Coastal Angler Magazine - August / New Orleans

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NOLA/GRAND ISLE/VENICE/PONCHARTRAIN EDITION

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Best Of ICAST 1,000-lb. Hammerhead

Local

Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events

August Reds PHOTO COURTESY OF JUSTIN BALUCH OF YAZBECK VOLUME 23 • ISSUE 270

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EDITOR IN CHIEF : Ben Martin • camads@coastalanglermagazine.com VICE PRESIDENT : Tracy Patterson • tracy@coastalanglermagazine.com ART DIRECTOR : Rebecca Snowden • graphics@coastalanglermagazine.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR : Nick Carter • editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com WEBMASTER : Dmitriy Pislyagin • webmaster@coastalanglermagazine.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Corporate Headquarters info@coastalanglermagazine.com • 888-800-9794

FLORIDA

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

SOUTHEAST

ATLANTA/SW GEORGIA : Bob & Brenda Rice • (706) 614-8231 • bobr@theanglermagazine.com CHARLESTON : Jane A. Redden • (205) 725-9616 • jane@coastalanglermagazine.com Sam Buckareff • (843) 607-8629 • sam@coastalanglermagazine.com CHARLOTTE : Mark & Haley Alberghini • (704) 651-1934 • mark@theanglermagazine.com TIDEWATER/OUTER BANKS : John Tiger • (757) 707-9654 • john.tiger@coastalanglermagazine.com Laura Seitz • (757) 707-9655 • laura@coastalanglermagazine.com UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA : Gregg Thompson • (864) 542-3112 • gregg@theanglermagazine.com WESTERN NC : Debra & Joe Woody • (828) 775-9663 • woody@theanglermagazine.com WILMINGTON/MOREHEAD : Kenny Ritter • (910) 550-9094 • kenny@theanglermagazine.com

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

GULF COAST

GALVESTON/MATAGORDA/UPPER COAST : Chanci & David Mowry • (713) 446-7395 • chancim@coastalanglermagazine.com • davidm@coastalanglermagazine.com MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST : Adam Nelson • (228) 627-5903 • anelson@coastalanglermagazine.com Toby Nelson • (228) 623-1761 • tnelson@coastalanglermagazine.com NEW ORLEANS : Dr. Dave Dunaway • (225) 400-8156 • nola@coastalanglermagazine.com

GREAT LAKES

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

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

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Best Of By CAM Staff

Overall Best of Show - Bote Rover

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ach year, the fishing industry and anglers eagerly await ICAST, the world’s largest sportfishing trade show, to see what new rods, reels, lures, apparel and gadgets companies will roll out in the show’s New Product Showcase. For the gear-heads out there, it never disappoints. This year, 1,263 products, accessories and apparel were entered by 280 companies to compete for Best of Category awards in 26 different categories. The products were viewed and voted on at ICAST in Orlando on July 13. This year’s big winner was the Bote Rover, which took home Overall Best of Show. It also took top honors in the Boats and Watercraft category. It is a truly innovative little SUP/Skiff hybrid, powered by a small outboard to get you where you’re going. Once you get there, it gives you all the skinny-water and stealth capabilities of an SUP. The following is a list of all the other cool and innovative products that earned top honors in their categories. Boating Accessories: Yeti Coolers LoadOut Bucket With the LoadOut Bucket, Yeti has done for the lowly 5-gallon bucket what it did for the cooler. This injection-molded workhorse is Yeti tough and designed to exceed any need from the boat to the backyard. Eyewear: Costa Sunrise Mirror Lens Sunrise Mirror lenses are designed for low-light conditions. They let in 30 percent of the available light while maintaining 97 percent polarization for optimal performance and eye protection at dawn, dusk or on cloudy days.

Huk Attack

Footwear: Huk Performance Fishing Attack The Huk Attack is the most engineered, purpose-built fishing shoe ever created. It brings performance features for the serious fisherman with unique traction, bullet-proof durability and all-day comfort and support. Giftware: The Catch and Release Print Shop Actual Size An alternative to taxidermy, these fish prints are created to the exact length of your catch and stamped with your name and information about your catch. Lifestyle Apparel: Frogg Toggs Prym1 Series Pilot II Jacket and Bibs The Frogg Toggs Prym1 Series Pilot II Jacket and Bibs is the company’s camouflage style of its bombproof Pilot II. It is available in shoreline blue, silver mist and blackout options. Technical Apparel: Frogg Toggs Sierran Transition Wader A zippered, flip-out chest pocket, large multi-function pocket and exterior fly storage area allow these waders to fill double-duty as a chest pack for storage of fly fishing gear. Electronics: Humminbird Solix 15 Chirp Mega SI GPS Humminbird has achieved improved detail and target separation with Chirp Digital Sonar. With touch screen or keypad interface, the screen can be customized and viewed with up to four panels. Fishing Accessory: Yeti Coolers Panga Duffel The Panga Duffel is a hardcore drybag designed to withstand brutal treatment and be completely watertight. It is fully submersible, and Yeti called it a gear fortress. Fly Fishing Accessory: Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoot Wader Simms has built its most breathable and durable wader yet in its new G3 Guide, with four-layers of Gore-Tex fabric in the legs and three layers above the waist. They also feature a chest pocket, handwarmer pockets and built in utility tabs.

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Fishing Line: Berkley Fireline Ultra 8 With four times the abrasion resistance of its original Fireline, Berkley’s thermally fused Ultra 8 comes in a range from 4 pound test up to 30 pound test. FishSmart: Eagle Claw 2017 Flounder Sample Pack Eagle Claw jumps in for the conservation of summer flounder and catch and release with its 2017 Flouder Sample Pack. Kids’ Tackle: 13 Fishing Ambition Combo Designed specifically with the smaller size of a child in mind, but packed with some features required by serious anglers, these salt and freshwater combos are perfect for the little angler who is really into fishing. Tackle Management: Daiwa Tactical Backpack This tackle backpack is perfect for hiking into a stream, walking the banks of a pond, hauling down to the surf or for use as a quickgrab on your buddy’s boat. It is custom designed to hold all the gear an angler needs.

Saltwater Soft Lure: LIVETARGET Hollow Body Mullet The Hollow Body Mullet is sure to find a place in nearshore and inshore boxes and be deadly for sea trout, redfish, snook, flounder and striped bass. It is an incredibly detailed and lifelike walking bait with great action. Fly Reel: Pflueger Supreme QRS Fly Reel With its innovative Quick Release Spool, the Supreme QRS offers an interchangeable large-arbor cassette spool system. The polycarbonate cassettes are secured in the spool carrier by an advanced locking system enclosed by a full stainless steel and alloy construction. Freshwater Reel: Shimano Curado K Baitcasting Reel As if the Curado weren’t legendary enough, Shimano has improved on its venerable reel with the latest in Shimano technology, such as smooth, efficient, durable MicroModule gearing. It is available gear ratios up to 8.5:1. Saltwater Reel: Shimano Sustain Reels C4000/5000 Shimano’s Sustain Reels are a saltwater line of spinning reels that fits into the higher end of Shimano’s line. Featuring Shimano’s advanced Hagane technology, they are smooth, powerful and durable for anglers seeking to do battle with midsized saltwater species.

Terminal Tackle: Trapper Round Bend Treble With an innovative “trap,” the standard version of this odd-looking hook has proven itself by holding baits in place and keeping fish on the hook. The treble-hook version of the trapper is revolutionary. Freshwater Hard Lure: Savage Gear 3D Topwater Bat This crazy-looking bait plays on the nature of predatory species to strike on reaction. It is a hard, surface-walking bait 3D scanned to mimic a bat struggling in the water.

3D Topwater Bat

Saltwater Hard Lure: Rapala X-Rap Magnum 40 Did somebody say wahoo? The new X-Rap Magnum 40 dives consistently to 40 feet with aggressive swimming action. It can be trolled as fast as 13 knots without rolling or kicking out.

Rapala X-Rap Magnum 40

Freshwater Soft Lure: Lunkerhunt LP Prop Series The Lunkerhunt Prop Series combines the design of hollow-body soft plastics with modern prop technology previously found only on hard-body lures. The Prop Series features three body styles: The Prop Frog, The Prop Fish Sunfish and The Prop Fish Shad.

Rod & Reel Combo: Lew’s Mach Crush Speed Spool Combo This baitcast combo features Lew’s exclusive SLP Super Low Profile compact design in a premium 10-bearing Speed Spool reel with MSB Multi-Setting Brake dual cast control system. The combo’s onepiece IM8 graphite rod sports a Winn Dri-Tac splitgrip handle. Fly Fishing Rod: G. Loomis IMX-Pro Fly Rod G. Loomis’ IMX-Pro series was designed for professional guides. IMX-PRO MATRIX is a material that allows Loomis to use fewer wraps of graphite and build fast, responsive rods that are lighter and more sensitive without sacrificing power or durability. Freshwater Rod: 13 Fishing Fate Black With crisp action, incredible sensitivity and superb balance, the Fate Black offers the benefits of a Japanese 30T HTC blank, an innovative seamless reel seat, tanglefree guides with zirconia inserts, hybrid comfort grips and handles made of hand-selected Portuguese cork. Saltwater Rod: St. Croix Legend T o u r n a m e n t Inshore Legend Tournament Inshore rods are the blending of the sensitivity, power and durability found in St Croix’s existing Legend Tournament Bass and Walleye series with components and technology reserved for saltwater environments.

Lunkerhunt Prop series

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A boater’s paradise, Bay Point Marina is gently tucked away along the Grand Lagoon in Panama City Beach, Florida, yet conveniently located just five minutes from the beautiful Gulf of Mexico and 15 minutes from the Intracoastal Waterway. Fortunately for patrons and guests, Bay Point Marina is also just minutes by boat from Shell Island, which offers excellent snorkeling, superb fishing and some of the most secluded beaches available in North Florida. This quiet, full-service marina offers worldclass facilities and services including 180 protected slips, housing for boats up to 125 feet and luxury pontoon boat rentals at a relaxing price.

Boating is our business. Having fun is yours!

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Alaska’s Can’t Miss

Freshwater Fishing Adventures

By Christopher Batin

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laska sportfishing offers wilderness realized rather than imagined and quickens the pulse in all types of anglers, from panfishermen to veteran world anglers. When an angler returns from Alaska and shares an evening on the flats or at the catfish hole with friends, talk quickly turns from big catfish stories to Alaska fishing adventures. The reason is obvious. If you are searching for action, the roostertails of spray generated by a 50-pound chinook salmon on a five-jump run through shallow water will satisfy your need. If the sight of huge shad migrations have you tying on a lure in finger-fumbling fashion, wait until you view pristine rivers teeming with five species of Pacific salmon that are counted not by the thousands, but by the millions. Valdez anglers see the return of as many as 11 million pink salmon to intertidal waters. Choosing the right Alaska adventure is complex, with its various runs, timing and weather. Knowing when to go, where to go and with whom is key. I’ve fished and covered Alaska’s fishing for more than 42 years, and I’ve helped countless anglers find the trip best suited for them. Each angler has separate needs. In the freshwater realm, here are some of the top considerations for can’t miss adventure, fish-hooking action and personal service worthy of the Alaska experience. Interior Alaska

If you’re looking for a quiet place to fish, with scenery, comfortable cabins and located far from the crowds, drive down to Denali National Park and visit Kirk Martakis at Fish Denali. He offers several lakes on private property that offer about 3,000 wild rainbow trout to 31 inches and trophy-sized grayling. They cruise the lake like sharks, and the clear water makes sight casting to them with single-hook jigs, nymphs or topwater lures too much fun. It’s some of the best lake rainbow fishing I’ve experienced. Cozy, fully equipped cabins located at lakeside offer everything you’ll need for a multi-day stay, including Wi-Fi and multiple bedrooms. It’s a good choice for large families, fishing buddies or couples who want a quiet, laid-back trip with some of Alaska’s best scenery (www.Fishdenali.com). Float fishing offers a change of scenery around each turn in the river as well as great fishing opportunities. Alaska River Tours offers remote float trips along the road system, with neither the crowds nor the expense. Depending on the season, owner Reinhard “Reini” Neuhauser chooses the best rivers for grayling, trout, sheefish, pike, salmon and char. On overnight excursions, he provides tents, camping gear and boats. You arrive ready to fish. I recommend the overnight float, which makes the most of Alaska’s 19-plus hours of daylight. Fish when it’s light, and float during the remaining five hours from midnight to the 4 a.m. during the twilight period, when it’s still light enough to read. It’s a heady trip that is only surpassed by his camps and food served (www.akrivertours.com). The Kenai Peninsula For a quick day of fishing, the Kenai River offers big king salmon to 70plus pounds that sizzle drags. Guide Joe Connors was my instructor back in 10

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my college days, and he’s still as tough on catching fish as he was on me learning public speaking. He’s a long-time Kenai veteran, and his guides at Big Sky Charter and Fish Camp have a long-time, sterling reputation for helping anglers of all skill levels catch silver and sockeye salmon, char and rainbow trout in the 25- to 34-inch range. He offers comfortable riverside cabins, evening barbecues and a quiet place to enjoy the river (www.kenaiguide.com). Bristol Bay Bristol Bay lodges offer the crème de le crème of Alaska sportfishing in these western Alaska waters, where tens of millions of salmon move into various watersheds each year. A couple hundred lodges and camps offer a variety of services, from bare-basic outfitted trips to spectacular lodges with fly-out fishing, shore lunches, and gourmet meals. Mike Gorton runs Goodnews River Lodge, the only lodge located on the 400-milelong river that offers some of the best boat-accessible river fishing for silver salmon, rainbow trout and char you’ll find in the region. It is a mixed-bag fishery, where no matter the weather, you can fish. There wasn’t a stretch of the Goodnews when friend Mark Wade and I fished that didn’t have silver salmon hammering our flies and big rainbow trout swarming in numbers like piranhas. The guides have great people skills and are skilled in their knowledge of the river (www.goodnewsriverlodge. com). Southeast Alaska In southeast Alaska, Marlin Benedict, of Fish Wrangell, offers freshwater fishing for salmon, cutthroat trout and char in the remote, beautiful jungle streams of the Tongass National Forest. You don’t walk long distances here, as most of the good fishing is within a half mile or so of saltwater, which also guarantees fish as fresh as they come. The most fun in fishing these shallow waters is watching salmon attacking your fly or lure. Personal service is topnotch. (www.fishwrangell.com). Chris Batin is editor of The Alaska Angler and author of nine award-winning books and Alaska fishing DVDs. He is featured as an Alaska legend in a new book, “Alaska’s Greatest Outdoor Legends,” published by the University of Alaska Press. For over 40 years, he has run The Alaska Angler Information Service. Discover more at www.AlaskaAngler.com.

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The all-electric Power-Pole Micro anchor is compact, virtually silent and drives the 3/4” Micro Spike at the push of a button. Add the rechargable Micro Battery Pak and you’re ready to go wherever adventure takes you. Get all the details and find a dealer near you at power-pole.com.

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

HAMMERHEAD TUFF GRAB AMARRA

Hammerhead Tuff Grab spearfishing gloves are the toughest warmwater spearfishing gloves available. Tuff Grabs were designed in Hawaii for use in asspetto spearfishing, which involves the diver descending to the bottom and scratching up substrate to attract inquisitive fish. In this style of ambush diving, normal diving gloves only last weeks. Tuff Grabs last months, saving the diver money in the long run. A full 5-finger, 2mm neoprene glove with reinforced flexible amarra (synthetic suede) palm and double-stitched gripped reinforcements offer exceptional durability without sacrificing dexterity. Anti-Slip rubberized grips are sewn into each fingertip and palm, leaving the knuckles open for flexibility. Large batting-glove style Velcro enclosures keep the glove tight. Tuff Grabs are available in both Deep Reef and Pelagic Shatter camouflage to help make you the ultimate predator.

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MAVERICK DARIAN YOKOOJI HYBRID SPEARGUNS Darian Yokooji made his first speargun back in 1993 because he didn’t have money to buy one. Since then, his Hawaiian-made, handcrafted guns have become highly sought after by spearfishers around the world. All of Yokooji’s guns are handcrafted in small batches to ensure quality workmanship, and he uses only the finest materials to construct beautiful, durable spearguns that perform to the highest level. His best-selling guns are his Hybrid Signature line. Originally designed in 1996, this line offers the stability of wood with the maneuverability of a pipe gun. The latest rendition of this classic gun has been retooled through collaboration with Maverick America’s Mark Laboccetta to improve on the original body design, add a carbon fiber barrel and redesign the Delrin muzzle. It is an exceptional, versatile speargun available in lengths of 53, 55, 57 and 60 inches. Check out all the specs online.

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High Performance Eyewear

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Center sp Are Log Homes Practical? Why Buy a Log Home?

Log Cabin process. Each log is perfectly engineered in our state of the art, climate-controlled facility prior to construction. This precise engineering of the logs prior to construction also ensures a superior thermal mass. Prior to the Blue Ridge Log Cabin process, thermal mass was affected by less than airtight construction. Ensuring exact fitting and high thermal mass has enabled our log homes to be very competitively priced with traditional construction and traditional building thermal efficiency, making our log homes View time-lapsed video at www.blueridgelogcabins.net an exceptional value, both now and into the future. bviously the number one attribute for log home owners tends Ben Martin: You’ve mentioned the “manufacturing process.” to be the aesthetics. Log homes and the feel of real wood tend to create an ambiance that tends to suit the outdoor enthu- How is it that log homes would have a manufacturing process? Chip Smith: Blue Ridge Log Cabins is an innovator in the log siast more than the traditional American home. But what about the cost to build and maintain a log home? Is it practical? That’s the ques- home industry. We were recently voted on as one of “America’s Favorite Log Homes” by Log Cabin Hub. Our unique process of comtion that we asked Chip Smith, Owner of Blue Ridge Log Cabins. Ben Martin: Chip, some people would suggest that the cost of pletely engineering each log in our facility has enabled us to provide a consistency previously unavailable in the log home industry. This a log home is more than that of a traditional home. Is that correct? Chip Smith: There was a time when that would have been true has also enabled us to produce a more energy efficient log home. Eliminating the inconsistencies normally associated with log but today with our improved efficiencies in development and construction of a Blue Ridge Log Cabin the answer is no, they are not home construction has allowed us to create a better value for our more costly than a traditional home. This innovation in the actual customers and a more efficient building process. Beautiful log homes manufacturing of the logs themselves is at the core of the Blue Ridge do not have to cost more than traditional homes.

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Visit our website: www.BlueRidgeLogCabins.net or Call: (888) 340-9782 625 East Frontage Road, Campobello, SC 29322 14

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Steel of Approval At $49, this blade of Damascus steel is a real steal amascus steel is legendary. Tales of its unmatched strength, sharpness and D durability ring through the ages. There are stories of gun rifles being sliced in two by Damascus steel swords and individual strands of hair being sliced in

half, even if they gently floated down on to the edge of the blade. Now, you can be a part of the legend. The Legend Knife boasts nearly 4” of famed Damascus steel with it’s signature, wavy pattern. Damascus steel blade knives can cost thousands. So, at $49, the price itself is almost legendary. Cast Damascus steel, known as wootz, was popular in the East and it’s an exacting process that’s part metalwork, part chemistry. It's produced by melting pieces of iron and steel with charcoal in a low oxygen environment. During the process, the metals absorb carbon from the charcoal and the resulting alloy is cooled at a very slow rate. The outcome is a beautiful one-of-a-kind pattern of banding and mottling reminiscent of flowing water. Once a lost art, we sought out a knifemaker who has resurrected the craftsmanship of Damascus steel to create the Legend Knife. The genuine Damascus steel blade folds into a tri-colored pakkawood handle that’s prepared to resist the ravages of the great outdoors. When not in use or on display, The Legend Knife stays protected in the included genuine leather sheath. “If you have a Damascus steel blade knife, you have a knife blade with unique beauty. With its historical reputation as the metal used for the best swords over hundreds of years, and its distinctive wavy design, Damascus steel is a beauty to behold.” –– knifeart.com With our limited edition Legend Knife What customers are saying you’re getting the best blade money can buy. about Stauer knives... What you won’t get is the inflated price tag. We know a thing or two about the hunt––  like how to seek out and capture an out- “Good value. Great looking. standing, collector’s-quality knife that won’t Sufficiently sharp. Overall cut into your bank account. Priced at an an "A" purchase and amazing $49, we can’t guarantee this knife I ordered three.” will stick around for long. So call today! — B. of Maryland Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the craftsmanship. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 60 days for a complete refund of the item price. But we believe that once you wrap your finTAKE 67 % gers around the Legend’s handle and experience the OFF INST ANTLY! beauty of its Damascus steel blade, you’ll be ready to When you carve out your own legend. use your INSIDER OFFER CO DE

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NEW ENGLAND STRIPERS

AT CUTTYHUNK ISLAND, MASS. By Charlie Warfield

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etween Buzzards Bay and Martha’s Vineyard, 10 miles out to sea off the coast of Massachusetts, you will find Cuttyhunk Island. Early seafarers used the island’s natural harbor as a shelter for a few weeks in 1604, making it the first English settlement in New England. When I first visited Cuttyhunk, I could have been in the Bahamas; it was warm and beautiful. It has New England charm with the relaxed feel of the Islands. In addition to the beautiful scenery and fun atmosphere, Cuttyhunk has made a name for itself as a premier striper fishing destination in the Elizabethan Islands. In the summer, this small village is populated with surf casters and clients chartering one of the eight captains on the island. I fell into the former category and benefited from the sage advice of my friend Armand, who has been making an annual pilgrimage to this island for nearly 40 years. Armand knows all the locals, and he knows that the person for us to fish with on this trip would be Capt. Bruce Borges, because Capt. Borges was the only one on the island with a boat that had a full casting platform suited to pursue bass with a fly rod. Capt. Bruce is quite the fly angler himself, and has guided big names such as Lefty Cray over the years. He is a sharp-witted salty fellow who looks all of 78 his years but possessed the strength and agility of a man in his 50s. As soon as we unloaded our gear from the ferry, we set out to fish the shoreline from the captain’s nicely appointed boat the Wahini. As we worked the rocky shoreline, I was impressed by the rugged beauty of this place.

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Cuttyhunk sits in the middle of the striped bass prespawn staging area. Fish glut themselves on an abundance of squid and sand eels as well as school after school of bunker. Once the water warms to the perfect temperature, the fish move inland and up the many tributaries throughout Massachusetts and Maine to spawn. This makes for a great fishery full of fish ranging from small schoolies up to 50-pound-plus monsters. It is all about timing as to whether you will catch the big fish or just the schoolies. On this trip, it was the latter, but there were larger fish around, and bait fishermen were having better luck with the big fish. You know what they say, “they never refuse the naturals.” If you ever find yourself around Cape Cod and looking for some great fishing, check out Cuttyhunk. Even if you just take the ferry over for the day and spend some time on the beach with the family, I promise you will enjoy this beautiful and quaint Island.

7/18/17 12:00 PM


NEW ORLEANS - GRAND ISLE - VENICE - LAKE PONCHARTRAIN Basin

FISHING REPORT Freshwater I

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n the past month, if you have song the song “Rain, rain, go away!” a few dozen times, you must be living in the desert. South Louisiana and much of the coast has been hit with rain, tropical storms, and even bad weather to last a few summers. If the fishing hot spot contains the word river in it, it has been a mud hole for a month or more. Mississippi, Atchafalaya, and the Pearl are above flood stage. The fish and the anglers who chase them need a few weeks of rain free days. The report is pretty simple this time around, avoid the rivers and fish in the marsh.

Northshore The high water has made fishing more difficult but not impossible. A few local team events out of the Pearl take about eleven pounds or more to win. Plus a five fish limit is pretty common at weigh in time. The lower reaches of the Pearl and other spots along the coast are producing some nice 12-14 in bass. Topwaters like Ribbits and spinnerbaits in chartreuse and white seem to be the type of lure to use around the grass and points of the marsh. With the water high, up river fishing holes are hard to reach as the bass move into the flooded woods to feed. If the weather dries and the rivers fall, look for topwater plugs and crankbaits to begin matching the shad hatch. The upper parts of the rivers will begin to produce as the water falls. With little pressure this spring due to high water, the action should be hot and heavy when the water cleans up and the rains stop.

The river is around five feet in Morgan City. Report are poor for the area because of the recent storms. However, if the river begins to fall, late July can be very good for this area. Fish often stuck up in drains as the water falls out of the woods. Both the Mississippi and Atchafalaya are predicted to fall to fishable levels by the end of July. Like other areas, anglers head to the marsh to avoid the flooded conditions. Frogs, spinnerbaits, and small Texas rigged worms are basic tactics for any marsh in south Louisiana. Next, add clean or mixing water the equation for some fun.

Delacroix/Chef Pass As summer heat up the water in the ponds, bass move to the larger and deeper sections of water. For the Chef Pass and Wall area, it is the rocks along the MRGO this time of year. In Delacroix, Grand Lake is a spot to try. A few fish are still around the ponds but the numbers are along the rocks or in a drain pouring into/out of Grand Lake. A recent trip to Delacroix found a nice mix of reds and bass from Batola to Grand Lake. Frogs and Senkos for bass were the best option. Vibrating jigs (white and chartreuse) worked well for reds. As the season changes over to summer, it is time to change locations. Investigate the rocks along the MRGO or fish cuts and drains of big lakes in the marsh. Usually, the fish will stack up so move until a productive area is found. Unfortunately, the weather has kept the trips and the reports to minimum this month. Anglers should expect the bite to turn on as soon as a stable weather pattern fall over Louisiana. A mention on the news of a Bermuda high setting in over us would be a welcome event. The weather would be hot but so would the fishing. Jeff Bruhl

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NOLA@COASTALANGLERMAGAZINE.COM 10 Reasons to advertise your business in Coastal Angler Magazine!

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IN THE KNOW... The Best Day to Fish? August 2017

F

armers’ Almanac’s Fishing Calendar is based on the phase of the moon, the zodiac sign the moon is in, and experience. Local conditions, tides, and weather may affect your fishing experience.

FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES CONTACT US TODAY! 225-400-8156 DATE FORECAST BITE Aug 4 Aug 5 Aug 6 Aug 7 Aug 8 Aug 9 Aug 10 Aug 17 Aug 18 Aug 26 Aug 27

GOOD GOOD BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST GOOD GOOD

Morning Morning Morning Evening Evening Evening Evening Morning Morning Evening Evening

For more information, visit www.farmersalmanac.com/calendar/fishing 2 NOLA

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NEW ORLEANS - GRAND ISLE - VENICE - LAKE PONCHARTRAIN

FISHING REPORT Venice to Buras Inshore

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n the past month, if you have song the song “Rain, rain, go away!” a few dozen times, you must be living in the desert. South Louisiana and much of the coast has been hit with rain, tropical storms, and even bad weather to last a few summers. If the fishing hot spot contains the word river in it, it has been a mud hole for a month or more. Mississippi, Atchafalaya, and the Pearl are above flood stage. The fish and the anglers who chase them need a few weeks of rain free days. The report is pretty simple this time around, avoid the rivers and fish in the marsh. Northshore The high water has made fishing more difficult but not impossible. A few local team events out of the Pearl take about eleven pounds or more to win. Plus a five fish limit is pretty common at weigh in time. The lower reaches of the Pearl and other spots along the coast are producing some nice 12-14 in bass. Topwaters like Ribbits and spinnerbaits in chartreuse and white seem to be the type of lure to use around the grass and points of the marsh. With the water high, up river fishing holes are hard to reach as the bass move into the flooded woods to feed. If the weather dries and the rivers fall, look for topwater plugs and crankbaits to begin matching the shad hatch. The upper parts of the rivers will begin to produce as the water falls. With little pressure this spring due to high water, the action should be hot and heavy when the water cleans up and the rains stop. Basin The river is around five feet in Morgan City. Report are poor for the area

because of the recent storms. However, if the river begins to fall, late July can be very good for this area. Fish often stuck up in drains as the water falls out of the woods. Both the Mississippi and Atchafalaya are predicted to fall to fishable levels by the end of July. Like other areas, anglers head to the marsh to avoid the flooded conditions. Frogs, spinnerbaits, and small Texas rigged worms are basic tactics for any marsh in south Louisiana. Next, add clean or mixing water the equation for some fun. Delacroix/Chef Pass As summer heat up the water in the ponds, bass move to the larger and deeper sections of water. For the Chef Pass and Wall area, it is the rocks along the MRGO this time of year. In Delacroix, Grand Lake is a spot to try. A few fish are still around the ponds but the numbers are along the rocks or in a drain pouring into/out of Grand Lake. A recent trip to Delacroix found a nice mix of reds and bass from Batola to Grand Lake. Frogs and Senkos for bass were the best option. Vibrating jigs (white and chartreuse) worked well for reds. As the season changes over to summer, it is time to change locations. Investigate the rocks along the MRGO or fish cuts and drains of big lakes in the marsh. Usually, the fish will stack up so move until a productive area is found. Unfortunately, the weather has kept the trips and the reports to minimum this month. Anglers should expect the bite to turn on as soon as a stable weather pattern fall over Louisiana. A mention on the news of a Bermuda high setting in over us would be a welcome event. The weather would be hot but so would the fishing. Captain Owen Langridge – Big “O” Charters L.L.C. 225-978-1136 – www.bigcharters.com

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NEW ORLEANS - GRAND ISLE - VENICE - LAKE PONCHARTRAIN

FISHING REPORT Rigolets Biloxi Marsh

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he heat of summer is upon us. August can still be a productive month. Fishing is best early in the morning or late in the evening and live shrimp is the best bet for a good day on the water. Dissolved Oxygen is necessary for marine life and cooler water holds more Dissolved Oxygen. Cooler water is best found in deep channels or early in the morning and late in the evening. The deep waters of Rigolets pass & Unknown Pass are good areas to fish. Live shrimp on a drop-shot rig fished during the slower time of the tide is best. I have always found that the L&N train bridge produces best on a falling tide, while I prefer to fish Unknown pass train bridge on a rising tide. The skinny waters of the marsh along the ICWW & Biloxi marsh will hold Redfish & Bass, both will strike a live shrimp fished under a cork. Dissolved Oxygen is usually not an issue in the marsh, the underwater grass produces enough Oxygen BUT what Capt. Mike Gallo, Biloxi Marsh Rigolets is important is water temperatures! If water temps get into the high 80’s say 86 or higher Redfish and Bass will move into deeper and cooler water. If you’re up for a boat ride the islands along the outer edge of the Louisiana Marsh are productive in the summer, look for diving birds. Keep an eye out for summer rain storms, drink plenty of water and stay safe. Captain Mike Gallo Angling Adventures of Louisiana - www.AAofLA.com 985-781-7811

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AUGUST 2017

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NEW ORLEANS - GRAND ISLE - VENICE - LAKE PONCHARTRAIN

The Case for Keeping Mardi Gras Pass

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he July meeting of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission began and ended with a lengthy discussion of the impacts of coastal restoration efforts, specifically what diversions of water and sediment from the Mississippi River could mean for fish and wildlife. To begin the meeting, biologists Harry Blanchet and Todd Baker discussed potential impacts of diversions in the state’s Coastal Master Plan, what the models indicate may happen when the Mid-Barataria Diversion is built near Myrtle Grove or the Mid-Breton Diversion could bring to the marshes adjacent to Pointe a la Hache and Hopedale. Blanchet was careful to point out that any predicted impacts of the Master Plan diversions are made with a degree of uncertainty considering river conditions in any given year, sediment loads, water temperatures, weather and several other factors can change. At the end of the meeting, though, the hypotheticals were replaced by a discussion of what is currently happening in the marshes, canals, bays and lakes just south of Pointe a la Hache that are being inundated with freshwater and sediment from a break in the Mississippi River bank that has become known as Mardi Gras Pass. Mardi Gras Pass earned its name because the first time it was observed flowing freely from the river and down an existing canal was on Mardi Gras day 2012, a year after record flooding reshaped many areas along the east side of the Mississippi below New Orleans. The force of the flood washed away a gravel road and cut the bank around an old control structure that once allowed a limited amount of river water to spill into the Black Bay area in order to control salinities and improve oyster habitat. What started as a tree-snagged relative trickle of less than 5000 cubic feet per second has turned into an uncontrolled diversion that is estimated to be moving about six times more water at peak river levels today. John Lopez, director of the Coastal Sustainability Program at the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, is the one who gave the new cut its name and has been studying the impacts of the new “diversion” very closely. He immediately saw schools of shad bunched up in the flowing water in 2012 and has since documented the drastic increase in sediment pouring into adjacent marshes and bays. Submerged vegetation aided by the freshwater now fill ponds and bays from near the mouth of the pass out to the edges of Black Bay. Waterfowl habitat has improved. Bass populations have exploded in the area and it has also become a popular area among tournament redfish anglers who are finding fat fish filled with bluegill, crabs, shrimp, mullet and crawfish. And, catches of white shrimp have increased since the cut opened. But, as is the case with any discussion of diversions, either existing or planned, not everyone is happy with the changes in the area. Wildlife and Fisheries Assistant Secretary for Fisheries Patrick Banks told the commission that oyster harvests on public areas in Black Bay are down about 85 percent over the last decade, noting that decline began before Mardi Gras Pass opened 6 NOLA

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in 2012. Banks also reported that the Louisiana Oyster Taskforce has voted to commit $200,000 to examine closing Mardi Gras Pass. While the negative impacts to oysters on public harvest areas and the shifts in fisheries to more freshwater and freshwater tolerant species are undeniable, closing Mardi Gras Pass is a mistake. Controlling Mardi Gras Pass with gates to maximize sediment delivery and force freshwater into adjacent marshes to control salinities when sediment loads are greatest in the river would be an optimal solution especially since that’s what is recommended by those examining diversions in the Master Plan. Simply plugging the hole dug by the Mississippi River to create Mardi Gras Pass and not allowing the river to flow at all is short-sighted. The Mississippi River is supposed to be connected to its adjacent wetlands. That lack of connection is the primary culprit in the world’s worst land-loss crisis. Any connection to that river and its sediment is of benefit to a sediment-starved system. Coastal estuaries should be managed for benefit of a diverse array of fish and wildlife, not just oysters and speckled trout. If one of the primary solutions for trying to fix Louisiana’s ailing coastal wetlands is to reconnect them to the river that once built them, sure doesn’t seem to make a lot of sense to completely sever one of the few existing connections between river and marsh. Chris Macaluso

NEW ORLEANS - GRAND ISLE - VENICE - LAKE PONCHARTRAIN

FISHING REPORT Dularge - Dulac

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t gets super hot in August so first and foremost stay hydrated while on the water. The trout bite usually starts to slow down near the second to third week of August. Water temps are up and the trout do not feed well on plastics, live croakers work well. The fish start to make their transition North back inland at the end of August, fishing along the coast can be really good. The redfish bite usually heats up during this month. With water temps so warm the reds seek deep holes to stay cool. Cracked crab Carolina rigged can be extremely productive in 20-30 foot deep holes. Good luck fishing. Capt. Marty LaCoste Absolute Fishing Charters, LLC - 985-856-4477 captmartyl@ yahoo.com - www.absolutefishingcharters.com

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7/16/17 12:00 PM


NEW ORLEANS - GRAND ISLE - VENICE - LAKE PONCHARTRAIN

FISHING REPORT Grand Isle I

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s the Grand Isle area enters the dog days of summer we are seeing the typical summer pattern developing. On calms days the beach fishing can be just outstanding, other days you are scratching your head wondering where the fish have gone or why they are not hungry. On a recent trip to the beach we had a hot bite going on live croakers. Several minutes later that bite stopped but the fish had not left. Twenty minutes later we switched to live shrimp and the bite was as hot as ever. The moral is that the fish are funny things so you have to be patient and be prepared for everything. When the beach is too rough the inside oyster reefs and rigs are still producing consistent catches. Offshore the cobia run has been consistent and the good thing is that there has been scattered grass everywhere so almost every trip is producing at least a few mahi-mahi. Red Snapper are thick and as long as the weekend season last you will see large crowds at the marinas Friday through Sunday. Its a great time to be on the water and remember you never know unless you go. Daryl Carpenter - Reel Screamers Guide Service Grand Isle, LA. - 225-937-6288

GRAND ISLE EVENTS – FISH RODEO’S DATE Aug 5

EVENT

MIKE BOURGEOIS “BIG DADDY” MEMORIAL Bridge Side Marina

Aug 11-12 2ND ANNUAL BOWFISH CLASSIC LIMITLESS OUTFITTERS Bridge Side Marina Aug 19 Aug 25

DUFRENE BUILDING - Bridge Side Marina GOPRO FILM FEST - Bridge Side Marina

Aug 26

8TH ‘RIDE THE BULL” KAYAK TOURNAMENT Bridge Side Marina

Sept 1-3

56TH GRAND ISLE ORIGINAL REDFISH RODEO (Labor Weekend) BRIDGE SIDE MARINA

Sept 23-25 Oct 7

CAMINDA REDFISH RODEO - Bridge Side Marina

GRAND ISLE LADIES RODEO - Bridge Side Marina

Capt Frank Dreher, Grand Isle COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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NEW ORLEANS - GRAND ISLE - VENICE - LAKE PONCHARTRAIN

FISHING REPORT Venice Offshore I

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y love and passion for offshore fishing began at the early age of 10 when my father would check me out of school early to go along with him on fishing trips with his clients. I can remember being so excited to have the opportunity to go. I loved everything about it. The long drive down from Alexandria, the lack of sleep, and the ride out to the fishing grounds that seemed to take days. It was all so very exciting and interesting. I realize now that I drove the captain and deckhands crazy with all the questions but I wanted to learn everything about it. Back then, with the liberal limits we would fill the huge fish boxes with all types of Snapper, Grouper, Amberjack and Cobia as well as other cool looking fish. I can remember not even wanting to take a break to eat or drink , I didn’t want to miss a minute of fishing time. And I always feared hearing those words from the captain saying it was time to head in. From those days on I was driven to get my own boat and fish out there as often as I could and stay for as long as I wanted. After all those years have passed, I still have that same passion and love for offshore fishing and I thoroughly enjoy sharing it with my customers. The old saying that goes, “find something you like to do and you will never work a day in your life” certainly applies to being an offshore fishing captain. Though the days are long and the nights are short, fishing out in the Gulf of Mexico is truly a labor of love for me.

DATE

VENUE

Aug 11

CENTRAL/ST MARY DINNER 6p-10p | Patterson Civic Center, Patterson, La

Aug 12

ST CHARLES DINNER 6p-10p | Shriners Temple, Destrehan, La

Aug 26

ST CHARLES GREENWING DAY & CHILI COOKOFF 11a-5p | Wetland Watchers Park Bonne Carre Spillway, Norco, La

Sept 7

EAST ASCENSION DINNER 5:30p-10p | Lamar Dixon Expo Center – Gonzales, La

WWW.DUCKS.ORG/LOUISIANA

Capt. Gray Long - Go Long Charters www.golongcharters.com - 225-252-5315

NEW ORLEANS - GRAND ISLE - VENICE - LAKE PONCHARTRAIN

FISHING REPORT Grand Isle II

M

y how time flies! We have had an awesome summer here on Grand Isle. The speckle trout bite should continue in August, with trout been caught both in the bay in on the beaches. Lots of really nice trout or been caught along Elmers island, with most of the big fish coming on live croakers from Bridge side Marina. Big bull redfish will be moving into the passes, and fishing for them with cut mullet and crab should be very effective. August 26 will mark Ride the Bull number eight and I’d like to extend a personal invitation to all the kayakers in the area come have fun with us I’ve been seeing lots of mangrove snapper or show up at the cleaning table that can be found on the platforms offshore. And with the revisions in the rules concerning red snapper I see a lot more offshore boats in the marina. It’s a safe bet to say if the weather patterns we’ve enjoyed in July hold, fishing in August and grandpa will be fantastic. Plan at least one more trip to the island!

Trenton Pittman with nice Red 8 NOLA

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Danny Wray 225-721-8182 | calmwater@gmail.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

7/16/17 12:00 PM


NEW ORLEANS - GRAND ISLE - VENICE - LAKE PONCHARTRAIN

FISHING REPORT Freshwater II

S

ome of the best fishing techniques learned this month might not even be done on the water rather by reading articles in the comfort of some air conditioning. To say it has been warm doesn’t do it any justice BUT for those that do want to venture out this month the shad are growing and the bass are taking notice. In all the bayous along the Northshore the large population of shad and bait are bunching up and becoming targets for the marsh bass that like to gorge on them. It hasn’t been uncommon recently to ride down the bayous and see the schooling action that is taking place. The unique aspect of this is the fact that it’s not just bass feeding on these shad but speckled tout and an occasional Jack will show up for a feast. Over the years there have been constant lures that have always been able to produce for local anglers when those fish get into the schooling action. The two most trust worthy in my book have been the quarter ounce (1/4oz) chrome black back Rat-L-Trap and the Mister Twister RT Slug. Both will flat out catch those schooling fish by mimicking what they are biting. The Rat-L-Trap by Bill Lewis Outdoors has a great set of treble hooks on it and is ready to go right out of the package while the Mister Twister RT Slug can be Texas rigged weightless on your favorite hook. Either one will entice the schooling fish into biting when you find them. August “picks of the month” to catch some bass are based on the tide for sure due to moving water being key with the heat we are having. Try to make sure that it is moving one way or the other early or late in the day around the mouth of Bayou Lacombe where it meets Lake Ponchartrain. The schooling

bass, although not very big, will make for an enjoyable trip. The other place to think about is the area around Bayou Segnette State Park, the main waterway as well as some of the dead-end canals will continue to produce. Also the cuts leading out into the large bays and lakes in that area will serve as ambush points for the bass. Stay safe and see you on the water!! Jason Pittman

NEW ORLEANS - GRAND ISLE - VENICE - LAKE PONCHARTRAIN

FISHING REPORT Grand Isle III

A

nyone that’s lived in South Louisiana near the coast knows that August brings very hot temperatures. For this month my best advise to give would be to stay hydrated on the boat and fish early in the morning and late in the afternoons. With hot weather and temps the water is warming at an accelerated rate and the fish tend to move into deeper water as the day moves forward. Early in the morning stick with live shrimp under a cork until it slows down and then find deeper water to fish your live croaker on the bottom. You can also free line croakers because their fish as well and want to find cooler temps in deeper water. The beach is still holding fish in front of Grand Isle and towards the east around the four bayous area. Be safe and drink a ton of water. Capt Frank Dreher - Laid Back Charters Inshore and Coastal Fishing - Frank@LaidBackCharter,com 225-202-2584 - 225-756-2342

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NEW ORLEANS - GRAND ISLE - VENICE - LAKE PONCHARTRAIN

FISHING REPORT Venice Offshore II

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una, Wahoo, Mahi-Mahi, Snapper, Grouper, Cobia, it’s all been hitting the dock in Venice so far this summer. The past few Saturdays, Tuna carcasses piled knee high at the cleaning station have been the norm. Anglers have also been topping off the boxes with their fair share of grouper and snapper. The Marlin bite continues to be incredible, whether trolling rip lines or floaters they seem to be everywhere. Hopefully things will continue like this until the fall, when we turn our attention to targeting large Yellowfin Tuna behind the shrimp boats. The rip lines are holding small hard tails, and some of the floaters have discos on them. Live baiting while casting poppers is always a great choice for Tuna fishing during the summer months in the Gulf. School day’s are approaching fast as summer will be coming to an end soon. Get your college buddies together before you have to hit the books again, and come visit us down in Venice. That goes for the Dad’s as well, come on down with the boys, or wait till their in school and come with your friends. Of course the ladies are always welcome. We have been busy helping make life long memories for those who have caught their first Yellowfin, and gone through the tradition with us. Enjoy the rest of summer while it lasts. Good luck and stay safe out there. Captain Brett Ryan - captainbrettryan.com 504-231-1842 - Venice, La

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By TAM Staff atching giant flathead catfish might get to be old-hat for Jake Robinson, of Shakopee, Minn. In less than a year, he has Photo by Doug Kerr broken the Minnesota state record for the species twice. Minnesota keeps separate sets of records, one for weighed and certified state records and one for fish that are caught and released after length measurements are taken. Both of Robinson’s monster cats fall into that second record category. On May 15, Robinson caught and released his latest record from the Minnesota River southwest of Minneapolis near Savage. With 100-pound test line, he hauled in the fish, which had a length of 49 inches and a girth of 33 ½ inches. Now, we ran the numbers through several of those online calculators that are supposed to estimate fish weight and came up with a wild variation, from 35 pounds up to 75 pounds. So, it’s up to you to guess at this one’s actual weight. The weighed and certified Minnesota state record was caught back in 1970. It weighed 70 pounds and was caught from the St. Croix River. There is no record of that fish’s length and girth. The IGFA world record flathead was caught from Elk City Reservoir in Kansas in 1998 by Ken Paulie. It weighed 123 pounds. Maybe next time Robinson catches a big catfish he should weigh it. The one in the photo sure does look mighty big.

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Rockin’ Bass In The Adirondacks By Rich Ortiz

Rich Ortiz, the “Fishin’ Musician,” shows off a nice Adirondacks largemouth. Check out Rich’s music and outdoor adventures at richortiz.com. Photo by Louis Torres Photography.

B

y the time I was 12 years old, I knew and fished at least two dozen bass waters, most of them from a canoe with my Pop. Usually there were no boat ramps, no houses and seldom another fisherman. That’s the beauty of the Adirondack region of Upstate New York. There’s tons of water and lots of fish. Often when the Adirondacks (ADKs) are mentioned in fishing circles, pristine secluded trout rivers or brook trout ponds come to mind. Our secret is that the ADKs have countless bass fishing options, as well, with any kind of water you could think of. Three renowned waters within my 30-minute fishing radius are perfect examples of the great bass fishing in our area. Lake George, Lake Champlain and Saratoga Lake provide varied and endless opportunities for both largemouth and smallmouth action, with a spectrum of habitats that could keep any bass enthusiast occupied for a lifetime. Additionally, if it’s a secluded canoe/kayak adventure you’re after, I dare say the ADKs have more backwoods bass waters on public land than any state I can think of. These woods are the same natural forests they were in 1885, when they were deemed untouchable thanks to Teddy Roosevelt. Imagine fishing secluded, crystal-clear waters with green mountains as a backdrop, moderate temperatures and a relaxing breeze. Since the founding of our country, these waters have provided sanctuary from the heat and congestion of the growing East Coast industrial cities. Summer retreats to the ADKs to fish and hunt were the norm, and coupling

these outdoor activities with attractions like Saratoga horse racing or a Lake George steamboat ride created traditions of the American summer vacation. Today, if you are serious about bass fishing, yet want to include family on the vacation, the Saratoga/Lake George area is the spot. I feel qualified to endorse the attractions, since when I am not fishing or hunting, I’m performing music at many of the area’s top resorts and restaurants. Though my profession as a traveling musician has allowed me to fish all over North America, my heart is still at home fishing the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park. Let’s start with Lake George, which is a large deep-water lake that is the ultimate finesse bass water. This beautiful 32-mile-long glacially carved lake has rock shorelines and is speckled with islands that provide endless bass structure. Lake George has AAA reservoir water quality and is crystal clear. Light 6- to 8-pound fluorocarbon line is a must while drop-shotting 30- to 50-foot rocky bottoms for big numbers of smallmouth and some nice 4-pound-plus fish. When drop-shotting I prefer natural presentation baits like the Berkley’s Gulp! Nemesis in the Smelt color. The lake temperature remains cool all year, and shaky-head worm presentations or small bass jigs will score a mix of largemouth and smallmouth in ultra-clear 20- to 40-foot depths. This is a great training ground for teaching your family or friends to fish. Shore fishing is a bonus, and many others and I make trophy catches all year from shore. I rely on my Costa sunglasses on this lake as much as my Lowrance Sonar. It’s so clear that I can watch strikes in 20 feet of water. I keep three pairs of Costas on board. I prefer yellow lenses for sunrise, low light and cloudy days. These lenses work wonders sighting fish and contrasting bottom structure. I use blue mirror on bright days and amber green mirror lenses for most other situations on the lake. Just to the north of Lake George, Lake Champlain offers everything a fisherman can imagine. Many experts rank Champlain among the top fisheries in the country for largemouth and smallmouth bass. You can fish just about any presentation in this vast lake, which combines natural and man-made structure like sunken ships, submerged train tracks and dock cribbings. My fishing concentrates on the southern end of the lake, where the water is usually very stained. Vast water chestnut beds yield many 5-pound-plus largemouth bass. Heavy abrasion-resistant line is a must; I prefer fluorocarbon or braid, depending on presentation. I normally punch the weeds with 1- or 2-ounce tungsten and big 10-inch Power Bait or Yum worms. Dark colors work best. Topwater and flipping are also go-to tactics, with countless backwaters providing breathtaking views and heart-pounding hook sets. To the south, Saratoga Lake is much smaller than George or Champlain. It is slightly stained and can be highly pressured but still provides large numbers of largemouth in the 3- to 5-pound range. Dense concentrations of cabbage and mixed milfoil create great opportunities for tossing plastics and jigs on the edges of long weed lines. Saratoga Lake’s close proximity to the City of Saratoga Springs makes it an ideal morning or evening getaway for those visiting during track season, which lasts through Labor Day. While the tourist season winds down, the fish really turn on, which make for some magical days in fall. The big lakes are great, but to me the gems of this area are the smaller lakes and ponds I learned to fish on. The unique chance to toss a lure to unpressured fish on public waters is a reality. The Adirondack Park features countless opportunities perfect for canoe and kayak fishing. With today’s lightweight watercraft, you can be alone with 2- to 5-pound bass after just a half-mile hike to numerous ponds and lakes. Many canoe and kayak waters are also roadside or within a state park. New York does a wonderful job providing trailhead access and parking areas for anglers with car-top boats. Research access at www.dec.ny.gov. The amount of good bass water in the Saratoga/Lake George is staggering. With its proximity to so many metropolitan centers, a short drive up I-87 can have you setting hooks on some beastly bass in no time.

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M

innesota’s Mille Lacs Lake has long been known for exceptional walleye fishing and ice fishing, but the smallmouth bass fishing on this more than 130,000-acre lake north of Minneapolis is what catapulted it to the top of Bassmaster Magazine’s 100 Best Bass Lakes rankings. According to B.A.S.S. research, 20-pound five-fish limits of smallmouth bass are a regular occurrence, 30-pound sacks show up in some events, and two 36-pound limits were weighed in during events last fall. Those numbers are almost unbelievable on a smallmouth lake, considering a 36-pound limit would average out to more than 7 pounds per bass. Here’s the rundown of Bassmaster’s top-12 bass lakes in the nation: 1. Mille Lacs Lake, Minnesota 2. Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Texas 3. Clear Lake, California 4. Shearon Harris Lake, North Carolina 5. Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California 6. Lake Berryessa, California 7. Lake Erie, New York 8. Santee Cooper Lakes, South Carolina 9. Lake St. Clair, Michigan 10. Falcon Lake, Texas 11. Thousand Islands area St. Lawrence River, New York 12. Chickamauga Lake, Tennessee

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big question on all the Internet message boards lately is, “Where are the midrange trout in the heat of summer?” One of the indicators of either fishing too shallow or fishing in the wrong part of the bay for the season is catching mostly undersized trout. So, if you’re catching nothing but “dink” trout in August, fish deep structure with current. I don’t like catching dinks, so I’ll focus on upper-slot redfish and sight casting to the big shallow trout I see while I’m fishing for reds. The summer heat finally forces redfish to go in search of food in the marsh and grass flats. Shrimp are now mostly gone, except large white shrimp, so while there are main-bay, open-water redfish chasing those fish-big shrimp, some reds will now begin to work over juvenile white shrimp and shad in the marsh and grass flats. They’ll also be eating mullet and crabs when the opportunity presents itself. Redfish are simple. They use current to feed, and the faster you learn about where the niche is, the more consistent you’ll be catching redfish in shallow waters. Follow a current from a marsh cut to the bank of a marsh pond it’s flowing too, and you’ll find redfish. Also look for eddies behind structure and where the current edge crosses structure, and that’s good as well. Big trout are similar in the summer in shallow areas. They are there for the big mullet and to eat little trout but are in small niche areas of their own. Tobin created the TroutSupport.com weedless, snagless, long casting, walk the dog soft plastic for fishing shallow grass, shallow oysters, rocks, and mangrove where reds and snook live. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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MAKO SHARK ON THE FLY

I

f you’re looking for some spectacular fly fishing for toothy critters, mako sharks are tough to beat as a game fish. They can be found pretty much worldwide, but right now is the time of year to visit southern California, where shortfin mako sharks show up off the coast every year within easy range for fly rodders with a small skiff. The mako shark is one of saltwater fly fishing’s outstanding but unappreciated game fish. Found on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, a smaller mako in the 20- to 30-pound range can be the perfect-sized fish for the beginning saltwater fly fisherman. Of course, fishing for sharks is a tad different than fishing for bluegills in your Uncle Ned’s farm pond, and the equipment also differs. First, you’ll need a boat, preferably a boat over 18-feet that can handle fairly choppy seas. Most center-consoles will do; however, a skiff with a beam of 8 feet or wider and a not-too-deep V will settle in the water better and will reduce pitch and roll to a minimum, offering a much more stable casting platform. A good chum line is the most effective way of attracting makos to within casting distance of your boat. Chumming attracts the larger makos and will place you in the position of being able to sight-cast to them. Into a chum bag, place the belly sections or fresh carcasses of tuna, bluefish or bonito, then place the bag into a milk crate or 5-gallon bucket and lower this mess over the side. Then sit back and listen for the musical score from the movie “Jaws” to begin. You won’t have long to wait once that chum slick begins to spread. Ideally, you should use fresh carcasses, but store-bought chum will suffice. One bit of important advice: Less is more when chumming; you don’t need much; no matter how small the slick, a shark can smell it from

miles away. Now that you have the boat and chum, the next thing to do is find a mako. On the West Coast, we are fortunate to have the continental shelf only a few miles offshore. On the east coast, you’ll have to venture a bit farther offshore. Keep your eyes peeled for working birds and surface-busting bait; constantly check the water temperature looking for readings between 66 and 70 degrees. But, be patient when chumming. I will wait at least an hour or an hour and a half before moving to another spot, but there have been occasions when the sharks made their appearance within a few minutes of 1 ½ hours. Once in the slick, makos will stick around for most of the fishing day. Drifting allows you to cover more water and in the process, attract more makos to your boat. By choosing the right season, having the right chum and chumming the right areas, you can count on hooking and releasing a good number of makos during the course of a single day on the water.

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SCALLOP SEASON IS OPEN! DAVID MANEY, FOWLER’S SUNGLASSES

Value Versus Ego In Sunglasses

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t Fowler’s, we know sunglasses. We sold more than 25,000 pairs last year, and we represent more than 30 companies, all clamoring for attention in the marketplace. This gives me intimate knowledge of most of what’s offered, and I have some insight to share on what makes a pair of sunglasses the right pair for you. There are two types of

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sunglasses shoppers. One views sunglasses as fashion accessories, to be matched to an outfit or activity. This is all well and good. Good-looking glasses do help you look cool. The second type of shopper, which is a group I have found many anglers fall into, is more interested in sunglasses as an essential tool. All-day comfort and performance are considerations that come before style or brand for people in this second group. If performance is more important to you than ego, do not lock yourself into one particular brand of glasses. They can range from $5 to $500, and all manufacturers promote their own bells and whistles. Sometimes you get what you pay for, other times you are paying for a brand logo on the side of the frame.

only maintain that performance for a year. The single most important consideration with frames is they are essential to fit and the resulting comfort for the wearer. This is why you should not be locked into a certain brand. Everyone’s face is different, and so are everyone’s sunglasses needs. Do not be a branded person, choose a pair of sunglasses that fits your face and your needs.

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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM I AUGUST 2017 I NATIONAL 25 At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare” or “comp at” price means that the same item or a similar functioning item was advertised for sale at

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7/18/17 PM 7/7/17 12:24 2:36 PM


1,000-Pound Tournament Hammerhead Shatters Texas Record Photo courtesy of Texas City La Marque Jaycees/Facebook nglers hauled some big sharks out of the Gulf of Mexico during this year’s Texas City Jaycees Tackle Time Fishing Tournament. Chief among those sharks was a 1,033-pound great hammerhead that shattered a 37-year-old Texas state record. Tim McClellan obviously took first place for the giant shark he entered in the annual fundraising tournament for the Texas City La Marque Jaycees. The tournament awards the top three fish in multiple inshore, offshore and youth divisions. This year, it ran June 30 – July 9, and 964-pound and 817-pound tiger sharks rounded out the top three in the shark division. McClellan’s fish beat out the 871-pound Texas state record great hammerhead, which was caught by Mark Johnson in July of 1980. The current IGFA world record great hammerhead weighed 1,280 pounds. It was caught from the other side of the Gulf by Bucky Dennis fishing out of Boca Grande, Fla. in May 2006. Texas City is on Galveston Bay, just southeast of Houston, and offers easy access to the open Gulf of Mexico through the pass between Galveston and Goat islands.

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