Coastal Angler Magazine | February 2023 | Northeast Florida Edition

JIG A SQUID

FOR AFRICAN POMPANO

By Nick Carter

200-foot-deep structure.

Capt. Rick Croson, of Living Water Guide Service, showed Barefoot this bite for the rst time, and on that trip, they caught African pompano until they were tired of reeling them in as well as amberjack, dolphin and black n tuna. e widely accepted best way to catch African pompano is with a utter jig. However, Barefoot is never content with a tool or technique until he tries to nd a better way to do it.

“ ey are extremely susceptible to utter jigs, but the problem with those is the teaser assist hooks. We kept hooking them on the outside of the face with those wired stinger hooks,” he said. “With their thin, delicate skin, it’s tough to get a hook set. We were losing a lot of sh.”

e technique Barefoot settled on is to use his own 4-ounce Squid Decoy Jigs.

For most anglers, African pompano are welcome bycatch on bottom- shing trips for other species. But restrictive seasons on standard structure-oriented o shore species like grouper and snapper have made African pomps a primary target. In terms of gameness and quality as table fare, some might argue they belonged near the top of the list the whole time.

“ ey shut down grouper shing in January, and I’m not going to stop going o shore, so they’re the next likely candidate,” said Coastal Angler’s own Capt. Tim Barefoot. “ ey pull hard, they bite and they taste great. I’d put them

up in the top ve of my favorite sh to eat.”

African pompano school up on nearshore and o shore structure in late winter and early spring on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. A couple of years ago, Barefoot was introduced to a ridiculously good bite for 15- to 45-pounders out of Wrightsville Beach, N.C., and what he learned might help you dial in the bite where you sh.

Cold water consolidates African Pompano to their comfort zone this time of year, and out of Wrightsville Beach anglers nd the magic 65- to 67-degree temps 45 to 60 miles out on 120- to

“African pompano are very close to the bottom,” he said. “We drop that squid down to the bottom and pull it up just a few feet. Sometimes you can just set it in the rod holder and wait for it to get slammed. Sometimes you might want to give some action, but don’t overdo it. Squid are their primary food source. When they see it, they’re not shopping… they’re buying.”

Barefoot uses 40-pound braid to an 80-pound uorocarbon leader. He ties on his jig with a loop knot. e thing about squid is sh always attack them from behind to disable their beak. Barefoot said sh take the squid jig deep, and the result is a solid hook set in the mouth.

Find Capt. Rick Croson at livingwatersoutdoor.com and check out the Squid Decoy Jig at barefootcatsandtackle.com.

By

With big trout on my mind, I hooked up the boat and headed to deep south Texas. An approaching cold front was going to shorten my trip to a single day, but I felt con dent it would be worth the 5-hour drive. As the cold front swept across north Texas, my anticipation was high as I headed south to warmer temperatures and extra hours before the frigid air and high-powered north wind turned a nice winter’s day into artic conditions. e morning greeted me with calm winds and dense fog, which is not typical south Texas

weather 14 hours prior to the strongest cold front of the year. e norm is 25 knots from the south or southeast with a storm of this magnitude on the doorstep.

I headed to my pre-determined location at a safe speed considering the conditions. I was in no hurry, as the prime bite was not until 10 a.m. e forecast was sunny, calm and 70 degrees for the day, followed by north at 35 knots and a low of 28 the next morning. I was certain the approaching weather would have the bite red up, and it did not disappoint. e sh didn’t feed on everything

I tied on, but once I homed in on what they wanted it was nonstop!

I pulled up to a favorite cove, positioned the boat well outside the prime area and quietly slipped into air-clear, knee-deep water of the grass at. I had a 5-inch paddletail ready at the end of my rod. A er covering the prime area with only one follow by a small red, it was time to change. I downsized to a 3.25-inch paddletail with a light purple back and a pearl belly. As I looked up a er rigging my lure, I spotted a huge trout about 5 yards in front of me. She was there for several seconds and then slowly disappeared. I knew she was aware of my presence even though she didn’t spook, and I didn’t have high hopes of catching her, but I did try. I was excited knowing my plan had me in the area of the trophy-size trout I was targeting.

I noticed nervous mullet about 40 yards away and slowly made my way in that direction. It was nonstop action on reds in the 26-inch range, and I caught one 3-pound trout. ese sh were a little deeper in thigh-deep, crystal-clear water over grass and potholes.

roughout the day, I tossed three sizes of similar body-style paddletails, all with built-in tail rattles. e smallest, a 3.25-inch lure, was the only one that caught sh. I used three di erent colors, so it was only the size that mattered on this day under pre-front conditions. Although I did not land the big trout I was targeting, I am satis ed that I was in the right place and will go back soon.

Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures®, and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

Capt. Michael Okruhlik

BEFORE THE

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES®.

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By David Hulsey

Asingle-handed y rod, which you might refer to as a “normal” y rod, is the tool of choice for most anglers seeking trout or other species on our inland rivers. But I’m here to tell you there’s a revolution building steam. Don’t be surprised when someone on your local river shows up wielding a two-handed spey rod. ese long rods are gaining popularity because they o er certain advantages.

For centuries, two-handed spey gear has been used only in pursuit of big anadromous sh such as salmon or steelhead on the huge coastal rivers of many continents. However, in the last decade or so, micro or trout spey rods have found their way into the hands of anglers. is smaller trout-sized spey gear opens the door for shing areas and for species that inhabit some of our beloved rivers and mediumsized streams.

If it lives in moving water, it can be caught with spey gear. Trout, of course, are the main quarry, but other sh such as smallmouth, spotted bass, largemouth, white bass and stripers are also fair game. Smaller-sized spey rods in 4-, 3-, or even 2-weight sizes are extremely e ective tools for reaching sh in big water with dicey wading areas.

Besides being loads of fun to sh and cast, a spey rod is designed to launch ies into the next county with little or no back-cast room available. Most troutsized spey rods are less than 12 feet long, with longer rods up to 16 feet reserved for big steelhead or salmon. A 2-weight spey rod is similar to casting a 4- or 5-weight single-hand y rod. A 3-weight spey rod can handle ies in sizes that a 5- or 6-weight single-hand can cast, and so on.

Here’s the main advantage of two-handed gear: Easy casts of 70 or more

feet can be launched from positions that are impossible with a single-hand y rod. Right now, the wheels in your head should be turning about places on your home river you have always wanted to run a y through but couldn’t reach.

Fishing is done down and across current to carefully swing ies through likely runs or holes, and the angler waits for the electric jolt of a trout or bass. Flies imitating bait sh, emerging insects, and even brightly colored Atlantic salmon or steelhead ies in smaller sizes are readily taken by sh. A well-tied y sweeping in front of a predator can draw a hunger reaction or a re ex strike in almost any condition.

Casting and shing micro spey gear is extremely fun and e ective. I hope you will join the trout spey revolution!

David Hulsey is a north Georgia guide who also teaches spey and regular y shing classes. Contact him through his website at www.hulsey y shing.com.

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Elite Series Descends on Okeechobee

By CAM Sta

The Bassmaster Elite Series opens its 2023 season Feb. 16-19 with a stop at Lake Okeechobee. It’s the rst time since 2017 that B.A.S.S.’s top pros have competed at the “Big O,” and depending on the weather, most pundits are predicting heavy sacks from some of the world’s best bass anglers.

Last time Elite Series anglers descended on Florida’s largest lake in 2017, they also shed in late February. A monster 9-pounder turned heads as the big sh of the tournament. Alabama pro Tim Horton topped the eld with a four-day total of 83 pounds, 5 ounces. at’s a better-than 20-pounds-per-day average, which is strong for any shery, but it’s not as good as it gets for this historic big-bass factory.

Back in December, locals Jerod Boltz and Jon Bowman secured the 2022 Roland Martin Marine Center Series Championship with an awesome, nearly 30-pound nal day on Dec. 11. eir big sh of the day was an 8.15-pound Okeechobee giant. ey caught most of their sh on chatterbaits, an Okeechobee favorite, and spent some time shing speed worms and ipping cattails.

With two months separating the Roland Martin event from the Elite Series event, there’s no doubt some things will change, but Florida’s mild winters mean some things will likely remain the same. Okeechobee is typically primed for big sh in the month of February, and there might be some bed shing going on. “Big O” bass will likely be up shallow in all stages of the spawn.

As with any shery, weather patterns have a way of ruining the best laid plans. February fronts from the north are notorious for shutting down hot Florida bass bites in a hurry. Last February, Coastal Angler contributor Capt. Angie Douthit reported consistent action with spinnerbaits, worms and chatterbaits, and said they were also catching sh ipping and pitching.

For more information, go to www.bassmaster.com.

B.A.S.S. photo by Seigo Saito

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By Emily Rose Hanzlik

CATCH FLOUNDER On the Move!

over to the other side of their head and they spend the rest of their lives looking up with one side of their body at on the bottom. ere are several species of ounder with overlapping ranges. Summer ounder are what northern anglers call ukes, their range in the Atlantic stretches from Nova Scotia down to Florida. Southern ounder inhabit the Atlantic coast as well as the Gulf of Mexico, while Gulf ounder can be found in the Gulf of Mexico from Florida to Texas. Southern ounder can be identi ed by their white underbelly and an absence of the ocellated spots the other two species have. ese spots resemble eyes, which are thought to trick predators. For southern ounder, males don’t grow much longer than 12 inches, while females can reach about 25 inches.

Southern ounder range from North Carolina to Texas, however, they do not migrate besides going o shore for mating and then returning inshore. While inshore, they prefer shallow muddy and grassy ats, where they hide on the bottom and ambush prey.

When the mating season rolls around in late fall and early winter, ounder migrate out of the passes. At the end of winter into early spring, all of the females and some males head back inshore.

Flounder can be caught with arti cial and live bait. Arti cial lures such as jigs, small swimbaits and spoons worked near the bottom can all produce sh. Small live bait works the best, with nger mullet being my personal favorite. Small pilchards, mojarra and mud minnows will also do the trick.

Light tackle is all that is needed to catch them. A small weight, 1-ounce, or so, with a short 12- to 16-inch sh- nder rig works best. A live shrimp on a jig head, such as a Troll Rite, jigged along the bottom can also work great and is a good way to cover more area with a live bait.

Some of the best places to nd ounder are on inlet rock piles and bridge or pier pilings. Cast upstream and work lures downstream, or let your bait dri downstream.

With the cold fading away, so will the ounder, but they return with spring. Many anglers believe the second cold snap is prime time, when southern ounder begin moving through the inlets. e timing varies greatly, but it can be gangbusters in the inlets if you catch it right. Even if you don’t, there will likely be some stragglers moving through.

Flounder are interesting sh. As hatchlings, they swim upright with eyes on both sides of their heads, just like most sh. As they mature, one eye moves

e IGFA all-tackle record for Southern Flounder is 20 pounds, 9 ounces. It was caught out of Nassau Sound, Fla.

Emily Rose Hanzlik holds 56 IGFA world records in various categories. She hails from West Palm Beach, where she has a part time Bow n Guide Service as well as shing classes for Jr. Anglers. Find her on Social Media @emilyhanzlikoutdoors.

It’s 8:17 p.m. Been out on the lake for hours.

But there are more fsh in the water.

And my LBP batteries are still going strong. Maybe One More Cast . . . the offcial battery of “One More Cast...”

Photo courtesy of Caroline Lewis, The Kids Can Fish Foundation

By Capt. Kirk Waltz

The dead of winter has surely grabbed the Northern Forty-Eight and I am sure many folks are starting to get a case of cabin fever. North Florida is no exception and has its fair share of cold weather. That being said, it doesn’t mean you have to become a certified coach potato. Good fishing does exist this time of the year and it can be fast –n- furious. Remember cold water and associated weather slows down the metabolism of fish so when you can fish do so slowly. Good numbers of reds, though many will be 14-17 inches, will school up in creeks and shallow areas to absorb heat from the sun. Small jigs tipped with small shrimp, fiddler crabs, and mud minnows work well. Look for shell bars, rock piles, and pot holes in creek bends. The ICW south and north are great areas to hunt. Try Sherman’s Creek, Chicopit Bay, Dutton’s Creek and further south as far as Cabbage and San Pablo Creeks to the JTB Bridge. North try Sisters, Clapboard, Hannah Mills, Garden, and Broward creeks to name a few. Try working these creeks on a mid low falling tide. And remember to fish slowly. Reds, sheepshead, trout, bluefish, and black drum will be the most predominate species you will encounter.

In the big river to the jetties look for the big black drum to slowly begin to show up. Outgoing tides at the bottom of the tide when it slows are great as well as the very top of the flood too! A good fresh piece of cut blue crab is by far the best bait but, a nice jumbo fresh shrimp can be just as productive. Fish on the bottom checking the edges of hard breaks and steep drops in river elevation. The edges of both the north and south jetties are great too and can provide some decent catches. In many instances you can also pick up some very large sheepshead and bull reds in this fashion.

The big stones or jetties at Mayport are one of my favorite go to places this time of year. Good numbers of sheepshead, reds, drum, ringtails,

blues, and trout hang around the inlet rocks feeding on small crabs, shrimp, and available bait fish. Jigs, float rigs, and the old sliding egg sinker rig can produce great results. I like a 7’6” Shimano rod with 3000 Shimano Stradic spooled with 30lb braid. This rod is perfect for sensitive light bites and allows the angler to feel the slightest nibble. Work the lower tides around clear water conditions and at times check it at the high outgoing too! Good numbers of multiple species can be caught on nice warm weather calm conditions. These high pressure “bubble days” are great days to plan an outing and hop off that big warm couch! This is also prime sheepshead and ringtail fishing during this time of the year. Fiddlers and small shrimp are best and a little chum can go a long way too! For the chum just purchase a small amount of oysters at the bait shop. Take a 5 gallon bucket and dump the oysters into it. Grab a 5 pound hammer or a solid piece of pipe and crush it into real small pieces. The small pieces will contain little chunks of shellfish that when dispersed can really ring the dinner bell for fish feeding close by. It’s a great way to get the fish fired up.

The offshore scene will be red hot on the sea bass front. Look for great numbers of black sea bass to move in closer as the water cools. Try all the local party ground spots for a limit of these great tasting fish. The hard bottom spots are usually the better ones to check first. Also be aware that snapper, grunts, ringtails, sheepshead, and the occasional grouper will be waiting so hang onto those rods tightly. Always remember to check the regs for what you can and cannot harvest. Lastly, remember you can’t catch them from the couch!

For more fishing tips listen to the Outdoorshow radio program on 1010am or 92.5fm every Saturday from 7am to 10am. He can be reached at 904.241.7560 or 904.626.1128 or go to www. enterprisefishingcharters.com

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

Jacksonville Boat Sales - a Cannon Marine Company

n cold, rainy, winter days, when most fishermen are happy to stay home dreaming of better weather, a few die-hards gear up and get on the water. In the Southeast, bad weather is striper weather, my friend, and just the thought of hooking a 15- or 20-pound striped bass is enough to keep you warm on the inside.

Atlantic striped bass get all the attention up north. Blitzing linesiders are a prize of inshore and nearshore recreational fisheries from the Carolinas up through the mid-Atlantic and New England. But they are down here in the south, too, and not just the landlocked stripers stocked in reservoirs by the states. My home base is Jacksonville, Fla., and although redfish and trout are the staple inshore species here, there are fishable striper populations in coastal rivers like the St. Johns, Nassau and St. Marys.

I, however, was lured by reports a little farther north in Georgia, where rivers like the Satilla and Altamaha are producing big-time striper fishing with each front that rolls through. Stripers prefer low-light conditions and colder water temps, so overcast, rainy and cold days are the best days.

the rocks in order to navigate over the shallow sand and mud bars of the river. Georgia’s sounds and rivers are littered with piles of ballast rocks, many of which are fish magnets. We fished the point for a good 20 minutes with no

Through the early morning, we fished several spots with only a few small redfish and speckled trout to keep our attention. We fished a creek loaded with fishy-looking downed timber and carefully navigated beneath a low bridge, where Jones thought we might find fish on the outgoing

Georgia On My Mind STRIPERS

By Danny Patrick

He was correct. Jones hooked up with a nice 6-pound hybrid striped bass on his first cast near the bridge. Hybrids are a hatchery-produced cross between striped bass and white bass. They are unable to reproduce and are an excellent sportfish with the aggression of white bass and some of the size of a striper. These hybrids came from the Georgia DNR hatchery at Richmond Hill, Ga.

I was giddy about the cold, foggy drizzle at 6:30 a.m. when I met guide Drew Jones at the Two-Way Fish Camp on the Altamaha near Darien, Ga. Jones runs fishing and duck-hunting charters in the area, and he’s caught more than 300 stripers up to 14 pounds for clients this season. They’ve had some 30- and 40-fish days, and this felt like a perfect striper day!

All I had to do was get in the boat with my gear and a thermos of hot coffee. Jones was waiting for me with his Carolina skiff in the water and a livewell full of gorgeous local live shrimp. As we motored off in the mist through creeks and the winding river, he told me a little about the fishing.

Stripers are constantly on the move, and they hunt in packs. Jones drift fishes live shrimp on float rigs to locate concentrations of fish. Then he switches to artificial lures. Slow-sinking stick baits and bucktail jigs with soft plastic tails both work great.

Between Brunswick and Darien, Ga., the Altamaha system is a maze of creeks and tributaries. We stopped at the mouth of a creek on the Darien River, not far from downtown Darien. The tide was still coming in but slowing near the end of the high tide. Jones said to cast shrimp out in front a point where the current split to create a back eddy of slower flow. Jones said this was one of his favorite striper spots. It was an old ballast pile, where sailing ships from the 1800s dumped ballast weight from their hulls after crossing the ocean from Europe. They used hundreds, if not thousands, of 10- to 20-pound round rocks to stabilize their ships during the crossing and then dumped

Jones said he catches true stripers and hybrids together, and that sometimes aggressive stripers move in and take over when he’s catching trout. I threw to the same spot Jones caught his fish and immediately hooked and boated a 4-pound hybrid. The bite was on! We saw them busting finger mullet and had one come unbuttoned right at the boat. But then, as is sometimes the case with stripers, it ended as suddenly as it had begun. anchor and went back to the creek mouth where we started. Now the tide was running out swiftly. We caught several trout and a couple more hybrids before we headed back to the docks.

As we ran past downtown Darien, I saw remnants of old buildings from the 1800s and thought of the history. This was a major port during the early rise of the United States. Cotton and rice from slave plantations were shipped out of Darien, and old-growth cypress trees were logged way up the Altamaha. Loggers would cut trees close to the river and then raft them together in units of dozens of massive logs, which were floated down to the coastal sawmills with men riding the rafts.

Darien is a quiet town now, but it was a truly a bustling place then. It is beautiful with old live oaks and Spanish moss, and history buffs will not be disappointed. If you want to change up your fishing and explore a special place, give Jones a call. He can hook you up…

Capt. Drew Jones can be contacted at (912) 242-2502.

Fishing Report & Forecast St. Augustine Inshore

By Capt. Tommy Derringer

Ireally love this time of year in Northeast Florida! Cold water temps mean clear water and that means it’s time to sight-fish for redfish. Last month showed us some cold days and nights resulting clear cool water and some super fun times on the water sight-fishing. When the water gets below about 60 degrees the brown algae will die off, resulting in clearer water and some exciting fishing opportunities. Cold water also means that redfish will be schooled up both on the flats and in the deeper creek holes. Black drum, trout, and sheepshead will also be schooled up in the same areas. If you can get out on a nice sunny day over the next couple of months, you better go because the fishing will be on fire!

On days when we have plentiful sunshine finding schools of redfish on the flats can be a sure thing this time of year. Redfish will tend to hang out on flats that hold bait, have easy access to deeper water, and have areas that warm up quickly. Flats with an abundance of oysters are

a good place to start, as they tend to cover most of the above-mentioned criteria. Once you locate the school approach as stealthily as possible. This is also a good time of year to downsize your baits a bit as clear water tends to mean spookier redfish. My favorite sight-fishing bait for redfish is a 1/4oz or 1/8oz Saltwater Assassin jighead or weedless hook with a Saltwater Assassin paddle tail. The size and action seem to be just right for our wintertime reds.

Along with the clear water we also have some negative low tides coming up which means easy pickings for schooled up fish of all kinds. These negative low tides will concentrate fish to the deeper parts of the creeks and flats. Fish the last hour or so of the outgoing tide with a 1/4oz Saltwater Assassin jig and just about anything live or artificial pegged to it and you’re sure to get hooked up. Hard bends in the creeks will have the deepest holes. Some creeks may have a shallow mouth but don’t be afraid to do some exploring, as some of the best creek holes are far back in there. If you’re unsure of the depth or afraid of getting stuck, just wait until the tide goes slack and then starts pushing in. That way you’ll know if you can make it in, you can make it back out if the tide is still coming in.

Sheepshead fishing will be in full swing by now. Just about any bridge piling or jetty with rocks with barnacles on it will be holding some sheepies. The go-to bait is a fiddler crab on a small j-hook or jighead. Fish the pilings and rocks vertically with enough weight to hold the bait close to the structure. Just remember they’re quick so you’ll need to be on your hook-setting game.

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

Nassau Sport Fishing Association

The 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.

NSFA is hard at work planning 2023 activities. From the Shrimp Festival food booth in May to our Kingfish Tournament and Fishing Rodeo in August. While on that subject, NSFA traditionally holds the Kingfish tournament on the first weekend in August. The past couple of years, this traditional weekend has been trumped by other tournaments on the first coast. So in 2023, the Fernandina Beach, SKA sanctioned, Kingfish Tournament and Fishing Rodeo will be rescheduled for the second weekend in August. So hold the date August 12, 2023 and watch this space as well as our instagram and facebook pages for more

information.

The 2023 Fish of the Season kicked off on January 1. Nice weather to start the year has allowed our angers to weigh Trout, Whiting, and Sheepshead. Again this year, every legal fish counts. Every fish weighed in will gain an entry to our end of year drawing. So brave the elements and wet a line. Visit our website to see the full rules and measurement guide for our members tournament as well as the current standings. .

NSFA meets 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month except Nov and December at Kraft Athletic Club on Amelia Island. This month, join us on 22-Feb monthly social gathering. If interested in joining, please visit our website at NSFAFISH.NET or stop by one of our meetings.

As always, Stay Safe, healthy, and we will see you on the water!

Fishing Report & Forecast Nassau Sound

By Capt. Tony Bozzella

Although we are limited what we can fish for, February can be great for shallow water red fishing. Backcountry waters of North Fl. can be at its clearest point of the year. Mid afternoons on the mud flats when the wind and sun cooperate, can be very productive. Mud minnows & shrimp paired with the lightest TBS Jig fishing around mid to the last of the outgoing tide around the rips coming off the oyster bars can be outstanding. Through up current and stay in tune with your bait as it may roll with the tidal movement and you can feel the bite. Polling at this time can also be very productive.

Slipping up on a backing or tailing redfish, again, mid day when suns overhead and with minimal wind, can be a great experience. Also for all the hardcore lure anglers, I would highly recommend a black TBS Bucktail. Tan and natural colors work well also. When you see a shallow water redfish, quickly figure the way he is heading and cast your lure so it crises his path. Another very important attribute about TBS Bucktails are, when the hair is wet, it adds weight and cast far, accurate, and lands with a soft non alarming splash that doesn’t scare the fish! Also, redfish are eating many species of crabs. Fished with your rod tip down, hopping the lure with a series of low hops across the flat leaving a “dust trail” can resemble a crab and you get the bite! Fly anglers can take advantage of this time of year as well. Often, the weather balance’s out, and you can get great Fly fishing days! Very rewarding  fish on fly! Many times you may have a shot at a tasty Sheephead or Black Drum. Shrimp is a good choice  and they will be in these areas. Anglers wanting trout should start out soaking shrimp/ Muds in some of the deeper holes and bends of creeks with moving water for best results. Many trout will be below the 15 inch minimum. If the standard float rigs is not your style, throw a bright colored soft plastic and slow roll it keeping in contact with the bottom. Reds Blues and flounder can be in the mix. Dress warm and fish!!

Capt. Tony Bozzella / TBS JIGS

By Terry D. Lacoss

Striped bass will be holding in the upper reaches of both the St. Mary’s and Nassau rivers during the month of February and could weigh over the twenty-pound mark. Look for some of the best action to come creeks drain from large marsh flats into the main river, particularly during the very first of the falling tide.

Positioning your fishing boat at the mouth of the creek and casting a minnow type plug like a “Bomber Minnow” or “Mirror Lure”, MirrOdine 17mr suspending lure, will often produce exciting late winter striper action.

Trolling or casting minnow type plugs close to I-95 interstate bridges located on both rivers is an excellent February fishing tactic as well. Often over-looked by many area fishermen, drifting a live shrimp under a small float next to a deep bank in the mid reaches of Lofton Creek is a deadly February fishing tactic for a variety of both fresh and saltwater species. Include largemouth bass, stripers, seatrout, and the popular redfish.

Casting a ¼ ounce led head jig rigged with a Berkley Gulp shrimp in the “New Penny” color pattern is also a deadly late winter fishing tactic. Northeast Florida has multiple tidal rivers where both fresh and saltwater’s mix, harboring both fresh and saltwater game fish.

Largemouth bass weighing to 10-pounds will begin to spawn in many of these same tidal rivers and in the upper reaches of the creeks where the water is fresh. Several ten plus pound bass have been caught within a 100-yard stretch of river, below the Lofton Creek public boat ramp.

Best trophy bass tactic in all these bass filled creeks includes barbing a wild shiner and drifting it under a small float close to shoreline structure. The month of February will also find excellent seatrout and red bass fishing action in the deep turns of the intra-coastal waterway. Some of the best fishing action comes later in the afternoon when water temperatures are warmest when there is also a flooding tide.

One of the best inshore hot spots includes the deep-water channel that passes close to the broken concrete and docks located at the footsteps of Fernandina Beach’s “West Rock” paper mill. Once again look for some of the best action to come during an in-coming tide while fishing in water depths from ten to twenty feet of water. Drifting a live shrimp under a trout float is a deadly fishing tactic where sea trout may weigh over the six-pound range!

Redfish will be running during the falling tide where deep channels pass close to oysterbars, or under docks. Fish dead on the bottom with cut baits, or live shrimp. A traditional winter hot spot for redfish includes the deep turn in Lansford Creek where the fishy creek bends south and plenty of boat docks are located.

Some of the best offshore bottom fishing action comes at KBY artificial reef, which is located only five miles offshore of the St. Mary’s inlet.

Here bottom fishermen will find fields of broken concrete which came from the old Kings Bay Harbor. Bring along plenty of weights and hooks as the broken concrete is a magnet for terminal fishing tackle.

Look for excellent eating sheepshead, black sea bass, triggerfish, grouper, flounder, and red snapper action to come while fishing dead on the bottom with fresh local squid, cut bait, or live cigar minnows. Be sure and check the latest fishing regulations at www.myfwc.com, or www.fisheries.noaa.gov.

High speed trolling for wahoo is definitely the deadliest trolling tactic for hooking up to winter wahoo offshore of Northeast Florida during the cooler months of winter.

Popular high speed lures include C & H’s “Mr. Big”, “Wahoo Whacker XL” and the “American Express”. Effective high speed trolling speeds range from 12-18 knots depending on the seas and wahoo bite. Wahoo ranging from 20 to well over 100-pounds are commonly caught in water depths from 100 to over 1,000 feet of water off from Amelia Island.

Winter kingfish will be holding at the “Forty-Mile” and “Elton” bottoms while trolling with dead cigar minnows fished from downriggers at water depths from 40-75 feet of water. release your catch.

Bream will also be bedding in the upper reaches of these seldom fished tidal rivers. Fishing with a small piece of shrimp, or live cricket is key when bream fishing. Catfish will take a cut bait, fished dead on the bottom as well.l.

For more information and charters, call Amelia Angler Outfitters (904) 261-2870, or visit www.ameliaangler.com

OCEAN OUTBOARD MARINE

A SALES AND SERVICE DEALERSHIP

Blackened Cajun Redfish add some

Fun Fact: As hard as it may be to believe, blackening of fish has not ALWAYS been an important part of Cajun cooking. The famous Chef Paul Prudhomme perfected the method in the early 1980s while cooking at New Orleans’ signature Commander’s Palace and its become a staple element of Cajun cuisine since. For this month’s recipe I wanted to kick it up a notch and add a LOCAL home cooked feel as well as something with a little more HEAT to prepare us for the upcoming cool weather. I used a Florida company “Chef Kenny” spices a company based out of New Smyrna Beach, FL to help support our local fishing community. Try this recipe for blackened redfish and ENJOY. Happy Fall y’all!

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter, melted 2 pounds redfish fillets

3-4 tablespoons of Chef Kenny’s Bayau Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 lemons, halved

Cooking:

•Preheat grill or high heat (400-450 degrees) Preheat a 12-inch cast Iron-skillet on grill for 15 minutes

•Pour melted butter in a shallow dish. Dip each fillet in butter, turning to coat. Sprinkle both sides of fillets with Chef Kenny’s bayou Cajun seasoning; pat gently to coat.

•Add oil to skillet (oil should smoke); place fish in skillet. Cook, covered, until browned, 3-4 minutes. Turn, and cook, covered until fish flakes easily with a fork, 3-4 minutes more. Carefully remove

heat this winter

skillet from grill.

•Place lemons, cut side down on grill. Cook, covered until charred about 3-4 minutes. Serve with fish and Enjoy.

Serves: 6-8

Kacie Olsen is a 3rd generation Florida native raised in Stuart, Florida, the sailfish capital of the world. A strong passion for the outdoors lead her to pursue wild game and offshore fishing.

Regardless of the season, Kacie enjoys traveling across the US and aiding in conservation while creating lifelong memories with likeminded folks.

Kacie Olsen

Authorized Key West Dealer

Authorized Release Dealer

Hello Fellow Anglers, Our February General Meeting will be February 21th @ FishBites trading post address: 170 Nix Boat Yard Rd. St Aug FL, 32084 @6:30 pm. We will also be having our annual Chili cook off. Stop on by and check out the fun. There will be no kids club this week due to us traveling to an off location for the general meeting.

Inshore Angler Of The Month was Justin Jarriel. He caught 1 Flounder 1.30Lbs, & 2 Pompey Drum 2.40, & 2.30 Lbs For a total of 70 pts for the month. There was no Offshore Angler of the Month. Congratulations Anglers, well done! The Monthly Tournament in February is our Slam Tournament Redfish, Flounder, & Trout Heaviest combined weight of the 3 wins. March is our Black Drum Tournament. Make sure to come to the meeting to sign up!

Our March General membership meeting will be March 21st at the St Augustine Shrine Club Address: 250 Brainard dr St Augustine Fl 32086! We look forward to seeing you there. For more info visit our website @ www. acgfa.com

www.acgfa.com

Our Monthly Winners for December are as follows: Young Anglers Inshore Angler of the month Mckenzie Jarriel. She caught 1 witting 1.40 lbs & 1 Flounder 1.20 Lbs For a total of 50 pts for the month. There was no off-shore Angler of the month. For the General membership The

Approximate Correction Times +/- for Other regional Locations

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

Date Day Time Hgt Time Hgt Time Hgt Time Hgt

Palm Valley ICW: H: +2:20 L: +2:00

JAX Beach: H: -:29 L: -:20

St. Augustine Beach: H: -:07 L: -:15

St. A City Dock: H: -:04 L: +:09

01 Wed 05:14 AM 4.41 H 11:30 AM 0.48 L 05:43 PM 3.71 H 11:32 PM 0.17 L

02 Thu 06:05 AM 4.47 H 12:19 PM 0.32 L 06:31 PM 3.82 H

03 Fri 12:22 AM 0.00 L 06:50 AM 4.57 H 01:03 PM 0.13 L 07:13 PM 3.93 H

04 Sat 01:06 AM -0.16 L 07:31 AM 4.66 H 01:42 PM -0.04 L 07:52 PM 4.01 H

05 Sun 01:47 AM -0.27 L 08:09 AM 4.73 H 02:18 PM -0.15 L 08:29 PM 4.07 H

06 Mon 02:24 AM -0.30 L 08:45 AM 4.75 H 02:53 PM -0.18 L 09:04 PM 4.12 H

07 Tue 03:00 AM -0.25 L 09:21 AM 4.71 H 03:25 PM -0.15 L 09:38 PM 4.19 H

08 Wed 03:35 AM -0.14 L 09:56 AM 4.62 H 03:57 PM -0.07 L 10:13 PM 4.27 H

09 Thu 04:12 AM 0.01 L 10:32 AM 4.48 H 04:29 PM 0.03 L 10:49 PM 4.38 H

10 Fri 04:52 AM 0.17 L 11:09 AM 4.32 H 05:03 PM 0.13 L 11:28 PM 4.48 H

11 Sat 05:37 AM 0.32 L 11:50 AM 4.15 H 05:44 PM 0.21 L 12:12 AM 4.55 H

12 Sun 06:29 AM 0.43 L 12:35 PM 3.98 H 06:32 PM 0.26 L

13 Mon 01:03 AM 4.59 H 07:28 AM 0.48 L 01:29 PM 3.85 H 07:30 PM 0.25 L

14 Tue 02:04 AM 4.61 H 08:32 AM 0.45 L 02:32 PM 3.78 H 08:35 PM 0.14 L

15 Wed 03:13 AM 4.68 H 09:38 AM 0.30 L 03:41 PM 3.84 H 09:43 PM -0.09 L

16 Thu 04:23 AM 4.86 H 10:43 AM 0.03 L 04:48 PM 4.04 H 10:49 PM -0.45 L

17 Fri 05:28 AM 5.12 H 11:42 AM -0.34 L 05:49 PM 4.33 H 11:51 PM -0.87 L

18 Sat 06:26 AM 5.39 H 12:37 PM -0.73 L 06:45 PM 4.65 H

19 Sun 12:48 AM -1.24 L 07:20 AM 5.58 H 01:27 PM -1.07 L 07:37 PM 4.95 H

20 Mon 01:41 AM -1.48 L 08:10 AM 5.64 H 02:15 PM -1.28 L 08:28 PM 5.18 H

21 Tue 02:33 AM -1.53 L 08:59 AM 5.54 H 03:00 PM -1.33 L 09:17 PM 5.31 H

22 Wed 03:23 AM -1.38 L 09:46 AM 5.31 H 03:46 PM -1.21 L 10:05 PM 5.34 H

23 Thu 04:15 AM -1.06 L 10:34 AM 4.98 H 04:32 PM -0.94 L 10:54 PM 5.25 H 24 Fri 05:08 AM -0.65 L 11:22 AM 4.60 H 05:20 PM -0.58 L 11:43 PM 5.07 H 25 Sat 06:03 AM -0.20 L 12:11 PM 4.24 H 06:12 PM -0.19 L 26 Sun 12:34 AM 4.82 H 07:01 AM 0.21 L 01:05 PM 3.92 H 07:07 PM 0.17 L 27 Mon 01:29 AM 4.55 H 08:00 AM 0.54 L 02:05 PM 3.69 H 08:06 PM 0.45 L 28 Tue 02:32 AM 4.32 H 09:00 AM 0.75 L 03:11 PM 3.60 H 09:08 PM 0.61 L

TIPS FROM A PRO

FISH A BIG WORM FOR SPAWNING BASS

Over the next few months, waves of sh will ood the shallows to spawn. is presents the opportunity to catch some monster bass, and a plastic worm is always a main player for me when it comes to the spawn.

A Texas-rigged stickbait is a very common technique, but many people use it ine ciently by casting to a lot of dead water. I try to maximize productivity by casting to high-percentage targets. I focus on isolated cover. In the South, this could be small patches of grass and groups of pads, where spawning females are hidden from the naked eye. In other parts of the country, the structure might be wood or rock. Make multiple casts and work these areas slowly. I use a bigger-style stick bait, normally in the 6” version. Darker colors like a black and blue tip are my go-to. I use lighter 1/16- or 1/8-ounce weights to keep the bait looking natural. Use heavier line to cast around thick cover for large sh, but avoid braid which might be visible to sh in shallow water. I like 17- to 20-pound uorocarbon.

When I want to cover more water and locate sh, slowly reeling a big speed worm-style bait works great. e vibration the tail gives o drives sh crazy. It’s an awesome way to nd sh before slowing down to pick the area apart. I like darker colors like a junebug when the water has some stain and gravitate to more natural green pumpkin with some ake when the water is cleaner. I use ¼- to 1/8-ounce of weight and 15- to 17-pound uorocarbon.

A wacky rig is also e ective when sh are shallow. I sh it just like the Texas-rig in isolated cover, but I sh it weightless. is is great for heavily pressured sh. I use lighter line in the 10- to 15-pound range and a spinning rod for a wacky rig.

Flipping a worm is the last technique I will cover. is allows you to put a bait in places other styles don’t allow and e ciently pick apart heavy cover. I use a large Senko-style so plastic, and braided line is a must. I like 3/8 to ¾-ounce of weight, depending on the thickness of the cover. Remember, the only way to set yourself apart is to slow down and put your bait in places nobody else has.

Except for the wacky worm, rod and reel choices for each technique are similar. I like a longer 7’6” medium-heavy to heavy action rod for most worm shing. e 13 Fishing Omen Series has a few rods that are perfect for the job. I use a faster-speed reel like the Concept A 7:5:1.

For the wacky worm, I like a 7’ 3” spinning rod in medium-heavy. A reel with good drag is important, and I’d recommend the Axum from 13 Fishing.

Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcott shing.com.

TYLER WOOLCOTT

THE ABACOS ACKLINS ANDROS BIMINI CAT ISLAND ELEUTHERA THE EXUMAS HARBOUR ISLAND LONG ISLAND SAN SALVADOR

Since 1990, CraigCat has offered big performance in a compact, easy-to-use package! Their (DSTS) Dynamic Sport Tuned Suspension system, and (CHD) Calibrated Hull Design give you the smoothest ride and high-performance fun that no one else can duplicate, even in less than favorable conditions. Their (ASC) Automatic Stability Control gives the driver and passenger confdence in almost any conditions.

Whether it is fresh or saltwater, fshing or sightseeing, CraigCat has the right model for you! They have taken the CraigCat to a whole new level with the exclusive package. Loaded with amenities, the CraigCat E2 Elite features a premium JBL highdefnition sound system with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, custom deluxe bucket seats, full-width composite storage compartment, convertible Bimini top, ion docking, NAV, position, and LED courtesy deck light. They offer a wide range of accessories like the very popular GPS navigation system with down imaging sonar, wing storage racks for additional storage, polished stainlesssteel propeller, and the list goes on.

Portability is a big thing when it comes to boats. Not only is a CraigCat very portable with a total weight of 550 pounds, practically any car can tow a CraigCat with the combined weight of 800 pounds, boat and trailer. High quality and great value are what you get with a CraigCat.

With costs sky rocketing out of sight in the marine business, the CraigCat is very affordable. The E2 Elite 25hp model complete is only $13,485!

Here’s a memorable beach moment: You’re basking in the warm sun, toes in the sand, letting the gentle turn of the foam-capped waves lull you into a state of complete relaxation. As your eyes scan the endless horizon of blue on blue, you’re rewarded with a school of dolphins making their way across the sea. There’s no denying their signature shape as they leap from the water. If you don’t see anything else extraordinary the rest of the day, you can take solace knowing you’ve witnessed one of nature’s most playful and intelligent creatures in their natural habitat.

Why not re-create that special toes-in-the-sand moment with our Blue Topaz Dolphin Pendant? The beloved sea mammal has been captured mid-jump in sterling silver. And, tucked into its fins is a full two carats of shimmering blue topaz. Nothing captures the shimmering color of the ocean in the midday sun like blue topaz. With its sparkling clear blue color and high refractive index, blue topaz is one of the top-selling blue gemstones. And with our special price, you have quite the catch. Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Enjoy the Blue Topaz Dolphin Pendant for 30 days. If it doesn’t pass the test swimmingly, send it back for a full refund of the item price.

Limited Reserves. A full two carats of genuine blue topaz set in sterling silver for this price is as rare as a dolphin sighting. We cannot guarantee availability for long. Call today!

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary ®

BASSMASTER CLASSIC RETURNS TO THE TENNESSEE RIVER

The 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic—widely known as the “Super Bowl of Bass Fishing”—will be held March 24-26 in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee and on the University of Tennessee Campus.

e Bassmaster Classic is one of the world’s most prestigious championship tournaments and pits 55 of the world’s best bass anglers against one another for the title of Bassmaster Classic Champion. e Classic is a catch-and-release event, with bass being returned to the shery under the supervision of the TWRA.

Daily takeo s will be from Volunteer Landing on the Tennessee River in downtown Knoxville each competition day, and weigh-ins will take place in the ompson-Boling Arena on the University of Tennessee campus. e fan favorite Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo will be held Friday through Sunday, March 24-26 in the Knoxville Convention Center and the adjacent World’s Fair Exhibition Hall.

All activities and venues are free and open to the public.

For more information, visit Bassmaster.com.

B.A.S.S.

PHOTO BY SEIGO SAITO

C-Hawk Boats has made a name for itself among boaters who want no-nonsense, custom-purpose vessels that are designed to perform and built to last. Owner Brad Grubbs said their C-Hawk 25 Center Console is an endlessly customizable boat that has gained a lot of fans among charter captains who fsh them hard every day. “We have 10-plus guides using them on the west coast of Florida,” he said. “In Georgia and South Carolina, they’re using it as a small passenger ferry. In Chesapeake Bay, it’s a crab boat.”

At its core, the C-Hawk 25cc is a hard-core workhorse with a 300 horsepower maximum that will take you anywhere you need to go. Its 9’6” beam allows it to foat in very skinny water with just a 12” draft, and it is also extremely stable, which should appeal for bottomfshing, diving and any other pursuit where a stable platform is preferred. Whatever you plan to do with it, all C-Hawk boats are built battleship tough to commercial-application standards. They are designed to withstand hard use for years of trouble-free boating, and you can customize your C-Hawk from the factory in any way that suits your purpose.

“We can mix and match consoles, fsh boxes, full transoms, cut transoms, bare hulls… you name it,” Grubbs said. “There are some recreational guys adding towers and sight fshing for cobia, and such. Everything we do is built around keep it simple, keep it effcient, keep it easy to maintain, keep it cost effective to own and operate. They are all unique… no cookie cutter trailer queens here. The 25 is a great example of what C-Hawk is.”

CHAWKBOATS.NET

Old Pete was a retired stuntman bursting with stories. There was the time he stared down a grizzly bear. There was the time he won a competition and got to kiss a Hollywood starlet as the prize. And there was the time he got into a fistfight with the Duke. Many stories. Some were probably even true. I know two things for sure: that he had an excellent collection of turquoise and that he owed me for a poker game he lost. The last time I saw him, he opened a drawer and pulled out a collection of beautiful Navajo turquoise jewelry to repay his debt. Pete’s jewelry inspired our Tucson Sun Turquoise Collection. This jewelry set features turquoise that’s been gently enhanced to bring out its finest shades in a Southwestern motif. Finished with oxidized silver, this jewelry set captures the beauty and mystery of the Arizona desert. The rarest and most valuable turquoise is found right here in the American Southwest, but the future of the blue beauty is unclear. I recently spoke with turquoise traders who explained that less than 5% of turquoise mined worldwide can be set into jewelry. Once thriving, many Southwest mines have closed.

But Stauer saw this coming and is now one of the largest owners of gem-grade turquoise in the U.S. Don’t miss your chance to own the diamond of the desert. Act now. This is one of our fastest sellers, and we only have a limited supply of Arizona turquoise available for this ad. See why Stauer remains the best bang for your buck!

Jewelry Speci cations:

• Arizona turquoise. Oxidized silver finish. Ring: whole sizes 5-10. Pendant: 1 ¾" drop. Cuff: fits wrist to 7 ¼".

Stauer, 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. TSC130-01, Burnsville, MN 55337 www.stauer.com

Introduced in the New Product Showcase at ICAST 2022, the all-new MHX HD Rod Rack is the ultimate shing rod storage system with space for up to 20 of your favorite rods.

Constructed from Marine Grade HDPE material, it will never rot, warp or damage your tackle. Assembled with stainless steel hardware, no environment is o limits. Whether used on the dock for a post-trip wash down or just to help organize your garage and tackle room, this rod rack is a solid piece of equipment designed for serious anglers.

From y and light-tackle rods to heavy o shore rods, each rod’s ghting butt sits in CNC Milled recessed cups to add stability to all handle styles. e MHX HD Rod Rack has the size and the brawn to handle your full arsenal, indoors or outside. It even comes with four supports that lock in heavy duty bent butt o shore rods.

Measuring 26” x 16” x 8”, this heavy-duty, multi-purpose rod rack is easy to assemble and will nd a perfect place on your boat or dock, in the garage, or at the shop.

e MHX Rod Rack securely stores your rods, so they are ready at a moment’s notice. With an MSRP of only $229.95, you won’t nd a tougher, more versatile rod rack at such an amazing price. Shop for the MHX HD Rod Rack at mudhole.com today!

The Return of a

MUDHOLE.COM

Berkeley County, South Carolina

Berkeley County is a wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts, sports bu s, adventure seekers, and water lovers.

From exemplary fishing for striped bass, or a trophy largemouth bass, to our hiking trails and water activities, along with scenic outdoors where you can catch a glimpse of white tail deer and gators, Berkeley County has activities to fit all visitors and families.

Learn more about Berkeley County at: exploreberkeleycounty.com