NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST EDITION
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Fly Fishing PRODUCT REVIEW PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL BOOTH VOLUME 24 • ISSUE 295
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F R A N C H I S E
O P P O R T U N I T I E S
A V A I L A B L E
OCTOBER 2019
W O R L D W I D E
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FANTASTIC FALL SAVINGS There's plenty of fish to pull in this fall season and your Suzuki Marine Dealer has exceptional deals to get you out on the water. See your local Suzuki Marine Dealer for all the details!
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Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 10/01/19 and 12/31/19 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. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 10/01/19 and 12/31/19. For list of designated models, 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. (Suzuki will, in turn, credit Dealer’s parts account.) There are no model 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 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 terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $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 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 10/01/19 and 12/31/19. “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. © 2019 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
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9/6/19 9:21 AM
NEW PRODUCT
Fly Fishing
REVIEW
Abel VAYA Vaya is Spanish for “GO!” as in go outside, go on an adventure or go fishing. Crafted by avid Colorado anglers, Abel’s VAYA series of fly reels introduces an allnew technical look and feel, paired with outstanding performance. The partially-ported VAYA frame offers the unique combination of minimized weight, incredible rigidity and just enough surface area to highlight Abel’s hand-anodized finishes, which are offered in numerous awesome colors and patterns, from flat black to brown trout, dorado and many more. Available in sizes 4/5, 5/6 and 7/8.
Filson Rugged Twill Compact Rod Case Filson has earned its reputation for sturdy quality construction and products that are overbuilt to handle the rigors sportsmen put their gear through. The Rugged Twill Compact Rod Case holds two 9-foot, 4-piece rods in their tubes with exterior pockets to hold reels and accessories. This lightweight yet durable case is perfect for days when you’ll need two rods and want to keep them safe when not in use. It’s constructed of water-repellant and abrasion-resistant 100 percent cotton Rugged Twill with brass hardware and bridle leather straps.
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Ross Reels Animas
Rod Vault ST Why waste time threading line through the guides? The vehicle-mounted fly rod storage solution from Denver Outfitter allows recreational anglers and professionals to arrive at their fishing destination with fly rods and reels intact, fully-rigged and ready to fish. Two roof-mounted aircraft grade anodized aluminum tubes hold two, three or four fully rigged fly rods up to 10’6 in length, and a locking reel housing area easily fits most fly reels. Protective polypropylene liners inside the Rod Vault eliminate rod on metal contact protecting guides and rod tips from abrasion. The Rod Vault was specifically over-engineered to keep valuable equipment safe in almost any circumstance. Stainless steel hardware ensures the RodVault will remain rust free no matter the fishing environment and fiberglass infused nylon construction protects the reel housing, mounting hardware and aerodynamic nose cone from UV degradation. Whether storing rods to fish before or after work or traveling across the country on an epic fishing trip the Rod Vault is designed to keep gear safe. Available in three models, the Rod Vault 2 holds two fly rods, the Rod Vault Original for three fly rods and the Rod Vault 4 holding four fly rods.
Ross Reels has taken the time-proven features that made the original Animas a guide favorite and introduced new machined features to bring the new Animas fly reel into the modern era of Ross. Proudly Americanmade in Colorado and weighing just over 4 ounces, the new Animas features a compositedisc drag system and an ultra-light canvas phenolic handle, which gets tackier when wet. A new troublefree spool release yields zeromaintenance performance, allowing the Animas to be ready for any fresh or saltwater excursion. The new Animas is available in sizes 4/5, 5/6 and 7/8.
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THE BAHAMAS: BEAUTIFUL, DANGEROUS
although great variability exists between the northern and southern islands. This variability is most easily seen on Andros, the largest Bahamian island, where pine forests dominate in the north and give way to more tropical vegetation in the south. The majority of The Bahamas are low lying, with about 80 percent of the islands less than 15 feet above sea level. This, along with the fact that the islands span a great distance in warm tropical waters, make them attractive to tourists, who flock in for beautiful beaches, friendly faces and fantastic fishing. The Bahamas are heavily reliant on tourism, and for many “Family Islands,” angling tourism is vital for their survival. Unfortunately, these geographical traits also make The Bahamas susceptible to flooding and damage from tropical storms and hurricanes. The expansive nature of the islands of The Bahamas is a mixed blessing. Being large means Bahamians are more likely to be impacted somewhere in the chain by severe weather, but it also means many areas will remain untouched. This was the case with Hurricane Dorian, which devastated the two most northern islands, Abaco and Grand Bahama, but left countless others unharmed. The impact from Dorian on Abaco and Grand Bahama is catastrophic, and the outpourings of aid a blessing. One of the best ways to help The Bahamas overcome this tragedy, and future events, is to help the tourism-based economy by travelling to untouched parts of the islands. The author with a Bahamian bonefish caught from Andros Island while fishing out of the Two Boys Inn with one of the many legendary Neymour For anglers, this is a great opportunity to fish new waters. If you have family of guides. never been, try Andros, the Exumas, Long Island, Bimini, Acklins Island, Crooked Island, Mayaguana, Inagua or many other fantastic destinations By Tom Karrow throughout The Bahamas. he Bahamas are roughly 700 islands and cays with an additionIn this time of need, take the opportunity to help The Bahamas and Baal 5,000 low-lying rocks. Only about 30 of the 700 islands are hamians by simply booking a trip and getting on the water. Grab your fainhabited, leaving hundreds of tropical islands for wildlife. The vorite rods, reels, lines and leaders, tie up some Gotcha flies and give it a go. chain stretches more than 500 miles from the Island of Inagua in the Tom Karrow, PhDc, MES, BES, BED, is nearing completion of a PhD in Gesoutheast, to the northernmost island of Grand Bahama, an economic ography and Environmental Management, focused on sustainability of The Bahahub for the islands. mian bonefishing industry through ethnography. He was a research fellow at the Situated off the southeast coast of the continental United States, University of The Bahamas and is sponsored by R.L.Winston Fly Rods, Nautilus the climate is dominated by warm tropical-like air and water currents, Fly Reels, FishPond Gear, Costa Sunglasses and Simms.
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n the early 1930s watch manufacturers took a clue from Henry Ford’s favorite quote concerning his automobiles, “You can have any color as long as it is black.” Black dialed watches became the rage especially with pilots and race drivers. Of course, since the black dial went well with a black tuxedo, the adventurer’s black dial watch easily moved from the airplane hangar to dancing at the nightclub. Now, Stauer brings back the “Noire”, a design based 27 jewels and handon an elegant timepiece built in 1936. Black dialed, assembled parts drive complex automatics from the 1930s have recently hit this classic masterpiece. new heights at auction. One was sold for in excess of $600,000. We thought that you might like to have an affordable version that will be much more accurate than the original. Basic black with a twist. Not only are the dial, hands and face vintage, but we used a 27-jeweled automatic movement. This is the kind of engineering desired by fine watch collectors worldwide. But since we design this classic movement on state of the art computer-controlled Swiss built machines, the accuracy is excellent. Three interior dials display day, month and date. We have priced the luxurious Stauer Noire at a price to keep you in the black… only 3 payments of $33. So slip into the back of your black limousine, savor some rich tasting black coffee and look at your wrist knowing that you have some great times on your hands.
An offer that will make you dig out your old tux. The movement of the Stauer Noire wrist watch carries an extended two year warranty. But first enjoy this handsome timepiece risk-free for 30 days for the extraordinary price of only 3 payments of $33. If you are not thrilled with the quality and rare design, simply send it back for a full refund of the item price. But once you strap on the Noire you’ll want to stay in the black.
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HIGH PERFORMANCE TRAILER COMPONENTS TORSION AXLE WITH REMOVABLE SPINDLE
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FLORIDA
NIGHTTIME
SNOOK
TAC T I C S
By John Saporito
L
ike many predatory fish, snook are more active under cover of darkness. In fact, fishing at night might be the single biggest thing you can do to increase your odds of connecting with quality snook. Night fishing is, however, a much different game than fishing under the sun. When the sun goes down, many snook leave their daytime habitat and head into shallow water to hunt. They can often be found in the shadow lines around piers and bridges, and may be holding tight to
shore in canals and bays. Many anglers are stunned to come across snook that are right at their feet as they fish shorelines at night. Snook make this move because the darkness gives them both a sense of security and a feeding advantage over their prey. It’s important, therefore, that you be cautious when stalking these fish. Move quietly and be careful not to produce any vibrations that will reach the fish and scare them away. The night is generally much quieter than the day, and clumsy movements are likely to be picked up by wary snook. In addition, you should never shine a flashlight on the water you will be fishing. This is a surefire way to doom your chances of hooking up. Although fish may be attracted to consistent light sources—such as lampposts on bridges and docks—erratic, unpredictable lights will spook them in a hurry. The lure types and colors you choose should be different from what you carry in your daytime arsenal. Snook switch from using the color-sensitive cone cells in their eyes to using their rod cells, which are honed to capture silhouette and profile rather than color and fine detail. It’s a good practice to choose your offerings accordingly. Dark lures, especially black and purple, are deadly at night. For a snook looking up from below, a dark lure will stand out well against the night sky, which is bright compared to the water beneath it. The more contrast you provide, the easier it is for these gamefish to find your lure. Baitfish and other prey items will also actively feed in the darkness, and swimming plugs are extremely effective at night as a result. Lures with rattles and those that produce enticing ultra-sonic vibrations will do well for you, as snook favor audible cues and vibration detection by both their inner ear and lateral line in the absence of color vision. A word of caution to those who choose to pursue snook at night: Although your catch numbers may increase dramatically, night fishing can be a dangerous game. Always have a fishing buddy with you and be extra careful around slick surfaces such as seawalls, jetties and rock pilings. Be sure to have your phone charged in case of emergency—and also to take photos of your trophy snook before you release it. John Saporito is a lifelong fisherman and student of the seas. Visit him online at guerillaangling.com and follow on Instagram @guerilla_angling
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CHEECA LODGE ALL AMERICAN BACKCOUNTRY TOURNAMENT
W
ar heroes will compete with world-class anglers at the Seventh Annual Cheeca Lodge All American Backcountry Fishing Tournament Nov. 7-9, 2019 at Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada, Fla. In honor of Veteran’s Day, the event invites two war heroes to join the tournament inspired by 41st President George Bush, who frequented Cheeca and the Florida Keys to pursue his love of fishing. Proceeds from the tournament benefit the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, a non-profit organization whose mission is to conserve and restore bonefish, tarpon and permit fisheries and habitats through research, stewardship, education and advocacy. “The All American Backcountry Fishing Tournament is part of Cheeca Lodge’s iconic legacy,” said Paul Burke, of Cheeca Lodge & Spa. “We’re excited to partner with Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and to welcome Bruce Melnick, a former American astronaut and retired U.S. Coast Guard officer, who will fish the tournament.” All American anglers fish on a guided charter boat or their own boat
with a licensed guide. They compete for trophies and awards for releasing five different species of inshore fish: snook, redfish, bonefish, tarpon and permit. Individual and team trophies will be awarded for fly, general tackle/spinning/conventional and artificial lure divisions. Live bait is permitted in the general tackle division. Tournament entry fee is $1,500 per angler, offering two social events with dinner and beverages for four people, including the angler, guide and one guest each. Also included is a daily continental breakfast dockside at World Wide Sportsman, boxed lunches for anglers and guides and a gift bag per person. Social events will be held at the Cheeca Lodge & Spa, a sportsman paradise renowned for barefoot elegance, with fishing departing from nearby World Wide Sportsman. This first-class tournament will kick-off on Thursday, Nov. 7 with a cocktail reception, rules meeting, patriotic banquet on the beach and live auction. Competitive fishing hours are from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8-9. The tournament culminates on Saturday with an awards ceremony and banquet, where anglers can mingle with fishing celebrities such as world-famous fly angler, Stu Apte. Awards for Individual Grand Champion, Individual Runner-Up, Grand Champion Team, Runner-Up Grand Champion Team, Champions in the Fly, Artificial and General Tackle Divisions and Best Photo will be presented. New for 2019 is a Friday evening reception and presentation by Bruce Melnick from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Cheeca, included in the entry fee. While the tournament’s social events are included in the tournament registration, social-only tickets for the public are available in limited quantity by calling (305) 517-4512 or e-mailing lthornhill@cheeca.com to reserve. Social tickets are $70 for Thursday’s kickoff dinner and auction; $25 for the reception with Bruce Melnick and $95 for Saturday’s Awards Banquet. Cheeca will also host the 30th Annual Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament Jan. 24-26, 2020, the second leg of the Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship.
For more information, visit www.cheeca.com/all-american, www.cheeca.com/presidential or call (305) 517-4512.
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***
Does Age Matter?
Photo by Zachary Nolan Divers swim over the deck of the Ana Cecilia.
By John Lidington pril, 1968—a time early in Palm Beach County’s history of artificial-reef-building. The Mizpah floats about a mile off of Singer Island. That’s a problem. She’s supposed to be on the bottom 200 feet below, but refuses to sink. More holes are cut in her hull, and eventually she goes under. During that prolonged descent, the Gulf Stream has intervened, pushing her into shallower water. She lands upright on the sand, less than 100 feet down. Fast forward to July, 2016. About 150 yards south of Mizpah’s position, the Ana Cecilia is set to become the next addition to Palm Beach County’s artificial reef system. Her interior has been stripped of potential snags, and doors and hatches have been removed to allow access to her interior. The goal is to attract divers and fish. Unlike Mizpah, Ana Cecilia slips swiftly beneath the waves to her resting place 85 feet below.
A
The two ships’ proximity makes it easy to explore both on a single dive. That’s my plan as I ready my gear aboard Pura Vida Divers’ boat Sirena. I want to see just what 50 years of immersion does to a wreck. Similar in size (Ana Cecilia, 170 feet; Mizpah, 185 feet), the ships were sunk with outer structures intact and rest in the same environment. The big difference? Mizpah has been submerged 48 years longer. As the current carries me swiftly along the bottom, I see the Ana Cecilia’s bow emerging from the blue. She looks like a wreck should look—a ship on a journey that was interrupted. Encrusting sponges, hydroids and bryozoans are taking hold, but paint still shows in a few spots. Swimming through her open interior, I can imagine refloating her, scrubbing her and proceeding to port. Mizpah offers a very different experience. She’s now a true bottom feature. Most of her superstructure has collapsed. Marine growth is luxurious and includes gorgonians and cup corals. While both wrecks have plenty of fish (including goliath groupers), Mizpah’s increased growth attracts greater variety. Comparing the two, it’s obvious that wrecks don’t last forever. They create homes for marine life for a long, long time. But there’s a limit to how long a wreck will offer divers safe, easy penetration. Fresh wrecks keep the dive scene vibrant. To this end, the Palm Beach County Diving Association is working with Palm Beach County Environmental Resource Management to sink a new wreck every year for the next three years. To help fund this program, they host an annual Artificial Reef Fundraiser, which will take place on Saturday, Oct. 5 at Loggerhead Marine Life Center in Juno Beach, Fla. Tickets can be purchased at Pura Vida Divers, at any other PBCDA member, or online at https://divepbc.com/events. To check out these wrecks for yourself, give Pura Vida Divers a call (561-840-8750) or make an online reservation through their website at www.puravidadivers.com. For a well-researched history of the Mizpah, check out Walt Stearns’ article at https://xray-mag.com/blog/diving-mizpah.
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Pelagic Rockstar Ready To Rock Central America’s Richest Offshore Tourney is Jan. 10-12 out of Quepos
W
ith more than half a million bucks on the line, the Pelagic Rockstar Offshore Tournament will descend upon Marina Pez Vela in Quepos, Costa Rica Jan. 10-12 in what promises to be Central America’s richest fishing tournament. The Pelagic Rockstar is a fish all day, party all night kind of affair. With 60-plus boats expected to compete for more than $500,000, it is serious offshore competition. Back at the docks, it’s a massive party featuring multiple marina-side bashes and live rock ‘n’ roll. In the world’s premier offshore waters of the Pacific, target species for the tournament are sailfish, blue marlin, black marlin, striped
marlin, tuna and dorado. During last year’s Rockstar, fishing was off the chain. The fleet released a staggering 424 sailfish and marlin, while the weigh station was kept busy with piles of big yellowfin tuna and dorado. The Pelagic Rockstar kicks off Friday, Jan. 10 with check-ins, happy hour at Marina Pez Vela’s Pura Vida Beach Club and a Captain’s Meeting followed by the Kick-Off Party Extravaganza and Concert. On Saturday, Jan. 11, the tournament procession will depart Marina Pez Vela at 6:30 a.m. to stage at the starting line for the customary 7 a.m. shotgun start. Day One weigh-ins will be from 3 to 6 p.m. The Docktail Party and music begin at 4:30 p.m. Tournament Day 2 is lines in at 7 a.m., lines out at 3 p.m. The awards ceremony and farewell bash concert begin at 7 p.m. General Entry is $3,500. All-In is $17,500. Save $500 with early bird registration before Dec. 1 and get a free Official Tournament Apparel Package. Gather your crew and head on down to Quepos for “Costa Rica’s Funnest Big Game Fishing Event.” For information and to register, go to www.pelagictournaments.com.
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2020 23 Ultra $51,595 2020 21 LS $36,995
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2020 21 LS Dual
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$41,500 Suzuki 150HP w/SST Prop
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2020 19 LS
• Sunbrella Bimini Top 90” Volt Trolling Motor Plug $33,500 •• 24Maxiflow $26,895 Recirculation System G2 • Hull Color Small Stripe - Evening Sky w/ 90HP Evinrude • Aluminum Tandem Trailer w/ Brakes
• Power Grip Steering Wheel • Maxiflow Recirculation Both Livewells • Console Livewell w/ LED Light • 24V Trolling Motor Plug • Ultra Leaning Post w/ Evinrude 115HP H.O • Hull Color Small Stripe - Seafoam • Continental Aluminum Tandem Trailer w/ Brakes
Cl
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2020 JVX20 $22,895
w/ 90HP Suzuki
• Pedestal Seat w/ Base • Console Livewell w/ LED Light • Saltwater Washdown • Power Grip Steering Wheel • Velcro Rod Savers (2 Sets) • Maxiflow Recirculation System • 24V Trolling Motor Plug • Hull Color Small Stripe - Black • Continental Aluminum Trailer
• Pedestal Seat w/ Base • Velcro Rod Savers • Console Livewell w/ LED Light • 24V Trolling Motor Plug • Hull Color Small Stripe - Cabernet • Velcro Rod Savers (2 Sets) • Maxiflow Recirculation System Maxi • Continental Aluminum Trailer
2020 JVX18
$22,500
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2019 JVX16
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$18,795
w/ 60HP Suzuki
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2020 JV 15 Tiller
$23,295
2020 V14 15” - $3,395 2020 V16 15” - $3,695
• 25HP Suzuki PT&T • Continental Galvanized Trailer
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OCTOBER 2019
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LLEBROC UPS THE ANTE WITH THE NEW SV SERIES
L
lebroc Industries, a name synonymous with high-quality seats, has once again raised the bar for the marine industry. The SV Series will be unveiled at IBEX and The Fort Lauder-
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OCTOBER 2019
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dale Boat Show this fall and will quickly become the industry standard. With new stitching patterns and colors combinations, the SV Series is comparable to the cockpit of a Lamborghini. No matter the style or design of your boat, Llebroc will rise to the challenge and ensure your vessel is both stylish and comfortable. From helm chairs to bench seats and leaning posts, Llebroc is capable of designing and installing the very best seating available. Based out of Texas, Llebroc Industries has a long-standing tradition of working with any vessel big or small. From bass boats to yachts, they are equipped to handle any project no matter how big or small. One of the latest projects was outfitting the 45-Foot tender of an Ocean Alexander. “I love e ver yt hing I do, and that’s why we work on e ver yt hing no matter how big or small,” said Greg Carman of Llebroc Industries. This attitude has helped Llebroc Industries develop a brand that is a thoroughbred of design, comfort, and stability. You can see Llebroc seating and helm chairs throughout the marine industry. From Viking Yachts to Boston Whalers, every boat company is looking to have the best quality boat and that is why they turn to Llebroc for their seating. So, if you are in the market for a new seating set up on your vessel, be sure to stop by Llebroc Industries and talk to Greg Carman. You won’t be disappointed. For more information, go to www.llebroc.com.
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1/16/18 9:07 AM
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ON THE MOVE MARK SOSIN
I
t happens every year. No one really knows whether it’s shorter days, a slight drop in water temperature, or something else that triggers baitfish and predators to gather in schools and start moving south. This annual migration in September and October provides some of the best fishing on all coasts. Whether you prefer trolling baits or casting into the schools, success depends on getting an offering in front of the fish without frightening the schools into diving for sanctuary. The problem is, when you discover a school of fish, you are seldom alone. Instead of approaching the fringes of the school, boats race toward the fish at full throttle. The perfect position is on the seaward side of the school just off the forward edge and moving slowly with the school. If you’re trolling, this puts your baits where they can be seen easily. Casters can work the edges of the school, working their offering close to the main body and in the direction the fish are moving. In real life, it seldom works this perfectly. Boats tend to continuously jockey for position, while trollers move right through the middle of the school, forcing fish into the depths. Most of the action takes place when predators find a school of baitfish and begin to feed. Often gulls and terns
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squawking overhead tell anglers there is action below. When the big guys aren’t feeding, it’s much harder to find them. You just have to keep studying the water’s surface until you see signs of fish. Baitfish have a habit of moving into an inlet and holding there for a period. Most of the time, you won’t see the action of breaking fish, but where there is prey, you can bet predators are nearby. As an angler, check every inlet carefully at this time of year. It could make your day. Whether you are retrieving a cast or trolling, baits should be moving in the same direction as the predators or not much of an angle to either side. Fish are not going to leave the school and chase something in the opposite direction. They will ease out of the main body, but they are going to maintain the direction of the school. Keep in mind that predators focus on one victim at a time. By working your offering on the edges of the school, but moving it in the same direction, it becomes an easy meal for them. For the surf fisherman, if you are working an area where mobility is possible, it pays to work up and down the beach until you find a school of bait or predators. Remember that casts must allow a retrieve in the direction the school is traveling. A single fish seldom goes against the direction that the main body is moving. This is the time of the year when coastal fishing can be spectacular. Take advantage of it. For more from Mark Sosin, visit
CAMFISHING.COM
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“PEAK” SEASON REPORT FROM NOSARA, COSTA RICA
his birthday in style with Capt. William reporting multiple marlin strikes and dorados for dinner table. “Craig, just wanted to thank you and Matty for a great trip,” wrote Stephen. “Aug. 23 was my birthday, and we released two marlins… best present ever. We are booking our trip for next year this week.” By Craig Sutton Bryan Freeman also reached the mountaintop on Aug. 23 with Capt. Alex on the Harvester with another fantastic blue marlin reere’s a report from lease. the very pinnacle of The Explorer also delivered the trip of a lifetime for Jess King and the fishing season in Elizabeth Rasch on Aug. 23. Here’s how Jess told the story on social northwest Costa Rica. media: The FishingNosara team “Our last day in Costa Rica was an all-day offshore fishing trip, ran 102 trips in August, and and it was one of the best ones! Elizabeth Rasch and I both caught a I am proud to report that blue marlin! the catches came at a break“Hers was 450 pounds and the biggest catch of the day out of all neck pace. the boats. Took her an hour to get it in! Shortly after I got another These anglers defied yellowfin tuna! This has been the most amazing trip of a lifetime! I “tour-book wisdom,” which will be returning!” claims Costa Rica has bad Elsewhere, Gene Baklar and Tatyana Shekhterman joined Capt. weather and bad fishing in David on Aug. 20 and stayed busy with a nice rooster fish release August. They shattered that followed up a big dorado on ice. misconception with lots of “Gene and I had a pleasure to fish with David on the Adventurer. marlin and sailfish releases It was a beautiful fishing day, tons of new experiences, and excellent backed up by giant yellowfin captain.” tuna and dorados. We hosted several heavy-hitters this month like Capt. Charlie Aug. 23 stands out in the Phillips of the Everglades. The crew from Stoked on Fishing TV also scorebook as the best overlogged a bunch of trips, so keep your eyes peeled for these episodes. all team results of the 2019 If you have been reading our reports for a while and waiting for season. Lots of marlin and sailfish are feeding in the right time to visit, stop reading and call me ASAP so we can make On the Discoverer, Keith the waters off northwest Costa Rica. your fishing dreams a reality. November and December are already McMahon and his boys booking up, plus 2020 is looking good. Get your plans together so we knocked blue marlin off the bucket list. Capt. Carlos reports this wonderful release was backed up can secure your choice of housing and boats. by some big yellowfins. Check the FishingNosara blog for daily catch updates and keep up Meanwhile, on the Wanderer, angler Stephen Dziadul celebrated with @fishingnosara on all social media platforms.
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BIG TROUT OR EASY TROUT ON THE NANTAHALA DH
Editor’s Note: In honor of delayed harvest trout regulations opening across the Southeast, here’s a look at one of North Carolina’s best. This description of the Nantahala River between Murphy and Bryson City is an abbreviated excerpt from the book “Flyfisher’s Guide to North Carolina & Georgia.”
By Nick Carter
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easy or difficult as you make it, although frequently the water gets quite high with winter rains. Don’t let heavy flow and a little bit of a stain deter you. Murky water combined with the right nymph or streamer can be the right combination to fool big fish that see a lot of flies. And there are some big fish. North Carolina does a great job of sprinkling trophy-sized individuals in with its stockings. For years, the Nantahala DH was a destination location for me before a move to Graham County just a few miles from the river made it a back-up plan. At the time, I was a wild trout snob. I can’t count the times I drove past easier fishing and larger fish to hike into remote streams where 5-inch fish were the norm. I don’t regret that. It was fun. What I do regret since moving away from Graham County are the Wednesday afternoons I had off work when I passed on the opportunity to fish the DH. I did, however, fish it a lot. What I learned was the fishing can be ridiculously easy for numbers after a stocking, but the better fish require a little work. The river can also be downright difficult once the fish wise up. Showing them either something natural or something out of the ordinary can be productive. Patience is also a virtue. Moving quickly and picking off the eager feeders is a good way to land a bunch of standard hatchery fish. Moving slowly and stealthily, watching the water and carefully picking your casts helps for those larger fish. In a place where almost all the fish come to hand with lip piercings, there are individuals that become reluctant to eat. Egg patterns, Buggers, mop flies and flashy nymphs get the most attention after a stocking. But bugs will be on the water, with winter stones, blue winged olives, midges and maybe some small caddis popping off in sunny spots during winter. Come spring, the river is a riot of bug activity, and dry fly fishing gets very good. At any given time, there might be black and tan caddis, small dark stoneflies, yellow sallies, midges and a variety of mayflies on the water.
ith special regulations calling for catch and release, sin“Flyfisher’s Guide to North Carolina & Georgia” includes maps, GPS gle-hook, artificial only October into June, a nearly 4-mile stretch of North Carolina’s Nantahala River is very popular access points and detailed descriptions of the region’s best trout fishing. this time of year. There is easy roadside access and wading can be as It is available on Amazon, at fly shops or by contacting the author at nsc8957@gmail.com.
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COASTAL ANGLER North Central Florida/Nature Coast
Cary & Lynn Crutchfield ALACHUA, MARION, COLUMBIA, GILCHRIST, BRADFORD, DIXIE, LEVY, CITRUS
OCTOBER
O
ctober 2017, I shared with you my heartbreak for the hurricane victims of Texas, Florida and of course, Puerto Rico. October 2018, I shared with you my heartbreak for the hurricane victims in North and South Carolina, and now our hearts break for the victims in the Bahamas. Pray for no more deadly hurricanes. In September, Cary and I spent a week in the Cartersville, GA area, with our Buick family, driving our beautiful vintage Buicks through the foothills. My favorite day was visiting the Etowah Indian Mounds, and the Tellus Museum is also very good. This month, we welcome Dolphin Outdoor Power Equipment. They are located in Bronson. See page 2. Also, on page 2, the Saltwater Classic fishing tournament in Crystal River, October 18th. See page 15 for this month’s recipe, Grouper Cheeks and Shrimp in a Cream Wine Sauce. This delicious dish is a pickup from a couple of years ago. I make a variation of it about once a month, and it is frequently my go-to favorite for entertaining. Thank you to John Freeze for the photo of the beautiful water hyacinth and the sun photo. The photos of the pink and white flowers are the same flower, photographed several hours apart. This gorgeous Confederate rose grows in my back yard. As always, please thank our advertisers for making this fabulous FREE magazine possible, and thank the folks where you picked up this magazine that you are holding. My guides tell me that the fishing is good, so get out there and catch something. Lynn Crutchfield Co-Publisher Coastal Angler Magazine of North Central Florida /Nature Coast
CAM_NCFL_1019.indd 1
OCTOBER 2019 EDITION
Find Your Outdoors Here! North Central Florida Nature Coast Staff SALES
Cary Crutchfield
EDITING & PRODUCTION Lynn Crutchfield
DISTRIBUTION Rosa Crisman
GRAPHIC ARTS & DESIGN Kathleen Stemley
WEB DESIGN Kristi Williams
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dr. Kevin McCarthy John Freeze Noel Kuhn Capt. Jason Clark Capt. Dan Clymer Capt. Tommy Derringer Capt. Eric Hasty Capt. Stacy Horak Capt. Jimbo Keith Capt. James Kerr Capt. Pat McGriff Capt. Brian Smith Capt. Dan Smith
CONTACT INFORMATION
crutch@coastalanglermagazine.com 352-372-4237 www.CoastalAnglerMag.com/NC-Florida
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Tide Charts Local Fishing Forecasts Monthly Recipe
Photo by: Suwannee River Water Management District
9/16/19 5:37 PM
Presents the
Seventh Annual
Saltwater Classic Crystal River, FL
Dinnerks and drined includ
CAPTAINS MEETING Friday, October 18, 2019 Raffle 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Sodium Fishing Gear 7763 W. Gulf to Lake Hwy, Crystal River, FL
Silent Auction
TOURNAMENT Saturday, October 19, 2019 • 7:00 am sharp • Cash prizes for Trout, Grouper, Redfish and Snook • Prizes and trophies for kids. 4:00 pm – Weigh in at Plantation Inn 9301 W. Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL For registration information, donation information and tournament rules visit: www.childrensbraintumorfoundation.com
Queries 352.207.3925
TIDES • North Central Florida Time Height
1Tu
2W
3Th 4F
5Sa
6Su
7M
8Tu
3:52 AM 10:34 AM 4:54 PM 10:46 PM 4:26 AM 11:20 AM 5:45 PM 11:22 PM 5:02 AM 12:08 PM 6:36 PM 12:00 AM 5:41 AM 12:58 PM 7:32 PM 12:42 AM 6:26 AM 1:55 PM 8:40 PM 1:35 AM 7:22 AM 3:07 PM 10:02 PM 2:52 AM 8:38 AM 4:27 PM 11:13 PM 4:20 AM 10:13 AM 5:35 PM
4.2 0.0 4.1 1.2 4.2 0.0 3.8 1.5 4.2 0.2 3.4 1.8 4.1 0.4 3.1 2.0 3.9 0.7 2.9 2.1 3.7 0.9 2.9 2.2 3.4 1.0 3.0 2.1 3.4 1.0
HERNANDO BEACH
OCTOBER 2019
9W
Time Height
12:05 AM 5:33 AM 11:31 AM 6:29 PM 10Th 12:46 AM 6:31 AM 12:32 PM 7:11 PM 11F 1:19 AM 7:18 AM 1:22 PM 7:46 PM 12Sa 1:48 AM 7:57 AM 2:04 PM 8:18 PM 13Su 2:14 AM 8:33 AM 2:42 PM 8:47 PM 14M 2:37 AM 9:07 AM 3:18 PM 9:17 PM 15Tu 3:01 AM 9:41 AM 3:54 PM 9:46 PM 16W 3:25 AM 10:15 AM 4:32 PM 10:17 PM
3.2 1.8 3.5 1.0 3.3 1.5 3.6 0.9 3.5 1.2 3.7 0.9 3.6 0.9 3.8 1.0 3.7 0.6 3.9 1.0 3.8 0.4 3.8 1.1 3.9 0.3 3.8 1.2 4.0 0.2 3.7 1.4
KINGS BAY
High Tide -20 min Low Tide 58 min
High Tide 2 hrs, 20 min Low Tide 3 hrs, 7 min
CRYSTAL RIVER
WITHLACOOCHEE ENT
High Tide 36 min Low Tide 1 hr, 30 min
High Tide 7 min Low Tide 55 min
CEDAR KEY
Time Height
17Th 3:53 AM 10:51 AM 5:13 PM 10:49 PM 18F 4:25 AM 11:31 AM 5:59 PM 11:26 PM 19Sa 5:03 AM 12:16 PM 6:50 PM 20Su 12:09 AM 5:48 AM 1:10 PM 7:53 PM 21M 1:05 AM 6:46 AM 2:19 PM 9:12 PM 22Tu 2:23 AM 8:02 AM 3:39 PM 10:30 PM 23W 3:53 AM 9:40 AM 4:54 PM 11:30 PM 24Th 5:10 AM 11:09 AM 5:58 PM
Time Height
25F
26Sa
27Su
28M
29Tu
30W
31Th
12:18 AM 6:15 AM 12:22 PM 6:53 PM 12:58 AM 7:11 AM 1:25 PM 7:41 PM 1:34 AM 8:02 AM 2:19 PM 8:23 PM 2:07 AM 8:48 AM 3:09 PM 9:01 PM 2:40 AM 9:32 AM 3:57 PM 9:38 PM 3:14 AM 10:15 AM 4:44 PM 10:15 PM 3:48 AM 10:58 AM 5:30 PM 10:52 PM
3.5 1.0 3.9 0.6 3.7 0.5 4.1 0.6 3.9 0.0 4.1 0.8 4.1 -0.3 4.1 1.0 4.2 -0.5 3.9 1.2 4.3 -0.5 3.7 1.4 4.2 -0.4 3.5 1.6
HOMOSASSA RIVER ENT
HORSESHOE BEACH
SUWANNEE ENT
STEINHATCHEE RIVER ENT
High Tide 4 hr, 30 min Low Tide 5 hr, 41 min High Tide 6 min Low Tide 18 min
2 NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST
CAM_NCFL_1019.indd 2
4.1 0.1 3.5 1.5 4.1 0.1 3.4 1.6 4.1 0.2 3.2 1.8 4.0 0.3 3.1 1.9 3.8 0.5 3.0 2.0 3.7 0.6 3.1 1.9 3.6 0.6 3.2 1.5 3.7 0.5
High Tide 12 min Low Tide 20 min
High Tide 2 min Low Tide 0 min
OCTOBER 2019
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
9/16/19 5:37 PM
FLORIDA WATERWAYS
Floating Logs on Our Rivers
I
Box Company. n boating the Yonne Canal in France in In addition to helping ships to transport May of this year, I came upon a statue logs up the river, the Hillsborough allowed on a bridge dedicated to the “Floaters of lumber men to float cedar logs down to Clamecy.” I learned Tampa sawmills from the upper reaches that every July, of the river, where they were cut down the people there and trucked to the waterway. In the 1850s, pay tribute to the one of the most important personages in so-called “Wood the early history of Tampa, James McKay, Floaters” from the shipped out cedar logs to New York for the past. The “fête du making of objects like pencils. flottage” [floating According to McKay’s son, James McKay festival] harkens an By Kevin McCarthy Statue of lumberm Jr., the elder McKay used the sawdust from back to the 16th l na ca h nc Fre a along the mill on Tampa’s streets to assist mules or century, when hardy rivermen transported horses in hauling the wood. When yellow many logs from Burgundy to Paris on timber fever struck the town, however, many rafts, logs that would be used for heating and local citizens thought the sawdust was cooking. responsible for causing the disease, and In 19th-century Florida, river workers did forced a halt to that practice. something similar: floating logs on rivers like Today, entrepreneurs are often diving the Suwannee. Timbermen cut down trees our Florida rivers to look for logs that along the way, pushed them into rivers like the Suwannee, and guided them to sawmills, which have sunk to the bottom – to be retrieved and used again in construction. would cut the trees into workable lumber. In 1865, Florida Governor George Franklin Drew Kevin McCarthy, the author of North Florida built what at the time was the largest sawmill in Waterways 2013 (available at amazon.com), Logs on the the state, on the west side of the Withlacoochee can be reached at ceyhankevin@gmail.com. Suwannee Ri ver in 1890s River, just above where the river joins the Suwannee. Today the site is near the Suwannee River State Park. The Hillsborough River near Tampa was the site where ships unloaded cedar logs from British Honduras, for the making of cigar boxes in the nearby factories in the early 1900s. The arriving ships would blow their loud whistles Floating Logs on the Suwannee - Post oochee River Card d down the Withlac and dump the logs into the Logs being floate river. Workers would then chain the logs together and string them along both sides of the river. Later, other workers would use a large crane, which was on a track, to take the logs out of the water, transport them into a pile in a field, cut them into six-foot lengths at a nearby sawmill, and transport the logs on flatbed trucks to the Tampa Bringing on the Suwannee River in 1958 Raft of logs COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM OCTOBER 2019
CAM_NCFL_1019.indd 3
up dead logs from the Suwannee Riv er NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST 3
9/16/19 5:37 PM
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www.WaterfrontCrystalRiver.com 720 NW Snug Harbor Rd, Crystal River FL 34428 4 Bed 3 Bath 3 Car Garage 4,295 sqft – 0.86 acre | built 2006
A
s we approach the end of the year, the fishing has been great. The water temperature will begin to drop, and the fishing will heat up. This is one of my favorite times of the year to be on the water. Redfish- The bite has been great and will continue to be. To have the best results, focus on the tides in your area and understand them. I have had most success about half way through the incoming tide all up to its completely high. When I’m targeting redfish, most days I really don’t have specific spots that I’m going to. All I do is look for all the variables good water flow, mullet and life. Live pinfish freelined or shrimp on a 1/8 oz. jog will always get results. Artificial, I like mirriodines or DOA Jerkbaits. Trout- The bite has been good and will continue to get better with cooler water temps. When targeting trout, I like low water conditions at the beginning of the incoming tide or half way through the outgoing. I look for good broken bottom (grass with sandy potholes) along with hard bottom areas. A popping cork with a 1/16 oz. jig and a little jon will get good results, as far as color, every day is different. Switch them
ER
Gitta Barth – GRI, CRS, CIPS 2017 & 2018 Realtor of the Year RACC Board of Directors 2015-2019 Coldwell Banker Investors Realty, Inc. Cell (352) 220-0466 | Fax (352) 364-0066 Exceeding Expectations – Getting Results!
out until you get bites. Snook- The bite has been good and targeting snook is knowing where they are, or where they are supposed to be. I like to fish for snook at the end of the high tide, or just as the tide begins to fall out. For bait, I look for good water flow while targeting them. A big live pinfish is always a good choice freelined. For artificial, I prefer a DOA Jerkbait moving fast right under the water. Tight lines and fish hard. Capt. James Kerr 352-362-6893 Citrusfishingchaters.com
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NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST 5
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SUWANNEE
Dixie Salvage Auto & Truck Parts Foreign & Domestic Scott Ambrose 352-498-7000 21214 S.E. Hwy-19 1-800-226-7077 Old Town, FL 32680 Fax 352-498-8012 DIXIEAUTOSALVAGE@BELLSOUTH.NET WWW.DIXIESALVAGE.NET
EXPERIENCED COUNTER PERSON NEEDED
H Motel and Campground Accommodations
www.BillsFishCamp.com
63 219th St. Suwannee, Florida • 352-542-7086
ey everybody, I hope y'all are enjoying this cooler weather. I know I am! Everyone loves the summer time, but there's something about not sweating your butt off all day that makes fishing a little more enjoyable. As far as fishing goes, it's on fire! Reds, trout, flounder, black drum, you name it, we have it right now. All you need to be successful across the board is some cut bait, live shrimp or some of your favorite soft plastics, paired with a four horseman popping cork and C&M custom baits jig heads. One cool thing I got to do this month, was tour where the jigs I use are made ,and just so you know, C&M makes way more than just jigs I have some pics of their hand carved wooden baits this month for y'all to see, along with their new style jig heads. Well guys and gals, I hope you enjoy the pictures, and until next month, be safe out there! Capt. Jason Clark In The Slot Fishing www.intheslotfishing.com Capt.jasonclark@gmail.com 352-639-3209
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Check out our title sponsor for the Florida Pro Redfish Series! www.groovelife.com
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TALES FROM THE TUPPERWARE NAVY
STEINHATCHEE LET YOURSELF HAVE SOME FUN
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ecently, no real planned events, I've found myself taking some young boys fishing. Whether it was saltwater or fresh, they reaffirmed that size does not matter. That actualization made me happy in more ways than one. If the boys are watching small bass and bream mill around the edge of a pond, and trick one into eating a worm, or spastically working a jig on the flats until a ladyfish takes a leap of faith, the fun is in the moment. On the contrary I've found myself pursuing grouper, cobia, or any other target fish with so much focus that I managed to suck the fun out of the entire day. My point is, relax, enjoy the people you're with, and let the day unfold naturally. Here are a few ways to do just that in the grand month of October. Amberjack have always been an explanation mark during an offshore trip. Big amberjack are better, but small ones are just as fun. Amberjack waypoints are no secret; one can most likely google up some local hotspots. Fresh live bait is an automatic hook-up. Take an hour out of your day to have some fun jerked into people. The aggressive fast action of the Florida snapper--white grunt-- is always pure fun for kids of all ages and fine dining. Light tackle with a simple knocker rig over hard bottom in ~45 foot of water, plus a pound of squid, will
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put smiles on faces. Don't let it go on until tedium sets in. A good hour or so keeps things fun. October brings in a flush of species on the deeper grass flats. Drifting and bouncing a jig can lead to a variety of fish caught. Play a game called “Who can catch the most species?” Don't pay attention to whether the fish is undesirable—ladyfish-- or undersized, just float with it. At the end of the day, find out who caught the most species. You'll likely find a nice mess of fish in the cooler as well. Kids can bring a lot of fun to the fishing trip, if you're prepared for them. First, have all the gear pre-rigged, the food and drink good-to-go, and have other necessaries handy, such as sunblock, sunglasses, hats, etc. Think ahead to partially eliminate chaos. Most importantly, prep yourself mentally. If you have the delusion that the kids are going to watch in wonderment as you reel in big fish, you're setting up for frustrated failure. Plan on being the fun-loving person who keeps the kids engaged, and the longer the fishing trip, doesn't mean it is better. Take a kid fishing and keep them off the dope. Brian Smith | BIG BEND CHARTERS www.BigBendCharters.com CaptBrian@bellsouth.net 877.852.3474 | 352.210.3050
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elcome back yak fans & T.G.I.O. (Thank God it's October). The summer months have been: A. Hot, oh I know, I live in Florida so what should I expect? B. Rainey, I dodged rain and thunder storms all summer. C. A little challenging, tons of fresh water moved the schools around, and the hunt while successful, had me covering a lot of ground, and for us kayakers, that means one stroke at a time. This month as well as a fishing report, I want to set my pen to an epistle of my Zara spook Jr. Ok I know, I've talked about it in the past, but my baby's been working it the last couple of trips. On a recent foray into the Chaz reserve, the trusty spook caught no less than six species of fish, and all before 10 am. The first was a small snook followed by a nice red. I'm smelling a slam, so I moved to the outside and nailed three nice trout, one right at 22 inches. This was followed by a good size blue fish; then two jacks, and a huge sail cat. God, I love that lure! Once, I even had a small jack on the front, and a lizard fish on the rear, hungry lil buggers. On my next trip, I went to check reports of big jacks, tarpon and barracuda in the fresh water canals of Hernando Beach South. Well as luck would have it, I guess they were in another end from me because I caught bupkis (means nothing) so I
hauled the yak over the dike to the saltwater side, and picked up four small reds; largest was 20 inches and at around 3:30, the low was at 4:30, working the fresh water outflow, a gorgeous 31 inch snook came out to play. A full 2/3rds of that sleek body came out of the water, glistening in the afternoon sun, and swallowed the entire lure (my trusty zara spook of course) and it was game on. My heart skipped a beat, every one of the six or seven times he cleared the surface, and tried to throw the lure, but with no success. As I got him to the boat, after a tenminute battle on ten lb. braid with a twenty lb. Yazuri leader, I breathed a sigh of relief. I had brought him in with only one hook in the roof of his mouth, and as I got the gripper on him, it fell out. I was lucky with a capitol L. He measured 31 1/2 inches, and was the first legal snook I've caught since the season reopened. At last, I got some use out of my five-year snook license before it expired. As to the common knowledge, that a top water lure is only good early and late, I've caught many a fish in the bright sunshine. I guess somebody forgot to tell the fish! October is starting out great, and hopefully will only get better. That's a wrap, till next time. Bruce Butler | "Stumbling Gypsy" (352) 428-5347 Bruce@IndianBayOutfitters.com Web: www.IndianBayOutfitters.com
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KEATON BEACH
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Capt. Pat with a nice top-water trout taken 8/25/19
ur water has been very dark after the 10 to 20-inch rain event (depending on where you were on the coast) we had last month. Things are just starting to get back perfect, and water temps are trying to settle down from a high last week of 90.7 to 86 degrees one day this week. (today is September 13) I had five trout and one 21 inch red Thursday, in about 3 hours fishing by myself. I caught them all on live pinfish under Back Bay Thunders. It is very difficult to fish artificials unless you simply rig a grub under an Original Cajun, as the floating grass is so bad. I would hope we could see some cooling down of the Gulf in October, and possibly some Northeasters to move some of this grass. If we could get that, we might throw a plug and catch some trout in October on top. I prefer MirrOlure’s Top Pup and Top Dog Junior, SheDogs if I am hunting reds. Until that happens, expect to fish Assassin Sea Shads under a Cajun in 4 to 6 feet of water. Move in to 3.5 to 4.0 feet on top of the tide. Reds are in the 3 to 3.5 foot range, but scattered in this red
Billy Pillow with a nice 25 inch trout
water. Look for mullet, and toss Thunder-Spins and Hex Spoons in Copper and Gold for reds in October. Meanwhile, Let's Go Fishing! Pat McGriff dba One More Cast guide service for 30 years! www.onemorecast.net onemorecast@gtcom.net 850.838.7541
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SUWANNEE RIVER/CEDAR KEY
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ey there folks, We are coming into that special time of year, when the fishing and hunting are going to be awesome. The days are getting shorter and the temps and getting a little cooler. In Cedar Key, where I fish every day, the trout fishing is really heating up. They can be caught on both the incoming and outgoing tides on artificial lures. They will
school on both the grass flats and hard bottom areas around the shell bars. The redfish will really start showing up in good schools all up and down the Big Bend area. I usually do better on a incoming tide, but that may vary from day to day. Watch your tide charts, and the swing with the most current will usually be the best. We use the same thing we always use for bait, which is cut mullet. We fish it either free line or with a 3/8 oz. knocker rig. Both rigs are with a 4/0 circle hook. Well folks, I hope you learned something here, and like I always say. Get outside and enjoy what God has made for us. Saltwater Assassin Fishing Charters www.FishCedarkey.com 352-535-5083 Capt.Jimbo Keith
420 Dock Street Cedar Key, FL 32625 352-543-5142 steamerscedarkey.com info@steamerscedarkey.com Like us on Facebook! We will cook your catch. We serve fresh local Cedar Key oysters and clams. Try our delicious Gator. We get it directly from the Gator Man himself.
Happy Hour Monday-Friday 3pm-7pm 2-4-1 Wells 1/2 Price Wine $2.50 Bud Light, Miller Lite, Yuengling
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CEDAR KEY PADDLING
SIGNS BANNERS Copies Fax
Forms Letterhead We also offer apparel and promotional items. Envelopes Business Cards Brochures Newsletters & More Invitations Located in Chiefland Shopping Center Wedding & Graduation 208 N Main Street, Chiefland, FL 32626
(352) 493-0878 Fax (352) 493-0879
Val’s Complete Auto Repair Inc.
P
lease cool off! Please cool off! I'm referring to the heat, of course, not this amazing redfish bite. There have been so many redfish in our waters this past week. I just finished a charter where they caught 20 nice reds. I started to think I was in Louisiana! Just kidding, I know where I am! Cedar Key Florida! This past week, I started using live pin fish as my go-to bait. Check out the picture of the set-up I have had the best results with. With a two-ounce lead and the lead line, I use 50 lb. floracarbon. 2/0 owners circle hook attached with 15 lb. floracarbon. I hook the live pin fish through the back part of the gut area just below the spine. Cast this baby right next to your favorite oyster bar or mangrove and see what happens. I hope this helps, and feel free to stop in the shop and say, “Hi” and ask for any further help you might need. Find a way to take a kid fishing!
MV#:60926
15 NW 1st Avenue - P.O. Box 1205 Chiefland, FL 32644
CARY CRUTCHFIELD ALLIGATOR GUIDE FLORIDA CRACKER ALLIGATOR, INC.
Capt. Daniel Cedar Key Paddling 352-665-1276 Dan_Gator@yahoo.com
Guiding State Permitted Hunts in Central & North Florida
352.372.4237
Gator8Crutch@aol.com Your permit or mine Gator Season - Aug 15 thru Oct 31 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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OCTOBER 2019
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INGLIS/YANKEETOWN
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Available in 17’, 20’, 22’, 24’ and 27’
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ctober is finally here. We should start to see the first signs of cold snaps leading to cooler water temperatures. The temperature drops won’t be significant, but it will be enough to get the fish moving. If you have been watching We Be Tailing, you will know by now, that the middle of this month will begin the great shallow water grouper trolling season. Temps falling and floating grass blowing out to sea due to the winter Northeast winds, makes this the ideal time to start trolling. Look to troll around rocks, wrecks and ledges in water depths of 10 to 30 feet. I prefer Rapala X-Rap, but like the Yo-zuri lures as well. Check out the trolling selection at Captains Cove Outfitters in Inglis. October will also start the negative tide fishing for boats that go way back into the backcountry. Mud boats, jet boats, and air boats love this time of year. Get your waders ready; it’s time to get dirty playing with these backcountry reds and trout. Live bait like mud minnows work great this time of year, but give the artificial stuff a go as well. The fish will respond well to artificial until the temps get too cold. If you can’t make it to the
backcountry, look for trout in the shallower flats and reds at the creek mouths. Fish will stage in these areas until the temperatures drop. It is a game of cat and mouse keeping up with these fish on the move, but if you stay on the pattern, you will be rewarded. Popping corks like the B-52 with a shrimp or soft bait will generate a strong bite. October starts the transition into cooler fishing, so look for the signs of fish moving into shallower depths. Please reach out to me at capterichasty@gmail.com with any questions you may have. In addition, check out We Be Tailing, live Wednesday nights at 7:00 for more tips and tricks at the ShastyMcNasty Fishing Facebook page. Capt. Eric Hasty ShastyMcNasty Fishing LLC www.shastymcnastyfishing.com 352-220-3206
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HOMOSASSA
Sylvan • Oasis Sun Chaser Pontoon Boats
Expertise Servicing of:
HONDA • MERCURY SUZUKI • YAMAHA 24535 FL-40, Astor, FL 32102 (352) 759-3656 • www.astormarine.com
SEAFOOD AT ITS BEST!
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ou have to love October! Some of the best fishing of the year is here, and from inshore to offshore, there is some thing for everybody. The red fishing is as good as it gets! Red fish will be holding on the outer limestone bottom keys from Chassahowitzka, to the spoil islands north of Crystal River. This is the time when it’s very possible to catch the largest red fish of the year, and many fish encountered will be in excess of 30 inches. Cut baits such as fresh mullet are always a favorite, but if you still haven’t tried a piece lizard fish, you owe it to yourself to do so. The floating grass is disappearing, and artificial lures such as soft plastic jerk baits and “walk the dog” type pugs, can be very rewarding at sun up. Always watch for mullet activity, and an incoming tide is best. The trout, which have been seeking comfort offshore in the deeper water, will now be migrating inshore. The kelp grass that attaches itself over the shallow “yellow” hard bottom, has been growing all summer, and it’s a fine trout habitat. Also, the oyster bars are another early fall favorite to target trout. Locate these areas, and set up your drifts using DOA deadly combo cork rigs with a glow, root beer or watermelon colored shrimp. Our resident snook population will also be feeding heavily with the preparation for the cooler months coming. Over the last 10 years, our snook population has strengthened, and a determined angler can experience a rewarding catch. Areas such as the mouth of the rivers, spoil islands and the numerous rocky points with deeper water nearby are good starting locations. Try a DOA glow 5.5 inch jerk bait, you’ll be glad you did. Save the gas grouper anglers; now is the time to target those shallow water grouper. Shorter days and
cooling gulf water temperatures not only bring the gag grouper closer to shore, but they also become much more aggressive. This is the time of year to troll heavy duty lipped plugs like Rapala x- raps over likely grouper locations. Ledges, rock piles, artificial reefs and wrecks from 10 to 40 feet will be holding excellent numbers of grouper. Also, for those of you who don’t have a black book full of grouper spots, don’t overlook the power plant intake canal for starting a grouper troll. For over 12 miles, the sharp drop offs and lime stone walls along the channel are perfect starting locations to began searching for a gag grouper. If you hook up, mark the location and it should produce time and time again. Plus, keep an eye out on the channel markers for a late season cobia. The fall time of year gets a smaller run of cobia, but they are around and it’s always a good idea to have a jig or live pin fish ready to go.
EAT IN • TAKE OUT
7364 W. Grover Cleveland Closed 2315 N. Sunshine Path Homosassa, FL 34446 Sunday and Crystal River, FL 34429
352-628-9588
Monday
352-795-9081
Capt. Dan Clymer 352.418.2160 www.crystalriver-fishing.com
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$1 OFF Fresh Clam Strips Basket or Appetizer 50¢ OFF Cup of New England Clam Chowder $1 OFF Bowl of New England Clam Chowder
OCTOBER 2019
NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA/NATURE COAST 13
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GROUPER CHEEKS AND SHRIMP IN A CREAM WINE SAUCE COOKING DIRECTIONS
INGREDIENTS
For each serving, melt 1 tablespoon butter in sauté • Large shrimp, 4/serving pan. Season grouper and (peeled and deveined) shrimp with salt and pepper • Flour for dusting and dust with flour and add • Salt and Pepper to pan. Sauté over medium heat a couple of minutes • Butter on each side, until lightly • Scallions, finely chopped browned. Remove from pan (2/serving) and keep warm. Melt another tablespoon butter in pan, • Celery, finely chopped add scallions and celery and (1T/serving) sauté over medium heat until • White Wine (Chardonnay) tender. For each serving, • Whipping Cream add a “splash” of wine, and a “splash” of cream to the pan, and simmer, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened and most of alcohol has evaporated. Serve over grouper and shrimp. Delicious served with green beans and wild and white rice with almonds. • Grouper cheeks, 4/serving
Thank you to The Crab Plant for the beautiful grouper cheeks and shrimp. Visit their Fresh Seafood Market or enjoy Cooked Seafood to go. You are welcome to sit at their table and view beautiful Kings Bay while you enjoy your delicious, freshly prepared meal, watching manatees, dolphins, pelicans and boats. Or, you can carry it home; your choice. Open Tues-Thurs 10:00-5:30, Fri-Sat 10:00-8:00. 201 NW 5th St. Crystal River 352-795-4700.
(This simple sauce is awesome! I add mushrooms and serve with chicken or pork.)
Lynn Crutchfield, Co-Publisher Coastal Angler Magazine of North Central Florida
BAIT & TACKLE IN NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA
ALACHUA FARM AND LUMBER 114101 NW 145th Ave. Alachua, FL 32616 386-462-3003 www.AlachuaFarmandLumber.com CEDAR KEY PADDLING 12293 SR 24 Cedar Key, FL 32625 352-665-1276 Dan_Gator@Yahoo.com
CAPTAINS COVE OUTFITTERS 39 West Hwy 40 Inglis, FL 352-447-5610 www.CaptainsCoveOutfitters.com
MCDUFFIE MARINE 1866 West US 90 Lake City, FL 32055 386.752.2500 www.mcduffiemarine.com
DW&D BAIT HOUSE 12831 Whiddon Ave Cedar Key, FL 352-543-6109 352-222-9383
OCKLAWAHA BAIT & TACKLE 13600 East CR 25 Ocklawaha, FL 32179 352-816-5853
44 TACKLE CO. 3177 E Gulf to Lake Inverness, FL 34453 352.726.6100 www.44Tackle.com
STARKE LANDSCAPE I 469 S Walnut (US Hwy 30 I) Starke, FL 3 209 I 904-964-3 I I 2 www.StarkeLandscape.com
YOUR BAIT & TACKLE SHOP HERE Call Lynn at 352-372-4237
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OCTOBER 2019
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ST. AUGUSTINE
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t’s time to find the mullet! Our fall mullet run is one of the best times of year to get outdoors and do some fishing. Cooler air temperatures, and hungry predatory fish, means fun for everyone on the water. The best areas to fish will be easy to find right now. Where you see the mullet, you’ll also find redfish, trout, flounder, and just about anything else you want to catch. Any and all of those fish will be lurking just underneath the mullet schools, looking for an easy snack. There are countless numbers of lures, both hard and soft plastic, that do a great job of imitating a mullet. This is a great month to go the top-water plug route and use a Rapala Skitterwalk or Rapala Skitter V. Both are great “walk the dog” type plugs that even the most shy redfish or trout can’t resist this time year. If you want to go subsurface, try the soft plastics from Saltwater Assassin like their Elite Shiner paddle tail. It looks just a like a mullet and can be fished weedless or on a traditional jighead. Along with the influx of mullet to Northeast Florida, comes our fall flounder run. Some of the best catches, both in numbers and in size, come in the fall. The fishfinder rig is the go-to for many anglers looking to catch some flounder. It consists of using about 12 inches or so, of leader attached to a swivel with a barrel weight above the swivel. You want to use enough weight to hold the bottom,
and a hook sized accordingly, to the size of mullet or minnow you’re using. Another favorite rig is a Slayer Inc. jighead in either 1/4 or 3/8 oz. with a finger mullet pinned to it. The jighead rig allows you to fish without getting hung up as easily on structure, like oysters and rocks. The inlets will come alive this month. Big bull redfish will be schooling up in the deeper areas of St. Augustine Inlet and Mantanzas inlet. A blue crab or mullet on the bottom will get their attention. As long as the it doesn’t get too chilly there will also be some tarpon around the inlets feeding on the bigger mullet schools, so make sure to have a bigger rod ready to go for those monsters. If you missed out on the flood tides last month don't worry; you still have plenty of days in October to find some tailers. Redfish and sheepshead will still be tailing away, looking for crabs, snails, and just about anything that hangs out in the grass. Any small soft plastic paddle tail or shrimp imitation will work well for the reds. I like the Saltwater Assassin Lil Boss rigged on a weedless hook. This will also be a great time to toss an inline spinner bait like the Saltwater Assassin Mac Daddy Spinner. It has all the thump to lure the redfish out of even the thickest grass. Capt. Tommy Derringer www.InshoreAdventures.net 904-377-3734
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SURF & PIER
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ctober is the best month to surf-fish in Northeast Florida! Why? Because the mullet run is still going on for at least the first half of the month. Then, here come the big schools of pompano which have spent the summer in the Carolinas. So here are some tips and strategies for being more successful in both of these categories. First the mullet run. Every year they flood out of all the inlets looking for love. They hook a right and head for south Florida. What is waiting at the mouth of the inlets, and on the beach? Predators! I am talking about redfish, tarpon, sharks, ladyfish, bluefish, Jack Crevalle, seatrout, flounder, and Spanish mackerel! You literally have a shot at catching all ten species in the same day. My favorite place to target the predators is on the north side of any inlet. The mullet are migrating southward, and they have a tendency to stack up there. This is true for all of our inlets, from Ft. Clinch south to Ponce Inlet. If you do not see any mullet in the surf, move and keep
looking. When you find the bait, it is game on! When it comes to gear, it depends on what you are targeting. On the heavy end, a fish finder rig with a 100 lb. mono or 175 steel leader, adding a 7/0 circle hook. This is for big reds, sharks, and tarpon. In the mid-range would be a double dropper tied with 50 lb. mono with 5/0 circle hooks. On the light side for seatrout and flounder, would be a fish finder tied with 30 lb. mono and a #1 circle hook. The bait range is a foot-long mullet down to a 3-inch mullet. Also, chunks and strips work great. When it comes to pompano, the north side of inlets is also the best bet. Sand fleas and fresh clams ALWAYS work best because you are matching the hatch! Noel Kuhn 43 years of surf fishing experience Surf fishing guide and long distance casting coach. Founding member of Florida Surf Casters club. 904-945-0660 www.TheSurfAngler.com
FLORIDA SUWANNEE RIVER WATERFRONT
FOR SALE
352-542-0356 43 acres (+or-) 1100 feet (+or-) on Suwannee River in Lafayette County at US 27, across river from Branford. Heavily wooded, perfect for residence, camp ground or hunting lodge. Elec. and well. OCTOBER 2019
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STA-SEA’S NATURE COAST ADVENTURES
CENTRAL FLORIDA INLAND
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kay forest fishers, if you've read any of my articles from when the water levels began rising, you know that I've always talked about how beneficial this change would be for the quality of fishing. Around a year ago, I told you that the minnow population was exploding, and how excited I was for the years to come. Well, if you were brave enough to fish during last month's scorching heat wave, you already know what I'm about to say. The days of worrying if our fishery could ever return to the "World Class" quality we were once famous for, are over. You better break out your heavy gear before you head to the water, because the "forest monsters" have returned. September and October are actually my favorite months, because bass are at their peak strength/ weight, as a result of their gorging on the offspring of all the creatures that spawn over the previous months. I can't even count how many times I yelled "GIANT" last month, while my rod doubled over, and I started praying the 45 lb. braided line wouldn't snap. Once that extra long fight is over, and you finally land one of these mean suckers, you can hardly believe how thick and stout they are. A few month's ago, that same bass would still be the same length, but it would weigh substantially less, and fight half as hard as it does today. I could list plenty of lures that would work right now, but honestly there's no need. You can throw whatever you want, and trust me, it's gonna catch 'em. I caught a bass recently which you could tell had a big sunfish in its belly, and when I looked in its mouth, there was a big dragonfly sticking out of its throat. I reached in to pull out the dragonfly, so I could show my buddy, and a wad of about 10 more of them (all wrapped together) came along with it. Whatever a bass thinks it can fit in its mouth, it is gonna get eaten.
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The rest of our freshwater species are also fat and hungry right now, including hybrid stripers and catfish. I just personally have the "bass fever" that's been going around, but I am seeing giants of all varieties wherever I paddle my kayak to. So, the second you finish reading these last words; figure out your next day off, and make sure your line's fresh and your gear is in good shape. The forest is ready to show you what "trophy fishing" is all about. John Freeze Kayak Fishing and Nature Tours TheWaterwayz@gmail.com 352-216-5798
hen I take a woman fishing, it never fails that she always catches more fish. People say its luck. It's not luck in my opinion; women listen. Most of the time the women I'm referring to are weekend warriors, meaning they don’t fish much. Their husbands or boyfriends take them out on the boat, and they may or may not throw a in a line. When they are on my boat for a charter, they fish hard all day. I make it a point to get them excited about catching fish. Once they land their first fish--it’s on! Most of the time, I have to remind them to eat and to stay hydrated. They are so wound up from the excitement of reeling in their fish that they get completely engulfed in the entire experience. Most of the time, they have little experience, and they listen to every word I say. They have not developed any bad habits yet, so they are a clean slate for me. Most of the men I take on my charters have been fishing for most of their lives, so they have developed their own way of doing things. Trying to change someone's lifelong habits isn’t easy. There is no perfect way to fish; it doesn’t have to be technical all the time. I've seen women cast a rod with both hands, sideways, with the reel upside down, and land a monster fish. It's all about their determination, and when they know there is a fish on the other end of that line, they hang on my every word so they can bring that fish into the boat! It's one of the most rewarding parts of my job. I've heard the
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same thing from almost every captain I've ever had this conversation with. If you have the pleasure of taking a woman with little to no fishing, experience out for a day of fishing, be patient, don't yell, and educate her on the basics of fishing. Make her rig herself, take her own fish off the hook, teach her to throw a cast net, etc. You will reap the benefits and have your ultimate fishing partner, and it will take the stress off of you. I hear so many men say that they get sick of doing everything when they take their wives/girlfriends/ daughters. So guys, just imagine if they were completely self-sufficient on the boat. It's a win-win. Ladies, take a stand and ask questions, learn the ins and outs of fishing. Your partner will appreciate the effort, and in turn, you'll be slaying fish! Captain Stacy Horak Cell 352-553-3604 Facebook: CaptainStacy Horak Instagram: captain_ stacyhorakfishing Website: www. fishingwithcaptainstacy.com
OCTOBER 2019
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ALABAMA ADDS THREE-DAY FALL RED SNAPPER SEASON
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hose looking to fill the freezer with tasty red snapper will have a few more days in Alabama thanks to a three-day fall season announced for the weekend of Oct. 4-6. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will open an additional three-day private angler recreational season for red snapper at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 4 until midnight on Sunday, Oct. 6. The possession limit is two fish per person with a minimum size limit of 16 inches total length. Anglers are reminded that as of Sept. 1, 2019, any angler age 16 and older must have a Reef Fish Endorsement to possess any species of Gulf reef fish. For more information about the Reef Fish Endorsement, visit www.outdooralabama.com/saltwater-fishing/saltwater-reef-fish-endorsement. Landing estimates are derived from mandatory angler reports submitted through Alabama’s Snapper Check Program. Anglers are reminded that greater amberjack is available for voluntary reporting through the Snapper Check app. Detailed red snapper landing information from the 2018 and 2019 seasons is available at www.outdooralabama.com/saltwater-fishing/ exempted-fishing-permit.
• ISSUE 292
JULY 2019
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CHANGE IT UP
Photo courtesy of Controlled Descent Lures By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
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ver heard the phrase, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it?” A few weeks ago fishing on the tides of the quarter moon, I did something we don’t do often enough as anglers. I broke it and it became better! As a lure designer, I frequently try new things, throw different colors and vary my retrieve every five or 10 cast. I want to fish the same area with different colors and lures as a true test to see what the fish react to best. I often cover the same structure with multiple lures and multiple retrieve styles. While on my kayak, I like to have two rods at my disposal. On this day, I had the exact same lure and weight, but one was white with a limetreuse tail, and the other was pumpkinseed with
a green glitter tail. The morning started with light winds and clear water. This area was 1 to 3 feet deep with areas of solid grass mixed with sand potholes and a few larger sand flats. As the day progressed, the winds kicked up, and so did the silt. I used the wind to quietly drift into a cove, where I would anchor and fish. Once the area was covered, I would drift about half a cast and anchor again, repeating this process until I covered the entire cove. I started out catching several reds from 16 to 26 inches. They were hammering the soft plastic swimbait in aggressive fashion. When fishing shallow, the reds wanted a steady fast retrieve keeping the lure just under the surface. I saw many of the strikes and even had a few swim behind the lure with their eyes above the water, see me, and turn away. Not cool! When I varied my retrieve by slowing it down and pausing, the reds had no interest. Giving equal swim time to both the white and pumpkinseed lures, the pumpkinseed caught the majority of the reds. As I observed my surroundings, I heard what I felt was a trout eating bait off the surface. Feeling confident trout were in the area, I needed to try something different to entice a bite. After covering the area with the fast-steady retrieve, catching a few more reds, I dramatically changed my retrieve, but kept the same lures and colors. I switched to a fast twitch of the rod tip, aggressively bouncing the lure off bottom. I did not use any swimming motion, just a constant bounding forward with an occasional pause. I started to catch trout where I previously caught a red or came up empty. Something else worth noting, the trout not only wanted a different retrieve than the reds in the same area, they also preferred the white limetreuse swimbait. This tactic continued to produce through my entire drift. As I switched retrieves and lure colors, I caught different fish. The takeaway here is don’t get stuck doing the same old thing. Even when it is working, a change could make it better. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
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Color Choices
For Inshore Lures
By CAM Staff
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veryone has a theory on colors when it comes to selecting lures for inshore fishing. The generally accepted rule, and this applies everywhere in freshwater and salt, is to fish dark colors in stained water and more natural colors when the water is clearer. It makes sense. Most of the time, our favorite inshore species, whether they be trout, reds, flounder or snook, are feeding on shrimp or baitfish that are pale, sometimes translucent in color. In clear water, there is more visibility and more opportunity for gamefish to inspect an offering before taking it. This explains the natural colors in clear water theory. It calls for soft plastics in clear-sparkle, bone or pearl colors and hard baits in white or light gray with some silver flash. But what about dark colors in muddy water? Color selection becomes more about visibility than natural appearance in dingy water. Without the added attraction of scent, sound and vibration—all which can be remedied by lure selection— we’re relying on fish to see the offering. Darker colors show up better in murky water, and twotone combinations of colors provide contrast. This calls for plum, purple, motor oil, pumpkinseed or combinations thereof. And then there’s chartreuse. No color in the spectrum has proven more effective at catching fish, and this is a tough one to explain. Nothing fish eat even closely resembles this ridiculous bright green. But it works. No matter when, where or the conditions, it rarely hurts to choose a bait with a little chartreuse in it. To dive a little deeper, keeping up with the seasonal patterns on your bay, marsh or flat also makes sense. When glass minnows or small mullet are thick, obviously lighter-colored baits best “match the hatch.” A silver spoon with a white bucktail can be killer when trout and reds are keying on finfish. When shrimp are on the move, everything eats them. Browns and pinks become important. You might want to break out that gold spoon or any number of soft-plastic shrimp imitations. Of course, we’ve all been in situations when one color outperforms another for no apparent reason. That’s why it’s good to fish with a buddy. Start out throwing different baits and then hone in on a pattern once one of you starts getting bites. Gamefish survive feeding on forage that is often very hard for them to see. Vibration, sound, scent and movement are key to their ability to hunt. For this reason, lure choice and the way an angler fishes it are usually more important than color. Color can be like fine-tuning the presentation. Finding the right color definitely makes a difference, but first you’ve got to check the other variables off the list. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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BASS ARE MOVING
SHALLOW
Photo courtesy of Capt. Jake Davis
feed up and put on weight to take them through the winter and into the next spring’s spawn. Fall is a time to fish quickly, covering water to find active schools of fish. Find Them: When water temperatures drop from their summer peak, bass push up into the creeks, onto tapering points and big flats. They’re following baitfish this time of year. Shad, herring, alewives, shiners… all the favored baitfish move in big schools when temperatures begin to fall. The bass will be with them as they progress shallower and farther into the creek arms. There’s no sense in fishing an area if the bait isn’t there. Sometimes, you’ll be lucky to catch fish on top, as pods of bass pound baitfish from below, but you’re better off using your electronics. Idle over a likely area, watching the graph for suspended balls of bait. Keep an eye on the banks for flickering shad. Don’t bother dropping the trolling motor until you’ve seen indications of activity. When you see it, you’ll know it. Schools of active fall bass are not hard to find.
Catch Them: This is not the time to fish on the bottom. Baitfish will be suspended somewhere in the water column, and bass will key in on them. Matching the size of the bait in the water brings consistent action. Colors can vary, but generally you’ll want to fish something more natural looking in clear water. Gold or silver flash is always a good thing when mimicking baitfish. Only resort to the garish colors if the water is dingy. It’s tough to beat a lipless crankbait for covering water and locating active fish. Keep one on the deck as a search bait, and if nothing else it will help eliminate dead water. Shallow crankbaits are a staple this time of year. If the fish are up on the banks in stumps and laydowns, squarebill crankbaits are the ticket. When they’re feeding a little deeper around boat docks and other wood cover, a good old spinnerbait can be tough for bass to resist. Go with double willowleaf blades to match the profile of the baitfish. A mid-depth crankbait By CAM Staff can serve the same purpose. If you’re trying to pull a big fish from the school all can be a wonderful time of year for bass anglers. It gives us the to anchor a tournament sack, a big soft-plastic swimbait comes in handy. chance to go back to the tactics that probably hooked most of us on Finally, you should always keep a topwater bait on the deck. If fish are the sport in the first place. While those deep ledges that held fish all crashing on top or if baitfish are active in shallow water, there’s nothing more summer will likely still produce, many fish will be moving shallow. fun than calling fish up with a walking bait or a popper. With the cool evenings and each successive cold front, bass begin to
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TAMPA BAY WATCH SEEKS VOLUNTEERS U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tori Long
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ampa Bay Watch is seeking volunteers for two upcoming programs designed to restore lost habitat in Tampa Bay waters. The first, slated for Oct. 3-4, will install an oyster shell bar on the shoreline of MacDill Air Force Base from 9 a.m. to noon on each day. The goal is to prevent further erosion of the shoreline and improve water quality through natural biological filtration. Oyster bars also make excellent habitat for gamefish. The second project, being conducted on weekday mornings of October 2, 15, 21 and 23, needs hard workers to help build oyster domes at the Marine Center in Terra Verde. The project involves pouring marine-friendly concrete into a fiberglass mold to create oyster domes and taking apart the molds that were previously poured. This project is physically demanding in requiring bending, crouching, and some heavy lifting. It is entirely on land, and the domes will be installed at a later date to provide hard structure for oysters to grow. Oyster communities help stabilize shorelines, provide hard bottom habitats for fish and wildlife resources, and promote water quality improvements in the Tampa Bay ecosystem. For more information and to register for these events, go to www.tampabaywatch.org.
PERFECT FILLETS!
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Sheri Daye
fter all the time, effort and determination it takes to land that beautiful fish, you don’t want to compromise the quality of your dinner by improper handling at the end. Here are some tips I’ve learned over the years: 1) Dispatching/ bleeding: Whether you are fishing or spearfishing, try to minimize the amount of time the fish is under stress, as this can produce lactic acid which affects taste. Dispatching as soon as possible is humane and helps maintain quality. Bleeding also helps, especially for raw consumption. Spearfishermen can do it in the water, but if you don’t want to attract sharks, you Sheri Daye with a big Keys wahoo. can also do it on the boat. Cut the throat and place it in a bucket of water for a few minutes or use scissors and cut the gills. 2) Icing: Make sure you have plenty of ice, two pounds for every pound of fish. Saltwater ice is best if you can get it, and crushed
ice is optimal because it covers more surface area. Heat and air are the enemies, so ice your fish immediately. If you don’t plan to fillet soon, remove the guts and gills and fill the cavity with ice before burying it in the cooler. Drain and replace ice often to ensure fish stays cold and is not sitting in water, which will cause the fish to get mushy. 3) Filleting: When the flesh is chilled and firm, cutting is much easier, and a razor sharp knife makes quick work of filleting. After filleting, try not to rinse the meat, as water degrades the fillets and produces a breeding ground for bacteria. If you keep your knife clean, don’t puncture the gut cavity and you bled your fish beforehand, you should not have to rinse fillets. If the fillet is exposed to water, dry it promptly with paper towels. 4) Refrigeration: Fish can be stored in your refrigerator at 40 degrees for about three days. Wrap the fish in plastic-wrap and place in crushed ice. It is still best to store fish surrounded by crushed ice because the cooler you can keep it, the better. 5) Freezing: Store in the freezer at 0 degrees or lower. Lean fish (snapper or grouper) will keep for about six months. Fatty fish (salmon, tuna and mackerel) will keep for about three months. I like to vacuum-pack fillets. Vacuum packers are relatively inexpensive, easy to use, and available at Target. Fill pre-cut bags with fillets and follow the directions on the vacuum packer. This keeps fillets airtight to prevent freezer burn. 6) Thawing: The safest way to thaw fish is in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours. Plan to cook immediately after thawing. Do not thaw fish at room temperature, and never refreeze fish. Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer of “The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo” in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.
See more from Sheri Daye at:
https://coastalanglermag.com/sheri-daye/
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NOTHING IS OFF LIMITS FROM A KAYAK Photo courtesy of Justin Ritchey
By FWC Staff ayak fishing is a growing sport, and it’s easy to see why. Kayaks are nimble, less expensive than most motorized boats and provide access to places even the best casts from land just can’t reach. But those who love the sport1say kayak fishing is more than just Airline_Ad_CoastalAngler_8-1-14_Layout 8/1/14 1:14 PM Page 1 a quick and less expensive way to get on the water.
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“You are more in tune with what is going on,” said avid kayak angler Tony Hart, who runs YakOutlaws.com, a website dedicated to kayak and SUP angling. “The slower approach gives you an opportunity to take in more. It’s almost as though you become a part of what’s around you.” “Because you are so low in the water, there is this sense of vulnerability when you start fishing, but you also have this feeling of freedom and accomplishment, blood, sweat and tears,” said Justin Ritchey, who has been kayak fishing for more than a decade. “I’m very passionate about it, it’s a huge part of my life.” Like many kayak anglers, Hart and Ritchey got into kayak fishing for similar reasons: they loved fishing and didn’t have access to a boat. Ritchey got his start in college with two-person rental kayaks. He would ask classmates to foot the rental fee. Ritchey would provide the car, fishing gear and knowledge. Hart was fishing from a dock in Jacksonville when he noticed fish off a point too far for him to reach casting. “That’s when two young guys paddled by and I thought, that’s the smartest thing in world,” said Hart. “The next weekend I got two kayaks.” What often gets people into kayak fishing is the ability to access places they can’t reach from shore. “You can go anywhere you want with no stress of a motor breaking down or electronic failure,” Ritchey said. “And because you are quiet, you can often get closer than boat anglers can get.” Some might think kayaks are great for seatrout and redfish, but they can also be used for monster tarpon and sailfish. While what you catch within paddling distance will vary according to where in Florida you are fishing, if you can catch it, your kayak can take it. “Being able to catch every species from a kayak is personal goal of mine,” said Ritchey, who has personally caught sailfish, blackfin tuna, mutton snapper, kingfish and tarpon from his kayak. “In a boat, when a fish takes a lot of line, you have less control. In a kayak, you might be getting towed, but you are never too far away from the fish, which allows you to get the fish in much faster.”
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FLY FISHING
There are two schools of thoughts regarding bite-proof tippet. One school favors the soft, stainless-steel leader when fishing toothed game fish. The other school leans to the single-strand stainless-wire leader. Let’s compare the two.
BUILD THE PERFECT SALTWATER LEADER AND BITE TIPPET The basic fly leader is the saltwater fisherman’s most important connection between him and the fish. Tied incorrectly, it will place the angler at a distinct disadvantage when casting, especially under windy conditions. Simple in its design, the saltwater fly leader can meet the demands in almost every saltwater fly fishing situation. A leader’s length varies depending on conditions, but a 9-foot leader will work in most situations. A “4-3-2 combo” works well, as it allows the fly to roll over as it is cast. Creating this leader is fairly simple. First tie a two-turn surgeon’s loop of 40- or 50-pound soft monofilament at the fly line’s terminal. Then join the sections of your leader with blood knots, applying saliva to the knots to guarantee a solid connection. Take care to test the strength of each knot as you complete tying them. 4 feet of 40# soft mono 3 feet of 30# mono 2 feet of 20# mono Best Material for a Wire Leader When you fly fish in saltwater, there will be times when you deal with toothy critters like barracudas, sharks, needle fish, mackerel and numerous other fish sporting “ivories” capable of severing the heaviest monofilament and fluorocarbon leaders. It is the savvy saltwater fly fisherman who has learned to attach a bite-proof tippet to his fly line.
Soft Stainless Steel Wire Soft stainless wire is a good alternative to single-strand wire. It works well on smaller saltwater gamefish like Pacific barracuda, bonito and other toothy critters the fly rodder will encounter in many nearshore fisheries. The best attribute of the soft stainless wire is you can tie a loop knot in it rather than going through the time consuming process of making the haywire twist commonly used with single-strand wire. Single Strand Wire The second option, and my personal preference, is the single-strand stainless wire leader. The wire is tough, able to stand the raking teeth of a shark far better than its softer counterpart. Also, the advantage of using this type of leader is its small diameter. Like a piece of dental floss, it fits nicely between the fish’s teeth. As the battle rages, the wire does not wear against razor sharp teeth, giving the advantage to the angler in a difficult and prolonged fight. If your choice is the single-strand wire leader, the most commonly used knot is the reliable haywire twist. Although there are tools to assist you in the tying of this knot, I recommend the “old school” method you will find in numerous books and pamphlets, many currently available at your local fly shop.
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ELITE SERIES TO OPEN SEASON AT ST. JOHNS RIVER B.A.S.S. photo by James Overstreet
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n Feb. 6-9, the Bassmaster Elite Series will begin its 2020 season with an event on the St. John’s River out of Palatka, Fla. Last year’s tournament on the St. Johns was one of the most exciting in history, with Rick Clunn weighing a 34-pounds, 14-ounce sack on Championship Sunday to complete an amazing come-frombehind win with 98-14. That final-day bag included two bass over 9 pounds. The big-fish factory is an apt location to launch a 2020 schedule that was designed for fans who love watching professional anglers catch big bass. With the St. Johns event, the world’s best professional bass
fishermen will embark on a journey that spans six states and nine events on some of the most storied fisheries in the sport’s history. “This year, we unveiled the mantra ‘Big Bass. Big Stage. Big Dreams.,’” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin. “Fans will have an opportunity to see our anglers compete on some of the best big-bass lakes in America.” On Feb. 14-17, the Elite Series will shift focus to a location that has yet to be announced. The Bassmaster Classic takes the stage in March, when the Super Bowl of Bass Fishing descends upon Alabama’s Lake Guntersville, with weigh-ins and the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo taking place in nearby Birmingham. When regular season Elite competition resumes, B.A.S.S. will take a trip down memory lane with a return to Alabama’s Lake Eufaula on April 2-5. B.A.S.S. hasn’t visited Eufaula since 2006. But the lake on the Alabama/ Georgia border has been the site of 18 major B.A.S.S. events, dating back to 1968. The fourth Elite Series event will be in Manning, S.C., on the Santee Cooper Lakes. Lakes Marion and Moultrie, which have been on fire recently. A BFL event held on the Santee Cooper Lakes in March was won with five bass that weighed just over 30 pounds. The next fishery on the schedule is known for producing big crowds— the Sabine River in Orange, Texas. The 2020 event will be held May 29-June 1 and could challenge the fan attendance record of 36,200. The site for the Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest will be announced at a later time. But the dates have been tentatively set for June 5-9 — just before the Elite Series makes its New York swing. That swing begins with a trip to smallmouth fishing’s holy country, the St. Lawrence River in Waddington, N.Y., on July 23-26. The 2019 Elite Series event on the river was won by Georgia pro Micah Frazier with an average of more than 20 pounds of smallmouth each day. The pros will then head to Plattsburg, N.Y., for an event at Lake Champlain on July 30-Aug. 2, where Vermont angler Bryan Labelle won with an average of almost 20 pounds of largemouth per day in 2018. With the Bassmaster Angler of the Year title and numerous Bassmaster Classic berths hanging in the balance, the Elites will finish their season in Macomb County, Mich., at Lake St. Clair on Aug. 20-23.
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ONGOING BTT I
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Bonefish & Tarpon Trust’s Project Permit has reached a major milestone of 150 permit tagged with acoustic transmitters in south Florida since March 2016. Scientists track the movement patterns of tagged fish for up to five years, providing important information on habitat use and spawning locations. This information is essential to guide permit conservation efforts, and data from Project Permit have already influenced permit harvest regulations, such as the expansion of the permit harvest season closure in the Special Permit Zone (SPZ) to include the month of April. Recently BTT Collaborating Scientist Dr. Jake Brownscombe tagged 14 permit on the flats of Biscayne Bay with fishing guides Capt. Augie Moss and Capt. Carl Ball. Project Permit would not be possible without the help of the dozens of fishing guides who generously donate time and expertise to catch and tag fish with BTT scientists. Currently BTT is also seeking information on juvenile permit to gain a better understanding of the habitats that support the juveniles and sub-adults. For permit in the Keys, abundant newborns form 1 to 3 inches can be found on sandy beaches. Adults and larger sub-adults greater than 15 inches live on the flats or reefs and wrecks. However, fish between 4 and 14 inches are surprisingly rare. These 4- to 14-inch fish might be absent because the habitats they use are becoming degraded, and as a result, there are less of that size. Or, scientists haven’t yet looked in the right places for them. In either case, BTT seeks to identify the habitats these fish are using to restore them if they are unhealthy, or protect them so permit have a place to grow into adults. Report sightings and catches of permit in the 4- to 14-inch range to Florida Keys Initiative Manager Dr. Ross Boucek. Email Dr. Boucek at ross@bonefishtarpontrust.org.
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FLY FISHING’S
WARMWATER REVOLUTION By Nick Carter
T
here’s a brutish undercurrent gaining momentum in fly fishing. Whether it’s river-run striped bass, muskie or carp, long-rodders are targeting freshwater’s most powerful fish. Here are a few destinations where you can get in on the action. James River Photo courtesy of Matt Miles Muskie, Virginia The James River is one of the few rivers in the east that supports a fishable wild muskie population. Guide Matt Miles eagerly pointed out that most of the fish they catch, the 35- to 42-inchers, were spawned wild in the upper James. He said the monster 50-inchers might have originally come from the hatchery, but they still prowl the river, ready to give anglers the adrenaline rush of a lifetime. Between Iron Gate and Lynchburg, Va., more than 80 miles of the James are considered muskie water. The relatively shallow pool and riffle habitat is uniquely suited to hunting freshwater’s biggest, toothiest fish with a fly rod. But muskie fishing isn’t for everyone. Casting waterlogged, 14-inch-long streamers on sinking lines with 10- and 11-weight rods is a workout. Doing it all day in hope of a single take requires mental fortitude. Peak muskie season is October through mid-March.
Saluda & Congaree River Striper, South Carolina Each spring, South Carolina striped bass go on the move. From the Santee-Cooper Lakes between Columbia and Charleston, fish run some 60 miles up the Congaree and arrive in Columbia to spawn in April. By early May they push into the lower Saluda, where they spend the summer in the cold-water refuge of a 10-mile stretch of tailwater. Jake Howard, of Saluda Valley Guides, tapes his thumbs during the June through August heart of the striper season because they become raw from lipping fish. He told of huge numbers of stripers and said 60-fish days are possible for anglers who can lay out line with a 10-weight rod and 350-grain sinking lines. The standard fish weighs 4 to 8 pounds, but 20-, 30- and even 50-pounders are caught each season. Catawba Chain Carp, North Carolina More than 15 years ago, Capt. Paul Rose left the Texas coast with his flats skiff in tow. He settled in the North Carolina Piedmont, far from the salt marshes he loves. But he found a new passion in the clear Catawba River lakes between Asheville and Charlotte, N.C. In the shallows, he watched carp tailing like redfish. The fishing style that arose is a lot like sight casting to bonefish. Rose poles anglers over clear-water flats, searching for pods of carp rooting and feeding. Many clients hire Rose to practice before a trip to the Bahamas. They return because carp are so much fun. Fish from 3 pounds up to 20 pounds call for a 6- or 7-weight rod. The peak season on impoundments like Lake Norman and Lake James runs from May through September. Nick Carter is the author of “Flyfisher’s Guide to North Carolina & Georgia.” It is available on Amazon.com, and autographed copies are available by emailing the author at nsc8957@gmail.com. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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n enormous 40-pound, 6-ounce brown trout caught at Lake Taneycomo in southwest Missouri is a new state record and just a couple pounds shy of the IGFA all-tackle world record. Bill Babler, a veteran fishing guide from Blue Eye, Mo., caught the monster brown on Sept. 4 using a pink Berkley plastic worm. He caught it on 6x tippet, which equates to less than 4-pound test, making his catch 2 ounces heavier than the current IGFA 4-pound line class record. The previous state record, set just seven months, weighed 34 pounds, 10 ounces. It was also caught at Lake Taneycomo. Babler told the Springfield News-Leader he’d only been out fishing for a few minutes when he caught his new state record. “As soon as I set the hook it came to the top and I knew we had a good fish on,” Babler told the newspaper. “We positioned the boat in an unobstructed area. It was pulling drag pretty good!” Babler attempted to keep the behemoth alive in an aerated tank, but unfortunately the trout died before it could be released. Fisheries Biologist Shane Bush said the fish was eight or nine-years-old. For more information on Missouri state-record fish, visit the MDC website at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z3t.
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Ultimate Control For Saltwater Fishing Boats The Dometic Group Introduces New Optimus Electric Steering Actuator
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altwater anglers who fish aboard today’s large center console fishing machines and other high-performance outboard powered boats will soon be able to experience a new level of precision steering and vessel control. The Dometic Group is introducing its new Optimus Universal Electric Steering Actuator. Incorporating proprietary technology and several new components designed and manufactured by Dometic, this new actuator is built exclusively for use with its Optimus Joystick and Electric Power Steering Systems. About the same size as the Dometic Tournament Cylinder, the Optimus Electric Steering Actuator mounts directly on the outboard in place of the present hydraulic cylinder. With its powerful drive train, integrated proprietary position sensors and embedded electronics, it eliminates the need for separately mounted hydraulic actuators used in the Optimus Joystick and EPS systems. This means no more Pump Control Module, no more hydraulic pump, no more hoses, hydraulic cylinders and fluid, and no more purging the system. “We are continually inventing ways to make boat building more efficient and boating more enjoyable,” said Eric Fetchko, President of Dometic Marine Americas. “Once again, we have taken marine steering to the next level. You have my word that we will never stop innovating and solving industry problems.” In terms of performance underway, ease of installation and seasonafter-season reliability, the new Optimus Electric Steering Actuator will provide substantial benefits to boat builder and skipper alike. With the present system, the signal from the Optimus electronic helm goes to the Pump Control Module, which activates an electro-hydraulic steering system. Even though it is “by-wire,” hydraulic fluid is still pumped through hoses and into the steering cylinders on the outboard(s) which act on the tiller arms of the outboards to move left or right. With the new Optimus Electric Steering Actuator, the electronic helm signal goes directly to the actuator which instantly moves the outboard. The “brains” of the Pump Control Module, including ECM, rudder position circuit and CANbus communication, have been
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transplanted into the new Optimus Electric Steering Actuator itself. Steering power is delivered by a proprietary high-torque high-efficiency brushless DC electric motor, designed and manufactured by Dometic, and a patented compact roller-screw drive system, also a proprietary Dometic design. Both the motor and power train reside within the steering actuator. In terms of steering performance, skippers will sense a marked improvement in handling. Steering response will be immediate, smooth and precise, thanks to this robust, industry-leading drive train that provides unparalleled performance and system rigidity when needed most. Programmable steering settings, including adjustable speed-sensitive lockto-lock turns, adjustable speed sensitive wheel effort, and speed-sensitive rudder angle limits to ensure safe steering, continue to be available, now without the need for any extra components. Installation of the new system is a snap, with just three CANbus connections plus power. Twin, triple and quad outboard installations will be set up similar to the present design, with Optimus Electric Steering Actuators controlling adjacent outboards via tie-bars. In addition, the new Electric Steering Actuator will interface with compatible autopilot systems in the same manner as the present Optimus systems. Dometic’s SeaWays Autopilot and SeaStation GPS Anchoring functionality are also built in. The Dometic Optimus Electric Steering Actuator exceeds all applicable marine standards, including NMMA, ABYC, CE and SAE electrical and environmental requirements. The actuators are maintenance free, except for regular greasing of the steering ram via installed zerk fittings. Over 100,000 hours of rigorous testing during development assures safe and reliable performance under harsh salt and freshwater conditions, all in keeping with Dometic’s proven reputation for superior quality. To learn more, visit seastarsolutions.com
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ew ng
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He’ll typically kick the morning off with redfish encounters in depths of 2 feet or less. As the sun grows stronger, he’ll probe docks and structure looking for summer flounder before finishing off with feisty seatrout in feeder creeks. “I’m thinking this season will be a special one if we don’t get smacked by any major storms,” said Collins. “There’s tons of bait around already, and it’s been a long time since I’ve seen as many mullet as we have this year. Crabs and small menhaden are abundant, too. Plus we have tons of shrimp; everything loves shrimp.” By Tom Schlichter Collins targets early morning reds around oyster bars, oyster reefs and oyster rocks in water that is generally hip-deep or less. He’ll work shoal areas and Seatrout: Dale Collins puts a fare even dig into the grass on White Oak Sound, White Oak River and the area on a pretty Oak River area sea trout. Photo courtesy of Do or Die surrounding Swansboro with a 7-foot, 6- to 10-pound class Star Seagis rod. His Charters, Swansboro, N.C. lure of choice for the reds is a Skitter Walk SW11 in a golden mullet pattern that always seems to bring surface thrills. Backing off the edges and working near docks and structure, he’ll switch to a ¾-ounce white Spro bucktail tipped with a 4-inch Berkley Gulp! pearl-white shrimp for the flatties. “For the reds,” disclosed Collins, “I keep a second rod rigged with a Z-Man soft plastic or Gulp! Jerk Shad impaled on a weedless screw-style hook. If a redfish blows up on the topwater but misses, I immediately send the soft plastic his way. He’ll slam that as soon as it starts to sink.” For flounder, Collins hops his bucktail about a foot at a time, but it’s vital you actually feel it strike bottom on the drop. “Most hits come as the lure falls, and if you don’t feel it hit bottom it’s probably in a fish’s mouth,” he said. “Strike immediately, because those flounder spit a lure out quickly once they realize it’s a fake.” As for the specks, Collins recommends getting on them as soon as possible. “You’ll find the biggest fish arrive first,” he said. Throw a Mirrolure MR 17 or ou’ve got to love fall’s promise here in North Carolina,” said Capt. Dale 18, or try my personal favorite: a Zoom Golden Bream on a 1/16-ounce jighead. Collins, of Fish or Die Charters (www.fishordiecharters; 252-422- Man can that lure catch some fish! Just work it slow and allow time for it to get 4236) in Swansboro, North Carolina. “The water temperatures are down deep. If you think you are fishing slowly enough, slow down a little more.” starting to cool and there’s plenty of red drum, flounder and big seatrout in our bays and creeks. Indeed, it’s my favorite time of year to fish around here.” If you’d like to fish the Swansboro area on your own, Collins suggests Collins should know. He’s built a reputation putting fares on big fish in launching from Cedar Point Wildlife Ramp near Dudley’s Marina (https:// skinny water in this area west of Morehead City and separated from Pamlico www.dudleysmarinanc.com; 252-393-2204) in Swansboro. For overnight accommodations Best Western Plus (252-393-9015) is right near the launch. Sound on the southern side of Cape Lookout.
SWANSBORO, NC: FALL ROCKS WITH REDS, FLOUNDER AND SEATROUT
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SIGHT CASTING TO LOUISIANA’S BIG BULL REDS ON THE FLY
Photo courtesy of Michael Booth Jr.
I
t’s no secret that the Louisiana coast is an inshore angler’s dream. A seemingly endless tangle of interconnected waterways, with big salt lakes, canals, grass, oysters and mud flats make the bayous south of New Orleans the No. 1 destination in the world for redfish. Places like Grand Isle, Cocodrie, Venice, Delacroix and Hopedale are the destinations for redfish anglers seeking out some of the best fishing on the planet. The region is filthy with reds, and targeting big bulls with a fly rod is the ultimate thrill. Angler Michael Booth Jr. and his buddies, many who are local captains, have made a practice of sight fishing these monsters. Instead of working the grass to find individual bulls or pods of slotsized redfish, they move out deeper on the big lakes in search of
schools of big bulls, which usually hunt in the 3- to 4-foot depths 100 to 200 yards off the grass. “The weather has to be good for a couple weeks beforehand for the water to be clean enough to see them,” said Booth “When we go out looking for schools of big fish, we start about 20 yards out and pole that line until we figure out where the reds are holding that day. Then they’ll usually all be in that same area.” On certain special days, when a strong northeast wind and a low tide suck the water out of the marsh around Hopedale, those 4-foot depths become 2 feet and spotting fish is easy. “Those big bulls will all be belly crawling with their backs out of the water,” said Booth. But normally, finding fish means looking for the telltale dark triangles of tails and fins or fish pushing water as they chase bait and root for crabs. Booth said a good pair of green-mirror glasses with amber lenses makes it easier to distinguish the shadows and colors of a big redfish in tannic-stained water. Once you find them, tempting them to eat a fly is a matter of trial and error to find the fly and retrieve they want on a given day. Booth prefers fishing on top, and a size 2 Surface Seducer Double Barrel popper is the hot bait at the moment. Booth likes purple, gold, chartreuse, black and combinations of those colors. Sometimes, when the fish aren’t feeding as actively, Booth said he’s forced to fish something that sinks. A size 2 shrimp pattern with extra large dumbbell eyes becomes the bait of choice. Again, purple and chartreuse work well, as do more natural tan or olive patterns. A 10-weight rod, floating line and a 50-40-30 leader with 12 to 18 inches of 16- to 20-pound tippet are in order. Booth said he’s seen days that brought 10 fish over 20 pounds to the rail and others when a single 40-pound red was reason for rejoicing. “Any day you’re able to catch a 20-plus-pound bull red on a fly is pretty awesome,” he said.
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Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, safes, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, welders, Admiral, Ames, Bauer, Central Machinery, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Diamondback, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 2/3/20.
*79322822 * 79322822 Cannot Cannotbe beused usedwith withother otherdiscounts discounts or or prior prior purchases. purchases. Original coupon must be presented. Valid Valid through through 2/3/20 2/3/20 while while supplies supplies last. last. Limit Limit 11 FREE FREE GIFT per customer per day.
SUPER 7 FT. 4" x 9 FT. 6" COUPON ALL PURPOSE/WEATHER 3 GALLON, 100 PSI OIL-FREE RESISTANT TARP AIR COMPRESSORS • Air delivery: Customer Rating
.50 CAL METAL AMMO CAN
SUPER COUPON
900 WATT MAX. STARTING 2 CYCLE GAS POWERED GENERATOR
Customer Rating
0.6 CFM @ 90 PSI
$
YOUR CHOI
NOW
$299
8
$ 78
COMPARE TO
BLUE HAWK
MODEL: BG8X10-Y
SAVE $ 99 65% 4
ITEM 69115/69121/69129/69137/69249/877 shown
HOT DOG
ITEM 61615/60637 95275 shown Customer Rating
$
COMPARE TO
PORTER-CABLE
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 2/3/20*
9862
MODEL: PCFP02003
$229
COMPARE TO
SNAP-ON $ 85
$
724
MODEL: CT8850PDB, CTB8185BK, CTC720
COMPARE TO
POWERSMART
$
12610
MODEL: PS50
$
ITEM 63024/63025 shown
16 $
12499
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 2/3/20*
SUPER COUPON
1 SELLING JACKS IN AMERICA
#
29 PIECE RAPID PUMP 3 TON STEEL TITANIUM HEAVY DUTY LOW PROFILE DRILL BIT SET FLOOR JACK
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
250 LUMEN POP-UP LANTERN
®
Customer Rating
NOW
$1 0
COMPARE TO
68
MODEL: DW1369
SAVE 83%
$
ITEM 5889 62281/61637 shown
99
18
99
Customer Rating
• Weighs 78 lbs.
NOW
SAVE $90
$499
NOW
COMPARE TO
$9999 $10999
TEQ CORRECT $ 99
189
MODEL: T830018Z
ITEM 56618/56619/56620/56617 shown
COMPARE TO
$ GO GREEN POWER
1499 SAVE 66%
6
$ 99 ITEM 64110
*79325980 * 79325980
*79327161 * 79327161
*79327316 * 79327316
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 2/3/20*
*79328109 * 79328109
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 2/3/20*
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 2/3/20*
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 2/3/20*
10 FT. x 20 FT. PORTABLE CAR CANOPY MECHANIC'S GLOVES
WEATHERPROOF MODEL 9800 Customer Rating PROTECTIVE RIFLE CASE • 50-3/8" L 13-5/8" W 5-1/8" H
Customer Rating
NOW
99 $1 09 $ COMPARE TO
PELICAN
$
Customer Rating
26999
MODEL: DOUBLE RIFLE
SAVE $ 160
ITEM 64520 Case contents and locks not included.
10 GUN ELECTRONIC SECURITY SAFE
AVAIL. IN SM, MED, LG, XL, XXL
• CA DOJ compliant
$
99 $9999 $599 $4
SAVE $99 COMPARE TO
SUPER COUPON
NOW
NOW
14999
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
$
SHELTER LOGIC
199
MODEL: 23522
$
119
99
ITEM 63054/62858 shown
COMPARE TO
VALEO $ 99
14
MODEL: 25521
34999 N9OW999 $2
Customer Rating COMPARE TO
STACK-ON
SAVE 66%
$
564 57
MODEL: SS-16-MB-E
ITEM 62434, 62426, 62433, 62432, 62429, 64178, 64179, 62428 shown
SAVE $ 264
ITEM 64008/64011 shown
Contents not included.
*79328215 * 79328215
*79329926 * 79329926
*79330218 * 79330218
*79330381 * 79330381
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 2/3/20*
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 2/3/20*
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 2/3/20*
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 2/3/20*
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
• Boom extends from 41" to 61-3/4" • Crane height adjusts from 73-5/8" to 89"
COMPARE TO
BIG RED $ 99
MODEL: 11674699
W 99 NO 99
239 1 89 SAVE 110 $ $
$
ITEM 60388/69514 shown
1500 WATT DUAL TEMPERATURE HEAT GUN (572°/1112°)
Customer Rating
BLUE HAWK $ 99
19
MODEL: 77280
SAVE 70%
ITEM 69505/62418/66537 shown
$5
99
8
$ 99
Customer Rating
500 LB. CAPACITY STEEL CARGO CARRIER
Customer Rating
NOW
NOW
COMPARE TO
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
72" x 80" MOVING BLANKET
2 TON CAPACITY FOLDABLE Customer Rating SHOP CRANE
299
1499
*79325879 * 79325879
DEWALT $ 14
ITEM 63537/64195/63852 shown
$
ITEM 63750 56810/63181 shown
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 2/3/20*
99
269
MODEL: FSGWHE1030
SAVE 52%
*79325535 * 79325535
SUPER COUPON
99
24
99 9 0 1 $ SAVE
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 2/3/20*
• 4.0 amp hour battery
NOW
GAME WINNER $ 99
NOW
Customer Rating
*79325373 * 79325373
Customer Rating
SAVE $494
$1 1 99
COMPARE TO
SAVE 59%
• 5 hour run time @ 50% capacity
NOW
9 $399
PANCAKE
ITEM 69269 97080 shown
*79324442 * 79324442
20V LITHIUM-ION EXTREME TORQUE 1/2" IMPACT WRENCH KIT
5999CE
$999
COMPARE TO
BLACK+DECKER $ 06
28
MODEL: HG1300
SAVE 64%
$
ITEM 35776/62340/62546/63104/96289 shown
14
99
COMPARE TO
HIGHLAND $ 99
79
MODEL: 1394500
SAVE 50%
NOW
9 $399 $5999
ITEM 69623/66983 shown
*79330396 * 79330396
*79331499 * 79331499
*79331528 * 79331528
*79332139 * 79332139
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 2/3/20*
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 2/3/20*
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 2/3/20*
LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 2/3/20*
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM I NATIONAL 15 was At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means thatI the OCTOBER specified comparison, 2019 which is an item with the same or similar function,
*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 2/3/20.
hft_coastalangler_1019_M-REG163332.indd 1
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.
9/3/19 12:37 PM
10 CIGARS +HUMIDOR
only $19
99*
160 value! $
You’ve landed in cigar heaven! Take advantage of this amazing offer from America’s biggest cigar retailer, Cigars International. Ten premium handmade cigars from industry giants like Rocky Patel, Gurkha, Toraño, and many more. That’s worth the price of admission alone, but I’m also including a gorgeous, 40-capacity desktop humidor. The whole package is worth $160, but it’s yours right now for just $1999.* That’s nearly 90% off MSRP! Accept no imitators.
Visit: www.CigarsIntl.com/SA7744 Enter the complete web address or search keyword: SA7744
1-888-244-2790
Mention code SA7744 | Item #: CA62-SP Includes 1 each of: HC • Mark Twain • 5 Vegas • Amati Ramón Bueso • Bahia • La Perla Habana • CAO • Gurkha • Toraño + 40-Capacity Desktop Humidor
FREE 16
NATIONAL
I
OCTOBER 2019
I
40-CAPACITY DESKTOP HUMIDOR
*Plus $499 s/h. Purchase may be subject to state or local sales tax where applicable. First-time purchasers only. One per customer. No sales to anyone under the age of 21. We do not ship to Utah or South Dakota. For more information see www.CigarsIntl.com/SHIP. Offer expires 11/15/19.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
Field Dress For Success
The hunt for the perfect outdoorsman knife is over. There’s only one tool you need: the Whitetail™ Hunting Knife—now ONLY $49!
T
he consummate outdoorsman never goes on deep woods hunting trips without the essentials. Not just the basics for every hunting trip, but the items he’s come to depend on over the years. Our new Whitetail™ Hunting Knife will quickly become your go-to blade for every expedition. The Whitetail™ is a premium fixed-blade hunting knife that’s perfect for skinning. With the Whitetail at hand, you’ll be ready for field dressing in only seconds, and you’ll never need a separate gut hook tool ever again. The Whitetail™ boasts a mighty 420 high carbon, full tang stainless steel blade, meaning the blade doesn’t stop at the handle, it runs the full length of the knife. According to Gear Patrol, a full tang blade is key, saying “A full tang lends structural strength to the knife, allowing for better leverage ...think one long steel beam versus two.” The comfortable handle is made from pakkawood—moisture-resistant and more durable than hardwood. If hunting is your life, then the Whitetail™ Knife was designed to make your life easier. With our limited edition Whitetail™ Hunting Knife you’re getting the best in 21st-century construction with a classic look inspired by legendary American pioneers. What you won’t get is the trumped up price tag. We know a thing or two about the hunt–– like how to seek BONUS! Call today and you’ll also receive this out and capture an outstanding, collector’s-quality knife that won’t cut heavy duty sheath! into your bank account. This knife can be yours to use out in the field or to display as the EXCLUSIVE art piece it truly is. But don’t wait. A knife of this caliber typically cost hundreds. Priced at an amazing $49, we can’t guarantee this knife will stick around for long. So call today! Stauer® 8x21 Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in Compact your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the craftsmanship. Binoculars If you don’t feel like we What customers are saying -a $99 valuecut you a fair deal, send it with purchase of about Stauer knives... Whitetail™ Hunting back within 30 days for a Knife complete refund of the êêêêê item sale price. But we “Good value. Great looking. believe that once you wrap Sufficiently sharp. Overall your fingers around the an “A” purchase and Whitetail’s handle, you’ll I ordered three.” be ready to carve your own — B. of Maryland niche into the wild frontier.
FREE
Whitetail™ Hunting Knife $79*
Offer Code Price Only $49 + S&P Save $30 PLUS Free Stauer Compact Binoculars
1-800-333-2045
TAKE 38 % OFF INST ANTLY! When you use
your
INSIDER OFFER CO DE
Your Insider Offer Code: WHK291-01 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.
Stauer
® 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. WHK291-01
Burnsville, Minnesota 55337
www.stauer.com
Not shown actual size.
*Discount is only for customers who use the offer code versus the listed original Stauer.com price.
Rating of A+
• 5 ¼” 420HC stainless steel blade • Full-tang design with gut hook • Pakkawood handle with brass pins • Bonus heavy duty nylon sheath
Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary ®
1782-18B Coastal Angler.indd 1
12/19/18 3:50 PM