challenge (“BBC”) is an $8,000 entry. There is a winner for the tournament and for the BBC. If the tournament winner is also entered in the BBC, they can take home all the money in this winnertake-all format. The Blue Marlin World Cup is a one-day fishing tournament held around the world. Blue marlin weighing more than 500 pounds are the only eligible species and competing teams fish in their respective time zones from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Entries are weighed on certified government scales in their respective locales. Pending any new worldwide developments, the 2020 Blue Marlin World Cup will be held July 4. For more information or to register, visit: www.bluemarlinworldcup.com.

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JUNE 2020

NATIONAL 17

CustomBilt Pondtoon

The Pondtoon is the perfect small-water boat for avid river and pond anglers, duck hunters and bow hunters, as well as families with children or grandchildren. All boats are all-welded aluminum construction made and made in the U.S.A. with premium options to meet every angler’s needs. There are several styles to choose from that include: Fishing Series, Hunting Series, Pleasure Series, Farm/Pond Workboats, Search and Rescue and a new Camo boat. There are even wheelchair accessible models Pondtoon boats are factory assembled in three standard sizes with options and additional features that allow you to equip the boat for your fishing and hunting style at a very affordable price. Contact us to “customize” your very own CustomBilt Pondtoon boat. CONTACT CUSTOMBILT PONDTOONS AT (334) 684-2210 AND SEE THEIR WEBSITE AT BOATSANDFISHING.COM.

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EU2200i Model Snapshot: Because More is More

amping adventure goes hand-in-hand with fishing fun. These days, even the most remote fish camps are hi-tech, with satellite TVs, microwaves, tablets and blenders ready for the ultimate outdoor experience. Enter the portable generator—the real power behind outdoor enjoyment and no longer just reserved for emergencies.

Super Quiet for Some Super Fun Several years ago, Honda introduced the EU2200i Super Quiet Series inverter generator, as the most versatile and reliable portable generator for work, home or play. Outside enthusiasts took note. The Honda EU2200i replaced the company’s top-selling EU2000i, delivering the same legendary, dependable power—and more of it: 10 percent more (200 watts) at the same price. The Honda EU2200i provides better performance, class-leading fuel efficiency, quiet operation and improved ease of use and maintenance. The Honda EU2200i is the perfect portable power for any trip—letting customers power more with virtually no change in weight or cost. For example, an extra 200 watts could mean the addition of a slow cooker, fan, or computer to what’s already being powered—which adds up to greater value for the ultimate outdoor experience. With a larger engine, easy start-up process and easier maintenance, the Honda EU2200i is a versatile and reliable portable power choice. What’s more, this generator can be paired with another identically sized unit to

Honda designed the EU2200i with enhanced features that deliver customers ease of use, simplified maintenance and durable, dependable operation: • Operating sound level of 53 dB at 1/4 load and 62 dB at rated load. • Maximum AC output of 120 volts (V)/2200 watts (W)/18.3 Amps (A) and rated output of 120V/1800 W/15 A. • Run time of 3.2 to 8.1 hours on a single 0.95-gallon tank, depending on load. • Bigger oil filler opening, longer spout and larger oil drain gutter for easier and cleaner oil changes. • Fuel shutoff valve (“Fuel Off ” position) allows the engine to continue running until the majority of the fuel in the carburetor is consumed and the engine shuts off, which prevents stale fuel issues during storage. • Stamped metal recoil rope insert provides increased durability and reduces potential damage to the generator body. • Increase in the ventilation area of 2.31 square inches reduces cabinet air intake resistance, resulting in improved inverter cooling. The addition of new ducts allows air to move evenly over internal parts while improving air flow for better cooling. • Improved stator/rotor configuration uses the highest quality, most powerful magnets. • Operational contact points are color-coded, guiding the user through starting operation. • Inverter-technology equipped, featuring high-quality power output, a lighter, smaller size, higher fuel efficiency and quiet operation. To learn more about Honda Generators and the Honda EU2200i Super Quiet Series, see hondanews.com, honda.com, powerequipment.honda.com, facebook.com/hondagenerators and youtube.com/honda.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JUNE 2020

NATIONAL 19

The Return of a Custom Built Quality Outdoor BBQ Products Since 1989

Pig Cookers, Patio Grills, Smokers, Customized BBQ Trailers

For More Info 1-252-236-4464 www.BQGRILLS.com 6043 Hwy 301N, Elm City, NC

Made in USA

By CAM Staff

DOA 2.75 Shrimp - the totally new design is the best of both worlds – it’s like fishing a jig and a DOA Shrimp. The weighted hook is super sharp and slips seamlessly into the body of the shrimp. Slightly smaller and heavier than the Original, it has a molded in rattle cavity to easily add sound, skips well, sinks fast, and casts like a bullet.

www.doalures.com 20 NATIONAL

JUNE 2020

apt. Tim Barefoot is having trouble concentrating. In the middle of May, he was on rockfish so thick he had to ice his arms in the evenings. Reports from across the Mid-Atlantic indicate huge spawning runs of striped bass up coastal rivers that ramped up in the middle Photo Credit: Tim Barefoot of March. This is very good news considering all the doom and gloom we’ve been hearing about Atlantic striped bass populations lately. Barefoot has first-hand information from the James, Rappahannock, Occoquan and Potomac rivers. “They have all been chock full of fish and bait this year,” he said. “And it’s the nicest class of fish we’ve seen in several years.” The action is incredible for fish in the 3- to 12-pound range, and Barefoot is seeing the occasional 15- to 20-pounder. But he was almost as excited about the baitfish as the stripers. “One of the most encouraging things was to see the way the herring showed up,” he said. “The herring are so thick they brought the loons with them from the ocean. And when the herring are here like that, everything’s feeding and everything’s healthy.” Typically the rockfish will stick around in the rivers until mid-June or later. Until then, Barefoot said there’s no need for live bait. He’s been wearing them out on a Super Fluke rigged on a Barefoot Jumping Jig with the barb mashed down for easy releases. For more information, contact Capt. Tim Barefoot through his website at barefootcatsandtackle.com.

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201578_DOA_1.14_Coastal Angler_Coupon Ad_3.762x5.012.indd 1

1/14/20 8:50 AM

PHOTO CREDIT: George Costa, TCO Outdoors

By Nick Carter

ure, 90 percent of a trout’s diet might come from below the surface, but there’s nothing that satisfies like solving the puzzle during a hatch and catching fish on a dry fly. No discussion of hatches is complete without mention of Penns Creek, Pennsylvania. This venerable stream is one of the best dry fly fisheries in the

country, boasting what may be the most famous green drake hatch in the East. From Coburn downstream to Glen Iron, Pennsylvania, there are roughly 20 miles of “Class A Wild Trout Stream,” and much of it is accessible only on foot through central Pennsylvania’s Bald Eagle State Forest. Penns Creek supports an incredible amount of insect life. Guide George Costa, with TCO Outdoors, said things pick up in April when blue-winged olives, Hendricksons and grannoms appear and lead into a riot of bug activity in May. “Sulphurs, March browns, caddis, blue quill, olives, pretty much everything under the sun is hatching,” said Costa. “It can be massive, and all at once.” These insects are a precursor to the main event, which is 10 days in early June when big meaty green drake mayflies conduct their courtship. The hatches move progressively upstream with warming water temperatures, and big size 8 to 10 patterns match the adult stage of this mayfly. Of course, all the other bugs will be on the water at the same time, so it’s wise for anglers to keep options open. Costa said the best pattern during a drake hatch is a size 16 sulphur. Penns Creek brown trout seem to prefer the flavor of the smaller pale yellow sulphur mayflies. Every fish in the river takes part in the annual smorgasbord. Brown trout are the dominant species, a few rainbows show up, and native brook trout enter the flow from tributaries. At Penns Creek, there’s a chance to catch tiger trout, which are a brown trout/brook trout crossbreed. Fish size is good, too. Costa said they average 13 to 16 inches, and there’s potential to encounter fish 20 inches and longer. Adventurous anglers who want to target large fish with dry flies should pack a headlamp. In the final stage of the green drake lifecycle, they molt into big white coffin flies. They lay their eggs and then die en masse, falling to the river in an event known as a spinner fall. Most of the action takes place after dark. The angler listens for fish slurping spinners off the surface and then casts a big size 6 or 8 pattern to the unseen target. The largest fish in the river feed during the spinner fall. For maps, GPS coordinates and tactics for the Southeast’s best trout waters, get a copy of Nick Carter’s book “Flyfisher’s Guide to North Carolina & Georgia.” It’s available on Amazon, and autographed copies are available by emailing the author at nsc8957@gmail.com.

Barefoot

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JUNE 2020

NATIONAL 21

Weath Protec Rifle C

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At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.

5/8/20 8:02 AM

3 6 0 - D E G R E E AC C E S S TO AN OCE AN OF POSSIBILITIES The engineless design of the FSH Series gives owners a spacious stern area, as well as 360-degree uninterrupted access to the water. With enhanced saltwater corrosion protection and a host of fishing and family-friendly features, Yamaha’s 2020 FSH Series is the best way to experience everything the coast has to offer. YA M A H A B OAT S . C O M

©2020 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. Follow instructional materials and obey all laws. Drive responsibly, wearing protective apparel. Always drive within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvers, and respect others around you. Don’t drink and drive. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT YAMAHABOATS.COM OR CALL 1.800.88.YAMAHA.

Sacred Stone of the Southwest is on the Brink of Extinction

enturies ago, Persians, Tibetans and Mayans considered turquoise a gemstone of the heavens, believing the striking blue stones were sacred pieces of sky. Today, the rarest and most valuable turquoise is found in the American Southwest–– but the future of the blue beauty is unclear. On a recent trip to Tucson, we spoke with fourth generation turquoise traders who explained that less than five percent of turquoise mined worldwide can be set into jewelry and only about twenty mines in the Southwest supply gem-quality turquoise. Once a thriving industry, many Southwest mines have run dry and are now closed. We found a limited supply of C. turquoise from Arizona and snatched it up for our Sedona Turquoise Collection. Inspired by the work of those ancient craftsmen and designed to showcase the exceptional blue stone, each stabilized vibrant cabochon features a unique, one-of-a-kind matrix surrounded in Bali metalwork. You could drop over $1,200 on a turquoise pendant, or you could secure 26 carats of genuine Arizona turquoise for just $99. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you aren’t completely happy with your purchase, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price. The supply of Arizona turquoise is limited, don’t miss your chance to own the Southwest’s brilliant blue treasure. Call today!

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Necklace enlarged to show luxurious color

Jewelry Specifications: • Arizona turquoise • Silver-finished settings

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® 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. STC176-01, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

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One Life. Live It On The Water.

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JUNE 2020

LOCATION 1