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

NORTHEAST FLORIDA EDITION

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PELAGICS From Little Plastic Boats

PATTERN SPRING SPECKS PHOTO BY JORGE BUSTAMANTE, COURTESY OF BRIAN NELLI - WWW.TCKAYAKFISHING.COM VOLUME 25 â&#x20AC;¢ ISSUE 301

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Photo courtesy of Knockin Tail Lures

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

or those who want to catch a heavy speckled trout, April is perhaps your best opportunity. April trout are still heavy from their lowered metabolism of winter. They are heavy with eggs and about to spawn. This makes April a prime month for heavy fish. The warmer water also makes them extremely aggressive and more willing to strike artificial lures of all styles. Let’s go over the how, when and where to target trophy trout in the spring. How: When water temp reaches the low to mid 70s, topwater action can be some of the best of the year. Aggressive trout are attracted by the rattling sound and erratic sway of the cigarshaped lures. You can’t go wrong with bone/white/ silver or a combination of these colors. I like to match the size to the conditions and forage in the immediate area. Required casting distance and surface conditions also play a vital role in my decision making. In rougher conditions, I typically use a large lure. The rattles of various lures also have different pitch. I prefer to use the higher pitch over a muddy bottom and a lower tone over sand, grass or shell. Slow-sinking, rattling, shad-style twitch baits

are also a good choice when trout don’t want to “rise” to the occasion. I prefer these lures with near-mirror reflective finishes. They do an excellent job of impersonating a wounded baitfish, and no large spawning trout in its right mind will pass up an injured baitfish. I can’t leave out the most versatile trout lure of all, the soft plastic. There are many styles, sizes and colors, but I prefer those that give more bang for the buck. When the fish are aggressive, I steer toward a soft plastic with a larger paddle that vibrates, creates a great swimming motion even on the pause, and one that rattles. These three components stimulate a fish’s lateral line, and they can’t resist the need to feed. When: I plan trips according to the solunar tables. I make every effort to be at my spot fishing during peak feeding times so that I’m not traveling from spot to spot when the fish are eating. Where: In spring, I direct my attention to grass flats. Wading is the superior method to consistently catch large trout, but you can still target flats from a boat. I prefer a flat with broken grass patches, potholes, channels, the dreaded prop scar or anything else that breaks up the grass to create ambush points for trout. Try to cover each transition from multiple angles, as trout will

stage on the edge of the sand against the grass. Pay attention to the where, when and how on your next trip. It will increase your odds of landing a trophy trout. It never hurts to practice catch and release on these beautiful fish. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures, Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

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atching big pelagics is one of those “someday” goals for many kayak anglers. Venturing into the open ocean under paddle power after species like kingfish, mahi, sailfish and tuna can seem daunting to anglers accustomed to inshore waters or freshwater lakes and rivers. The first question you might have is: “Where am I going to find them?” Inshore, there are grass flats, mangroves and channels drop-offs that offer kayak anglers good places to start. Offshore waters don’t always give up information quite as easily, but the clues are out there. You just have to know what you’re looking for. The ocean is a big place, but I believe 10 percent of the water holds 90 percent of the fish. Narrowing it down to that 10 percent is the first step. Start your research off the water by locating a beach or other launch point that is close to hard bottom, wrecks or a reef line. This can be done with a little online research and a good mapping chip for your GPS. When the day comes to venture into the pelagic zone, take some time on the beach before heading out. Know the current, wind and water conditions. Is it calm? Is it rough? Are there a lot of weeds on the beach? Is there bait close to shore? Which way is the wind blowing? Answering these questions helps you decide what baits to use and at what depths to fish them. In general, calm days call for running baits deeper in the water column. With some surface chop or visible action on top—like bait jumping or fish breaking the water—run baits closer to the surface. Other things to look for are rips, color changes, birds and weed lines. A rip is an area where two currents meet. The water will look more turbulent than surrounding areas. A defined color change will have strong current running along its edge. Usually these color breaks and rips consolidate debris and weeds, and often birds will hover over these areas. The weeds and current attract bait, which in turn attract the pelagics. When you’re offshore, you have to take what the ocean gives you. Anything that looks different than the surrounding water is a place to put baits out. If you find yourself on the water with no wind, surface activity or weeds, look to your GPS to show you the way to hard bottom, structure, rock piles or reefs. There will always be some type of baitfish around these areas to attract pelagics. Find the bait, and you will find the fish. If you are new to offshore kayak fishing or are thinking about trying it, this information should give you a start on your quest to land a pelagic from your kayak.

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Brian Nelli operates south Florida’s Pushin’ Water Kayak Charters. Check them out at www.tckayakfishing.com and email Brian at brian@tckayakfishing.com.

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ennessee’s Lake Chickamauga has garnered a lot of press in recent years for giant largemouth bass. The introduction of Florida-strain largemouths certainly paid off for this 60-mile-long Tennessee River impoundment. The thing is, all the hype over bucketmouths has overshadowed world-class fisheries that already existed on the Tennessee River from Chickamauga down through Chattanooga. Flowing between high ridges of The Scenic City, the big river pumps out some pretty spectacular action for catfish and smallmouth bass. Richard Simms, of Scenic City Charters, said the fishing heats up with water temperatures this time of year. Whether you’re looking for bigshouldered river smallies, giant blue cats—or a little bit of both—right now is the time to be on the water. Smallmouth Bass: The Chickamauga tailrace lights up with aggressive smallies in spring. They feed up in a 10-mile stretch below the dam. Simms said fishing jigs and soft plastics around rip-rap, current seams and edges is productive. But drifting live threadfin shad or shiners with the current leads to faster action. With light 6-poundtest line enticing the most bites, any smallmouth is a handful. They typically run from 2 to 4 pounds on the river, and a decent day will produce 10 to 15 of

these scrappy bronzebacks. Simms said to expect a mixed bag on live bait. Everything eats shiners, so anglers will also catch white bass, spotted bass, largemouth bass, crappie, yellow bass, catfish and maybe a striped bass. Catfish: Big blue catfish are abundant on the Tennessee River from Chickamauga Dam all the way down through Chattanooga. When flows are right, the tailrace can be very good. When too much water is being released from the dam, Simms heads up to the reservoir. Either side of the dam, the prespawn bite peaks in April. “Both fisheries hold great big catfish,” said Simms, “and pre-spawn is a great time for catching trophy fish.” On the reservoir, deep drop-offs and river channel holes with structure are the places to vertical drop cut skipjack herring, bluegill or chicken breast. Below the dam, Simms drift fishes those same baits on light 10-pound tackle. In 2009, Simms’ client, Jerry Uhrine, caught a 52-inch-long, 75-pound blue catfish on 10-poundtest line. It is a National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame line-class record. “That light tackle technique is really fun because the average catfish we catch is 5 to 10 pounds,” said Simms. “Those 10 to 20 pounders aren’t unusual,

Photos courtesy of Scenic City Charters.

and every now and then we get one of those really big fish.” An average half-day trip from April through October typically yields 50 to 100 pounds of catfish. “It’s real easy to stock a freezer,” said Simms. Check out Scenic City Fishing Charters at www.sceniccityfishing.com.

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Photos courtesy of Tuna Duck Charters, Hatteras, NC.

April action can be fast and furious off the Outer Banks. Here’s one on deck and another on the line.

By Tom Schlichter

he Outer Banks of North Carolina needs little introduction to fishing fans. A true angling Mecca, it boasts super action with striped bass, red drum, cobia, sea trout and a host of inshore species while also offering tremendous offshore action for tuna, billfish, wahoo, mahi and additional pelagic favorites. These ocean predators really get your blood boiling in April, when the action comes alive 25 to 30 miles offshore. “We really do see a great mix of blue water species in April,” said charter Capt. Dan Rooks of the 51-foot custom Carolina Sportfisher, Tuna Duck (252-216-6160; http://tunaduck.com) which sails out of Hatteras Harbor Marina (252-986-2166; https://www.hatterasharbor.com.) “Typical action this month sees yellowfins in the 40- to 70-pound class, blackfin tuna weighing 20 to 25 pounds, and wahoo to 60 pounds. Early in the month, you might also deck a bluefin while the end of the month sees white marlin, blue marlin and sailfish arrive on the scene. Many of the big blues will top 400 pounds.” It’s the combination of bottom structure and a meeting of offshore currents that draws big game species to these waters, explained Rooks. The warm waters of the Gulf Stream flowing up from the south and cool waters of the Labrador Current dropping down from the north meet along the edge of the continental shelf, providing sharp temperature breaks that stack squid, ballyhoo, flying fish and other baitfish. Match a Anglers aboard Capt. Dan Rook’s Tuna Duck Charters celebrate a break over some structure, and you have a great spot to start hefty tuna that slammed a popper off North Carolina’s Outer Banks. your search. “It’s not as important that the temperature break be large as that it be well-defined,” noted Rooks. “I’ve seen breaks here as small as half-a- said. “A storm might push the cool water farther out or bring warmer water degree and as large as 20 degrees. Any break can produce if the surrounding closer in, so you constantly need to make adjustments. Expect to spend some conditions are right. Look for clean water, active baitfish and plenty of life. time searching out the fish even if they were stacked up just a day before. That’s one plus for heading out with a charter skipper; we’re on the water daily, Those are tip-offs that you are in the right area.” Although he’ll sometimes jig or work poppers for tuna, Rooks spends which helps us keep track of shifting currents, temperature breaks and baitfish most of his time trolling. His favorite setup is a natural dead-bait spread, with schools. Some days you find the predators sooner than others – but never give eight ballyhoo trolled in a V-pattern at 7 knots. He works hard to drag his up hope because once you dial ’em in, the fishing here is as good as it gets.” Anglers looking to trailer to this area can find transient dockage, fuel, hotel offerings across structure points, where temperature breaks are discovered accommodations and a boat launch ($10) all at Village Marina (252-986-2522; using on-board temperature gauges and satellite imagery. “The breaks move, of course, and you need to be aware of that,” Rooks www.villagemarinahatteras.com) in Hatteras. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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n today’s uncertain world, everyone, especially kids, welcomes an opportunity for stability. One obvious source is family, and any activity that strengthens family will pay dividends. Snorkeling certainly qualifies as a family building activity. The family that plays together stays together. Having fun is important for building family unity if for no other reason than it makes you want to continue what you are doing. But it’s what happens during play that creates feelings of strength and security that make family members see family as a source of support. Building family strength requires communication, shared responsibility, commitment, shared chores and established routines. Snorkeling together fits this framework well. It gives adults and children the chance to demonstrate and practice these behaviors. Consider what goes into planning a dive outing—and how each family member can have a role: • Where do we go? Everyone can have a say on the big trips, while choice of quick local trips could rotate among family members. • What do we bring? Deciding what gear will be needed and how to organize and pack it may require adult oversight, but kids can, and should, take part. • How do we stay safe? Again, age may dictate how you buddy up, but even youngsters should understand they have a responsibility to stay close and check on their partner. Who tows the dive flag this time? • How do we finish up? Everyone needs to take on chores to pack up,

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unpack, clean, dry and store the gear once home. So, when should you introduce your child to snorkeling? Plant the seeds early. I think using a mask and fins should be part of learning to swim. A mask gives clear underwater vision and forces mouth breathing. Fins greatly increase kicking efficiency, boosting a child’s confidence. As soon as they are comfortable swimming and diving with the mask and fins, add a snorkel. While teaching basic snorkeling skills is a family affair, there are other fun ways to strengthen and add to those skills. Pura Vida Divers’ offers a summer Kids’ Snorkel Camp for kids 8–12, built around the PADI’s Skin Diver program. This day camp uses exciting, interactive games and group activities to enhance skills ranging from marine life identification to underwater buddy rescue. The last day brings the whole family together for a pizza party and snorkel outing. The ultimate memory maker is a family snorkeling vacation. There’s no shortage of locations offering interesting aquatic environments for snorkeling. Two very special snorkeling trips are offered each year by Pura Vida Divers—a manatee watching trip to Crystal River, Fla. and swimming alongside whalesharks off of Isla Mujeres, Mexico. For information on the Kids’ Snorkel Camp, guided snorkeling at the Blue Heron Bridge or manatee and whale shark trips, call Pura Vida divers at 561-840-8750 or visit their website at www.puravidadivers.com.

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n a lifelong pursuit of many fish up and down the East Coast, I finally found the species that constantly holds me in awe when I planted roots in northeast Florida more than 30 years ago. With their beauty, strength and tenacity, redfish are second to none. At one point not too many years back, redfish were almost was wiped out, but with good conservation they bounced back in a big way. They have become one of Florida’s pet fish, a favorite of many anglers, that have provided untold hours of fun. Of all the redfish studies conducted, one intensive study by South Carolina’s Dr. Charles Wenner stands out as one of the best. He dissected the habitat of the species and really gives insight as to where, when and what they do. North Florida’s Atlantic coast offers prime habitat that allows redfish to grow to enormous size. Here are some interesting tidbits gleaned from Dr. Wenner’s study. The world record redfish weighed 94 pounds, 2 ounces and was caught out of Avon, N.C. on the Outer Banks. With a range that extends from the Texas Gulf Coast all the way to Maryland and Delaware in the Atlantic, they are also called red drum, spottails, channel bass, redfish and puppy drum. After hatching, juvenile reds grow to about a half-inch in a short period of time and then move from deep water to shallow estuaries. They love our spartina grass flats, where they begin the transition from fry to sub-adults. This occurs during the fall and winter, when they don’t eat much. They remain fairly inactive while waiting for spring. When spring sets in, their metabolism kicks into high gear. By July, juveniles can grow to 7 to 8 inches or longer by

eating small crabs, shrimp and small fish. Redfish mature at about 33 inches and 5 years of age. They typically begin the spawning cycle around the last moon of August and peak from October into November, depending on water temperature. Males produce a drum-like sound, hence the name red drum, which draws the females close and lets the school know it’s time to spawn. Dr. Wenner studied eight females and 22 males in a huge tank. They produced 60 million eggs in a three-month period. Large individuals reach a ripe old age of 45 to 50 years. That’s a long time for a fish to live, so be sure to handle big ones carefully. One of the coolest things I learned was that a redfish tagged in Bulls Bay, S.C. was caught 189 days later in Mantanzas Inlet, Fla. That’s quite a journey for a fish that measured 18 inches to start. Most redfish only travel about 5 to 10 nautical miles from where they were hatched. Capt. Kirk Waltz is a radio talk show host, writer and charter captain who runs Enterprise Fishing Charters. Like them on Facebook or Instagram or go to www.Enterprisefishingcharters.com. Listen to the Outdoors Show in the First Coast area every Saturday on 1010am or 92.5fm from 7-10 a.m.

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By John Saporito

n fishing, it often pays to be suspicious. Unchecked hearsay saturates the pursuit, and it all amounts to an unfortunate barrier that every novice angler must confront. As a result, few people ever really get good at this sport. For the proficient angler, a thorough understanding of fish and their habitat ushers fishing far closer to a science than it does to a crapshoot. As humans, we are born only with an understanding of how to operate on dry land. We are able to breathe, to move about, and we know how to seek out comforts and avoid dangers. These capacities do not translate to the marine environment. We are biologically unfit to survive beneath the water’s surface, and most people, therefore, cannot empathize with the aquatic world. Water is an incredibly different medium than air. The most tangible distinction is the tremendous shift in density from one medium to the next. The sea is roughly 800 times denser than the air. Think about that for a moment. Sea creatures, as a result, don’t experience the constraints of gravity that land-based organisms endure. Their bodies are perpetually supported by water. This leads to a phenomenon known as indeterminate growth, which allows fish to continue growing throughout their lives. If a fish keeps living, it keeps growing. Such a trait can give rise to colossal specimens, but it requires a feat of survival. The sea is the ultimate crucible of life and death—a domain where mistakes spell doom and second chances are nonexistent. A seemingly endless, hopelessly convoluted food web blankets the planet’s marine ecosystems, bridging regions that are separated by immense distances and orchestrating the fates of all organisms that make their home in the sea. There is no getting ahead in this world; survival ensues on a meal-by-meal basis. Predatory fish, masters of instantaneous evaluation, must promptly determine the risk and reward in every feeding opportunity. Each decision a gamefish makes will dictate whether it perishes or lives long enough to feed again. The fundamental duty of all fish is to eat without being eaten by something else. From its earliest days as a fledgling hunter, the survival of any gamefish is contingent on its ability to carry out this task. Most will not even have the good fortune of transcending their formative stage as hunters of plankton. The minority that survive long enough to contribute a new generation to the sea will do so by becoming proficient in sensing danger and making good predatory choices. This is why big gamefish are so hard to catch; their size is a reflection of a lifetime of excellent judgment. A big fish is a smart fish, an experienced fish. John Saporito is a lifelong fisherman and student of the seas. Visit him online at www.guerillaangling.com.

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TIPS FOR 1 SUP FISHING

PLAY THE TIDE, WIND AND CURRENT: SUPs are lightweight and highfloating by design. This makes them portable, and it also makes them susceptible to the slightest current or wind. By knowing the currents, tides and weather and planning around them, you can save yourself from a grueling paddle at the end of a day. Either start the day with a paddle against the elements and drift fish back to the put-in, or use two vehicles to drift from a put-in to a separate take-out.

By CAM Staff

2 3

TAKE AN ANCHOR: An anchor or stake-out pole is essential when you want to stop paddling to fish. Staking yourself down with a pole keeps you stationary in shallow water, while an anchor gives the freedom to fish deep water. Even small fish have strength to pull an SUP, so an anchor helps when fighting fish, as well.

RIGGED OUT COOLER: On an SUP, your cooler is much more than an icebox. Mounted to the deck just aft of the middle of the board, it is a seat, a work surface and a great place to mount rod holders. Consider getting a cushion for comfort. Mount vertical rod holders to the cooler. Opt for a cooler top with a tray or cup holders to keep stray tackle from going overboard.

STREAMLINE GEAR: An uncluttered deck reduces hassle and makes fishing from an SUP much more fun. Take only what you need, which should include no more than a couple rods and reels and a small ith the explosion of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) in selection of tackle. Some folks like a strapped-down milk crate or a fishing, new boats have hit the market combining the best features 5-gallon bucket for holding gear. Others prefer to wear their gear in a tackle of both. Some even draw on the benefits of skiffs, including motor pack. You’ll also want pliers and fish grips on a lanyard. A small dry bag is power, to become hybrid vessels more like one-man flats boats. good for your phone, wallet and keys, because everything is going to get wet. This evolution of fishing vessels is good, but sometimes the results bear little resemblance to what drew people to the pursuit to begin with. Access to PADDLE LEASH: Tie down anything you mind losing, and this backwaters, portability, stealth and an elevated position are three advantages includes your paddle, which you’ll be up the creek without. Many prefer of SUP fishing. But the reasons most people get into it are cost-savings and a paddle leash with a waist loop. The other end ties off to the paddle simplicity. It’s like bank fishing with much better access. a couple feet below the handle. With the paddle head resting on the The unique experience is a primary driver for SUP anglers. The following board, the handle hangs right off your hip. With a little practice, this setup are a few tips to enhance that experience. allows for one-handed maneuvering of the board. Photo courtesy of Kaku

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By Henry Jackson

any kayak fishermen enter the sport as fishermen, not kayakers. Therefore, fundamental paddling skills are typically relatively low. Through necessity and self-discovery, most of us learn how to make a kayak move in the direction needed. But many bad habits are developed in the process, and bad habits can put stress on a paddler’s shoulders. Taking the time to learn correct paddling strokes will increase time on the water and decrease the chance for injury. The forward stroke is the most basic of all paddle strokes, and it’s usually the first one beginning paddlers figure out on their own. It’s also the most important stroke to perform correctly because you’ll use it 90 percent of the time. The key to a correct forward stroke is to engage the large muscles of the core and use them to power the stroke instead of our arms and shoulders. Performed correctly, the stroke is more efficient and allows you to paddle farther with less discomfort. Engage core muscles by rotating your torso as you reach forward to plant the blade in the water. As the blade is drawn toward you, unwind your torso to power the stroke, keeping your arms relatively straight. A great method for learning the concept is to hold the paddle out in front of you, arms completely straight, and paddle only by rotating your torso. The reverse stroke is another basic stroke that is learned relatively early by new paddlers. This stroke can put extremely high levels of stress on the shoulders when done incorrectly. To begin the reverse stroke, fully rotate your torso and plant the paddle blade at the stern of the boat. Then unwind your torso, powering the stroke, and bring the blade out of the water when it is even with your hips. It will take practice, but eventually you should be rotating far enough that the paddle shaft is horizontal with the side of the kayak, and if you were to drop the paddle it would land in the water without hitting the kayak. The draw stroke is one that, now that I’ve learned it, I cannot paddle without. The draw is used to move the kayak sideways. To perform the draw, rotate your torso until you are facing sideways in the direction you want to travel. Reach out, turn the paddle blade horizontal with the kayak, plant it in the water and draw it toward you. To recover, turn the blade 90 degrees and slide it through the water away from the kayak. Rotate it horizontally, and draw it back toward you. Repeat as necessary. Mastering the correct versions of these strokes will greatly improve your paddling experience and increase your time on the water. Youtube has several excellent channels that illustrate proper stroke techniques. One of my favorite channels is SeaKayakingTV, and there are several others that are top notch.

4 NORTH FLORIDA

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A BUCKET-LIST FISH WORTH CROWING ABOUT Photo courtesy of Crocodile Bay

By Todd Staley

hen anglers think of the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, they usually think about billfish. Costa Rica is one of the top destinations in the world to chase these pointy-nose acrobats. Many folks travel to Costa Rica with billfish fever and are not even aware of the great inshore fishery available. A fish many anglers have never even heard about before their arrival in Costa Rica is the roosterfish. This unique-looking fish with seven combs as a dorsal fin is only found in the Eastern Tropical Pacific between southern Mexico and Ecuador. In its most northern and southern ranges, the fish move as the seasonal drop in water temperature arrives. Costa Rica, being in the smack-dab middle of Roosterfish’s range, enjoys a fairly constant water temperature and a year-round fishery. In many places, roosterfish are only available by fishing the surf break. Not in Costa Rica. Of course they cruise the beaches looking for an easy meal, but they also roam the many volcanic reefs. One area that is extremely productive is the Golfo Dulce on the Osa Peninsula in southern Costa Rica, a 32-mile-long tropical fjord. Here you find roosters almost everywhere, along the beaches and even over reefs in 200 feet of water. This allows anglers to target them using several different fishing styles. The locals also catch them with dead bait using handlines off the beach. Roosterfish in the Golfo Dulce average 15 pounds, and fish over 50 pounds are taken weekly. The resort record at Crocodile Bay is 106 pounds. Live bait is most always a sure bet. Blue runners, goggle-eyes, sardines and lookdowns are the favorite choices and are readily available. If you are looking for a monster and have the patience to wait it out, bridle up a 3- to 5-pound live bonito and hang on. The best method to fish live bait is to either slow troll behind the surf line or drift fish over volcanic structure. In the deeper areas, a 2- to 6-ounce weight is added to send the bait closer to the top of the reef. In Costa Rica, circle hooks are required by law when using bait, so it is best to have the “crank don’t yank,” mentality firmly planted in one’s brain. Popper fishing is also popular. Fish will often rise to a lure that is really ripped through the water. This is not a walk-the-dog fishing. The faster you work the popper, with lots of splash, the more hits you will get. At times, you will be surprised by a big orange flash as a hefty cubera snapper comes up from 80 feet to smash a popper. If a fish misses its target, don’t stop. They will often come back and strike again. A long stiff rod and six weeks of dumbbell curls are required to cast poppers any length of time.

Photos by Capt. Allan Smith Jigging will also get you your first rooster, but they are a little shyer to a jig than live bait or poppers. White or chartreuse bucktails produce in the shallow water and mental jigs work in the deep areas. Just about any brand of jig will work as long as it is worked fast. No one I know has found the “Holy Grail” for taking roosterfish on a fly. If you are looking for a real challenge, it’s game on. If you are looking for big numbers on a fly, roosterfish is probably not a good choice of adversary. There has been some success by teasing up roosters, much like you would a sailfish. They can be teased with a lure or live bait or by casting a popper with the hooks removed. To get a fly in front of charged-up rooster though, you have to have the speed of a Western gunslinger and the accuracy of William Tell. If you happen to be lucky enough to be on top of a school of bait and a herd of roosterfish charge in on them, you can get your fly in the middle of that action and have a good chance of hooking up. Some have had success trolling the fly, but that is taboo in many a fly guys’ book. To sum it up, if someone tells me they regularly catch roosterfish on a fly, I certainly wouldn’t leave my wife alone with them. Surely they can’t be trusted. Anyone thinking about a Costa Rica billfish vacation should really book at least one day inshore. Roosterfish are a strong and beautiful fish with an iridescent hue. Their unique dorsal cuts the surface as it hones in on its target. When hooked, they make powerful runs and sometimes clear the water in an aerial display. They make for an exciting sporting challenge and a replica makes for a great conversation piece on the wall. They really are a fish to crow about. More information can be found at www.crocodilebay.com or by calling (800) 733 1115.

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MATCH YOUR TACKLE TO THE FISH

By Robert Wiggers

or fish that are released, their survival often depends on the rod and reel used to catch them. Fish naturally don’t want to have a hook in their mouth, attached to a line, being pulled in a direction they don’t want to go. So, like any animal, they resist in an attempt to free themselves. The longer they fight, the more exhausted they become, and in some instances they deplete every amount of available energy in an effort to escape. The battle is over and the angler has won. Unfortunately, when it comes time to release the fish, it’s too exhausted to swim away on its own. Even if it is able to swim away, it certainly doesn’t have the energy to avoid predators that may be lurking around waiting for an easy meal.

Hooking and fighting a fish is an exhilarating experience. There was a time when it was considered to be more “sporting” to catch a large fish on very light tackle. A long fight requires a degree of skill and finesse in order to successfully bring a large fish to the boat. Anglers are recognized for such achievements through acknowledgement in the record books. However, the majority of recreational anglers don’t go fishing with the sole intent of trying to break a line-class record for a specific species. We go fishing simply to catch fish. Some anglers want something for the table, while others just want the satisfaction of catch and release. Regardless of reason, we usually choose a rod and reel that gives us the best chance of successfully landing the species we are targeting. Most anglers wouldn’t use freshwater bass tackle if they were trying to catch a billfish. The rod and reel you choose to use when fishing for a particular species should be carefully considered when practicing catch and release. Nowadays, the options for rod and reels are endless. Rods come in all lengths and are designed with different actions ranging from ultra light to heavy. Reels also range in size to match the rod, but have different gear ratios that allow an angler to retrieve the bait at a faster pace with less effort. Each combination performs differently. For this reason, many anglers carry a number of rods with them on any given trip. While it may be more fun to use a light rod and reel for catching a big fish, it’s simply not good for the fish or its chances of survival after being released. Studies have even shown that mortality of released fish can happen several hours after being released. There are always instances when anglers unexpectedly hook an exceptionally large fish on light tackle. But if you know beforehand that you are going to fish specifically for large fish, be sure to use appropriate tackle that reduces the fight time. I don’t know of any conservationminded angler that wouldn’t be heartbroken to see a large fish float away knowing the fish was potentially older than they were or that they just killed a spawning fish that could contribute more to the population.

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believe spring might get started a little early this year. The water temps were up into the middle of March and that affected the fishery in a positive manner. We saw an early centre worm hatch just south of us and many saw them locally too. I believe that if those temps stayed up the baitfish will show early. Look for these baitfish around the areas beaches when the sun gets high if conditions allow it. Reds, sharks, and jacks should be the first to show with the cobia not far behind. If and when it happens catch a live well full and pitch back into and around the bait swarms. I like a large Spinfisher 6500 with 65lb ultra cast braid and a Carolina style egg sinker bottom rig for best results. Use at least 50 to 65lb fluorocarbon for both leader and line to sinker combo. My egg sinker rig is typically an egg sinker between two swivels not more than 12 inches apart with a swivel to hook leader of about 36 inches. A strong 4x short shank no#4 hook at the end of leader works great. Hook the bait in the nose holes, yes fish have nose holes, and drop them around the edges of the bait. Reds, drum, and sheepshead will continue to be around the big rocks this month and can be caught on live shrimp, fiddler crabs, and cut blue crab. Work close with light tackle against the very shallow edges and if this proves futile move deep into 36 to 55 ft of water. High incoming all the way to dead low will offer shots at decent fish and good numbers. I like 4 NE FLORIDA

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working the edge of where the rocks physically hit the sand and spud down right there. The larger fish will hit a piece of cut blue crab fished on a 3 way swivel rig soaked at the last of the flow.You should find some fairly huge black drum. My personal feeling is this old fish really offer very little food value so I release them back to make more. The back country should get so much better with the reds really foraging and schooling. I like to hit the ditch early before the boat traffic at the low ebb tides for pods of schooling reds sliding down the edges of the waterway waking the water as they move. Slowly and quietly get in front of them and throw a big jumbo mud minnow or shrimp and really small 3in float well in front of them as they approach. It’s a blast but, does require some stealth. Also top water plugs work really well this time of the year for trout and reds. Work creek run outs, oyster bars, and structure early in the morning and for optimum opportunities do it at low tides. The offshore scene should be about to bust into high gear this month. Snapper, sheepshead, ringtails, sea bass, and cobia will start to get more eager and move into the near shore stuff in relatively good numbers. The old three way bottom rig is perfect with cut bait like sardines, cigars, and squid for rod bending action. Just remember to check all the regs for what you can and cannot keep. Good fishing and remember you can’t catch them from the couch. Capt. Kirk can be reached at 904.241.7560 or 904.626.1128 for charters or visit us at www.Enterprisefishingcharters.com .Listen to the Outdoors Show every Saturday from 7am to 10am on 1010am or 92.5fm for weather, fishing forecast, and reports about the upcoming week.

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Fishing Report & Forecast Sisters Creek By Capt. Tony Bozzella

his is a great month to bag a big trout, over 5 lbs commonly known as a gator trout. Months past, April has produced some of the biggest trout to include fish as big as 11lbs!! Whether your a float fisherman, plug, topwater or jig, big trout will be on the prowl looking for a meal. They can be caught with any of these methods. Fish get very active with the warming waters. Bait will be reentering North Florida, and as it does it will keep the fish active!! Fish points and places that have current, shallow next to deeper, structure and bait will be an ideal place to start. But, places like these hold fish.stay far back and make long accurate casts so you don’t spook the fish. There will a nice mix of blues in the area. Very fun, and lots of action. however, I take advantage of what mother nature has to offer? Years past, I had a day with blues to 10 lbs on inshore waters!! What a fight on light tackle!! Any angler would of loved it!! There will be other fish joining the party. Redfish, Jack Crevalles, Spanish mackerel, Ladyfish, will be in the mix. Plugs and lures that have been productive include, Rapalas, x raps, twichin raps, and skitterwalks. In the Miro-lures line, mirro dynes and top dogs, and also the BiteABait line, fighters and

top walkers. Colors are simple, if the water is clean and clear, I like to use natural colors. If the water is dirty or stained, use a white or chartreuse. Keep it simple. Pick a lure you know how to use best. There are no secret baits, if there were, I would own them!!! The same go’s for jigs. Just use enough weight to get down and stay in tune with the bait. The lures mentioned are all fine baits in the hands of an angler that has mastered how to work them? Again, accurate Cast are much more important and throw beyond your target and work the lure through your desired spot. Do not let the Lure land exactly on the Strike Zone, that can spook the fish. If the backcountry is your style, there will be some redfish prowling around. Schools of reds will be smaller and start breaking up as the water heats up. This will be the very last of the clear water and sight fishing this month. As the bait returns to the backcountry, the water will get cloudy and muddy as the mullet and micro-organism start to replenish. Flounder will start showing up more as April progresses. Any structure with bait and moving water can be a hot spot. I like the incoming tide. Fish a TBS jig in a bright color combined with a finger mullet or mud minnow. Fish slow and be in tune with your bait. When you get a bite, reel the slack out and set the hook. Structure in the Mayport area can be a good place to start.

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West Bank Seminar 2020- Cobia on The Beach By Mark Feagle

reetings, Fellow Anglers! Thank you to all who attended our March Seminar featuring Noel Kuhn, certified Guy Harvey Guide, who shared his knowledge and love for surf fishing and did a phenomenal job! April’s seminar promises to hit all the right notes again! Nathan Stuart, owner of OP Fish House in Orange Park, will focus on one of my favorite fighting fish in the ocean – Cobia! Nathan is returning to the West Bank Series again this year to present best practices for catching Cobia while running the beaches. He is a proven Cobia-Catching Machine with top finishes in multiple tournaments. I have personally caught many Cobia, but my Bucket

List includes catching one on the beach. Nathan will give us his best tips and tricks to help target them during the annual Ray Migration. The event will be April 25, 2020 at 57 Heaven on Wells Road. As we continue our Seminar Series, we want to thank our sponsors 6 NE FLORIDA

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that make this happen every month: Watson Realty and Mortgage, Dicks Sporting Goods, Bang Energy Drink, Gators Dockside Baymeadows, 57 Heaven, and all the captains who donate their time to put these events on. Their support allows the events to be FREE to the public. As Florida Boaters and Fishermen, we must also be mindful of conserving our natural resources, particularly our Florida waterways. Along that vein, I want to share with my fellow conservationists another project I’m working on - a Statewide Waterway Clean Up set to take place this summer. Working in conjunction with the CCA, the Riverkeepers and Florida Realtors, this event is evolving into the largest waterway clean up event ever. The date for the clean-up is July 11, 2020 and we hope it will be impactful in removing trash from our local waterways. For details on our Northeast Florida event locations, please reach out to me. I would like input on other types of seminars you want to see as well. Please email me or call with ideas: mfeagle@ watsonrealtycorp.com or 904-607-1139. I hope to see everyone at 57 Heaven this month. As usual, there will be food and great raffle prizes! Please check my website for future dates and times and go to eventbrite.com to reserve your tickets. You can also check my website for details on fishing tournaments, seminars and seafood recipes. mfeagle.watsonrealtycorp.com > Click on the “Fisherman’s Corner”. If you would like to be added to my email list just send me a note with your email address. Tight lines! Mark Feagle, Watson Realty Corp. REALTORS®

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Fishing Report & Forecast Flagler Inshore By Captain Chris Herrera

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

and crabs the mullet kick up. A Fish Bites Extreme watermelon red flake color jerkbait on a Slayer 4/0 Penetrator 3/16oz. hook is great search bait for flats fishing. Oyster bed hopping and casting to spartina grass edges will also produce strikes as long as the mullet are around. If redfish are busting mullet switch to mullet imitators like my new favorite lure the Sebile stick shad in hollow mullet. Live bait fisherman should soak live mullet or blue crab around oyster bars on high tide using Daiichi 1/0-3/0 circle hooks. Flounder should be chewing steady in the flats, creeks and inlet on outgoing tide being my favorite. Live finger mullet with a 000 split shot or using a Fish Bite Extreme Paddle and Slayer inc. jighead slowly bounced across the bottom will produce flatties. Jig fisherman will target deeper dropoffs with mud minnows or finger mullet. Doormats around the inlets will fall for 5-7 inch mullet on a fish finder rig. I prefer to use Daiichi D18Z J-hooks as I miss a lot of flounder on circle hooks. Big Blue fish should continue to chew around Matanzas Inlet, they will bite just about any lure that resembles a mullet, first light is best for numbers. Ladyfish will be stacking up outgoing tides busting baitfish in the bigger creeks that will keep the kids occupied. Light jigs and paddle tails or live shrimp will get slammed by lady fish on every cast once you find them. Capt. Chris Herrera Serving Flagler Beach, Palm Coast, St. Augustine www.palmcoastfishing.com 386-503-6338

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t last, now you can fully restore your hair and your confidence with IHRS (International Hair Restoration Systems;) the number one leading hair loss treatment and hair restoration clinic in Northeast Florida since 1990! With over 500 years in combined experience, IHRS specializes in medical, non-medical and clinically proven treatments for hair loss for men and women of all ages! Don’t miss out on your chance to get your hair back; quickly, naturally and permanently through IHRS with the latest and safest hair restoration procedures called Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), Neo-Grafting, and the newest Hair Transplant method Multi-Unit Hair Grafting (MUHG™) allowing 3 times more hair in one procedure. I recently had the sincere pleasure of doing a follow-up interview with successful businessman, hair industry expert and owner of IHRS, Mr. Dave Barker. Dave has been on the leading edge of the hair restoration industry for decades and sits on the Board of Directors for

also using Platelet Rich Plasma PRP in combination with our hair transplant procedures, so it allows us to see results much faster and it helps reduce the healing time significantly. This time-tested process really helps deliver the best result possible for our patients. Again, we are the only company in the region that does this type of combination therapy.” IHRS… Safe, Effective and Affordable! The combination of MUHG™ and PRP procedures deliver the results Dave’s clients have always wanted while keeping clients extremely relaxed and comfortable during the process. “The medication that we use ensures that each client is totally relaxed; in fact, most of our clients fall asleep during the procedure. Safety is very important to us that’s why we use a proven safety inspection protocol and facility crosscheck system for our sterilization process. We spare no expense and make every effort to make sure our facility is 100% clean,

some of the most prestigious hair restoration companies in the world. I am extremely impressed with Dave’s expertise and vast knowledge of the industry. As mentioned in our previous business profile feature article, IHRS is the only facility in the southeast that offers all time-tested hair restoration procedures in one convenient location including hair transplants, non-surgical hair additions, laser therapy, stem-cell treatment and other proven hair restoration solutions. IHRS MUHG™ and PRP Therapy “We have been doing hair transplants since 1990,” Dave explains, “however, it’s only been in the past few months that we started doing the Multi-Unit Hair Grafting MUHG™ which allows us to move up to 3 times as much hair on each visit. This highly-efficient procedure requires less office visits for our clients, plus it’s much more cost effective.” Dave is 100% dedicated to providing superior quality services and exceptional value to his clientele. “It gives us great pleasure to know that you are able to complete the procedure in less visits and in less time than ever before. And once completed, the overall look is impressive!” Dave was quick to reveal that using the older traditional transplant technology required multiple visits to achieve a desired outcome. “Using our new MUHG™ procedure, we can now use naturally occurring hair groupings called multi-unit grafts which provides more bulk and density and allows us to go in and create a much more natural looking result and a lot more volume of hair,” Dave proudly explains, “in fact, we can now move up to 9,000 to 10,000 hairs in a visit. The combination of MUHG™ and single hair grafts is the most attractive and impressive method for delivering the ultimate finished look our clients deserve. This procedure really allows us to deliver a true WOW factor with just one procedure. Everyone who has taken advantage of this new procedure is truly amazed at how much hair we can move in just one visit; whereas before, it would take 4 or 5 visits to get the same stunning look. Additionally, we are

comfortable and safe.” When asked about affordability, Dave made an important announcement that will make a profound difference in the lives of countless men and women in our community. “We offer a total transformation experience that delivers impressive results that is truly affordable for anyone. We are pleased to announce interest free financing for our clients as well!” Dave and his dedicated staff of trained and certified specialists are eager to provide a free consultation and all visits are 100% confidential. “We offer free consultations in a private room with one of our hair restoration specialists” Dave explains, “and for the readers of Coastal Angler Magazine, we will do a free microscopic analysis at over 200X magnification, to strategically analyze their hair and scalp. We will talk about the reasons why someone is losing their hair in what can be done to correct it. We will also show potential clients what they can expect as an outcome. We have a portfolio of impressive before and after pictures that will give prospective clients an opportunity to see the results that we deliver. At the end of the consultation a prospective client will know exactly what options are available, the costs of those options and the process timeline. Everything you need to know to make an informed decision will be fully disclosed during the free, confidential consultation.” If you would like more information about IHRS and the hair restoration services Dave Barker and his talented staff provides, we encourage you to call 1-888-710-IHRS(4477) or visit the company’s website at www.hair4me.com. What better time than RIGHT NOW to arrange for a one-on-one consultation with an IHRS specialist who will work with you to answer all your questions and find the best hair loss solution for you. Finally, you can get your hair back quickly, naturally and permanently with IHRS! Call today!

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

hat an awesome time of year for fishing and for just being on the water in Northeast Florida. The weather is about as nice as it gets... The inshore fish (redfish, trout, flounder, drum, bluefish, ladyfish, jacks, etc.) will be on the feed with the influx of baitfish (finger mullet and pogies). With warming air and water temps the nearshore fishing should be firing up as well with huge jacks, cobia, and maybe even a tripletail or two. Inshore the redfish will be crushing the finger mullet and other small fry and that means a top-water plug, especially at first and last light, will be the go-to lure of choice. Look for large concentrations of mullet and toss your plugs around them. There’s sure to be a redfish lurking around looking for an easy snack. Once the sun gets higher in the sky, I like to switch to a search bait this time of year. Some of my favorites

are spoons, twitch baits, and one of my favorites, the spinner bait. My clients and I have caught a ton of big redfish on the Saltwater Assassin line of spinners. Of course, a popping cork with a shrimp or mud minnow will catch its fair share of reds this month as well. April has always been a great “gator” trout month for me. A topwater plug will account for some of the bigger trout catches this month. The outgoing tide along the ICW banks should be loaded with trout, especially if the baitfish are around. Once the day heats up a bit, I like to fish a 1/4-ounce jig paired with a Saltwater Assassin soft plastic for the trout. Use a twitch, twitch, pause method and most of the time they’ll hit it on the pause. A free-lined live shrimp with a small pinch weight a few inches above it is a great was to catch some trout too. The inlets will come alive with all kinds of fast hitting fish this month. Look for jacks, blues, ladyfish, and spanish macs to be on the feed around all the area inlets. Crankbaits, spoons, and just about anything that’s moving fast through the water will catch these fish. Nearshore the cobia will be along the beaches following the manta rays. The magic water temp seems to be somewhere between the high 60’s and low 70’s. Pick a calm sunny day and have your shot at some of the most fun sight-fishing Northeast Florida has to offer. Also be sure to bring a few live shrimp when hitting the beach as there may be a few tripletail hanging around as well. Capt. Tommy Derringer Be sure to check out my Daily Fishing Reports online @ www InshoreAdventures.net 904-377-3734

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LURE OPTIONS for NORTHEAST FLORIDA STRIPED BASS By Capt. Chris Holleman

erhaps one of the most challenging fish to catch in Northeast Florida is the elusive Striped Bass. There is a small population of stripers and hybrid striped bass in the St. Johns River, the Nassau River and the St. Mary’s River. Selecting the right lure for the right conditions is key to success. Striped bass can be found in all portions of the water column and they don’t tend to chase a bait very far so one of the keys to success is selecting a bait that swims within their preferred “strike zone”. Here’s a small list of lures that have worked for me in Northeast Florida with some tips on when to use them and how they should be retrieved.

SWIM BAITS: Striped Bass like big baits. The 5 inch YUM Money Minnow can be fished at different levels in the water column but tends to ride in the upper portion of the water column when retrieved properly. A slow steady retrieve seems to work best. This soft plastic has holographic eyes and sports a rather large paddle tail. I would much rather horse a larger striper with a single-hook-lure and this seems to be the best single-hook-lure option when targeting fish suspended in the upper portions of the water column. YUM make their own 6/0 ¼ oz. keel weighted hook designed to be used in conjunction with the Money Minnow. Any color that contains some shade of white seems to work. Some options are Tennessee Shad, Pearl and River Shad. These tails also have a black spot behind the gill that resembles menhaden which are prevalent in the brackish waters here in Northeast Florida where these striped bass linger. LIPLESS CRANK BAITS: My favorite lipless lure is the 3 inch Cotton Cordel Super Spot. I like this bait with the silver side black back and silver side blue back. This lure contains loud rattles and swims with a tight shimmy. Striped bass often suspend at mid depths in the water column. Particularly on blue-bird bright sunny days. Lipless crankbaits are great search baits and are probably one the best lures when it comes to targeting hybrid striped bass. You can very your retrieve working different portions of the water column until you find where these fish are holding. If you get the opportunity take a minute to study the stripers swimming in one of Bass Pro Shops aquariums. Notice how these fish will be swimming in mid depths. SINKING CRANK BAITS: The Smithwick Perfect 10 Rogue is a unique slender sinking crankbait with a tungsten rattler. It resembles a shallow running crank bait, but it slowly sinks in the water column when you pause it rather than floating up towards the surface like other traditional crank baits. It’s a good option for suspended fish. I believe this lure mimics a finger mullet in shock which often occurs in extreme cold conditions. Small finger mullet and striped mullet are barely alive quivering in the water column when we have extreme freezes in Northeast Florida. Striped Bass are the opposite. They get hyper in cold water and are actively feeding on the lethargic vulnerable prey. Some productive Perfect 10 Rogue colors for striped bass are Hot Chocolate, Juice and Blue Heron.

WAKE-BAITS: Stripers seem most aggressive in low light conditions, during the fog, in foul weather or right before a weather front. This is when I like to fish with jointed wake-baits. Wake baits are shallow diving jointed crankbaits. My top choice is the Bomber Jointed Wake Minnow. It comes in 2 sizes (4 ½, 5 3/8 inch). This lure cast’s extremely well, swims true and is built with strong hardware which is a must for hard fighting rock fish as they are sometimes called. The retrieve is a simple one. Reel as slow as possible making the bait wake across the surface. This lure mimics a fleeing mullet. When I first started striper fishing it was hard for me to get a handle on working a lure on the surface near depths as much as 50 ft., but striped bass are sometimes on or near the surface even when the water is rather deep. Particularly during winter months. Some productive Bomber Wake Minnow colors are mullet, baby bluefish and green mackerel. Before Bomber came out with this jointed minnow I had good success with the 5 ½ inch Rebel broke-back minnow. I fished the blue back and silver side version. Striped bass seem to have a passion for baits with a hint of blue. Stripers themselves a have a slight blue tint to them.

JIG and SOFT PLASTIC: Occasionally striped bass will hold on the bottom. Particularly on hot summer days when they are seeking cooler water where they are more comfortable. We all have our favorite jig-heads and soft plastic tails. I prefer Bomber Jigs paired with 3.5 inch YUM Pulse soft plastics. I mostly use ¼ and ½ ounce red jig heads. The deeper I fish and stronger the current the heavier the jig I select. These jigs have heavy black nickel hooks which are a plus for horsing heavyweight stripers away from structure. I prefer shades of white for soft plastics when targeting stripers. Blue Pearl and Pearl White are my preference for YUM Pulse tails. I usually vertical jig these lures during the summer months. Summer-time stripers are not near as aggressive but they will eat if you place a bait right in front of them.

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he Ancient City Game Fish Association held their 10th annual Kid’s Fishing Clinic on March 14th and it was a HUGE success! We had record breaking attendance and a good time as had by all. We’d like to thank our sponsors and partners, St. Augustine Marina, St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department, McDonald’s and all of our vendors and volunteers. Next, we press on with the planning of our annual Challenge Tournaments scheduled for July 23 - 26th sponsored by Waylen Bay Marine, A to Z Roofing and Waterproofing, Powell Heating and Air Conditioning and A A-BailAble Bail Bonds. This Southern Kingfish Association sanctioned event boasts a kids clinic and Junior Angler, Backwater and Kingfish Challenges. Located at the Northeast Florida Marlin club inside the beautiful Camachee Cover Marina, thousands will flock to this 4-day event and has become one of the premier fishing tournaments in Northeast Florida! As this event continues to grow, so does our local charitable efforts. Each year, a portion of our proceeds from this event goes back into the COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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community where there are needs. Last year we were able to make an impact by donating to the Ronald McDonald House, St. Augustine High School Yellow Jackets Football, St. Johns County Homeless Coalition and the Jacksonville School of Autism through the Jacksonville Flounder Pounder. This tournament would not be possible without the help of our volunteers, club members, business partners and sponsors. We hope that you enjoy the tournament, thank the volunteers for their efforts and support our sponsors when you can. Full event details and registration can be done online at www.acgfa.com/challengetournaments.

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FLAGLER SPORTFISHING CLUB By Chris Christian

he Flagler Sportfishing Club will have its April Meeting on April 7, 2020 at the VFW in Palm Coast. The Guest Speaker is Captain Carlos Garcia and he will discuss “How to prepare for a

You can join online if you like at this link. flaglersportfishing.com/ become-a-new-member/. Upcoming Events: April 7, 2020: Club Monthly Meeting at the VFW in Palm Coast Annual Spring Classic – April 2425, 2020 - flaglersportfishing.com/ event/annual-spring-classic/ Join the Flagler Sportfishing Club www.flaglersportfishing.com

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Fishing Tournament”. The Annual Spring Classic is scheduled for April 24th-25th so sign up for this great tournament. Formal Officer Nominations will be made at this meeting on April 7. The Clubs annual membership drive and renewal period comes to an end in April as we kick off our new year.

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he Northeast Florida Marlin Association’s 48th Annual Bluewater Tournament is scheduled for April 23rd to 26th, which is the best time of year to target blue marlin off northeast Florida. This tournament is one of the oldest continuing tournaments in the state, organized by one of Florida’s oldest sport-fishing clubs. The three-day tournament allows captains to fish any two out of three days and offers a wide variety of species and payouts for captains and anglers. This is a photograph and release tournament for billfish and a catch tournament for gamefish including Wahoo, Tuna and Dolphin. The Wahoo bite has been strong this winter with some particularly large fish being weighed in this year, so expectations are high. NEFMA’s 4,000-square-foot clubhouse overlooking Camachee Yacht Harbor in St Augustine, 18 NE FLORIDA

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Florida, hosts events each night of the tournament for visiting yachts, members and guests. The Thursday evening Captains meeting will offer food, entertainment and a raffle as well as late registrations. Club NEFMA typically registers 50 to 75 boats in its tournaments and pays out 90 percent of entry fees in prize money, plus it offers trophies for ladies, juniors and top three places in each category. Entry Fees of $500 for Gamefish and $750 for Billfish make this a tournament affordable for anyone. Calcutta’s are offered at seven levels.

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

lue water fishermen will continue to enjoy excellent success while high speed trolling for fast swimming wahoo in water depths from 10-180 feet of water. Weather conditions are key as blue water fishermen will have to navigate from 40 - 60 miles offshore, leaving their home port long before sunrise. Checking with fellow wahoo fishermen the day before where the best action has been coming is key. Some of Northeast Florida’s best wahoo fishing comes during the month of April when wahoo school up over deep water ledges. While large wahoo are often taken by trolling plastic lures rigged with large ballyhoo from 8-10 knots, a proven trophy wahoo tactic involves bumping the throttles up to 15-knots and faster. Speed trolling with large, high speed plastic lures including the ever popular C&H “Wahoo Whacker” lights up the feeding habits of fast swimming wahoo. High speed trolling also requires special fishing gear, lures, leaders and special trolling spreads as well.

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Large concentrations of excellent eating and dolphin will often steal the show, especially when blue water lures are trolled close to large concentrations of floating Sargasso weeds. When the trolling action slows down, having on board heavy weights and tackle for dropping down bottom fishing baits is key. Big catches of mutton snapper are often enjoyed while fishing in water depths over 80-feet of water. Atlantic coastal fishermen can keep mutton snapper year-round with a bag limit of one per day with a minimum size limit of 18-inches. Other bottom species include grouper and triggerfish. The black drum bite should take place during the few days prior and right on the full moon, which arrives on Tuesday, April 7th. Look for some of the best drum fishing action to come after sunset when a flood tide arrives at 9:26 pm. Prime black drum fishing waters include a deep depression located just off from “Main Beach” located at the east end of Atlantic Ave. Here drum fishermen will be fishing just offshore of the pounding surf while fishing dead on the bottom with a half blue crab,

conch and large shrimp combination. A major run of red drum will also take place along the beaches of Fernandina beach when massive schools of redfish will migrate from their winter offshore havens to the beaches and inlets. Schools of red drum totaling well over 100-fish will roam the beaches hunting large concentrations of menhaden that have also migrated inshore for the spring, summer and fall fishing seasons. Nershore live bottoms including FA, FB, KBY, FC and HH fish havens will be teeming with black sea bass weighing to 3-pounds. Bottom fishermen will also hook up to hard fighting red snapper and gag grouper which will need to be vented and released. Northeast Florida’s gag grouper season will open on May 1st. Depending on the water temperature and bait fish concentrations, HH and the Amberjack Hole should hold a few kingfish during the later portion of April. Also look for good numbers of barracuda, Spanish mackerel and cobia too! Good numbers of cobia will migrate into the deep waters of the St. Mary’s inlet and hold close to channel buoys, jetty rocks and large concentrations of menhaden. Casting a large white bucktail jig tipped with a chartreuse colored plastic twister tail is key! Beach fishing at the very southern tip of Amelia Island and at the deep waters surrounding Fort Clinch at the northern portion of Amelia Island will produce excellent eating whiting and hard fighting bluefish. Fishing just out side of the surf where shallow bars are located with barbed sand fleas will produce excellent eating pompano. Best surf fishing also comes during the last and the first of the falling tides when water clarity and bait fish are key. Large schools of redfish will also be schooling in the bays during the month of April where a flooding shallow flat will showcase how many saltwater fishermen are now targeting redfish. Look for the last hour of the flood and the first half hour of the falling tide to produce exciting wading action at many of Amelia Island’s backwater bays. Be sure and were a good pair of thick rubber sole shoes to avoid those sharp oyster shells. Also long pants are recommended to avoid the sting of needle like marsh grasses. Best baits include Berkley Gulp shrimp, or crabs barbed with a 1/8th ounce jig head and cast just ahead of a tailing redfish. Allow the jig and plastic bait to sit dead on the bottom until the foraging redfish detects the smell and picks up the bait. Reel in the slack fishing line, set the hook and hang on! Sea trout fishing should improve during the month of April as water temperatures warm and bait fish schools are plentiful as well. Look for the high incoming and falling tides to produce the best action while casting a Storm”Chug Bug” when there are large schools of bait fish on the surface. Drifting a live shrimp under a small float just off from the bottom in water depths from 5-10 feet will produce excellent sea trout action as well. Look for Lofton and Boggy Creeks to showcase excellent largemouth bass fishing action during the full moon as well. Fish with wild shiners under a small float at small creek mouths and at the foot of shallow sloughs where lilly pads and cypress trees are abundant. Weightless dark colored plastic worms also produce their share of tidal creek bass as well For more Amelia Island fishing information please call (904) 2612870, or visit www.ameliaangler.com

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hav san born a memo Beach seafoo Ferna Shrim festiva Clinch access abund (and t destin Jackso always uniqu pride feels g extrem of the marin scenic with o Marin friend I re Sweatt I was boatin comm possib Louise family “and m been m togeth and sh learne Louise Cap gradu the M for the intrac and sa years. Autho helpin can en extens feel lik Olde T you w “We servic to give knowl in this

For that home town-feel” and friendly marine service you have been looking for! By Terry Newsome

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have always loved the majestic oak hammocks and pristine whitesand beaches of Amelia Island; and for good reason. Having been born and raised in Northeast Florida, some of the most treasured memories of my lifetime were created on Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach and Nassau Sound! We have all experienced the delicious seafood, unique artwork and exciting entertainment at the Annual Fernandina Shrimp Festival (now called the “Isle of Eight Flags” Shrimp Festival) as it is perhaps the most celebrated premiere seafood festival in the Southeast!) And, of course, there is also the historic Fort Clinch State Park and its amazing campgrounds, facilities and easyaccess to coastal waters. In fact, with 13 miles of beautiful beaches, abundant native wildlife, and the pristine waters of the Atlantic Ocean (and the Amelia River,) this barrier island has long been a beloved destination for visitors from around the world (and for residents of Jacksonville as well!) However, when I think of Amelia Island, I am always reminded of the warm and friendly people who live in this unique island community. The residents of Amelia Island take great pride in making sure that everyone who visits their “slice of paradise” feels genuinely welcomed! So, if you are looking for a refreshing and extremely rewarding alternative to the hustle and bustle environment of the big city (including high-pressure boat dealers and “big-box” marina supply stores,) then I highly recommend that you take a short scenic drive to beautiful Amelia Island to personally meet and visit with our friends Willie and Louise Sweatt, the owners of Olde Towne Marina. You will immediately experience that “home-town feel” and friendly marine service you have been looking for! I recently had the sincere pleasure of interviewing Captain Willie Sweatt and his lovely wife Louise, (owners of Olde Towne Marina) and I was genuinely impressed with their vast knowledge of the marine/ boating industry, their local knowledge of the coastal area and their commitment to providing the best value and customer experience as possible. And I can tell you with absolute certainty, that Willie and Louise will go the extra mile to make you feel like you are part of their family. “I was born and raised on Amelia Island,” Willie explains, “and my wife Louise and I went to high-school together. We have been married now for 51 amazing years. She and I run the business together and she keeps me straight!” I spoke to Louise several times and she is one of the nicest people you will ever want to meet! As I learned more about Willie Sweatt, I began to understand why he and Louise have such a successful marine business! Captain Willie Sweatt has been in business since 1983. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and sailed in the Navy and in the Merchant Marines for over 27 years. He also piloted submarines for the U.S. Navy in Kings Bay, GA and has run tug boats on the intracoastal waterway in the local area. Capt. Willie did marine towing and salvage work as the Towboat US tower in the area for many years. He held an Unlimited Master’s Oceans license and is now an Authorized Dealer for Lowe Boats and Mercury Outboards. He loves helping others buy “just the right boat,” (so his valued customers can enjoy the water as much as he does). His boating knowledge is extensive, and he loves telling sea stories! If you are like me, you will feel like you have known Willie and Louise for years! They have owned Olde Towne Marina for almost a decade and once you meet them… you will feel like you are part of their family! “We feel attached to the area and want to provide the best possible service we can to the local folks” Willie proudly explains, “and we want to give back to the community we love. We have a very good local knowledge of the coastal waters in our area as I have been on the water in this area since I was five years old. We care about our community

and the residents of Northeast Florida very much… and we are willing to share our local knowledge with them.” After doing my research, I can tell you with absolute certainly that Olde Towne Marina, Inc. is a well-respected source for finding the perfect used or new boat that is right for you. Other marine services are also available. “We also provide dry-land boat storage for boats on trailers up to 20 feet. Our boat storage is a convenient place to store your boat and trailer close to a public boat ramp with immediate access to the Atlantic Ocean, Cumberland Sound and its tributaries.”

Willie explains, “and we are proud to offer Lowe Boats and Mercury Outboards. At times we can offer Mercury motors at or below dealer cost while supplies last. We sell both used and new boats from 10-ft. to 30-ft., for oceans, rivers, creeks and lakes. We offer skiffs, bay boats, and center consoles for venturing out into the ocean. We also have boating accessories, parts, and trailers are available to make your boatshopping experience convenient and easy.” I am sincerely impressed with Willie and Louise as they are truly dedicated to providing the ultimate customer experience for you! Located at 1420 North 14th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL; Olde Towne Marina product lines include Lowe Boats, Stott Craft Bay Boats, Road King Trailers and Mercury Outboard Motors. In addition to new and used boat sales, other services include: boat consignment, boat storage, and aluminum welding. Everything you need to enjoy the ultimate boating lifestyle is available at Olde Towne Marina! Call Willie and Louise today at 904-277-8511 or visit their website at oldetownmarina. com. Welcome to Amelia Island… and welcome to the family!

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Fishing Report St. Johns River By: Richard Hamilton

et's start with the salty side of life. Croaker, usually not real big, but tasty, will be hangin' around the mile markers, as well as drop offs. Baits of choice are bait shrimp or perhaps a nice night crawler. If you happen to catch a small one, strip him and maybe a weak fish will come along and go at it. So give it a try. The Reds will be cruisin' the shallows, eating baby crabs, clams, and bait fish. Also, at the end of docks and in and around the drop lines. You can fish the bottom with a natural bait or work the varying areas with jigs, soft plastic, spinner baits or crank baits. The colors are your choice, but you can't go wrong with bait shrimp in the natural baits. Any fire tiger and shad patterns in crank baits. Striper have been active around the Shands and the Buckman bridges. You can use a live bait like shiners or live finger mullet. Also, minnow imitations and lipless crank baits seem to hold a pattern. Fish with the tides, allowing the bait to swim or drift past the piling, then I recommend you hold on! So go for it! There have been reports of Sheep Head and Puppy Drum also around the pilings. Pieces of bait shrimp or if you can, use the clams for the drum, which seem to hold promise. So go at it! The last salty item is the Flounder with reports and activity in Doctors Inlet, at the ends of deeper watered docks, as well as the piling around the seventeen bridge. Small to medium shiners work, as well as plastic grubs and small finger type worms. So go hunt and have a good time. Now onto the fresh side of things. First up the Specks. They should be winding down and finishing the spawn by the end of the month, but you canl still catch them. Look for moving pads; they'll be rubbing those eggs out onto nice clean protected areas. Minnows, as well as road runners, tube jigs, Hal-flies and beetle spins should give you a shot at some. Go for it.

24 NE FLORIDA

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The creek mouths hard sandy bottom areas, as well as canals, should be holding on, or will have held Large Mouth. The beauties will be in full crank up mode, with beds in all of the above areas. You can catch them by teasing them to bite, while on the bed. But remember, a nice shiner swimming in the same areas should get your line pulled. Baits of choice will be shiners, plastic tubes, cranks, creature baits as well as finesse-type worms. Also wacky rigging or senko's can do wonders for your catch ratio. So look for the beds, the covers around the beds, and other fishing type areas.. And give it a go! Next will be the Cat Fish. These tasty treats will be cruising shallows in the evening and around the first drop offs. Bait of choice: night crawlers, followed by shiners (while alive they may catch one one but leave them on after they die, for a great cut bait! So seek and you'll probably find. Next up will be the Bream. Shell crackers will be controlling the shell bars putting out eggs and eating all the earth worms they so desire. Look or hard shell bottoms and you'll start shallow and work your way to the first drop off. The bream will be bedding, usually in coves, off the ends of docks and near pads. Baits: crickets, red worms, wigglers are the big three, followed up with beetle spins and fly rod poppers. Remember you can catch the fire out of these beauties in one given area with a series of beds in close proximity. So have a go and enjoy! Oh, I almost forgot. The Mullet activity will be running, so grab your bait chum and tackle and get at them. Well, that's it! 'Til next time, keep your line wet and your lure movin'.-Richard.

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3/18/20 10:25 AM

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Fishing Report Pier and Surf By: Noel Kuhn

pril is shaping up to be the best month for you to catch Pompano! The water temperature has finally risen to a comfort level when Pompano are in our surf in big numbers. Now all you have to do is find clean water that holds hungry fish. Just remember these fish are migratory and they are constantly on the move. Just remember they have to eat everyday to survive. So my advice is that if you have not had a bite in 30 minutes…….MOVE! How far you ask? First try looking for structure to your north and south. If you do not see anything worth walking to pack it up and move to another beach. How to find structure on the beach is the hardest part of being a successful surf fisherman! Not just for Pompano but for all species of fish. To get started, I highly recommend going to YouTube and search “how to read the beach”. There are several great videos that will give you a wealth of knowledge. Since the sandbars, cuts, runouts, and troughs are made out of shifting sand they constantly change. That is why when I get to the beach I take five to

fifteen minutes to read the beach. Once I see the ”spot” I will watch it with complete focus for at least three more sets of waves just to be sure. Whether the spot is 20 yards or 1,000 yards away the walk is almost always worth it. Pompano can be finicky feeders. This is why I always take at least three kinds of bait with me. You will want to take some combo of live sand fleas, frozen fleas, fresh clams, salted clams, FKS, FDS, live blue crab, and Fishbites. Oh yeah, FKS aka fresh killed shrimp and FDS fresh dead shrimp. Either way the antennas should still be attached. They break off if the shrimp has ever been frozen. The rigging is simple. Either a double dropper aka Pompano rig or a fish finder aka sinker slider rig. On both I always use a 2/0 Eagle Claw L197 circle hook. These two rigs with the previously mentioned baits will also produce Whiting, Redfish, and Black Drum. I am so pleased to announce the 16th Annual Florida Surf Casters Tournament! This is a Whiting and Pompano only tournament. Strike Zone Fishing in Jacksonville has graciously offered to be the weigh-in site again this year. You can get all the details at www.floridasurfcasters.com or Facebook site “Florida Surf Casters Open to the Public Tournament”. This event will be held May 16th 2020. Good luck to everyone Hope you catch a big one!

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

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NEFMA - April

ournament season is in full gear this time of year and the weather finally opened the windows for many of us to get offshore and go fishing. In March the Wahoo bite remained strong with some remarkably large fish boated and pretty much anyone who went fishing for them managed to find at least one Wahoo for the icebox. The Blackfin Tuna also arrived and stayed thick through March, in their usual spots. If the weather remains warm, but not too hot, you can expect the tunas to remain until June. And the first Sailfish of the season were logged in for the NEFMA Boat of the Year standings by Capt. Jeff Crabtree on the Chundra. Some say that Sailfish can be caught any time of year in Northeast Florida, but spring and early fall are clearly the best times to chase the Sails. And speaking of Billfish, the Northeast Florida Marlin Association will be having a huge Bluewater tournament in April. This is the 48th year for the

Bluewater and it’ll be one of our biggest and best in several years. We’re planning a busy tournament calendar and hosting several seminars this spring to share fishing information and helping everyone catch more fish. If you’re interested in seminars or tournaments visit the Northeast Florida Marlin Association. We’ve opened memberships and sponsorships for the 2020 season, members and sponsors receive special benefits at each of our events. See www.NEFMA.Com for tournaments and membership information. Thanks for your support Paul Raudenbush President NEFMA Clubnefma@gmail.com 904 838 0421

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er.

TIDE CHART - April

Mayport Degaussing Structure 30.3967° N, 81.3950° W Date Day Time Hgt 01 Wed 02:28 AM 4.76 H 02 Thu 03:32 AM 4.78 H 03 Fri 04:38 AM 4.89 H 04 Sat 05:42 AM 5.09 H 05 Sun 06:39 AM 5.30 H 06 Mon 01:15 AM -0.79 L 07 Tue 02:08 AM -1.14 L 08 Wed 03:00 AM -1.34 L 09 Thu 03:51 AM -1.34 L 10 Fri 04:42 AM -1.16 L 11 Sat 05:35 AM -0.83 L 12 Sun 12:10 AM 5.71 H 13 Mon 01:05 AM 5.38 H 14 Tue 02:04 AM 5.05 H 15 Wed 03:07 AM 4.78 H 16 Thu 04:12 AM 4.61 H 17 Fri 05:14 AM 4.54 H 18 Sat 06:08 AM 4.54 H 19 Sun 12:37 AM 0.55 L 20 Mon 01:24 AM 0.38 L 21 Tue 02:06 AM 0.22 L 22 Wed 02:45 AM 0.10 L 23 Thu 03:22 AM 0.05 L 24 Fri 03:58 AM 0.08 L 25 Sat 04:34 AM 0.17 L 26 Sun 05:12 AM 0.31 L 27 Mon 05:53 AM 0.46 L 28 Tue 12:22 AM 5.09 H 29 Wed 01:11 AM 5.05 H 30 Thu 02:07 AM 5.01 H

Time 08:54 09:56 10:56 11:53 12:46 07:33 08:24 09:15 10:05 10:55 11:47 06:31 07:30 08:30 09:28 10:25 11:18 12:07 06:55 07:37 08:17 08:55 09:33 10:10 10:48 11:27 12:09 06:41 07:35 08:33

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

Hgt 0.80 L 0.65 L 0.36 L -0.03 L -0.47 L 5.46 H 5.54 H 5.49 H 5.35 H 5.13 H 4.88 H -0.44 L -0.05 L 0.27 L 0.48 L 0.58 L 0.55 L 0.43 L 4.56 H 4.58 H 4.56 H 4.51 H 4.43 H 4.33 H 4.22 H 4.14 H 4.09 H 0.58 L 0.63 L 0.57 L

Time 03:02 04:07 05:12 06:12 07:06 01:36 02:24 03:11 03:58 04:47 05:40 12:40 01:37 02:37 03:42 04:46 05:44 06:33 12:52 01:33 02:11 02:47 03:21 03:54 04:28 05:06 05:49 12:54 01:45 02:43

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 3.99 H PM 4.15 H PM 4.44 H PM 4.83 H PM 5.26 H PM -0.88 L PM -1.16 L PM -1.27 L PM -1.18 L PM -0.92 L PM -0.55 L PM 4.62 H PM 4.41 H PM 4.27 H PM 4.22 H PM 4.28 H PM 4.42 H PM 4.60 H PM 0.27 L PM 0.12 L PM 0.01 L PM -0.01 L PM 0.06 L PM 0.19 L PM 0.35 L PM 0.51 L PM 0.65 L PM 4.09 H PM 4.15 H PM 4.26 H

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

Time 09:07 10:13 11:18 12:18

Hgt PM 0.69 L PM 0.45 L PM 0.08 L AM -0.36 L

07:58 08:48 09:38 10:27 11:18

PM PM PM PM PM

5.65 5.95 6.11 6.11 5.96

06:36 07:38 08:42 09:46 10:47 11:45

PM PM PM PM PM PM

-0.14 L 0.24 L 0.53 L 0.69 L 0.74 L 0.68 L

07:17 07:56 08:32 09:07 09:41 10:17 10:56 11:37

PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM

4.77 4.92 5.04 5.12 5.17 5.18 5.16 5.13

H H H H H

H H H H H H H H

06:41 PM 0.73 L 07:42 PM 0.74 L 08:48 PM 0.64 L

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O Coolers is pleased to announce the release of their new line of marine products – Insulated Fish Bags and Fillet Mylar Bags. While AO Coolers already has a great line up with their ultimate soft sided coolers, these new insulated AO Insulated Fish Bags are sure to be a hit! AO Coolers Insulated Fish Bags are designed and made to keep your catch fresh. The interior liner is a tear and mildew resistant, reflective, 18 oz vinyl. It is insulated with 1” closed cell foam to keep your catch cold and fresh. The exterior is a heavy duty 18 oz vinyl material that is both UV and mildew resistant with full wrap graphics and a reinforced bottom. The AO Insulated Fish Bags also feature rugged, non-corrosive YKK zippers, and an exterior zippered pocket for additional dry storage. Two padded grab handles make transport easy when loaded. The AO Insulated Fish Bag is available in two sizes: 4’x26” and 6’x30”. AO Coolers Fillet Mylar bags are designed to keep your catch fresh. The AO Fillet Mylar bags are made from 5 MIL thick foil lined mylar which blocks moisture, air and light (they are not transparent). These one gallon bags are odor proof and waterproof which feature a ziplock seal, and lines for catch location and date. Each Insulated Fish Bag kit includes with six AO Fillet Mylar bags. Additional fillet bags may be purchased from aomarineproducts. com. The AO Fillet Mylar bags are available in packs of 12 or 24. Dimensions: 9” x 13.75” About AO Coolers: AO Coolers has been making soft-sided coolers in the market for over 25 years. AO Coolers were the first to introduce the soft-sided cooler and have the “best in industry” limited lifetime warranty for the inside liner and top main zipper. “Go with the Original AO Coolers!” The customers keep coming back because they know AO Coolers offers excellent service. AO Coolers delivers orders on time, on budget, and with exceptional quality – every time! For more information, please visit www.aocoolers.com or Facebook www.facebook. com/aocoolers. You may also email us at info@aocoolers.com or speak with our Customer Service Representatives directly at 800-336-5208.

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hat largemouth bass you’ve been battling with is now in your boat. It’s huge. Could it be the new state record? And if it is, how do you certify it? The current state record for largemouth bass weighed 17.27 pounds and was caught by Billy O’Berry in Polk County in 1986. Although that record has stood over 30 years, recent submissions of giant 15- and 16-pound bass to FWC’s TrophyCatch program has anglers and biologists wondering when the next state record will show up. If you’re the lucky angler holding a potential state record, here’s what you need to know: To properly certify a new Florida state record, an FWC biologist must identify the fish species, and an FWC employee—usually but not necessarily the same individual—must witness its weighing on a certified scale. Anglers can check the current state records at BigCatchFlorida.com by clicking on “State Record,” and should notify the nearest FWC regional office if they believe they have caught a record fish. Contact information for

Nathaniel Scott Kicklighter with his 14-pound, 11-ounce bass.

FWC regional offices can be found at MyFWC. com/contact by clicking on “Contact an FWC office” then the “Regional Operations” tab. Biologists urge anglers not to confuse the state record certification with the FWC’s TrophyCatch program. TrophyCatch is a citizen-science program that partners with industry leaders, such as Bass Pro Shops, to offer rewards for the catch, documentation and release of largemouth bass weighing 8 pounds or more. Nathaniel Scott Kicklighter just became the current leader for TrophyCatch’s eighth season with a 14-pound, 11-ounce bass from an unnamed Putnam County lake. “It’s important to note that while all that is needed to submit a fish for TrophyCatch is a photo of the entire fish on a scale with the weight clearly visible, that photo is not enough to certify a state record,” said Allen Martin, FWC’s North Central Regional Fisheries Administrator. “A state record catch is an amazing angling accomplishment,” said Martin. “However, if the fish isn’t certified in person by an FWC biologist, the angler won’t get credit for a new state record.”

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READING THE BEACH

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o the uninitiated, surf fishing might seem easy. Stake out some rods, sit back in a chair and enjoy a cold one, right? Well, if you actually want to catch fish, it’s necessary to read the surf. For beginners seeking to catch fish from the beach, setting up in the right place is the first step to success. Ask the local tackle shop about baits, rigs and appropriate gear. This article should get you started seeking out productive water. Ever notice five or six dudes clustered on one short stretch of beach with an array of rods stuck in the sand just a few yards apart? These guys know what they’re doing. They’ve found structure that consolidates bait and fish. Don’t assume there’s an invitation to plop down and fish with them. But be polite, don’t crowd them, and they might share advice. Notice what the beach and the surf look like where they are fishing, and 18

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try to find something similar somewhere else. Scouting begins with a long walk on the beach. Low tide might not be the best time to fish the surf, but it’s a great time to see how the bottom will lay out when the tide rolls in. Bottom contours manipulate current, and any irregularity on a flat expanse off the beach will draw bait and fish. Often, fine sand indicates a bottom with a gradual slope and little structure. Coarse sand with crushed shell or gravel points the way to steeper drops or deeper holes. Pay attention while you’re walking, and you’ll likely see the sand change character. The most common structure you’ll find off the beach is a sandbar. This is where the waves begin to break as they approach the shore. Inside of this sandbar there is a trough of deeper water between the sandbar and shore. There’s another drop off the ocean side of the sandbar. Fish of all kinds utilize these slightly deeper waters to move along the beach, hunting smaller fish or crustaceans. Dropping baits in the trough or on the backside of the sandbar can lead to hookups, but your odds increase if you can find a break in the sandbar, where a large tide, a rip current or a storm surge has punched a hole in the bar. Sand stacks up on either side of the cut, leaving shallow points on either side of a deeper bottom. These spots are obvious when the tide is out. When the tide is in, it’s the spot where waves don’t break as they pass over the sandbar. On a falling tide, you might notice faster water being sucked out through the cut. Fish use these breaks to move in and out of the trough. Current rushing through sandbar breaks also disorients baitfish, and predators will line up. Keep in mind that the sand is always moving. It changes day-today, and being cognizant of even small irregularities on an otherwise featureless bottom can help locate fish.

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

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lorida Realtors, the state’s largest trade association, is organizing a statewide event slated for July 11 to clean up Florida waters. Drawing from the organization’s extensive reach and calling out to all marine enthusiasts and conservationists, the event is aimed at cleaning up lakes, rivers, streams, retention ponds, bays, Intracoastal Waterways, the Gulf and Atlantic Ocean. The event was dreamed up between Orlando and Jacksonville realtors Mark Feagle Jr. and Jeff Fagan, who are avid anglers and Coastal Conservation Association members. The idea was quickly adopted by the trade association, which has the manpower of 195,000 members. The goal is to remove tons of trash and debris from waterways statewide in a single day, utilizing volunteers on land and water. “As a native Floridian, I have always enjoyed surfing, fishing and diving in our local waters. I want the natural beauty of this state to endure for my daughter and future generations,” said Feagle. “When you ask tourists or future residents what attracted them to Florida, the answers are typically: white sand beaches, lakes for boating, rivers for kayaking and our natural springs. Yet, many of our waterways are littered with bottles, cans and other debris. The good news is, trash is a people problem, which means we are also the solution.” On July 11, join thousands of Florida realtors to clean up Florida waters. Every effort makes a difference. To get involved, visit www.floridarealtors.org/events/clean-up-florida-waters or contact your local real estate offices to get details on local efforts. Use the hashtag #cleanupfloridawaters on social media to find local events and support the effort.

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elebrate the fight against invasive lionfish at the sixth-annual Lionfish Removal and Awareness Festival May 16-17 at AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar and HarborWalk Village in Destin. Activities will include fillet demonstrations; family friendly games and activities; art, diving and conservation booths; and the world’s largest lionfish spearfishing tournament, the Emerald Coast Open. Satisfy your taste buds by visiting any of the participating locations of Lionfish Restaurant Week (May 11-14) for your chance to try this delicious invasive. Learn more by visiting FWCReefRangers.com. The 2020 Lionfish Challenge removal incentive program will begin May 22 and continue through the Pensacola Lionfish Classic on Oct 11. Register for the tournament at EmeraldCoastOpen.com. For more information on FWC’s lionfish awareness programs go to FWCReefRangers.com and MyFWC. com/Lionfish.

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apid fluctuations in salinity due to freshwater releases from Lake Okeechobee have caused the loss of up to 1,200 acres of seagrass beds in NOAA photo by Heather Dine Caloosahatchee Estuary on Florida’s southwest coast. For more than a decade, prime habitat for inshore gamefish has dwindled. In 2018, an ambitious project began to restore seagrass to Caloosahatchee Estuary. Spurred by the Angler Action Foundation and funded by the state of Florida, the first stage of plantings appear to be thriving. In late 2018, about 20 acres of tape grass and widgeon grass were planted in areas decimated by excessive freshwater releases. Widgeon grass was selected for its ability to pioneer new habitat and tolerate a wide range of salinity. Tape grass, also known as eelgrass or wild celery, is more tolerant of freshwater than other grasses. Planting these two species provides some insurance that seagrass beds will establish and remain intact under widely varying salinity levels. Seagrass plantings were protected by wire-mesh exclosures to protect them from turtles and manatees, to allow the plants to take root. Initial surveys indicate very high survival rate, with up to 95 percent of plantings thriving and producing seeds and rhizomes that will disperse and hopefully establish themselves in adjacent areas, resulting in a self-sustaining seagrass meadow. Future plans are to expand the footprint of the planted areas. It is hoped the same methods can be used in other parts of Florida, such as the Indian River Lagoon, which has also suffered devastating losses of seagrass habitat.

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his is the time of year I start organizing for the upcoming fishing season. Whether I’m traveling abroad or staying close to home (which might be the case with current Covid-Virus situation), being practical and thorough are the keys to success. Pack Light: Many fly fisherman decorate themselves with useless stuff: dull-bladed scissors, moth-eaten fly patches and rust-encrusted hemostats; in addition, vest pockets are crammed with fly boxes of every size, each pocket on the verge of popping its stitching. On occasion, I have noted fly fishermen toting as many as three tackle bags, each bag containing enough stuff to stock a small fly shop. When saltwater fly fishing, dispense with the stuff and use the less is more approach. One box of flies will cover your targeted species, and you’ll need small spools of tippet material, nippers and pliers. If you’re fishing with a guide, he or she will have most of these items available to you. Know What the Fish Eat: Research flies you’ll need for the location and if your guide will provide them for you. Far too many anglers allow ego to take over their thinking in the selection of flies, resulting in the purchase of flies ill-suited for the targeted species. Ask the guide what flies are appropriate.

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APRIL 2020

Traveling Abroad? If you’re fishing in a foreign country, investigate the culture, customs and perhaps the language spoken. Doing so will ensure your trip’s success and impress the natives. Don’t forget your passport and an extra copy placed in another piece of luggage or carry on. Leave a copy of it at home just in case! And get a Trusted Traveler card (formally Global Enter card). It’s well worth the $100 and saves you from suffering the long customs lines when re-entering the United States. Cast: Prior to your trip, spend a half-hour each day casting into the wind, a practice that will prepare you for unforgiving, blustery winds you will encounter on the flats and offshore. Work on distance. Casts of 40 to 50 feet with no more than two false casts are a must. Find A Guide: A good fishing guide is an outstanding provider of the information you need when fly fishing unfamiliar waters or in distant fly fishing destinations. Your guide has logged hundreds of hours studying the local fish and has honed saltwater fly fishing skills. Listening is guaranteed to make you a better fly fisherman. Hiring a guide and lending him your ear is a giant step in the right direction if learning to saltwater fly fish is your goal. Once you have enlisted his assistance, pay attention; listen and learn. You’ll find most saltwater fishing guides are good listeners, and often they become good and trusted friends. However, avoid bending his ear too much with stories about your skills as a freshwater fly-flinger. You are there to learn from him, not vice-versa.

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ore than 1,000 volunteers showed up in early March for the 43rd Broward County Waterway Cleanup. On land and in water with 120 vessels, including boats, kayaks and paddleboards, volunteers collected nearly 25 tons of trash and debris from 35 sites around the county. The event was presented by the Florida Inland Navigation District (F.I.N.D.) and National Marine Suppliers and organized by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF). “We had beautiful weather, dedicated volunteers and a great time,” said Event Coordinator, Nicole Hoekstra, “The annual Waterway Cleanup is a perfect day to celebrate all that Broward County has to offer, while taking part in keeping it clean,” Following the cleanup, volunteers were invited to attend the Trash Bash Thank You party at MIASF Headquarters, where participants were treated to live music, free food and beverages, and more than a dozen raffle prizes. For more information, visit www.waterwaycleanup.org.

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CHERRY DOMINATES THE CLASSIC

here was no denying Elite Series veteran Hank Cherry. Riding a first-day sack of nearly 30 pounds, he led wireto-wire during the 50th anniversary Bassmaster Classic at Lake Guntersville to capture the most coveted title in tournament bass fishing. The 46-year-old B.A.S.S. photo by Gary Tramontina from Lincolnton, N.C. hoisted the trophy on championship Sunday March 8 and accepted his winnings of $307,500 as the Classic champion. It was sweet redemption for a man who’s fished the Classic five times and came heartbreakingly close to winning the whole enchilada back in 2013. During the 2013 Classic at Grand Lake, Oklahoma, a lost jerkbait fish dropped Cherry into third place. It’s safe to say his luck held on Guntersville, where limits of 29-3, 16-10 and 19-8 gave him a three-day total of 65 pounds, 5 ounces. He did most of his damage during Friday’s first round with a Z-Man Jack Hammer. The pattern led to a tournamentbest bag that featured a pair of 7-2 largemouths. On Days 2 and 3, he relied on his own Hank Cherry Signature Series Jig from Picasso in green pumpkin with a matching Berkley MaxScent Chunk trailer and a jerkbait—a Megabass 110+1 in the French pearl OB color. He spent practically the whole event fishing one causeway and one grass flat after a Day 1 arm injury limited his travel in windy conditions. “I never put gas in the boat all week,” Cherry said. “Y’all know me. If it’s windy, I’m not going to be making a lot of long runs—and anyway, I just didn’t need to.” South Carolina pro Todd Auten finished second with 58-10. Arkansas angler Stetson Blaylock took third with 58-1. The Berkley Big Bass award went to Auten for a 7-9 he caught on Day 1.

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nglers looking for a two-man raft as versatile as it is portable and functional will have a hard time finding anything that tops Dave Scadden’s Dragonfly XT2. At 10 feet long, 54 inches wide and weighing just 100 pounds, the Dragonfly XT2 can be thrown in the back of a pickup truck, yet it fishes and handles as well as a much bigger boat. It can be set up one person frameless, two-person frameless or decked out to the moon with Dave’s Dragonfly travel frame. It is super lightweight and portable yet offers performance levels never before achieved in the inflatable world. The Dragonfly XT2 is so outrageously tricked out that there are just too many cool gadgets to list. Go to www. davescaddenpaddlesports.com and watch the videos. You’ll see why professional guides around the country are choosing this boat for their river trips. All Dragonfly models are bladderless, miterless and fully rockered with rigid dropstitch technology and removable self-bailing floor systems. They are rated for Class V whitewater, have a 1,500-pound weight capacity and are backed by an exclusive unconditional lifetime warranty.

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ound is critical to a fish’s survival beneath the surface of the water. They rely on sound to signal the presence of prey or warn them of impending danger. Since sound travels five times faster in water than it does in air, it becomes a critical factor in a fish’s daily life. If you have watched fish for any period of time, you know they instinctively become alert to unfamiliar sounds or noise and tend to move away from the source. I watched a scientific experiment with trout in a clear water stream from a concealed tower. As an associate approached the edge of the stream from wooded concealment on the opposite bank, the trout became instantly alert. A few slipped back into protective cover, while the rest became motionless and waited to see what would happen. Every fish within view stopped feeding. Large predators sometimes invade a chum slick simply because they respond to the sound of smaller fish feeding. They can actually hear potential prey as the little guys devour the chum. The sound of other fish feeding will often trigger additional fish to begin feeding. Game fish are intensely aware of the distress vibrations given off by injured or impaired fish and usually are attracted to move in closer. These distress vibrations telegraph the

presence of an easy meal. That’s why a larger predator often attacks a hooked fish as you struggle to land it. Unique in the animal kingdom, the lateral line on either side of a fish is an extremely precise sound-detecting organ. It responds to low frequency sound within relatively short range in a system known as near-field displacement. Anything moving through the water disturbs the molecules and this is detected by neuromasts in the fish’s body. The accuracy of the system is nothing less than amazing. A fish can strike prey it cannot see with incredible accuracy. Negative sounds or noises are equally important. Too many anglers ignore the damage that noises can cause. Once a fish is alerted that something is not right, it seldom will risk striking a bait or lure. A plug landing too close to an oversized shark or a 100-pound tarpon can send that critter scurrying for safety. The noise of an outboard can eliminate fish in a given spot. Racing to reach a spot or to get to breaking Photo by Nick Carter fish as quickly as possible can shut down the activity. And making noise aboard a boat, particularly when it is easily transmitted through the hull has negative effects. The shallower the water, the more damaging noise can be. All it takes is dropping a pair of pliers, sliding a tackle box so it scrapes or making heavy sounds of any type. It pays to live by the rule that silence is golden. If you do, you’ll catch more fish.

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NOAA CLAMPS DOWN

ON ATLANTIC SNAPPER

n early March, NOAA Fisheries announced that red snapper season in the South Atlantic, from the Carolinas to Florida, will be a scant three days long with a one-fish per person daily limit… if there is to be a snapper season at all. It’s frustrating news for anglers, who are experiencing a similar situation to what occurred in the Gulf of Mexico prior to states taking control of red snapper management. While anglers and charter captains report plentiful and increasing red snapper catches, federal managers continue clamping down on regulations. And even the three-day season is contingent on a change to regulatory framework, which currently does not allow a season at all if NOAA determines it will be three days or less. According to a release from the South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council (SAFMC), the change that would allow a three-day season is expected to be in place before the 2020 season. Since 2010, recreational anglers have been allowed just 37 days total to harvest red snapper in the South Atlantic. NOAA’s decision on the 2020 season is based on landing estimates from 2019, when a five-day recreational season produced an estimated 49,674 fish and exceeded the annual catch limit. The current annual catch limit is set at 29,656 fish.

NATIONAL

APRIL 2020

E-Z ANCHOR PULLER PATRIOT SERIES

-Z Anchor Puller Mfg. Co. provides a solid, reliable, easy-to-use solution for anchoring. As a leading drum anchor winch manufacturer, our products are a safe, consistent launch and retrieval system for vessels in calm or rough seas. No more trips toward the front of your boat to untangle line and chain: we have a drum anchor winch that provides years of dependability and safety for you and your anchor, from 18-foot all the way up to 55-foot vessels! The Patriot series is especially developed for fiberglass fishing boats in shallow coastal waters. Before purchasing his E-Z Anchor Puller unit, Jarrett Sanchez pulled up a 22-pound anchor and 230 feet of rope and chain onto his 1977, 25’ Mako Center Console all by himself, by hand. Now, he can simply press a button to drop his anchor to the bottom, then simply push “up” for three seconds to ensure his line is nice and tight. Manufactured completely from 316 stainless steel and rated IP68 waterproof submersible, the Patriot series is immune to saltwater environments, whether it’s exposed on the deck or hidden away in the rope locker while you’re out on the water. With three sizes (EZ-1, EZ-2 and EZ-3) in the series, the Patriot is the winch of choice for Florida boaters who own vessels 18 to 35 feet, and can hold between 175 and 325 feet of ⅜-inch line, or 150 to 200 feet of ½-ich line depending on preference and need. The power-up, power-down direct drive button gives boaters more control over deployment and retrieval with an average of 100 feet per minute for deployment and retrieval. Sanchez’s particular unit, the Patriot EZ-2, holds 150 feet of ½-inch line where he boats off of the coast of Treasure Island, Fla. Even though his decision to buy our unit was, “99.9 percent his wife and family,” we think Sanchez is one happy customer, too! No drifting, no tangled lines and one less thing to worry about on the open water. To check out the Patriot series in its entirety, visit our website at ezanchorpuller.com/collections/anchor-winch

Ezanchorpuller.com/collections/anchor-winch

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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

APRIL 2020

NATIONAL

FOULFREE TRANSDUCER COATING

Visit

Length 13’ Width 35” Hull Weight 77lbs Capacity 450+

CoastalAnglerMag.com/contest 18

NATIONAL

APRIL 2020

arine growth on the transducer inhibits the performance your sonar. A fouled transducer reduces sensitivity, bottom-echo returns and positive fish targets. In other words, when the transducer is dirty, you’re not seeing what’s down there. Also, transducers perform best when there’s minimal turbulence over their surface during operation. Consider this next time you’re idling over structure looking for bait and fish. With streamlined water flow over your equipment, you’ll get a better image of what’s below. To solve these performance issues, Propspeed, a leading innovator of underwater coatings, developed a revolutionary foul-release coating designed specifically for transducers. Foulfree is a biocide-free coating that when cured creates a super-slippery surface over the transducer. It prevents marine growth without poisons to keep your transducer clean, streamlined and performing at its peak. One application lasts through an entire year of service and even longer in cooler climates. “Foulfree is an exciting new coating specifically made to enhance the performance of transducers,” said Chris Baird, CEO of Propspeed. “Bringing together our revolutionary product design and working with the experts in transducer functionality from Airmar, we are able to offer boaters around the world a new solution to an age-old problem and improve sonar performance for anglers and cruisers alike.” Foulfree joins Propspeed’s award-winning product line which includes Propspeed an industry-leading foul-release system for propellers and running gear and the groundbreaking transparent foulrelease coating specifically formulated www.oceanmax.com for underwater lights, Lightspeed.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

he dawning of the new year has been good to West Virginia anglers who are setting new state records. A monster blue catfish and a big grass carp were certified as state length records by the West Virginia Division of Naturaral Resources, and then the grass carp record was broken again. On Jan. 3, Zachary Adkins, of Cabins, W.Va., caught a 53.1-inch, 59-pound grass carp from Warden Lake, a 44-acre state-managed reservoir in the northeastern corner of the state. Adkins used a large swimbait to catch the fish, which broke the previous length record of 50.75 inches. Then, on Feb. 18, John Miller, of Lost City, W.Va., bested Adkins’ mark with a 54.75-inch, 67.4-pound grass carp, also from Warden Lake. Warden Lake is apparently a hotbed for big carp. The state weight record of 71.69 pounds also came from Warden. It was caught by William Tucker in 2005. On Jan. 11, Justin Conner, of Culloden, W.Va., caught his 49.84-inch, 58.38-pound blue catfish on the Ohio River over on the Ohio border. Conner’s big blue ate a chunk of cut shad. It broke the previous length record of 47.75 inches. Mark Blauvelt still holds the weight record with a 59.74-pound blue catfish caught on the Ohio River in 2016. The IGFA alltackle world record blue catfish weighed 143 pounds. It was caught out of Kerr Lake, Va. in 2011. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

APRIL 2020

NATIONAL

Airline_CoastalAnglerAd_3-2016_Layout 1 3/18/16 1:07 PM Page 1

RIDE THE BULL In Grand Isle Louisiana

he maze of bayous around the mouth of the Mississippi River south of New Orleans holds the best redfish fishing in the world. This unique system of waterways on Louisiana’s Gulf Coast also lays out perfectly for anglers fishing from kayaks. It’s fitting that the world’s largest kayak fishing tournament should be held out of Grand Isle, Louisiana. On Aug. 28-29, Ride the Bull will flood Caminada Pass with hundreds of kayak anglers chasing the event’s heaviest single redfish. It will be the 11th edition of this catch-and-release bull redfish tournament hosted by CCA Louisiana. And whether you’re a competitor or one of the hundreds of spectators, it’s an event you need to see. Because of the tournament’s boundaries within Caminada pass, it is suitable for anglers of all ages and experience levels. The fishing, however, can be pretty serious, with a leaderboard filled by redfish approaching 30 pounds. In addition to the fishing on Saturday, Aug. 29, vendors will be there displaying their wares, and usually there’s live music on Friday night after the captains meeting. Registration opens June 1 and hotel rooms on Grand Isle fill up quickly, so make reservations early. For more information, go to ccalouisiana.com.

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

Pig Cookers, Patio Grills, Smokers, Customized BBQ Trailers

For More Info 1-252-236-4464 www.BQGRILLS.com 6043 Hwy 301N, Elm City, NC 20

NATIONAL

APRIL 2020

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

WHEN SEEING RED IS A GOOD THING

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JOIN TODAY! BoatUS.com/Towing | 800-395-2628 *One year Freshwater/Saltwater Membership pricing. Details of services provided can be found online at BoatUS.com/Agree. TowBoatU.S. is not a rescue service. In an emergency situation, you must contact the Coast Guard or a government agency immediately.

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When it comes to cigars, no one even comes close to Cigars International and we’re ready to prove it to ‘ya with an outrageous intro offer: 8 premium handmade cigars for just $ 10.* Go ahead, price shop this one and prepare to be stunned. When you’re ready, we’re here waiting with the world’s largest selection of premium handmade cigars at the planet’s lowest prices, delivered fast and fresh. That’s our guarantee. Includes 1 each of: Hoyo de Monterrey • Macanudo • Villazon CAO • Arganese • HC Series • Bahia • Sancho Panza

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ADD A TRAVEL HUMIDOR CRUSHPROOF

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

WATERPROOF

APRIL 2020

30 VALUE

NATIONAL

WE RIF

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MODE

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APRIL 2020

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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hft_coastalangler_0420_M-REG171024.indd 1

APRIL 2020

NATIONAL

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

3/6/20 4:13 PM

Time to get to your local Suzuki Marine Dealer for the Ultimate Outboard Motors. Buy during our Spring Sales Event and get Suzuki’s 3-Year Limited Warranty plus 3 years of Time to get to your local for the Ultimate Outboard Motors. Extended Protection at noSuzuki extra Marine charge.Dealer There are Instant Savings on select models,Buy and during ourFinancing Spring Sales Event and get Suzuki’s 3-Year Limited Warranty plus 3 years of Low-Rate is also available. Extended Protection atSuzuki no extra charge. There are Instant Savings on select models, and See your participating Marine Low-Rate is also available. dealer for Financing all the details. See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer for all the details.

INSTANT SAVINGS INSTANT SAVE RIGHT NOW ON

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™ ™

Gimme Six Extended Protection promotion applies to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 04/01/20 and 06/30/20 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings applies to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 04/01/20 and 06/30/20. For list of designated models, Gimme Six Extended Protection promotion applies to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 04/01/20 and 06/30/20 in accordance with see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Instant Savings must be applied against the agreed-upon selling price of the outboard motor and reflected in the bill of sale. There are no model the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. The Gimme Six Promotion is available substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings applies to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 04/01/20 and 06/30/20. For list of designated models, Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Instant Savings must be applied against the agreed-upon selling price of the outboard motor and reflected in the bill of sale. There are no model terms provided, are based on creditworthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and authorized Suzuki dealer between 04/01/20 and 06/30/20. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and terms provided, are based on creditworthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ read your owner’s manual. © 2020 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 04/01/20 and 06/30/20. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2020 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. NATIONAL APRIL 2020 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

SZ Q2 PROMO 1PG CSTL ANGLR 3-3-20.indd 1

3/3/2020 1:11:30 PM

SZ Q2 PROMO 1PG CSTL ANGLR 3-3-20.indd 1

3/3/2020 1:11:30 PM

d a e h

e v r u C e h t f o

Not shown actual size.

Limited Collector’s Edition

Damascus steel forged to throw them for a curve at only $79

or centuries, a Damascus steel blade was instantly recognizable and commanded immediate respect. Recognizable because the unique and mysterious smelting process left a one-of-a-kind, rippled texture on the steel, and respected because Damascus steel’s sharp edge and resistance to shattering were the stuff of legend. If you carried Damascus steel, you were ahead of the curve. Today, you can own the legend.

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Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship of Damascus steel. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price. But we believe that once you hold the

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• Damascus steel blade & bolster • Buffalo horn & colored bone handle • Liner lock • Overall length, open : 7 ½" • Includes genuine leather sheath

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Rating of A+