Coastal Angler Magazine | April 2022 | Northeast Florida Edition by Coastal Angler Magazine

NORTHEAST FLORIDA EDITION

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BIG FISH IN LITTLE PLASTIC BOATS

PELAGIC HUNTING TOOLS

DOWNSIZE FOR INSHORE ACTION VOLUME 27 • ISSUE 325

PHOTO COURTESY OF JUSTIN HOOVER IG: @REDFISHING321 / YOUTUBE: THE BACKWATER ANGLER

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SIGHT FISHING By Nick Carter

“It’s about as close to Florida as you can get. You’re nglers are drawn to SUPs for many reasons. For Justin Hoover, the allure immersed in the mangroves,” Hoover said. “Most of a paddleboard is the style of fishing it of the time I’m alone for 10 or 12 hours a day on a paddleboard because nobody can reach where I’m at. allows. Hoover is from Brevard County, Florida. The fish… they’ve never seen people. It makes it really For more than 30 years, he has explored easy for me, and it makes it really enjoyable.” Hoover only targets fish he sees and studies their the backwaters and flats of central Florida’s Atlantic coast, where big fish push into super body language before making a cast. He can tell by skinny water that’s inaccessible to conventional looking if a fish is likely to eat his lure, particularly redfish, which clamp down their fins and “snake” along boats. “There’s nothing else better. It’s literally the shoreline when they’re actively feeding. “I’m looking for wakes, pushes, busts on the hunting, almost by foot,” he said of his passion. “I draft 2 inches. It makes it easier to travel to places shoreline and tails. If I’m not seeing any of that or you can’t reach, especially those back areas where seeing something that gives me that feeling there could big redfish will go back and pretty much retire for be a fish in this pocket, I’m moving on,” he said. Covering water quickly is Hoover’s primary tactic. the rest of their life.” Hoover’s platform of choice is a LIVE He advised newcomers to the sport to keep moving. “Cover the ground. That’s the easiest way to catch Watersports L2Fish board. It is a 12-foot catamaranstyle SUP that is super quiet and stable. He is a fish,” he said. “Don’t get stuck in one spot on a certain minimalist in terms of gear, preferring to hit the group of fish. Just constantly keep moving. You’ll end water with just a pocket full of lures, three rods up finding that fish that’s going to bite.” His favorite targets are redfish, snook, tarpon and and a cooler that serves as a seat and dry storage. He does most of his fishing with a medium-light black drum. “When I go out, all of them are on the list,” Hoover spinning rod and also carries a heavy spinning rod in case he sees a really big fish as well as a fly said. “I’m going down the line. I’m going straight to rod for subtle presentations. The lures he fishes their house, knocking on the door and saying, ‘Hey, are are mostly ultra-realistic Chasebaits soft plastics. you hungry today?’ If not, then I’m moving on to the He rarely throws topwater because the water is next fish.” It sounds like a lot of fun. so shallow that fish can’t get an angle on surface baits. Check out Justin Hoover on Facebook, Instagram and watch his Youtube channel The Backwater Angler.

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Suzuki Unveils New V6 for Performance Boats S uzuki Marine previewed the new flagship of its SS (Sport Series) motors at the Bassmaster Classic in March. This new engine, the DF250SS V6 4-Stroke, is a high-performance outboard engineered to deliver extra kick for today’s performance-based boats. It is sized and designed for bass boats, bay boats and shallowwater applications. New for 2022, the DF250ATSS is the first SS Series outboard to feature compatibility with Suzuki’s state-of-the-art Suzuki Precision Control (SPC) electronic shift and throttle system that will integrate with Suzuki’s Digital Pro-Pedal Foot Throttle. Suzuki SS outboards were created to bring powerful hole shot, strong mid-range pull and great fuel economy to anglers and boaters. Now, by integrating with Suzuki’s proven SPC system, boaters can add crisp, responsive shifting, silky smooth acceleration and sports car-like operation to the mix. In addition to Suzuki’s SPC integration, the new DF250SS features a new lower unit gear case with an asymmetrically designed skeg. This new design slices through the water efficiently for improved performance, while providing enhanced steering stability. Inside this streamlined case are powerful gears for delivering plenty of low-end torque and the ability to swing a larger propeller.

More options include the newly updated intake system, the updated Thrust Mount system to reduce engine vibration and deliver stable operation under high loads, and a new line of Watergrip propellers designed to enhance overall performance. The new Suzuki Big-Block V6 engine design ensures that the DF250ATSS not only delivers exhilarating hole shot, but also eye-watering acceleration all the way to wide-open throttle. Today’s premium performance boats need to look as good as they perform, and the new DF250SS also includes a new revised cowling design that features additional louvers, upper cover grips and new updated “SS” graphics. Suzuki continues with the popular Matte Black color as well as Suzuki’s optional new White. It is available in 20” (L) and 25” (XL) shaft lengths to accommodate different boat styles. In addition to the new DF250ATSS model, Suzuki is also adding a new 115hp SS outboard for 2022. Suzuki’s new DF115SS outboard is ideal for smaller bass boats, aluminum fishing boats, flats skiffs and other vessels that need high performance with light weight. With this latest inline 4-cylinder model added to the line-up, Suzuki Marine now offers a range of high-performance SS Series outboards in 115hp, 200hp and 250hp.

Like all Suzuki 4-stroke outboards, these new SS Series models are backed by the company’s leading 5-Year Limited Factory Warranty, providing anglers with the ultimate in confidence and security. To learn more about the new 250hp and 115hp additions to Suzuki’s popular SS Series family— or the company’s complete line of technically advanced 4-stroke outboards from 2.5 to 350 horsepower — contact Suzuki Marine USA headquarters at (813) 687-7200 or visit www.suzukimarine.com.

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APRIL 2022

NATIONAL 7

BIG FISH Kayak Catch & Release

ou’ve done it! Thousands of casts, dozens of early alarms, countless cups of coffee, and now there’s a monster fish on the hook, and from your kayak, no less! It’s a feat to be proud of. However, if you plan on releasing that fish, your attention should soon turn to proper handling techniques, which ensure safety for you and the fish. A sprinkle of chaos is expected when bringing a big fish into a small, plastic boat, but a few easy steps can ensure the fish goes home safely.

1. Keep Them Wet! Regardless of species, once you’ve netted or attached lip-grips to a fish, keep them in the water as much as possible. This is always true if you need to set up a camera, grab pliers or lay out a measuring board, and it’s especially important in summer months, when release mortality increases due to warmer water. I prefer to use lip grips on bigger catches, since it mitigates the need to untangle a large, fired up fish from a net. Storing commonly used tools nearby is also key, particularly in a kayak where space is limited. Once you’re set up, it’s time for a photo or a measurement!

By Matt Stone

2. Holding Techniques If there’s one thing anglers universally love, it’s the “hero shot.” You know, the one where you and maybe your buddy grin widely while posing with a monster catch. I’m a big fan of hero shots, and of taking them properly. Handling the fish safely is key here, and that means keeping hands away from their gills, holding them horizontally and supporting their belly. Never weigh big fish vertically on a scale. This point is often debated in angling circles, and I respect both schools of thought, but I go with horizontal holds because I think the photos come out better. With length and girth measurements, you can figure out a rough weight, anyway. Now, smile big and grab that picture… and no straight-arming!

3. Respect and Revive Properly reviving big catches is important. It ensures continuity of strong genetics, allows a future angler a chance at the same fish, and it simply feels good knowing you’ve encountered an incredible animal and returned it home safely. Face the fish into current, open its mouth, and if possible, pedal or paddle your kayak to get water flowing over their gills. Revival can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. A fish is ready to go when it raises its dorsal spines and lightly clamps onto your hand, or straight up kicks off and swims away like a rocket. If you don’t already emphasize this process, I encourage you to not only take revival time, but to enjoy it! Thank the fish, watch them swim off and get casting again! Everyone should have a process for catch-and-release fishing. Above all, if you plan on releasing a fish, show it respect and reverence for the experience it has given you. Matt Stone is a teacher from Chester, Conn. and a pro staffer for Old Town and Daiwa as well as a member of the Black Hall Outfitters Fishing Team. Check him out on Instagram @sunrisekayakfishing.

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APRIL 2022

NATIONAL 9

YAMAHA 210 FSH

here’s something unmistakably cool about the iconic design of center console boats. They are the sports utility vehicle of the boating world. Yamaha’s 210 FSH center console boats are a modern take on the classic center console design, focusing on greater versatility made possible by Yamaha’s patented jet-drive technology. Unlike other center console brands with outboard motors that dominate the stern, the 210’s dual engines and driveline are housed in the hull underneath the captain’s leaning post, providing a true 360-degree experience perfect for fishing. And because no outboard motor lower units are protruding under the boat, the shallow draft can get you in and out of places that other center console boats can’t access. These boats include all the features fishing enthusiasts require as well as family features perfect for an entire day out on the water to include watersports, swimming and lounging – all in the same boat and at a competitive price starting under $46,000. The 210 FSH is available in two variations, the 210 FSH Deluxe and 210 FSH Sport. The 210 FSH Deluxe comes with wiring for dual batteries, stainless steel rub-rail, head compartment curtain, a trolling motor mount, and premium seating/cushions. The 210 FSH Sport comes with Deluxe features and the addition of a custom T-top. Both models come with Yamaha’s award-winning TR-1 High Output marine engines. Located under the starboard bow seat is an insulated fish locker, and there is a dedicated locker for a full-size Danforth anchor. There is more storage below the port bow seat, in the sole, and inside two large consoles. In front of the helm console is more seating, and the console lifts to reveal an extra deep, large storage area that can also serve as a changing room or a head compartment. The helm is thoughtfully designed with convenient access to all boat control switches, a locking glove box, and an open area to flush mount electronics such as a fishfinder, a GPS unit and other marine electronics. The 210 FSH comes equipped with Yamaha’s 4.3-inch Connext Touchscreen Display, which is NMEA compatible to send vital engine information to third-party electronics. The transom area on the FSH Series is unlike any other center console

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SPECIFICATIONS Yamaha 210 FSH LENGTH: 21’ 3” WEIGHT: 3,003 lbs. BEAM: 8’ 6” DRAFT: 17” DEADRISE: 20 degree SEATING CAPACITY: 10 FUEL CAPACITY: 50 Gallons boat on the market. Since the engine and drive train are mounted in the hull, the entire back of the boat is open for unobstructed casting, towing and enjoying activities at the stern. Moreover, the boat’s leaning post is convertible and can be flipped back toward the helm for added comfort and versatility. The 210 FSH features Yamaha’s signature two-tier swim platform that sits low at the water’s edge. A retractable stern ladder makes reboarding after swimming a breeze. The transom also includes a tow eye for watersports. And like all Yamaha boats, the 210 FSH features Yamaha’s patented clean-out ports that allow for removing debris from the jet pump without having to get in the water or swim under the boat. VISIT WWW.YAMAHABOATS.COM TO LEARN MORE.

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NATIONAL 11

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GO HOG WILD

By Will Schmidt

t wasn’t that long ago when we all thought the only way to get hogfish was to take a plunge with a spear gun. Now-a-days, it’s considered one of the most action-packed trips you can take, albeit a lot of the action is weeding through the plethora of other fish that come to the party.

Despite decades of thinking hook-and-line hogfishing was impossible, they are actually easy to catch. Tackle requirements are very modest; medium spinning tackle is plenty stout. Rigging is simple, too, a knocker rig with a 2-ounce egg sinker and a #4 circle hook is all you need. No swivel is needed to separate the sinker and hook, as you want your bait right on the bottom. Let the sinker slide all the way to the hook. Hog Balls can be deadly as well, but remember when using natural bait a circle hook is a must (it’s the law). Other than that, you’ll need plenty of shrimp, 4 to 5 dozen per person. Hogfish tend to hang out in areas with plenty of grunts, triggerfish and small grouper, which all seem to be much quicker to eat than hogfish. You’ll need to weed through their friends to get to your hogfish dinner. The good news is, all the other fish lead to an action-packed adventure perfect for kids and impatient anglers, alike. Many people use whole shrimp, but I’ve found half shrimp are equally effective and help the bait go further. Finding hogfish is not that difficult either. They like good hard bottom, especially areas with sea fans and nice ledges. You’ll need to start in at least 35 feet, and I’ve had great trips all the way out to 100 feet and deeper. If you don’t already have a few spots in your arsenal, mapping software like Garmin’s Navionics Vision+ can help you find good places to start. You can even use it on a tablet to scout spots from your couch before you go. Once you are there, if the action isn’t almost immediate, move to the next spot. These fish tend to hang out around hungry schools of buddies. The fun really starts once hogfish join the party. They are hard fighters and unlike the others that tend to just pull straight down, hogs will run side to side and are a blast on light tackle. Best of all, hogfish make great table fare and taste similar to snapper, which they are often misclassified as. They are actually a species of wrasse. It is important to be careful handling undersized fish. Hogfish are hermaphrodites. All of them are females until they reach a certain size and maturity when some become males. Since smaller fish are crucial to reproduction, they should be handled gingerly to give them the best chance at survival. Will Schmidt is a seasoned tournament angler who has been writing about fishing from more than two decades. For a great hogfish trip, contact Capt. Troy Leaf at Sureelfishing.com.

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College Scouts Witness Stellar High School Fishing on “The Big O”

his spring marked the launch of a much-anticipated partnership between NSR Fishing and Florida BASS Nation at the South Trail and Spring Trail events at Lake Okeechobee. The mission for NSR (National Scouting Report) is simple. NSR Fishing is building a database of qualified high school anglers for use by college coaches across the country. Florida produces some of the best talent in tournament bass fishing, and NSR scouts were excited to get out on the “Big O” to identify young anglers showcasing their skills and knowledge of the lake. National Scouting Report CEO Rusty Rigney was honored to be the keynote speaker for the Florida BASS Nation pre-tournament meeting. Glenn Cale, Florida BASS Nation Director, said as he introduced Rigney: “NSR has been working with athletes and their families in traditional sports for over 40 years. Now, they are here to see what you Florida anglers are all about.” Rigney detailed the full NSR program with the anglers and their families. He told them: “We are looking for the best anglers in the state of Florida. It’s not just about wins and finishes, it’s about becoming the complete angler that can bring real value to a collegiate program.” Saturday, Feb. 12 set up perfect with bluebird skies and more than 170 South Trail anglers hitting the water. NSR scouts were out filming and evaluating many teams in the points race for the year, but there was also a lot of buzz about a few teams that had large bags of fish. At weigh-ins, Connor Swindle and Max Lofton of the Hendry County HS Bassmasters placed third with 20.15 pounds. Michael John Teate jr. and Evan Newell of Mid Florida Youth Anglers finished second with 21.88 pounds.

bl Drew Pitts and Luke Romesburg of the Tampa Bay Jr Bass Club stole the show and took home first place with a giant five-bass limit of 32.18 pounds. Sunday welcomed another 170-plus boats for the Spring Trail tournament. NSR scouts were anxious to get on the water to see how young anglers would adjust to higher winds and rain that were moving in early Sunday. Many predicted lower weights. However, six high school anglers from the Okeechobee Brahmans team proved everyone wrong, taking the top three spots. Joshua King and Hunter Daniels brought in the heaviest sack of the day with 30.35 pounds. Behind them were Lane Davis and Korbyn Lewes with 24.81 pounds. Third place went to Rafe Sexton and Hillary Martin with 23.16 pounds. With two 30-plus-pound bags of fish and many over 20, several Florida high school anglers made a case to be considered NSR 5 Star Anglers. NSR Fishing’s search for the best anglers in the country continues over the next couple months with scouts heading to legendary fisheries like Lake Guntersville, Lake Seminole and Lake Palestine, where more of the best anglers in the country will show off their skills.

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By Richard Matteson

April Surf Fishing on the Treasure Coast

pril is windy and will be the last good month of fishing for many of the winter fish like pompano, mackerel and bluefish, before they move north. Some of these fish, especially bluefish, will remain but in relatively small numbers. Pompano can be caught all month on the beach with orange fish bites and sand fleas. In the Indian River Lagoon, try jigging from the bridges with pompano jigs (chartreuse or hot pink) on moving tides. I’ve also caught random pompano in the lagoon on ¼-ounce jigs with a 4-inch tail (white). Permit have also been caught on the beach on small crabs, fish bites or large sand fleas. Both permit and pompano are usually 50 to 70 yards offshore. The mackerel bite is still good on the beach early in the morning and when bait is present. The early morning bite is in the trough around the close breakers. Small spoons (1-ounce silver crocodile or gold Johnson spoons) with treble hooks seem to work best, but the fish will hit any lure retrieved quickly near the surface. The mackerel are still in the Peck’s Lake area, where you need to fish from a boat. The bluefish bite has been sporadic with fish chasing bait. The bluefish bite has been best in early morning or when bait is present. Some large snook are being caught in deeper water of the St. Lucie River both North and South forks, at the Crossroads and around deep piers and bridges. Large Tomahawk jigs and live or cut bait fished early in the morning, at dusk or at night work the best. There are still some snook on the beach, but rarely. April is a month you can harvest one snook between the 28”- 32” slot. Trout are scattered in the lagoon and can be caught on jigs and topwater lures like a Skitterwalk or Zara Spook on warm afternoons. The best trout areas are north from the power plant to the Vero Beach flats. The flounder bite is still good on small jigs and live bait on the flats and around the bridges. Some redfish have been caught on jigs tipped with live shrimp from the power plant north. It’s best to target mangroves on high tide in the afternoon. As usual, there are scattered schools of ladyfish and jacks cruising the beaches. Some nice jacks in the 5- to10-pound range have been taken on jigs and shallow-running crankbaits. The ladyfish and jack bite has been good when bait is present. Remember, see the birds, find the bait, catch the fish! Richard Matteson is a long-time contributor to Coastal Angler Magazine who is dedicated to Stuart Rod and Reel Club. Contact him at (336) 414-3440.

6 FLORIDA

APRIL 2022

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C MLF PRO MATT STEFAN AND MUD HOLE CUSTOM TACKLE JOIN FORCES

ud Hole Custom Tackle, the world leader in rod building and custom tackle crafting, and Matt Stefan, established Major League Fishing professional and custom rod builder, have agreed to an exclusive sponsorship for the 2022 MLF season. “On the water and off, Matt Stefan is a true professional and has really established himself as one of Major League Fishing’s top contenders,” said Steve Sweeney, Managing Director of Marketing & Communications at Mud Hole Custom Tackle. “The fact that Matt has proven great success on the water with his own custom-built rods makes him an ideal angler to promote our core business. We are so pleased to grow our relationship with Matt and we look forward to an amazing 2022 season.” Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Matt Stefan is a 7-time FLW Forrest Wood Cup/MLF Title Championship qualifier with three top 10 placements in MLF competition and over $500,000 in career earnings. When not tackling largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass on the tour with his custom-built rods, Matt enjoys following the stock market and fishing for fun with his wife and two sons in their hometown of Junction City, WI. “I’m really excited about collaborating with the Mud Hole team and taking our relationship to the next level,” said Stefan. “I’ve been building custom rods with Mud Hole, MHX and CRB for years and have enjoyed incremental success every season. I’m looking forward to sharing my passion for professional fishing and for custom rod building with anglers everywhere.” For more information, visit mudhole.com.

8 FLORIDA

APRIL 2022

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$70K IN PRIZES FOR 10 PINK-TAGGED BASS

n celebration of the 10th season of the TrophyCatch program, FWC is releasing 10 largemouth bass with pink tags into Florida waters. Anglers who catch and properly report one of these 10 bass will be eligible for part of up to $70,000 in total prizing. At presstime, FWC had already announced four locations where pink-tagged bass were released. More locations were to be announced via social media. Here’s a quick look at the four locations known to hold pink-tagged bass. Newnans Lake: A 5,800-acre Fish Management Area in Alachua County about 2 miles east of Gainesville, Newnans is surrounded by cypress trees, which makes for a fun flip-andpitch fishery when the water is high. There are also areas of sparse grass and water lilies. Lake George: A 46,000-acre natural impoundment of the St. Johns River that is mostly less than 10 feet deep, Lake George is in Volusia County east of Ocala, and it is known for producing trophy-class bass. Lake Talquin: Just west of Tallahassee in Gadsden and Leon counties, Lake Talquin is a nationally recognized crappie fishery. This 8,800acre reservoir is also a very good place to catch big largemouth bass. Talquin is deep for a Florida

lake, averaging 15 feet with a maximum depth of about 40 feet, and the most prevalent structure is submerged stumps and woody cover. Lake Walk-in-Water: A 7,528-acre natural lake in Polk County west of Lake Wales, Walkin-Water is a lesser-known Florida bass fishery that produces some great largemouth fishing for both numbers and size. A typical Florida fishery, it is shallow with lots of vegetation. Drifting live shiners and working topwater lures are two of the more productive strategies. Here are the rules to be eligible for prizes: • Pink-tagged bass must be caught by hook and line. • Cut the tag as close to the bass as you can and retain the tag. • Photo or video document the entire bass on a scale with a readable weight to be submitted to the TrophyCatch Program. • Live release the fish into the same waters where it was caught. • Report the tag to the number on the tag and retain it for verification. For more information, visit trophycatchflorida.com.

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NORTH FLORIDA 1

Florida Approves Limited Harvest of Goliath Grouper I

n spring of 2023, Florida will allow limited harvest of goliath grouper for the first time in more than 30 years. This highly regulated recreational harvest in state waters will be conducted via a random-draw lottery, in which 200 harvest tags will be issued to lucky anglers. Goliath grouper are iconic to the history of fishing in Florida. They are the largest grouper in the Atlantic, growing up to 8 feet long and reaching weights up to 800 pounds. They inhabit shallow tropical waters of the Atlantic, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, where they are structure oriented, which makes them an easy target for anglers. During the 1980s, overharvest led to such a dramatic population crash that goliaths were considered for listing under the endangered species act. The Florida fishery was closed in 1990, and over the last three decades stocks have rebuilt to a point where fisheries managers have decided to tentatively re-open the door to harvest. Anglers will not, however, be allowed to keep massive goliaths like the 680-pound IGFA world record caught off Fernandina Beach in 1961. During spring of 2023, from March 1-May 31, there will be slot limit of 24 to 36 inches. The largest fish allowed for harvest will likely weigh in the 30-pound range, and only 200 anglers will even get a shot at their limit of one fish per season. A maximum of 50 fish will be allowed from Everglades National Park. Here’s how it will work. For a $10 fee, anglers will enter a random-draw lottery. Selected anglers will receive a non-transferable permit and tag at a cost of $150 for Florida residents and $500 for non-residents. Spearfishing will not be allowed. Allowable gear is hook-and-line only. Harvest will not be allowed in Federal waters. Open areas will be all Florida state waters except those of Martin County south through the Atlantic coast of the Keys, all of the St. Lucie River and its tributaries, and Dry Tortugas National Park. Anglers who catch their goliath will also be subject post-harvest requirements designed to gather data for research and future management of the fishery. After harvest, anglers will be asked to report data from their catch and submit a fin clipping for genetic analysis. “After decades of closure to this fishery, we welcome this opportunity for a highly regulated, limited take of goliath grouper,” said FWC Commissioner Robert Spottswood. “In addition, the post-harvest data reporting will help guide future management decisions for this species.” This limited harvest was approved by the FWC in March. For more information, visit myfwc.com.

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WC approved a couple changes to the statewide alligator harvest program at its March meeting. If adopted at the May meeting, these changes would take effect for the 2022 gator season. The proposed improvements would allow program participants an additional seven hours a day of hunting opportunity and add airbows take. with a tethered arrow as a legal method of

PHOTO BY CAPT. JIMMY NELSON

Changes Proposed for Gator Season

These proposals would provide greater flexibility for hunt participants while continuing the management of Florida’s alligator resource for sustainability. The additional hunting hours would eliminate concerns about fully landing an alligator before the current 10 a.m. ending time and provide more flexibility when scheduling hunting trips. Currently, hunting hours during the statewide recreational alligator hunting season are 5 p.m. to 10 a.m. Those areas that currently limit alligator hunting hours are likely to continue with those restrictions if this proposal is approved as final rule. Adding precharged pneumatic airbows to the legal methods of take for the statewide alligator harvest provides a new effective way to initially secure a line to the animal to safely gain control of it. The arrow must be attached to a restraining line that is tethered to the airbow or boat. Airbow use would also benefit hunters with mobility challenges and youth or smaller-framed hunters. Airbows weren’t commercially available when the statewide alligator harvest methods were last updated. These proposed changes were supported by

the Alligator Management Program’s technical assistance group and FWC’s alligator management standing team. In addition, the FWC is seeking input on proposed changes throughout the rulemaking process. Stakeholders were invited to provide input on the proposals through an in-person workshop, webinars, an online poll for alligator hunters, an online commenting tool, targeted mail-out surveys for lakeside residents, and email blasts. Based on the results of this feedback, stakeholders largely support the proposed rule amendments. Commissioners will consider the proposed rule changes for final adoption at their May 2022 meeting. If approved as final rules in May 2022, they would take effect in time for the upcoming 2022 statewide alligator harvest season. Alligators are a conservation success story in Florida. The state’s alligator population, which was included on the original Federal Endangered Species List in 1967, is now estimated at 1.3 million alligators of every size. The population has been stable for many years and continues to remain healthy. Since 1988, Florida’s statewide alligator harvest has been nationally and internationally recognized as a model program for the sustainable use of a renewable natural resource. Each year, alligator management units are established with harvest quotas that provide recreational opportunities for people from Florida and beyond and maintain alligator populations at targeted levels. Learn more about these proposed rule changes and provide input at MyFWC.com/Alligator.

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APRIL 2022

NORTH FLORIDA 3

By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

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s a charter captain, I have never booked a fishing charter. I can appreciate, however, the shot-in-the-dark people make when booking a trip. Scouting a charter in a place you’ve never been must be nerve wracking. The significant cost of a trip is something many groups can only afford to splurge on once in a lifetime. There are the factors of weather, fishing seasons, the experience of the captain and the quality of the vessel to be considered. I’ve had clients who, after speaking with them on the phone, show up looking nervous. Soon after we start fishing, they relax and admit they really didn’t know what to expect. You don’t know what you don’t know. Don’t feel insecure about asking questions of a charter captain. If you are new to fishing, you want a patient crew who will help you feel confident in your abilities by the end of a charter. A captain who is unaccommodating on the phone might be the same on the boat. Toss out a silly question or two and see how they handle it. This is a great way to find out who is going to be a good fit, especially if you’re bringing children. It is completely OK to ask questions, especially once you have a charter in the books. We want you to enjoy your trip, and communication helps us tailor a day to fit your needs. Most charter captains do this job because they love it. The good ones want you to love it, too. I advise prioritizing a captain who loves being on the water. The crew that fishes on their days off are the ones who will hold nothing back to ensure your best shot at an epic day on the water. Another factor that is too often left as a surprise for first-time bookers is that the charter business is a tipping industry. For many deckhands, a tip is the majority, or sometimes, the entirety of their pay. It may come as a shock to some, after seeing their deckhand work their tail off, that they are not making a chunk of the charter cost. The truth is, there are many expenses that go into making your day possible, charter businesses pocket very little when it’s all said and done. With the spike in fuel costs, I would not be surprised if businesses compensate through the wages of their bright-eyed deckhands. A 20 percent tip is standard, but every company handles crew pay and tip distribution differently. A charter without a deckhand doesn’t mean you shouldn’t tip. Captains like tips, too, especially if they are doing twice the work. Along with good reviews, cost and lots of pretty pictures, finding a compatible crew is arguably the most important factor. After all, these will be the people you share your adventure and memories with. Capt. Quinlyn Haddon captains a boat with Blue Magic Charters; 504-920-6342; Ig: @captainquinlyn.

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ACGFA - April By Steve Stombock

t our March meeting we changed things up a bit and had dinner catered instead of a member preparing. Everyone enjoyed and complimented the food so this will be the norm going forward. No prep very little clean up it’s a win win. Our in club offshore tournaments will now pay 2 places $300. 1st $200. 2nd. Last months Slam Tournament results 1st Zachary Timmons $150. 2nd Rob Nevins $100. and 3rd Chuck Dykes $50. Our inshore young angler of the month for February is Colin Nelson inshore angler of the month Zachary Timmons and offshore angler of the month Eddie Gatchell. Our month long black drum tournament continues and our Speaker was Leroy Kinlaw who provided some tips on where to find them and some bait presentations. Next month is our Spring Offshore Trolling Tournament. All tournaments are free to enter for club members, Take advantage of all the opportunities our family-friendly club offers and join up today. We’d love to see you at our next meeting! The next ACGFA club meeting will be held on April 19, 2022 at the St.

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Fishing Report & Forecast Mayport By Capt. Kirk Waltz

ur weather in March was anything but stellar. Cold fronts piled up one on another coupled with some days of heavy winds made fishing a little tough. I hope with the penning of this article that it’s finally settled down. That in mind the fishing at the big rocks should be getting off to a bang. Redfish, trout, sheepshead, ringtails, and black drum should be moving in good numbers at the big stones. Warming weather should bring in the early schools of bait and will incite greater numbers than we experienced last month. I look for the lower tides for reds, drum, and sheepshead. Also look for jacks and Spanish to begin to show. Try to locate slower moving water with clarity being the key. Fish, like most people whom avoid smoke, prefer the clearer water to breathe and locate food. Try live shrimp, fiddlers, cut mullet, and cut blue crab for the best results. I like to pitch small jigs against the rocks with shrimp or fiddlers and switch to mullet or crabs in deep water 30-43ft to locate the fish. A lot of times the oversized reds and black drum will locate on the edge of the channel adjacent to the rocks. Try to remember that a bulk of these fish will be oversized. Release the big ones back so they can make babies. Always bring a venting tool so the large fish can be released unharmed. A light tackle rod like a Shimano Stradic 3000 with a 7.5 ft rod is perfect for the light tackle stuff and a Shimano Saragosa 10000 on a 7ft Shimano Blue Water jigging rod is a great bottom rod. Try the new Power Pro in white or green braid for outstanding results in 15 -30lb. I really like its casting and non-bird nesting characteristics, good stuff! The Mayport basin west into the ICW should be holding great numbers of trout, sheepshead, reds, drum feeding on the edges. Outflow areas down from creek mouths are excellent ambush points. Small jigs tipped with shrimp or mud minnows can be deadly on the very last of the falling tides. Sisters Creek, Hannah Mills, Sherman’s Creek, Garden

etc. are great spots to check too! Don’t over look docks and bridges in these spots too. The Wonderwood Bridge is a great spot to fish with some effort. This is also a great time of the year to throw your favorite top water lure. The offshore scene last month was great when you could dive out to the party grounds from RL to the PV grounds. Black Sea bass and red snapper were in great numbers and I see that trend just getting better as the water warms ever so slightly. Remember red snapper are closed so release them unharmed. Cut squid, cut cigar minnows, and big live shrimp will produce some great action. In March I found the better fishing was in 70-80ft of water. This time of the year kicks off our migration of bait and predators. Look for Jacks and Spanish to show first with cobia in close approximation. I love to find those first pogie pods and catch a net full then return a livey on a Carolina rig back to the middle of the pod. Bull reds, Jacks, sharks and cobia could be lurking close by. Check the local Party ground wrecks and reefs for bait this month too. Some sardines and cigar minnows will show if the water warms up nicely. A number 6 sabiki rig should put a few in the live well for bottom fishing or pitching should you see something. This month should kick the fishing off to a bang so get out!. Capt. Kirk Waltz can be reached for charters by calling 904.241.7560 or 904.626.1128 or go to www.Enterprisefishingcharters.com . He can also be heard every Sat. from 7am to 10am on the Outdoors Show on 1010am or 92.5fm with Capt. Kevin Faver and Jeff Lageman giving out tides, weather, and local fishing reports.

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Turkey Breast Popper Kacie Olsen Ingredients • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil • 1/2 yellow onion, diced • 1 to 2 seeded and diced jalapeños or 1/2 cup jarred jalapeño slices, chopped • 1 side of a wild turkey breast • 2 tablespoons Traeger Chicken Rub (or rub of your choice) Salt and black pepper to taste • One 8-ounce block of cream cheese, room temperature • 1/2 cup Traeger Texas Spicy BBQ Sauce (or BBQ sauce of your choice) • 1 pound sliced bacon Cooking: • Start by adding the oil to a skillet and sautéing the onions and peppers over medium heat until the onions are soft and cooked through, 7 to 10 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the mixture to cool. • Starting about halfway up one side, slice mostly through the turkey breast, cutting parallel to the board. Don’t slice all the way through. Fold the turkey breast open like a book. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the Traeger Chicken Rub over the meat. Season lightly with salt and black pepper. on the remaining chicken rub. • Weave the bacon into a mat: Lay half of the slices side by side vertically on a cutting board. Weave the remaining slices horizontally in and out of the vertical slices to form a woven mat. Set the turkey breast along one side of the bacon and stretch the woven mat over the turkey, tucking it in at the bottom so that the turkey is fully enclosed in bacon. • Place the turkey on your preheated Traeger Grill at 225 degrees with the Super-smoke function (if equipped) turned on. Smoke for 2 hours. Increase the temperature to 275 degrees for 1 more hour or until the thickest part of the turkey reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit on a digital thermometer. • Allow the turkey to rest, lightly tented with foil, for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. Hunter Tip: Bacon will keep wild game from drying out on the grill. Bacon-wrapped popper-style game meat, be it duck, dove, venison, or • In a bowl, mix the cooled onion and jalapeño with the softened wild turkey, is always a crowd favorite. cream cheese. • Spread the mixture down the center of the turkey. Fold the breast closed over the cream cheese filling. • Brush the surface of the Turkey with the BBQ sauce, then sprinkle

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.

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APRIL 2022

NORTHEAST FLORIDA 9

Fishing Report St. Johns River / Green Cove Springs By: CAM Staff

pring is in the air First up will be the ending of the Specks. These beauties have given it their all. Most of the creeks showed us good numbers, as well as the area lakes. The last of it should be this month, with an upswing in War Mouth in the grass. These thick-sided babies taste great and fight like there's no tomorrow. And when deep fried taste great. Cornmeal, great big skillet, some peanut oil and hushpuppy mix and some good old fashion coleslaw and you're off to the races. So have at it, if you're so inclined. Next will be the Large Mouth. By mid April most of the Bass have

bedded but still might be a few big girls looking to spawn. But the post spawn is a great time because they will be hungry after all that sex. LOL Look for cruising and feeding and schooling out on the sand bars far away from shore. Schoolies will be after Shad on the surface. So small shad imitating slow sinking lures work best. Shiners, plastic worms and crank baits work well around the out edges of the weediness and pads in shallow water but near deeper water. Also don’t forget top water early in the mornings. Thats still my most favorite way to catch largemouth. Bream/Shell Crackers will be on the sand and shell bars in a little deeper water and not quite ready to spawn yet. Use Grunt worms and Wigglers and even blue crabs Its messy but crack open the shell and dig the meat out of the knuckle and string it on a small gold aberdeen hook with a buckshot size split shot and fish on the bottom. Use the discarded shell and innards to chum them up. It works great. Redfish will be on those same shell bars that stick way out into the river at various areas in our region of the river. Just ask around the bait shops to find out the best areas. chunks of Crabs and fresh dead shrimp are the best bait. Croakers and a few yellow mouth trout mostly south of the stands bridge and the deep holes and outer edges of points in the river. Mullet should be getting better each day with warmer weather. White worms and chum is the way to go. The shands bridge on the east side before the actual structure is the best place. Use a small piece of worm on a small bream hook…

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SPRING TIME GATORS By Eddie Cabler

ts that special time of year, the birds are chirping and the Azaleas are in bloom. This is always natures sign that its time to target Trophy speckled trout here in North Florida. If you ever wanted to target a true giant, this is the time to do it. Once a trout gets to that special 7+ pounds it is a different animal. They are extremely violent and vicious and will eat baits half their size. Nothing gets a heart beating like a large Trout violently head shaking on the surface to try and throw the hooks on a plug. I fish the St johns river almost exclusively for my big trout. These fish in north Florida are big and mean. These are deep water fish that fight heavy strong currents all day everyday. These fish aren’t lazy or docile, they are thick, strong and violent. Depending on how much rain we have received over the past few weeks will dictate where I start. If we have had very little rain fall I will start fishing around downtown Jacksonville to the Ortega area. If it is a average rain for the month I will fish from Arlington to Blount Island. If we have had a-lot of heavy rain I’m fishing closer to the inlet. One thing that always stays consistent for me no matter if I’m fishing Ortega or Mayport is im always looking for heavy structure. Rocks, Docks, Bridges, and Bulkheads will always get my attention. This time of year I’m looking for water between 5-9ft, I always try to fish the last of the incoming and the 1st of the outgoing tides. Water seems to always be the cleanest at this time. If I pull up to a spot and drop the trolling motor and the water looks stirred up or sandy I will just continue to move until I find clean water. Clean water is probably the most important factor to me right behind water temperature. Water temperature from 72-78 degrees is my magic numbers. You throw in a new moon and you are almost always certain to catch you a Trophy Trout.

When it comes to baits these are a few I always have tied on. This time of year I’m throwing hard baits exclusively looking for larger fish. These 3 baits will always stay in rotation this time of year for me. 1st and my absolute favorite is the L30 MirrOlip by MirrOlure. This is a lipped bait that goes 3-5ft per the package but with lighter line I can run this bait 6-8ft. This bait I love fishing around rocks and docks. The way I fish this bait is a hard snap snap pause. I always try to have a strong cadence. Around 98% of the bites will come on the pause. I will throw this bait on a 1000 size spinning reel spoiled with 10lb braid and 15lb fluro leader. I like it paired up with a medium lite 6’6-6’8 rod with extra fast tip. I prefer a rod with a short butt, the shorter rod helps with casting in tight areas like docks and also helps alot with more snap. Another bait

I like to throw is the 27mr by Mirrolure, this is a twitch bait that fishes 1-3ft. I love throwing this bait over rocks and places like Mill Cove. Im using the same setup as Im throwing the L30 with. Last but not least is another MirrOlure bait and the O.G of the 3 which is catch 2000. This bait I throw around edges and flooded rocks on the high end of the tides. This bait is a twitch bait which I fish with long pauses. This is a larger profile plug and extremely hard for big trout to refuse. For this bait Im throwing a bait caster with 30lb braid and 20lb leader on a 6’9 casting rod. When it comes to colors I’m a natural color guy. If I am fishing dark stained water then I’m throwing dark color baits, clean clear water I’m throwing light natural colors. Noise also plays a factor, I don’t fish baits with to much rattle, I like a very subtle sound. Just enough to help the fish locate the bait in stained water. When the water is extremely clear, I will take my new plugs and scuff up the finish to take away some of the flash. These few little details help me get just a few extra bites. Some of my best big trout days are between April and May. They also always seem to fall 3 to 5 days before and after a new moon. I remember one day in particularly where the bite was just on. In a short 3 hour window I caught a dozen trout in the 3-5lb class with a 7 pounder and a 9 pounder mixed in. The fish that day were hitting the plugs so violently the shock wave would rip through the rod all the way up your arm. Days like that happen this time of year more often than not. These big trout are mostly fin feeders, thats why I throw baits that mimic a bait fish. Remember to always take great care of these big girls. Releasing these big females is a must to insure the future stock of this great fishery..

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

ts April folks Thats means Mahi time!! This is the magical month for our annual Dolphin run. With the full moon coming around April 20th I suspect we will start seeing some catches early in April and coming on strong by the middle of the month. Commonly called Dolphin they are no doubt the number one fish of choice for blue water anglers. Not only do they provide spectacular bites but they are tasty as well. Timing of the main push of fish varies from year to year but April is the month they will show in force. I like to start near the 180 ft mark. The big break or the ledge out about 50 mi from St Augustine. If not there then look for current edges or temperature breaks beyond the shelf edge.In 400 to 1200 ft. There is no big secret to catching them but there are some things you can do to increase your probability of success? Elephants eat peanuts which means smaller baits will catch more fish or at least make your hookup ratio better. I prefer naked ballyhoo or sea witch bait

combinations when targeting Mahi. They are not hard to hook you just need to let them eat it. We pull 8 lines so it is important to keep as many baits fishing as possible. It is no secret that one usually means more, so don’t be in a hurry to clear all your lines when you hook the first fish. Teasers are important as well. Anything that gets the attention of a hungry Mahi will work. The old tried and true daisy chain of squid works great. Make sure you have a bait positioned behind the teaser that you can crank up to the fish when you take away the fake food. There is nothing better than a hungry Mahi blowing up on the teaser and crashing the bait. Remember Elephants eat peanuts so don’t be surprised when a Blue Marlin comes into your spread and inhales a medium ballyhoo that you had out for a Mahi. That’s really why we go to the Gulf Stream. The bottom fishing is very good this month also. If the conditions are good drifting cut squid on a double chicken rig just inside the ledge in 150 to 170 ft is deadly on big triggerfish, Bliners, big pink snapper and occasional Grouper. The key is if the conditions are good for drifting. Not much current and wind is a must for the best fishing. Anchoring is fine also. I like to chum some if Im anchored Just drop a 5 lb block to the bottom with some weight and it usually gets the bite going until the tax man arrives. aka shark. Chuming works good for bottom fishing but it does draw some sharks. Remember Grouper is closed until May 1st.. “Let’s Go Fishing” Captain Robert Johnson (904)540-2628 Jodielynncharters.com Jlfishing@bellsouth.net

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Fishing Report Pier and Surf By: Noel Kuhn

ast month brought us the best Whiting bite in a long time. This month is shaping up to be the month for the Pompano run. Our water temperature is perfect. That 65-74 degree range is the sweet spot. With all the big schools of Whiting, the sharks have shown up early also this year. So if you’re inclined, dust off the big rod also. It is go time. If you like to throw lures, the Spanish Mackerel are here too. You can never go wrong with the Gotcha plug. However there are a lot of hard plastics that work great also. There are plenty of small Bluefish in the surf also. So, bring several extra lures and leader material. I have my best luck on high impact beaches i.e. South Ponte Vedra, Guana, Vilano, Hammock and Flagler. No need for any special retrieve tactics. Just throw it as far

as you can. Then a nice steady crank and hold on! Primarily this and next month I will be targeting Pompano, Whiting and small Black Drum. My favorite bait is a live sand flea. 2021/2022 has proven to be the hardest season to find these little elusive surf dwellers. There are a lot of theories about the lack of sand fleas, aka Mole Crabs. I am hoping this is just cyclical and they will return to previous numbers. Until then here are my go to baits. I buy live shrimp then I put them in a plastic container with no water. Then bury them in ice. This gives you FKS fresh killed shrimp. Then you can make three great small baits. First cut off the horn and the tail fan. Next cut off the head and the tail into two pieces. 3 dozen shrimp will give you 36 primo baits. You can never go wrong with fresh claims from the seafood market. The larger the better because the largest chowder clam will give you three baits. This bait works so good because our target species are already munching out on Donax, aka Coquina, clams in the surf. We are just matching the hatch. Clams are difficult to keep on the hook without this helpful product called bait thread. Check out this YouTube video by “Catfish and Carp” ….” Tying Liver with Bait Thread”. Just substitute smaller clam and smaller hook. It works great! These next two months should offer us great action. Get out and hit the beach! Hey, The 18th annual Florida Surf Casters tournament will be held May 18th. For all the details please visit the website www. surfishingflorida.com See you at the weigh in! Noel Kuhn Surf fishing guide and long distance casting coach. 904-945-0660 www.TheSurfAngler.com

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Fishing Report & Forecast Nassau Sound By Capt. Tony Bozzella

edfish should still be on the flats, however, this will be the last of any bigger schools, as they will break up with all the bait returning to North Florida. All this started in March, but, temperature has a lot to do with it. As I write this the clean & clear water will diminish this month, bait , boat traffic, rain & runoff will all increase. Also, Jacks, Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Standard methods, jig & shrimp combos, popping corks & lures will all catch their fair share. Of course, the anglers ability to “fish” will play a big part. Example, slack out of your line, difference between a bite & shell, casting accurate on the first cast etc!! Get proficient in these areas to increase your catch. It will make a difference.

Speckled Sea Trout, will be on the prowl this month. Over the years, my records show April and May being a very good month to produce a gator trout. A gator trout is one over 5lbs. Not an easy thing to do however, this is a good time of the year to get them and I like to fish the last of the rising tide. Casting over and beyond your target all the while being very very stealthy and easy on your trolling motor is a big plus. I like to use a 7Ft + medium action rod that can cast a 3/8 ounce diving lipped plug 40 yards. When you come in to your target be roughly 30 yards to make a 40 yard cast beyond your target so the Lure casts over the Strike Zone, it has time to reach the depth and already working the way the manufacturer recommended it so you have maximum chances to hook that big trout. Big Tip, Do it all correctly the first time! Big mature trophies do not give you a second chance. After fishing an area correctly and thoroughly, move onto the next spot. I try to hit most of the spots that I feel will have potential on that tide of the day fishing spots in a calculated time when I think the fish will be there and I’d like to do it in the lowest light possible, early morning, or later towards evening. Bait, water current, & structure, can make an ideal place to get familiar with. Many of the bigger trout you may have seen me or my clients with have come from common spots close to the ramp!!! I am proud to say in the last 20 years we have managed my clients and I to boat 228 trout over 5 pounds!!!!! Thank you to all my wonderful clients that was able to help make this happen!!!! Tight lines! Capt. Tony Bozzella / TBS JIGS www.tonybozzella.com 904 651 0182

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APRIL 2022

NORTHEAST FLORIDA 15

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

lack drum fishing begins to pick up during late March with smaller drum weighing from 20-50 pounds heading the action. The month of April is by far one of the better months when targeting potential record-breaking drum that could weigh over the 100-pound mark. Look for some of the best drum fishing action to come just prior to the full moon, which arrives on Saturday, April 16th. Many of the seasoned black drum fishing boats will be targeting drum just off from “Main Beach” after dark. Prime black drum fishing waters include a deep depression located just off from “Main Beach” located at the east end of Atlantic Ave. Here drum fishermen will be fishing just offshore of the pounding surf while fishing dead on the bottom with a half blue crab, conch and large shrimp combination.

Also add to your drum fishing tactics, the best action often comes just before and right on a flood tide. On April 16th the flood tide will arrive at 9:42 pm. Well after dark! Giant red drum will also be running with the current black drum migration both along the beaches of Fernandina beach, inlets and bays Schools of red drum totaling well over 100-fish will roam the beaches hunting large concentrations of menhaden that have also migrated inshore for the spring, summer and fall fishing seasons. Nearshore live bottoms including FA, FB, KBY, FC and HH fish havens will be teeming with black sea bass weighing to 3-pounds. Bottom fishermen will also hook up to hard fighting red snapper and gag grouper which will need to be vented and released. Northeast Florida’s gag grouper season will open on May 1st. Good numbers of cobia will migrate into the deep waters of the St. Mary’s inlet and hold close to channel buoys, jetty rocks and large concentrations of menhaden. Casting a large white bucktail jig tipped with a chartreuse colored plastic twister tail is key! Beach fishing at the very southern tip of Amelia Island and at the deep waters surrounding Fort Clinch at the northern portion of Amelia Island will produce excellent eating whiting and hard fighting bluefish. Fishing just outside of the surf where shallow bars are located with barbed sand fleas will produce excellent eating pompano. Best surf fishing also comes during the last and the first of the falling tides when water clarity and bait fish are key. Large schools of redfish will also be schooling in the bays during the month of April where a flooding shallow flat will showcase how 16 NORTHEAST FLORIDA

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many saltwater fishermen are now targeting redfish. Look for the last hour of the flood and the first half hour of the falling tide to produce exciting wading action at many of Amelia Island’s backwater bays. Be sure and wear a good pair of thick rubber sole shoes to avoid those sharp oyster shells. Also, long pants are recommended to avoid the sting of needle like marsh grasses. Best baits include Berkley Gulp shrimp, or crabs barbed with a 1/8th ounce jig head and cast just ahead of a tailing redfish. Allow the jig and plastic bait to sit dead on the bottom until the foraging redfish detects the smell and picks up the bait. Reel in the slack fishing line, set the hook and hang on. Sea trout fishing should improve during the month of April as water temperatures warm and bait fish schools are plentiful as well. Look for the high incoming and falling tides to produce the best action while casting a Storm “Chug Bug” when there are large schools of bait fish on the surface. Drifting a live shrimp under a small float just off from the bottom in water depths from 5-10 feet will produce excellent sea trout action as well. Finally, some of the best Amelia Island fishing comes from the many tidal rivers including the Nassau and St. Mary’s. Far up these popular tidal rivers areas of the rivers have a mix of both salt and freshwater, often related to “Sweet Water”. Here fishermen will find a mix of both fresh and saltwater species including largemouth bass, stripers, redfish, and sea trout. Casting a plastic, scented shrimp rigged to a 1/8th ounce led head jig is a tried, and true fishing tactic for all the above-mentioned species. White with chartreuse is the best color pattern during stained water conditions. When the water is clean, the “New Penny”, of “Electric Chicken” color patterns work well. When fishing in fresh, or brackish tidal rivers, fishermen may have either a fresh, or saltwater fishing license. However, if you are possessing freshwater game fish, you will need a freshwater license. If you are possessing saltwater game fish, you will need to have a saltwater fishing license. For more information, www.myfwc.com.

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

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MOTOSURF GAMES READY FOR 2022 CAMPAIGN PRESS RELEASE

eystone Heights, FL - MotoSurf Games unveils its plans for 2022 season and it will be a blast. The championship promises its format with conventional fuel powered motorized surfboards, race section with fully electric powered boards now accompanied with e-Foils – a brand new segment of personal water craft sports. For the action on the shore, MotoSkate racing will be ready to entertain the fans who will have even full access to demo rides at every MotoSurf Games event. MotoSurf Games schedules four stops championship calendar starting the season in April. The weekend of April 22 – 24, 2022 will kick off this year’s campaign in Keystone Heights, FL and its Lake Geneva. There will be a MotoSurf Academy event scheduled for April 21 from 4pm – 6pm that gives the general public the opportunity to try this innovative watersport. Additional stops include Huntsville, Alabama and Sebring, Florida. Season final is still subject to confirm but most likely, the closing stage of the series will stop in Mexico. The championship is brought to you by Jetsurf USA – distributor of Jetsurf – the world’s number motorized surfboard & motorized skateboard. Visit www.motosurfgames.com for more. This event will be featured on CBS Sports.

For local event and destination information: Kimberly Morgan Director of Tourism Clay County Board of County Commissioners 477 Houston Street Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 For more information about MotoSurf/MotoSkate: Martin Jančálek |MotoSurf WorldCup Director & UIM MotoSurf Phone: 904-278-3734/Cell: 904-295-5802 www.ExploreClay.com Committee Member Kimberly.Morgan@claycountygov.com Tel: +420 723 850 373 MSWC, s.r.o. | Střelice 864 | 664 47 Střelice u Brna www.motosurfworldcup.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

APRIL 2022

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NOTHING TOPS A TOP WATER STRIKE! By Frank Gregg

spend all Winter dreaming about topwater explosions. As the cold months tick away and the warm weather draws near, the dreams get more explosive, the fish in my head get bigger and the excitement builds! The fantasies start getting far out there that I begin dreaming of catching two at a time! There is no more exciting way to catch fish than with a top water lure. Topwaters are those lures that do just that, they stay on top of the water- and fish come up from underneath and do their best to give you a heart attack! That’s often because fish hitting a topwater are doing more than just picking up dinner, they’re trying to kill that imitation bait you have creatively made to look like it is struggling on top. Topwater lures come in all shapes and sizes, these include chuggers / poppers, propeller baits, and “walk the dog” baits, all three are designed to imitate struggling bait fish. My favorite go to topwater baits are , #I Heddon Saltwater Super Spook, developed in the 20’s it is one of the most famous and recognizable “walk the dog” fishing plugs, my favorite sizes are the junior size 3 1/2” and the 5 7/8” in the seatrout color. I also catch many large seatrout on the Rapala Skitter Walk in the color black and silver. #2 Propeller Baits, in this order River@Sea Larry Dahlberg Series rattling Whopper Plopper, they come in many sizes, I prefer the 3” size, any color resembling a mullet works well, I also like the Mirrolure 5M Floating Prop Bait color 21. #3 Chug baits, my favorite by far is the Storm Rattling Saltwater Chug Bug, again any color that matches the hatch as they say, in N.E. Florida the mullet color day in and day out is my choice. I also really like the P65 Rebel Magnum POP-R, color silver and black. my third choice is Tim Stouder’s Trout and Redfish Chugger

but if a portion is underwater they can easily get there mouth around it, sometimes to your amazement, without making a splash the lure is gone! You can use either spinning rods or casting rods for topwater fishing, but each of these rod types is better suited for different kinds of topwater fishing. Casting rods are ideal for throwing large lures, while spinning rods are better suited for lighter lures or when casting into the wind. My choice is a T Allen medium light 7’ spinning rod with a Daiwa Fuego 2500 series reel, spooled with 10lb braid and a 20lb extra tough mono leader, never fluorocarbon, mono floats, fluorocarbon sinks. I always tie my baits on with a loop knot. and remove the split ring on the front, believe it or not this does weight down the front of the bait. One of my favorite things to do with a new topwater bait, if it does not have a red or orange color under the front of it’s mouth, I will borrow a little of my wife’s red finger nail polish and paint about a quarter inch circle under his front lip, I was told by an old pro, this red color represents gill flash something a dying fish displays, gill flash to a predator fish means an easy meal. The biggest mistake that I see anglers make when using topwater lures is BEING TOO QUICK TO TRY AND SET THE HOOK, yes I still do it from time to time. You see the water explode and your natural instinct says to set that hook right away, when in reality you are pulling the bait away from the fish before he can grab it, I know it is hard to do, but feel the fish on your line before you set the hook. I am asked on a regular basis when is the best time to top water fish, my choice is early morning with cloud cover or that magical half hour at sunset. Fish, especially trout don’t like staring right into the sun to get their breakfast or dinner.

/ popper, in the mullet color. Tim is a local custom lure artist, he can be found on Facebook under the name Fish Candy Lures, give Tim a chance to custom paint one of his chuggers in your favorite color. Let me fill you in on a little secret, I once over herd a conversation between two local fishing pro’s about about catching redfish on topwater, they both agreed that having a top water lure while resting in the water at least half of it should be under water, meaning the lure should be almost in a vertical position, why you ask, the way a redfishes mouth is configured makes it difficult to strike a bait that is fully on top, 18 NORTHEAST FLORIDA

APRIL 2022

April water temperatures will be in the 70’s, I have found this to be the the prime time to throw topwater. The warmer the water gets the better the bite can be, fish are cold blooded when the water temperature gets warmer they will need to feed more, hopefully on your topwater plug!

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

his is such a great time for fishing in Northeast Florida and heck, just a great time to be on the water! The weather is typically amazing and the fishing is just as good. The inshore fish (redfish, trout, flounder, drum, bluefish, ladyfish, jacks, etc.) will be on the feed with the influx of baitfish (finger mullet and pogies). With warming air and water temps the nearshore fishing should be firing up as well with big jacks, cobia, and maybe even a tarpon or two towards the end of the month... all waiting to put up that fight of a lifetime. It’s time to dust off the top-water plugs this month. The redfish will be chasing finger mullet and that means a top-water plug, especially at first and last light, will be the go-to lure of choice. Look for large concentrations of mullet and toss your plugs around them. There’s sure to be a redfish lurking around looking for an easy snack. Once the sun gets higher in the sky I like to switch to a search bait this time of year. The water will become more murky as it warms up and a lure that makes some noise will be a 22 NORTHEAST FLORIDA

APRIL 2022

good way to get the redfish’s attention. Some of my favorites are spoons, twitchbaits, and soft plastic paddle tails like those made by Saltwater Assassin. All of these will make some noise and/or vibration, allowing the fish to find them in the darker water. Of course, a popping cork with a live shrimp or mud minnow will catch its fair share of reds this month as well. April and May have always been “gator” trout months for me. A topwater plug will account for some of the bigger trout catches this month. The outgoing tide along the ICW banks should be loaded with trout, especially if the baitfish are around. Once the day heats up a bit, I like to fish a 1/4-ounce Saltwater Assassin jighead paired with one of their soft plastic paddle tails for the trout. Use a twitch, twitch, pause method and most of the time they’ll hit it on the pause. A free-lined live shrimp with a small pinch weight a few inches above it is a great was to catch some trout too. The inlets will come alive with all kinds of fast hitting fish this month. Look for jacks, blues, ladyfish, and spanish macs to be on the feed around all the area inlets. Crankbaits, spoons, and just about anything that’s moving fast through the water will catch these fish. The flounder bite was good last month and should get even better as the water warms up. Some of the bigger springtime flatties will start to show up in better numbers at the inlets. Use a finger mullet or big mud minnow pinned to a jighead or fish-finder rig. Bounce the minnow (or mullet) along the rocks at any of the area inlets to find some of the big “doormats”.

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pring has finally sprung and the best couple of months for offshore fishing in Northeast Florida are here. While there are certainly a few nice Wahoo still being caught, most Captains are looking forward to putting away the high speed gear and getting ready for big days chasing Mahi, Tunas, Sailfish and Blue Marlin. April and May are undoubtably the best 2 months of the year for true “Bluewater” fishing from Ponce Inlet to Fernandina. Double digit days of gaffer Dolphin, a real chance to catch a Blue Marlin, numerous Blackfin Tuna and some nice Wahoo make springtime fishing the most enjoyable mixed bag fishing of the year. You truly never know what the day can bring! Captains can start looking for conditions such as temperature breaks and weedlines in 120 feet of water and if the right piece of water is found they can encounter steady catches of Dolphin, Blackfins, Wahoo and Sails. As they venture out east of the ledge to the edge of the gulfstream, those same species

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can be expected but throw in a real chance to see a Blue Marlin. Legendary Captain Don Combs always said the full moon in April was the best chance to catch a Blue Marlin in St. Augustine and he caught more in Northeast Florida than anyone through the years. A little bit larger trolled Ballyhoo or just a nice spread of artificial lures can trigger the big bite we always wait for. The Northeast Florida Marlin Association hosts the 50th Annual Bluewater Tournament out of Camachee Cove in St. Augustine May 11-14. Captains may choose 2 of 3 fishing days and there are Billfish and Gamefish categories. The Bluewater is also proud to be a part of the Sportfish Championship, a series of tournaments with Anglers competing against others from all over the country. For more information please visit www. nefma.com..

APRIL 2022

-By Paul Dozier

NORTHEAST FLORIDA 23

TIDE CHART - April

Mayport Degaussing Structure 30.3967° N, 81.3950° W Date Day Time Hgt 01 Fri 03:02 AM -0.69 L 02 Sat 03:46 AM -0.60 L 03 Sun 04:29 AM -0.39 L 04 Mon 05:11 AM -0.10 L 05 Tue 05:55 AM 0.23 L 06 Wed 12:15 AM 4.86 H 07 Thu 01:00 AM 4.66 H 08 Fri 01:48 AM 4.48 H 09 Sat 02:44 AM 4.36 H 10 Sun 03:45 AM 4.32 H 11 Mon 04:46 AM 4.38 H 12 Tue 05:41 AM 4.51 H 13 Wed 12:17 AM 0.53 L 14 Thu 01:05 AM 0.15 L 15 Fri 01:51 AM -0.21 L 16 Sat 02:35 AM -0.50 L 17 Sun 03:20 AM -0.69 L 18 Mon 04:06 AM -0.73 L 19 Tue 04:54 AM -0.64 L 20 Wed 05:48 AM -0.45 L 21 Thu 12:22 AM 5.66 H 22 Fri 01:21 AM 5.44 H 23 Sat 02:24 AM 5.23 H 24 Sun 03:32 AM 5.07 H 25 Mon 04:39 AM 4.97 H 26 Tue 05:41 AM 4.92 H 27 Wed 12:16 AM 0.08 L 28 Thu 01:10 AM -0.09 L 29 Fri 01:59 AM -0.22 L 30 Sat 02:44 AM -0.28 L

Time 09:19 10:01 10:42 11:23 12:05 06:41 07:31 08:25 09:19 10:13 11:05 11:52 06:31 07:16 08:01 08:45 09:30 10:17 11:07 11:59 06:46 07:48 08:51 09:52 10:50 11:44 06:36 07:26 08:11 08:54

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

Hgt 4.93 H 4.73 H 4.51 H 4.30 H 4.10 H 0.57 L 0.86 L 1.07 L 1.16 L 1.12 L 0.95 L 0.66 L 4.66 H 4.80 H 4.90 H 4.96 H 4.95 H 4.89 H 4.79 H 4.67 H -0.21 L 0.00 L 0.13 L 0.17 L 0.11 L -0.02 L 4.87 H 4.79 H 4.67 H 4.54 H

Time 03:12 03:51 04:30 05:10 05:53 12:49 01:35 02:27 03:25 04:26 05:22 06:11 12:36 01:18 01:58 02:39 03:21 04:05 04:54 05:48 12:54 01:54 03:00 04:08 05:12 06:10 12:34 01:20 02:02 02:42

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 -0.65 L PM -0.52 L PM -0.26 L PM 0.07 L PM 0.44 L PM 3.94 H PM 3.82 H PM 3.74 H PM 3.74 H PM 3.85 H PM 4.07 H PM 4.38 H PM 0.30 L PM -0.07 L PM -0.40 L PM -0.63 L PM -0.72 L PM -0.67 L PM -0.49 L PM -0.24 L PM 4.55 H PM 4.46 H PM 4.43 H PM 4.51 H PM 4.69 H PM 4.93 H PM -0.17 L PM -0.30 L PM -0.37 L PM -0.34 L

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

Time 09:34 10:15 10:54 11:34

Hgt PM 5.38 PM 5.35 PM 5.24 PM 5.07

H H H H

06:41 07:34 08:32 09:31 10:30 11:25

PM PM PM PM PM PM

0.78 1.05 1.20 1.22 1.10 0.86

L L L L L L

06:57 07:40 08:22 09:06 09:51 10:38 11:29

PM PM PM PM PM PM PM

4.75 5.12 5.47 5.73 5.88 5.91 5.83

H H H H H H H

06:50 07:57 09:05 10:12 11:16

PM PM PM PM PM

0.02 0.23 0.33 0.32 0.23

L L L L L

07:01 07:47 08:29 09:09

PM PM PM PM

5.16 5.34 5.44 5.45

H H H H

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nshore patterns begin to stabilize as we head into April. The Spring break madness is in our rearview, and the busy bays of Memorial Day and summer vacations haven’t arrived. This is a small window of fewer boaters and a great time to catch big trout, redfish and all the other inshore species there are wherever you fish. Although traffic will be lighter compared to March and June, we do have to deal with what Mother Nature has presented to us: an abundance of small bait.

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

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Downsize to

I’d like to offer some tips on how to even the playing field when baitfish are tiny and abundant. During the warming trend of spring, estuaries are filled with the new hatch of minnows, shrimp, mullet and a host of other forage species that trout and reds love to eat. These tiny baitfish are typically found in large schools and are an easy target for game fish. With so much forage available, it makes it difficult to pull fish away and fool them with soft plastic lures, but I have some techniques that help.

You have most likely heard the phrase “match the hatch.” In the spring, there is no more important time to follow that rule. On the flipside, dealing with so much bait blending in may hide your lure in the school. Let’s cover the blending in first, and then I’ll tell you how to subtly stand out to get the strike. For the most part, the juvenile baitfish will be white or silver. I choose soft plastic colors that are transparent, leaning on the clear side, with glitter and, more specifically a holographic glitter. The clear plastics allow you to use a larger lure as compared to the actual live bait size. This allows for better casting, while still matching the hatch since the transparent colors don’t easily display the silhouette or profile of the lure. The holographic just intensifies that theory and can even make one lure appear to be two or three smaller fish. It helps your downsizing cause even more. Here is how to stand out while matching the hatch. Utilizing a noisy or vibrating lure like the Knockin Tail Lure, which has a built-in tail rattle, gives you a little click of the rattle that allows fish to zero in on a small difference while the smaller clear lure blends in with the rest of the natural baitfish. Simply swimming your lure through a school of small minnows gives off the subtle click on a steady retrieve to entice the strike. Give these tactics a try this spring; you will be pleased with the results. Don’t forget to take a kid fishing. You will be surprised what they can teach you when they put the electronics down.

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Mahi-Mahi Cuts Explained I

By CAM Staff

f you’re an offshore angler in Florida, you likely already know the state is cutting in half the recreational limits for dolphin in Atlantic state waters. The changes, effective May 1, slash the recreational daily bag limit from 10 to 5 fish per person and the vessel limit from 60 to 30 fish per vessel. The simple reason given in FWC’s press releases is that anglers in the Keys and the state’s analyses have both witnessed fewer and smaller dolphin in recent years. FWC’s presentation from the most recent commission meeting tells a

deeper story. First off, mahi are extremely important to recreational fisheries off south Florida and the Keys, and Florida recreational landings have fallen dramatically, according to FWC data. In the 1990s, the recreational fishery experienced several peaks between 20 and 30 million pounds per year. Since 2010, the highest year for landings came in at about 15 million pounds in 2015. Between 2016 and 2020, that number never topped 10 million pounds, and in 2020 it slipped below 5 million. Those are pretty scary numbers with an abrupt downward swing for a species that is short-lived, fast growing and should repopulate quickly. The kicker is, no one really knows the status of Atlantic dolphin stocks because they are highly migratory and distributed from New England to the Caribbean coast of South America. International harvest is an unknown factor. Dolphin are very sensitive to water temperatures, and warming oceans are offered as a potential explanation for Florida anglers seeing fewer dolphin. Meanwhile, recreational dolphin trips and anecdotal reports of success are increasing off the Mid-Atlantic and New England. The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, which manages federal waters of the Atlantic off the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida, reduced the recreational dolphin limit from 60 to 54 fish per vessel in June 2021. Florida advocated strongly for deeper cuts as a precaution; however, North Carolina is apparently reveling in its improving mahi fishery and would only agree to the 54 fish per vessel reduction. Part of Florida’s push is proactive management for the fishery, which would include increased international engagement to get a better idea of what is actually going on. This year’s dramatic cut in recreational limits for state waters might, however, be little more than a gesture. Over the last decade, about 90 percent of the recreational catch off Florida has come from federal waters. There aren’t many anglers catching mahi in state waters, but it’s worth noting that Florida anglers and charter operations have shown ample support for these cuts. Perhaps the fishery will see self-imposed restrictions on the part of anglers in federal waters. If you’re wondering why no one is screaming about commercial anglers in this issue, it’s because commercial harvest in U.S. waters of the Atlantic has made up only about 5 percent of landings over the last 30 years.

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APRIL 2022

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International Rod Building Competition Judges the Finest Rods in the World

he International Rod Building Challenge is a truly international competition, with builders from all over the world crafting some of the finest custom fishing rods on the planet. This year’s competition, judged in March in Oviedo, Fla., was the largest competition on record. More than 80 mystery blanks were sent out all over the world to North American builders as well as builders in Europe, South America and Asia. All the competitors returned their completed rods to be initially judged at International Custom Rod Building Expo by a panel of 30 judges to choose the top 10. The top 10 were then taken back to American Tackle Headquarters, where an elite panel of judges from custom rod builders, media, trade and anglers graded each rod. With such a high caliber of builders, it was amazing to see all the different styles and builds all based on the same blank. “It was incredible to see so many different interpretations on what the American Tackle Co. mystery blank could be used for,” said Don Morse of American Tackle Co. This year’s winner was Danny Thomson, of

North Carolina. His amazing custom rod build incorporated his love for duck hunting as well as fishing. Second place went to Hoove Brieuc, of Belgium, with his diode and cooper build. Third place was awarded to Gary Allner, of the United Kingdom, with his ultra-shift chameleon painted rod. The winner, Danny Thomson, said this about his build: “You may have heard of an Eastern North Carolina tragedy that recently occurred,

where four youth duck hunters and four adults went down in a plane crash. All eight lives were lost. Even though this rod was inspired and built before this tragedy, it is my intent to dedicate this rod to the #DownEastStrong community and raise awareness to help fund this unfortunate event.” For more photos of these exceptional custom rods, see the April issue of The Angler Video Magazine available at www.vidmag.com.

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he Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) organized the 45th annual Broward County Waterway Cleanup on March 5. Presented by the Florida Inland Navigational District (F.I.N.D.), this annual cleanup is Broward’s largest and longest-running environmental event and began in the 1970s. This year, more than 1,100 volunteers gathered at more than 35 sites throughout Broward County to clean up waterways, parks and communities. Participants took part in the event by land and boat. In total, more than 20 tons of trash was cleaned up across the county. Some of the more unique items cleaned up included two cars, a boat, a guitar and a large gold chain. To thank volunteers, MIASF hosted its Trash Bash, the annual postevent celebration, at the Lauderdale Small Boat Club. This party gathers all volunteers, ranging in ages from 2 to 87, to celebrate with food and drinks, live music and raffles. “While taking care of our environment is a priority 365 days a year, it is exciting to bring the community together on this one day with the mission of cleaning our waterways,” said MIASF Vice President, Lori Wheeler, “This event creates the impact it does because of all of our incredibly passionate volunteers. It’s amazing to see the community come together, year after year, for a cause bigger than ourselves.”

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The Flint River: N AT I V E F I S H I N T H E I R N AT I V E W AT E R S By Nick Carter

he fight didn’t last long, maybe a couple of minutes, but it was exciting. Between bulldog runs, the fish broke the surface and walked on water, shaking its head in anger. When Kent Edmonds steered the fish out of the current and brought it to hand, a broad grin broke across the man’s face. He lifted a chunky shoal bass for appraisal before release. It was a decent fish, maybe 14 inches. Still, on a 6-weight fly rod, the strength of the fight rivaled that of a largemouth twice its size. Shoal bass are aggressive and pugnacious. They are an intriguing sport fish native to just one Southeastern river system.

Shoal Bass Fishing for “shoalies” is so much fun. They exhibit the aggression of any black bass, yet their preferred habitat is the swift-water shoals other bass avoid. Like trout, they hover in eddies and dart out to grab prey adrift in the current. They readily attack topwater lures and flies and grow to record weights approaching 9 pounds. Anglers regularly catch 2- to 5-pound shoal bass, and the largest fish reach lengths up to 24 inches. A new Georgia record was caught from the Chattahoochee River near Columbus, Ga. in December. It weighed 8 pounds, 5 ounces. The IGFA world record was an 8-pound, 12-ounce monster caught from Florida’s Apalachicola River. With all that going for it, the relative anonymity of shoal bass is due to geography. There is only one small slice of the world where they exist. The species is native 14 NATIONAL

APRIL 2022

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to the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) River Basin, which drains portions of Georgia and Alabama down to the Gulf of Mexico through the Florida panhandle. They are a very cool fish that would be in serious trouble if not for one stretch of Georgia river. Extensive damming has turned ACF River Basin into a series of reservoirs. Shoal bass still exist in pockets across the entire drainage, but habitat alterations have allowed non-natives like spotted and smallmouth bass to out-compete and interbreed with shoal bass. The upper Flint River is the largest remaining stretch of unaltered native shoal bass habitat. It is arguably the best shoal bass fishery in the world.

The Flint River Edmonds has guided fly fishers on the Flint for about 30 years, and while he won’t admit it, he’s largely responsible for the river’s sterling reputation as a fishery. In rural Upson County, Ga., the Flint is like a snapshot back in time. It twists through pine forests of the middle Georgia countryside, undammed for some 220 miles. There’s a sweet spot for fly fishers in the middle of this long run at a geologic formation known as the Fall Line. The Fall Line is the coastline of an ancient sea that cuts a 20-mile-wide swath of rapid elevation loss across the region. For the Flint, the Fall Line features a 45-mile stretch of river with shoal-broken habitat perfect for wading anglers and shoal bass. Contact Kent Edmonds through his website www.flyfishga.com.

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t was a perfect late autumn day in the northern Rockies. Not a cloud in the sky, and just enough cool in the air to stir up nostalgic memories of my trip into the backwoods. This year, though, was different. I was going it solo. My two buddies, pleading work responsibilities, backed out at the last minute. So, armed with my trusty knife, I set out for adventure.

Join more than 322,000 sharp people who collect stauer knives Well, what I found was a whole lot of trouble. As in 8 feet and 800-pounds of trouble in the form of a grizzly bear. Seems this grumpy fella was out looking for some adventure too. Mr. Grizzly saw me, stood up to his entire 8 feet of ferocity and let out a roar that made my blood turn to ice and my hair stand up. Unsnapping my leather sheath, I felt for my hefty, trusty knife and felt emboldened. I then showed the massive grizzly over 6 inches of 420 surgical grade stainless steel, raised my hands and yelled, "Whoa bear! Whoa bear!" I must have made my point, as he gave me an almost admiring grunt before turning tail and heading back into the woods. I was pretty shaken, but otherwise fine. Once the adrenaline high subsided, I decided I had some work to do back home too. That was more than enough adventure for one day. Our Grizzly Hunting Knife pays tribute to the call of the wild. Featuring stick-tang construction, you can feel confident in the

strength and durability of this knife. And the hand carved, natural bone handle ensures you won’t lose your grip even in the most dire of circumstances. I also made certain to give it a great price. After all, you should be able to get your point across without getting stuck with a high price. Make sure to act quickly. The Grizzly Hunting Knife has been such a hit that we’re having trouble keeping it in stock. Our first release of more than 1,200 SOLD OUT in TWO DAYS! After months of waiting on our artisans, we've finally gotten some knives back in stock. Only 1,337 are available at this price, and half of them have already sold! Knife Specifications: • Stick tang 420 surgical stainless steel blade; 7 ¼" blade; 12" overall • Hand carved natural brown and yellow bone handle • Brass hand guard, spacers and end cap • FREE genuine tooled leather sheath included (a $49 value!) The Grizzly Hunting Knife $249 $79* + S&P California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product. *Special price only for customers using the offer code.

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ver the years, Hooker Electric has a proven track record of dreaming up innovative new products to make fishing easier and more productive. Their Live Bait Tube Bucket is another instance of designers coming up with a simple yet effective solution for a problem many anglers face. The Hooker Electric Complete Portable Live Bait System keeps live baits frisky and ready for deployment all day long. This patent-pending live bait system uses an internal pump and simple plumbing to circulate water inside a tricked-out 5-gallon bucket. The water flows over tubes, where it is cooled and aerated, while air bubbles are bled off to assure baits remain lively and ready to fish for hours. The system is portable and comes preinstalled with 10-inch short tubes for smaller pre-hooked baits like gogs, threadfins, sardines, pilchards, hardtails, pogies and mullets. Optional 15-inch tubes keep larger pre-rigged Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, speedos, Boston/tinker mackerel and blue runners ready for action. All components are easily serviceable, and the tuna tubes are removable. The Hooker Electric bucket includes a non-skid grip base to eliminate spills and protect precious surfaces from scratches. The Hooker Electric portable live bait bucket system is designed for mobility. It can be used in fresh or saltwater. HOOKERELECTRIC.COM

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PELAGIC HUNTING WITH THE CORRECT TOOLS

Tim Barefoot

here are correct tools for any project, and we have to use our time wisely. First and foremost, I think water temperature is a key to finding the wahoo and tuna consistently. I know it costs a few bucks, but you can subscribe to some sites (not promoting any here) that will give you a very clear picture of where you can find a degree or two temperature break on the edge. Once you narrow down a distance and heading for the desired water temps, you then need to locate the bait. Granted, there are times when the fish will not be on the bait visible on the recorder or on the surface, but just oriented on structure and/or temperature break. This is when it gets down to visible and electronic hunting. There are electronics available that can locate individual and groups of birds at long distances. This is always a good thing to find. If you have a few birds working an area, chances are they are there because the bait is there. Again, I know this electronic equipment is costly, but it’s yet another tool that can narrow down the search for wahoo, tuna and dolphin.

Then there are tools we possess as humans such as good eyesight (good binoculars) and judgement. If you see a noticeable water color change, birds and/or fish feeding on the surface, weed lines and floating objects, chances are, you’ve found the correct general area. A lot of these floating objects will hold bait and fish, especially wahoo and dolphin. After narrowing down an area where the fish will likely be in due to temperature, depth, structure etc., this is when I prefer to high-speed troll. High-speed trolling is another tool to locate the fish, and not a tool to use all day! This is true for wahoo, especially. Once you get a bite, mark that location on the chart. Now it’s time to go back to that area and go to work on ’em. By this time of day, the sun is up pretty good, and the surface bite might slow down a little bit. Like I’ve always said, the fish don’t have Maui Jim’s shades, so they use depth to get the correct amount of light they want. They look up to see bait at, or near the surface like flyers, tinker, cigs and sardines. They also look down for the squid down deep. This is the reason the planer rod is typically the one that produces in the middle of the day. When the sun is high in the sky, it’s time to go deep with your baits. You can’t always catch them where you want to. You have to catch them where they are... down deep. Visit barefootcatsandtackle.com, and look for “featured video” or Coastal Angler Magazine to see the videos related to this article.

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ason Christie finally did it. In early March, he won the Bassmaster Classic on South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell and was named champion of the biggest event in tournament bass fishing. In two previous Classics, Christie has held the lead headed into the final day of the tournament, once with a more than 6-pound lead and once with a 4-pound lead. Both times he came up short. This year, he found himself tied for the lead with newcomer Kyle Welcher after Day 2. “Honestly, when I was sitting at the door waiting to come in and weigh my fish, I thought I had given it away again,” said Christie. “Stetson Blaylock had just weighed in a big bag, and Kyle Welcher used to be a professional poker player, so I knew he had more than what he was saying. “I knew it was gonna be close. I honestly thought there could be a tie, and that was scary for me because I didn’t have any fish left.” After Welcher weighed in and took over the “Hot Seat” from Stetson Blaylock, who had just weighed the largest bag of the tournament, Welcher and Christie stood side by side as the largest crowd in the event’s history cheered awaiting the final tally. On the stage, Christie’s five-bass limit of 17 pounds, 9 ounces was 5 ounces heavier than Welcher’s bag of 17 pounds 4 ounces. Known as one of the best power-fishermen in the world, Christie utilized a 5/8-ounce War Eagle Jiu-Jigsu Jig with a Yum Craw Chunk in green pumpkin/purple. He used a green pumpkin/orange jig until the final day when he switched to straight green pumpkin because he “banged all of the other ones off docks” until they were unusable. He caught most of his fish on the final day fishing shallow docks in 1 to 3 feet of depth in clearer water where most of the other angler were not fishing. He liked the heavier jig due to its faster rate of fall, which drew reaction strikes. Christie, who returned to the Bassmaster Elite Series a year ago after as short tenure with MLF Fishing, was looking hard for redemption in this year’s Classic. Maybe beginning tied on the final day took some of the pressure off, because the third time was a charm for Christie, who took home a $300,000 purse for his win that pushed his total career earnings to over $1,668,000. Welcher earned $50,000 for finishing second with 53-11, and Blaylock earned $47,000 in third place with 53-5, which includes a $7,000 bonus for his Sunday catch of 20-9 that ranked as the Rapala Monster Bag of the Week. South Carolina pro Brandon Cobb earned $2,500 for overall Berkley Big Bass of the Week with the 6-12 largemouth he caught on Day 2. Phil Wolf is the co-publisher of Coastal Angler Magazine’s Orlando edition.

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5 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY applies to qualifying purchases of Suzuki outboard motors sold and delivered to the retail purchaser, for pleasure (non-commercial) use only, from April 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. See Suzuki Limited Warranty for additional details. Suzuki, the “S” logo, and Suzuki model and product names are Suzuki Trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2022 Suzuki Marine USA, LLC. All rights reserved.

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